EXCLUSIVE: Philippines production powerhouses GMA Network and CreaZion Studios are working with regional streamer Viu on Beauty Empire, an upcoming drama series starring Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, Ruffa Gutierrez and Gloria Diaz.
Directed by Mark Sicadsat and created by filmmaker Real Florido and screenwriter Rona Co, the series lifts the lid on the Philippines’ highly competitive beauty industry. The cast includes two generations of former Philippine beauty queens – Gutierrez was Miss World Second Princess in 1993, while Diaz was crowned Miss Universe in 1969.
The series is scheduled to premiere on both GMA Network and Viu on June 25.
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Complementing the female cast is a strong male ensemble cast led by Sam Concepcion and Sid Lucero, while also introducing Korean actor and K-pop star Choi Bo Min.
The story follows rags-to-riches CEO Noreen Alfonso (Barbie Forteza) who is out to take revenge on the people who have wronged her. She stake her claim as a new beauty industry player, tearing down the empire that her enemies have built.
Alfonso goes head-to-head against a crass but famous on social media CEO Shari de Jesus (Kyline Alcantara), who is being mentored by a powerful industry veteran Velma Imperial (Ruffa Gutierrez). But as she tears her opponent down on social media and they destroy each other’s personal lives, it becomes evident that an invisible player is responsible for the bloodshed happening amidst the ongoing beauty wars.
The series was unveiled at a contract signing ceremony attended by Viu Philippines’ Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia and Creative Content Officer Garlic Garcia; GMA Network President and CEO Of GMA Films, Annette Gozon-Valdes; and CreaZion Studios CEO Anter “RJ” San Agustin and Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Real Florido.
“Part of our mission is to promote the Filipino talents on the global stage and Beauty Empire is not just a beautiful project for us, but it’s actually a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people who come together for a common goal,” said Agustin. “We will work hard to make sure that this is only the beginning of more remarkable collaborations between CreaZion Studios, GMA7 and Viu.”
Viu has produced several popular series in the Philippines with GMA Network, including Unbreak My Heart, as well as acquiring GMA shows for regional streaming.
CreaZion’s credit include upcoming real-life crime series Severino: The First Serial Killer, starring Dolly De Leon and Dennis Trillo, as well as feature film Everything About My Wife, a remake of Argentinian hit Un Novio Para Mi Mujer, which was recently released in the Philippines and the Middle East.
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