Beyond 75: GMA personalities on their proudest Kapuso moment

(First of two parts)

Seventy-five years of being “Isa sa Puso ng Filipino.”

From its top-rating and award-winning programs to critically acclaimed documentaries, GMA Network has mirrored the lives of the Filipino people for 75 years and counting.

As the network celebrates this momentous milestone, some of the biggest Kapuso personalities share their reflections and most meaningful moments as a “Kapuso.” Their stories paint a picture of a network that has become their home — a place where their dreams have come true and their talent is always valued and celebrated.

Check out their stories in this two-part series, beginning with some of the country’s award-winning news and public affairs personalities:

Mel Tiangco: “I am always proud of ‘24 Oras’ because we have maintained our ratings all these years. But if it is my ‘aha’ moment, I think it would be our projects for Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. At that time, I was the head of the GMA Kapuso Foundation. I was the AVP and COO of the Foundation. We were one of the very first to do relief operations and one of the very first to finish our long-term housing, school and turnover to the beneficiaries.

“‘Yun ‘yung proudest moment ko — I’m so proud that I belong to GMA Kapuso Foundation, GMA Network Inc. I was so proud of our staff — wala nang tulog, wala nang kain, wala nang ligo. The work that we did, it was survival of the fittest. I was so proud of everybody, who, in one way or another, helped us do those long-term projects for the people in Visayas, for the victims of Yolanda.”

Vicky Morales: “Binalikan ko ang lahat ng nakaraan kong coverage at masasabi ko talaga na my proudest moment would have to be when we’re all able to use media work to make lives better, to reunite families, to get justice for people who don’t have a voice and to improve people’s lives. ‘Yun sa akin ang proudest moment. Of course, we have the scoops, we have the exclusives. But I think what really matters in our work is when we’re able to do something for humanity.”

Emil Sumangil: “There are moments in a journalist’s life that define not just a career, but a calling. For me, one of those moments was when I was chosen to step into the role once held by the late Mike Enriquez on ‘24 Oras.’ To be trusted with that responsibility — to help carry forward a legacy built on credibility, compassion, and service — was both humbling and deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about delivering the news; it was about continuing a mission that touched millions.

“Being called the Kapuso Action Man gave my work a deeper purpose. It reminded me that journalism isn’t just about headlines — it’s about people. It’s about showing up when no one else will. It’s about giving voice to the unheard and hope to the forgotten.

“I’ve had the privilege of telling stories that mattered. Stories that opened eyes and stirred hearts.”

Pia Arcangel: “I’ve always been especially proud to be a Kapuso — but one moment that stands out was watching my first-ever news story air on GMA. The sense of pride I felt is still very vivid. I remember waiting for ‘Saksi’ to come on at around 11 p.m., and making sure my family was watching alongside me. And when Mike Enriquez introduced my report and said, ‘Saksi si Pia Arcangel’ — I was clapping in excitement and thinking to myself how special it was to be working in GMA, alongside journalists I had long admired and respected.”

Ivan Mayrina: “My proudest moment as a Kapuso was the first time someone walked up to me and said, ‘Sir, estudyante pa lang ako pinapanood ko na kayo tuwing umaga. Ngayon may trabaho na ko kayo pa rin po ang pinapanood ko.’

“I have been in 25 of the 75 years that GMA has been a part of the Filipino households. And hearing that from a younger person almost feels like an accomplishment, having been a part of someone’s life, his daily struggles and triumphs, and his milestones. In the daily grind of a journalist, it is easy to lose sight of the purpose of all we do. But being told that we have been part of their lives in different chapters makes everything worth it.”

Raffy Tima: “I have several proud moments as a Kapuso, most of which come from my solo conflict coverages. “The most memorable for me were my solo coverage in Babylon, Iraq during the Second Gulf War; my month-long assignment in Egypt at the onset of the Israeli-Palestinian war; and when the military allowed me to enter the main battle area in Marawi alone to document and report on the tunnels dug by the terrorist group Maute-ISIS.

“Of course, international awards for these coverages are also moments I’m truly proud of.

“My latest proud moment would be when the Manila Overseas Press Club honored me with a recognition of my body of work as a Kapuso.”

Connie Sison: “I had already been in the industry for a decade when I joined GMA 7 back in 2007. From the very beginning, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism, high standards and unrelenting dedication of the people I worked with. There was a shared sense of purpose that was palpable — and it moved me.

“It wasn’t long before I began ending every flash report with the words: ‘Proud to be Kapuso.’ At first, it was a tagline. But soon, I realized I wasn’t just saying it — I was living it. I meant every single word, every single time. That’s when it hit me: I had never been prouder to be a journalist until I became part of this dynamic organization.

“To this day, I remain proud to be a Kapuso.”

Susan Enriquez: “My proudest moments are when I was sent to cover stories that are now part of world history. The first was the World Trade Center bombing of Sept. 11, 2001, and then the tsunami in Thailand on Dec. 26, 2004. I met Filipinos abroad when I was covering those stories, and they expressed their gratitude to GMA for bringing the news wherever it happens.”

Atom Araullo: “I feel proudest as a Kapuso when we’re able to cover critical events across the Philippines and around the world — whether it’s conflict, political unrest, natural disasters, pandemics or other emergencies. Being part of a dedicated and formidable GMA Integrated News and Public Affairs team, and doing my part to keep people informed about issues that matter, gives me a deep sense of purpose.”

Arnold Clavio: “Making a positive impact on others’ lives through my stories. My case studies inspired me to be a better person. And with that opportunity, I reached my goal of giving back all the blessings to the community by organizing my iGan ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc. I realized, having spent 36 years at GMA Network, Inc., that I am not only a broadcast journalist but also a human being, and the importance of kindness and compassion to our Kapuso viewers and listeners.

Jessica Soho: “Tuwing nabibigyan kami ng mga award—s’yempre proud moments ‘yun. Pero over-all, hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ay ‘yung mga napakahirap na shoots at coverage na na-survive.

“It’s always teamwork behind every difficult coverage or challenge. It’s the teamwork that makes me proud. Kasi ‘di ko magagawa lahat ang nagawa ko kung wala akong team behind me or with me.

“Through every headline delivered, in every story pursued, and every truth uncovered, their proudest moments shine not just through their individual achievements but also through their collective passion and commitment in serving Filipino audiences through Sebisyong Totoo — one story at a time.”

Happy 75th anniversary, GMA!