Latest news with #GMAPinoyTV
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Coming home for his graduation: An OFW mother's promise kept
For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), coming home is not just a flight back to the Philippines—it's an emotional journey marked by sacrifice, longing, and love. For Myla dela Cruz, an OFW in Doha, Qatar, her return meant finally fulfilling a promise to the boy who quietly grew up in her absence—her son, Hennessy. After years apart, she flew back not for a vacation, but for a moment she could not bear to miss: his high school graduation. "Ito po 'yung surprise na hindi niya inakala talaga. Hindi ko po siya binigyan ng pagkakataon na isipin niya na uuwi ako sa mismong araw ng graduation niya," Myla said in an interview with GMA Pinoy TV. (This was a surprise he truly didn't see coming. I didn't give him any hint that I would be coming home on his graduation day.) Myla grew up in a large family in Nueva Ecija. None of her seven siblings were able to finish school due to poverty. Amid her hardship, however, Myla found her motivation. "Sa amin pong magkakapatid, wala pong nakatapos. Dahil po sa dala ng kahirapan… pinalaki po kami ng mga magulang namin ng iisang hangarin sa buhay—magtulungan, magmahalan. Sabay-sabay po kami aangat," Myla said. (None of us siblings finished school because of poverty… but our parents raised us with one goal: to help and love one another. We were determined to rise together.) She carried that dream into motherhood, determined to give her own child a better story—one that included diplomas, medals, and applause. Making ends meet Before working abroad, Myla tried to make ends meet through various jobs: she worked as a waitress, a barista at a five-star hotel in Dubai, and later, as a farmhand back home. "Namasukan po ako na mamitas ng talong, ng sili, ng ampalaya… Ang kinikita ko lang po noon, 150 pesos per day," she said. (I worked as a picker of eggplants, chili, and bitter gourd… I only earned 150 pesos a day.) When she gave birth to Hennessy, she stayed with him for as long as she could. As a single mother, she knew that love alone would not secure his future. At just four years old, Myla had to say goodbye to Hennessy, and make the heartbreaking decision to work overseas again. "Sinabi ko po sa magulang ko na ako po ay aalis ulit. Gusto ko pong makilala niya ako—na ako ang ina niya," Myla said. (I told my parents I was leaving again. I wanted him to grow up knowing me—that I am his mother.) 'Mama, umuwi ka na' Life in Qatar offered added financial security, but nothing could compare to the emotional weight of being apart from her son. Myla said, "Minsan sasabihin niya, 'Mama, umuwi ka na. Sama ka na lang dito sa akin.'" (Sometimes he'd say, "Mama, come home. Just stay here with me.") Hennessy, meanwhile, was lovingly raised by his grandparents. He grew up with a heart full of gratitude—traits that made Myla both proud and heartbroken. She said, "Nata-touch ako 'pag sinasabi ng mga kapatid ko, utol, ang suwerte mo kay Bebe.'" (I get emotional when my siblings say, "You're lucky to have Bebe.") Graduation day As graduation day approached, Myla started receiving touching messages from Hennessy for helping him reach his milestone. "Mama, maraming salamat. Kahit wala akong kinagisnang ama, ikaw 'yung tumayo, Papa at Mama para sa akin," Hennessy said. (Mama, thank you. Even though I didn't grow up with a father, you stood as both Papa and Mama for me.) Those words sealed Myla's decision. She booked a ticket home. She didn't even tell her family about her decision. "Pinapangako ko sa'yo, sa senior high school mo—uuwi si Mama. Ako na ang kasama mo," Myla recalled. (I promise you, for your senior high graduation — Mama will come home. I'll be the one by your side.) On graduation day itself, she walked quietly into the school grounds, waited for the right moment, and tapped her son on the back. "Sa sobrang tuwa niya, halo 'yung emotion niya—pagkagulat at 'yung pagiging masaya na si Mama nandito," Myla said. (He was overwhelmed—it was a mix of shock and joy that Mama was here.) That day, Hennessy received awards for Outstanding Leadership, and Outstanding Science Lab Officer. This time, his mother was there to witness him receive the recognition. Reward for sacrifice For Myla, it was not just about medals or ceremonies. It was about showing up—physically, emotionally, fully—for the child who had waited patiently for her love. "Hindi ko man siya palaging kasama, pero lagi akong uuwi sa kanya. Lagi akong babalik," she said. (Even if I'm not always by his side, I will always come home to him. I will always return.) For mothers like Myla, love is not measured by distance or time apart. Instead it is through the moments when love finally arrives—unexpected, unwavering, and just in time. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Max Collins performs at Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show in Canada
Max Collins brought joy to global Pinoys in Toronto, Canada, where she performed at the 2025 Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show over the weekend. According to Aubrey Carampel's report in "Balitanghali" Tuesday, the Sparkle star performed to over 5,000 Filipinos, Filipino-Canadians, and tourists at the event. The 2025 Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show is a quadruple celebration of Philippine Independence Day; Filipino Heritage Month in Canada; the 15th anniversary of the event's organizer, the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation; and the 20th anniversary of GMA Pinoy TV, which is the event's media partner. Aside from song and dance performances, the fiesta featured games, cultural presentations, a pageant, a mass, and a Santacruzan. A giant Philippine flag was also waved during the event. "Gusto ko lang pasayahin ang pamilya ko, ang mga tao na nanonood sa amin, syempre sa GMA and para sa mga global Pinoys that watch GMA Pinoy TV. Gusto ko rin sila pasayahin, so 'yun talaga 'yung hinahanap ng puso ko," Max previously said in an "Unang Balita" report. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Celebrate Philippine Independence Month with exciting shows on GMA Pinoy TV!
GMA Pinoy TV proudly leads the global celebration of Philippine Independence Month this June! As the trusted companion of Global Pinoys, we're bringing you a month filled with feel-good entertainment and brand-new shows na tiyak na Hanap ng Puso ninyo! From highly anticipated programs and informative documentaries to a fresh line-up of original shows, GMA Pinoy TV delivers world-class content that celebrates Pinoy pride. Starting June 1, "Pusong Pinoy sa America Season 18" continues to explain the ins, outs, and in-betweens of immigration law. Community leader and renowned immigration attorney Lou Tancinco guides Global Pinoys through the labyrinth of the immigration system. Available only in North America. Meanwhile, a stellar line-up of programs featuring the finest artists in Philippine entertainment is set to captivate Global Pinoys this June. Fans can step into the world of "Encantadia" once more with the highly anticipated "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre," starring Rhian Ramos with Faith da Silva, Angel Guardian, Kelvin Miranda, and Primetime Gem Bianca Umali. Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo and Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado deliver high-stakes action light-drama in the buddy-cop series "Sanggang Dikit FR." Fueling the program line-up further is "My Father's Wife," headlined by Gabby Concepcion, Jak Roberto, Kazel Kinouchi, and Kylie Padilla. Rounding up the exciting drama offerings on GMA Pinoy TV is "Akusada," starring Andrea Torres, Benjamin Alves, Lianne Valentin, Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento. GMA Pinoy TV's reality program line-up features the brand-new "Stars on the Floor," hosted by Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards with dance authorities Marian Rivera, Pokwang, Coach Jay Joseph, and the return of The Clash 2025 with The Clash Masters Asia's Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Total Heartthrob Rayver Cruz, joined once more by The Clash Panel of Comedy Concert Queen Aiai de las Alas, Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, and Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha. Meanwhile, Fernando Poe, Jr. continues to reign on GMA Pinoy Blockbuster with more of his classic movies to enjoy on FPJ sa GMA: "Umpisahan Mo, Tatapusin Ko," "Tatak ng Alipin," "Walang Matigas na Tinapay sa Mainit na Kape," and "Alakdang Gubat." In celebration of Philippine Independence Month, GMA Pinoy Blockbuster unveils "El Presidente" on June 29. The historical epic depicting the life and legacy of Emilio Aguinaldo stars Jorge Estregan, Nora Aunor, and Christopher de Leon. Also coming to GMA Pinoy TV is 'Be Cool: The Express Adventure.' The program takes audiences on an immersive journey through Albay in the Bicol region of the Philippines. Delivered in a dynamic and engaging format, audiences will enjoy seeing the iconic Mayon volcano, breathtaking landscapes, beaches, plus fiery, authentic Bicolano cuisine. Adventure awaits on June 21 and 28. Further, Global Pinoys can continue to enjoy exciting episodes of "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition" (Asia Pacific and MENA regions only), "Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila," and "Mga Batang Riles." Other programs that the whole family can enjoy include 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,' "Family Feud Philippines," "Tiktoclock," and "Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento." To watch all of this and more, subscribe to GMA Pinoy TV, visit —GMA Network
