GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corp. have sealed a new historic partnership for the co-production of a groundbreaking teleserye, titled Unbreak My Heart, with a stellar cast top-billed by artists from both companies: Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Richard Yap, and Jodi Sta. Maria.
The romantic-drama series, which will be filmed in Switzerland, will air on GMA this 2023 and stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service.
The partnership was made official during a contract-signing and story conference event held at ABS-CBN with top officials from the three companies, led by GMA senior vice president for programming, talent management, worldwide and support groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines deputy country manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.
GMA officials who were welcomed at the signing event were first vice president for program management department Joey Abacan and assistant vice president for Sparkle Joy Marcelo.
Representing ABS-CBN in the historic event were group CFO Rick Tan, TV Production and Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi, international sales and distribution head Pia Laurel, and Dreamscape Entertainment with head Deo Endrinal, creatives head Rondel Lindayag, creatives manager Joel Mercado, and business unit head Carlina Dela Merced. The event was also graced by Viu Philippines senior project manager Mil Alcain and content partnerships head Garlic Garcia.
“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said Annette at the story conference held on the same day.
“This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen,” said Cory.
Joining the ensemble cast of Unbreak My Heart are Maey Bautista, Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, Nikki Valdez, Eula Valdez and Laurice Guillen, with Emmanuel Q. Palo and Dolly Dulu directing.
Viewers can expect an exciting collaboration as the teleserye marks the first project of Jodi with young stars Joshua and Gabbi, who will also be paired together for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Jodi reunites with Richard, her former onscreen partner.
“This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the networks, for the people in the industry,” said Jodi.
“I’m really proud, honored and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working together. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” said Richard.
“I’m really honored talaga na makasama dito, na pinili nila ako na maging parte ng proyektong ’to. Excited ako na gawin ’yung character,” said Joshua. Meanwhile, Gabbi shared: “It’s my first time doing this kind of role. Grabe ’yung growth and ’yung depth ng character ko dito sa show na ’to.”
