GMA Artist Center launches The Black Book

Manila, Philippines - Not even Typhoon Bebeng’s prelude of heavy rains, thunder and lightning could deter the stars and GMA network bigwigs from coming out of their comfort zones last May 24 to be present in the well-appointed occasion launching GMA Artist Center (GMAAC)’s The Black Book, the latest catalogue of its steadily rising stable of talents, held at the Republiq in Resorts World Hotel in Parañaque City.

No less than GMA president and chief executive officer, lawyer Felipe Gozon, presided over the short and simple ceremonies, in the presence of other GMA executives led by GMAAC head Ida Ramos-Henares, also vice president for the Talent Management Division. The esteemed crowd that night also included lawyer Annette Gozon-Abrogar, president of GMA Films and other GMA executives such as Joey Abacan, Marivin Arayata, Gigi Santiago-Lara, Reggie Bautista, among others.

Gozon said, “GMA 7 a few years ago didn’t even have any contract artist under its management. But now, more than seven years after, GMAAC has produced homegrown artists, some of whom have made outstanding mark in the entertainment industry as a whole.”

Gozon cited the partnership, saying “definitely, the Talent Development and Management Department of GMA Artist Center is now a key partner in making us the No. 1 station in the country today.”

The more than 60-strong contract artists of GMAAC, led by today’s movie and television-raters, newsmakers and singing sensations, succeeded in making the event significant, turning the rainy, cold night into a warm, glittery affair of young people out to conquer the world.

From left: GMA execs Ida Henares, Annette Gozon-Abrogar and Joey Abacan

Those who took centerstage that night were prime talents Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Mark Herras, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Sheena Halili, Dion Ignacio, Ryza Cenon, Bela Padilla, Dominic Roco, Kevin Santos, Vaness del Moral, Stef Prescott, Prince Estefan, Princess Snell, Dex Quindoza, Pancho Magno, Benedict Campos, Rey Talosig, and Djanin Cruz; StarStruck talents Sarah Lahbati, Nina Kodaka, Fianca Cruz, Rox Montealegre, Lou Sison, Vicky Ortega, Steven Silva, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Sef Cadayona and Diva Montelaba; La Diva; tween stars Barbie Forteza, Louise delos Reyes, Alden Richards, Julieanne San Jose, Bea Binene, Joanna Marie Tan, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Krytal Reyes, Joyce Ching, and Kristoffer Martin; hosts Luane Dy, Victor Aliwalas, Stephanie Henares and Gino dela Peña; comedians Chariz Solomon, Moymoy Palaboy and Jan Manual.

There were a handful who failed to make it to the event due to unavoidable circumstances. Marvin Agustin, Jackie Rice, Iwa Moto, Joshua Dionisio, Rich Asuncion, Yasmien Kurdi, Nadine Samonte, Solenn Heussaff, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Diaz, Isabel Oli, siblings Maxene Magalona, Saab Magalona, Elmo Magalona, Arkin Magalona and Frank Magalona, Kylie Padilla, Frencheska Farr, Gwen Zamora, Ellen Adarna, Chynna Ortaleza and Jillian Ward, among many others, were not present during the launch at the Republiq but they are as much a part of The Black Book as the others.

GMAAC prides itself with having worked only with the best talents in the business in coming up with The Black Book. Frontliners are fashion photographers Doc Marlon Pecjo and his assistants Roy Macam, Ria Regino and Kench Genato; Xander Angeles and Jay Tablante; a barrage of A-1 stylists led Millet Arzaga, make-up artists led by Mickey See of Shu Uemura, and a phalanx of the country’s best designers and hairstylists.

The Black Book succeeds in presenting the artists in their most glamorous and stunning selves. The concept and images brings forth star power.

At the launch, performers were La Diva, Julieanne San Jose, Brenan Espartinez, Geoff Taylor and Jayanne Bautista. Tim Yap was main host for the night and at some point, he was joined by GMAAC’s multi-awarded hosts Stephanie Henares, Gino dela Pena, Luane Dy and Victor Aliwalas.

Henares takes pride in this accomplishment. “It took us two years to complete this catalogue and we are very happy to present it to you as it is today. We are very happy with the output. Here’s hoping to more years of success at the GMA Artist Center as we celebrate our 10th year,” she said.