The first GMA Thanksgiving Gala Night was held on 30 July at Shangri-La The Fort BGC’s Grand Ballroom — with the network’s stars, from the new lineup of Sparkle artists and love teams, to its pioneer actors, in attendance.
GMA executives mingled with industry partners, government officials, beauty queens and other special guests.
The event paid tribute to GMA chair and CEO Felipe L. Gozon for the continued success of GMA 7 local and international.
It also served as a donation drive to fund the GMA Kapuso Foundation for earthquake victims in Abra, as well as for a new school building in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte.
Barbie Forteza, 25, grew up with GMA. “I’ve been with GMA for 12 years. They still take good care of me, and I’m humbled, overwhelmed and honored to be part of this night,” she said.
Jo Berry, 28, Princess M. Montivano in Little Princess proudly recounted the moment she received an award for her breakthrough role of Onay in Onanay.
Michael V said he made the right move to GMA Network and do Bubble Gang: “I’m proud of it, 27 years later, I’m still doing really good, and another moment for me is Pepito Manaloto.”
Alden Richards — whose GMA projects include Ilustrado, Imagine You and Me, Victor Magtanggol, Hello, Love, Goodbye, The Gift, and the remake of the South Korean drama Start-Up — said: “I think it’s my destiny to be a Kapuso… I dedicate my success to them.”
For his part, Ken Chan expressed gratitude for the diversity of roles GMA has assigned to him: “I’m happy to have taken the roles of a transgender woman, a person with disability, and someone with autism, as well as one with multiple, distinct personalities, the romantic comedies. I feel so blessed.”
Rhian Ramos, who has been with GMA for 16 years, recalled: “My proudest Kapuso moment was when they gave me my first title role in LaLola. I played a man who turns into a woman. GMA had booked me in three shows with a completely different theme, more of drama, and then suddenly this comedy, and it just flew. It felt like I had a family behind me.”
All eyes were on new Kapuso talent and Alden Richards’ Start Up co-star Bea Alonzo, who came with her boyfriend Dominic Roque.
She recounted that her contract signing was held when the pandemic rate was high: “For me it’s a milestone, we were able to make it special without having anyone’s health at risk. It was beautifully done.”
GMA’s power couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera were named Couple of the Night. Richards and Sanya Lopez were picked Male and Female Sparkle Star of the Night, respectively.
Bianca Umali bagged the Beautederm Scene Stealer Award and Belo Beauty of the Night.
Frontrow Male and Female Icons were Marco Gumabao and Ramos, respectively.
Mavy Legaspi and Kylie Alcantara were hailed Sparkle Love Team of the Night.
The TikTok Crowd Favorite Male and Female citations went to Miguel Tanfelix and Sofia Pablo, respectively.