New partnership elevates return of much-anticipated pageant

By Nickie Wang

ABS-CBN, in collaboration with skincare brand Silka, has introduced the theme song “Kumikinang” as a centerpiece for the reimagined Binibining Silka pageant. The song, crafted by Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music’s creative director, adds a new dimension to the event.

“Kumikinang” resonates with the essence of Binibining Silka, embodying the qualities and aspirations sought by its contestants. With its mesmerizing melody and meaningful lyrics, the song is set to become an integral part of the pageant’s identity.

Performed by Angeline Quinto, the song’s debut marks a significant milestone in the pageant’s evolution, infusing it with a fresh, vibrant spirit. As anticipation grows, audiences await the chance to experience the captivating synergy between music and beauty at the upcoming Binibining Silka pageant.

“This year, we believe that it’s the best year to actually relaunch Miss Silka with its new title Binibining Silka. It will be bigger and bolder and a pageant like you’ve never seen before because it’s Silka with ABSCBN,” said Silka senior brand manager Eunice de Belen

“The song, which is another first in the pageant, specifically tells what Miss Silka is looking for in our candidates and the eventual winner,” De Belen went on.

“The lyrics of the song embody what we are looking for in a Binibining Silka,” composer Manalo added.

ABS-CBN Regional in partnership with ABS-CBN Events stages the regional leg of the pageant, which started in Bicol on August 5 and in Dagupan for North Luzon leg on August 12. Then the pageant will head to Ilocos on August 19 and Palawan on August 26.

The regional competitions will continue on September 2 in Western Visayas, September 3 in Pampanga for Central Luzon region, September 16 in Northern Mindanao, September 17 in Batangas for Southern Tagalog, September 23 in Central Eastern Visayas, September 30 in Southern Mindanao, October 7 in Western Mindanao, and October 14 in the National Capital Region.

The grand coronation night, to be produced also by ABSCBN Events, will happen on October 29. The winner will receive P500,000 cash prize and a chance to be seen in ABS-CBN shows.

Initially known as Miss Silka, Binibining Silka originated as a modest pageant in 2008, gaining national prominence within a year. Its most recent edition took place in 2019, just before the pandemic disrupted events. Numerous former contestants and titleholders have extended their influence to other prestigious competitions, including Binibining Pilipinas and international stages. Notable names among them include Nicole Borromeo, crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2022, Alexandra Faith Garcia, who secured the title of Miss Aura International 2021, and Chelsea Fernandez, honored as Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022. “Miss Silka used to serve as their foundation as a stepping stone. Our aspiration is that eventually, they aim for Binibining Silka. At present, our main focus remains within the Philippines, but we are open to plans of sending Binibining Silka winners to international pageants in the future,” De Belen ended.

GMA’s flagship newscast remains unrivaled as viewers' top news source

IN less than a year since its relaunch as a dynamic multi-platform and news organization, GMA Integrated News has cemented its position as the “News Authority ng Filipino.”

Its flagship newscast, 24 Oras, continues to be the viewers’ choice for the latest news, breaking stories, as well as the biggest events here and abroad.

Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that 24 Oras is still the most watched TV program for January 1 to July 31, 2023 in Total Philippines (combined Urban and Rural). It recorded a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people rating of 14.9 percent. Further, 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend tallied a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people net reach of 84 percent or 65 million viewers in Total Philippines.

Anchored by Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil 24 Oras continues to uphold the tenets of journalism and deliver truthful, balanced, and credible news and information, as well as topnotch public service to Filipinos wherever they may be.

Providing 24 Oras viewers the latest entertainment news and updates is “Chika Minute” segment host Iya Villana-Arellano. The public also discovers new knowledge and stories behind phenomena with Kuya Kim Atienza’s trivia segment, “#KuyaKimAnoNa.”

With GMA Integrated News’ launch of the “GMA Integrated News Weather Center,” 24 Oras introduced Maureen Schrijvers as its weather presenter to deliver weather news and updates weeknights.

24 Oras continues to evolve amid the changing landscape of journalism and news consumption. Earlier this month, it launched its latest segment, “Game Changer” with GMA Synergy sportscaster Martin Javier featuring the latest trends and new discoveries on fitness, lifestyle, technology, and anything that can change the pace of everyday life.

24 Oras Weekend, on the other hand, is anchored by Ivan Mayrina and Pia Arcangel and airs

Saturdays and Sundays.

GMA Integrated News boasts top anchors and impactful reporting winning numerous awards. The most recent of which is the “Pambansang Balita Award” at the 2023 Hiraya Awards for climate change series. 24 Oras won “Best TV News Program” at the 2023 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards; Vicky Morales got “Female News Anchor of the Year.” Mel Tiangco received the “Gandingan ng Kababaihan” at the 17th UP BroadSoc Gandingan Awards and the “JPL Lifetime Achievement Award” at The Golden Laurel: The Batangas Province Media Awards 2023.

GMA Integrated News also nabbed “Journalism of the Year for TV News Reporting” at the Rotary Club of Manila’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards. 24 Oras airs weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and 24 Oras Weekend is on weekends at 5:30 p.m. on GMA with simulcast on GTV, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits.