GMA Network Chairman, other Kapuso honored at Walk of Fame
GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon led the Kapuso personalities honored at the 18th Eastwood City Walk of Fame held on March 6. He was among the luminaries in media and entertainment who were inducted with their own star for their outstanding contributions in the fields of television, movies, radio, news and public affairs, music, theater, and social media.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Atty. Gozon said, “Little did I know that someday, magkakaroon ako ng [star sa] Walk of Fame. Sapagkat ‘di naman ako artista, so I am very, very proud and privileged to have a star on the Walk of Fame.”
From a seasoned blue-chip lawyer with a stellar academic background, Atty. Gozon became a visionary leader in the media industry. As the Network’s CEO from 2000 to 2023, he propelled GMA from a distant second to the top broadcast network in the Philippines.
In 2023, the Network’s growth was evidenced by its roster of over 300 exclusive stars, more than 300 accolades, and a recordbreaking achievement of surpassing 47 billion views across its digital platforms.
Atty. Gozon’s visionary approach has notably reshaped the Philippine media scene. The introduction of “fantaserye” formats like “Mulawin” and “Encantadia” marked a new era in storytelling, blending myth with reality. Continuing this legacy are shows like “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and “Lolong,” which echo Filipino culture and heritage. GMA’s re-entry into films through “Firefly” was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
His vision is for GMA to evolve continually and always be mindful of its responsibility to the next generation. Under his stewardship, GMA has been consistently recognized by various international award-giving bodies, including being a four-time winner and the only Philippine recipient of the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Awards. GMA is also the first Filipino media and broadcasting company to sign with the United Nations (UN) Global Impact.
The Kapuso Network currently operates 108 TV stations and 21 radio stations nationwide. GMA – together with GTV and digital channels I Heart Movies, Heart of Asia, Pinoy Hits, and Hallypop – reaches a projected total of 73 million viewers in Total Philippines.
Atty. Gozon earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines and his Master of Laws from Yale University. He placed 13th in the 1962 bar examinations.
Several Kapuso personalities were also among this year’s Walk of Fame inductees.
Earning their ‘stars’ were Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee and Kapuso First Lady of Primetime Sanya Lopez. Dee is currently in the cast of GMA Public Affairs’ action-packed drama series “Black Rider.” Lopez will be next seen in the upcoming GMA Prime series “Pulang Araw.”
“Abot Kamay na Pangarap” actor Richard Yap was likewise honored under the Television category. Renowned star-maker and Sparkle consultant Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan was also honored with his own star on the Walk of Fame.
Under the News and Public Affairs category, GMA Integrated News showbiz reporter Lhar Santiago was also awarded while veteran broadcast journalist Joel Reyes Zobel of Super Radyo DZBB 594 was inducted for Radio.
GMA Network’s President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., and Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Films, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes were also present during the event to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the network’s talents and personalities.
The annual Eastwood City Walk of Fame, established by the German Moreno Walk of Fame Foundation, honors personalities from different industries for their contributions to society.