A first for Artist Center

Article posted April 30, 2008


GMA’s Artist Center has been building the best starts of the entertainment biz for almost five years. And this year their much anticipated TV Plug was finally seen by millions of Kapuso all over the globe. It’s time to ask the stars themselves how they feel about being part of this historical event. Text by Alula Love M. Dela Cruz. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio

For the last couple of years, GMA Artist Center has held a yearly photo shoot for all their stars. Last year, they held an exhibit right in the heart of Makati. This year however they went all out and launched the faces of GMA on whole new level.

It was a hot and dry Saturday when a small town in Bulacan became the most happening place in the north side. Plaridel Airfield was the stop of all GMA Artist Center stars for the filming of their first ever TV plug. “Swerte ko kasi nakasama ako sa unang plug kala ko nga pictorial lang, sabi ko sa kanila niloloko niyo ako ah,” joked Mart Escudero.
The small location was packed with kids and A-listers from Artist Center. From the child singing group Sugarpop to versatile actress Iza Calzado, the airfield was loaded with the best of the best.


or Vaness Del Moral, this was a once in a lifetime event that she will treasure for the rest of her life, “Kahit mainit, yung pressure [at] yung pagod worth it naman kasi yung mga gusto rin mag-artista makikita nila na magaling mag-alaga GMA,” shared Vaness.

The concept was Direk Louie Ignacio’s masterpiece. Imagine your favorite Kapuso star coming out from a just-landed helicopter and as the door opens you see them smile and walk the red carpet.

It’s was a concept that even the stars themselves got into. “Nakausap namin si Direk kinuwento niya sa amin yung [concept], nice idea talaga and feeling maganda talaga to’ kasi sobrang galing ni Direk Louie” says LJ Reyes.

The stars were all excited about the idea of the shoot but this was more than work for most of them, this was a reunion bash. Drama Princess Yasmien Kurdi couldn’t control her excitement, “Nagulat ako parang wow, nakita at nakasama ko silang lahat ulit. Yun yung pinaka-masaya. Nakaka-iyak na makasama mo yung pamilya mo ulit.”


For Jackie Rice, this is her way of showing that she’s proud to be a Kapuso star, “Masaya at tsaka proud ako kahit nung huminto ako sa showbiz eh gusto pa rin nila ako.”

Iza Calzado couldn't even believe how big Artist Center has grown over the last two years, “When we started we were less than 50. I don’t know how many we are now. It’s good to create awareness and TV is the best way to promote anything” said Iza.

StarStruck’s firt male survivor, Mark Herras thinks of the plug as GMA’s way of showing how much they are proud of their home grown talents, “Para din naman sa amin ito, para ma plug nila yung mga talents. Parang one step ahead para sa aming lahat.”

Watch your favorite stars regularly on GMA!


credits to: ate cindy