GMA-7's adaptation of the hit 2016 Korean drama, Descendants of the Sun, will finally air on television this 2019.
The Philippine adaptation is one of the titles announced in GMA-7's latest omnibus plug for its 2019 shows. The plug was aired during the Kapuso New Year Countdown on December 31, 2018.
It was already announced in late 2017 that the Kapuso network will be doing its own version of the popular Korean drama, which was top-billed by Song Joong-ki and Song Hye Kyo.
This was also confirmed by GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the 2017 GMA Christmas Party for the Press.
Back then, it was rumored that Kapuso actor, Alden Richards, will be top-billing the GMA-7 version.
During her PEP.ph interview, Rasonable said that the network is still preparing for the project by selecting the cast members and the set location.
"We have to prepare for it. It's very grand.
"Mukhang simple lang yung story pero the settings, how they are situated, medyo kailangang paghandaan, pag isipan, pati casting.
"I'm not saying that hindi pwede kay Alden kasi sa totoo lang, bagay na bagay din siya. Kung siya, I'll be very happy. But now, wala pang cast."
A dubbed version of Descendants of the Sun was aired on GMA-7 from July to September 2016.
UPCOMING TELESERYES
GMA-7 also released the titles of its upcoming teleseryes for 2019.
Some titles were already disclosed during the omnibus plug for GMA prime-time shows, which was released in December 2018.
The first is SAHAYA, which will be top-billed by Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, and Migo Adecer.
Bianca, who will play the title role, dropped a few hints about the project.
She said, "Si Sahaya, isa siyang Badjao na babae pero eventually mapupunta po siya sa Maynila. Ang pino-project po kasi ni Sahaya is yung love niya for her culture."
According to the first omnibus plug, Sahaya will air in February 2019.
Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz are set to be seen in the prime-time series, KARA MIA.
Formerly titled Dalawang Mukha ni GuadaLupe, the story revolves around sisters who share the same body.
In a recent interview with PEP.ph, Mika said about their show:
"Magshe-share kami ng one body at saka magshe-share kami sa mga love interests namin.
"It tackles yung mga folklore dito sa 'tin sa bansa and very timely yung kwento. Magsu-shooting kami sa Bacolod. Sobrang excited ako, sobrang malaman noong role na nabigay sa akin so paghahandaan ko siya."
Kara Mia also stars Carmina Villarroel, John Estrada, Paul Salas, and Jak Roberto.
Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid, who were first paired in the 2016 requel (remake + sequel) of Encantadia, will top-bill their first full-length series together, TODA ONE I LOVE.
Based on the omnibus plug, TODA One I Love is GMA News and Public Affairs's special series offering for the 2016 Senatorial Elections.
The romantic-comedy series also stars Gladys Reyes, Victor Neri, returning Kapuso Raymond Bagatsing, Jackie Rice, and David Licauco.
GMA Afternoon Prime's opening salvo, INAGAW NA BITUIN, will feature the network's fast-rising actresses, Kyline Alcantara and Therese Malvar.
The upcoming show is also top-billed by Sunshine Dizon, Angelika dela Cruz, Angelu de Leon, Marvin Agustin, and Gabby Eigenmann.
This musical-drama show is scheduled to air in January 2019.
Max Collins, Mark Herras, and Jason Abalos will top-bill the upcoming series, STOLEN.
Formerly titled Ganti, the show was also supposed to include Kim Domingo in its cast. However, PEP.ph reported that Kim had already backed out of the show.
The network has yet to announce the actress who will take over Kim's role.
READ: Kim Domingo, tinanggihan ang sobrang seksing role sa new Kapuso serye
After the success of her advocacy series Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, Yasmien Kurdi is set to be seen in another heavy drama titled HIRAM NA ANAK.
She will be joined by Lauren Young and Paolo Contis.
This also serves her reunion with StarStruck 1 batchmate Dion Ignacio, 11 years after they were paired in the 2008 afternoon series, Saan Darating Ang Umaga?
Jennylyn Mercado and Gabby Concepcion are paired for the first time via the upcoming romantic-comedy series, LOVE YOU TWO.
They will be joined by Shaira Diaz, Sheena Halili, and new Kapuso actress, Kiray Celis.
Janine Gutierrez and Tom Rodriguez, who first worked together in a Magpakailanman episode, will top-bill a series titled DRAGON LADY.
Mikael Daez and Max Collins's comedy series, ALEX AND AMIE, will finally air this 2019.
The project was first announced in early 2017.
In an interview with GMA News published in April 2017, Mikael revealed a few details about the show.
"Isa akong guro doon, at mina-manage akong 'outcast class.' Kung may section na matalino, ang hawak ko ay yung section na pasaway.
"Max Collins is the school nurse, and magkakaroon kami ng awkward and weird love interest. It's awkward because it's a comedy tungkol sa kung paano nabuo ang relationship namin.
"But si Amie is not Max, but is an imaginary friend. Maraming makaka-relate dahil ang kuwento niya, paano ba nakakatulong yung imaginary friend ko sa mga problema ko as a grown up. Comedy pero may life lessons."
Meanwhile, the lead stars of these titles are yet to be announced:
MGA KAMAY NI MILAGROS
THE BETTER WOMAN
ONE OF THE BAIS
TILL DEBT DO US PART
REALITY AND LIFESTYLE SHOWS
GMA-7 also released its reality shows that are set to air in 2019.
The network has previously announced that StarStruck is returning for its seventh edition.
Audition details were also released last December.
GMA-7's reality singing competition, THE CLASH, is also set to return for a second season this year.
The network, however, has yet to announce its new host, after Regine Velasquez transferred to ABS-CBN in late 2018.
The Kapuso network will also release new reality shows such as CENTERSTAGE KIDS and SING FOR HEARTS.
From a successful digital program, THE BOOBAY AND TEKLA SHOW will now be seen on television.
Hosted by Boobay and Super Tekla, the show is set to air in January 2019.
ELECTION COVERAGE
Along with its upcoming programs, GMA-7 also announced its television coverage for the 2019 Senatorial Elections.
This includes the 2019 SENATORIAL DEBATES...
...and an online show to be hosted by Atom Araullo titled STAND FOR TRUTH.
