IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TV crossovers of ABS-CBN, GMA stars

When some seemed to have entirely dismissed the idea of stars from media giants ABS-CBN and GMA coming together, the local television landscape took a surprising turn that would later lead to the historic plot twist.

The unforeseen partnership between the former rival companies has torn down borders that have divided them for decades — a feat most especially to avid viewers. Flipping through a year or so into this alliance, here are some of the most notable television crossovers to date. 

‘Unbreak My Heart’ stars visit ‘Eat Bulaga,’ ‘All-Out Sundays,’ ‘It’s Showtime’

ABS-CBN and GMA entered a historic co-production agreement for TV series “Unbreak My Heart”, marking the first time the networks had worked together on TV. The romantic-drama series is top-billed by Kapamilya actors Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia, and Kapuso stars Gabbi Garcia and Richard Yap, who guested in shows from both media companies to promote their project.

In May, Joshua, Gabbi, Yap, alongside their co-star Bianca de Vera, made a TV appearance at then- “Bawal Judgemental” segment of “Eat Bulaga.”

Sta. Maria joined the lead actors in visiting “All-Out Sundays” in the same month.

All four were also present at the pilot episode of “It’s Showtime” on GMA’s GTV in July.

Kapuso, Kapamilya stars unite on ‘It’s Showtime’ stage

When the Kapamilya noontime show debuted on GMA’s GTV channel, the audience witnessed a star-studded production number which included performances from Erik Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad, Chie Filomeno, as well as brothers Rayver and Rodjun Cruz, Pokwang, Mark Bautista, Barbie Forteza and Sanya Lopez.

Since the inaugural union of stars, the noontime show has seen more Kapuso celebrities gracing its stage and delighting the Madlang People. Among the notable appearances were those of Bianca Umali, Sanya Lopez, Kyline Alcantara, Andrea Torres and Julie Anne San Jose, who also served as a special guest “hurado” on the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment.

“Pepito Manalotto” stars Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes also had a surprise appearance in the show in August, and performed with their longtime friend, “It’s Showtime” host Ogie Alcasid.

Other Kapuso stars who have already set foot on the noontime show include show host Anne Curtis’ sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Ruru Madrid, Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Tanfelix and Ken Chan. 

Just recently, GMA senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes and ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes were together as they joined in the fun on “It’s Showtime.”

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Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, ABS-CBN executives at GMA Gala 2023

ABS-CBN CEO Carlo Katigbak, Vidanes and the “It’s Showtime” hosts were among the guests who shone at the GMA Gala Night held in July.

Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario were able to reunite with acquaintances and connect with new friends, saying they felt the warm welcome from the Kapuso stars.

Also present at the glittery event was “Unbreak My Heart” star Joshua.

Ryan Bang’s ‘Bubble Gang’ guesting 

“It’s Showtime” host Ryan enthusiastically announced that he will be having an appearance in one of the episodes of GMA gag show “Bubble Gang.”

Bang had already filmed his TV guesting and showed sneak peeks at his banter with comedy show hosts Michael V., Paolo Contis, Chariz Solomon, Buboy Villar and Kokoy de Santos, among others.

Bang, along with his noontime show co-host Hilario, also had a conversation with the King of Talk in the latter’s GMA talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

GMA bosses at ABS-CBN Ball

Gozon-Valdes and GMA Network chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon marked their anticipated attendance at the 2023 ABS-CBN Ball, donning a white flowy strapless dress and a barong, respectively.

“This is history!” event host Bianca Gonzalez exclaimed as the GMA executives made their way to the ABS-CBN Ball red carpet. 

Gozon-Valdes appeared to have enjoyed the night in the company of veteran broadcasters Karen Davila, Korina Sanchez and Dyan Castillejo, among others. 

EDV