GMA Network emerged as the runaway winner in the recently concluded 3rd Kagitingan Awards for Television in a ceremony held at the Lou-is Grand Ballroom in Balanga, Bataan last April 17.
The Kapuso Network brought home the night’s highest distinction as it was heralded as the first recipient of the Pinakamagiting na Istasyong Pantelebisyon, on top of it winning nine out of the 10 Pinakamagiting na Programang Pantelebisyon.
For the third consecutive season since the Kagitingan Awards was founded, four programs of the Network made it to the roster: Sunday news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, hosted by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho; documentary program I Witness, presented by Howie Severino, Kara David, Sandra Aguinaldo, and Jay Taruc; investigative news magazine show Reporter’s Notebook, bannered by Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido; and Philippine TV’s longest noontime variety show Eat Bulaga.
GMA-7’s flagship primetime newscast 24 Oras, headlined by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales; Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato’s weekly wildlife education program Born to be Wild; comedy show Pepito Manaloto bannered by renown humorist Michael V.; infotainment program AHA! and GMA News TV’s travelogue Biyahe ni Drew, both hosted by Drew Arellano, complete the nine Kapuso programs distinguished by the award proponent Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU).
Now on its third year, the BPSU-Kagitingan Awards for Television aims to recognize TV programs that highlight bravery (kagitingan) as an important component in maintaining social and personal values.
Also last April, GMA garnered a total of 14 accolades from the first Platinum Stallion Media Awards held at the Henry Noble Gymnasium of the Trinity University of Asia.
For television, Soho was cited as the Best News Anchor (Female) while David received the Most Trusted Field Reporter (Female) award. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho and Wish Ko Lang were given the Best Public Affairs Program and Best Values-Oriented Program awards, respectively. I Witness was distinguished as the Best Documentary Show, while Survivor Philippines scored the Best Reality Show award.
GMA Entertainment TV’s Once Upon a Kiss, top billed by Kapuso teen stars Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali, was recognized as the Best Primetime Show followed by the Best Gag Show award brought home by Bubble Gang. Eugene Domingo and Jose Manalo’s Celebrity Bluff won as the Best Game Show while Eat Bulaga was prized as the Best Noontime Show.
For radio, GMA Super Radyo dzBB 594 was honored as the Best AM Radio Station.
Ryzza Mae Dizon, in turn, was acknowledged as the Best Child Female Film Actress.
Special awards were also given news reporters Raffy Tima and Vonne Aquino who both accepted the Outstanding Trinitian Media Practitioner awards.
Recipients of the first Platinum Stallion Media Awards were selected by the whole Trinity community made up of “students from different academic units, alumni,” teaching and non-teaching personnel alike.