GMA Network wins in 2013 US film/video fest

MANILA, Philippines - The US International Film and Video Festival (USIFVF) recently conferred top awards on TV giant GMA Network, citing a total of 11 programs from GMA 7 and GMA News TV Channel 11. Led by GMA News TV’s State of the Nation with Jessica Soho (SONA), GMA Network’s entries are the only festival winners from the Philippines this year. 

GMA News TV’s flagship primetime newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, bannered by GMA Network’s VP for News Programs Jessica Soho, received a Silver Screen Award for its special coverage of last year’s disastrous monsoon rains titled The Wrath of the Monsoon. In 2012, SONA also received a documentary accolade from the USIFVF for its episode on the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong.

“Malaking karangalan ito hindi lang para sa amin, kundi sa buong GMA News and Public Affairs, tayong lahat. At siyempre, gusto rin nating ibahagi ito sa ating mga manonood na talaga namang para sa kanila itong newscast na ito,” said Soho, who was recently named by Reader’s Digest Asia as the Most Trusted News Presenter for the third consecutive year and is widely regarded as the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist.

Soho’s multi-awarded and top-rating public affairs program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, in turn, was also one of the programs cited from GMA Network.

Receiving a Certificate for Creative Excellence were Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (Photographs of Typhoon Pablo) for the News Magazine Format; primetime newscast 24 Oras bannered by Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco (Sendong Tragedy) for Newscasts; late-night newscast Saksi anchored by Arnold Clavio and Vicky Morales (Wrath of the Monsoon) also for Newscasts; and a documentary by Howie Severino for the program I-Witness (Santo at Sikreto) for Documentary: Religion.

Also receiving certificates for Creative Excellence were GMA 7 entertainment programs — infotainment show iBilib bannered by basketball icon Chris Tiu with Moymoy Palaboy and Isabelle Daza for Children’s Entertainment; cooking show Kusina Master hosted by celebrity chef Boy Logro for Cooking; and drama series Pahiram ng Sandali topbilled by Dingdong Dantes, Christopher de Leon, Max Collins and Lorna Tolentino for Telenovelas.

The festival similarly awarded certificates to GMA News TV programs — news commentary and analysis show Bawal Ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie headlined by Prof. Solita Monsod (One on One with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile) for Interview/Talk, Filipino cultural show I Juander hosted by GMA reporters Cesar Apolinario and Susan Enriquez (Why is the Lechon the Centerpiece of Every Filipino Celebration) for Education: Professional Development & Continuing Education; and GMA News TV special San Pedro Calungsod for Documentary: Religion.

Founded in 1967, USIFVF recognizes outstanding corporate, education, entertainment, documentary and student productions.