On June 8, Creator Manager International Operations and Strategy/Development Executive Ryan Benitez highlighted the Philippines as one of Wattpad’s biggest and most important markets.
At the media conference for ‘LUV IS: Love at First Read, which LionhearTV covered, Benitez discussed how much they value their partnership with GMA Network.
“The Philippines is one of our biggest and most important markets. And we truly value our partnership with GMA. It’s always an enjoyable experience collaborating with them. We had the same wonderful experience with our second show in GMA.”
He then hinted at plans for Wattpad and GMA Network to bring more stories to life.
“Though I cannot discuss the details right now–we are looking forward to bringing more Wattpad hits–Wattpad novel hits to life in the future. So that’s always our goal to /bring more stories–and to give our amazing writers a larger platform–which is like GMA.”
As for GMA Network, Kapuso Program Manager Dennis Joi K. Bentulan noted that they chose Love at First Read and other LUV IS titles based on the books’ popularity on Wattpad.
“‘Yung adaptation natin ng LUV IS, pinipili natin siya kasi doon sa popularity noong book. ‘Yung una natin is Caught in His Arms, it is very popular din. This one also, LUV IS: Love At First Read, very popular. Marami pa pong very popular books ang Wattpad, and hopefully, in the future, makuha rin po natin sila, ma-adapt po natin in Philippine television.”
As for the author herself, Chixnita thanked GMA Network and Wattpad for the opportunity to have her story brought to life.
“Gusto ko lang pong pasalamatan, una sa lahat, ang Wattpad, and of course, ang GMA sa pag bigay po ng opportunity na ‘to sa akin. So thank you so much po.
“So noong pinanood ko po ‘yung trailer para po akong naiiyak, kasi ‘yung ine-expect ko po, mas humigit pa po doon, so excited po na mapanood na at alam ko po na magugustuhan rin po ‘to ng mga viewers.”
As for LUV IS: Love at First Read, the upcoming Kapuso romantic comedy series stars Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara.
The cast also features a mix of new GMA artists and seasoned actors, such as Josh Ford, Pam Prinster, Bruce Roeland, Larkin Castor, Therese Malvar, Mariel Pamintuan, Gabby Gueco, Kiel Gueco, Marco Masa, Maricar De Mesa, Jackie Lou Blanco, and Jestoni Alarcon.
Under the direction of Mark Dela Cruz, the Kapuso adaptation of Chixnita’s Wattpad novel premieres on June 12 via GMA Network.
