GMA Network is home to the best and most decorated TV shows not just in the local scene, but internationally as well.

With an endless string of award-winning and fan-favorite soaps, GMA-7 has solidified its presence among millions of households worldwide.

In retrospect, behind every great feat the Network has is a roster of talented and passionate individuals that have brought to life stories that were once just written on paper.

Kapuso Drama directors Mark Reyes, Don Michael Perez, Mark dela Cruz, Irene Villamor, LA Madridejos and Dominic Zapata are known for their inspired works on various series.

“I’ve been directing for more than 25 years,” shared Direk Mark, who directed the Network’s highly-successful fantasy series, Encantadia. “I am very thankful to GMA that they gave me the chance to direct different genres from all forms of dramas, to live shows around the world for GMA Pinoy TV and live Sunday afternoon musicals and films as well.”

Direk Irene feels privileged to be given the creative freedom to bring her visions to life, “I’ve been privileged to have been allowed to bring some aspects of how I do films into TV. There are technical and production principles that have been applied in my last shows. So with all this exploration, I hope to continue in the upcoming projects and push for quality in all aspects. I hope to ride on the trend that film and tv are no longer different in terms of production value and story.”

Moreover, Direk LA is also pushing for new techniques to adapt in the local and international industry.

Meanwhile, Direk Dominic continues to find enjoyment in the direction process, “With every new project I continue to be genuinely thrilled with the process of its creation, and every time I am still fascinated with how I can execute a script in a different, perhaps fresh new way. For me, there is a pureness in the joy of telling a story.”

Newly-signed director Jerry Sineneng, on the other hand, is looking forward to working on a new horizon, “I am most excited with the prospect that I will be working with a group of actors, creative team, staff, and crew, whom I have never worked before. I believe that life is a continuous learning process, and I am excited to interact with a different brand of talents.”

Similarly notable Kapuso Drama directors who have made significant contributions to the industry are Jorron Monroy, Zig Dulay, Monti Parungao, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, Laurice Guillen, Rico Gutierrez, Neal del Rosario and Rechie del Carmen.

Focusing on elevating local cinematography, Direk Jorron is pushing for worldwide recognition of Filipino content. “With the rise of on-demand streaming platforms, the taste of the Filipino audiences has been elevated. It paved way for us, artists, to be more experimental in giving new and artful executions on our TV programs. My primary aim is for original Filipino content to be able to compete in the world stage,” he said.

On the other hand, Direk Zig is keen on having more cultures and people represented on teleseryes, “Looking forward ako na sana magtuluy-tuloy pa rin sa pagkakaroon ng mga serye na kagaya ng Sahaya at Legal Wives, na hindi lang magbabahagi ng mga kuwento ng mga Indigenous People kundi ng mga taong nasa gilid-gilid at madalas walang representasyon o boses sa mainstream media.”

Direk Monti is looking to push storytelling beyond what is usually done.

Direk Ricky agrees that Kapuso shows are also made for the appreciation of both local and international audiences.

Direk Gina looks to adapt and create new practices in her upcoming projects.

For Direk Laurice, GMA is home and shared one of her proudest Kapuso stints, which is the top-rated daytime drama series, Ika-6 Na Utos.

Direk Rico may have done it all, but he continues to find joy in his work.

Direk Neal admits that their craft is a continuous learning process.

On the other hand, Direk Rechie shared the project that she is most proud of. “I am a Kapuso director for five years now. My proudest Kapuso moment is being involved with First Yaya which was a phenomenal primetime rater and is now moving to create its book two, First Lady.”

Apart from directors, a show will not be as successful as it is if not for its backbone – a creative team – whose main goal is to create and elevate a story into a visual masterpiece that will give the audience the best viewing experience.

GMA Drama creative director Aloy Adlawan and creative consultants Richard ‘Dode’ Cruz, RJ Nuevas, Suzette Doctolero, Des Garbes-Severino, Kit Villanueva-Zapata, Denoy Navarro-Punio, Jojo Nones, and Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan shared some of their favorite Kapuso shows to have worked on.

For Direk Aloy, Sinenovela’s Magdusa Ka, his first teleserye in GMA as headwriter, was unforgettable.

For Suzette, it was difficult to choose just one. “I have so many. Encantadia because I felt like a child again when we were writing that show. Amaya because I’ve learned a lot kasi ang dami kong books na binasa for that. My Husband’s Lover because it was so beautiful. It talks about love, it’s liberating.”

Des’s choice is I Can See You, for Kit, it’s Grazilda.

On the other hand, Denoy’s choice is To Have and To Hold, for Jojo, the top-rating romcom First Yaya.

Agnes narrowed it down to two choices – Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko and Love of my Life.