Entertainment

GMA Network and Stars Honored at Visionary Awards

GMA KAPUSO Network and its stars led the honorees at the 1st Annual Filipino-American Visionary Awards held Friday, March 7, 2008 at the prestigious and world famous Kodak Theater, home of Hollywood’s biggest event.

The grand star-studded gala event akin to the Oscars® and the Latin Alma was produced by NuVision Worldwide Media, a newly-launched multi-entertainment company involved in international as well as mainstream music, films, soundtracks, videos, live events, concerts, promotions, sales and marketing.

This year’s Visionary awards night was envisioned to give new vision and appreciation of Filipinos to the world, particularly in the entertainment industry.

“We want to make a difference in this industry and by awarding those who have achieved excellence in their respective fields namely television, film and music, we hope to bring pride and recognition to honor those who have put Filipinos on the map. And not just the Filipino-Americans who have made a difference here in Hollywood, but those from the Philippines whose contributions to promote our talents have uplifted the profile of Filipinos in the arts, entertainment and sports,” NuVision Chairman and CEO Ramil Q. Gonzales said.

Mike Enriquez of GMA Kapuso network’s Imbestigador and 24 Oras was handed the first award of the evening for Visionary Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism.

“The Visionary Award, the first ever for Filipino Americans, is something that will serve as an inspiration and challenge not only to me but to all other Filipino journalists,” Mike said.

He also accepted the GMA Kapuso network’s award for Visionary Award for Excellence in Television Programming.

“On behalf of the men and women of GMA network and GMA Pinoy TV, we thank you Filipinos in the United States throughout the world for letting us into your homes,”
Mike added.

The triumvirate of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon was given the Legend Award for Television Hosting.

“Mayroon palang mas higit pa sa Kapuso at higit pa sa Kapamilya, eto ang kapilipinohan sa buong daigdig,” Joey declared.

Philippine film and TV actor Richard Gutierrez accepted the awards for Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera for Favorite Television Actor and Favorite Television Actress respectively.

Richard was also honored with his own trophy for Image Award for Star Power.

“It is such an honor for me to be here, to be accepting an award at the Kodak Theater. I promise to work hard, to strive for excellence for the Filipino audience,” Richard said.

The other GMA Kapuso network stars also honored were Francis Magalona for Legend Award for Music, Manny Pacquiao as Athlete of the Year, and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. for Visionary Award for Public Service.

Among the array of Filipino American artists who were recipients of the Visionary Awards, apl.de.ap (Alan Pineda) said it best in his acceptance speech for Image Award for Music which captured the essence of this historical star-studded evening.

“I will continue to make Filipino music, rap more Tagalog, show everybody our culture, where we came from, I am proud to be Filipino, I am Filipino today, I will be Filipino tomorrow, I will be Filipino in the future,” Alan declared.

Nia Peeples shared the same sentiments when she accepted her trophy for Legend Award for Acting.

“The most extraordinary thing about tonight is that we the people have come together not just to honor the achievements of various individuals but we the people have come together to honor each other,” Nia said.

The grand gala event featured performances by American Idol Season 3 finalist Jasmine Trias, European singing/dancing sensation Billy Crawford, Philippine Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, Philippine Concert King Martin Nievera, Hannah Montana’s Anna Marie Perez de Tagle, Philippines’ Phenomenal Diva Jessa Zaragoza, Dingdong Avanzado, NONOSINA Polynesia Dance Ensemble, and the Cast of Fever the Musical featuring TV host/actress Ciara Sotto.

This historic first-of-its-kind production was emceed by Philippine singer/songwriter Dingdong Avanzado and KSCI’s Kababayan LA producer/host Jannelle So.

The production team was headed by Hollywood director/producer Douglas Velasco, five-time Emmy®-award winning writer Craig Heller, Art Director/Set Designer Scott Heinemann (Art Directors Guild Award winner), primetime Emmy® Award Lighting Designer, Jeff Ravitz.

The “Inaugural Filipino-American Visionary Awards” was a production of NuVision Worldwide Media, LLC in association with Creative Concepts International and TDRZ Productions, Inc.

The “Inaugural Filipino-American Visionary Awards” was truly a historic star-studded grand gala award show that was simply world-class and should be respected and embraced by the Filipino and Filipino American Community worldwide!

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