GMA Network proudly welcomes its newest Kapuso, no less than star builder and director Johnny Manahan, popularly known as "Mr. M."
Present during the virtual contract signing ceremony held last Tuesday, July 13, were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.
For several decades already, Mr. M. has been widely regarded as the man behind the success of some of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry. Apart from being a star builder, he also directed classic films and television series that are still remembered up to this day.
According to Mr. M, he is delighted to be officially part of the Kapuso Network, "I'm very happy that Atty. Gozon and the rest of the executives have given me this chance, an opportunity to work with GMA-7 and become a Kapuso. I am very happy with that. I'm not exactly a stranger to GMA. Long time ago, GMA-7 was known as Channel 7 and I worked on many shows there and also a lot of musicals. So this is like a homecoming of sorts and I am very proud."
Gozon, in turn, expressed his excitement in welcoming Mr. M to the Kapuso Network, "The good reputation, as well as the track record of Mr. M and his team are well-known in the Philippine TV industry and for this reason, we are looking forward to a mutually satisfactory, beneficial, and rewarding relationship."
Mr. Duavit echoed his eagerness to finally work with Mr. M: "We're very pleased, very happy to welcome you and without having to say it, your reputation precedes you and we look forward to how your participation will cascade down to the growth, development, and enhance possibilities of our talents. 'Yung maihahandog, maidudulot na karunungan, guidance, tulong ay malaking bagay, hindi lamang sa kanila pero sa aming lahat. Welcome, Johnny, it's a pleasure to have you."
Yalong shared his admiration for the newest Kapuso, "I think the expertise and experience that Johnny is bringing into GMA will greatly help our Talent Development and Management Department. Johnny is one of the few persons I know who can really spot raw talent and make it one of the big stars in the country. We are looking forward to Johnny's experience and expertise to help us in that area of entertainment. Johnny, welcome to your Kapuso Network."
Meanwhile, Rasonable looks forward to collaborating with him in GMA. "It has been a pleasure to exchange ideas with him. So I would just like to welcome Mr. M to GMA Artist Center and we look forward to a very fruitful relationship."
Indeed, these are exciting times as Mr. M finally starts his journey as a Kapuso. (PR)