GMA Network has surprised viewers with a new voice-over announcer featured in its first promotional video for 2025, signaling a transition to Weng Dela Peña, a former broadcaster at Super Radyo DZBB.
Dela Peña’s voice debut comes amid speculation that the network’s long-time announcer, Al Torres, has retired after more than 30 years of service. Torres, who had been the voice behind GMA Network’s iconic announcements, reportedly relocated to Canada in 2010 but continued working remotely with the Kapuso network for an additional 14 years.
The change has sparked varied reactions online. While some viewers expressed nostalgia and a preference for Torres’s familiar voice, others welcomed the new era with Dela Peña.
Bakit iba na un voice over ng GMA
— blank- (@ibryantorres) December 29, 2024
Abt the GMA 2025 Plug:
1. Im not liking the VO. Sorry. Wlang warmth. Wlang soul.
2. Haba ng exposure ng foreign films at dramas. Honestly GMA, we’re not interested.
3. Super ikli ng teasers ng produced shows. No special shoot for the plug unlike before. Actual scenes na sya. pic.twitter.com/GxIEoHquBF
— Alt Kamuning
(@AltKamuning) January 1, 2025
Wala na ba yung OG resident voice over ng GMA? Anyare sa kanya? Oto yung lacking sa GMA, yung icon voice over.
Foreign films are for program fillers and for weekends lang naman. Unlike yung GMA original shows will run for months. Asianovela are good for 1 season or weeks only.
— Love, Jerome Palma
(@OneProudKapuso7) January 1, 2025
This is sad.
Al Torres was the voice behind GMA’s plugs and vtr’s, katumbas ni Sir Peter Musngi sa ABS-CBN. https://t.co/I0lV93fqEV— Carlo (@karlangel_rocks) January 1, 2025
Napansin ko nga iba ang voice over ng gma.
Ndi sa pag-aano mas gusto ko yung dati.
Medyo nakakaantok yung bago. https://t.co/cEjoUfJ1nm
— XIE XIE DAYANG DAYANG ARIKINGKING⁷ (@olachua1) January 2, 2025
Dela Peña has steadily taken on more responsibilities within GMA Network. He began voicing announcements in late 2024, including the network’s 75th-anniversary plug and teasers for its 2025 Afternoon Prime and Primetime lineup.
As the new voice of GMA Network, Dela Peña is also expected to lend his talents to the station’s various promotional campaigns and programming, much like Torres did for decades.
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Neither GMA Network nor Dela Peña has issued an official statement about the transition. However, Torres’s contributions to the network remain unparalleled, marking him as an integral part of GMA Network’s legacy.
The move to Dela Peña signals a new era for the Kapuso Network as it looks to maintain its signature branding while embracing fresh talent. Fans will be watching closely as this transition unfolds.
