Who would have thought that the launch of dzBB, GMA Network’s first AM radio station, in March 1950 would eventually transform that station into the multimedia giant it is today? So it’s only fitting for the company, affectionately known as the Kapuso Network by its loyal supporters, to celebrate its winning streak 72 years later.
In a glittering — okay, sparkly — evening of fun, excitement, and heartwarming nostalgia, the network hosted its first-ever GMA Thanksgiving Gala at Shangri-La The Fort on July 30, which was attended by its biggest stars and most influential figures in elegant outfits reminiscent of that Golden Age of Hollywood.
Gilbert Duavit Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer of GMA, Felipe Yalong, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, and Annette Gozon-Valdes, President of GMA Films, led the attendees, who addressed GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon , gave special recognition for decades of leadership of the company.
For guests and kibitzers lucky enough to be around, the glitzy gala was the perfect spot to watch stars, as glitzy and upside-down as the rest, saunter by and work the catwalk.
The Sparkle Stars of the Night at that night’s special awards ceremony were Alden Richards and Sanya Lopez, while Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera were named Couple of the Night. It also came as no surprise that Heart Evangelista won the Glamorous Star of the Night award.
For Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President of Alternative Productions, there’s something about enduring fame that goes beyond good looks.
“More than looks or talent, it’s character that determines an artist’s longevity in the industry,” Gigi told us in a Q&A. “Artists of great character make a great impression on everyone they meet. On the other hand, negative interactions leave a permanent mark that takes forever to erase.”
In a separate article (watch out for Inquirer Entertainment soon), we asked Gigi to join other executives responsible for GMA’s various divisions to talk about how they transform ordinary people into larger-than-life celebrities and take stock of the accomplishments , innovations and network milestones as they look ahead to the next 72 years.
To address the evening’s key themes of Thanksgiving and nostalgia, we asked the most stunning viewers at the Thanksgiving Gala what they consider to be their most memorable moments and career milestones at GMA. Below are their answers:
Alden Richards
ALDEN RICHARDS
When I became part of GMA, they supported all my efforts. Hindi po nila ako nili-limit and they always think I can do more. And that’s why “AlDub” and “Hello, Love, Goodbye” happened. So I’m very happy to be where I should be – at GMA.
Carla Abellana
CARLA ABELLANA
The Rosalinda series immediately comes to mind. It was my first series, my first starring role, and overall my first showbiz experience. It felt surreal and I was under a lot of pressure. But it challenged me and pushed me to my limits. I will never forget this show. Because of “Rosalinda” I also got my first TV award.
Other memorable moments would also be collaborating with directors like Maryo J. delos Reyes, director Joel Lamangan, Bb. Joyce Bernal, Cherie Gil, Lorna Tolentino, Gloria Rosemary, Gabby Concepcion etc.
The ultimate milestone in my career at GMA would definitely be playing “Lally” in “My Husband’s Lover”. It was an iconic role in such an amazing series that we received a lot of recognition for, not to mention an Emmy Award nomination.
Rhian Ramos
RHIAN RAMOS
Making LaLola was definitely a highlight for me. It was my very first title role and a test of my ability in both acting and comedy. It was around the time I turned 18 and GMA even handled my debut. I felt the station’s support, trust and belief in me. It was very meaningful to me.
Julie Anne San Jose (left) and Rayver Cruz
JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE
Some of my most memorable career milestones at GMA include my time with PopStar Kids, a diamond record, a string of domestic and international concerts, a New York billboard for Spotify, and winning a silver award at the New York Film Festival for the Boundless musical trilogy . I am grateful to GMA for giving me the opportunity to do what I love to do.
GABBI GARCIA
If we talk about milestones, that would be “Encantadia” because it’s a unique role and it really opened a lot of doors for me. But when it comes to my passion as an actor, Love You Stranger is perhaps the most difficult and complicated role I’ve had to prepare for, so it means a lot to us too.
Khalil RAMOS
I’ve only been with GMA for almost two years this coming October. And my biggest and most memorable milestone is making Love You Stranger…that’s it. But in my short time with them, ditto sa series na ito talaga ako pinaka-invested sa story when it comes to TV shows.
Direk Ben is a character I really connect with. It was the first time I’ve been locked away for so long – and I was blessed to be there with Gabbi. We shared so many memories throughout the two months. I also consider the reaction of the fans to be a milestone for me. They really do love the show as much as we love it. So I look forward to more milestones with GMA in the future.
Richard Jap
RICHARD YAP
I would rate my first GMA soap I Left My Heart In Sorsogon as the most memorable. First, I was able to work with Heart Evangelista, who I really admire and wanted to work with. Second, because the network complied with my request to work with her. We also got a primetime spot. So it was really an honor and a privilege to be able to do that.
Sanya Lopez
SANYA LOPEZ
When I was selected to play Danaya on Encantadia in 2016, it was a career milestone for me. It wasn’t something I expected – for me, OK, na sa akin kahit aong aong ang ibigay nila basta mapasama lang po in “Encantadia”. That’s why I was so happy when I was told I got the part. It opened doors and changed the course of my career for the better.
Bianca Umali
BIANCA LEAVES
I see every project I get as a milestone in my career – and each of them is definitely full of unforgettable moments. I’m very much in love with the path I’m walking and the roles I’ve impersonated – from Sahaya, Legal Wives, Halfworlds for HBO and another big project to come.
My passion for acting has blossomed and I love what I do. I’ll never forget how I started, how I was an “extra” when no one even knew who I was. I’ll never forget commuting from south to north just to line up for auditions…to endure long lines in front of the building.
I will always remember the feeling of getting my very first role where I had a name on the show. I am very grateful to my home network GMA for trusting, loving and supporting me. As I said before, I will always and forever be proud to be a Kapuso.
RAYVER CRUZ
I can’t say most memorable because each project brings with it many special moments that you share with your co-stars. One of my career milestones was being a part of The Clash and hosting it as Clash Master since Season 2 and now we are gearing up for Season 5.
At first I didn’t believe I could host, but they believed in me. Today, I enjoy hosting as much as I enjoy acting or performing. I am very grateful to GMA and Sparkle for all the opportunities and trust.
Jericho Gonzales
JERIC GONZALES
My most memorable moment or milestone with the network was the fact that I’m still here celebrating the anniversary with GMA. I’ve been here for 10 years so I think I’ve been through so much. Dito talaga ako nag-grow and learned a lot as an actor, as an artist. I’ve recently won international acting awards and it’s all because of GMA for their patience and support for me. I am very proud to be a Kapuso.
Gil Cuerva
GIL CUERVA
The biggest milestone so far would be my first series My Love from the Star simply because of the gravity of the role. Of course, it was based on a hit Korean series, which was big in itself, but then doing a remake of it was an even bigger deal.
To this day, many Kapuso fans recognize me more as Matteo than any of my other roles. It also gives me motivation because I hope to one day get another role like this and maybe get better known for that role than I’m known as Matteo.
In terms of breakthrough, like making certain or incremental progress, I’d say it’s Love You Stranger. I feel like the show gave me the most confidence to be an actor of any show I’ve done. I hope it’s something I can take to my next shows and that “Love You Stranger” is hopefully the start of something good for me.
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