It was supposed to be a celebration. GMA Network’s 75th anniversary was always going to be big — but no one expected the “Beyond 75” fan polls to shake the fandoms the way they did. It wasn’t just about the glitz, the tributes, or the nostalgic look-backs. It became a glimpse into the future, spotlighting names that might very well define the next 75 years.

When the poll results dropped, the names that trended weren’t all veteran artists or household legends. Instead, the spotlight landed on digital phenoms, breakout young actors, and influencers with cult-like followings. Mika Salamanca and Dustin Yu topping the Kapuso Fan Fave polls sent ripples through the internet. While some cheered, others raised eyebrows. But the message was clear — this generation is choosing its own stars.

Mika Salamanca, known for her viral charm and commanding social media presence, wasn’t just a surprise — she was a statement. At just 23, Mika’s rise from lifestyle vlogger to mainstream darling has been nothing short of meteoric. And now, GMA audiences are officially embracing her. “Being recognized in this way is overwhelming,” Mika shared, teary-eyed, during the premiere of the anniversary special. “It means the world to know people see me not just online, but as part of something this big.”

Dustin Yu, on the other hand, might still be considered an up-and-comer by many. But not by his fans. The quiet charisma, the subtle depth in his performances, and his “boy-next-door” appeal make him a natural fit for the Kapuso mold. His reaction to winning was as grounded as ever: “I just want to keep making projects that make people feel seen.”

But it wasn’t just Mika and Dustin. One of the biggest surprises came from the Teen Kapuso category. Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Marco Masa emerged as a fan favorite, a twist that no one saw coming. Long gone is the chubby-cheeked child actor we once knew. Marco is evolving, and the fans are here for it. “People think reality TV fame doesn’t last,” Marco said. “But it’s what you do after that matters. This vote, this recognition, it’s motivation.”

Then there was Charlie Fleming — a relative newcomer with roots in both Filipino and British culture, whose blend of heartthrob looks and indie film sensibility made him a runaway hit in the polls. “I never thought of myself as a ‘Kapuso face,’” he admitted, laughing. “But I guess the audience decides that, right?”

The special episode of “Beyond 75” didn’t just show awards and performances. It showed evolution. It was GMA’s subtle way of saying, “We’re listening.” Fans no longer just consume content. They direct it, shape it, and now — vote on it.

The internet lit up after the broadcast. X (formerly Twitter) hashtags like #MikaSalamanca75 and #KapusoFaves2025 trended for hours. Fan edits, reaction videos, and even minor online wars broke out over who should’ve won which category. But in all the chaos was something undeniably electric: people still care.

And that’s what makes this anniversary different. GMA isn’t just celebrating a history; it’s building a future. By giving fans a voice, they’ve reinvigorated the brand. They’ve tapped into a generation that values authenticity, relatability, and yes — digital presence.

It wasn’t just a popularity contest. It was a shift.

Some critics were quick to downplay the significance of the fan polls, calling them “vanity metrics” or “just another online trend.” But they miss the point. These polls weren’t about crowning legends — they were about capturing momentum. They measured relevance in real time. In a landscape where attention is currency, the winners are those who can command it.

GMA’s decision to release behind-the-scenes footage, live interactions, and fan cams during the voting process also played a role. It turned what could’ve been a passive award-giving segment into an interactive spectacle. Fans weren’t just viewers. They were participants.

And participation is powerful.

Barbie Forteza, one of GMA’s longtime darlings, put it best in a behind-the-scenes clip: “This network raised us. It gave us our first breaks, our first heartbreaks. But now it’s also handing over the reins — little by little — to a new era. That’s beautiful.”

Even senior stars like Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera showed grace in acknowledging the emerging talents. “We all started somewhere,” Dingdong said, “and seeing new faces celebrated like this… it brings it all back.”

It’s worth noting that the fan-favorite winners also represent a more diverse image of the Kapuso brand. There are more mixed-race artists, more influencers turned actors, and a much heavier presence of Gen Z voices. It’s not the same network your parents grew up watching. And that’s exactly why it’s thriving.

As the show wrapped with a performance by SB19 and the lighting of the GMA Tower in golden hues, there was a sense of finality. But also — a new beginning.

For Mika Salamanca, Dustin Yu, Marco Masa, and Charlie Fleming, this could be their launching pad. For the network, it’s proof that reinvention works. And for the fans, it’s validation that their voices are finally being heard in the highest places.

In the end, “Beyond 75” wasn’t just an anniversary. It was a prophecy. The future of GMA isn’t something they’re merely preparing for — it’s something that’s already here.