Still the academe’s choice

GMA Network continues to receive recognition for its world-class entertainment, credible news reportage, and unparalleled public service—this time reaping several awards at the 2023 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards and 5th Gawad Lasallianeta.

Taking home 28 awards, GMA was conferred once again the TV Station of the Year by the Platinum Stallion National Media Awards organized by the Media and Communication Department of Trinity University of Asia. GMA was also the winner in the last Platinum Stallion National Media Awards in 2021.

Further, for the sixth year, the network’s regional arm, GMA Regional TV, was recognized as Regional TV Network of the Year for ‘its zeal for social service, inspiring accomplishments and outstanding contribution in the growth and furtherance of the media industry.’

The network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 was once again chosen as AM Radio Station of the Year with Mike Enriquez recognized as AM Broadcast Journalist of the Year.

Several Kapuso shows also emerged as winners again this year.

24 Oras won as Best TV News Program with one of its anchors, Vicky Morales, taking home the Female News Anchor of the Year award. Atom Araullo, on the other hand, was named Male News Anchor of the Year for GTV’s State of the Nation Earning another Best Magazine Program trophy was Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho with program host Jessica Soho being awarded the Best News Magazine Program Host. Unang Hirit was once again chosen as Best Morning Show while Drew Arellano won Best Educational Program Host for AHA!.

I-Witness also won another Best Documentary TV Show award with Atom Araullo’s ‘Reclamation Nation’ episode getting the Documentary of the Year honor.

Taking home the Best Election Special Coverage was The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews.

GMA Network also earned several wins at the Platinum Stallion National Awards for its various ground-breaking shows and stellar personalities.

The country’s most-talked-about and top-rating drama Maria Clara at Ibarra emerged as the Culturally Relevant TV Series while winning Best Primetime Drama Series as well. Some of its lead actors were also recognized, namely Dennis Trillo as Best Drama Actor; Barbie Forteza as Best Drama Actress; David Licauco as Best Actor in a Supporting Role; and Andrea Torres as Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Top-rating GMA Afternoon Prime series Abot Kamay Na Pangarap, in turn, was hailed as Television Drama of the Year.

Dingdong Dantes’ Family Feud was awarded Best Game Show while his other show, Amazing Earth, was recognized as Best Educational Program.

Bubble Gang won Best Gag Show, while Pepito Manaloto took home the Best Comedy Program award.

Magpakailanman, hosted by Mel Tiangco, was awarded as Best Drama Anthology Program.

Awards for Best Actor.

The Whale is based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter

It also stars Sadie Sink ( Stranger Things ) and Hong Chau ( The Menu ), who also received a Best Supporting Actress nod from major award-giving bodies for her role in the fi lm.

The film, produced by A24, is distributed by TBA Studios in the country. This marks the second A24 film that TBA Studios is bringing to the Philippines. Last year, TBA Studios successfully brought to Filipino audiences the Michelle Yeoh multiverse adventure, Everything Everywhere All At Once

Last November, TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu per- sonally met with A24 and director Aronofsky during a special screening of The Whale

“As a film fan myself, it was an honor to meet the producers and director of The Whale. We believe that this is an important movie and we couldn’t be happier that the Filipino audience can finally see this gem. More than that, we’re so proud that a fellow Filipino, Matthew Libatique, has worked on this film. That alone brings this movie close to home,” Chiu said.

Libatique is a Filipino-American cinematographer, a two-time Academy Award nominee, and a longtime collaborator of Aronofsky. He’s known for his work on films like Black Swan, Mother!, Requiem for a Dream, Pi, A Star Is Born, Birds of Prey, Iron Man, and Venom.

In the past year, TBA Studios have distributed international films with Filipinos working in front or behind the camera. This includes Triangle of Sadness, Fanny: The Right To Rock Plan 75, and Nocebo The Whale is now showing in 56 cinemas nationwide.