GMA Network, through GMA Regional TV, and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu strengthened their 14-year partnership with the lighting of the Christmas Tree of Hope on November 18, 2023. 

The Tree of Hope project enables guests and visitors of the hotel to donate to the Kapuso Foundation by purchasing ornaments they, themselves, can hang on the tree. 

For 14 years, the project has generated over P2 million, which has helped thousands of school children through the ‘Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan’ and ‘Give-A-Gift’ projects of the Kapuso Foundation.

During the lighting ceremony on November 18, 2023, Marco Polo turned over a cheque worth P109,845.00 to GMA. 

Mr. Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy received the cheque from Mr. Roel Constantino, General Manager of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

“In these years of collaboration, we've witnessed the power of collective goodwill. The Tree of Hope initiative has not only adorned our festivities but has become a beacon of hope for thousands of schoolchildren in remote areas of Central and Eastern Visayas,” Amoroso says.

“Together, we've raised more than P2 million, enabling us to extend our reach and touch countless lives. The 'Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan' and 'Give-A-Gift' projects of the GMA Kapuso Foundation exemplify the spirit of giving that defines the holiday season. Our journeys have taken us to Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Samar, and Leyte, reaffirming that the truest blessings lie in our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others,” he adds.

Constantino, for his part, says, the Tree of Hope has allowed an opportunity to “reflect on what we have, reflect on what we have to be thankful for.”

“We are very fortunate, once again, to have our partners, GMA and Kapuso Foundation. With the last 14 years, we have shared the same advocacy as the hotel in touching the lives of people in the grassroots level,” he says.

Sparkle singer Dani Ozaraga of XOXO entertained attendees with Christmas classics.