GMA Pinoy TV honored the hard work, resilience and contributions of Filipino seafarers with the first-ever ‘GMA Pinoy TV’s Pinoys @ Sea: Seafarers’ Family Day 2026.’ The event was held on September 19, 2026 in Quezon City.
Welcoming the Filipino seafarers and their families were GMA Network first vice president and head of international operations Joseph T. Francia. He was joined by Home2US founder, president and CEO Emrah Ozkan.
‘Where goes the family, so goes the nation. When families are strengthened, communities are transformed. Through the GMA Pinoy TV Pinoys @ Sea, we celebrate our seafarers and their families as catalysts of this transformation-turning sacrifice into opportunity, shared learning into growth, and meaningful moments like this event into a better future for all,’ said Francia.
Guests at the ‘GMA Pinoy TV Seafarers’ Family Day 2026′ also enjoyed discussions on mental health and entrepreneurship led by broadcast journalists Connie Sison and Susan Enriquez. Meanwhile, former undersecretary Art Valdez and expedition leader of the Balangay Voyages and co-chair of the construction of the Butuan Balangay replica encouraged them to help revive the seafaring pride of ancient Filipinos.
Sparkle artists Matt Lozano and Therese Malvar, from the GMA afternoon sports series Kamao, and Ronnie Liang also joined the celebration and delighted guests with musical performances.
The event also featured interactive panel discussions on key issues affecting Filipino seafarers and their families. ‘Kahit Malayo, Malapit Pa Rin: Strengthening Parenting and Family Bonds Across Distance’ covered parenting and family relationships, and was moderated by Bong and Claire Pineda.
‘Sa Layag ng Kita: Smart Financial Planning for Seafarers and Their Families,’ meanwhile, was moderated by PHILSME and Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) media director Angie Balibay. It explored practical ways to build long-term financial security with panelists that included executive director for business development and svp for cruise operations at Philippine Transmarine Carriers Maria Katherine ‘Karen’ Avelino; maritime professional and content creator Rinell Banda; RK Franchise Consultancy and the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) president Sheena Kay Kotik; and Deeds Inknovate Training Center founder and operations manager Evangeline ‘Vangie’ Dones.
Finally, ‘Okay Lang Magpahinga: Prioritizing Mental Health for Seafarers and Their Families,’ moderated by GMA International digital marketing manager and Stronger Together: The GMA Pinoy TV Podcast host Tonie Pua, highlighted the importance of mental health and access to support systems for seafarers and their families.
Guests also won exciting raffle prizes such as GMA Affordabox units, gift certificates, and many more giveaways from GMA Pinoy TV.
GMA Pinoy TV’s tribute to Filipino seafarers and their families is in recognition of the sacrifices they continue to make in pursuit of better lives for their loved ones, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of Global Pinoys around the world.
The ‘GMA Pinoy TV’s Pinoys @ Sea: Seafarers’ Family Day 2026′ was made possible through the support of event partners Home2US Communications and Max’s Restaurant.