At pre-GMA Gala 2025 dinner, Kapuso execs, stars come together to donate P2.5M to GMA Kapuso Foundation for relief ops

Kapuso executives, stars, clients, and partners gathered for a special pre-gala event held at the Okura Hotel in Manila on Thursday ahead of the much-anticipated GMA Gala 2025. 

Serving as a warm-up to the main gala night, the pre-gala event saw GMA Network donate a total of P2.5 million to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, underscoring the network's continued commitment to public service and social responsibility through its charitable arm.

GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the network’s milestones and the strong partnerships that have propelled GMA Network to continued success.

After Charlie Fleming serenaded the guests with a surprise song number and infused the night with artistry and flair, Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo led a toast. 

Other Kapuso executives present were GMA Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog and Sparkle Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia, among others. 

Speaking to GMA Integrated News, Gozon-Valdes said the pre-gala dinner pushed through despite the inclement weather because the event is really for the benefit of the GMA Kapuso Foundation. 

"Tamang-tama, nangangailangan talaga sila ng tulong ngayon. So specifically, all the proceeds, at least P2 million ha ang nalilikom natin, tonight ay mapupunta particularly for the calamity victims," she said.

"Even before the storms, even before the flooding, talagang for the benefit of Kapuso Foundation itong gabing ito. So lalo na siguro silang na-engganyong pumunta kasi meron talagang mga nangangailangan ng tulong, so I’m very happy na we’ve raised at least P2 million as of now. And baka madagdagan pa at the end of the night," she added. 

An additional P500,000 was donated by BingoPlus and the BingoPlus Foundation.

Meanwhile, Escudero-Catibog expressed her gratitude, noting that the heavy rains lately have been very hard to cope with for affected populations. 

"First, it was habagat, we’ve been conducting relief operations araw-araw. Tapos ngayon naman, no’ng pumasok si Emong at pinalakas pa nitong si Dante, ‘di naman makaalis si Dante dahil merong Fujiwhara effect daw ‘yung dalawang bagyo. So, talagang ang hinagupit talaga ‘yung probinsya ng Pangasinan at tsaka ang Pampanga nasa state of calamity na," she said. 

Escudero-Catibog added that GMA Kapuso Foundation will utilize funds raised at the pre-Gala dinner and the Gala night itself, for even more relief operations to help habagat and typhoon victims.

Among the stars present at the gathering on Thursday night were Yasmien Kurdi, Rocco Nacino, Martin Javier, Shuvee Etrata, Anthony Constantino, AZ Martinez, Charlie Fleming, Will Ashley, Josh Ford, Michael Sager, Vince Maristela, Angel Guardian, Jak Roberto, Jeric Gonzales, Anton Vinzon, Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Faye Lorenzo, and Mad Ramos. 

The GMA Gala 2025, which is part of the celebration of GMA Network's 75th anniversary this year, will be held on August 2.

Now in its fourth year, the GMA Gala is a star-studded gathering of Kapuso stars and other showbiz personalities where they walk down the red carpet in fashionable outfits and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and celebration.

In 2024, proceeds from the event were donated for the benefit of Typhoon Carina victims.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News