GMA Network Chairman Felipe L. Gozon led the Kapuso personalities honored at the 18th Eastwood City Walk of Fame held on March 6.
Gozon 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, 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.”
Reshaping the Philippine media scene
From a seasoned blue-chip lawyer with a stellar academic background, Gozon became a visionary leader in the media industry.
As the Network’s CEO from 2000 to 2023, Gozon propelled GMA from a distant second to the top broadcast network in the Philippines.
In 2023 alone, the network’s remarkable growth was evidenced by its robust roster of over 300 exclusive stars, more than 300 accolades, and a record-breaking achievement of surpassing 47 billion views across its digital platforms.
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.
Several Kapuso personalities were also among this year’s Walk of Fame inductees.
Earning their ‘stars’ were Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee, Sanya Lopez, Richard Yap, and Sparkle consultant Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan.
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.
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.