The brightest stars in local showbiz’ firmament gathered together in one rare evening at the “GMA Gala 2023,” which was held Saturday, July 22 at The Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay.
The occasion, which coincided with the celebration of the Kapuso Network’s 73rd anniversary, lived up to its reputation as the biggest event in local showbiz for the year. Over 500 artists and guests graced the luxurious red carpet, showcasing their elegant gowns and suits.
Leading the star-studded celebration was Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA’s chairman and CEO, who expressed his joy at seeing everyone together again after the pandemic.
“For the first time after the pandemic, I finally get to see all of you once again on such a lovely occasion. Tonight is a rare spectacle – a dazzling event of the brightest stars under one roof with leaders of both government and private sector, our peers in the industry, and our valued partners coming together in camaraderie and fellowship. We are grateful for your presence tonight,” Atty. Gozon said.
“May this gala be remembered as the night we all came together as one industry. Let the milestones we celebrate tonight remind us of our blessings from the Lord and our reason for being here — to enrich the lives of Filipinos with superior entertainment and responsible, unbiased, accurate news and information,” he added.
The “GMA Gala 2023” also made a significant impact by raising P1 million for the benefit of the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF). The donation was received by GMAKF executive vice president and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog.
The event featured exceptional performances from various artists, including Thea Astley, Rita Daniela, Timmy Albert, Selina Griffin, Princess Aliyah, Gaea Mischa, Liana Castillo, John Rex Baculfo, and “Asia’s Limitless Star” Julie Anne San Jose.
Among the highlights of the night were the special awards bestowed upon some of GMA’s brightest stars. Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, known as the Kapuso Primetime King and Queen, were named Couple of the Night. Meanwhile, Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, stars of “The Cheating Game,” were recognized as the Sparkle Love Team of the Night. Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali took home the Male and Female “Young Star of the Night.” Alden Richards and Heart Evangelista were named Sparkle Star of the Night (Male) and Sparkle Star of the Night (Female), respectively. David Licauco and Herlene Budol received the TikTok Crowd Favorite of the Night award (Male and Female).
The Avignon Radiant Beauty of The Night award went to “Kapuso Primetime Princess” Barbie Forteza, while the LazBeauty Look of the Night was awarded to Gabbi Garcia. Jillian Ward received two awards, the Premier Star of the Night award and The Sparkling Smile of the Night award.
Kapamilya artist Anne Curtis received the Frontrow Luxxe Royalty award, and Kyline Alcantara took home the Luxxe White Face of the Night award. Andrea Torres won the Discover Your Travel Sparkle with PAL Photo award for her exceptional shoot in Philippine Airlines’ booth.
The newly engaged couple, Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque, were also recognized as the Sparkling Couple of the Night.
The lovely ladies of GMA’s board of directors, including Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Judith R. Duavit-Vazquez, and Laura J. Westfall, treated the guests to a fun-filled performance of ultimate ‘80s party music.
The event concluded with a heartfelt toast from Sparkle GMA Artist Center vice president, Joy C. Marcelo.
The “GMA Gala 2023” was an unforgettable evening that brought together artists, executives, media partners, and collaborators for a dazzling night of celebration.
