A Saturday to remember indeed?

GMA Network promised that last Saturday was going to be a Saturday to remember for all its Kapusong Cebuano. And indeed it was. There's also no denying that there is something seemingly peculiar but nonetheless heartwarming familiarity as to how the Cebuanos welcomed Mega Manila's leading television network, GMA Network, to the Queen City of the South for the nth time - "phenomenal".

Though smaller in scale as compared to last year's Grand Kapuso Fans Day, which broke records in terms of attendance in both SM City Cebu and Cebu City Sports Center, this year's KAPUSO FANS DAY sa CEBU nevertheless packed more than enough Kapuso star power for a one-day non-stop showcase of Kapuso entertainment prowess and genuine public service at the Mandaue Sports Complex last Saturday, July 15.

Kicking off the festivities is GMA's Corporate Press Conference held last Friday, July 14, at the network's Cebu station. No less than GMA Network's Chairman, President and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores, VP for Entertainment TV Marivin Arayata, and AVP for Expansion and Production Services and concurrent OIC for Regional TV Rikki Escudero were present to personally address Cebu's local media and a handful of Manila-based press.

A motorcade of some of GMA's hottest stars - Captain Barbell's Patrick Garcia, Camille Pratts and Rhian Ramos; Kili-TV's Keempee de Leon, Maureen Larrazabal and Francine Prieto; and SOP's duo of Jay-R and Kyla, served as the opening salvo of Saturday's fans day event. From Waterfront-Lahug, they proceeded to the Mandaue Sports Complex where about ten thousand eager and very much excited Cebuanos were already in anticipation of one of Cebu's grandest event this year, outside of the Sinulog festival.

Inside the sports complex, a one-of-a-kind entertainment treat was provided by GMA Entertainment TV with Captain Barbell's "Pachinco" booth; Bahay Mo Ba `To, Lagot Ka and Bubble Gang's "Roleta" booth ; and SOP and Cebuano variety program Oi!'s "Videoke Challenge" booth.

Joining the Entertainment TV artists are some of the biggest names from the country's most respected news organization, GMA News and Public Affairs. No less than four of the five pillars of Serbisyong Totoo - Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Jessica Soho and Arnold Clavio - together with Jiggy Manicad, Susan Enriquez and Love Añover graced the event. With Jessica, Arnold, Susan and Love even performing live on stage to the surprise and delight of the Cebuanos.

GMA News' 24 Oras and Saksi, together with the leading Cebuano primetime newscast Balitang Bisdak gave a number of loyal Kapusong Cebuanos the opportunity to call their loved ones abroad for free with the "Libreng Tawag" booth. Public Affairs programs Wish Ko Lang!, Kay Susan Tayo and the newest afternoon reality program, Ang Pagbabago, on the other hand, offered free haircut services with their "Libreng Gupit" booth. Free vitamins and first aid services were taken care of Emergency in its "Libreng Bitamina/First Aid" booth.

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