Online video platform iQiyi International, which serves more than 100 million VIP subscribers worldwide, has sealed a multi-year partnership with GMA Network, a move that aims to widen the reach of the network and at the same strengthens the digital platform’s presence in the country.
The first titles to be made available include First Yaya as well as upcoming shows Legal Wives, Nagbabagang Luha, and Love You Stranger.
“This partnership will definitely improve the network’s audience reach and viewership. Subscribers of iQiyi in the Philippines can now watch the latest episodes of some of the newest GMA dramas within 24 hours express from TV airing on the iQiyi app or iQ.com,” GMA TV executive Reena Garingan told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.
The multi-year partnership, which covers nearly a thousand episodes, bolsters iQiyi International’s wide array of Asian content, and at the same time allows GMA programs to be accessible to millions of users of the platform.
“We are honored and grateful for iQiyi’s trust in partnering with GMA Network as the Kapuso programs jumpstart the exciting line-up of Filipino content for this platform. As we continue to adapt to the shifting interests of our viewers and their viewing habits, we relentlessly produce world-class entertainment programs that can be consumed in various platforms and iQiyi International’s massive user base will likewise complement our digital efforts,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.
GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. also underscored how apt this deal is for both companies. “Our joining forces with one of the world’s largest streaming platforms is a very fitting team-up. We believe that combining both GMA and iQiyi’s strengths creates a formidable partnership. Congratulations to all!”
“iQiyi is committed to bringing the best in local dramas to our local viewers across the Philippines for them to watch anytime, anywhere. iQiyi and GMA have been in discussion to join forces for the benefit of our viewers for a while, and we could not be more thrilled to finally embark on this exciting journey together,” said iQiyi Philippines Country Manager Sherwin Dela Cruz.
We are excited that this year alone, 12 new titles with over 1000 catch-up episodes will be available on iQiyi. As the home of beloved Asian entertainment, iQiyi International will continue to strengthen our content offerings for our local viewership, building on our current Korean, Chinese, and Anime content. This is a big milestone for us, and the first of several we have for the year,” Dela Cruz added.
The iQiyi executive shared that the local titles that are now viable on the platform were chosen mainly for their mass appeal and the market these programs intend to capture.
“The initial titles are basically for the young audience, and of course the actors, the stars, and the storyline come into play. We can be specific regarding the demographics but it’s a no-brainer why we get First Yaya. It just fits the market,” Dela Cruz explained.
The romantic-comedy series First Yaya tells the aspirational story of an ordinary woman who gets to lead an extraordinary life as the nanny of the president’s children and, along the way, falls for the country’s highest officer. The original drama introduces the pairing of actor Gabby Concepcion as President Glenn Acosta and actress Sanya Lopez as Yaya Melody.
Viewers should also watch out for more upcoming GMA dramas that are soon to be available on the iQiyi app and iQ.com within 24 hours from TV airing like breakthrough cultural drama series Legal Wives starring Dennis Trillo, together with Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres, and Bianca Umali. The TV adaptation of the 1988 award-winning film Nagbabagang Luha, bannered by Glaiza de Castro and Rayver Cruz, introducing Claire Castro with Mike Tan will also be available on the platform. Also streaming soon is the much-awaited on-screen tandem of real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos is all set in the romance-mystery mini-series Love You Stranger.
