Kapuso Network holds successful GMA Thanksgiving Gala


Gozon family at the GMA Thanksgiving Gala (Photo courtesy of Annette Gozon-Valdes)

The brightest stars aligned and gathered together for the first-ever GMA Thanksgiving Gala in celebration of the network’s 72nd anniversary last Saturday, July 30. 

It was an evening of fun and excitement as various Kapuso stars and personalities graced the event at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort together with GMA executives, industry partners, politicians, beauty queens, and other special guests. 

Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards and GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Ms Lilybeth G. Rasonable

The attendees made spectacular and show-stopping red carpet entrances in their stunning gowns and tuxedo suits, following the Old Hollywood glam theme.

Leading the celebration were GMA Network’s President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, and GMA Network Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.

Awarding of Kapuso Symbol of Appreciation for Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. From left: Dingdong Dantes, GMA Network Films, Inc. President and programming consultant to the GMA Chairman And CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Megan Young, and Atom Araullo.

Making the event truly special was the tribute for GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon for leading the global triumph of GMA-7 through the years.

Another highlight of the party was the fundraising for the benefit of the GMA Kapuso Foundation. Through the help of the sponsors, part of the GMA Thanksgiving Gala proceeds will be donated to the victims of the recent earthquake in Abra and the school development project at Magallanes Elementary School in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte. 

Sparkle Star of the Night – Male. From left: Alden Richards, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable and Ken Chan

And, of course, the star-studded get-together also acknowledged those who shined the most and were a cut above the rest.

Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera were named the Couple of the Night.

Couple of the Night. From left: Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable and Ken Chan

Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards received the Male Sparkle Star of the Night award, while Sanya Lopez was recognized as the Female Sparkle Star of the Night.

Bianca Umali bagged two trophies: Beautederm Scene Stealer Award and Belo Beauty of the Night. On the other hand, Marco Gumabao and Rhian Ramos received the Frontrow Male and Female Icon awards.

Belo Beauty of the Night. Belo Medical Group Managing Director Hayden Kho and Bianca Umali

International fashion and style icon Heart Evangelista took home the Glamorous Star of the Night award.

Mavy Legaspi and Kylie Alcantara were hailed Sparkle Love Team of the Night.

Frontrow Male and Female Icon. From left: Frontrow President RS Francisco, Rhian Ramos, Marco Gumabao and Frontrow CEO Cong. Sam Verzosa

Miguel Tanfelix and Sofia Pablo were honored with the TikTok Crowd Favorite Male and Female awards, respectively. 

Meanwhile, Kapuso fans and netizens tuned in to this exceptional gathering of stars via live streaming on GMA Network’s Facebook page and YouTube account, and Sparkle’s TikTok account last Saturday. 

Sparkle Star of the Night – Female. From left: Sanya Lopez, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable and Ken Chan

The hashtag #GMAGalaNight garnered 200 million unique views on TikTok as of Aug. 2. The said hashtag was introduced last Thursday (July 28) to keep a thread of the preparations and latest happenings about the grand event.

It was truly a memorable night not only for the celebrities and guests but also for the fans who have always been loyal and supportive of GMA-7.