Nurturing the spirit of innovation

MANILA, Philippines - More often than not, change can be a good thing. In business, as well as life in general, change is what pushes us to get better, evolve and march forward in progress. In stark contrast, nothing can be worse than a life marked by routine, complacency or stagnation.

As such, due credit should be given to the risk takers, the game-changers and the bold and fearless few who dare to shake up the status quo and ask, “what if?” or “why not?”

In the realm of TV, change is synonymous with growth. As networks slug each other out in the ratings game, their think-tanks struggle to cook up better ways to keep their audiences happy.

But what kind of changes have the networks really bestowed on Pinoy TV viewers? Are they positive changes that make a significant impact on their lives? When does “entertainment” become enlightening and informative? When does it get stale or reek of bad taste?

In its bid to recognize innovation in the local TV industry, the Global City Innovative College (GIC) recently held its inaugural Innovation Awards for TV last Nov. 7 at the GIC Multi-Purpose Hall in Makati City.

The GIC awards marks the school’s pioneering effort in becoming the latest watchdog in the entertainment industry, and based on its extensive media mileage and outpouring of support from network officials and celebrities alike, it wouldn’t be surprising if it turns out into a much-awaited yearly spectacle.

With a voting bloc representing various age groups and market segments, the school’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders cast their votes for today’s most innovative TV programs and personalities.

In his opening remarks, GIC president Engr. Michael Tan emphasized, “Innovation is an essential and critical element in the world today. Imagine watching the same show over and over again, with the plot remaining the same, the set unchanged and the story without any twists. The need for innovation is not limited to just television. It’s more needed in education.”

Not surprisingly, the phenomenal and top-rating Eat, Bulaga’s Kalyeserye was one of the top awardees, earning the Most Innovative TV Loveteam award for Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the Most Innovative TV Noontime Show for Eat, Bulaga! and the Most Innovative TV Comedian award for Wally Bayola.

ABS-CBN bagged 11 trophies, including Most Innovative Network. GMA 7 won seven, while TV5 got two.

Here is the complete list of winners of the 1st GIC Innovation Awards for TV:

Most Innovative Morning TV Program — Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative TV Noontime Show — Eat, Bulaga! (GMA 7)

Most Innovative TV News Program — TV Patrol (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative TV Series — On The Wings of Love (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative TV Comedy Show — Bubble Gang (GMA 7)

Most Innovative TV Loveteam — AlDub (GMA 7)

Most Innovative TV Comedian — Wally Bayola (GMA 7)

Most Innovative TV Comedienne — Tuesday Vargas (TV5)

Most Innovative TV Child Star — Ryzza Mae Dizon (GMA 7)

Most Innovative Male TV Newscaster — Erwin Tulfo (TV5)

Most Innovative Female TV Newscaster — Karen Davila (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative Sunday Noontime TV Show — ASAP (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative Male TV Host — Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative Female TV Host — Kris Aquino (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative TV Actor — Paulo Avelino (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative TV Actress — Jodi Sta. Maria (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative Magazine TV Show — Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA 7)

Most Innovative Magazine TV Show Host — Jessica Soho (GMA 7)

Most Innovative Educational TV Program — Matanglawin (ABS-CBN)

Most Innovative TV Network — ABS-CBN