GMA Public Affairs Unveils Ambitious Film and Television Slate for 2025, Featuring “Lolong” Return and New Horror Ventures

Manila, Philippines – GMA Public Affairs, the renowned content production arm of Philippine broadcasting giant GMA Network, has officially lifted the veil on its highly anticipated film and television lineup for the year 2025. The announcement signals a strategic push by the network to deliver a diverse range of programming across various genres, reinforcing its commitment to engaging Filipino audiences with compelling narratives and high-quality productions.

The unveiling details a mix of returning fan favorites and intriguing new projects, spanning both the small and silver screens. The slate includes the sophomore season of a critically acclaimed series and two distinct horror film productions from GMA Pictures, demonstrating a broad spectrum of content targeting different viewership segments.

Key Television Highlights for 2025

Leading the television offerings for the new year is the much-awaited return of the hit action-fantasy series “Lolong.” The program, which captivated audiences in its initial run, is set for its second season, officially titled “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan.” Actor Ruru Madrid is confirmed to reprise his starring role, continuing the saga that blends thrilling adventure with meaningful societal themes.

The announcement specifies a precise premiere date for the series’ return: January 20. This early 2025 launch positions “Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan” as a flagship program to kick off the network’s year, indicating the high expectations placed upon its performance following the success of its predecessor. The subtitle “Bayani ng Bayan” (Hero of the Nation) suggests a potential expansion of the narrative’s scope and themes, possibly exploring broader issues relevant to the Filipino populace.

The series’ return is significant for GMA Public Affairs, which is traditionally known for its award-winning documentaries, news magazines, and public service programs. The foray into high-concept scripted drama like “Lolong” represents an expansion of their production capabilities and a successful strategy to merge their public affairs sensibilities with mainstream entertainment, proving their versatility in content creation.

GMA Pictures Ventures into Cinematic Horror

Complementing the television slate, GMA Pictures is set to make its mark in the cinematic landscape with two distinct horror film projects slated for release in 2025. This move underscores the network’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the film industry and tap into the popular horror genre, which consistently resonates with Filipino moviegoers.

The first film announced is “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim.” This title immediately suggests a direct connection to the highly popular and long-running public affairs program, “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.” The movie is explicitly stated to be a production based on real-life horror stories that have previously been featured in chilling episodes of the “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” series. Leveraging the extensive archive of documented paranormal and unexplained occurrences from one of the country’s most trusted and watched shows provides a unique selling proposition, tapping into the program’s massive viewership and established credibility regarding unsettling true accounts.

The second horror project unveiled by the studio is titled “P77.” This film features a notable pairing of talents, starring actress Barbie Forteza alongside young actor Euwenn Mikaell. The brief description provided offers a tantalizing glimpse into its premise: the movie is described as being set in an “unusual penthouse.” Furthermore, the narrative is said to explore “urban housing realities,” suggesting that the horror elements may be intertwined with social commentary on contemporary metropolitan living, housing issues, or the eerie anonymity often found in high-rise urban dwellings. This combination of a specific, perhaps confined setting and a grounding in relatable societal issues could offer a fresh take on the horror genre.

Strategic Outlook for 2025

The diverse 2025 lineup from GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures reflects a clear strategy to cater to varied audience preferences while maximizing the potential of their existing successful brands and talent pool. The return of a popular series like “Lolong” ensures continuity and leverages an established fanbase, while the cinematic ventures, particularly “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim,” capitalize on the massive reach and legacy of a flagship public affairs program.

The inclusion of “P77” with known actors like Barbie Forteza and Euwenn Mikaell, and its unique premise blending horror with social relevance, indicates a willingness to experiment and explore different narrative avenues within popular genres. These announcements set the stage for what appears to be a busy and content-rich year for GMA Network, aiming to solidify its position in the competitive Philippine media landscape through compelling and relevant productions across television and film platforms.

Industry observers will be watching closely to see how these projects perform and contribute to GMA’s overall market share and critical reception in the coming year.