GMA Network and COMELEC’s successful Special Voters Registration

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen 

GMA Network and COMELEC’s successful Special Voters Registration

Leading broadcast media company GMA Network, in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), held a special voters registration at the GMA Network Center on April 6, 2024.

The special voters registration, initiated by GMA Integrated News, was open to all GMA Network employees, talents, and subsidiaries.

“For GMA Integrated News, it is part of our advocacy not just to cover elections but also to be at the forefront in championing an inclusive, accessible electoral process. We take to heart our “mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan,” says Oliver B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy.

GMA Network employees who participated in the special voters registration were pleased that the entire process took no more than ten minutes.

As part of its preparations for the 2025 midterm elections, COMELEC launched the “Register Anywhere” program on February 12. This program aims to make the voter registration process easier by bringing it to various schools, designated malls, churches, and offices, such as GMA Network.

Besides encouraging new voters to register, the program is also for disenfranchised voters who have not voted for the past two elections or more and wish to re-activate their voter registration status. Voters may also transfer their registration or correct their registration data. According to COMELEC, since the launch of “Register Anywhere,” voter registration has reached 1.7 million.

Through the years, GMA Network has provided Filipinos with the widest, most comprehensive, and most trusted election coverage. Viewers can expect this once more in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

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GMA Network tackles Artificial Intelligence via ‘AI: A Look Ahead’

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

GMA Network tackles Artificial Intelligence via ‘AI: A Look Ahead’

Primetime Action Hero and Sparkle artist Ruru Madrid, who is also the latest Anti-Piracy Ambassador of GMA Network, stars in the latest video for its “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy” campaign.

GMA Network recently hosted the special learning session “AI: A Look Ahead” through the GMA Anti-Piracy Committee. It aimed to continue its advocacy to protect Filipino programs and content creators.

Presenting to executives and employees of GMA Network, led by First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia, were Pedro Uria-Recio and Randy McGraw, authors of “Machines of Tomorrow: From AI Origins to Superintelligence & Posthumanity.” Joining the session were GMA’s partners in its ongoing anti-piracy initiatives, such as the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), ACE(Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment)/Motion Picture Association of America, John Clements Consulting, Inc., and Sapalo, Velez, Bundang and Bundang Law Offices.

“AI: A Look Ahead” covered a wide range of topics, including AI’s history and trajectory and its role in issues concerning creativity and intellectual property. The learning session’s reactor, GMA Integrated News pillar Howie Severino, shared an ongoing experience of the news department in using AI transcription tools that help in tackling the challenges involving the patois of Taglish and the regional language of Bisaya, to use as examples. 

Clockwise: GMA Anti-Piracy Committee represented by Joseph Francia, First Vice President and Head of GMA International Operations; GMA Integrated News pillar and learning session reactor Howie Severino; and authors Pedro Uria-Recio and Randy McGraw.

“This is a godsend in an industry that must transcribe dozens of interviews a day in the course of our work,” he said. While the tools have indeed sped up the transcription process, he pointed out that the results were “far from accurate. Human transcribers are still responsible for reviewing content for accuracy.”

Another topic discussed during the session was the importance of protecting copyright and enforcing its laws. According to McGraw, “Companies (should) specifically denote that their content cannot or should not be used for training algorithms. It’s a way to keep your brands intact, your investment intact. It’s a way to ensure that works that come forward (to) not be derivative in an unfair way from what you’ve created.”

Besides providing the participants with a thorough and very informative learning session, the event also premiered the latest video in its “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy” campaign, starring “Primetime Action Hero” and Sparkle artist Ruru Madrid. In the video, GMA’s latest Anti-Piracy Ambassador and the star of the action-drama “Black Rider” emphasized the seriousness of the crime of online piracy.

GMA Network, through its Anti-Piracy Committee, will continue its efforts in protecting and supporting the Philippine creative industry through more videos and campaigns featuring favorite Kapuso stars as well as learning opportunities for its employees and partners to further spread information issues concerning digital and online piracy.

***

Photo Captions:

Photo 1: Primetime Action Hero and Sparkle artist Ruru Madrid, who is also the latest Anti-Piracy Ambassador of GMA Network, stars in the latest video for its “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy” campaign. 

Photo 2: Clockwise: GMA Anti-Piracy Committee represented by Joseph Francia, First Vice President and Head of GMA International Operations; GMA Integrated News pillar and learning session reactor Howie Severino; and authors Pedro Uria-Recio and Randy McGraw.

Your chance to win cash prizes begins tonight at 8 pm with Kapuso shows

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M  Belen 

Your chance to win cash prizes begins tonight at 8 pm with Kapuso shows

Fans of GMA Prime programs get the chance to win the grand prize of P150,000 and other cash prizes at the Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day Season 3!

Starting tonight, April 1, simply tune in at 8pm Monday through Friday and watch the participating GMA Prime series “Black Rider,” “My Guardian Alien,” and “Asawa ng Asawa Ko.” Wait for the announcement of the Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day that will appear on these programs.

Submit the announced Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day by visiting http://www.GMANetwork.com/luckynumbers to register the following details: first name and last name as they appear on a valid ID, complete address, mobile number, and email address.

Once registered, participants can submit any of the announced Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day as entries. Only one answer per entry is allowed, but participants are encouraged to submit as many entries as they want to increase their chances of winning!

All entries successfully submitted during the GMA Prime block between 8pm and 10:30pm will qualify for the electronic raffle draw held every Monday.

Two (2) winners of P1,000 will be chosen each day, totaling ten (10) weekly winners. For the raffle draw on May 20, 2024, there will be one lucky winner of the P150,000 grand prize!

Winners of the Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day Season 3 will be announced on the GMA Prime block, GMA website (www.gmanetwork.com), and the official Facebook pages of GMA Network (www.facebook.com/GMANetwork and GMA Drama (www.facebook.com/GMADrama) every Monday.

So, start watching the GMA Prime series “Black Rider,” “My Guardian Alien,” and “Asawa ng Asawa Ko” and win cash prizes at the Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day Season 3! Promo runs from April 1, 2024  to May 17, 2024.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-189369 Series of 2024 

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28 years and beyond with GMA Network

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

28 years and beyond with GMA Network 

Expect more laughter and impactful stories from the iconic shows “Bubble Gang” and “Pepito Manaloto,” as the comedy genius and Kapuso pride Michael V. affirmed his loyalty with GMA Network last March 11.

(From L-R) Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Michael V., GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Talent Manager Carolina Bunagan, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong

The contract-signing event was attended by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable. Representing the management of Michael V. was his wife and Talent Manager Carolina Bunagan.

Also present were Chief Marketing Officer Lizelle G. Maralag, Senior Vice President for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, First Vice President for GMA International Joseph Jerome T. Francia, Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar, Vice President for Business Development Department III Gigi Santiago-Lara, and Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II Enri T. Calaycay. Program Managers of the Comedy Department of the Entertainment Group, Cecille de Guzman and Ella Balana, as well as Comedy Creative Director Cesar Cosme, also came to witness the contract signing.

With his impeccable wit and boundless talents, the Philippine entertainment’s one and only Bitoy continues to bring happiness and inspiration to all generations. He is a legend in front and behind the camera and knows his way to people’s hearts.

No wonder why Bitoy remains unbeatable in the comedy scene with more than three decades of spectacular career and invaluable contributions to pop culture.

But despite his long list of achievements, Michael V. keeps his feet on the ground and looks back where he came from. “I’ve been in the entertainment industry for 28 years and the bulk of my time is nandito sa GMA. At wala na akong planong umalis pa. This is definitely my home until the last days of my entertaining life,” he guarantees.

In return, Atty. Gozon thanks Bitoy for his continued relationship with GMA, “Kami ay lubos na nagagalak at nagpapasalamat. Si Bitoy ay homegrown at behind him and GMA is 28 years of relationship na napakaganda ng resulta. Ang mga programa niya ay nangunguna sa ratings. Si Bitoy ay talagang isang genius sa harap at likod ng camera. Marami siyang iniaambag para paligayahin ang mga manonood.”

Duavit, on the other hand, admits that he is a fan of Bitoy’s overflowing creativity, “Isa ako sa mga pinakamalaking tagahanga niya. Kapag nababanggit si Bitoy, isa lang ang naiisip ko, ‘the one and only.’ Pagdating sa larangan ng komedya sa telebisyon at pelikula, nag-iisa lang siya. Ang masasabi ko lang, you’re an inspiration. Continue what you’re doing and we will continue laughing with you.”

Moreover, Yalong underscores that Michael V. is a true icon and one of the pillars of the entertainment industry, “Salamat, Bitoy, for signing up with GMA. Isa siya sa mga talent na talagang nagco-contribute to the success of the Network. Comedy is the genre na walang makakatalo sa GMA and it’s because of Bitoy leading the comedy team. We are looking forward to many years of working with you.”

Rasonable also could not contain her joy when hearing about Bitoy’s plan to spend the rest of his career with GMA, “As he said earlier, he doesn’t see himself anywhere. Dito na magtutuloy-tuloy ang kanyang entertainment career. Nakakatuwa. Salamat kay Bitoy sa patuloy na pagtitiwala niya sa GMA.”

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1. Standing group photo

1. Standing group photo

(From L-R) Program Manager Ela Balana-Somo, Senior Program Manager Cecille de Guzman, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Michael V., Talent Manager Carolina Bunagan, Assistant Vice President Enri T. Calaycay, Vice President Janine Piad-Nacar, and Vice President Gigi Santiago-Lara

1. Sitting group photo

(From L-R) Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Michael V., GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Talent Manager Carolina Bunagan

‘Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko,’ the newest public service show, premieres on March 3

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

‘Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko,’ the newest public service show, premieres on March 3

Forthcoming is a new public service show, interestingly if not intriguingly  titled “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko,” which premieres on Sunday, March 3 at 7am on GMA. What to expect from it? Stories of hope, resilience and modern-day “bayanihan” which will surely inspire viewers. 

Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee.

Hosting the show are the newest faces of public service: TV personalities Gelli de Belen, Patricia Tumulak, and Sherilyn Reyes-Tan. Joining them is Manoy himself, former businessman and now public servant, Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee. 

According to Manoy Wilbert, “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko” will “feature real-life stories of our kababayans that will surely inspire us to work hard, persevere in life, and never lose hope. Whatever problems we are facing, we can get through it with a little help from the community and from our countrymen-who, deep down, care about others.” 

Gelli De Belen

Veteran actress and host Gelli De Belen, for her part, shared that “the help that the beneficiaries of the show need is beyond the usual food or financial aid; what they need is something that will really help them earn a living and sustain them in the long run.” 

Every week the show will feature two beneficiary groups, with hosts Patricia and Sherilyn going onsite to learn about the concerns of the beneficiaries firsthand. 

Patricia Tumulak

“Sometimes they just want to feel that they are seen and heard, so listening to them is already a form of help. But of course, we don’t stop there. We thoroughly study their cases, and we try to provide solutions for their concerns,” explained Patricia. 

Sherilyn Reyes-Tan

Sherilyn pointed out that “we want to go beyond solving their immediate problems… we also want to give them hope by providing opportunities to support themselves in the long-term.” 

For its pilot telecast, Manoy Wilbert together with Patricia and Sherilyn will tackle the challenges faced by onion farmers in Pangasinan, as well as those encountered by volunteer sea guardians in Orani, Bataan. 

Aptly described as a show with a heart, “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko” hopes to encourage everyone, viewers as well as those featured in the show, to keep hope tightly around their hearts for it to live on.

Don’t miss “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko” premiering this Sunday (March 3), 7am, on GMA. For more updates, follow @simanoyangninongko on Facebook or @AngNinongKo on Tiktok and Instagram. 

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GMA Network earns TV Station of the Year award and more from Platinum Stallion National Media Awards

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

GMA Network earns TV Station of the Year award and more from Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 

GMA Network – TV Station of the Year

The country’s media giant GMA Network took home 19 accolades at the 2024 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards – including the “TV Station of the Year” award.

Across various categories in Television and Radio, the Kapuso Network has proven once again that it is still the academe’s choice.

Winning for the 7th time as Regional TV Network of the Year was GMA’s regional arm — “GMA Regional TV.”

The Network’s flagship AM radio station DZBB Super Radyo 594 was once again chosen as the “AM Radio Station of the Year.”

GMA Integrated News’ award-winning and top-rating flagship newscast “24 Oras” was named “Best TV News Program.”

Receiving the award for “Female News Anchor of the Year” and ‘Male News Anchor of the Year” were Vicky Morales for “24 Oras” and Atom Araullo for “State of the Nation,” respectively.

GMA Public Affairs’ multi-platform leader and multi-awarded show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)” took home another Best News Magazine Program Award.

The country’s longest-running morning show, “Unang Hirit,” was also named the Best Morning Show.

Winning the Best Documentary TV Show Award was the highly acclaimed public affairs show “Reporter’s Notebook.”

Recognized as the “Best Public Service Program Host Award” was veteran journalist Emil Sumangil for “Resibo: Walang Lusot ang May Atraso.” 

Proving excellence in producing superior entertainment, GMA Entertainment Group took home various recognitions.

“Royal Blood,” the biggest murder mystery on primetime TV, triumphed as the “Best Primetime Drama Series.”

Top-rating game show “Family Feud,” hosted by “Kapuso Primetime King” Dingdong Dantes, won as “Best Game Show.”

“Pepito Manaloto” was once again awarded as the “Best Comedy Program.” 

Meanwhile, proving their exceptional talents and skills in the field of entertainment were Kapuso personalities Rhian Ramos, who won the “Best Primetime Actress Award for “Royal Blood”; Pokwang, who was the recipient of the ‘Best Variety Show Host Award” for “TiktoClock”; and Ashley Ortega, who was conferred the “Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award” for “Hearts on Ice.”

GMA Synergy sportscaster and “24 Oras Game Changer” segment host Martin Javier was also chosen by the award-giving body as the “Best TV Sports Program Host.”

Rounding off the Kapuso Network’s awards was another set of accolades for GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ film, “Firefly.” Zig Dulay won the “Director of the Year Award,” while Euwenn Mikael was named the “Child Star of the Year.” 

Established in 2015, the Platinum Stallion National Media Awards by the Trinity University of Asia recognizes individuals and institutions for their contributions to the industry that inspire the Trinitarian community.

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Boy Abunda renews ties with GMA

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

Boy Abunda renews ties with GMA 

Just recently, on February 12, the “King of Talk” Boy Abunda renewed his contract with GMA Network. Now, fans and viewers would definitely expect more fun, intriguing and more meaningful conversations with him.

The contract-signing event was attended by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, and Vice President for Business Development Department III Gigi Santiago-Lara.

Tito Boy thanks the Network for the continued trust, “Ito’y nangangahulugan na patuloy ang tiwala at suporta. Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataong ibinigay sa akin na bumalik sa GMA. It takes a village to be able to do a 20-minute talk show. I do this with a community of committed people, and I will continue to do the show in gratitude and in love.”

He also highlights the significant connection he builds with his guests, “Nagpapasalamat ako kay Atty. Annette at sa Sparkle dahil mas buo na ang tiwala ng mga artista ngayon. A lot of them are discovering na masayang maging parte ng talk show and that we are allies. We are able to help build stars.”

In return, Atty. Gozon expresses his gratitude for Tito Boy, “Walang duda na siya ngayon ang pinakamagaling na talk show host. Kaya kami ay nagpapasalamat at nagagalak na nag-renew tayo ng contract.”

Moreover, Duavit is excited to celebrate more years of collaboration with the award-winning host, “The year that passed went very quickly. Nagpapasalamat kami and we look forward sa mga darating pang taon.”

Yalong also shares his appreciation for Tito Boy, “I just want to extend our gratitude to Boy for renewing with GMA. You are now a certified true Kapuso.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Gozon-Valdes affirms the “King of Talk’s” strong and positive influence, saying “Napapalapit ang mga artista ng Sparkle sa mga tao kasi nakikita kung sino talaga sila, kung ano ang interesting sa kanila dahil napakagaling ni Tito Boy kapag nag-i-interview.”

Rasonable also underscores his contributions in the industry: “We are very happy that he is still a Kapuso. Binibigyan niya ng advice ang mga artista natin para sa kanilang karera. It’s really such an honor to be working with Tito Boy.” 

Tito Boy definitely talks with genuine interest, a penchant for fun, compassion, and respect. No wonder why he is named as the country’s “King of Talk.”

And now, viewers can expect more real-life celebrity stories that only he can bring out.

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‘Black Rider’ accelerates on primetime

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

‘Black Rider’ accelerates on primetime

With bigger scenes and more compelling drama unfolding every night, GMA Network’s action-packed Filipino drama series “Black Rider” further accelerates in primetime.

Headlined by “Primetime Action Hero” Ruru Madrid as Black Rider/Elias, the Kapuso series continues to win the hearts of viewers, even being able to record winning numbers against its competition. 

The plot twists get even more exciting as family secrets unravel. The DNA results are in, and Señor Edgardo (Raymond Bagatsing) is about to find out that Elias is his lost son.

Meanwhile, Hugo (Archie Adamos) is ready to confess the gruesome story behind the Palanga massacre. But unbeknownst to him, Elias is also behind the Black Rider they have been chasing for the longest time.

And as the secret of the past unfolds, Señor Edgardo’s other son, Calvin (Jon Lucas), will gradually be consumed by anger.

Edgardo, Elias, and Calvin face the complex twists of their destinies at a crossroads, where every revelation and hidden truth shape their shared legacy.

Ruru himself is excited for viewers as the Black Rider’s story unravels.

“Expect bigger scenes, stunts, mas makabagbag-damdamin na mga eksena, mga drama. Pakikiligin din kayo ng mga eksena dito, patatawanin din kayo. Marami rin kaming mga guest na papasok dito sa ‘Black Rider,’” he says. 

Grateful for the public’s support, he adds that “Black Rider” aims to give viewers a great show. 

“Gusto lang din namin talaga ikuwento kung ano yung mga pagsubok na pinagdadaanan ng bawat Pilipino sa araw-araw. I guess ‘yun ‘yung secret ng ‘Black Rider.’ Hindi lang siya basta action lang or drama lang kundi marami ka pang mapupulot na aral,” he adds.

“Black Rider” also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Yassi Pressman, and Katrina Halili. Joining them are iconic action stars Zoren Legaspi, Raymart Santiago, Gary Estrada, Isko Moreno, and Roi Vinzon, as well as veteran actors Rio Locsin, Gladys Reyes, Maureen Larrazabal, and Almira Muhlach. 

Joining Elias as Biyaheros are Empoy Marquez, Jayson Gainza, Janus del Prado, and Rainier Castillo while protagonists Golden Scorpion Boys are Dustin Yu, Joaquin Manansala, Kim Perez, Vance Larena, and Saviour Ramos. Also in the cast are Michelle Dee, Herlene Budol, Prince Clemente,Mariel Pamintuan, Ashley Sarmiento, Marco Masa, Shanti Dope, Pipay, Ashley Rivera, and Turing.

Catch “Black Rider,” 8pm on GMA Prime, with simulcast airing on Pinoy Hits and livestreaming via Kapuso Stream, and delayed telecast on GTV at 9:40pm. Global Pinoys can watch it on GMA Pinoy TV.

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Four big awards for GMA Network at the 20th Philippine Quill Awards

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

Four big awards for GMA Network at the 20th Philippine Quill Awards

Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso (left) and Vice President for News Programs and Specials Michelle Seva received the four prestigious awards on behalf of the network.

The country’s leading media company GMA Network,  begins the year with four big wins at the 20th Philippine Quill Awards. Projects encouraging compassion for the environment and appreciation for Philippine culture and tradition prove once more that the Network provides more than world-class entertainment to audiences while ensuring these are accessible across multiple platforms.

Three projects of the Network won under the Communication Skills Division. First is “Sinking Cities,” which is part of the Climate Change Special Reports series of “24 Oras.” The feature delved into the critical issue of places beginning to sink due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

Next is “The Importance of Sierra Madre,” from late-night newscast “Saksi,” which highlighted the vital role the mountain range plays in protecting places from powerful typhoons.

These special features secured Excellence Awards for GMA Integrated News under Category 22 Audio/Visual.

Further, original Spotify podcast “Sounds and Stories of the Philippines,” produced by GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs, received an Excellence Award under Category 21: Digital Communication/Communication for the Web. The podcast is aimed at showcasing the best in Philippine culture and designed to be accessed and appreciated by a wider audience. It is also another step undertaken by the Network in distributing quality content available on online platforms. “Sounds and Stories of the Philippines” is told by veteran voiceover artist Shirley Escalante through ASMR.

“On behalf of ‘24 Oras,’ ‘Saksi,’ Online, and the entire GMA Integrated News, a big thank you to the 20th Philippine Quill Awards for recognizing our work. These awards fuel our commitment to delivering impactful news and storytelling, inspiring us to keep striving for excellence,” says Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, GMA Network’s Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy.

Rounding up GMA Network’s recognitions is the Merit Award received by the “Kapuso ng Kalikasan (KnK)” project under the Communication Management Division, Category 15: Corporate Social Responsibility.

“KnK” is the Network’s flagship program and green strategy. GMA Network, through this platform, influences stakeholders in a national effort to mitigate the impact of climate change. “KnK” spearheads strategic collaborations with industry leaders to integrate environmental consciousness into institutional programs. By making full use of the Network’s wide reach and commitment to delivering trusted information, “KnK” utilizes diverse genres in disseminating compelling content designed to foster awareness in environmental protection and conservation.

“This award reminds us at GMA Network of our role in upholding effective business communication,” says Angel Javier-Cruz, GMA Network Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications, regarding “KnK’s” recognition. “While we want to keep our audiences entertained, we also have the responsibility of educating them on matters about the environment and climate change. Our ‘Kapuso ng Kalikasan’ project embodies our commitment to promoting environmental awareness, while also taking on the challenge of creating interesting and informative content that encourages our audience to take part.”

The Philippine Quill Awards is an annual event that honors professional communication practitioners and student communicators that exemplify global standards of excellent, effective, and purposeful business communication. It was launched in 2004 by the Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

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GMA Network showed on-air and online dominance in 2023

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

GMA Network showed  on-air and online dominance in 2023

Media giant GMA Network remained the undisputed leader on-air and online for the whole year of  2023.      

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement (TAM) ratings data from January to December 2023 show that GMA – together with GTV and digital channels I Heart Movies, Heart of Asia, Pinoy Hits, and Hallypop – tallied a combined people net reach of 94 percent or a projected total of 73 million viewers in Total Philippines.

Further, the Kapuso Network’s main channel, GMA, remained the most dominant channel in Total Philippines, with a 93 percent net reach, or a projected total of 72 million viewers nationwide.

‘24 Oras’ is RP’s No. 1 TV show

Still based on Nielsen TAM  Data for Total Philippines, comprising urban and rural areas, GMA Integrated News’ award-winning flagship newscast “24 Oras” took the top spot as the most watched TV program in 2023 in Total Philippines with a people rating of 14.7 percent combined from its GMA telecast and simulcasts on GTV, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits.

“24 Oras” is closely followed by the multi-platform leader and multi-awarded GMA Public Affairs show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.”

Other GMA programs that prevailed in the Top 10 in Total Philippines for 2023 are “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” “Voltes V: Legacy,” “Black Rider,” “The Voice Generations,” “The Clash 2023,” “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis,” and “Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento.” 

DZBB and Barangay LS 97.1 still rule Mega Manila airwaves

GMA Network’s flagship AM and FM radio stations maintained their top-ranking positions in 2023.

For the full year 2023, Super Radyo DZBB 594 recorded an audience share of 29.9 percent based on Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) data, while closest competitor DZRH 666 tallied 28.9 percent. The AM station’s successful performance extended beyond Mega Manila, with Super Radyo Iloilo emerging as the number one AM station in 2023 with a total audience share of 46.9 percent.

Barangay LS 97.1 Forever led other FM stations by a wide margin, averaging a 42.5 percent audience share against Love Radio 95.1’s 15.5 percent.

The Kapuso Network FM stations ruled the airwaves outside Mega Manila as well. In Baguio, Barangay 92.7 (DWRA) recorded an audience share of 38 percent. Listeners to Barangay FM 93.5 (DWTL) in Dagupan likewise tallied  an audience of 44.5 percent. In Western Visayas, Barangay 93.5 (DYMK) Iloilo drew a 70.5 percent audience share.

Reaching more Filipinos with trusted news and superior entertainment

True to its commitment to providing Filipinos with superior entertainment and responsible, unbiased, and timely delivery of news and information, GMA currently operates 108 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the Philippines, with more to come in 2024.

Further strengthening its presence across different regions in the country through GMA Regional TV, the Network launched GMA Ilocos Norte, its 12th regional station, in March 2023. With its award-winning and top-rating local newscast: “One Northern Luzon” (in North Central Luzon), “Balitang Southern Tagalog” (in Southern Tagalog), “Balitang Bicolandia” (in Bicol Region), “Balitang Bisdak” (in Central and Eastern Visayas), “One Western Visayas” (in Western Visayas), and “One Mindanao” (in Northern, Southern, South Central, and Western Mindanao) on GMA regional channels, and “Regional TV News” on GTV, GMA Regional TV programs solidify GMA Integrated News’ position as the “News Authority of the Filipino.”

Besides analog broadcast stations, the Network has also ventured into more digital and online platforms with the aim of making information even more accessible.

While GMA Synergy, with the different departments within the Network, following the success of the jam-packed “Queendom Live!” in 2023, continues to produce world-class concerts, sports entertainment, and other exciting and relevant events, including the award-winning GMA Masterclass Series, across the Philippines and overseas. 

Leading across social kedia platforms and online content

Based on Tubular Labs data, social media video views for all GMA online properties drew billions of views from January to December 2023. Consolidated online viewership numbers reached 26.9 billion on Facebook and 8.9 billion on TikTok, as opposed to ABS-CBN’s pages, which got 20.8 billion views on Facebook and 7.9 billion on TikTok.

GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs’ social media pages drew billions of views from the same period. Online viewership numbers for these properties reached a total 21.9 billion views.

The umbrella account of GMA Integrated News alone drew 5.3 billion views, versus ABS-CBN News’ 2.2 billion views. Meanwhile, GMA Public Affairs’ online platforms generated 13.9 billion views across popular social media platforms: 9.7 billion from Facebook, 2.5 billion from TikTok, and 1.7 billion from YouTube.

In total, GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs properties boast a staggering following of over 220 million across social media platforms.

‘Firefly’ wins MMFF Best Picture

GMA Network ended the year strong with “Firefly,” its official entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, taking home three major awards among 15 nominations: Best Screenplay, which was won by GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza;  Best Child Performer, which was conferred to GMA Sparkle child star Euwenn Mikaell; and the highly-coveted Best Picture award.

The film also had its screening in UAE this January and will join the Metro Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California from January 30 to February 2.

This 2024, GMA Network promises an even more exciting roster of television programs and films. Viewers can look forward to groundbreaking, world-class entertainment that showcases the best in Filipino culture and is bannered by the country’s biggest and brightest stars!

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