Mariz Umali, EJ Gomez, and Glaiza de Castro honored at Gawad Pilipino Babae Ka Awards

Mariz Umali, EJ Gomez, and Glaiza de Castro were among those honored at the 2026 Gawad Pilipino Babae Ka Awards.

According to Arnold Clavio’s report on “Unang Balita,” the Kapuso personalities were recognized for their exemplary contributions to their respective fields.

“These kinds of awards challenge stereotypes. Ibig sabihin, dito mapapatunayan na hindi lang lalaki ang may sa mga bagay-bagay, kundi kung ano ‘yung kayang gawin ng lalaki, kayang-kayang gawin din ng babae,” Umali said.

Gomez meanwhile said, “This serves also as a challenge for me na ipagpatuloy ‘yung mga responsibilidad and obligations namin bilang isang tapat at marangal na journalist.”

Umali and Gomez are GMA Integrated News reporters, with Umali also serving as an anchor.

For Glaiza, the recognition acts as a significant reminder to maintain excellence in her craft and her social contributions. 

“Isa itong paalala sa akin na patuloy kong pagbutihan, pagpatuloy kong pag-isipan ang mga ginagawa ko. Hindi lang sa larangan ng pag-aarte, kundi sa mga adbokasiya ko, sa mga projects na pinipili ko,” she said.

Glaiza currently stars in “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.”

It airs on GMA Network from Mondays to Fridays at 8 p.m. after "24 Oras." You can also watch it online via the Kapuso Stream on YouTube. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News