GMA Network held their first Masterclass session for their Luzon leg at the Ateneo de Naga University on 29 March 2022 at the University Gym. The special series, which involves partnership with several schools from several regions, serves as an avenue for lectures and discussions on journalism, news and entertainment, advocacy, production, social media, and the coming national elections.
Present in the Naga leg were six speakers sharing valuable and motivational information related to their fields of expertise. Maki Pulido (GMA Senior News Producer) presented the difficult work of reporters and the demand for details, emphasizing their role as giving voice to the marginalized especially in times crisis. Mike Rivera (GMA Entertainment Headwriter, Series Creator and Creative Consultant) gave a glimpse of what goes on behind her infotainment series, iBilib and Amazing Earth, where her team goes through several levels of fact-checking and experimentation, as well as finding the right balance between information and entertainment.
Floralyn Joy Toeodro (GMA Public Affairs Social Media Producer) brought the current situation on the social media landscape, citing vigilance on the matters of content through three aspects: preference, label, and sharing. On a more local scene, Jessie Cruzat (GMA Regional TV C–Anchor and News Correspondent) shared his journey as a broadcaster, starting his reporting gig at a young age of 13 and eventually becoming a part of Balitang Bicolandia. He also emphasized the importance of community reporting, as well finding stories among locals—finding narratives that inspire and bring hope to citizens.
Wrapping up the series of informative lectures were Suzette Doctolero (GMA Drama Concept Creator, Developer and Headwriter) who shared her journey in becoming a successful writer and creative behind the famous soaps such as Encantadia, Amaya, My Husband’s Lover, Sahaya, and Legal Wives and Rocco Nacino (GMA Actor and Entrepreneur) who provided his inspirational story of overcoming setbacks and finding one’s success in life.
Accompanying the lecturers were Oliver Victor Amoroso (First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV) who gave the aim and rationale of the special series (with updates on where they are now), and Lou Ellen Romero (GMA Regional TV, Naga Station Manager) who provided the closing remarks and gave thanks to the event partners. GMA actress Rain Matienzo hosted the event.
