A night of thanksgiving: GMA Regional TV holds appreciation event for partners

MANILA, Philippines - The month of November served as witness to a celebration of valued partnership between GMA Regional TV (GMA RTV) and its trusted sponsors and advertisers in the recently-held string of trade events in the cities of Davao (Nov. 6), Cagayan de Oro (Nov. 8), Iloilo (Nov. 14) and Bacolod (Nov. 17).

It was a night dedicated to the network’s esteemed partners who made it possible for GMA RTV to mount not only numerous but notably successful events in the regions throughout the year. With the theme Jazz Age: Swinging After Six, the night felt like a trip to the ostentatious balls of the ’20s highlighted by laudable performances from some of the network’s brightest stars.

The opening act provided a Broadway feel as songstresses Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricis Garcia belted out All That Jazz; teen stars Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali from Ismol Family grooved to Hot Honey Rag; Betong Sumaya gave When You’re Good to Mama a funny touch; and Sunday All Stars’ Winwyn Marquez and Mark Herras strutted to Cell Block Tango; all of whom took part in Nowadays as part of their Chicago Suite set, which drew cheers from the audience.

Not to be outdone were Rhian Ramos (Davao), Solenn Heussaff (Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod) and Isabelle Daza (Iloilo) who hosted the event. Each was joined by Betong who was in character as Bubble Gang’s Antonietta.

For Oliver Amoroso, AVP and head of Regional Strategy and Business Development Division of GMA RTV, the partnerships created are deemed priceless by the network, “Mula noon, hanggang ngayon, the team’s commitment to this partnership is second to none,” and that each appreciation night served as an inspiration to do better. “We remain steadfast in helping drive more customers to your business as we strive to continually improve and innovate to meet (advertisers’) changing needs. GMA Regional TV has focused on further strengthening our local programs, developing new on-air and on-ground products, as well as online through our various social media sites, to cater your marketing needs.”

Also present at the Partners’ Night are GMA RTV AVP and head for News and Public Affairs Celerina Amores, who spearheaded the recent re-branding of regional newscasts to 24 Oras; station managers Mariles Puentevella (Davao and General Santos), Armi Sobremisana (Cagayan de Oro) and Jonathan Cabillon (Western Visayas) together with their respective program hosts and staff; and RTV senior program manager for Entertainment Jocelyn Bautista Pacleb with her team. 

GMA RTV’s first VP Rikki Escudero, for her part, stressed the essence of the event, “We celebrate (partners’) generosity and support which have been integral to the success of GMA. Kung wala po kayo ay wala po kami rito ngayon.” In addition, she promised that, “GMA will bring more of its stars, programs and strategic technical planning to be of service to the regions,” and with a strong note she concluded, “I firmly believe that the future is in Regional TV. Progress is here and together, we will reap its benefits.”

After another Partners’ Night was held in Bicol last Nov. 27 and in Ilocos on Nov. 29, the other trade events for loyal partners will happen on Dec. 5 in Cebu and Dec. 12, Dagupan.