iQiyi International kickstarts local content library through partnership with GMA Network

 Manila, Philippines, 29 April 2021 - Global online video streaming platform iQiyi International and Philippine media giant GMA Network announced their partnership to bring more quality Filipino programming within reach of viewers across the Philippines.

 

Through the partnership, iQiyi expands its premium Asian entertainment portfolio with high caliber Filipino content that delivers on the promise of bringing the best in Asian entertainment to viewers across the country. As iQiyi’s partner, GMA Network taps into the streaming platform’s cutting-edge technology and growing reach across the Philippines to expand the viewership of GMA’s portfolio of dramas to a wider audience. The multi-year partnership opens the door to greater accessibility for the Kapuso Network’s avid fans and viewership growth for the network’s talents and shows.

“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. 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,” said iQiyi Philippines Country Manager Sherwin Dela Cruz.

“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 added, “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!”

 Viewers can look forward to at least 12 brand-new Kapuso titles and at least 1000 episodes to enjoy exclusively on the iQiyi platform throughout 2021, each episode uploaded just a few hours after it airs on free TV.

The romantic-comedy series “First Yaya” tells the aspirational story of an ordinary woman who leads an extraordinary life as the nanny of the President’s children. The struggle begins when she falls for the country’s highest officer. The original drama casts veteran actor Gabby Concepcion and popular Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez in the lead roles of President Glenn Acosta and Yaya Melody, respectively.

 Viewers can look forward to catch-up episodes of GMA dramas that will soon be available on the iQiyi app and iQ.com within 24 hours from TV airing: “Legal Wives”, a breakthrough cultural drama series starring Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo and actresses Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres, and Bianca Umali; "Nagbabagang Luha”, the TV adaptation of the 1988 award-winning film which stars Glaiza de Castro and Rayver Cruz, introducing Claire Castro with Mike Tan; and “Love You Stranger”, a romance-mystery mini series featuring the anticipated on-screen tandem of real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos.

 Viewers can access these releases on iQiyi International’s website at iQ.com or on the platform’s free mobile application that can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. For access to new episodes as they drop, viewers have the option to sign up for weekly Standard VIP subscription at PHP49, or monthly Standard VIP account at PHP99 or a Premium VIP account at PHP249.