• People poke fun on Kara Mia’s trailer.
• The upcoming teleserye has been a hot topic online as Netizens made memes about having two faces.

After GMA Network has released the trailer for their upcoming teleserye, Kara Mia, the Netizens have been talking about the story like that of a series.

The story revolves around a body that owns two faces, played by Barbie Forteza and Mika Dela Cruz.

People were surely not expecting the effects and computer graphics as it already became a hot topic online and memes were everywhere.

Paano ba yan?😂 Madami na kaming excited!!😂 @mikadlacruz @dealwithBARBIE pic.twitter.com/Ylv517c5BW

— Azi (@Aziii23_) January 12, 2019

Ako bahala, withdraw ka lang😂 @dealwithBARBIE @mikadlacruz pic.twitter.com/W1Gdc8qoyH

— Azi (@Aziii23_) January 13, 2019

Straight A! pic.twitter.com/YObgPwiHnE

— Johnny Cupcakes ☁ (@JohnnyGabcakes) January 13, 2019

These students even did their own version of the trailer.

KaraMia Official Trailer… pic.twitter.com/hecZGcdtAg

— sha♌ (@_shamx) January 15, 2019

#KaraMia challenge by @jilliaaane 😍 pic.twitter.com/7u2lRZ7ax3

— Jai (@jlflorentin) January 12, 2019

It was even compared to the sign Gemeni.

Shout out to all Geminis out there! #KaraMia pic.twitter.com/79utKGiAcT

— PGAG (@PGAG_PH) January 8, 2019

They even pointed out that it will be easier to cheat in school with two faces.

Cheating 100#KaraMia pic.twitter.com/yIJWksCGbn

— Migz Aranzamendez (@mondragonmigz) January 11, 2019

pic.twitter.com/pAEPRXoBeE

— fortunate° (@pasaholluckyni1) January 16, 2019

On a serious note, a Twitter user shared that the inspiration for Kara Mia was the story of Edward Mordrake, a man with an extra face on his head. He committed suicide at the age of 23 as he claimed that his other face kept on whispering demonic thoughts to him.

All memes aside, this might be the inspiration for GMA's Kara Mia. Creepy af

Photo grabbed from Spookify FB Page pic.twitter.com/bxIw49gVky

— Alfred (@alfredlegacion_) January 12, 2019

Kara Mia is set to premiere in February 2019.

• Alden Richards shared that he would love to be a part of the upcoming Filipino adaptation of Descendants of the Sun.
• He also shared updates about his love life and newest business venture.

At his thanksgiving party held on January 6, Alden Richards shared his plans for the year 2019.

He said that he would still be appearing in his regular shows like Eat Bulaga and Sunday Pinasaya. Then he will get to do a series of concerts in various countries before he starts a new show with the Kapuso network.

When asked about the title, he answered, “Nothing is definite po as of now.”

Fans of his loveteam with Maine Mendoza, AlDub, has been requesting for the tandem to star in the local remake of popular Korean drama Descendants of the Sun.

“I’d really love to do it as I know it’s a hit drama worldwide. I’d also love to work with Maine again. But hindi naman po kami ang magde-decide tungkol diyan kundi ang GMA management. So I hope sana nga, sa amin ni Maine nila ibigay ang project as I’d really love to do it.

“Actually, kahit magkaiba ang career paths namin ngayon ni Maine as we’re on our own, mas close kami ngayon as friends at mas open sa isa’t isa. We are growing individually, on our own. But we really appreciate the fans of our love team who continue to support us and root for us and request na magkasama kami uli sa isang teleserye or movie.”

He also addressed the rumors of him being in a secret relationship, which was said to be the reason why he’s in his “happiest” as of the moment.

“Not true. I’m at my happiest dahil sa dami ng blessings na dumarating sa akin. Actually, ang wish ko nga, sana matagpuan ko na ‘yung the one this 2019. But hindi ko naman hinahanap, basta kung darating siya, ’di okay.”

About his future business plans, his own fast food chain franchise in Biñan, Laguna is currently under construction.

“But sobrang saya ko kasi dati, kumakain lang kami ng family ko sa isang branch noon sa Sta. Rosa at ngayon, may sarili na akong franchise. Our plan is to open it on Easter Sunday.”

At the topic of future leading ladies, Richards answered that he would like to work with Heart Evangelista in the future.

“I find her a good actress and I’ve never worked with her before. I’d really like to experience working with her as my leading lady.”

• GMA and PLDT-Smart entered into a partnership.
• It is said to power GMA’s planned digital transformation and innovation.

GMA Network, Inc. / GMA News Media, Inc. (NMI) has partnered up with PLDS-Smart Communications, Inc. This is set to improve the television viewing experience in the Philippines.

READ: GMA Network to finally release Digital TV device in few months

The signing was held on Wednesday, January 9, at Makati City. The companies came up with a technology, content, and distribution agreement that will start the launch of innovations which is set to power the network’s digital transformation.

According to GMA Network’s Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon, they are embracing digital with open arms.

“By riding the wave of disruption with PLDT and Smart as partners, we will not only upgrade the quality of content we are producing but we are also setting the stage for a new age of digital television.”

View this post on Instagram

GMA Network Inc., through its subsidiary GMA New Media Inc., has signed a partnership deal with PLDT-Smart Communications Inc. to revolutionize TV viewing in the Philippines. In a signing ceremony in Makati City on Wednesday, the two companies entered into a technology, content, and distribution agreement involving innovations that will enhance the media network’s digitization. GMA Network Inc./GMA New Media Inc. (NMI) and PLDT-Smart Communications Inc. laid the groundwork of a formidable partnership to revolutionize TV-viewing experience in the country, the network said.

A post shared by GMA News (@gmanews) on Jan 9, 2019 at 8:02pm PST

On the other hand, PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan stated, “As we transform our business from being a legacy telco into the premier and most trusted digital enabler in the country, this partnership will enable us to power GMA’s digital pivot and help deliver to our millions of fixed and wireless subscribers GMA 7’s unique and compelling content, as well as exciting new digital experiences to more Filipino families.”

Several executives of GMA Network and PLDT-Smart Communications were also present at the signing.

• AlDub fans pushed for Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza to portray the lead roles of GMA Network’s upcoming rendition of ‘Descendants of the Sun’.
• Others expressed their opinions against the idea.

Fans of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza are pushing the loveteam to star in the upcoming Kapuso remake of the popular Korean drama Descendants of the Sun.

READ: “Sama-sama pa rin tayo!” Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza reassures AlDub fans

As the remake was announced as one of the Network’s upcoming projects this 2019, the Aldub fans have been tweeting nonstop, requesting for their favorite celebrities to be the main stars.

https://twitter.com/Sinag78217857/status/1081165189507035138

https://twitter.com/empath_ako/status/1081581801561182210

A Netizen said that the loveteam can do it as Richards has experience when it comes to action scenes and Mendoza can also do the character of Dra. Kang.

Pwedeng-pwede talaga ang AlDub sa Descendants of the Sun. Magaling naman sa action si Alden at 'yung character ni Doc Kang eh kaya naman ni Maine.

— Kharl (@superkav16) January 1, 2019

Gusto ko un sundalo si Alden at nurse si Maine, mala Descendants of the Sun o mas masakit un Pearl Harbor.
Gusto ko sila makita sa ganung eksena.#ALDUBHomeOfLove #ADNSantasDay1NgPahavs

— ⚫ HuwagKangManghusga ⚫ (@jolmarion) December 10, 2018

READ: GMA Network releases 24 titles of the shows to look forward to this 2019

But there are also some who were against the idea of the duo assuming the roles, saying that Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado are to be the leads instead.

https://twitter.com/rod_rin49/status/1081373078326730752

On the other hand, a Netizen questioned GMA-7‘s ability to produce quality shows as she mentioned that she has learned her lesson from the Philippine version of My Love from the Star.

GMA network will make an adaptation of "DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN"

Alden and Maine will be the lead.

wtf. HINDI NGA MAKAGAWA NG MAAYOS NA FILIPINO DRAMA EH SABAY GAGAWA NITO.

NADALA NA AKO SA ADAPTATION NG MY LOVE FROM THE STAR HA! kainis. ayusan nyo GMA.

— 정말사랑해방탄 (@loveallpeople00) January 4, 2019

“Hindi ko pa rin po alam. Sana po,” he said when asked at his Thanksgiving Party.

“Pero sa ngayon po, as of the moment, wala pa pong final words sa soap opera.”

• Actor Dennis Trillo addressed GMA-7’s lack of support for their artists.
• The network was accused of bringing up unnecessary rivalry between their own artists.

Dennis Trillo posted a sarcastic tweet addressing the topic of GMA Network‘s lack of recognition to the award he and actress Gloria Romero received from the Metro Manila Film Festival awards night.

He quote tweeted a netizen saying that the network didn’t have a congratulatory post nor ad regarding the two awards that were taken home by their artists.

READ: Dennis Trillo thinks it’s a “bad idea” to team up with Bong Revilla 

In a now deleted tweet, Trillo wrote, “Ganyan kami ka importante sa GMA.”

Twitter account hacked

According to veteran columnist Nora Calderon, “Isa pong paglilinaw: Na-hacked ang Twitter account ni Dennis Trillo na @thedennistrillo, iba rin ang dp niya na lumalabas kaya iyong mga tweets wala raw congratulatory post or ads ang GMA Network ay hindi sa kanya galing.”

Isa pong paglilinaw: Na-hacked ang Twitter account ni Dennis Trillo na @thedennistrillo, iba rin ang dp niya na lumalabas kaya iyong mga tweets wala raw congratulatory post or ads ang GMA Network ay hindi sa kanya galing. pic.twitter.com/0Wzdq7mCpC

— noivcalderon (@noivcalderon) January 4, 2019

The lack of post was noticed by a blogger, saying that she is still waiting for the congratulatory message at the GMA Network Instagram account.

She also suspected the network of bringing up competition to their own artists. One post stated was the photo taken from the New Year countdown show. In the image of their singers, they captioned, “Kaninong boses and nanaig sa performance na ito para sa iyo?”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsD8NHZAumz/?utm_source=ig_embed

The blogger stated that this causes unnecessary drama and rivalry within their artists.

Twitter account FilipinasInShowbiz also tweeted about the absence of a congratulatory post in the GMA account.

Besh, bawal ba i-congratulate si Papa Dennis, co-lead star sa Cain At Abel, at Gloria Romero of Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko, sa Instagram account nyo? #AskingForAFriend pic.twitter.com/pMHkYjPcJU

— FilipinasInShowbiz (@PinaysInShowbiz) December 29, 2018

Trillo won the Best Actor award while Romero won Best Actress.

• Stars who have been recipients of “fat memos” from their networks.
• They shared their reactions and how the said memo affected their careers and mental health.

As public personalities, people have this thinking that celebrities should be confined to the society’s ideal perception of what being attractive is. That they should have smooth skin, no flaws, and a skinny body.

Whenever these figures doesn’t fit those descriptions, there are always netizens that will point out what they should be and should not be. This includes the topic of weight.

As cameras make one look multiple times the size they truly are, networks give ‘fat memos’ to those who they think looked heavy on-screen.

Here are some of the celebrities who have were reported to have received memos from their respective networks and those who have been fat shamed online.

Jessy Mendiola

Jessy recently admitted that she has received a “fat memo” from the big bosses of ABS-CBN around one or two years ago.

“It’s a proof na you can’t get work if you gain weight. That’s how society works.”

She admitted that back then, she didn’t understand the reason why she received the said memo, and it did not have a positive effect on her. In fact, the incident even pushed her into depression.

“I got very depressed. Parang dumating ako sa point na, ‘Ah ito na lang pala din talaga ‘yung halaga ko. Kung hindi ako sexy, wala akong projects or hindi nila ako makikita as who I am.’”

But eventually, the star picked herself up and decided that rather being sexy, she just wants to be healthy and feel good about herself. Losing weight is just an add-on to the process.

She also gave credit to her support system who became her inspiration through those hard times.

“Yung support system ko. And it’s more of siyempre hindi naman ‘yun mangayayari mag-isa. Kailangan mo rin talagang maging active in life. Hindi lang siya sa pagwowork-out ha. More of pro-active sa mga tao, sa work mo.”

Geoff Eigenmann

Geoff was also one to receive the said “fat memo” from his mother station GMA.

He admitted it four years ago, and said that he “knew it was coming.”

It was said that during Forever, his series with Heart Evangelista, their stylists had to resort to layering off his clothes just to hide his weight gain. And later on, the executives had to intervene.

“GMA talked to my manager, they went over what should be done and all that, and then my manager told me about it.”

Unlike Jessy, Geoff didn’t have any negative reactions. But the memo didn’t have any positive effect either as he didn’t have any projects following such.

“GMA talked to my manager, they went over what should be done and all that, and then my manager told me about it. When he told me, wala. I wasn’t angry. I didn’t complain. There was no point.

“I don’t want to bullshit you: It wasn’t just a memo, it was a suspension. Nawalan ako ng trabaho.”

He was given three months to get back in shape.

• Ogie Diaz said that it’s okay for Kiray Celis to make a sudden network transfer.
• He also shared his sentiments over other timely subjects this Christmas season.

Ogie Diaz shared his opinion over Kiray Celis‘ transfer from ABS-CBN to GMA Network.

In his Mama Ogs Say Facebook post on December 24, the writer and talent manager shared his thoughts about timely subjects including Kiray’s network transfer, the Metro Manila Film Festival, and even the godmothers and godfathers who hide from their godchildren when it’s Christmas season.

He said that he sees no problem with Kiray’s signing with GMA-7 because that doesn’t chang who she is.

“Okay lang naman. Pagbali-baligtarin man ang mundo, Kiray Celis is Kiray Celis. Just like Anna Dizon is Anna Dizon.”

View this post on Instagram

IT’S OFFICIAL! Kiray Celis signs with GMA Artist Center.

A post shared by LionhearTV (@lionheartvnet) on Dec 20, 2018 at 1:45am PST

Ogie also shared his fearless forecast regarding the MMFF entries.

“Obvious namang topgrosser na naman ang pelikula ni Vice Ganda, ‘yung “Fantastika. Followed by “Puliscredibles” nina Vic Sotto at Coco Martin, then tie ‘yung “Aurora” ni Anne Curtis at “Rainbow Sunset, then “Orange Dress” nina Jericho at Jessy Mendiola. Hanggang du’n na lang muna at nakalimutan kong hindi naman ako si Madame Auring. Wala bang entry ang Ms. Valenzuela?”

He then gave advice to the godparents who hid from their godchildren this Holiday season, saying that instead of not showing themselves, they should just tell the truth.

“So kung wala kang pambigay na regalo o aginaldo, sabihin mo ang totoo kesa takasan mo. Kung malalaki na ang mga inaanak mo, i-tag mo sa post mo sa fb na pasensiya na at walang-wala si ninong. ‘Yan ay kung mapapaniwala mo sila sa paeklat mo.

“Maging totoo na lang, kesa mangutang ka para lang magpabida sa mga inaanak mo. Pangakuan mo na lang na magreregalo ka sa birthday niya, tutal, hindi naman magkaka-birthday ang mga inaanak mo. Kung walang-wala, magpakatotoo. Kung meron, ‘wag magdamot. Hindi naman araw-araw ang Pasko.”

He also admitted that he, too, has a lot of godchildren then shared circumstances that he faced in the past regarding the giving of gifts.

“Diyos ko, sobra. ‘Yung iba, binigyan mo na, tapos, ‘yung magulang, sasabihin, ‘Pare, baka pwede mo namang dagdagan, minsan lang naman ang Pasko.’ Sinasagot ko ng, ‘Pare, hindi ikaw ang inaanak ko… ‘yung anak mo.’

“Meron pang eksena, ‘Pare, baka pwede mong dagdagan, magmo-mall pa kami ng inaanak mo.’ Sasagutin ko ng, ;Ah, gano’n ba? O, sige, bawasan mo ng 3k ‘yung utang mo sa akin.’ Di ba, nakakalokah? As if ‘yung anak lang nila ang kaisa-isa mong inaanak na umaasa sa ‘yo ng aginaldo?

“Kaya ako, dumating na talaga ako sa point na pag hindi ko ka-close ‘yung kumukuha sa aking ninong sa binyag ng anak nila, sinasabi ko, ‘Kelan lang naman tayo nagkakilala. Saka na, sa next na anak mo na lang. By then siguro, close na tayo.'”

• A man was arrested outside the GMA Network after throwing a petrol bomb.
• He was said to have insisted on entering the network to file a complaint as people were looking for him. 

A man, Lawrence Ebio, was arrested after causing a scene and setting off a motolov with gasoline outside the GMA Network station in Quezon City on Tuesday, December 25.

According to the initial investigation of the Quezon City Police District, the 38-year-old citizen insisted on entering the network’s compound to file a complaint about illegal drugs.

“He was claiming that people involved in drugs were looking for him.”

When the security personnel didn’t allow him to do so, he flew into a rage and threw the motolov.

The motolov’s explosion didn’t do any damage, however, it caused a bit of panic and fear from the people in the area. When arrested, three more petrol bombs and a lighter was confiscated from the man.

According to the guard, it was not the first time that the man made a scene as last month, he also caused fear after he arrived while holding a knife.

The police are further investigating the incident. Ebio is facing charges of alarm and scandal and illegal possession of explosives.

• Wowowin contestant shared his unusual love story.
• He said that he thought he was gay until he met the girl that changed his life.

The viewers of GMA Network‘s Wowowin were greeted by a touching story of how a bisexual man thought that he was gay, until he met his now girlfriend.

What’s more amazing is that the girl also turned out to be bisexual.

Austin shared his story during the Willie of Fortune segment on December 14. He said that he really thought that he was gay because he had a boyfriend of six years.

“Akala ko dati bading talaga ako eh kasi nagkaroon po ako ng ex na lalaki, six years. Kaka-break lang po namin. Akala ko siya na eh. Pero ngayon Kuya Wil, hindi ko alam kung bakit.”

Then he met Marie.

“Siguro pain changes people at na-in love ako sa babae. At may plot twist, bisexual din siya.”

The contestant told his girlfriend that if before, she thought that he was just joking around, now she knows that he’s not.

“Akala mo kasi dati biro lang eh. Ngayong gusto ko, ayan nationwide, gusto ko malaman mo na seryoso ako doon at saka sana hayaan mong ako ‘yung maging lalaki ng buhay mo,” Asutin told Marie.

• Lolit Solis said that she doesn’t think GMA Network is petty enough to ban Coco Martin’s name in Kapuso shows.
• Martin replied that he has high regard toward the network and he holding a grudge against the network is not in his capacity.

In a recent Instagram post by entertainment personality Lolit Solis, defended GMA Network, expressing her thoughts about the assumptions of Netizens that Coco Martin is banned from being mentioned in any Kapuso shows.

She said that she doesn’t believe that the network is that petty to actually prohibit the stars from saying the actor’s name and maybe Maine Mendoza just had a “moment” and forgot to mention her other co-star in the movie Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles.

“Imposible na hindi pagbigyan ng GMA si Coco dahil alam din ng lahat na sa 7 nag-umpisa ang career ni Coco Martin. Huwag na natin bigyan malisya na hindi siya nabanggit, baka may big pakulo para sa announcement ng naturang movie, malay natin, wait lang tayo.”

View this post on Instagram

Hindi naman ako maniniwala sa balitang 'ban' si Coco Martin sa GMA. Hindi naman siguro ganun ka-petty na ang co star ni Bossing Vic Sotto sa filmfest movie niya hindi puwedeng banggitin ang pangalan. Baka naman may moment lang si Maine Mendoza kaya nalimutan banggitin ang pangalan ni Coco nang mag-promote siya. Imposible na hindi pagbigyan ng GMA si Coco dahil alam din ng lahat na sa 7 nag-umpisa ang career ni Coco Martin. Huwag na natin bigyan malisya na hindi siya nabanggit, baka may big pakulo para sa announcement ng naturang movie, malay natin, wait lang tayo. Sa bait ni Coco, sure ako mag-melt ang puso ng mga executives ng GMA, sila Lilybeth, Redgie, at Gigi. Naku, excited iyan na personal makita si Coco Martin sa studio ng 7 noh, bet ko iyan. #lolitkulit #instatalk #71naako @mr.cocomartin

A post shared by LolitSolisOfficial (@akosilolitsolis) on Dec 9, 2018 at 5:05pm PST

Martin then replied to the post, saying that he understood and he has high respect toward  GMA Network especially that it’s the Network that first opened its doors for him.

“Napakabait po nila sakin kaya wla pong problema sakin yon at kahit kaylan hindi ako mag tatampo sa kanila.”

He added that he’s also grateful for having the chance to work with Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza.

Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles will be out on December 25 as an entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival.