Meet the Students of MAKA: A New Generation of Dreamers and Performers


This September, GMA brings a fresh and relatable series that dives deep into the lives of students at Douglas MacArthur High School for the Arts, or MAKA. Set against a backdrop of performances, friendships, rivalries, and self-discovery, this exciting new show introduces a colorful group of students, each with their unique struggles and passions.

Zephanie "Zeph" Plina: The Talented but Shy Star

Zephanie, or simply Zeph, is the shining star of her class—at least when it comes to her vocal prowess. As the top singer in her section, everyone believes she's destined for greatness, but there's a catch. Despite her extraordinary talent, Zeph battles crippling stage fright. Will she find the courage to overcome her fears and truly shine?

Dylan dela Paz: The "Crush ng Bayan" with a Tough Exterior

At first glance, Dylan dela Paz (played by Dylan Menor) is the school heartthrob, better known as the "crush ng bayan." However, beneath the surface, Dylan has earned a reputation as a notorious troublemaker and bully. He skips classes and instigates fights. But when he joins MAKA's Arts & Performance (ASP), things begin to change. Could the arts be his way out of trouble, and perhaps, a way to redeem himself?

 Ash Salonga: The TikTok Star Who Seeks Real Friendships

Eighth-grader Ash Salonga (Ashley Sarmiento) is known for her viral TikTok dance videos and vibrant online presence. She’s the life of the digital party, but behind her outgoing persona, Ash longs for something real—genuine friendships that go beyond social media likes and shares. Will she find those connections at MAKA?

Marco Reyes: The Choir Boy Turned Theater Enthusiast

Marco Reyes, played by Marco Masa, is a church choir member who discovers a new passion for theater after developing a crush on one of his classmates. But is his newfound interest in the arts strong enough to sustain him, or will he get distracted by love?

JC Serrano: A Life Surrounded by Art—and Death

JC Serrano (John Clifford) has been around art his entire life, but not in the way most people imagine. Growing up in a family-owned funeral home in Cebu, JC’s exposure to the visual arts comes through his experience with loss and memorials. Will his background give him a unique edge at MAKA, or will he struggle to prove his worth as a visual artist?

Livvy Ilagan: The Dramatic Cebuana Playwright

With a dramatic flair for both writing and life, Livvy Ilagan (Olive May) is a passionate playwright and songwriter who is determined to leave her mark at MAKA. A Cebuana like JC, will Livvy and JC connect through their shared heritage, or will their artistic visions clash?

Chanty Villanueva: The Pride of the Upper Class

Ninth-grader Chanty Villanueva (Chanty) is an outstanding singer and the pride of her class. Confident and talented, Chanty represents the upper class of MAKA students and has a rivalry brewing with Grade 8’s Zeph. The two are poised for a showdown, but who will emerge as the true vocal queen?

Sean Dimaculangan: The Athlete-Turned-Artist

Sean Dimaculangan (Sean Lucas) comes from a family of athletes, all of whom disapprove of his love for the arts. But Sean is determined to prove that passion is what truly defines a person. Can he break free from his family’s expectations and follow his dreams at MAKA?

May Ann Cortez: The Fighter from Capiz

Not everyone at MAKA excels in academics or the arts. May Ann Cortez (May Ann Basa) is an eighth-grader who may not have the talents of her classmates, but she’s got grit and determination. A proud girl from Capiz, May Ann is ready to do whatever it takes to survive in a world where she often feels out of place.

MAKA: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Friendship

As these students navigate the highs and lows of adolescence, MAKA shines a spotlight on what it means to be a part of Gen Z. Their struggles, dreams, and friendships are all brought to life in this unique and heartwarming series.

Catch the premiere of MAKA this September 21 at 4:45 PM on GMA and Kapuso Stream. For global viewers, MAKA will be available on GMA Pinoy TV. Don’t miss out on the behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates from GMA Network and GMA Public Affairs on social media.

Stay tuned as we follow the lives of these young dreamers at Douglas MacArthur High School for the Arts. Their journey is just beginning, and you won’t want to miss a moment of it!

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