Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya visited GMA Network Center

GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. welcomed Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, at the GMA Network Center. Duavit recalled launching the Network’s international channel in Japan and highlighted the ongoing participation of GMA talents in various events for Filipinos there. “I distinctly remember 2005 in April, when we launched there, providentially in Japan because a great number of our countrymen were in Japan,” Duavit said.

Duavit also mentioned the Network’s collaboration with the Japanese government on various socio-civic projects. “A part of the company is a foundation, called the GMA Kapuso Foundation, which had also become a partner of the Japanese government. Specifically, in 2019, the Japanese embassy gave a grant to our foundation to build a multi-story, seven-classroom school building in Marawi City.”

Ambassador Endo expressed gratitude for GMA Network’s hospitality and acknowledged its role in strengthening the bond between the two countries. “I am deeply grateful to step on the grounds of the largest media network in the Philippines. It is an honor to be here at GMA, a true beacon of culture and storytelling,” he said.

Ambassador Endo emphasized that Japan’s partnership with GMA Network is “more than just being friends, it is a tapestry woven with threads of shared dreams, culture, and mutual respect,” adding that the Network has been instrumental in bringing Japanese culture closer to Filipinos. “GMA has been a remarkable storyteller showcasing the beauty and wonder of Japan to Filipino audiences,” he added, citing the Network’s live-action series adaptation of the iconic Japanese anime “Voltes V” as a shining example of this collaboration. “These anime stories aren't just shows; it's a cultural phenomena that have captured the imagination of generations of Filipinos, and particularly the generations of ours. Through these adventures and triumphs, 'Voltes V' has become a symbol of hope, courage, and unity, and values that resonate deeply in our culture.”