August 2019 Kapuso Magazine

GMA Network Receives Youtube Diamond Creator Award

• ‘GMA Regional TV Weekend News’ Airs on GNTV

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GMA Network Inks Partnership with South Korean Embassy to the Philippines

ON THE COVER:

(L-R) Megan Young, Rayver Cruz, Kris Bernal, and Kim Domingo

August 2019

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MA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon (left) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong Man (right) to promote the Korean culture in the Philippines. This is also in line with the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic

ties between the Republic of the Philippines and South Korea.

Also present to witness the signing were GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia and GMA First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan.

GMA Network Rules Urban Luzon, Mega Manila Ratings in July

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rban Luzon and Mega Manila remained GMA Network’s bailiwick in July, according to the latest data from ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the month of July (with July 21 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA recorded an average of 34 percent total day people audience share, beating ABS-CBN’s 31.4 percent, in Urban Luzon. The viewer-rich area accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.

The Kapuso Network continued to dominate in the afternoon block with 36.3 percent audience share, versus rival network’s 33.3 percent.

In Urban Luzon’s list of top-rating programs for the month, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) was still undisputed in the number one spot. The awardwinning magazine show also led the list of most watched programs in National Urban Philippines.

GMA Network likewise reigned supreme in Mega Manila (with official data from July 1 to 20) with 35.4 percent average total day people audience share outscoring ABS-CBN’s 28.9 percent. The said area accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

In Mega Manila’s list of top-rating programs, 20 out of the top 30 shows were from GMA.

In the evening block, GMA similarly won with 35 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 31.7 percent.

GMA Kapuso Magazine (Electronic) is a monthly publication of GMA Network, Inc. published by the Corporate Affairs and Communications Department, 16th Floor, GMA Network Center, EDSA cor. Timog, Ave., Diliman, Q.C. Trunkline No. (632) 982-7777.

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GMA Network Inks Partnership with South Korean Embassy to the Philippines GMA Network Rules Urban Luzon, Mega Manila Ratings in July Various Kapuso Artists Renew Contracts GMA Artist Center Welcomes New Talent Anjo Damiles Kapuso Artists Ink Deals with GMA Music Mariz Umali is Officially Part of the Unang Hirit Barkada!

2nd Animo Media Choice Awards 3rd Eddys Awards GMA Receives Diamond Creator Award Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko ‘GMA Regional TV Weekend News’ Airs on GNTV Michael V. Leads Regional TV Masterclass Series The Sweetheart and the Balladeer: Fun Night Only New Barangay LS 97.1 Theme Song Echoes All Forms of Forever Anthony Bova Introduces New Series of Extensive Workshops

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GMA Breaks into Georgia with “Impostora” and Three Other Dramas GMA’s Romance Drama “My Destiny” Premieres in Kazakhstan Dingdong Dantes Leads ‘Project #BeScene’ to Spread Awareness on Safety Among Local Stuntmen

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Tom Rodriguez Headlines Series of Pinoy Celebrations ‘Pagdiriwang: Sinagtala 2019’

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GMAKF Renews Partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines GMA Kapuso Foundation, CDO Odyssey Foundation Ink Partnership

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GMA Networks Names 2019 GMA Network Excellence Award

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Various Kapuso Artists Renew Contracts

MIGUEL TANFELIX

Jennylyn Mercado GABBY EIGENMANN

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ltimate Star Jennylyn Mercado continues to be a loyal Kapuso as she renewed her exclusive contract with GMA Network last July 26.

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ward-winning and seasoned actor Gabby Eigenmann remains a loyal Kapuso as he renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network last July 16.

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ought-after Kapuso actor Miguel Tanfelix remains a loyal Kapuso as he renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network last July 23.

“Iba magmahal ‘yung GMA. Parang pamilya, nararamdaman ko ‘yung pagmamahal nila at suporta nila. Sa loob ng 16 years na ‘yun, ang dami kong ups and downs, pero talagang nandiyan sila at hindi nila ako pinabayaaan.

Pakiramdam ko hindi ko masusuklian ‘yung pagmamahal at suporta nila sa akin,” Jennylyn shared.

Gabby, who has portrayed a myriad of challenging and unconventional roles in the network for over 22 years, shared that he is happy with how his home network helped him with his career. “For the longest time, I’ve called GMA Network my home. I started acting in 1996 and I’ve always felt at home here at GMA for 22 long years. It never crossed my mind na napabayaan ako ng GMA Network. They’ve always made me feel na importante ako and I’m needed. Vice versa naman ‘yon e. Nakakataba ng puso na sobrang laki ng tiwala nila and I wouldn’t want to break that. I’ll be here for more and more years,” he said.

Miguel shared that he is committed to reciprocate the immense trust that GMA has always given him through the years, “Papunta dito kinakabahan ako kasi alam ko ang responsibilities na bubuhatin ko po, and handa naman akong harapin lahat ‘yun. Of course, I’m very happy and very blessed na nandito pa rin ako for more years sa GMA. Makakaasa po sila na more than a hundred percent effort and puso ang ibibigay ko sa lahat ng blessings na ibibigay nila sa akin.”

NEW ARTIST

GMA Artist Center Welcomes New Talent Anjo Damiles

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ctor and commercial model Anjo Damiles starts a new chapter in his career as a Kapuso after he signed a management contract under GMA Artist Center last July 15.

Anjo couldn’t contain his happiness as he officially becomes part of the Network.

He added that he is looking forward to doing romantic comedies and action

projects with many Kapuso actresses, such as Global Endorser Gabbi Garcia and Kapuso leading lady Klea Pineda.

He shared, “Salamat sa GMA sa pagbibigay sa ‘kin ng chance para maipakita sa mga fans at sa mga Kapuso ang aking talent dahil mahal ko ‘yung craft ko at marami pa akong gustong mapasayang tao through it.”

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Kapuso Artists Ink Deals with GMA Music Princess Velasco

Betong Sumaya

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he GMA Artist Center star and Bubble Gang mainstay is set to record and launch his new single with the label. He promised his supporters that his songs will show a new side of him.

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ubbed as the OPM Acoustic Princess, she is delighted to be back to one of her passions – recording music.

Renz Verano

Ruru Madrid

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apuso heartthrob and sought-after leading man Ruru Madrid looks forward to a bright music career as he inked a recording contract with GMA Music last July 10.

Mariz Umali is Officially Part of the Unang Hirit Barkada

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he veteran singer revealed that his signature husky voice will again be heard in “Huwag Kang Mag-alala,” mixed with “millennial-feel.”

Princess Velasco 2nd Animo Media Choice Awards

ulti-talented Kapuso broadcast journalist Mariz Umali has officially joined the country’s longest running morning show Unang Hirit (UH).

The newest UH barkada shares her excitement in joining the awardwinning Kapuso morning show. “Noong una, hindi ako makapaniwala. Hindi ko rin talaga naisip na mapupunta ako dito kasi ‘yung mundo ko puro balita lang - kaya hindi ko na-imagine na makukuha ako rito. Pero noong sinabi sa akin ng mga boss na magiging part na ako ng Unang Hirit barkada, I am very grateful kasi siyempre ang hosts and anchors ng UH ay matagal ko nang mga kaibigan - and this time makakasama ko na sila sa isang programa kaya ang saya lang talaga,” Mariz said.

nimo Media Choice Awards honors the best media programs, networks, and personalities

Mike Enriquez

Jessica Soho

Best TV Male News Anchor Best AM Male News Anchor

3rd Eddys Awards

Dingdong Dantes Best Actor

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Max Collins

Zig Dulay

Best Supporting Best Screenplay for Sahaya Actress

Best TV Female News Anchor

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he EDDYS is an award-giving body that encourages local filmmakers, producers, writers, and actors to pursue their passion of creating films reflecting the realities of our society.

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A chilling love story from beyond the grave What will you do if you are relentlessly haunted by your past?

GMA Network is all set to bring intrigue and mystery to the Afternoon Prime block with its eerily captivating new series, Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko. Headlined by the Kapuso Network’s brightest stars—Megan Young, Rayver Cruz, Kim Domingo, and Kris Bernal—the thrilling suspense-drama showcases a haunting love story like no other.

Yvie (Megan) and Matteo (Rayver) are childhood sweethearts who fell in love and married each other. Together with their adopted son, they happily moved into their new family home, along with Yvie’s best friend and cousin, Katya (Kim).

But their bliss is quickly replaced by fear. Naomi (Kris), Matteo’s ex-girlfriend, will stop at nothing to disrupt their perfect lives—dead or alive.

Also starring in this unique series are talented Kapuso actors and actresses: Ms. Boots Anson Roa as Adora, Matteo’s mother who never liked Yvie; Sharmaine Arnaiz as Tina, Yvie’s mother who had a history of schizophrenia; Francine Prieto as Mercy, Tina’s sister and the mother of Katya; Beverly Salviejo as Yaya Vane, Matteo’s long-time yaya who also becomes his son’s caretaker; Denise Barbacena as Brooke, Naomi’s friend who reads tarot cards; Analyn Barro as Tyra, Naomi’s sister; Joaquin Manansala as Paul,

Matteo’s business partner and best friend; and Euwenn Mikael Aleta as Santino, Yvie and Matteo’s adopted son who has speech development problems.

The show’s creative team is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Des Severino; Headwriter Denoy Punio; Writers Joy Borgy Danao, John Kenneth De Leon, and Brylle Tabora; and Brainstormer Roda Sulit Marino.

This original series is produced by the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Anthony R. Pastorpide, and Executive Producer Jojo Aleta.

The series is under the helm of Director Jorron Lee Monroy.

Three women entangled in a web of vengeful passion...all in pursuit of their one and only love. Witness the chilling tale of ‘Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko’ every Mondays to Saturdays, after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

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Bringing local news that matters to mo

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he regional arm of GMA Network— GMA Regional TV—marks another milestone in broadcast history as it makes its local newscasts available to more viewers nationwide through “GMA Regional TV Weekend News” airing on leading news channel GMA News TV every Saturday at 5 pm.

From Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, expect GMA Regional TV Weekend News to deliver topnotch news stories and inspiring features by no less than the roster of news personalities from award-winning and top-rating local newscasts Balitang Amianan, Balitang Bisdak, One Western Visayas, and One Mindanao. Every week, they will take

turns in bringing the latest news from all over the Philippines straight from their home studio.

of pioneering Hiligaynon newscast One Western Visayas take the lead next to bring weekend updates to Kapuso viewers nationwide.

Cecille Quibod-Castro, Alan Domingo, and Lou Anne Mae Rondina of RTV flagship local newscast in Central and Eastern Visayas Balitang Bisdak take the helm as news anchors of GMA Regional TV Weekend News.

Tek Ocampo, Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and Real Sorroche of One Mindanao complete the formidable pool of anchors of GMA Regional TV Weekend News.

CJ Torida, Jasmin Gabriel-Galban, and Joanne Ponsoy of leading North Central Luzon newscast Balitang Amianan follow thru the next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, Adrian Prietos, and Kaitlene Rivilla

Michael V. Leads Regional TV Masterclass Series

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amily History lead actor, writer, director, and comedian, Michael V. bannered the leg of GMA Regional TV’s ‘Masterclass Series’ in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Students from various universities and schools were invited to join as he shares with them his insights and expertise on TV making and filmmaking.

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Joining them are the various local news teams and news stringers in the regions, including GMA RTV’s news team based in Bicol which caters to Southern Luzon viewers.

“GMA Regional TV Weekend News” becomes the only English newscast of the Kapuso Network to date. It will feature comprehensive and in-depth delivery of

Content creator and award-winning comedian and actor, Michael V. receives a Plaque of Gratitude from GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head, Oliver Victor Amoroso along with GMA Cagayan de Oro Station Manager, Armi Sobremisana and One Mindanao Co-Anchor, Sarah Hilomen-Velasco at the Regional TV Masterclass Series in Cagayan de Oro City.

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The Sweetheart and the Balladeer: Fun Night Only

Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista Brought the Party to Cagayan de Oro

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fter conquering Iloilo last January, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose and Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista were back to pick up the party and showcased stellar performances courtesy of the Kapuso Concert series last July 6 at The Atrium, Limketkai Center, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

re Filipinos news and information in the regions that only GMA Network—widely regarded as the most respected and internationally-awarded Philippine broadcast network—can deliver.

“Staying true to our battle cry: “local news matters”, GMA Regional TV makes it possible for more viewers to know what is happening around the regions via GMA Regional TV Weekend News,” says GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso.

“This latest endeavor is another proof that in this modern age of news and information, viewers want to know more about what is happening in key cities and provinces all over the Philippines and what better way to do this than to give them relevant regional news on national TV,” he ends.

Like and follow RTV!

Christian Bautista and Julie Anne San Jose

GMARegionalTV

Donita and Tekla (DonEkla)

Family History stars Michael V, Dawn Zulueta, and Mikoy Morales pose for a groufie with the Kapuso fans at Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan in Cebu Kyline Alcantara

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New Barangay LS 97.1 Theme Song Echoes All Forms of Forever

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arangay LS 97.1, the flagship FM station of GMA Network, will make you believe that forever exists through its new theme song, “Tayo ay Forever.”

The heartwarming song, performed by two of the Network’s versatile and sought-after Kapuso stars Ken Chan and Rita Daniela, shows how forever can be defined in so many ways.

Collectively known as RitKen, the two proves to be a dynamic duo as the official release of “Tayo ay Forever” music video on Facebook last July 29 has garnered more than half a million views in less than one week.

Produced by GMA Music, “Tayo ay Forever” is composed by one of Barangay LS 97.1’s very own DJs Papa Obet, and was arranged by Jun Tamayo and produced by Kedy Sanchez.

“Tayo ay Forever” is now available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and digital stores worldwide.

Catch more of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela on GMA Network’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ GMANetwork.

Anthony Bova Introduces New Series of Extensive Workshops

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nternationally-acclaimed New Yorkbased acting coach Anthony Vincent Bova returns to GMA Artist Center to introduce an extensive set of workshops on self-empowerment and meaningful character portrayal among its talents.

A former protégé of Eric Morris, Bova has been regularly visiting the Philippines to work his ‘magic’ on the Kapuso Network’s most promising artists. Through the Bova Acting Workshop (BAW) in 2018, GMAAC stars underwent a series of intensive GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019 ISSUE

acting exercises that further honed their skills and enabled them to attack roles differently.

These graduates successfully showcased their growth beyond acting in a culmination event held last February.

For this year, the acting coach will introduce a new approach in another round of mentoring via a series of in-person teachings.

Bova started his training program on GMAAC last July 30 until August 8.

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GMA Breaks into Georgia with “Impostora” and Three Other Dramas Katrina Halili (left) and Megan Young (right) in “The Stepdaughters”.

Sanya Lopez (left) and Thea Tolentino (right) in “Angela”

The cast of “Stay With Me” (L to R): Martin Del Rosario, Jackie Rice, Mike Tan, and Yasmien Kurdi.

Kris Bernal in “Impostora”

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MA Network, through its content distribution subsidiary, GMA Worldwide, Inc. (GWI), breaks into a new territory as it brings four of its top rating drama series to Georgia, the country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Through the Network’s first-ever acquisition deal with Georgian broadcaster

Telecompany Pirveli, several GMA dramas are aired on TV Pirveli, the latest of which is Impostora that premiered last July 15.

Other GMA dramas acquired by TV Pirveli are Stay With Me, The Stepdaughters and Angela.

The series are dubbed in Georgian and airs weekday afternoons.

GMA’s Romance Drama “My Destiny” Premieres in Kazakhstan

The lead cast of My Destiny (L to R): Sid Lucero, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, and Rhian Ramos

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MA Network’s romantic drama series My Destiny premiered last July 1 on TV 7, one of Kazakhstan’s top five broadcasters.

The series is one of GMA’s bestselling dramas and is distributed in at least thirteen territories, whose scripted format was acquired by Mexico. Through an acquisition deal between GMA’s content distribution subsidiary, GMA Worldwide, Inc. (GWI), and Telecompany Era LLP, My Destiny is the third GMA drama to be telecast by TV7, following Beautiful Strangers and Because of You. The series

Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana

is dubbed in Kazakh and subtitled in Russian, and airs weekday afternoons.

My Destiny is a heart-warming drama about Grace and Matthew, lovers who are meant to be together but are torn apart by fate, and how they eventually find their way back to each other. It stars two of GMA’s most bankable actors and real-life couple, Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez, who also teamed up in My Husband’s Lover and My Sweet Heart.

Earlier this year, Kazakhstan’s Channel 31 telecast Legally Blind, another GMA drama.

Dingdong Dantes Leads ‘Project #BeScene’ to Spread Awareness on Safety Among Local Stuntmen

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apuso Primetime King and YesPinoy Foundation Inc. Chairman Dingdong Dantes spearheaded a training program for the local stunt actors and directors in the country in collaboration with the Stunt Association of the Philippines (SAP) and Seoul Action School-Korea for its first ever international project dubbed as Project #BeScene or Be Seen.

Dingdong partnered with the Seoul Action School – a renowned training association in Korea that teaches martial arts and other physical training for film and television. They are the people behind award-winning and critically-acclaimed films and television programs such as Goblin, Netflix’ Kingdom, Mr. Sunshine, Battleship Island, Train to Busan, and Okja, among others.

An advocate of youth empowerment and nation-building initiatives, Dingdong convened together all stunt actors and directors in the country for a series of extensive trainings and seminars from July 15 to 21. The vigorous yet didactic program concluded with a graduation ceremony and exhibition program for the participants last Sunday (July 21) at GMA Network Studio 4.

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ulti-talented Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez is all set to kick-start the month of August with fun-filled Pinoy festivities for Kapuso abroad in California, Florida, and Texas.

His first stop was the Adobo Festival that happened last August 3 and 4 at 101 N. Main Street Winsor Street, Milpitas, San Jose, California. Organized by JS Camins Productions, the annual celebration features a cook-off contest of the all-time favorite Pinoy dish adobo, along with fun activity booths, a kiddie pop star contest, and exciting raffle prizes.

Tom will next headline the Fiesta Ko sa Florida happening on August 9 at the Reily Arts Center in Ocala, Florida. The event, organized by One Philippines Entertainment and AZ Media Entertainment Service, will put the spotlight on Filipino culture and tradition via folk dances, a singing contest, talent competitions, and Palarong Pinoy Games. On August 11, Tom will also banner the Fiesta Ko sa Texas in Bayou City Event Center, Houston, Texas, where dance performances from various local and national groups as well as the Miss Fiesta Ko sa Texas 2019 competition will be held.

This event is also organized by AZ Media Entertainment Service and Filipino American Association, Inc.

Tom Rodriguez Headlines Series of Pinoy Celebrations K

apuso Drama King Dennis Trillo and Kapuso Premier Drama Actress Lovi Poe brought the energy of thousands of Kapuso abroad to the next level with their amazing performances during the ‘Pagdiriwang: Sinagtala 2019’ in Singapore.

Last July 14 at Scape The Ground Theatre, the enthusiastic crowd warmly welcomed Lovi as she opened the GMA Pinoy TV segment through her sultry rendition of hit pop songs. The versatile actress definitely showed that she was more than glad to be back on stage after her six-month vacation and was delighted to meet the Filipinos in Singapore.

Dennis Trillo and Lovi Poe Captivate Pinoys in Singapore at

‘Pagdiriwang: Sinagtala 2019’ GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019 ISSUE

Throughout the festivities, the Kapuso abroad were also able to enjoy Zumbayan, Sagala, Parade of the Philippine Cultural Attires, Queen of All Queen Pageant, Salinlahi, and more activities. Consul Anthony Reyes of the Philippine Embassy and Necy Cataran of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also graced the event.

www.gmapinoytv.com @gmapinoytv

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GMA Kapuso Foundation Renews Partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(L-R) Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP Spokesperson; Major General Felipe Bejar Jr. AFP, The Chief Engineer, AFP; Major General Andres Centino AFP, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 AFP; Major General Antonio Parlade Jr. AFP, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7 AFP; General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. AFP, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon; GMAKF Founder and Ambassador Mel C. Tiangco; GMA EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong; and GMAKF EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog.

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MA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continued their partnership in implementing programs that uplift the lives of underprivileged Filipinos.

The memorandum of agreement signing held last August 2 was led by GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, GMAKF Founder and Ambassador Mel C. Tiangco, GMAKF EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog, together with General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. AFP, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The AFP has been continuously supporting GMAKF by providing transportation and security to poor and remote areas of the country.

The AFP was also one of GMAKF’s key partners in the successful construction of developmental infrastructure projects.

Under the Rebuild Marawi Project, the construction of its first two Kapuso schools was finished while the third school is currently being constructed in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Under the the Kapuso Tulay Para Sa Kaunlaran Project, the construction of two steel and concrete bridges in Buhi, Camarines Sur was completed while a third bridge is currently being built in Paquibato, Davao City.

“Kami po ay talagang gratified na ang Armed Forces of the Philippines natin ay hindi

lamang gumaganap ng kanilang tungkulin to protect us from invasion, insurrection, and rebellion. Itong [partnership na] ginagawa natin from here on ay ginagawa na natin nang napakarami nang taon, and we are very thankful na naandyan kayo that can provide us with much needed transportation in very inaccessible areas and even in engineering,” said Gozon.

On the other hand, Gen. Madrigal equally expressed how thankful he is for AFP’s strong partnership with GMAKF. “This signifies that we do trust [one another] that we have a common purpose—we both want to serve. It is our honor to serve, together with GMA Kapuso Foundation.”

Tiangco also emphasized how this partnership has concretized GMAKF and AFP’s years of cooperation and of helping each other. “Napakagandang pagpapakita ito na kapag ang gobyerno at private sector, nagtulungan sa isang project para sa kabutihan ng mamamayan, success ‘yan.”

Also present to witness the signing were GMA Network’s EVP and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; Major General Antonio Parlade Jr. AFP, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7 AFP; Major General Andres Centino AFP, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 AFP; Major General Felipe Bejar Jr. AFP, The Chief Engineer, AFP; and Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP Spokesperson.

GMA Kapuso Foundation, CDO Odyssey Foundation Ink Partnership Anew for Feeding Project

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MA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) recently renewed its long-running partnership with Odyssey Foundation, Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of meat processing company CDO Foodsphere. This year, CDO provided assorted canned goods for GMAKF’s Give-A-Gift “Feed a Child Project” which was launched for the commemoration of the National Nutrition Month this July. GMAKF, through its 120-day feeding program, aims to improve the nutrition of more than 300 malnourished children from five public elementary schools in Baco, Oriental Mindoro.

Present in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing were (from right) GMAKF’s Institutional Marketing and Communications Supervisor Tracy Cruz, Executive Vice President and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog, CDO Foodsphere President Joseph Jerome Ong, and CDO Odyssey Foundation Executive Director Dindo Danao.

For 12 years now, CDO has proven to be GMAKF’s dependable partner in ensuring food sustenance for the less fortunate. For more details on GMAKF’s programs and projects, visit their official website at www.gmanetwork.com/ kapusofoundation.

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GMA Network Names

2019 Excellence Award Winners

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rom an exceptional group of finalists in the 2019 GMA Network Excellence Award (GNEA), Ryan Delos Reyes Francisco of University of the East (UE) – Caloocan and Wenilyn Sabalo of University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) – Cebu were conferred as this year’s winners in the Network’s search for outstanding student achievers.

GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon congratulates an Excellence Award finalist

GMA First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa S. Valdellon during the panel interview

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The awarding ceremonies, held last July 19 at the GMA Network Center, was led

by GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon together with GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, YesPinoy Foundation Chairman Dingdong Dantes, GMA New Media, Inc. Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Raymund Sarmiento, award-winning broadcast journalist Atom Araullo, and GNEA ambassador Benjamin Alves. Both Francisco and Sabalo were granted plaques and P50,000 cash each.

As the representative for one of GNEA’s partner organizations, Dantes emphasized how this initiative helps empower the youth. “Yung kabuuan ng programa, it can open more doors para sa mga estudyante o graduates dahil bukod sa nire-recognize ang kanilang excellence, makikita nila definitely na meron silang lugar dito sa GMA. By recognizing them, mas naeempower natin sila.”

Alves, on the other hand, briefly shared his experience being one of the panelists and on how the GNEA finalists continued to surprise him during their interviews.

“These kids are already recognized as excellent students in their school so it’s nice that we are giving that respect to them and making sure that we give them more opportunities to be seen not only as excellent students but excellent citizens as well.”

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(L-R) GNEA ambassador Benjamin Alves, YesPinoy Foundation Chairman Dingdong Dantes, 2019 GNEA Communication category winner Wenilyn Sabalo, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, award-winning broadcast journalist Atom Araullo, and GMA VP for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz.

2019 GMA Network Excellence Awardee Ryan Delos Reyes Francisco

Francisco graduated magna cum laude with a degree in BS Computer Engineering.

As the recipient of this year’s GNEA for the Technology-based category, he sees the opportunity to continue advocating for education, “Ito po ang magiging stepping stone para magpatuloy bilang isang advocate ng quality education.

Gagamitin ko po ito para maging role model lalo na sa mga out-of-school youth

GMA Engineering Senior Vice President Elvis Ancheta (far right), GMA Information and Communications Technology Vice President Nina Cruz (2nd from left), and GMA New Media, Inc. SVP and Chief Technical Officer Raymund Sarmiento (1st from left) together with the Excellence Award Technology-based finalists.

na nangangailangan talaga. Sabi nga po ng mga magulang natin, edukasyon ang pinakamagandang yaman na maipapamana natin sa kahit na sino.”

I’m currently employed sa isang newspaper sa Cebu and I’m happy being a journalist and being able to help form a decisive community,” she said.

Sabalo, the awardee for the Communication category, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. “Sobrang thankful po ako sa experience na ito, at itong award na ito po ay para sa lahat ng sumuporta sa akin, sa family ko, sa friends, at sa unibersidad.

Also joining Araullo, Alves, and Sarmiento as this year’s GNEA panel of judges are GMA Engineering Senior Vice President Elvis Ancheta, GMA First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa S. Valdellon, GMA Information and Communications Technology Vice President Nina Cruz.

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