By: Kane Errol C. Choa*
ABS-CBN, one of the country’s leading media and entertainment companies, is transforming into a global storytelling company with an unwavering commitment to create compelling content that captivate audiences not only locally but also resonate across international markets while championing the Filipino talent.
As the local entertainment industry embraces a new era marked by collaboration and partnerships, ABS-CBN stands at the forefront, working with different companies across the globe to deliver inspiring, meaningful, and relevant content on different platforms, spanning from traditional television to the fast-evolving online media.
This transformative journey from a leading broadcast network to a global storytelling company reflects ABS-CBN’s resilience in weathering significant challenges like the pandemic and the broadcast shutdown in recent years. It also underscores ABS-CBN’s enduring commitment to serving audiences on a global scale, with storytelling remaining at the very heart and soul of the company.
Looking ahead to 2024, ABS-CBN is set to offer a diverse lineup of shows, encompassing both originals and adaptations, tailored for different audiences worldwide.
Building on the success of “Cattleya Killer,” ABS-CBN International Productions, Dreamscape Entertainment, Nathan Studios, and Rein Entertainment are set to roll out “The Bagman” for global audiences. Starring award-winning actors Arjo Atayde, John Arcilla, and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, the limited series promises to captivate viewers globally.
Anne Curtis makes a much-anticipated teleserye comeback after a decade with the Philippine remake of hit K-drama, “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay,” where she shares the screen with Carlo Aquino and Joshua Garcia.
ABS-CBN is further enriching its content library with the adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” in collaboration with Viu, featuring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.
Additional offerings in the pipeline are “Pamilya Sagrado,” headlined by Piolo Pascual, Kyle Echarri, and Grae Fernandez, as well as the return of popular favorites and social media trending shows “The Voice Teens” and “Pinoy Big Brother.”
These are just among the new projects that are set to bring excitement and entertainment to audiences, following a successful year wherein various ABS-CBN content emerged as the most watched program on different platforms.
On TV, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” dominated the TV ratings charts. On movies, Star Cinema’s MMFF entry “Rewind,” starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes has grossed over P845 million worldwide and it is now that highest grossing Philippine film of all time. Earlier, “A Very Good Girl,” starring Kathryn Bernardo, achieved box-office success, including a Hollywood premiere and top rankings on Netflix in the Philippines. It also placed fifth in the most watched non-English films on Netflix on the week of December 25-31, 2023.
“Unbreak My Heart,” a collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA, clinched the top spot on Viu Philippines. “Senior High” emerged as the foremost choice among viewers on iWantTFC. “Can’t Buy Me Love” topped Netflix Philippines and continues to be in the top 10 Most Watched Series today, while “Linlang” showcased its dominance on Prime Video Philippines with the phenomenal thriller drama that featured Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman, and Kim Chiu capturing the hearts of viewers in many countries where Prime Video is available.
Internationally, ABS-CBN programs such as “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “Kadenang Ginto,” “Wildflower,” and “La Vida Lena” have become big hits in African countries. Adaptations of Kapamilya shows are also top-raters in different territories like “Angkara Cinta,” the Malaysian adaptation of “Tayong Dalawa” that was the most-watched show in 2020 on the Astro Prima Channel.
Strategic partnerships with top industry players in Asia have expanded ABS-CBN’s reach, with shows available on platforms like MX Player in India and Vidio in Indonesia. Five movies of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will also have adaptations in India as ABS-CBN Film Productions partnered with Global One Studios.
ABS-CBN’s digital pivot and international expansion have accelerated. The company found innovative ways to engage audiences during the pandemic, from digital concerts to visual podcasts and digi-movie series.
The digital world became ABS-CBN’s creative playground where its talented, creative, and passionate storytellers experimented with groundbreaking stories and explored various formats and different platforms.
Adapting to changing viewer habits, ABS-CBN offers teleserye versions of “Linlang” and “Dirty Linen” on TV and shorter series on digital platforms.
With 46.5 million subscribers on YouTube, ABS-CBN Entertainment ensures that Filipinos around the world stay connected to their homeland through Kapamilya Online Live’s simultaneous livestream across Asia, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Apart from being the most subscribed YouTube channel in southeast Asia, ABS-CBN is the most-watched entertainment account on Tiktok in southeast Asia in the first half of 2023.
As the new year unfolds, ABS-CBN remains driven by innovation and committed to serving its audiences by delivering the best stories on different platforms.
*Vice President of ABS-CBN Integrated Corporate Communication Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators Asia Pacific Region (IABC APAC)
