GMA Public Affairs unveils its 2023 content slate

This 2023, impactful storytelling will remain at the heart of GMA Public Affairs programming as it expands message-making to a wider audience through a diverse lineup of formats and titles. In the drama category, Lolong and his crocodile friend Dakila are set to make a big return. "Lolong: Ang Luha ng Unang Atubaw" follows the journey of Lolong (Ruru Madrid) after realizing his full potential as a hero who can save people from the hands of corrupt men.

Ruru Madrid’s busy year will see him team up with real-life sweetheart Bianca Umali in "The Write One", a romantic drama with a touch of fantasy to be produced in partnership with a major online platform. It tells the story of Liam (Ruru Madrid), a frustrated man who is given a chance to rewrite his love and life story with the help of a mysterious typewriter. On the other hand, action series "Black Rider" and fantasy tale "Sireno" are also set to begin production in 2023.

DIGITAL SERIES
In addition to televised dramas, GMA Public Affairs is set to launch exclusive digital series to be headlined by Sparkle’s young love teams. In "Zero Kilometers Away", Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi play Gwen and Ardi, BFFs who initially meet on a dating app and decide to keep it platonic. "In My Dreams" follows Via (Sophia Pablo) who starts to have lucid dreams about dating the perfect guy, only to find out that he exists in real life as Jecoy (Allen Ansay) who has no idea who she is – or so she thinks.

FILMS
At least four feature films are currently in the works for Public Affairs’ newly formed film division: "Firefly" helmed by the acclaimed Zig Dulay, director of GMA classics Sahaya and Maria Clara at Ibarra. "Penthouse 77", a psychological thriller directed by Derick Cabrido. "The Cheating Game", headlined by Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, and "Version Two", a sci-fi romance-drama directed by Irene Emma Villamor. All films are set to be released in cinemas and on major streaming platforms.

DOCUMENTARY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
2023 will be a year of documentary specials shot in 4k with "Lost Sabungeros" as the banner title. "Lost Sabungeros", "Planting White Seeds" and "AFAM Hunters" complete the 4k docu lineup.

Flagship documentary program "I-Witness", celebrating 23 years as Philippine television’s finest hour, will introduce fresh faces to its lineup of hosts with the entry of Mav Gonzales and John Consulta. GMA Public Affairs wraps up its 2023 content slate with "Resibo: Walang Lusot Ang May Atraso", a public service program aimed at giving a voice to the public’s grievances and complaints, exposing wrongdoing, and providing concrete resolutions.

GMA NETWORK AT THE ASIA TV FORUM
Philippine broadcast leader GMA Network continues to showcase world-class programs in international markets. Shortly after participating in MIPCOM Cannes in France last October, GMA, through its content distribution arm GMA Worldwide, recently participated in the Asia TV Forum (ATF) 2022 in Singapore.

Showcased during the three-day event were “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and “Luv Is: Caught in His Arms.” The top-rating and trending historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra” tackles not only the rich history of the Philippines but also some of the most crucial issues in society.

“LUV IS: Caught in His Arms,” on the other hand, is the much-anticipated collaboration project between GMA Network and Wattpad Webtoon Studios. An adaptation of the hit Wattpad novel with the same title by Filipino author Ventrecanard, the series is top-billed by Sparkle artists Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay.