GMA Network programs and personalities were honored in the 11th USTv Students’ Choice Awards held last Thursday, April 16, at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Plaza Mayor in Manila.
Jessica Soho, widely regarded as the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist, added another feather in her cap as she was given the Student’s Choice of News Host (Female) recognition. Her Sunday news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, in turn, received the Student’s Choice of Magazine Program nod.
Top-notch documentary program I-Witness presented by hosts Howie Severino, Kara David, Jay Taruc, and Sandra Aguinaldo won as the Student’s Choice of Public Affairs Program; while Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido’s investigative news magazine show Reporter’s Notebook was distinguished as the Student Leaders’ Choice of TV Program.
Cited as the Student’s Choice of Comedy Program, meanwhile, was family sitcom Pepito Manaloto bannered by Michael V.
AHA! and Biyahe ni Drew host Drew Arellano and Chris Tiu of I Bilib brought home the trophies for the Students’ Choice of Magazine Program Host and the Students’ Choice of Sports Personality, respectively.
Awards of Excellence for Magazine, Documentary, and Comedy Programs were each conferred to Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, I-Witness, and Bubble Gang, respectively, as each has won no less than five times since the USTv Awards’ inception in 2005.
GMA News and Public Affairs’ Blessed by the Pope documentary was also honored with a Special Citation in recognition of its depiction of the call of the Holy Father for mercy and compassion in relation to the 2015 Papal Visit to the Philippines.
Along with the rise of social media and its influence in shaping today’s generation, the award-giving body launched USTv 2.0, its newest segment.
Here, GMA’s Think Before You Click advocacy was cited as the Students’ Choice of Social Media Campaign for Social Action; Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s official page was given the Students’ Choice of Social Media Campaign for Socio-Cultural Development award; and Kapuso primetime queen Marian Rivera emerged as the Students’ Choice of Outstanding Social Media Personality (Female Category).
Launched in 2005, the USTv Awards brings recognition to television programs and personalities that contribute to the social and cultural formation of the students of the University of Sto. Tomas.