No less than His Excellency President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III graced the recent star-studded launch of GMA Network’s 60th anniversary coffee table book. Other government officials and dignitaries spotted at the formal event held at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel Makati included former President Fidel V. Ramos, former Sen. Jovito Salonga, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senators Frank Drilon, Bong Revilla, Tito Sotto, and Speaker Sonny Belmonte.

Entitled “Kapuso: The GMA Story,” the book traces the generations of individuals behind the history of the company from its founding to the present.

In his speech, President Aquino revealed that GMA-7 has become part of his personal life because it was the only TV station that covered the assassination, the historic wake and funeral of his father, Benigno S. Aquino Jr. as well as the TV station where his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, made her television debut.

The 199-page book, written by editor and accomplished writer Krip Yuson, features the triumvirate of Felipe L. Gozon, Gilberto M. Duavit, Menardo R. Jimenez and top executives and personalities like Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Marissa Flores, Wilma V. Galvante, Antonio Seva, Orly Mercado, German Moreno, Tina Monzon-Palma and Freddie Garcia who shared memorable experiences with the network in the last six decades.

Advertising executives, foreign dignitaries from the diplomatic corps, government officials, members of the media and Kapuso celebrities also graced the cocktail event.

The 60th anniversary book launch was hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez.

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Gino dela Peña enjoys an ‘X’ life

GMA Artist Center’s Gino dela Peña’s showbiz career took off after a career-pushing McDonald’s TVC featuring as theme song the classic Eraserheads song “Ang Huling El Bimbo.” The clip was not the last dance for him. It was just the beginning for him.

Gino got the part of the “boy-next-door in glasses,” beating more than 30 aspirants, and he attributes this to having honed his skills from GMAAC’s acting workshops. After that, projects poured in for Gina, including his being tapped to serve as a face for PLDT’s MyDSL wherein he shares the spotlight with the likes of Ryan Agoncillo and Rhian Ramos, who he considers a good friend and one of the most talented girls around; Isabel Oli, Stephanie Henares, Stef Prescott, and Victor Aliwalas, all fellow GMAAC talents.

Gino’s biggest project to date is Q Channel 11’s “X-Life,” the new lifestyle magazine show that premiered recently. The program, which he co-hosts with Steph Henares and JC Tiuseco, airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

“X-Life” brings Gino and the gang to various physical challenges that are not usual but exciting nonetheless. “It’s a different thing experiencing stuff you haven’t done before,” said the actor who’s also in GMA-7’s “Kaya Kong Abutin and Langit.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Aug. 8, go to veteran actress Delia Razon, Gov. Baby Bayai Ortiz, Carmi Martin, former beauty queen Amy Reyes-Forthomme, Rosie del Rosario, movie writer Nora Calderon, Texas-based Homer Pili, former MB tourism editor Pal Ravina, Pamela Palma Tuazon, John David T. Aquino, Maribeth R. Palmera, Nena Ajero, Lourdes Viloria, UK-based Vesper Valdez, Ana Mariz and Asuncion J. Espina, former Central Bank director... “Santa Claus for All Seasons” is what the Kagay-anons call Danny Velasco because when he visits Plaza Fair Cagayan de Oro, the atmosphere turns into a fiesta. He gives big discounts on practically all items and attractive freebies that attracts customers to keep coming back to the store. He also gives entertainment to them every special occasion. Plaza Fair Cagayan de Oro is considered the bloodstream in Danny Velasco’s shopping empire because it is said to be the No. 1 store now in Northern Mindanao.