Profiling Kapuso stars

When now GMA Network, Inc. vice president for talent development and management department Ida Henares walked into the Channe 7 building — the one facing Timog Ave. at the cor. of EDSA nine years ago — she began asking for directions on how to get to the artists’ center office.

She found the answer when she finally faced GMA Network, Inc. senior vice president for entertainment television Wilma V. Galvante, who told her “to choose the space.”

That building was newly-constructed and there were rooms for everyone. Of course, as the network grew under the reins of lawyer Felipe Gozon, Jimmy Duavit and other top bosses, even that 16-story edifice got too crowded in a matter of years. Another one had to be constructed at the back to solve space problems that came with growth and development.

But going back to Ida’s initial foray into the GMA Network fold, she was summoned to the executive offices that time to set up an artists’ center.

GMA Network president Felipe Gozon with wife Tessie

Ida was no stranger to Channel 7. She was part of the highly-successful Penthouse 7 dance-variety program as a regular dancer. Talent managing wasn’t exactly alien to her because she’s married to Ronnie Henares, whose vision for Regine Velasquez was what turned Asia’s Songbird into what she is today — an icon in the music industry.

Ronnie became a big-time talent manager after he decided to quit his on-cam career as a singer — probably the original kilabot ng mga colegiala — and actor, who made teleplays under the guidance of Lino Brocka. Those who are impressed with him as an onscreen performer today (in Time of Your Life and Pepito Manaloto) therefore shouldn’t be surprised anymore that he shines in his roles: He had the best training under the greatest of mentors.

He was still up to his neck with his own managing company when GMA Network officials decided it was about time they put up their own artists’ center because Channel 7 was getting bigger and bigger and was suffering from a shortage of talents. Maybe the better half — Ida, that is — could help develop more talents for the station. As husband and wife, surely they must be talking about their respective activities before they go to bed. Ida already had an informal training — from the master, no less. And so she was the ideal person to help develop an artists’ center for Channel 7.

Sure, there were already regular GMA Network talents that time, but its pool of artists was, well, merely a kiddie pool.

Actually, there was already a supposed artists’ center that time, except that the department was even smaller than a cottage industry.

The network wanted a more formal, more organized and structured department to build up more on-cam stars and help give career direction to those who were already there that time.

This was how the present GMA Artists Center was formed. It is now a major branch of the huge GMA Network, Inc. operations and it was Ida who founded it.

After nine years, the contract stars of GMA Artists Center are now among the most in-demand in local show business.

But Ida will not stop there. Any opportunity where her stable of talents can shine — she grabs it.

A few months ago, Ida went into this collaboration with the Pref Media Group headed by Rose Basa and the result was the magazine Profiles, which was launched last Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

A glossy publication that will only come out annually, it has a comprehensive listing and photos of the artists of GMA 7. (It should be available in bookstores soon.)

At the grand launch, the network’s stars had their chance to go glam as they walked the red carpet in their best bib and tucker.

From left: Ida Henares, GMA Network VP for talent development and management; Rose Basa, PREF Media Group president; and Sari Yap

In my 12 years with Channel 7, I had already attended various network functions, but that Profiles magazine launch is so far the most fabulous, graced by the most beautiful people in the entertainment profession — all wearing attire created specially for them by top couturiers.

More than the look, I also noticed how the talents developed their personality under the guidance of GMA Artists Center. Luigi Revilla may be very young, but he spoke and carried himself impeccably during a brief chat I had with him that evening. Impressive manners.

I was also happy to see the transformation of then child singing star Rita Iringan from a kid to a young lady of 16. I had not seen her for the longest time, but I recognized her because of her smile and noticeable was the genuine warmth and the joy in her to see her old man again. Oh well, we all grow old.

Next year, GMA Artists Center will turn 10 and I can’t wait how Ida and her staff will top that successful launch, which is actually one of the biggest showbiz events this past season.