GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. welcomed Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya, at the GMA Network Center on July 12.
Accompanying Ambassador Endo were Director of Japan Information & Culture Center Matsuda Shigehiro, Press Officer Shigeyoshi Rintaro, and National Staff members Angela de la Rama and Dyan Lamando.
Meanwhile, Duavit was joined by GMA Network Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong and Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News and GMA Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
In his message, Duavit recalled launching the Network’s international channel in Japan and highlighted the ongoing participation of GMA talents in various events for Filipinos there.
“I distinctly remember 2005 in April, when we launched there, providentially in Japan because a great number of our countrymen were in Japan,” Duavit said.
Duavit also mentioned the Network’s collaboration with the Japanese government on various socio-civic projects. “A part of the company is a foundation, called the GMA Kapuso Foundation, which had also become a partner of the Japanese government. Specifically, in 2019, the Japanese embassy gave a grant to our foundation to build a multi-story, seven-classroom school building in Marawi City.”
Ambassador Endo, in turn, expressed gratitude for GMA Network’s hospitality and acknowledged its role in strengthening the bond between the two countries.
“I am deeply grateful to step on the grounds of the largest media network in the Philippines. It is an honor to be here at GMA, a true beacon of culture and storytelling,” he said.
Ambassador Endo emphasized that Japan’s partnership with GMA Network is “more than just being friends, it is a tapestry woven with threads of shared dreams, culture, and mutual respect,” adding that the Network has been instrumental in bringing Japanese culture closer to Filipinos.
“GMA has been a remarkable storyteller showcasing the beauty and wonder of Japan to Filipino audiences,” he added, citing the Network’s live-action series adaptation of the iconic Japanese anime “Voltes V” as a shining example of this collaboration. “These anime stories aren't just shows; it's a cultural phenomena that have captured the imagination of generations of Filipinos, and particularly the generations of ours. Through these adventures and triumphs, Voltes V has become a symbol of hope, courage, and unity, and values that resonate deeply in our culture.”
After his official visit, Ambassador Endo was given a tour of the network's newsroom. This was followed by an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News anchor Vicky Morales, during which the Ambassador discussed the recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines, collaborative efforts in disaster response, and opportunities for Filipinos in Japan, among other major issues.
Ambassador Endo's courtesy call to GMA Network follows a string of visits to various institutions since assuming office.