by Manila Bulletin Entertainment
For consistently delivering stellar and value-filled news, public service, and entertainment programs, GMA Network dominated the 44th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) with 18 recognitions during the awarding ceremonies held last Nov. 23.
The Kapuso Network’s “Love Together, Hope Together: GMA Christmas Station ID” took home the Best Station ID award. A holiday treat that Kapuso viewers look forward to every year, the Network’s Christmas station ID in 2021 also served as a reminder to everyone that as long as there is love and hope in each other’s hearts, Christmas will always be brighter and better if Filipinos are together.
GMA Integrated News programs earned top plums for their respective Super Typhoon Odette coverage.
For the second year in a row, “Saksi” won the Best News Program award. Anchored by GMA News pillar Arnold Clavio and seasoned broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel, the late-night newscast provided an extensive coverage of the typhoon’s wrath in Central Philippines and the Visayas. Saksi captured not just the devastation but also the government’s relief and rescue efforts, ending with a montage of the patented Bayanihan spirit.
Meanwhile, GMA’s flagship newscast and CMMA Best News Program Hall of Famer “24 Oras” earned the Best Special Event Coverage award also for its outstanding coverage of Super Typhoon Odette. Anchored by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales, 24 Oras provided viewers the information and public service at a time when they needed it the most.
“Wish Ko Lang” added another feather to its cap as it took home the Best Drama Series/Program. Hosted by Vicky Morales, Wish Ko Lang recently celebrated 20 years of granting wishes with cinematic anniversary episodes and biggest presents to date.
Championing sportsmanship among viewers, GMA Synergy’s “Stronger Together, Buo ang Puso: NCAA Season 97” was hailed as the Best Children & Youth Program. NCAA Season 97 marked the much-awaited return of the Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball tournaments.
The Kapuso Network also dominated the Radio category with its flagship AM and FM stations Super Radyo DZBB 594 and Barangay LS 97.1 Forever! taking home numerous awards.
Winning the Best News Program was DZBB’s newscast “Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide.” The tandem of Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison in “One on One, Walang Personalan” was named Best News Commentary, while earning the Best Public Service Program award was “Serbisyo on the Spot.”
Taking home the Best Entertainment Program, on the other hand, was “Barangay Love Stories” hosted by Papa Dudut of Barangay LS 97.1 Forever!
GMA Synergy’s “Limitless: A Musical Trilogy – Breathe” was conferred with Best Digital Advertisement – Public Service category. Breathe is the first installment of the one-a-kind musical journey “Limitless, A Musical Trilogy” headlined by Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose. Limitless also won the Silver World Medal at the 2022 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards.
Several Kapuso programs and projects were also conferred with Special Citations.
Earning Special Citations for Best TV Special are GMA Public Affairs’ specials “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews” and “Year of the Superhero.”
Hosted by GMA News pillar Jessica Soho, “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews” set the bar high for future election specials, with Soho boldly asking four of the leading presidential aspirants tough questions. Meanwhile, “Year of the Superhero” was GMA News and Public Affairs’ year-end special, which featured inspiring stories behind some of the most heroic moments of 2021. The special was hosted by Kapuso power couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
Hit primetime series “First Lady” won a Special Citation as Best Drama Series/Program. The sequel to the Philippines’ No. 1 show for 2021, “First Yaya” (The First Nanny), “First Lady” stars the swoon-worthy pairing of award-winning actor Gabby Concepcion and dazzling actress Sanya Lopez.
GTV’s public affairs show “I Juander” likewise earned a Special Citation as Best News Best Adult Educational / Cultural Program. Hosted by Susan Enriquez and Mark Salazar, I Juander feeds Filipinos’ inherent curiosity about their identity and culture.
For giving Kapuso in the regions more reasons to ‘wake up to a new morning,’ “GMA Regional TV Live!” took home the Special Citation for Best Public Service TV Program. Airing weekdays via GMA Regional TV’s Central and Eastern Visayas channels, GMA Regional TV Live! is hosted by Cecille Quibod-Castro and Nikko Sereno.
Super Radyo DZBB 594’s “Bahay at Buhay Kasama si Lala Roque” and “Sumasapuso kasama si Toni Aquino” earned Special Citations as Best News Feature and Best Entertainment Program, respectively.
Also receiving the Special Citation in Best Digital Advertisement – Public Service category was the Network’s election advocacy campaign, “DapatTotoo, GMA News and Public Affairs.”
Over the years, the Kapuso Network has been recognized by the CMMA for upholding Filipino and Christian values through its wide selection of shows and telecasts.
