December 2019 Kapuso Magazine

20 Years

of Great Mornings with Unang Hirit

8 interesting things you might not know about FLG

2 RATINGS

GMA Network Holds TV Ratings Leadership in Urban Luzon, Mega Manila programs for the month. It also kept its position as the most viewed program in the nationwide list.

Following KMJS in the list of top programs for November were 24 Oras, The Clash, The Gift, Magpakailanman, Beautiful Justice, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Pepito Manaloto, Daddy’s Gurl, One of the Baes, Amazing Earth, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Wowowin, 24 Oras Weekend, and Magkaagaw.

G

MA Network sustained its lead in the TV ratings game in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila according to the latest data from ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the month of November (with November 24 to 30 based on overnight data), GMA posted an average of 33.3 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon, outscoring ABS-CBN’s 29.6 percent. The said viewer-rich area accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.

The Kapuso Network continued to win in the afternoon block with 35.6 percent people audience share while ABS-CBN registered 28.4 percent.

GMA similarly led in the evening block with 35.3 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 31.9 percent.

Award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) was still unbeatable in the number one spot in Urban Luzon’s list of top-rating

Likewise in Mega Manila (with official data from November 1 to 23), GMA Network recorded 33.9 percent average total day people audience share as compared to ABS-CBN which only managed to get 27 percent. Meanwhile, Kapuso shows took 18 spots out of the top 30 shows in the said area, which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement Nielsen’s client pool covers a total of 32 clients/subscribers consisting of six local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV and CNN Philippines, among others; three regional clients; two blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, three consulting agencies, and one digital agency).

December 2019

CONTENTS 2

RATINGS

GMA Network Holds TV Ratings Leadership in Urban Luzon, Mega Manila

3

AWARDS

6

UPDATES

7 8 11 12

Anak TV Awards Icon Media Awards Gawad Amerika GMA-7 Executive Joins Jury of Southeast Asia Video Film Festival for Children Platinum Stallion Awards 9th PMAP Makatao Awards Gawad Singkaban Gawad Filipino PPOP Awards Gawad Parangal GMA Executive Jose Mari R. Abacan Takes Part in 47th International Emmy Awards Anew Bianca Exudes Passion in Chosen Craft Rich Asuncion Thankful for Her Growth in GMA UPDATES

Kapuso Employees Showcase Photography Skills Via Art Gap 2019 COVER

FLG at 80: 8 Interesting Things You Might Not Know About FLG UPDATES

20 Years of Great Mornings with Unang Hirit REGIONAL

Hype at the Regions: Fun and Exciting October and November for RTV RTV Live Audience

STILL NO.1 IN MEGA MANILA

GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station consistently ruled the airwaves for the entire month of November 2019 as it registered a total week average audience share of 27.8 percent, which surpassed DZMM’s 22.3 percent and DZRH’s 20.7 percent. DZBB’s impressive performance in the primetime morning block provided a major boost in its topline results.

GMA Kapuso Magazine (Electronic) is a monthly publication of GMA Network, Inc. published by the Corporate Affairs and Communications Department, 16th Floor, GMA Network Center, EDSA cor. Timog, Ave., Diliman, Q.C. Trunkline No. (632) 982-7777.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

14 15

UPDATES

First Time in History: Two Dramas Airing in Ecuador CITIZEN KAPUSO

GMA Stars Gives Kapuso Abroad an Unforgettable Early Christmas Present ICT Donates P50,000 to the Victims of Mindanao Earthquake

AWARDS 3

Anak TV Awards

L

eading broadcast company GMA Network dominated the annual Anak TV Awards in ceremonies held last December 5—earning a total of 37 Anak TV Seals for GMA 7, GMA News TV, and GMA Regional TV, with nine Kapuso personalities being named as the most admired nationwide.

GMA-7 Executive Joins jury of Southeast Asia Video Film Festival for Children

G

(L-R) Marian Rivera and Dingdong , Bianca Umali, Michael V, Anak TV President Elvira Go, and Alden Richards

Anak TV Seal

Makabata Hall of Fame

24 Oras, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, Unang Hirit, Born To Be Wild, AHA!, Pinoy MD, Wish Ko Lang, Pepito Manaloto, Stories for the Soul, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, I-Bilib, Reporter’s Notebook, Amazing Earth, Dear Uge, Sarap Di ba?, Studio 7, and Toppstar TV

GMA News TV Ang Pinaka, Biyahe ni Drew, Brigada, Day Off, Good News, Idol Sa Kusina, iJuander, Investigative Documentaries, Mars, News To Go, Poptalk, and Wagas

GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan, One Western Visayas, One Mindanao, Kapuso sa Panagbenga: The GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan Special Live Coverage, Pit Senyor: The GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage, Kapuso sa Kadayawan: The GMA Regional TV One Mindanao Special Coverage, and Byaheng Do30

Dingdong Dantes Marian Rivera-Dantes Kara David

Male Makabata Stars Miachael V Drew Arellano Atom Araullo

Female Makabata Stars Bianca Umali Maine Mendoza

Top Household Favorites Eat Bulaga Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Biyahe ni Drew Pepito Manaloto

Icon Media Awards Gawad Amerika

G

MA News pillar and multiawarded news anchor and radio host Mike Enriquez was recognized as a “Media Icon” at the first-ever Media Icon Awards organized by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines’ (MSAP) held last November 5.

V

ersatile Kapuso actress Kris Bernal took home the ‘Most Outstanding Filipina Actress in Television’ award at the 2019 Gawad Amerika Awards held last November 23 at The Celebrity Center Franklin Avenue in California.

MA Network’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz represented the Philippines as one of the jurors at the Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children (SEAVFC) on November 27-30 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

SEAVFC is an annual video competition that celebrates the best in children’s television across the region. Cruz joined an expert panel of media professionals from 10 countries–Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Other jurors from the Philippines include ABS-CBN Vice President and Head of Integrated Corporate Communications Kane Errol Choa and veteran broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad.

“Representing the country and GMA Network as a juror in this festival strengthens national pride during this time when we truly need to have more of it. The sharing and exchange of ideas among the participating countries further enriched everyone’s knowledge of the Southeast Asian diverse yet comparable cultures.

I thank AnakTV for this opportunity to serve the organization and to support its vision of ensuring child-sensitive and age-appropriate video programs in the Philippines and beyond,” Cruz said.

Aside from being represented in the Southeast Asia jury, GMA Network also won the Heart Award (Professional Category) for its television series Sahaya.

The series was top-billed by young actress Bianca Umali and showcased the richness of Philippine indigenous culture from the eyes of the Badjao people. The Philippines bagged four awards in the international film festival.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

4 AWARDS

Platinum Stallion Awards

K

apuso programs and personalities were given honored for in educating the public through media and allied arts at the 2019 Platinum Stallion Media Awards by the Trinity University of Asia held last November 20.

GMA Regional TV

Atom Araullo

Best Regional TV Network

Best Male News Anchor

24 Oras

Sahaya

Best News Program

Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Best Magazine Program

I-Witness

Best Documentary Show

Alisto

DZBB

Best AM Radio Station

Dobol A sa Dobol B Best Radio Commentary Program

Born to be Wild

Melo del Prado

Eat Bulaga

Best Noontime Show

Best Male AM Broadcast Journalist

Susan Enriquez

Best Gag Show

Best Female AM Broadcast Journalist

Jessica Soho

Glaiza de Castro

Bubble Gang

Best Female News Anchor

Mel Tiangco

Most Trusted Female Broadacast Journalist

T

he Makatao Awards for Media Excellence aims to honor members of the mass media that enhance public understanding of the role and impact of good people management in both the public and private sector in the country.

Culturally Relevant TV Series

Best Public Affairs Program

Best Educational Program

9th PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence

Best Film Actress

(L-R) Sandra Aguinaldo, Howie Severino, Kara David, and Atom Araullo

I-Witness

Jessica Soho

State of the Nation with Jessica Soho

GMA News TV

Best Public Affairs Program

Best News Program (TV)

Best Public Affairs Program Host Best News Program Anchor

TV Station of the Year

Heart Evangelista Female Social Media Influencer

Arnold Clavio

Gawad Filipino

T

Most Trusted Male Broadacast Journalist

he Gawad Filipino Award is an annual event which aims to recognize excellence of individuals thru their passion and work ethics that greatly affects the Philippine culture, traditions and society for a humane innovations.

Super Balita sa Umaga

Gawad Singkaban

Best News Program of the Year

G

awad Singkaban aims to refine and enrich the beauty and orderliness of tourism industry in Bulacan.

Cata Tibayan

Best TV Host for Entertainment and Lifestyle (Balitanghali)

Biyahe ni Drew

Most Supportive Media Award on Television

Pinas Sarap

Most Supportive Media Award on Television

Atom Araullo

24 Oras

Best News Program of the Year

Anong Say N’yo

Best News Commentary of the Year

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Joseph Morong

Journalist of the Year

Rowena Salvacion Journalist of the Year

Atom Araullo

Best Program Host of the Year for Mobile Journalism

AWARDS 5

PPOP Awards

P

POP honors young artists and programs in the Philippine pop industry.

It puts the spotlight on those that influenced the young generation in preserving and promoting the Filipino values and culture through music and performing arts.

Julie Anne San Jose

Most Favorite Pop Female Artist of the Year

Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Pop Youth, Informative Program of the Year

O

FW Gawad Parangal honors individuals and entities that have untiringly helped advance the welfare of OFWs.

Tadhana

Andrea Torres

Amazing Earth

Kyline Alcantara

Best Documentary Show

Rita Daniela

Most Popular Love Team

Ken Chan

Most Popular Love Team

G

MA First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari R. Abacan was once again one of the roster of esteemed jurors in the Final Round of Judging for one of the categories at the 47th International Emmy Awards in New York City.

Abacan, who not only represented GMA Network, but also the Philippines, previously participated as a juror in several categories since 2007.

The International Emmy Awards, which is considered as the Oscars of the TV industry, is an annual event organized by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from all sectors of television including Internet, mobile and technology. This year’s International Emmy World Television Festival took place last November 23 and 24, while the black-tie ceremony was held on November 25 at the Hilton New York Hotel.

Gawad Parangal

Best Documentary Show

GMA Executive Jose Mari R. Abacan Takes Part in 47th International Emmy Awards Anew

Best Actress

Best Actress Most Promising Actress

Derek Ramsay Best Actor

Abacan is instrumental for GMA to become the pioneer in introducing Koreanovelas, Lakorn, Turkish and Indian series in the country. He also leads and oversees all program acquisition initiatives from foreign producers. Undoubtedly, with his vast expertise in TV programming, the GMA executive continues to be chosen by the Academy’s Emmy Committee as part of the panel of jurors in determining the most outstanding television programs produced around the globe.

Ken Chan and Rita Daniela GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

6

Rich Asuncion Thankful for Her Growth in GMA

Bianca Umali Exudes Passion in Chosen Craft T

alented, well-loved, and passionate.

These are just few of the words to describe Kapuso star Bianca Umali in doing what she does best: acting. She once again renewed her ties with GMA Network on Wednesday, December 11.

Present during the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; President of GMA Worldwide, Inc. and GMA Network Films, Inc. Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan; Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon; Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz; GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso; Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara; Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Bang Arespacochaga; Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer; and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia.

For almost a decade, Filipino viewers have witnessed Bianca grow in her craft. Her remarkable performance in her last project ‘Sahaya’ where she played the titular character of the strong-willed Badjao girl received rave reviews.

Bianca said, “Thank you sa lahat-lahat po ng mga tao. And of course, sa aking mga boss, sa aking network, at management sa tiwala at sa pagmamahal. Isang karangalan pong maging Kapuso. Hindi ko naman hiningi lahat, pero binibiyayaan po ako and binibigay po sa akin ang mga pagkakataon.”

Currently, she is gearing up for a lead role in the international scene through HBO Asia’s ‘Halfworlds.’

K

apuso actress Rich Asuncion reaffirms her loyalty as a Kapuso during her contract renewal with GMA Artist Center last Thursday, November 28.

Present in the contract signing ceremony were GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara and GMA Senior Talent Manager Daryl Zamora.

A product of the talent search ‘StarStruck’ in 2007, Rich has captured the hearts of Kapuso viewers after being hailed as the competition’s First Princess. Since then, she became part of various notable GMA dramas including the high-rating Afternoon Prime series ‘Ika-6 Na Utos’ where she played the role of Flor.

“I owe it to GMA to be loyal and to be here for as long as I can.

Pina-prioritze rin nila kung anong makakabuti sa artista hindi lang bilang isang aktres, kundi ‘yung personal din. I’m really thankful and I feel so lucky that they still get me and I always try my best to perform the roles that were given to me.”

Rich is currently gearing up for her role in the upcoming Philippine remake of the Koreanovela ‘Descendants of the Sun,’ headlined

by Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado.

UPDATES 7

Kapuso Employees Showcase Photography Skills Via

Winning Art Gap 2019 photo by John Yanga (Chasing Dreams)

G

(L-R) GMA First Vice President for Post Production Paul Ticzon, Art Gap’s first placer John Eumer Yanga, and Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz

MA Network, through its Corporate Affairs and Communications Department, recently concluded the Art Gap 2019–an annual Network-wide event that showcases the artistic works of Kapuso employees using various media such as painting, photography, and caricature drawing.

Photography was the chosen medium for this year’s competition, dubbed “Art Gap 2019: Kapuso in Motion”. To determine the winners, GMA invited two of the field’s most accomplished and experienced photographers–the pioneering master lens man Wig Tysmans and sought-after commercial photographer Shaira Luna. Also joining them was GMA First Vice President for Post Production Paul Ticzon.

“At GMA, one of our core values is the pursuit of creativity and innovation. Art Gap is an opportunity for our employees to showcase their diverse talents,” said Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz.

Second place Danilo Fausto (Daluyong na Tulong)

The top prize went to John Eumer Yanga of News and Public Affairs for his photo “Chasing Dreams” with the caption, ‘a teacher guides her kindergarten students to brave the waters of the Pacific on their way to school, wading through to reach their dreams.’

Third place Orlando Figueroa (Daily Grind)

Third place - Benedicto Mendoza (Faceless Champions)

The second prize went to GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Danilo Fausto (“Daluyong na Tulong”) while the third prize was given to Post Production’s Benedicto Mendoza (“Faceless Champions”) and News and Public Affairs’ Orland Figueroa (“The Daily Grind”).

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

8 COVER

W

e know him for his relentless pursuit of excellence, transparency, and fairness. But topnotch broadcast CEO and Yale-educated FLG is more than meets the eye. Let’s get to know more about the man who led the greatest turnaround story in Philippine broadcasting.

8 interesting things you might not know about FLG

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

COVER 9

1. He loves sports and music.

“Like most Filipino kids, I used to play basketball in high school. Believe it or not, in spite of my height, I got the moves back then. Then I got hooked on billiards as I grew a bit older. So hooked, in fact, that when my father caught me spending more time at the pool table than with my books, I got perhaps the most life-changing lesson as a college student,” FLG says.

FLG at Rockefeller Center New York

What’s the one thing you have learned from FLG? To avoid settling for the next best.

Always aim for the top spot.

Marissa Flores SVP, GMA News & Public Affairs

He taught himself to swim in the waters of Malabon River (which was clean then) and used to train as a swimmer for UP High. In fact, daughter Annette says, “he taught all his grandchildren to swim!”

According to his sister, Flor Tarriela, her brother Henry has a nice singing voice much like one of his favorite singers, Mario Lanza.

2. As a

child, he almost lost his life– four times.

FLG literally lived a series Photo taken during FLG’s “mischievous years” of unfortunate events–he fell into a machine of the Malabon Sugar Factory, fell in a narrow well where an adult could not fit, ran over by a passenger jeepney, and got under a “salambao” and bumped his head on its broad underside full of barnacles.

Surviving all these, his mother Carolina believed, he was destined for far greater things. And she was right.

3. Fresh from Yale, he took

a lower paying job.

After finishing from UP Law School, FLG placed 13th in the bar examinations and earned a Masters of Laws degree from Yale University. Coming back from the US, FLG applied to two of the biggest and most prestigious law firms in the Philippines at that time—the Sycip, Salazar, Luna, Manalo and Feliciano Law Firm and the Ponce Enrile, Siguion Reyna, Montecillo and Belo Law Firm.

ANECDOTES

At Sycip, he was offered an initial salary of P1,000 and a small office space to work on patents. At Ponce Enrile, he was offered P450 a month with no office of my own.

Guess which he chose? Ponce Enrile.

“I was also prepared to work really hard, dealing with the multi-faceted practice of law, instead of just dealing with just a very narrow, specialized field of Patent Law,” says FLG. Barely a year and a half at the office, he was made junior partner.

4. He was Vice President at

30 years old.

One of the youngest executives of his time, FLG was Vice President of the Philippine Airlines’ Legal Department. As a distinguished aviation lawyer, he was a member of the Philippine Air Negotiating Panel and is cited in the Asia Pacific Legal 500 as a leading expert in this field.

5. With his leadership,

GMA Network became Number 1.

From 1983 to 2000, GMA was a poor Number 2 in the broadcast industry. He led the network’s transformation from a struggling TV station to a formidable content provider of superior entertainment and relevant news and information. Under his watch, GMA pioneered groundbreaking programs and known as the Kapuso Network–loved by Filipinos around the globe.

If you want FLG to consider your ‘dissenting opinion’, you must have a compelling argument, which means, you need to have evidence to back up your analysis and conclusions. Also, make sure that your report is clear and not needlessly long. And free from grammatical lapses and typos.

Jose Bartolome Consultant, GMA Program Analysis

Take us back to a time that you will never forget about FLG. After 17 years in GMA, there are so many that are worth sharing. I remember this time when we happened to be on the same flight from LA to Manila. He and Mrs. Gozon were only two seats away from me and they were with their grandkids and Maritess.

I wasn’t sure how comfortable or awkward the flight will be but he immediately put me at ease when he greeted me cheerfully as he found his seat, then cracking a joke followed by his hearty laughter. For someone who regularly attends important meetings with him and sees how serious he is at work, it was really delightful for me to see him very relaxed and lighthearted with his family, childlike even.

I truly had such a pleasant time that I even ended up walking with him to the baggage counter and stayed with them until I retrieved my luggage. This unforgettable experience is one of the fondest memories I now have of FLG. Regie C. Bautista GMA First VP, Program Support

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

10 COVER

ANECDOTES What is the most important thing you have learned from FLG? Integrity and solid work ethic. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation but only a few minutes to lose it. FLG has maintained a spotless record.

Vicky Morales GMA News & Public Affairs Pillar

When you hear the name FLG what comes to mind?

FLG’s greatest treasure -his family

6. He could have been a member of the Supreme Court.

A topnotch lawyer known for his unwavering integrity, FLG was nominated to the Supreme Court, but he declined as he wanted to focus on the private practice of law. For FLG, UP College of Law integrity is very graduation picture important. In a speech at Arellano Law commencement exercises, he said, “The first rule of the first Canon of legal ethics tells us that: A LAWYER MUST NOT ENGAGE IN UNLAWFUL, DISHONEST, IMMORAL AND DECEITFUL CONDUCT. We should never forget this rule…”

He carried this integrity in broadcast media as GMA News and Public Affairs became widely respected for its work and credo – “Walang kinikilingan. Walang pinoprotektahan. Walang kasinungalingan.

Serbisyong totoo lamang.”

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

7. His weakness–his

grandchildren “When he’s with his apos, everything changes,” reveals Annette.

FLG immensely enjoys his time with his grandchikdren. FLG says, “It is a joy beyond compare to see my grandchildren play and learn together and care for each other as if they came from the same womb.”

“Lolo is a person who inspires me to be good. When I grow up I want to be a man like my lolo, a good person. Someone who is always there to help others,” says his grandson Raffy Viterbo.

8. He knows the Bible by

heart.

“I’m not sure if people know this about him – but FLG knows the Bible by heart,” says GMA News and Public Affairs SVP Marissa Flores.

FLG is a man who walks with eyes of faith. For him, “He who sees God’s Hand in everything, should leave everything in God’s Hands.”

Para sa lahat, siya ang Boss. Pero para sa akin, ang hindi alam ng marami, he’s more than a Boss. For me, he’s my protector and defender. Sa gitna ng personal struggle, he is like a father to me. He will guide you and will do everything to keep you safe. Truly, I am forever grateful to him. Without him, I am nothing. Thank you.

Arnold Clavio GMA News & Public Affairs Pillar

Take us back to a time that you will never forget about FLG. Ang natatandaan kong sinabi ni FLG, zero tolerance pagdating sa mga sinungaling.

Ronelio Mendoza GMA Security Guard Kung ang plates ang tumutulong sa katawan ko, sabi niya, ang libro naman ang tutulong sayo sa pagpapalaki ng kaalaman.

Andy Suarez GMA Security Guard On time siya parati sa meeting.

Never siya nagpa-late.

Pilarita Rivera GMA Housekeeping

UPDATES 11 Over the years, the UH barkada has grown. Pioneer hosts Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Lhar Santiago are joined by Lyn Ching, Love Anover-Llanko, Susan Enriquez, Connie Sison, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, and Luane Dy. The program also has its team of experts, Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, Atty. Gabby Concepcion, and Mareng Winnie Monsod. Now the group is made colorful with the presence of regular UH katambays Boobay, Juancho Trivino and Joyce Pring, and also recently, with Mga Batang UH Yuan Francisco, Angelica Ulip, and Leanne Bautista

20 mornings of great

YEARS

U

nang Hirit, the country’s longestrunning morning show, marked its 20th year on Philippine television.

Since 1999, Unang Hirit (UH) continues to be the Filipinos’ companion as they jumpstart their day. They turn to UH for the latest weather updates, breaking news, and other special features to keep them informed and entertained.

Coinciding with the show’s anniversary was the contract renewal of its hosts last November 26 attended by GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores, and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.

Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Senior AVP for Public Affairs Arlene Carnay, and Program Managers Queenie Dimapawi and Mon Torres were also present.

Atty. Gozon underscored the contribution of the longest-running morning show to Philippine TV. “Institusyon na sila sa Unang Hirit kaya tayo talaga ay nagagalak na hanggang ngayon at sa mga dadating pang taon ay mananatili sila [mga host] sa Unang Hirit,” he said, congratulating the program on its milestone.

Mr. Duavit gave credit to the UH hosts who are individually talented and more so when they are together as the UH barkada.

“Kumbinasyon ng maraming bagay kaya nagtatagal ang show—ang husay nila individually at ‘yung nadadala nilang kasiyahan at impormasyon. Magandang umpisahan ang umaga kasama sila.

Individually, they are highly talented and great people so ngayon 20 years, baka sa susunod pang 20 na taon makakasiguro tayo na ang pinakamahusay na barkada sa umaga ay magpapatuloy,” he said. “[Sa]

Unang Hirit, sa mga kasamahan nito, tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa patuloy nilang tiwala.

Sila’y tumatayong ehemplo ng kaisahan at integridad at maraming bagay na kahangahanga. So maraming salamat sa kanila,” he added.

Loyal followers were treated with special episodes and surprises with former hosts visiting to join in the fun. The show gave away special prizes such as home appliances, furniture, negosyo packages, and gadgets. One lucky loyal viewer will also have a chance to win a brand-new house and lot on January 2020.

Unang Hirit prides itself for having won the “Best Live Special Event Coverage Award” at the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for “Unang Hirit sa Vatican and Italy” and “Live sa Holy Land” hosted by Susan Enriquez and Rhea Santos, respectively. A back-to-back win for two consecutive years.

Keep having great mornings with the Unang Hirit barkada, every Monday to Friday, 4:55 a.m. on GMA 7.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

12 REGIONAL TV DEPARTMENT

HYPE AT THE REGIONS

PLATINUM STALLION AWARDS

Regional TV received various awards and celebrated the Yuletide season with a bang!

ANAK TV SEAL AWARDS

G

MA RTV received its 3rd ‘Best Regional TV Network’ award from the Trinity University of Asia during the Platinum Stallion Media Awards 2019. Receiving the award is GMA Network’s Vice President and Head of Regional TV Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

O

nce again earning the Anak TV Seal were local newscasts: RTV Balitang Amianan (in North and Central Luzon); RTV One Western Visayas (in Western Visayas); and RTV One Mindanao (in North, Central, and Southern Mindanao).

GMA RTV’s festival specials ‘Kapuso sa Panagbenga: The GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan Special Live Coverage’ and ‘Pit Senyor: The GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage’ were also given the iconic Anak TV Seal anew. Joining them in sporting the much-coveted Anak TV Seal were ‘Hala Bira! The GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Dinagayang Festival Special Live Coverage’ and ‘Kapuso sa Kadayawan: The GMA Regional TV One Mindanao Special Coverage’. For the second time around, Byaheng Do30, which airs via GMA Regional TV’s Mindanao Channels, received an Anak TV Seal.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

M

iguel Tanfelix, Kate Valdez, Benjamin Alves, XOXO, and Nar Cabico was in Gapan City in celebration of Christmas Festival last October 26.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

KALIMUDAN FESTIVAL 2019

B

ianca Umali, Kristoffer Martin, and Donita Nose pose for a selfie with Kudarateños in celebration of Kalimudan Festival last November 22 at the Capitol Gymnasium Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

STA. BARBARA TOWN FIESTA 2019

T

he cast of Prima Donnas (Althea Ablan, Elijah Alejo, Jillian Ward, Katrina Halili, Anjo Damiles, Arra San Agustin, Juancho Trivino) was in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan in celebration of Sta. Barbara Town Fiesta last November 30.

Awesome LIVE REGIONAL AUDIENCE! BALITANG AMIANAN

BALITANG BISDAK

Mangaldan National High School

Dagupan City National High School

13

University of Southern Philippines CTU-Cebu City Mountain Satellite Campus

Calasiao Comprehensive National High School Chorale

Mangaldan National High School Treble Chorus

Shepherd’s Angelic Voices of Mandaue City Musikero sa Cebu Provincial Police office

St. Albert the Great School Sapiens Choir Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy - (PAMMA) Learning Center

Fidelis Choir

Cebu Normal University

ONE MINDANAO

ONE WESTERN VISAYAS

St. Paul University Iloilo

San Pedro College St. Therese MTC Colleges

Senior high school students of Rizal Memorial Colleges

JBLFMU Coro Handumanan

Ateneo de Davao University Chorale

Central Philippine University

STI College of Davao USA Choir and Troubadours

Coro Angelico

E

Davao City National High School

The Davao Girls Choir

GMA

very Friday, GMA Regional TV continues to open its studios to partner institutions and communities as live audience of |itsDECEMBER local newscasts.

KAPUSO MAGAZINE 2019 ISSUE

14 UPDATES

First Time in History:

Two Philippine Dramas Airing in Ecuador

S

panish-dubbed versions of Filipino dramas continue to rate well in Ecuador. For the first time, two GMA dramas are airing concurrently through the partnership between GMA’s content distribution subsidiary, GMA Worldwide, Inc. (GWI) and Latin Media Corporation (LMC).

The Spanish-dubbed version of GMA’s phenomenal daytime drama The Heart Knows (My Special Tatay) premiered on November 12 as Un Corazon Especial on Ecuador’s TC Televisión. The drama about Boyet, a young father with autism immediately captivated Ecuadorian audience and delivered high ratings, averaging almost 9 points on weekdays at 5:30 P.M. It is among the most-watched programs on TC.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE |DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

Following the success of Un Corazon Especial, TC Television launched another GMA drama on its primetime block. GMA’s top-rating drama The Way To Your Heart (Onanay), with Spanish title El Amor Mas Grande, premiered on November 19 and airs Mondays to Fridays at 8 P.M. (Ecuador time). It tells the story of Onay, a mother with achondroplastic dwarfism longing for the acceptance of her daughter. On social media, the drama is shaping up to be another hit, with viewers expressing their excitement over the series.

Roxanne Barcelona, GWI Vice President, is thrilled with the positive reception of GMA dramas in Ecuador. “Our dramas rate well in the countries where they are shown because while retaining common elements like family, romance and relationships, our

content features unusual themes that keep viewers engaged and boost ratings for the broadcasters,” she said. “In Latin Media Corporation, we have found a dedicated partner who is truly committed to the propagation and success of GMA’s dramas in Latin America,” she added.

Latin Media CEO Jose Escalante is also delighted with the high ratings of Un Corazon Especial. “We feel more motivated than ever after learning about the extraordinary ratings of this drama that addresses a subject as sensitive, but at the same time, important as autism is in our societies. The treatment that the drama has given to this issue is fundamental that it has penetrated so deeply into the hearts of viewers,” he said.

CITIZEN CITIZENKAPUSO KAPUSO 15

Children beneficiaries share a light moment with Kapuso star Crystal Paras.

Love Shines at

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan T

his year, 30 families from Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHI) were chosen as beneficiaries of the GMA GIVES (Give, Interact, Volunteer, Educate, Serve) Christmas Outreach held last Saturday, December 7, at the TWHI compound in Cainta, Rizal.

GMA GIVES employee-volunteers shared their time and talents with the beneficiaries who were treated to a morning of music, play, and food. The children gamely joined the contests and won prizes. Each family received a Noche Buena package and Christmas goodies.

The event was made more special with a performance from GMA Artist Center’s Crystal Paras. Crystal is a Starstruck Season 7 alumnae. She previously competed in Eat Bulaga’s “Music Hero: The Vocal Battle” and made it to the top six.

Photo shows ICT Vice President Ms. Nina Cruz (sixth from right) and team donating the funds last November 18, to GMA Kapuso Foundation President Ms. Rikki Escudero (seventh from left).

TWHI beneficiaries and GMA GIVES volunteers are all smiles after a fun morning of games and gift giving.

GMA GIVES is a corporate social responsibility volunteer program of the GMA Network. Year round, the employees participate in volunteer activities. THWI is an organization that provides services to persons with disabilities (PWD) for 45 years.

TWHI’s programs and services are focused in the improvement of the quality of life of PWDs by providing training, educational assistance, mobility aid assistance and livelihood.

ICT Donates P50,000 to the Victims of Mindanao Earthquake

E

very year, GMA ICT celebrates their Christmas party with different themes selected through polls. Every vote costs P20.00 and employees can vote as many times as they want.

This year, in the spirit of Serbisyong Totoo, ICT chose to use the poll in raising funds for the victims of the Mindanao earthquake. They raised P50,000 from the polls and donated it to GMA Kapuso Foundation.

GMA KAPUSO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE