MANILA, Philippines—Unlike in previous years, GMA 7 has decided to come out with a Christmas station ID that doesn’t top-bill its stable of stars.

“We wanted to present the season’s message in its purest form possible, without the distraction of familiar faces like celebrities,” explained Armie Herrera, associate creative director.

Instead of popular actors and singers, ordinary folk like farmers and security guards (as played by professional stage and indie film actors) were highlighted in the station ID.

Real-life storm victims were also cast in the two-and-a-half-minute advertisement.

“We had 21 cast members in major roles, but we also had extras in big scenes like the final church segment,” Herrera recalled. “The children in the ‘toy drive’ scene were real victims displaced by Storm ‘Ondoy.’”

Shot for 3 1/2 days with a Red HD camera, the video features the song “Sama-Sama Tayong Mag-Pasa Love,” as performed by La Diva’s Aicelle Santos, with lyrics by Candy de los Reyes and music by Cecille Borja.

A topnotch crew—led by director of photography (and GMA VP for Post-Production) Ding Achacoso, producer Ingrid Navarro, assistant director Vince Gealogo and production designer Rodell Cruz—was tapped for the project.

Biggest challenge for the network was presenting the video’s “non-traditional concept and execution.”

The video shows ordinary people performing random acts of kindness.

“Instead of the usual celebrities . . . [engaging] in generic merry-making and gift-giving ... we opted to deliver a message that’s relevant to the current situation of our country,” she said.

In light of the series of calamities that battered the country, the network thought of a station ID that spreads the message of hope and generosity.

The central message is “Pasa Love,” Herrera pointed out. “The best gifts that we can give each other are those that come from the heart. All of us are capable of giving and receiving love.”