Star-studded gala marks GMA Network Studios inauguration

GMA Network, Inc. proudly unveiled the GMA Network Studios last night, October 17, at a gala affair attended by prominent figures in the world of entertainment, politics, and business. No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the massive state-of-the-art establishment. The presence of Vice-President Noli de Castro drew curious stares from everyone owing of course to his affiliation with GMA-7's rival network where he served as one of its popular anchors before his foray into public service. PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) also spotted Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista, Senators Mar Roxas and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Secretary Bayani Fernando, among other government officials. GMA-7's top brass—Chairman, President & CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, Executive Vice President & COO Jimmy Duavit, Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante, AVP for Drama & Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable and GMA Films President Annete Gozon-Abrogar—were all on hand to witness the inauguration and to welcome all the invited guests. STARS AND MORE STARS. As expected, GMA-7 stars and personalities flocked to the event, even as early as 7:00 in the evening: Heart Evangelista, Alfred Vargas, Paolo Contis, Isabel Oli, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Richard Gomez with wife Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ehra Madrigal, Michelle Madrigal, Rhian Ramos, Maxene Magalona, Keempee de Leon, Jackie Rice, Miriam Quiambao, Pauleen Luna, John Lapus, Pia Guanio, JC de Vera, Richard Gutierrez, Dennis Trillo, Katrina Halili, Jean Garcia, Angelika dela Cruz, Aljur Abrenica, Camille Prats, Iza Calzado, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Eddie Gutierrez, Eddie Garcia, Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Jessica Soho, Rufa Mae Quinto, Bong Revilla, Lani Mercado, and others. The evening started with cocktails and socializing. After dinner, everyone watched the special program showcasing the new facilities and chronicling the network's inspiring journey. The program's performers were Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Aicelle Santos Jonalyn Viray, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Michael V., Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Jay Durias and Kyla. As a fitting end to the program, all of the network's stars were presented with matching AVP playing in the background while Jaya and Jay Durias sang "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "You Are So Beautiful." RAISING THE BAR. In a public statement released celebrating the completion of the GMA Network Studios, Vice President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr. vividly painted the network's goal of producing quality programs by covering all essential corners. "Filipino creativity, when not hindered, has limitless possibilities. It was necessary to provide our own creatives with the tools to execute program ideas which we would subsequently distribute worldwide." Construction of the GMA Network Studios started in 2006 with the public simply referring to the new building as an "annex" or an extension of GMA-7's old office. That "annex" unbeknownst to many at the time was being designed to raise the bar in broadcasting and TV production here in the Philippines. Studio 4, considered as the network's biggest studio to date, occupies an area of 1,020 square meters. It can accommodate an audience of 600 for live shows and a staggering 1,000 people on special occasions. Studio 4's control room also boasts two units of audio consoles with 96 channel inputs, which is great for musicals and live concerts. Although smaller by half compared to Studio 4, Studio 5—with an area of 638 square meters—can house 200 people. The studio is complete with R-WAR acoustic system complemented with sound-proof design, making the venue 100% zero-noise vibration. Both studios are equipped with Digital Speaker Management created to eliminate audio feedback. GMA Network Inc. tapped internationally acclaimed brands to provide the assortment of lighting equipment that consists of high-tech lighting effects, studio lights, dimmers and consoles. According to network head honcho Atty. Felipe Gozon, the new studio with its technologically advanced equipment and facilities epitomizes GMA-7's vision to move forward with the viewers as main priority. "We are confident, that with the GMA Network Studios, we are at par with the big broadcast studios worldwide... setting the bar in TV production here in the Philippines," stated Gozon. - Philippine Entertainment Portal