GMA Network

GMA Network Showcases Filipino Storytelling Globally with Widows’ War

Solidifying its reputation as a global content powerhouse, the Philippines’ broadcast media giant GMA Network continues to expand its reach across multiple platforms and audiences worldwide through programs that showcase Filipino storytelling.

A prime example is Widows’ War, GMA’s latest crime drama series. With Filipino talent and themes taking center stage, the show is poised to capture global audiences.

Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network’s senior VP for programming, talent management, worldwide and support group and president and CEO of GMA Films, credits the network’s commitment to storytelling that is compelling and firmly and proudly Filipino. She also highlights how GMA blends creativity with technology, enabling seamless distribution across multiple platforms and extending GMA’s reach into new markets.

“GMA Network always has a keen eye on the horizon,” she says. “We are always driven to explore new opportunities for growth and expansion, for new territories that will enjoy our programs.”

While TV viewing remains vital for the Network, GMA is also focused on further strengthening its digital presence. “TV viewing is still very much part of the blueprint of GMA Network,” says Gozon-Valdes. “To date, we have expanded our operations to 111 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the Philippines, with more to follow. Yet we also see further opportunities in the digital space for GMA to firmly establish its presence to a growing online audience.”

The steps undertaken by the network involve diversifying its digital content offerings. By creating and producing dramas with daring themes and cutting-edge stories unlike any other while also repurposing exclusive digital content, GMA is able to drive audience growth and further improve engagement.

Widows’ War, she says, is set to attract global audiences with its “gripping storyline” featuring two former best friends who go head-to-head in finding out who between them is the real sinner or saint. They cross paths while mourning their husbands and soon end up as suspects in their sudden deaths. As the women are torn between becoming allies to clear their names or further tearing each other down, they uncover a web of lies and deceit.

Each episode keeps viewers at the edge of their seats as the murder mystery unravels, and the universal themes of marriage, justice and love also ensure audiences worldwide will keep tuning in.

“These themes will always appeal to a broad global audience,” explains Gozon-Valdes. “Besides the exploration of love and betrayal lending further depth to the narrative, Widows’ War boasts of visually stunning cinematography and top-notch production values. With the visual appeal these bring, coupled with edgy storytelling, Widows’ War transcends language and cultural barriers.”

When it comes to entertainment that appeals to diverse cultures, GMA Network is an “undisputed leader,” says Gozon-Valdes. Book 1 and Book 2 of the English-dubbed version of its longest-running and top-rated medical series Hands on the Dream are set to premiere in over 40 countries in Africa soon. This is just one among the achievements of GMA Network in content distribution in 2024, which includes its vast library of world-class Filipino content now available in the Middle East, distributed through major OTT platforms such as evision, Viu, STARZ ON and Netflix.

GMA Network’s original program Crimson Invasion (Pulang Araw), widely regarded as the most important Filipino TV series of 2024, remains hugely popular on Netflix Philippines, where it is consistently in the top ten. Set during World War II in the Philippines, it traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends as war ravages their homeland.

As the company gears toward 2025, Gozon-Valdes considers MIPCOM an opportunity to increase GMA’s global reach further. “At this year’s MIPCOM, we aim to discuss our content needs and requirements for 2025, ensuring that our offerings align with the upcoming programming strategies of our clients.”

She adds, “The network offers quality and diverse content, which is hoped will open doors in the European market, giving us more opportunities to expand our reach within the international market.”

With GMA Network continuing to strengthen its global reach, it maintains its commitment to proudly Filipino content. “We will continue to showcase the rich storytelling and unique perspectives of Filipino content, advocating for Filipino content on the global stage,” says Gozon-Valdes.

Global Reach, Filipino Heart: GMA Network’s Commitment to World-Class Entertainment

GMA Network has solidified its position as an industry leader through programs that entertain Filipinos anywhere in the world. As the network’s global reach expands further, so does the need to consistently deliver world-class programs that are synonymous with compelling storytelling and high production values.

These key elements are a guaranteed audience draw, but GMA Network stands out from other content-generating outlets through its commitment to making an impact on the Philippines’ industry by working only with the finest artists and nurturing its growing roster of homegrown talents. The results are dynamic performances, engaging, plot-driven narratives and productions that have a place on the global pop-culture stage—all while being proudly Filipino. Through the network’s Worldwide Division, entertainment that captures Filipino sentiments also transcends cultural boundaries.

“GMA Network has a strong portfolio of titles that showcases the best of Filipino culture,” says Rochella Ann Salvador, officer-in-charge and senior sales manager of GMA Network’s Worldwide Division. “To achieve this, the network constantly explores diverse genres and introduces new formats to best tell stories that appeal not just domestically but also resonate with the international audience.”

Examples of these programs that offer a glimpse into the Filipino spirit while appealing to a global audience include Hands on the Dream and Black Rider.

Hands on the Dream chronicles the journey of a young genius who graduates from medical school at the age of 19 and becomes the youngest surgical resident of a major hospital.

Black Rider is an action-drama series that explores a young man’s journey after his family falls victim to a ruthless syndicate. He is the sole survivor of the tragedy, and this ignites his unyielding quest for justice.

“These programs are very different, each with captivating narratives,” explains Salvador. “Hands on the Dream has been airing on GMA since 2022 but maintains its momentum with storylines that keep viewers enthralled, plus a loyal fan base that continues to grow. Its universal themes of hope and family will always touch people’s hearts anywhere in the world. For this reason, Hands on the Dream: Book One will also premiere in 41 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa this year.”

Just as drama will always have an audience, so does action. Black Rider hits the right notes with action sequences and character development, ensuring an immediate audience. But what draws even more viewers, according to Salvador, are the themes of “family, friendship, love and heroism in the face of adversity. Each episode is a testament to depth in storytelling and the authentic portrayal of the lives of characters.”

GMA Network embraces a global outlook in producing programs that are not just entertaining but world-class, all while being firmly guided from a Filipino standpoint. Annually, the network produces more than 26 programs, guaranteeing a constant stream of well-crafted content.

The landscape of entertainment constantly shifts, yet GMA Network continues to make leaps and bounds not just in the content it produces but also in exploring untapped territories and taking the pulse of potential markets to develop campaigns highlighting the unique aspects of its titles. As such, there is only one way for the network: onward.

“GMA Network, through its Worldwide Division, has licensed over 100 titles around the globe, and plans are underway to reach more international viewers via program syndication,” says Salvador. “Europe and India are markets where we hope to expand our global footprint, so our clients and partners can expect more programs.”

With GMA’s unwavering dedication to innovation, quality and diversity, 2024 promises more top-notch, cutting-edge programs that would drive audience engagement, further cementing its position as the home of prime Filipino content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

GMA Network Takes a “Glocal” Approach

As the leading broadcasting company in the Philippines, GMA Network remains steadfast in its corporate purpose of enriching the lives of Filipinos everywhere through its top-flight entertainment and the responsible, unbiased and timely delivery of accurate news and information.

“And as part of this, we continue to expand our reach by opening more local stations across the Philippines,” says Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group, and President of GMA Films. “We currently operate a network of 98 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the country. 

“Side by side with our technical supremacy is our emphasis on great content production across all of our media channels in order to continuously grow our audience share,” Gozon-Valdes continues. 

As content remains king in this day and age, GMA Network is staying on top of the game with a top priority to deliver “fresh, appealing, high-quality content to our audience,” Gozon-Valdes says. “Hence, we continue to collaborate with the best talent and utilize cutting-edge technology.”
 
With GMA Network already conquering the feat of becoming the Philippines’ leading broadcasting company, the next frontier is to become a global leader, too, says Gozon-Valdes. “Today, GMA is the primary source of Filipino content around the world, providing a wide array of programs that entertain and inspire viewers wherever they may be.”

Through GMA Worldwide, the network’s originals and other GMA content are being distributed to over 40 countries on five continents. GMA Worldwide has licensed over 100 titles around the globe and continues to reach more and more viewers worldwide via program syndication.

“Our latest collaborations with other international platforms—whether on-air or online—have made it more possible for our world-class content to be available to a wider audience,” Gozon-Valdes says. 

GMA has embraced a “glocal” outlook in producing content aimed at the local and global markets. “We have always been content creators,” says Gozon-Valdes. “We believe that every program and all the content we produce has to have a global appeal while still being locally relevant. We do not discriminate and are always open to new ideas that can be developed into something great.”

While GMA Network continuously produces fresh programs and content, it makes sure that the themes remain universal and relatable. “We have stories about love, family and revenge, which cuts across cultures and languages,” Gozon-Valdes says. “We have stories of women empowerment and strong female leads. Each story is compelling and engages viewers emotionally. Each series is carefully thought of—a well-crafted plot, complex characters and relatable themes are all key ingredients.”

Added to this, high production values create an immersive and engaging viewing experience. “This is why GMA continuously invests in upgrades on production equipment and technical training to further enhance the overall production quality and make our programs truly world-class,” Gozon-Valdes explains.

“Given the fast-paced improvement in technology and new platforms, we are always on our toes. We have to be one step ahead even with our audience to give them what they want.”

Crocodile Whisperer, Love You Stranger, Return to Paradise, Article 247, The First Nanny, First Lady, Love You Two and Broken Hearts are just some of the GMA-produced series that were first loved by Filipino audiences and are now being enjoyed around the rest of the world. GMA is also set to make the hit series The Write One and Widows’ Web available to audiences outside of the Philippines. Maria Clara and Ibarra and Voltes V: Legacy, a live-action series produced by GMA Network in partnership with Toei Company and Telesuccess Productions, round out the highlights.

“While these are local titles, their stories resonate with the global audience as well, as they tackle universal themes that everyone can relate to,” says Gozon-Valdes.