Filipinos in Dubai and Birmingham wholeheartedly welcomed The Better Woman lead actor Derek Ramsay during his first GMA Pinoy TV trip.
Last July 5, the Kapuso hunk attended the press conference of Mutya Pilipinas UAE at the Waterfront Market in Dubai where he was greeted by the 12 candidates, the local press and influencers, and the Arab Fashion Council. Derek, who was initially part of the judges’ panel for the coronation night, willingly accommodated questions from the Dubai-based press and gave encouraging words to help boost the candidates’ confidence for the competition. The event organizer, MDM Media Production, decided to move the pageant to July 19 instead at Pier Juan, Chelsea Plaza Hotel in respect to the mourning period for the Sharjah Ruler’s son.
One of the representatives of Mavshack shared how it was a pleasure to be part of the Mutya Pilipinas UAE event as well as to meet a person as graceful and nice as Derek who really took time to interact with each and every one of his fans. “We are proud that wherever GMA events and stars go, people will already be able to watch GMA programs on the device of their choice using our Mavshack platform either on the web or on any of our Android/iOS apps,” said Mavshack AB Head of Business Development Anand Jhingan.
“As the organizer of this prestigious event, I am totally grateful for the full support of GMA Network and for sending Derek Ramsey to the presscon that gave smiles and excitement to Filipinos in UAE and he inspired the candidates by his wise words,” MDM Media Production President Michael Deo Macaraig.
After the press conference, Derek bonded with the members of Kabayan DXB, a group that helps each other upgrade their skills. They even made handmade gifts for him such as floral lei, welcome cakes and pastries, decors, and much more. GMA Pinoy TV and its partner carrier Mavshack also surprised them with free GMA On Demand trial codes.
Kabayan DXB President Karen Bautista also expressed, “Kami sa Kabayan Dubai Training Centre, UAE ay buong pusong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong ibinigay ni Derek Ramsay na masaksihan niya ang isa sa pamamaraan ng pagbabayanihan ng mga Pilipino dito sa Middle East.”
Derek also visited renowned Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco and had the chance to meet Cinco’s Filipino staff. One of his employees, Marge, was teary-eyed when she saw Derek and shared how much of an avid fan she is of the Filipino-British actor. She even excitedly shared that she watches his current show with Andrea Torres, The Better Woman, via GMA Pinoy TV. The video of their touching encounter was uploaded in Facebook and it already reached over a million views.
UK Visit
After a jam-packed day of visiting Pinoys around Dubai, Derek travelled to the United Kingdom to grace the Birmingham Sandwell West Midlands Filipino Festival held at Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Smethwick last July 7. The overseas Filipinos had a wonderful time singing along with Derek. He also led a trivia game and a dance showdown wherein the winners received premium items from GMA Pinoy TV while a new Mavshack subscriber even won a mobile phone. After the program, which was organized by the Birmingham Filipino British Community Volunteer (BFBCV), Derek also had a special meet and greet with the subscribers of Mavshack. GMA Pinoy TV also surprised the Kapuso abroad with free Mavshack GMA On Demand trial codes.
“It was a very heart-warming experience to see so many Filipino families turn up together for the Birmingham Sandwell West Midlands Filipino Festival even with the weather trying hard to play spoilsport on the first day. I really enjoyed meeting Derek and all the Filipinos who showed up at our booth, asking about how they could now use Mavshack to watch all GMA programming live as well as on VOD,” Mavshack AB Co-founder and Senior Advisor Johan Eriksson gladly shared.
BFBCV Chairman Rosendo Malonzo was likewise grateful to GMA Pinoy TV for their event’s success. “Dalawang araw na puno ng saya at pasasalamat para sa kaligayahan ng ating mga Kapuso abroad sa Birmingham, UK. Maraming salamat GMA Pinoy TV sa walang humpay na suporta sa pinakamalaking Filipino Festival sa Birmingham. Maraming salamat po, mga Kapuso!”
Before heading home, Derek paid a courtesy visit at the Philippine Embassy in London to meet Philippine Ambassador to the UK Antonio Lagdameo and Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Senen Mangalile.
Derek also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the Filipinos in Dubai and Birmingham. “Thank you to all our Kapuso abroad in Dubai and Birmingham for making my stay memorable! Nakakawala talaga ng pagod. You guys are so lovely! Even though I was only there for a short while, I really had a great time with you. You guys showed me so much love and that love is truly appreciated. I hope I can come back and see you all again. I really enjoyed my trip,” he shared.
To subscribe to Mavshack’s GMA Pinoy Pack, Kapuso abroad only need to download the mobile app on the App Store and Google Play or visit www.mavshack.com and sign up.
For more updates on Kapuso events abroad, follow GMA Pinoy TV on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (@gmapinoytv), subscribe to their YouTube channel, and visit the GMA Pinoy TV official website at www.gmapinoytv.com.
