I'm proud to be a Kapuso

A month ago marked my first anniversary of being a part of GMA Network. In previous columns, I’ve spoken about how I’ve grown with them and how I’ve learned to appreciate the values that the company embodies. Also, beyond my immense gratitude for the countless opportunities that the network has showered me with and beyond the fact that I feel like I have found a second family with my co-workers, the previous week has me brimming with pride for being a part of the Kapuso family.

As most of us would know, the past week has sent us reeling from the decapitating effects of a natural calamity that sends us flashbacks of the traumatizing Typhoon Ondoy. In spite of these events, we have once again shown our true strength as a people. We have proved to others and ourselves that Ondoy was no fluke. In times of need, we will band together as one to protect our fellow Filipinos. People from all walks of life — the rich and the poor — unite to aid the victims of the tropical depression. It’s a truly inspiring image and the strength of the moment does not fade away nor does it get old. I still feel the compassion and strength of our culture when I hear stories of heroism and come across pictures of everyone helping out.

On that note, because of my ties to GMA, I have first-hand experience of their efforts to aid our country. Artists, staff and employees banded together to provide support wherever it was needed. It was great seeing such a unified effort from such a prominent company especially considering the fact that it houses many influential personalities. Regardless of deadlines, work in the network took a back seat so that most resources could be directed to our fellow Filipinos in need.

In relation to that, it may be a coincidence that the new station ID of the network was recently released and it focuses on how GMA has connected itself to its viewers. After all, the work done in the network is driven by its viewers. They are the reason why we continue to strive for excellence and it’s heartwarming to see GMA as well as other corporate players put their consumers in top priority during times of crisis.

Further more, this experience heightens the sense of fulfillment if get from working with the network. The company exemplifies values that I firmly believe in and, I think, it allows for a more conducive working environment that pushes for excellence without letting go of their important principles.

At the end of the day, our country may still have a long way to go, we may have many issues that have to be resolved but as long as we stay connected and keep our values as a people, then I truly believe that things will continue to progress. But right now, I can’t be more proud of where I work and of the Filipino people. I wish everyone more power.

(For any comments or suggestions, e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @mikaeldaez.)