Young Sparkle talents see GMA Gala as chance to dress up, bond, network

It’s also a reason to look back and be grateful.

“We’re very thankful for a year of a lot of successes not just for GMA, but also for Sparkle and all the efforts made by the network,” Sparkle GMA Artist Center vice president Joy Marcelo said in an email interview. “The gala is a fitting way to bring everyone together.”

This year marks the third anniversary of the GMA Gala that also serves as a fundraiser for the GMA Kapuso Foundation. At the inaugural gala in 2022, all donations and pledges went to the construction of a new school building in Southern Leyte. Last year, the gala raised P1 million for the Kapuso Foundation.

Marcelo said that aside from bringing people together, the gala is also their chance to showcase artists who have grown with them through the years, as well as new talents who are just starting out.

“We will also share our new station ID to our partners. This year won’t be your typical gala, but like a minishow. We hope it will result in more projects not just for our artists, but for GMA as well,” she said.

This being a party, however, it’s still a chance for attendees to swan around in custom evening wear, catch up with friends, and hopefully make new ones.

We asked Sparkle talents what they were looking forward to at the GMA Gala 2024 on July 20 at the grand ballroom of the Marriott Manila Hotel.

Katrina Halili —PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPARKLE GMA ARTIST CENTER

Katrina Halili

I enjoy attending galas because it’s a fun way to dress up and feel glamorous for one special night. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends in the industry and meet our beloved GMA partners. Radson Flores

At the gala, I get to meet other artists I’ve never worked or interacted with. I also get to create and share memories with my friends in GMA.

Rain Matienzo

Rain Matienzo

It’s like a big reunion with everyone you’ve worked with in GMA. You don’t often get to see a lot of them after certain projects close due to the nature of the job, so it’s nice seeing everyone “off duty” so we can be ourselves, sans work. It’s like preparing for your debut each year. I get to feel celebrated, especially being part of the network.Hannah Arguelles

I love the whole process of getting glammed up and feeling your absolute best, being able to socialize with showbiz friends you rarely see. That’s what makes it enjoyable for me.

Kimson Tan

Kimson Tan

I enjoy attending the gala because everyone gets to dress up and bond together, from the artists to all the bosses and management. It [makes us proud] as the gala showcases the GMA artists at their best.

Liana Mae

Liana Mae

I enjoy attending galas for many reasons: the opportunity to experience a glamorous event, meet new friends, dress up and socialize in a formal setting. These are opportunities to meet new people, make connections and build relationships in industries or communities.

John Clifford

John Clifford

It’s a time to reunite with my co-artists. We get to wear our flashiest designer outfits.

Shuvee Etrata

Shuvee Etrata

It’s a day that we get to be the best version of ourselves.

Zonia Mejia

Zonia Mejia

It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with my coactors, allowing us to bond and connect on a deeper level beyond our work on set. I also get to meet and engage with other talented individuals in the industry. Seeing these amazing people gather in a big event is inspiring.

Kim Perez

Kim Perez

For me, nagkakaroon din ng chance para makabonding ang mga bosses ng Sparkle at makilala ang mga bosses at mga client.

Ashley Sandrine Yap

Ashley Sandrine Yap

I enjoy attending galas because I love dressing up. It’s also a great opportunity to meet people and enjoy a wonderful evening. I get to make amazing memories and have a fun night out.

Mark Oliveros

Mark Oliveros

I’m looking forward to meeting GMA artists I really idolize, like David Licauco, Marian Rivera and Barbie Forteza.

Vianna Ricafranca

Vianna Ricafranca

As a first-time attendee, I can’t wait to make new friends and enjoy the night. One thing I’m especially looking forward to is talking with veteran artists and actors. Hearing about their experiences and learning from them would be really inspiring. I see this as a great chance to grow and learn more about what I love.

Shan Vesagas

Shan Vesagas

[The gala will be] a night full of stars that will showcase their outfits and a fun-filled event, overall.