GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of leading broadcast station GMA Network, Inc., was one in heart with PAFCOM in making the Philippine-American Friendship Parade and Festival held last June 24 at Lincoln Park, New Jersey a truly successful event.

 

R&B royalties Jay R and Kris Lawrence, and beauty titlist Krista Kleiner joined the parade, and performed before their kababayans during the GMA Pinoy Celebrity Hour segment.

 

PAFCOM President Bong Pena said the participation of the Kapuso stars contributed largely to the accomplishment of their goal of coming together as a team, and in bridging the gap among different generations.  

 

“The GMA artists selected for this event represented what PAFCOM was trying to accomplish. I was happy to see the excitement they caused among the younger audience, [but more so] when I saw many of the aunties and lolas dancing to the current tunes. [I can really tell that] the crowd was really into their performances.”

 

Mr. Pena added that he was very pleased with the turnout especially with the return of some groups who used to join the parade on a regular basis, as well as with the increase in the number of participating ethnic groups.

 

According to him, around 13,000 to 16,000 people came to witness the parade and the Kapuso show, where GMA Pinoy TV gave away prizes and Kapuso items as souvenirs. This was followed by a meet and greet, where fans got the chance to take pictures with Jay R, Kris Lawrence and Krista, and interact with them up close.

 

“We’re very happy and proud to have been part of the Philippine-American Friendship Parade and Festival this year,” said GMA International Vice President and Head of Operations, Mr. Joseph Francia. “Collaborations such as this allow us to further our mission of bringing Filipinos closer to home by providing world-class entertainment to Filipinos across all generations. We congratulate PAFCOM, and are truly honored to have contributed to the success of this event in one way or another.”