Bigger, better ‘Balitang Bisdak’

CEBU, Philippines — With GMA Regional TV unveiling a brand new “Balitang Bisdak,” broadcast journalists Bobby Nalzaro, Alan Domingo, Cecille Quibod-Castro, and the rest in their team are even more eager to deliver comprehensive and in-depth local news.

Debuting with a fresh look last Monday, the revamp not only boasts of new program colors, OBB, and set, it also promises leveled-up content as the 19-year-old program zeroes in on delivering quality news for Central and Eastern Visayas.

From now on, viewers can enjoy a more relaxed set, with couches instead of tables. The studio also opened its doors to the public, inviting viewers to participate as live studio audience every Friday.

Apart from keeping up with the times, this relaunch has so much more to do with making sure that they remain connected to viewers, so connected in fact that they see “Balitang Bisdak” as an “extension of the viewers’ living room.”

GMA Regional TV also introduced the network’s Weekend News, an English newscast which airs nationwide. The Weekend News pilot aired on Saturday, featuring “Balitang Bisdak” presenters and a recap of nationwide events. This program will have “Balitang Bisdak,” “Balitanag Amianan,” “One Western Visayas” and “One Mindanao” taking turns in manning the weekly broadcast.

During the programs’ July 27 press conference, GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso not only promised a bigger and better “Balitang Bisdak” in terms of technology, but also in their consistency and quality of service.

“Ang treatment sa news, inato,” said news correspondent Alan Domingo. “It’s between me and you, you and me na approach. Murag abot kamay. Ang tan-aw nila sa ‘Bisdak,’ dili murag unreachable. Kami maoy muduol ngadto nila. Naa mi diri, pwede mi ninyo kuhiton, pwede maka chika chika.”

In Domingo’s words, “there is no dream topic.” He said that each story is important, and it is up to them to see the value of each one and make sure that something can be had from the event.

The award-winning news correspondent shared that their viewership appreciates it when a program balances out its content. He often hears feedback about how “Balitang Bisdak” does not only dwell on heavy-weight topics of crime and politics, but also the lighter side of things through different segments such as “Sa Maaan,” “Bisdak Laagan Society,” “Lami Syah,” “Lahi Ra,” “Manlaag Ta,” “Balitang Barangay,” “Kapuso Serbisyo,” “Pistang Bisdak,” and “Batang Bisdak.”

Fellow news correspondents Louann Mae Rondina, Chona Carreon, and Nikko Sereno also do their utmost to deliver in-depth and comprehensive stories beyond what is usually digested in the headlines, each week taking turns in coming up with a special report.

Cecille Quibod-Castro said that it is GMA RTV’s commitment to reach out to the local communities as well, making sure that their stories and voices are heard, whether online, on air, or on ground. The news presenter stressed how important it is to be attentive towards the lives of the people around them.

“Sila mismo ang among mahimamat sa personal. Not only their problems ang hisgutan but also their everyday kasikas, even their hobbies. Usa na sa gitutokan namo, kay for sure, ang Cebuanos mismo naay maka-relate. Para ni nila,” she said.

As “Balitang Bisdak” explores bigger possibilities, veteran newscaster Bobby Nalzaro remains appreciative of the work that the reporters on field and the men and women behind the scenes do, and with that does his best to do his job as anchor.

“During actual news presentation, I want to give justice to the output of the reporters,” said Nalzaro, adding that regardless of the quality and hard work put into a report, if the presenter does badly, the whole program is at stake.

“The entire news program maoy ma-sakripisyo. Ako lang is to give justice sa production nga gihaguan for the whole day. To deliver the news nga walay sami.”

Despite their Best News Program Special Citation at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards, and their Anak TV Seal recognition, not to mention their award-winning reporters, and their 1.8 percent lead at the Metro Cities Television Audience Measurement (MCTAM) ratings as of July, “Balitang Bisdak” considers these awards and numbers as the cherry on top of a productive work day.

Speaking for the team, Nalzaro, with his 39 years of experience in the media industry, said that history will be the judge of “Balitang Bisdak.” When asked how they would like “Balitang Bisdak” to be remembered, he said that it would be nice if people thought of him, co-anchors Alan Domingo and Cecille Quibod-Castro, and the rest of the “Bisdak” team as a credible group of men and women who did their jobs in public service well.

“Just like any program, [ganahan ko] mahinudmduman mi, nga once upon a time, adunay isa ka news program nga naghatag ug insaktong balita ngadto sa katawhan,” he said.

With the tagline “Balitang Bisdak, bugtong kasaligan, kasandigan ug kadangpan sa mga Bisaya [Balitang Bisdak, the most trusted, dependable, and reliable (newscast) of the Bisaya],” the Cebu newscast, now bigger and better, airs from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m.