Pockets of Hope: Share your inspiring story and be featured on GMA Pinoy TV

Surviving the past two years has been tough for many of us as our lives have been curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Truth be told, this health crisis has been a ripple of alternating woe and compassion. Despite all of these challenges, Filipinos continue to see a ray of hope even in the smallest of things. Some found interest in baking, taking care of a new pet, renovating their homes or even starting their own small business.

That is why GMA Pinoy TV, through its newest interstitial “Pockets of Hope,” is encouraging everyone to share the things that helped them weather these trying times. 

GMA International First Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph Francia expressed how “Pockets of Hope”, as part of GMA Pinoy TV’s “#StrongerTogether campaign, can be an instrument to spread good vibes among Kapuso viewers all over the world, especially in a time where every individual’s mental health is put to a test.

“We all have experienced loss, grief, fear, and discouragement during this pandemic. In the face of so many challenges, we also coped in different ways that saw us through these difficult times. ‘Pockets of Hope’ is our way of honoring the things you did and continue to overcome. Please share your stories of hope with us. Let us be inspired by, and learn from, you.  Doing so would make us #StrongerTogether” said Francia.

By sending an email to pinoyinbox@gmanetwork.com with a short description accompanied by photos and videos, anyone can participate in this inspirational short-form content that will air on GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV starting this October.

“One of the more important purposes of content is to inspire. And if through our original interstitials like ‘Pockets of Hope,’ we can somehow stir hope, inspire a smile, and uplift the spirits of our viewers, we are more than glad to keep trying,” said GMA International SAVP and Programming Head Cheri Domingo.

Some Kapuso stars have also recently shared their “Pockets of Hope” stories. 

“To Have and To Hold” lead star Carla Abellana said that vlogging about her life at home helped her in easing anxieties. “Shinare ko ‘yung mga ginagawa ko po sa bahay—like nag-vlog po ako about baking. We vlogged about ‘yung nagpipintura po kami so in a way I was able to express myself and through that mas kung baga mentally and emotionally mas nailabas ko po ‘yung anxiety.” 

Carla’s co-star Rocco Nacino, on the other hand, said that being a certified ‘plantito’ and dog lover has been keeping him sane. “’Yung pag-aalaga ng mga dogs, mabuti na lang nandoon silakasi sila ‘yung nakakausap ko. It helped actually with the plants ‘yung simple responsibilities of watering them every other day and making sure na nagbu-bloom sila. It has a very positive effect sa mga tao kaya daming nagsasabi na maging plantitoplantita during this pandemic, malaking naitutulong.”

Aside from doing lock-in tapings for “To Have and To Hold,” first-time mom Max Collins shared that maintaining a physically active lifestyle can help balance out hormones to prevent stress and overthinking. 

“Ever since the pandemic started, I’ve been working out kahitnung buntis ako—I would do pre-natal pilates. I think a lot of people think when you say na ‘I wanna work out,’ magpapapayat ako. Hindi gano’n eh, it’s really for your mental health kasi when your body is functioning properly, then your mind can function properly and you’re more in control of your emotions lalo na kung depressed ka,” she explained.

Meanwhile, “Nagbabagang Luha” star Rayver Cruz took advantage of the pandemic to become a live streamer-gamer. He said “Nu’ng nag-start yung pandemic, nag-invest ako sa game room. ‘Yun ‘yung isang nagpapasaya sa akin kapag nandito lang ako sa bahay. Bakit ‘di na rin ako mag-stream ‘di ba? Nag-eenjoy ako kasi nakaka-interact ako with the viewers.”