The inspiring life of GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon
He continues to help shape the media and entertainment industry in the country, especially with the 75th anniversary of GMA Network.
"There is something that is happening now. It's a gradual shifting of watching content from traditional TV to the new modern gadgets like smartphones, laptops, etc. Mabuti na lang in the Philippines, it's happening very gradually. I think the traditional TV will be there to stay, just like the radio. But we have to have to be there at the frontlines when the shifting becomes very substantial. We are attending to that," he says in a recent interview on Power Talks with Pia Arcangel.
As the first guest in the show, he shared a few inspiring anecdotes as well as some surprising tidbits from his life.
Get to know more about GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon in this gallery.
Childhood
Atty. Felipe L. Gozon describes himself as a mischievous child who had several near-death experiences because of his excess energy. He recalls falling into a well in his grandmother's house, suffering a fall in a sugar factory, hitting his head under a raft in the Malabon River, and even getting hit by a jeepney.
Student
Atty. Gozon admits being distracted by playing with tex, rubber bands, spiders, and the like when he was studying at the Malabon Elementary School. His mother eventually transferred him to Union Elementary School in Malate where he improved his grades. But in college, his father caught him skipping classes and frequenting billiard halls. He was stunned by the uncharacteristic silence of his normally talkative father during the encounter which led him to take his studies seriously. He finished with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Laws degree from Yale University. Atty. Gozon placed 13th in the bar examinations of 1962.
Lawyer
He initially wanted to be a trial lawyer, but a different opportunity came when two of the senior partners who handled tax cases at his law firm had to leave. "The tax work fell on my shoulders because they knew that taxation was among the subjects that I mastered at Yale [University]. I was able to do it. That's why I became a junior partner in one year and a half," he recalls.
Photo taken during Atty. Gozon's acceptance speech for Communicator of the Year (COTY) award in the Executive Leader category by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia Pacific.
Mentors
He considers his father, former Bureau of Mines director and former secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Benjamin M. Gozon, his mentor. "My father occupied high government positions, but he never lost his humility [and] honesty. He was working very hard, and he treated everybody fairly. I saw it, and that became my role model," Atty. Gozon says.
Please use file photo of FLG
Leadership
"As much as possible, I want to show by example what I expect people to do." Atty. Gozon describes his leadership style. "I learned not to listen to excuses. We better talk about how not to repeat the mistake and how to do things properly after that," he adds.
Credit: Power Talks with Pia Arcangel.
Television
He loves watching television and calls hit historical portal fantasy series Maria Clara at Ibarra and top-rating daily game show Family Feud his favorite shows.
Please use file photo of FLG
Rollercoasters
Atty. Gozon also enjoys riding roller coasters in his younger years, especially when accompanying his children. "Parang 'yung bituka mo aakyat eh. Sinasamahan ko sila noon," he recalls.
Please use file photo of FLG
Parent and grandparent
He calls himself a disciplinarian to his kids but says that he spoils his grandchildren. "Hindi na ako ang responsible sa kanila so I can afford to spoil them. Bahala na 'yung mga parents nila to discipline them," he says with a laugh.
Advice
"Set your goal, work very hard in achieving that. Focus, be honest, and have integrity. And treat everyone fairly," he says when asked for advice that he might give to young people.
Photo taken during Atty. Gozon's acceptance speech for Communicator of the Year (COTY) award in the Executive Leader category by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia Pacific.
