A new night shift

MANILA, Philippines - There are quite a number of reasons why most people watch television and these vary for each individual. For example, after a long day at work, some people sometimes go home and choose telenovelas as a form of escapism, or maybe some comedy shows to relax and lighten up a monotonous day. Others keep their eyes glued on the TV to learn something new.

This, quite loosely, shows the kind of influence that the television has in our daily lives. Thus, the call for not just regular TV watching. It should be intelligent viewing.

Yes, social learning through television might be a two-edged sword. Some studies have linked excessive TV-watching with aggressive behavior in children, obesity in adults and attention problems, to name a few. And yet, these studies also show that TV plays an important part in a person’s life: It is almost always switched on the entire day.

So, rather than feel guilty about indulging in too much TV, why not take control and become a smart viewer? All it takes is knowing which programs to watch.

Enter GMA Network’s Night Shift, which features a new line-up of formidable public affairs programs to keep up with the viewers’ late-night TV cravings: Front Row, Reporter’s Notebook, Powerhouse and Alisto.

From its previous time slot (Saturdays on GMA News TV Channel 11), Front Row takes the Monday night slot. The program ventures out from the usual host-driven documentaries that are currently shown on TV. Rather, they let the subjects do the talking. After all, the best persons to tell these stories are the ones who lived through the experiences themselves.

Since it was first launched on GMA News TV in 2011, the show has moved to become one of the channel’s top programs, even garnering international awards such as the Silver World Medal from New York Festivals and a Certificate of Creative Excellence from the US International Film and Video Festival.

For its initial offering, Front Row tells the story of Genesis, a man who was forced to put his life at risk out of desperation. From his blood to some of his teeth and even his kidney, Genesis sold his body parts in order to survive.

Keep your analytical brainpower stimulated on Tuesday nights with award-winning public affairs program Reporter’s Notebook. Known for its hard-hitting, no-nonsense investigative reports, the show is hosted by Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido.

Created through the exceptional investigative skills of a journalist, each episode of Reporter’s Notebook tackles noteworthy and relevant social and political issues delivered in unbiased and balanced reportage containing precise and accurate information.

Take a peek inside the private lives of some of the country’s movers and shakers in Powerhouse, which now airs every Wednesday night. Through her in-depth interviews, Peabody award-winner Kara David hopes to inspire the viewers as she learns these iconic figures’ life stories and the secrets of their successes.

On Wednesday (Feb. 12), Powerhouse pays Heart Evangelista a visit in her new home in Quezon City. Located inside the same exclusive subdivision as her beau Sen. Chiz Escudero, Heart built a beautiful and cozy abode for herself. The Kapuso actress will tour the Powerhouse team inside her home. One of the highlights of her home is her walk-in closet, which was designed by Sen. Chiz as a housewarming gift. Powerhouse will also take a peek into Heart’s busy career. And during her interview with Kara, the actress talked about the changes in her life after the public falling-out with her parents as well as the challenges she has to face in her independent life.

Be on the alert every Thursday night with Alisto, a public service and informative program. Hosted by Arnold Clavio, the program features shocking videos of tragedies, accidents, crimes, felonies and other documented life-threatening hazards. It also has regular segments exposing the latest modus operandi in the metro and stories on crime and public safety.

GMA News and Public Affairs’ Night Shift airs from Mondays to Thursdays right after late-night newscast Saksi.