Following the massive success of ‘Hello, Love, Again’, GMA Network has expressed openness to collaborating once more with ABS-CBN for a potential project starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards.
In an interview with Dondon Sermino and other members of the media, GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes shared the network’s willingness to explore another partnership with ABS-CBN.
“Lahat pwedeng pag-usapan. We’re very open to ABS-CBN, maganda naman ‘yung collab namin,” Gozon-Valdes stated, acknowledging the positive outcome of their recent joint project.
“Pero hindi ko alam kung series dahil mas mahirap ang series, mas madali kung movie, so let’s see,” she explained.
The partnership between GMA Pictures and Star Cinema culminated in the release of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ in May 2024, a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the film grossed an unprecedented ₱1.4 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.
During the film’s press launch, Gozon-Valdes expressed her gratitude to ABS-CBN and Star Cinema.
“This is the best movie that we can begin with. I’m grateful to Star Cinema and ABS-CBN, and of course to Direk Cathy, Kathryn, and Alden. Thank you so much for the opportunity that you gave GMA Pictures, and we’re looking forward to more collaborations to come,” she said.
Both Kathryn and Alden also shared their appreciation for the film’s success and the support from fans worldwide.
Alden remarked, “We love you a billion times, guys. Grabe. We didn’t expect na aabot nang ganito ang gross income ng Hello, Love, Again. No words to say how grateful we are.”
Kathryn added, “Yes, no words po. We’re just extremely grateful. Thank you sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta, sa lahat ng mga kababayans namin. Parte kayo nito. Thank you for making this happen. Thank you for making this possible. And congratulations to us.”
The overwhelming success of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ has sparked calls from fans for another collaboration between Kathryn and Alden. Supporters of the KathDen tandem are particularly advocating for a Philippine adaptation of the popular South Korean drama ‘Queen of Tears’.
The landscape of Philippine television has often been defined by the intense rivalry between its two media giants, GMA Network and ABS-CBN. However, recent developments suggest a potential shift in this dynamic, a softening of lines that could lead to groundbreaking collaborations. The buzz surrounding a possible project pairing two of the country’s biggest stars, Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, has reached fever pitch, and recent statements from GMA Network indicate a willingness to explore this exciting possibility.
The mere mention of a series featuring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards sends ripples of excitement through the entertainment industry and among fans. Both artists have carved their own indelible marks on Philippine showbiz. Bernardo, known for her dramatic prowess and consistent box-office hits, commands a massive and loyal following. Richards, with his charm, versatility, and numerous successful projects, enjoys similar widespread adoration. Combining their star power in a single project is a tantalizing prospect, a dream collaboration for many. Such a pairing has the potential to break viewership records and generate immense interest both locally and internationally.
Driving this potential collaboration is a confluence of factors. The media landscape is constantly evolving, and the traditional boundaries between networks are becoming increasingly blurred. The rise of streaming platforms and the changing consumption habits of audiences necessitate a more flexible and collaborative approach. Furthermore, the denial of ABS-CBN’s broadcast franchise in 2020 has altered the dynamics of the industry, opening doors for new partnerships and collaborations. GMA Network, while a direct competitor, has shown a pragmatic approach, recognizing the potential benefits of working together on specific projects that could benefit both networks and the industry as a whole.
This openness to collaboration isn’t entirely new. We have witnessed successful collaborations in the past, albeit on a smaller scale, which have demonstrated the potential benefits of such partnerships. The transfer of some ABS-CBN programs to other networks after their franchise denial served as a testament to the adaptability of the industry. More recently, the groundbreaking partnership between ABS-CBN and GMA Network for the airing of the iconic drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” on GMA’s digital channel GTV, and the subsequent agreement for GMA Pictures and ABS-CBN Films to co-produce a movie starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, signal a growing willingness to transcend traditional rivalries. These instances have paved the way for more ambitious collaborations, like the series being considered for Bernardo and Richards.
However, forging a collaboration of this magnitude is not without its challenges. Logistical hurdles, such as scheduling conflicts, talent management agreements, and creative control, need to be carefully navigated. Both GMA Network and ABS-CBN have their own established production styles and creative teams, and finding a harmonious blend that satisfies both parties and delivers a high-quality product will be crucial. Furthermore, managing the expectations of the massive fanbases of both Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards is a significant consideration. The storyline, character development, and overall execution of the series will be under intense scrutiny.
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms buzzing with excitement and speculation. The prospect of seeing their favorite stars share the screen has ignited the imaginations of viewers, who are eagerly anticipating official announcements. Fan-made posters and imagined storylines are circulating online, further fueling the hype. This immense anticipation underscores the potential impact of such a collaboration and the strong desire among audiences for more collaborative projects within the industry.
The potential impact of a GMA-ABS-CBN collaboration for a Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards series extends beyond mere entertainment. It could signify a new era of cooperation in Philippine television, breaking down long-standing barriers and fostering a more unified industry. Such a partnership could lead to higher production values, more diverse storytelling, and ultimately, a richer viewing experience for audiences. It could also open doors for more collaborative projects in the future, potentially involving other talented artists and creative minds from both networks.
Looking ahead, the realization of this project hinges on several factors. Negotiations between GMA Network and ABS-CBN would need to progress smoothly, addressing the logistical and creative considerations. The availability of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, given their busy schedules, would also be a key determinant. Ultimately, the success of this potential collaboration will depend on the commitment of both networks to prioritize the project and overcome any obstacles.
In conclusion, the possibility of a GMA Network and ABS-CBN collaboration for a series starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards represents a potentially watershed moment for Philippine television. GMA’s openness to the idea signifies a positive shift towards greater cooperation within the industry. While challenges remain, the immense potential benefits for both networks, the artists involved, and the viewing public make this a prospect worth pursuing. As fans eagerly await further developments, the entertainment industry holds its breath, hopeful that this groundbreaking collaboration will come to fruition, ushering in a new chapter for Philippine television.
