JUST before the festive month of August ends, GMA Network brought in its three artists to entertain their Kagay-anon fans during a mall show last Saturday afternoon, August 31, in Centrio Ayala Mall.
Kagay-anon Kapuso fans got an up-close look at Global Endorser Gabbi Garcia of the new drama-action series "Beautiful Justice" and the uber-cute tandem of "RitKen" -- Rita Daniela and Ken Chan -- of the upcoming millennial fairytale "One of the Baes."
"GMA Regional TV is once again making the Higalaay Festival a celebration to remember as we bring with us stars of 'Beautiful Justice' and 'One of the Baes,'" GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso said.
"The Kapuso Network has been participating in Cagayan de Oro's biggest festival every year as our way of thanking our loyal viewers here. We are grateful to Gabbi, Rita, and Ken for giving us their time and reaching out to our Kapuso in Northern Mindanao," he added.
Beautiful Justice, directed by Mark Reyes V, is set to premier on September 9. In the series, Gabbi stars with multi-talented actress and entrepreneur Bea Binene and 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actress Yasmien Kurdi.
Bea, Gabbi, and Yasmien will play the roles of Kitkat, Brie, and Alice -- three women brought together by the tragic death of their loved ones.
Joining them are versatile actor and Kapuso hunk Derrick Monasterio and international model-turned-actor Gil Cuerva, who take on the roles of anti-illegal drug agents Lance and Vin, respectively.
Also part of the series' cast are drama actress Bing Loyzaga, veteran action star Victor Neri, and Valeen Montenegro.
Meanwhile, for their first-ever primetime project, ken and Rita are teaming up for "One of the Baes."
Produced by GMA Public Affairs, the show will showcase the ups and downs of Filipino Seafarers through the story of Jowalyn, played by Rita, who dreams of becoming the captain of the ship someday; and Grant, played by Ken, who is rich yet kindhearted environmental vlogger.
According to Rita, in order to prepare for her role as an aspiring captain of a ship, she underwent the Maritime school to train and do drills for seafarers.
"Sa character, medyo hindi po ako masyado ganoon nahirapan na buuin si Jowalyn kasi unang-una, naka relate ako sa kanya dahil sa totoong buhay one of the boys po talaga ako. Lumaki ako na kasama ang mga pinsan ko, puro lalaki, at mga kapatid ko," Rita said.
Ken, on the other hand, shared that both of them watched romantic-comedy movies from the 90's as reference to help them play their respective characters in the series.
Casted together with Rita and Ken were veteran actors Amy Austria, Melanie Marquez, Roderick Paulate, tonton Gutierrez, and Jestoni Alarcon.
They will also be joined by James Teng, Kenneth Medrano, Archie Alemania, Joyce Ching, Edgar Allan Guzman, Buboy Villar, Maureen Larrazabal, and Rodjun Cruz.
One of the Baes, according to Rita, is set to premier this month.