GMA Network chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon was honored at the 18th Eastwood City Walk of Fame last March 6, alongside other Kapuso personalities.
Atty. Gozon expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “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.”
Atty. Gozon, a former CEO of GMA, transformed it into the leading broadcast network in the Philippines during his tenure from 2000 to 2023.
As the Network’s CEO from 2000 to 2023, Gozon propelled GMA from a distant second to the top broadcast network in the Philippines. Under his leadership, GMA achieved significant growth, with over 300 exclusive stars, 300 accolades, and more than 47 billion views across digital platforms in 2023 alone.
His visionary approach reshaped Philippine media, introducing innovative storytelling formats like “fantaserye” with shows such as “Mulawin” and “Encantadia.” GMA’s films, like “Firefly,” garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
GMA, under Atty. Gozon’s stewardship, received international acclaim, including four George Foster Peabody Awards and signing with the United Nations Global Impact. The network currently operates 108 TV stations and 21 radio stations nationwide, reaching an estimated 73 million viewers.
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 given 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 also inducted for Radio.
GMA Network’s president and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., and SVP 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.
