State-of-the-art facilities, formal gowns and suits galore, and a highly entertaining show made the inauguration of GMA-7's new building an affair to remember.
Uploaded: October 22, 2008
Richard Gutierrez
proved that his relationship with GMA-7 remains intact and strong despite the
recent controversy involving his movie project with KC Concepcion. "It's a very
big event for all the Kapuso. We're all very proud of this new building. We've
worked hard for it and I think this is the fruit of the hard work of all the
Kapuso's, so everyone's very happy," Richard told PEP (Philippine Entertainment
Portal).
The inauguration gave Richard a chance to catch up with good friend
and former co-star Rhian Ramos. Richard was not able to attend Rhian's debut
last October 3 at the Manila Peninsula in Makati City as he was in Europe at
the time.
"Tinext ko siya na ‘di
talaga ako makakapunta at siyempre nanghinayang ako na wala ako dun. Rhian is
very special to me at nagsumila siya na kasama ko at nakita ko ‘yong growth niya
as an actress... sayang wala ako dun," explained Richard to the press in a
recent press conference.
Raymart Santiago arrived by his lonesome. Raymart's wife, Claudien Barretto could not accompany him, of course, being one of rival network ABS-CBN's top stars. Raymart is currently seen in GMA-7's newest fantasy series, Gagambino.
Angelika dela Cruz, who
is three months pregnant, recently married her non-showbiz boyfriend Orion Casareo.
"We got married August
19 [2008]. Nung Thursday [October 9] ko lang nalaman na pregnant ako. Grabe,
I'm so happy too! Nagulat lang. Do you think I should tell the truth na that I
was engaged na for two years and kept it dahil inutusan ako? I don't want to lie
anymore," she confided to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) contributor
Dinno Erece.
A preview of things to
come: Mark Anthony Fernandez and Heart Evangelista will be paired in GMA-7's
upcoming fantasy series titled Luna
Mystica.
"Ang alam ko, magaling
naman na artista si Heart and ine-expect ko na isang magaling na artistang
Heart ang makakasama ko. At saka, siyempre, yung makakakita ka ng isang
magandang Heart Evangelista," said Mark in a previous interview.
Talking about her gown,
former beauty queen turned host Miriam Quiambao explained to PEP (Philippine
Entertainment Portal): "I like it because it's fresh. I think it's very summery coz we live in a tropical country and it goes well with my skin [tone]."
Chynna Ortaleza has seen GMA-7's rise through the years. Chynna starred in numerous teen-oriented shows before venturing into soaps. She is currently part of Codename: Asero.
Katrina Halili and
Sexbomb leader Rochelle Pangilinan performed "Itaktak Mo."
The two beauties gave the fast-paced novelty number some unique dance steps to keep
the audience glued.
Jay-R temporarily
ditched his distinct R&B style by performing the Queen's
classic "Bohemian Rhapsody," complete with grand stage production in
keeping with the song's flamboyance.
One of GMA-7's strengths is the fantasy genre.
The production number rendered by Julie Ann San Jose, Robert Villar and Jasmine
Villegas perfectly captured the magical, fairy-tale vibes popularized by the
network through its fantaseryes. The number also showed off the boundless possibilities of GMA-7's world-class facilities.
Regine Velasquez and
Basil Valdez performed "Windmills of your Mind" and "Gaano Ba Kadalas ang
Minsan" while video clips of different romantic scenes taken from GMA-7 shows
played in the background.
Bringing their popular Bubble Gang sketch titled "Ang Spoiled"
at the event, Michael V and Ogie Alcasid brought the house down with a
number to the tune of Ogie's early hit "Dito Sa Puso Ko." Here, Ogie flashes
the "loser" sign while Michael V counters with his "winner"
sign.
Construction of the GMA
Network Studios started in 2006. The building proves to be more than just an "annex"
as it proudly houses world-class production
facilities.
"We are confident that,
with the GMA Network Studios, we are at par with the big broadcast studios
worldwide... setting the bar in TV production here in the Philippines," said GMA
Network Chairman, President and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.
The GMA
Network Studios boast high-tech lighting equipment, which includes lighting
effects, studio lights and dimmers, as well as consoles. Also here are three rehearsal rooms, dressing
rooms and makeup rooms, a green room, set construction area, museum, souvenir shop, props storage, as well as administrative and production offices.
(From left to right) Aicelle
Santos, Jonalyn Viray and Maricris Garcia once again brandished La Diva power
as the three delivered "Now That You're Gone," "Sometime, Somewhere," and "Never
Ever Say Goodbye."
Janno Gibbs brought out
the rocker in him by performing Bamboo's rocking "Hallelujah."
Before the blistering number, Janno assumed the role of
a choir conductor and guided UP Concert Chorus in rendering the traditional Christian hymn "Alleluia."
The evening would not be complete, of course, without GMA-7's two prized talents—Marian Rivera
and Dingdong Dantes—doing a dance number, flamenco. Incidentally, that same evening
was the final telecast of their hit primetime series, Dyesebel. Their appearance came at a time when rumors are abuzz
that something special is going on between them.
South Border's chief
lyricist Jay Durias and Queen of Soul Jaya serenaded the GMA-7 stars as they
all paraded on center stage. Jay delivered the song "You Are So Beautiful,"
which was popularized by Joe Cocker, while Jaya rendered the moving "The First
Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
Sexy Katrina Halili
was paired with Gagambino leading man
Dennis Trillo. In a press conference last October 13 at Studio 3 of GMA Network
Center, Dennis didn't rule out his possibly falling for the two-time FHM Sexiest Woman. "Ayoko naman magsalita ng tapos, di ba?
Pero alam mo na hindi natin masasabi ‘yong mga posibilidad dahil matagal pa
kaming magsasama."
Codename:
Asero lead star Richard Gutierrez, together with La Lola guest star Iza Calzado, delivered
the evening's closing remarks. Iza and Richard were the last pair
presented during the program's parade of stars.