Following Korea, Philippine media titan ABS-CBN is strategically aiming to become the next contender for distributing popular Asian entertainment, leveraging the global box office success of “Hello, Love, Again.
According to Kriz Gazmen, head of ABS-CBN Films, we aim to showcase and celebrate what makes Filipinos exceptional as a people on a global scale. We place great emphasis on our heartwarming love stories, which we are extremely proud of, and believe that they offer an effective means for us to captivate the international market.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m absolutely thrilled about the success story of “Hello, Love, Again”. This Filipino masterpiece has made history by earning over PHP1 billion ($17 million) globally, marking the first time a Filipino film has reached such a milestone. The movie has set a new standard with its international release, gracing more than 1,330 screens in about 40 countries worldwide. With its box office total currently at $24 million, I can’t wait to see where this rollout takes us next!
Carlo Katigbak, president and CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation, emphasizes the importance of staying authentic to our cultural identity. He notes that our success has often been tied to romantic comedies and family narratives, reflecting the strong familial bonds that are central to Filipino culture.”
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“Carlo Katigbak, the head of ABS-CBN Corporation, underlines the significance of staying faithful to what sets us apart as a culture. He highlights that our traditional strengths lie in romantic comedies and family tales, mirroring the profound familial ties that define Filipino culture.
Katigbak highlights the universal appeal of the themes in “Hello, Love, Again,” stating that they resonate with audiences worldwide. He explains, “The Filipino often have to leave their families behind to work for another family elsewhere.” This observation is supported by the fact that about 10% of the Philippine population works overseas.
In 2025, our company’s lineup features the Christmas premiered family comedy “And the Bread Winner Is…” and the Valentine’s Day romance “My Love Will Make You Disappear” starring Kim Chiu and Paolo Avelino. We also have in the works a family drama, horror film, and a movie for younger audiences.
Building on the success of “Hello, Love, Again,” ABS-CBN is broadening its international reach, with a focus on Europe, where the movie is now screening commercially for the first time. The company has already solidified its presence in key markets like North America, the Middle East, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
In the future, Katigbak anticipates that theatrical releases hold the most significant opportunity for expansion, explaining, “Unlike typical licensing agreements with fixed prices, if our movie succeeds at the box office, the potential profit is substantial.” He continues, “Though we still engage in syndication deals on the television front, our main aim as a company will be to gauge how successful our films can be worldwide.
Although primarily known for stories centered around romance and family, Katigbak emphasizes their willingness to explore various narrative styles: “From the beginning, it’s been about finding a powerful, unique story, rather than sticking to one specific genre. If someone brings us an authentic, original, and engaging tale, we are open to helping bring that story to life on set.
The company places great emphasis on creating stories that are deeply personal to the writers. As Katigbak explains, “The tales we ultimately choose to bring to life are ones that hold a deep connection for our authors.” In our observations, these are the narratives that have made a profound impact on our viewers.
During our pitching sessions, one question we consistently pose to the filmmakers is, “What makes this story significant to you, and why is it deeply personal?” Gazmen notes. It’s clear when filmmakers are genuinely invested in their topics because they stem from a personal perspective, and these are often the stories that strike a chord with us as well.
This newfound readiness for outside partnership signifies a change in ABS’s company mentality. Previously, as Katigbak points out, ABS aimed to handle everything internally. However, the current atmosphere is far more inclusive, receptive, and cooperative. Nowadays, both the film and television divisions are actively seeking stories from any source.
After undergoing a prolonged period of adjustment, the company has decided to switch its approach. In 2020, the Philippine government forced ABS-CBN to halt its TV and radio broadcasts in what was largely perceived as a politically motivated move. Subsequently, the Philippines Congress declined ABS-CBN’s bid for a new franchise. Lately, several members of the Congress have proposed bills aimed at granting a broadcast license to ABS-CBN.
2025’s television lineup features political action-thriller “Bagman” and series “Incognito”, along with a Philippine adaptation of the popular Korean rom-com “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay”. Musically, Filipino girl band Bini, known for two No. 1 hits in their home country, is preparing for an international tour spanning Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.
During the pandemic and while our license was not being renewed by the government, one crucial insight we gained was the need to re-learn many aspects,” Gazmen points out, underscoring the significance of building connections with new communities and markets via strategic collaborations.
Gazmen emphasizes that “Hello, Love, Again” has granted us a valuable chance to gain knowledge. This learning process necessitates collaborating with individuals who are experts in their fields. Communicating effectively with various groups, such as different echo chambers, communities, and markets, requires a collective effort. During this journey, we’ve discovered aspects that we hadn’t previously interacted with, and we hope to expand into new markets in future theatrical seasons, exploring where Filipino content can extend its reach even further.
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2025-01-14 13:17