Filipinos in Dubai and Birmingham wholeheartedly welcomed The Better Woman lead actor Derek Ramsay during his first GMA Pinoy TV trip.
Last July 5, the Kapuso hunk attended the press conference of Mutya Pilipinas UAE at the Waterfront Market in Dubai where he was greeted by the 12 candidates, the local press and influencers, and the Arab Fashion Council. Derek, who was initially part of the judges’ panel for the coronation night, willingly accommodated questions from the Dubai-based press and gave encouraging words to help boost the candidates’ confidence for the competition. The event organizer, MDM Media Production, decided to move the pageant to July 19 instead of at Pier Juan, Chelsea Plaza Hotel in respect to the mourning period for the Sharjah Ruler’s son.
After the press conference, Derek bonded with the members of Kabayan DXB, a group that helps each other upgrade their skills. They even made handmade gifts for him such as floral lei, welcome cakes and pastries, decors, and much more. GMA Pinoy TV and its partner carrier Mavshack also surprised them with free GMA On Demand trial codes.
Derek also visited renowned Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco and had the chance to meet Cinco’s Filipino staff. One of his employees, Marge, was teary-eyed when she saw Derek and shared how much of an avid fan she is of the Filipino-British actor. She even excitedly shared that she watches his current show with Andrea Torres, The Better Woman, via GMA Pinoy TV. The video of their touching encounter was uploaded in Facebook and it already reached over a million views.
After a jam-packed day of visiting Pinoys around Dubai, Derek travelled to the United Kingdom to grace the Birmingham Sandwell West Midlands Filipino Festival held at Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Smethwick last July 7.
The overseas Filipinos had a wonderful time singing along with Derek. He also led a trivia game and a dance showdown wherein the winners received premium items from GMA Pinoy TV while a new Mavshack subscriber even won a mobile phone. After the program, which was organized by the Birmingham Filipino British Community Volunteer (BFBCV), Derek also had a special meet and greet with the subscribers of Mavshack. GMA Pinoy TV also surprised the Kapuso abroad with free Mavshack GMA On Demand trial codes.
Before heading home, Derek paid a courtesy visit at the Philippine Embassy in London to meet Philippine Ambassador to the UK Antonio Lagdameo and Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Senen Mangalile.
Derek expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the Filipinos in Dubai and Birmingham.
“You guys are so lovely! Even though I was only there for a short while, I really had a great time with you. You guys showed me so much love and that love is truly appreciated. I hope I can come back and see you all again. I really enjoyed my trip,” he shared.
To subscribe to Mavshack’s GMA Pinoy Pack, Kapuso abroad only need to download the mobile app on the App Store and Google Play or visit www.mavshack.com and sign up.
For more updates on Kapuso events abroad, follow GMA Pinoy TV on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (@gmapinoytv), subscribe to their YouTube channel and visit the GMA Pinoy TV official website at www.gmapinoytv.com.
