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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
For the second consecutive year, the Philippines' largest and leading broadcast company GMA Network gathered the network’s brightest stars, executives, media partners, and collaborators via the highly successful and highly-anticipated “GMA Gala 2023" which was held at The Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City last July 22, 2023. Fittingly dubbed as the biggest event of the year for the Philippine entertainment industry and in celebration of the Kapuso Network’s 73rd anniversary, the "GMA Gala 2023" was attended by over 500 artists and distinguished guests flaunting their stylish gowns and suits on the luxurious red carpet.
Leading the star-studded celebration was no less than GMA Network’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. "For the first time after the pandemic, I finally get to see all of you once again on such a lovely occasion. Tonight is a rare spectacle - a dazzling event of the brightest stars under one roof with leaders of both government and private sector, our peers in the industry, and our valued partners coming together in camaraderie and fellowship. We are grateful for your presence tonight," said Atty. Gozon. “May this gala be remembered as the night we all came together as one industry. Let the milestones we celebrate tonight remind us of our blessings from the Lord and our reason for being here – to enrich the lives of Filipinos with superior entertainment and responsible, unbiased, accurate news and information,” he added.
The “GMA Gala 2023” was also able to raise Php1 million for the benefit of the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF). Receiving the donation on behalf of the foundation was GMAKF Executive Vice President and Chief Operatingd Officer (COO) Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog. Providing exceptional performances during the event were Sparkle artists Thea Astley, Rita Daniela, and Timmy Albert; Sparkle Teens Selina Griffin, Princess Aliyah, and Gaea Mischa; from The Clash, Liana Castillo and John Rex Baculfo; together with Asia's Limitless Star, Ms. Julie Anne San Jose. The guests were also treated to a surprise number from GMA Network's Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and GMA Films President and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes together with board members Ms. Judith R. Duavit- Vazquez and Ms. Laura J. Westfall singing and dancing along to the ultimate 80s party music.
Meanwhile, winning the night’s special awards were some of the Network’s brightest stars. Kapuso Primetime King and Queen, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, were named Couple of the Night while "The Cheating Game" lead stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz were recognized as the Sparkle Love Team of the Night. "Black Rider" star Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali, in turn, took home the Male and Female “Young Star of the Night", respectively. Asia’s Multimedia Star and Battle Of The Judges Philippines host Alden Richards was recognized as Male Sparkle Star of the Night while Kapuso style and fashion icon Heart Evangelista was named as Female Sparkle Star of the Night. Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco and Magandang Dilag lead star Herlene Nicole Budol were honored with the TikTok Crowd Favorite of the Night award (Male and Female).
The recipient of the Avignon Radiant Beauty of The Night was Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza while the LazBeauty Look of the Night was awarded to Sparkle star Gabbi Garcia. Meanwhile, Abot Kamay na Pangarap star Jillian Ward received two awards, the Premier Star of the Night award and The Sparkling Smile of the Night award. Kapamilya artist Anne Curtis bagged the FRONTROW Luxxe Royalty award while Kyline Alcantara took home the Luxxe White Face of the Night award. Andrea Torres won the Discover Your Travel Sparkle with Philippine Airlines (PAL) Photo showing off her exceptional shoot in the PAL booth. Finally, newly engaged couple Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque were also chosen as Sparkling Couple of the Night. Wrapping up the event with a momentous toast was Sparkle GMA Artist Center Vice President Joy C. Marcelo.
It was indeed one memorable evening to both witness and experience. “GMA Gala 2023” was a perfect moment for the artists, executives, media partners, and collaborators to gather together for one special, dazzling night. Of course, it was also one of the most talked about events and among the top trending topics on social media, garnering more than 400 million online video views on the social media platforms of GMA Network and Sparkle GMA Artist Center. Indeed, the "GMA Gala 2023" is 'one for the books' where glitz, glamour and unity shine the brightest towards the future of local showbiz and beyond.
