Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya pays courtesy call on GMA president and CEO Duavit

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Friday paid a courtesy call on GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. 

GMA Network Executive Vice President and CFO Mr. Felipe S. Yalong, and GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Mr. Oliver Victor B. Amoroso joined Duavit in meeting with the ambassador.

The ambassador was accompanied by the Japanese Embassy’s Director of Japan Information and Culture Center Mr. Matsuda Shigehiro and Press Officer Shigeyoshi Rintaro.

GMA president and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya at the latter's courtesy call at the GMA Network on Friday.

According to the Japanese Embassy, Duavit thanked the ambassador for his gracious visit and shared his excitement for the tour. He also briefed Endo on the network’s identity and programs. 

“In fact, I remember Mr. Yalong and I were very young when we started to watch Voltes V on television and since then, a great number of the hit animes from Japan have been released locally broadcast through our network,” Duavit said in a 24 Oras report by Raffy Tima on Friday.

“If you will notice, practically all our cameras are designed and built in Japan and Japan continues to be a primary source of our technical requirements in our broadcast operations,” he added.

Endo cited the network’s role in furthering Japan-Philippines relations through its broadcast of different television programs that showcase Japanese media and culture.

He particularly acknowledged GMA’s adaptation of famous Japanese anime Voltes V and the network’s coverage of Japan’s different tourist destinations.  

“Voltes V has become a symbol of hope courage and unity, values that resonate deeply within our cultures. GMA has played a pivotal role in this narrative acting as a bridge that spans the vast oceans between our two nations, bringing us closer together through the magic of media and storytelling,” said Endo.

He also mentioned how he hoped that the relationship between Japan and the Philippines will prosper with the help of organizations and companies, such as GMA.

“Indeed, you embody your slogan, isa sa puso ng Pilipino. Through your dedication and passion you have brought Japan into the hearts of the Filipino people making it a cherished part of their life,” he said.

Endo exchanged tokens with Duavit and was given a tour of the network’s newsroom. —NB/RF, GMA Integrated News