The awards ceremony was held at the University Cultural Centre (UCC), National University of Singapore last Dec. 1. Since this is the first time a Philippine TV network was given this award, it is not only an honor for GMA Network but for the Philippines as well, according to Gozon. GMA also won in four other categories and got high commendations in six others.
GMA Network bested other networks from the 14 participating countries in the awards, including Japan, India, South Korea, China (including Hong Kong SAR), Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.
From about 1,500 entries received from 129 companies in these countries to vie for awards in 33 categories, 10 of GMA 7’s programs and talents were recognized and given high commendations. Michael V won in the Best Comedy Performance by an Actor category, while Nonie Buencamino bagged the Best Drama Performance by an Actor for his stint in Magpakailanman: Till the End of Time. I-Witness (Buto’t Balat) won Best Social Awareness Program, and the Eat Bulaga Silver Special won Best Entertainment (On-Off/Annual) Special.
Meanwhile, Reporter‘s Notebook (Backdoor and Child Hit Man), I-Witness (Missing in Aceh), Pinoy Abroad (Pinoy Boxers), 24 Oras: Camp Bagong Diwa Siege, Encantadia, and Lorna Tolentino were also given high commendations and shortlisted as finalists for their respective categories. A total of 10 out of the 11 finalists from the Philippines in the awards were from GMA 7.
The numerous international recognitions GMA 7 continues to receive prove that the Kapuso Network truly is going global in every sense. As GMA continues to soar as the No. 1 network in the country, it makes bigger efforts to further its lead in the industry and reach out to more viewers, not only in the country but in other parts of the world. With GMA Pinoy TV now well on its way to conquering the globe and with QTV Channel 11 having secured the No. 3 spot in Mega Manila, the Kapuso Network now also ventures into a different territory as it co-produces an Asian drama with Korea.
GMA Films recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea’s IBA Media Co. Ltd., represented by CEO Hwang Young Chul, and Joong Ang Ilbo Co. Ltd. to co-produce a Korean drama series. The companies plan to air the telenovela simultaneously in different parts of Asia, including Korea, Taiwan (GTV), Japan (FUJI TV), and the Philippines (through GMA 7). They hope to implement the plan by middle of March 2006. Meantime, location hunting in the country has started and will go on till mid-January next year.
In keeping with GMA’s corporate purpose to enrich the lives of Filipinos everywhere with superior entertainment and responsible delivery of news and information, the Kapuso Network continues to make every effort possible to give viewers in the country and abroad new and better choices in programming, while showcasing how Filipino ingenuity is at par with international standards.