Philippines: Television and Radio Awards

An award is a type of acknowledgment conferred by peers, an association, or an institution on excellent labor and artistic excellence of an individual, group, network, or organization. It is a set of norms and principles maintained by a group that awards prizes for excellent efforts in the field.

Philippines: Television and Radio Awards
Philippines: Television and Radio Awards

The Citizens Awards for Television (CAT)

The Citizens Awards for Television (CAT) were the first awards for meritorious work in broadcasting, established in 1964 by the Citizens Council for Mass Media (CCMM), formerly known as the Citizens’ Council for Better Motion Pictures Television Committee, a civic organization that helped promote the improvement of mass media in the country. The first CAT awards were presented in 1965 at the PhilAm Life Auditorium, with guest speaker University of the Philippines (UP) President Carlos P. Romulo. The Asia Foundation helped fund the CAT’s inaugural year (The Manila Chronicle Entertainment Guide 1965). When martial law was proclaimed in 1972, CAT came to an end (Cinko 1983).

The first CAT awardees were Dakilang Panata (Noble Oath), Channel 9, for best dramatic presentation in a continuing series; An Evening with Pilita, Channel 3, for best variety program; Hamon sa Kampeon (Challenge to the Champion), Channel 3, for best variety show for encouraging local talents; The Big News, Channel 5, for best straight news reporting; Coffee with Valencia, Channel 5, for best commentary; Fistorama, Channel 11, for best sports program; Gemm

In subsequent years, categories for TV director, news interview, scriptwriter, children’s program, business program, educational quiz show, documentary, art production, educational show, special events, public entertainment, public service, and supporting TV female and male performers were added (The Manila Chronicle Entertainment Guide 1967). Following years’ winners included the drama anthologies Salamisim (Reflections), Panagimpan (Dream), Balintataw (The Mind’s Eye), and Kuwentong Kutsero (Tall Tales), as well as the musical variety shows Carmen on Camera, The Nida-Nestor Show, Lollipop Party, Hamon sa Kampeon, and Etsetera, Etsetera (Etcetera, Etcetera); directors Mitos

From 1975 to 1978, the Sinag Awards were presented by the Pambansang Akademya ng Telebisyon sa Agham at Sining (PATAS), popularly known as the Philippine Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. PATAS was made up of members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Broadcast Media Council (BMC), both of which were led by presidential spokesperson Teodoro Valencia. Some members of academia made up the KBP and BMC. PATAS’s goal was to promote excellence in the art and craft of television. It established guilds of television artists such as camera operators and technicians, but the initiative did not go smoothly. Internal disagreements contributed to PATAS’ dissolution in 1978, with the KBP and the BMC withdrawing from the organization (Fleras 1982).

Nora Aunor and Maryo J were among the first PATAS recipients. de los Reyes as most outstanding television actress and director for Ang Makulay na Daigdig ni Nora (The Colorful World of Nora); Dolphy, Nida Blanca, and Ading Fernando as most outstanding comedy series actor, actress, and scriptwriter for John en Marsha (John and Marsha), which also won the award for most outstanding comedy series; Maan Hontiveros, Yogi Dominguez-Zaragosa, and Tina (Belen 2015; Mariano 1977; Pareja 1994). Following years’ winners included comedians Patsy, Pugo, and Bert “Tawa” Marcelo, as well as the comedy series Baltic & Co. and My Son, My Son. Armida Siguion-Reyna received the Kalinangan Award as the final award given out in 1978. (Fleras 1982).

The Catholic Mass Media Awards

The Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) were established in 1978 by Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin of the Archdiocese of Manila to instill principles such as love for and service to God, respect for the environment, positive Filipino values, and love for life. A panel of more than 50 jurors constituted by the Archbishop of Manila selects outstanding men and women and their works in the media. Academics, civic and religious figures, and clergy are among the jurors. The Rock trophy, a one-kilogram stone held on a wooden pedestal with the staff of St. Peter written on it, is awarded to the winners.

The first CMMA awardees for radio in 1978 were In Unum Deum (In One God), DZRH, best program; Err Ramos as best director for the drama program Kahapon Lamang (Only Yesterday); and Ric T. Santos, best writer for the drama episode “Buhay Pa Si Plato” (Plato Lives On), DWRV. The first awardees for television in 1978 were Gulong ng Palad (Wheel of Fate), In 1979, new categories were added. The drama anthology Fort Santiago, RPN 9, Pananagutan (Responsibility), GMA, Gulong ng Palad, and Ilaw ng Tahanan (Light of the Home), both from BBC 2, won the prize for best TV program for human development and value creation. Mario O’Hara’s Marcelino, Pan y Vino: Alamat o Milagro? won best children’s program. (BBC 2, Marconi, Bread and Wine: Legend or Miracle?) New categories were added in 1980. The award for outstanding instructional series program was given to Tele-Aralan ng Kakayahan (Knowledge Educational TV), PTV 4; the award for outstanding documentary program was given to Bagong Sibol ang Gubat (The Forest is Budding), produced by the Bureau of Forest Development; the award for outstanding TV magazine program was given to Metro Magazine; and the award for Metro Manila Commission Outstanding TV Program was given to Uncle Bob & Friends, GMA. Champoy, RPN 9, received the prize for outstanding variety program, and Panagimpan, PTV 4, received the award for outstanding drama for its episode “The Neglected Mother.” ABS-Maalaala CBN’s Mo Kaya (Will You Remember) won the Hall of Fame Award for Best TV Drama Program in 2012.

With Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, second from left, Charo Santos-Concio accepts the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) Hall of Fame Award for Best TV Drama Program for Maalaala Mo Kaya (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN)

In 1982, the Lira Awards were a one-of-a-kind radio prize. It was the idea of RPN 9 general manager Felipe Medina Jr. and awards committee chair Ray Pedroche. Its goal was to inspire excellence in the work of DWWW employees who voted for their peers on a network-wide basis. The awards were divided into 18 categories. The inaugural and last awards were presented on December 29, 1982, at the Embassy Ballroom of the Holiday Inn. Selected winners and the categories in which they won included Errol Dionisio, actor; Mely Mallari, actress; Emil Cruz, scriptwriter; Sabatini Fernandez, narrator/host and supporting actor; Lennie Santos, supporting actress; Mario O’Hara, director; Boy de Guzman, musical scorer; Jake Tagasa, sound effects; Primo Monteroso, recording technician; Filipinas Ballesteros, promising talent; Dely Magpay (Luarca 1983).

Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC)

Since 1987, the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) has given out the Star Awards for Television. The PMPC was founded by entertainment writers mostly from the print media, but has now expanded to include writers from the broadcast sector. Danny Villanueva was the inaugural chairman of the PMPC. The first awards were given out in 31 categories, with Pilita Corrales receiving the highest honor, the Ading Fernando Memorial Award. GMA won the award for best balanced programming. Its first awardees were TV Patrol, best newscast; Noli de Castro and Tina Monzon-Palma, best male and female newscasters, respectively; Public Forum, best public affairs program; Dong Puno of Viewpoint, best public affairs program host; Batibot, best children’s show; Bodjie Pascua of Batibot, best children’s show host; Princess Punzalan, best new TV personality; Isip Pinoy (Filipin Best musical special (Dolphy: Good for Only 25 Years? ), Eat Bulaga! GMA Supershow, best musical variety show; Edu Manzano of Not So Late Night with Edu, best male variety program host; and Vilma Santos for Vilma! and Superstar’s Nora Aunor for best female variety program host.

The Gawad — CCP Para sa Radyo at Telebisyon

From 1987 through 1999, the Cultural Center of the Philippines bestowed an important award (CCP). The Gawad CCP Para sa Radyo at Telebisyon, or just the Gawad, shifted the attention away from individual personalities and shows and toward the integrity of entire programs. It honored broadcast production businesses and artists whose works embody Filipino ideals, lifestyles, arts, and culture. It recognized ten excellent television works each year, as well as outstanding radio documentaries, dramas, cultural programs, and musicals.

Each year, a different respected artist designs and sculpts the Gawad trophies. Julie Lluch created the trophy for the first Gawad CCP Para sa Telebisyon in 1987. The first trophy for the 1989 Gawad CCP Para sa Radyo was a bronze and wood sculpture modeled after the Ibong Adarna by Abdulmari Asia Imao. Ramon Orlina, Solomon Saprid, Agnes Arellano, Napoleon Abueva, Peter de Guzman, Roberto Villanueva, Imelda Pilapil, Charlie Co, Ed Castrillo, Edwin Wilwayco, and Arturo Luz were among the sculptors whose works served as Gawad prizes.

The musicals Aawitan Kita (I Will Sing for You), RPN 9, and Kuh By Special Arrangement, IBC 13 received the Gawad CCP Para sa Telebisyon for 1987, which was handed out in 1988; the educational show Ating Alamin (Let’s Find Out), PTV 4; the children’s program Batibot, PTV 4 and RPN 9; the documentary magazine programs Isip Pinoy, RPN 9, and PEP Talk, People-Powered Presidency and Inside Congress were the best TV specials. Tina Monzon-Palma was the first person to be honored with the Significant Individual Contribution to Television award.

The first Gawad CCP Para sa Radyo awards were Parangal (Honor), documentary, DZRM-Philippine Broadcasting System; Play Filipina, drama, DZEC-Eagle Broadcasting Corporation; and the musical magazines Yukbo sa Musika (In Praise of Music), DYMR-Radyo ng Bayan Cebu, and Salamin sa Kaliwat (Mirror

Francisco “Koko” Trinidad was the inaugural Natatanging Parangal sa Radyo recipient. The first recipients of the Gawad para sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Radyo were DZRM’s Norma Balaoro Remo, the Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog, the cultural magazine Filipiniana from DWLC Radyo ng Bayan in Lucena City, and radio stations DZRM Philippine Broadcasting Service, DYRP Radyo Tagring of Allied Broadcasting Center in Iloilo City,

Balintataw, PTV 4, Lovingly Yours, Helen, GMA, Dear Teacher, Islands TV 13, Spotlight, GMA, Handog ng PETA (Offering of PETA), RPN 9, and Bayani (Hero) and Maalaala Mo Kaya (Will You Remember), both on ABS-CBN; the talk show Mel & Jay, ABS-CBN; the musical program Ryan Ryan Musikahan (Music with Ryan), ABS-CBN; the documentary magazine The The news program The World Tonight, ABS-CBN; the cultural magazine-talk programs Travel Time, IBC 13 and GMA, For Art’s Sake, PTV 4, Tatak Pilipino (Filipino Trademark), ABS-CBN, By Design, ABC 5, and Teysi ng Tahanan (Tessie, The Home Buddy), ABS-CBN; the education programs Negosiyete (Business at Seven), GMA, Business Today, GMA, and

Golden Dove Awards

Beginning in 1991, the KBP began awarding its member groups with the Golden Dove Awards. It aimed to raise professional broadcasting standards and promote more responsible broadcasting. Since withdrawing its membership from KBP in 2003, GMA has been ineligible for the awards. GMA, Metro Manila’s best television station; DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), Metro Manila’s best AM radio station; DYHP Radio Mindanao Network, Metro Manila’s best provincial AM radio station; The World Tonight, ABS-CBN, Metro Manila’s best TV news program; Balitang Bayan Numero Uno (National News First Edition), DZRH, Metro Manila’s best radio news program; Damdaming Bayan (National Sentiment), DZBR Ku Beginning with the second Golden Dove Awards, categories for various types of programs were added.

Jessica Soho of GMA was the first to receive the Golden Dove Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year award, followed by Jose Mari Velez of GMA, Ricardo Dong Puno Jr. of GMA, Francisco “Koko” Trinidad of GMA, Abelardo L. Yabut Sr. of ABS-CBN, Loren Legarda of ABS-CBN, Cheche Lazaro of GMA, Mel Tiangco of GMA, Solita Monsod of G

Abelardo L. Yabut Sr. received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the KBP in 1996. Other awardees included Henry Canoy of Radio Mindanao Network, Menardo R. Jimenez of GMA, Eugenio Lopez Jr. of ABS-CBN, Federico M. Garcia of ABS-CBN, Fred J. Elizalde of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), Emmanuel Galang of GV Broadcasting System, Fidela Magpayo of DZRH-MBC, Francisco “Ka Kiko” Evangelista of DZMM/AB Alberto, KBP legal counsel (posthumous); Rino M. Basilio, ABC 5; Q. Rebueno Hodreal (posthumous), United Broadcasting Network; Bob Stewart (posthumous), GMA; Father James B. Reuter, SJ, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines; Cerge M. Remondo (posthumous), Vanguard Radio Network; Eduardo Montilla (posthumous); Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN; Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, ABS-CBN; Larry Henares, Progressive Broadcast

Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and Television

The Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and Television, often known as the Anak TV Group, was founded in 1996, with Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN serving as its first president. It is an advocacy organization in the Philippines that promotes TV literacy and advocates for child-sensitive and family-friendly television programs. The Anak TV Seal Awards were first presented in 2000. Moral slant, aesthetic excellence, educational content, and cultural significance are used to evaluate programs. The screening process is multi-tiered and takes place across the country. The jury, which consists of approximately 2000 members, is made up of representatives from various sectors who are also considered TV programming stakeholders: parents, educators, business and media people, government, nongovernmental organizations, the religious sector, psychologists, mass media and literary scholars, and youth (Manila Standard 2002; Adobo Magazine 2011; Anak TV Web 2015). It began with 15 honorees in 2000 and has expanded to 109 in 2014. (Anak TV Web 2015).

Dissatisfied with the organization’s leadership and award selections, a part of the PMPC broke away and created a new group in 2004. In the same year, the Entertainment Press Society, a new association of entertainment writers from the print medium, founded the Golden Screen TV Awards (kikayjack 2004). It only recognized 29 categories of entertainment performances and personalities throughout its first seven years (Lo 2004). It includes awards for news shows and anchors in 2011. It now contains 50 awards for various television programs and talents. The Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award, named after radio drama announcer and TV personality Helen Vela, is granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to drama, comedy, or news programs. Nora Aunor for theater, Harry Gasser for news broadcasting, and Joey de Leon for comedy were the first recipients of the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award (Lo 2004).

Annual student awards for radio and television broadcast work sprouted up like mushrooms in the mid-2000s, starting with the University of Santos Tomas USTV Students Choice Awards in 2005. This was followed by the Gandingan Awards: The University of the Philippines at Los Baos Isko’t Iska Broadcast Choice Awards, 2007; the Northwest Samar State University Students Choice Awards, 2009; the Holy Angel University in Pampanga’s Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards, 2014; the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Mabini Awards, 2014; and the UmalohokJuan! The Lyceum of the Philippines awarded her in 2014, as did the Mapua Institute of Technology with the Gawad Kamalayan Awards.

The academy has recognized outstanding works in broadcast media. Tanglaw stands for Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw, and it is a group of media teachers from Jose Rizal University, the Philippine Women’s University, the University of Perpetual Help System, and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

The Gawad Plaridel

The Gawad Plaridel of the UP System through the College of Mass Communication in UP Diliman and the Hildegarde Prizes for Women in Media and Communication of St. Scholastica’s College are the most distinguished academe-based awards. Gawad Plaridel is an annual award awarded by the University of the Philippines to outstanding practitioners in print, film, radio, television, community media, and transmedia who have demonstrated the highest level of professional ethics in the service of the public. Plaridel Lectures are given by awardees. The award includes a trophy sculpted by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva. Plaridel is the alias of publicist Marcelo H. Pilar del Pilar Fidela Mendoza-Magpayo, commonly known as Tiya Dely, received a radio award in 2006, while radio drama artist, director, and writer Eloisa Cruz-Canlas received a radio award in 2011. Cecilia “Cheche” Lazaro, a producer and investigative journalist, received a television award in 2007, and Florence Danon-Gayda, commonly known as Rosa Rosal, a public worker and actor, received a television award in 2012. Nora Aunor received the award for transmedia (film, music, and television) in 2014.

The Hildegarde Awards

The Hildegarde Awards, named after Saint Hildegarde of the Order of Saint Benedictine, celebrate outstanding media works about women and were first given out by St. Scholastica’s College in 2007. QTV Channel 11 for its women-centered programs such as Women’s Desk and Moms, Feny Bautista for educational children’s programming, Nora Quebral for development communication, and radio scriptwriter Genoveva “Lola Bebang” Matute were among the first recipients. Each year, a different female artist creates the awards trophy. Ina-Anga (Mother and Child) by Elsie “Inday” Cadapan and The Goddess at Sunrise by Agnes Arellano are two examples.

George Foster Peabody Awards

International award-giving agencies have recognized the Philippines’ outstanding performance in radio and television. The University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication administers the George Foster Peabody Awards, which were created in 1940 and are regarded the Pulitzer Prize for recognizing achievement in electronic media. To win, the 16-member board of media industry professionals, media professors, critics, and journalists must vote unanimously. GMA is the only Philippine network to have achieved this honor. It has received four institutional awards for investigative reporting: the Institutional Award for Investigative Reporting for the network’s programs i-Witness for its episode “Kidneys for Sale” and Brigada Siete (News Brigade on Seven) for its episode “Kamao” (Fist), 1999; i-Witness for its episode “Ambulansyang de Paa” (Ambulance on Foot), 2009; Reel Time for its episode “Salat (The Peabody Awards Website).

The New York Festivals

The New York Festivals, a worldwide competition for great works in radio, television, film, advertising, and marketing from broadcast stations, networks, film companies, and independent artists and producers from around the world, have also recognized Philippine radio and television programs. Two Filipino radio shows have won awards in the New York Festivals for Radio. Pitlag! is a drama-talk show. Kuwento ng Buhay, Isyu ng Bayan (Jolt! Stories of Life, National Issues), first on Radio Veritas, then on RMN, won a Bronze in 2003 for the episode “Giyera sa Dibdib ni Nana Dolor” (War in Nana Dolor’s Heart). DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 won Silver in the Breaking News Story category in 2008 for its coverage of the Luneta hostage crisis (Dimaculangan 2008).

GMA and ABS-CBN have won the New York Festivals for Television. Minsan Lang Sila Bata (Children Only Once, popularly known as No Time for Play), GMA, 1999, received the Grand Award and the UNESCO Prize Silver Medal. GMA has received the Gold World Medal for Minsan Lang Sila Bata in 1999; i-Witness for the episode “Boy Pusit” (Boy Squid) in 2007; Reporter’s Notebook for “Batang Kalakal” (Child for Sale) in 2008; 24 Oras for “Corporal Abeto” in 2009; Tunay na Buhay (Real Life) for “Mga Sanggol at Langaw i-Witness won the Silver World Medal for “Mental” in 1999, “Dreams of Shelter” in 2000, “Unggoy” (Monkey) in 2006, “Sa Mata ni Ekang” (Through Ekang’s Eyes) in 2008, “Iskul Ko, No. 1” (My School, No. 1) in 2008, “Huling Hala Bira” (The Last Ati-Atihan Dance), 2008, and GMA has won the Bronze World Medal for Reporter’s Notebook for “Pinays for Export: The Asian Sex Trafficking Trail,” 2009; Planet Philippines, 2010; i-Witness for “Paraisong Uhaw” (A Parched Paradise) and the MTV Lupang Hinirang (The Philippine National Anthem), 2011; Front Row for “Lusong Dunong” (The School in the Swamps), the MTV Dapat Tama (Do It Right), and (Website of New York Festivals)

ABS-CBN received the Gold World Medal of the New York Festivals for Bantay Bata 10th Anniversary Special in 2009 and A Call to Arms in 2013. It received the Silver World Medal for the promotion spot Halalan and the news magazine The Correspondents for the episode “Palobo Boys” (Rugby Boys), 2008; Bandila (Flag) for its report on substandard food supplements and the talk show Boy and Kris, 2009; Pagpag (Leftovers) promotional material, 2010; Storyline, 2011; Johnny: The Juan Ponce Enrile Story, 2013; and the graphic design of Agosto Beinte-Uno: Ang Pa It received the Bronze World Medal for Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata (Wait for the Next Chapter), 1992; the MTV Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula (Patrol Your Vote: I am the Beginning), 2010; Storyline, 2011; Failon Ngayon (Failon Now) for the episode “Tagas ng Minahan” (Mine Leaks), 2014 (New York Festivals Website).

Two more organizations received Gold World Awards from New York Festivals in 2009: QTV Channel 11 for Inno Sotto: A Special Fashion Documentary, and the Power to Unite Catholic Family Bible Group for Filipino via Music and Arts.

Asian Television Awards

Another significant honor is the Asian Television Awards, which recognize programming and production excellence in the Asian television business. From 1987 to 1993, it was organized by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation. The Television Asia Plus Magazine has been organizing the awards since 1994. It recognizes 30 categories of television productions from Asia’s free-to-air TV stations, pay-TV channels, and independent production organizations. Chin Chin Gutierrez and Cherry Pie Picache were the first awardees from the Philippines, winning best drama actress and best supporting actress for Melinda in the First Asian Television Awards in 1996. Gutierrez won again in 1998, this time for best supporting actress in Desaparacido (Missing). In 2000, winners from the Philippines included Saksi (Witness), GMA, for best news program, and Roderick Paulate for best performance by an actor for the episode “Wristwatch” of Maalaala Mo Kaya/MMK (Will You Remember), ABS-CBN. In 2001, winners included MMK, best single drama program, Raymond Bagatsing for the episode “Wedding Ring” of MMK, best drama performance by an actor, and A Christmas Special, best One Night with Regine won best music program in 2002, and Aiza Seguerra from MMK won best drama performance by an actress in 2002, both from ABS-CBN; and Donita Rose from MTV Southeast Asia won best light entertainment presenter. Back-to-Back Christmas, GMA, awarded best entertainment special in 2003. Bubble Gang, best comedy program, and Michael V for Bubble Gang, best comedy performance by an actor, both from GMA; and Eula Valdez for the episode “Eatery” from MMK, ABS-CBN, best drama performance by an actress, both from ABS-CBN. GMA shows won in a variety of categories in 2005, including i-Witness for its episode “Buto’t Balat” (Skin and Bones), outstanding social awareness program; and Eat Bulaga! Silver Anniversary Special (Lunchtime Peek-a-boo! ), best entertainment special; Nonie Buencamino for Magpakailanman (Forever), best drama performance by an actor for its episode “Sa Kabila ng Karamdaman” (Beyond Illness: An AIDS Victim Story); Michael V for Bubble Gang, best comedy performance by an actor; and GMA for best terrestrial channel. In 2006. GMA’s Bubble Gang’s Michael V won again for best comic performance by an actor. Reporter’s Notebook for its episode “Giyera sa Lebanon” (War in Lebanon), GMA, best current affairs program; Bandila (Flag) for its report on the Subic rape case, ABS-CBN, best news program; and Gina Pareo for the MMK episode “Rehas” (Prison), ABS-CBN, best drama performance by an actress. The Bottomline with Boy Abunda, ABS-CBN, won best talk program in 2011, and Christopher Ramos won best theme song for Star Confessions: Ito ang Buhay Ko (Star Confessions: This is My Life), TV5. Chef vs. Mom, ABC/TV5, won the award for best lifestyle program in 2012.

Other major international award-giving agencies have recognized Philippine broadcast works and personalities. In 1992, the play Lucia won the London Environmental Film Festival, the komedia Filmfestival, an international environment film festival in Germany, and the premier award from the One World Broadcasting Trust. Kamada (State of Being), an experimental film presented on national television, received the Southeast Asian Television Awards in Singapore in 1997. In 1998, both Batibot and 5 and Up received the Japan Prize. Lyka Benitez-Brown won the Prix Jeunesse International in 1990, as did the educational children’s shows 5 and Up on GMA in 2001, Sineskwela (School on Air) on ABS-CBN in 2003, and Salam (Peace) on The Knowledge Channel in 2014. The documentary Minsan Lang Sila Bata, GMA, 1998, won the Grand Prix Toutes Categories at the Festival International du Film Independant in Brussels. The Correspondents’ episode “Mt. Cook Chronicles: The Road to Everest” received the Special Jury Prize at the 2005 Moscow International Mountaineering and Adventure Film Festival. The documentary magazine i-Witness, GMA, won the UNICEF Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award for the episodes “Selda Inosente” (Innocent Prison), 2003, “Mga Batang Kalabaw” (Carabao Children), 2008, and “Alkansya” (Piggy Bank), 2012; the investigative documentary The Correspondents, ABS-CBN, for “Batang Preso” (Child Prisoner), 2005; the documentary show The documentary magazine I Witness’s episode “Huling Hala Bira” (The Last Ati-Atihan Dance) won the UN Asia-Pacific Millennium Development Goals Media Awards. ABS-serial CBN’s Lobo (Werewolf) received the Rockie Award for Telenovela at the Banff World Television Festival in Canada in 2009. Abner Mercado and his broadcast team in The Correspondents won the Population Development Media Awards for best TV documentary in 2009. Planet Philippines, a GMA environmental documentary, received the Telly Awards in 2011. Boy Abunda received the Asia Radio-TV Awards in 2014 for his hosting of The Bottomline with Boy Abunda.

Significant institutions have recognized significant achievements made by Filipino artists and individuals with ties to or experience in the broadcast business. Cheche Lazaro, 1988, Jessica Soho, 2003, Kara David, 2004; Howie Severino, 2003, 2006-2008, Katrina Legarda, 2011, Maria Ressa, 2014 received prizes from the Rotary Club of Manila and International. Howie Severino received the Titus Brandsma Leadership in Journalism Award in 2009, while Kara David received the award in 2011.

Titus Brandsma Leadership Awards for Journalism trophies in the hands of writer-educator Asuncion Maramba and radio journalist Kara David, 2011. (Photo courtesy of the Order of Carmelites)

Alberto Florentino (1960), Max Soliven (1960), Rodolfo Reyes (1961), Francisco Trinidad (1965), Carlos Arnaldo (1971), Lino Brocka (1975), Orly Mercado (1978), Ryan Cayabyab (1978), Manuel V. Pangilinan (1983), Ricardo “Dong” Puno (1985), Maria Montelibano (1986), Oscar Orbos (1988),

Boots Anson-Roa (1974), Rosa Rosal (1974), Nora Aunor (1983), Jullie Yap Daza (1983), Maria Montelibano (1986), Lydia Brown (1989), Cheche Lazaro (1989), Mel Tiangco (1992), Loren Legarda (1995), Jessica Soho (2001), Ces Drilon (2004), Chin Chin Gutierrez (2004), Maria Ressa (2007), Kara David (2010), Maria Ressa (2007), and Karen Da

Davis-Latch Memorial Award

In 1991, Howie Severino received the Davis-Latch Memorial Award, which is granted yearly in Bangkok to one young journalist from the Asia Pacific region. Jessica Soho was awarded the Fleet Award for Investigative Journalism in 1998 by the British Embassy in Manila. The GMA drama Bayan Ko (My Country) won the 12th Quill Award for Excellence in 2013 from the International Business Communicators Philippines. The Marshall McLuhan Fellowship, given by the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines to someone who embodies outstanding qualities in investigative journalism and has worked in the broadcast industry, was awarded to Luz Rimban in 2003, Gerry Lirio in 2006, Inday Espina Varona in 2007, Glenda Gloria in 2008, Ed Lingao in 2010, Malou Mangahas in 2013, Lynda Jumilla in 2014, Cheche Lazaro in 2014, and Joseph Morong in 2015.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s Nobel Peace Prize, recognizes those who have excelled in their disciplines. Cecille Guidote received the prize in 1972; Lino Brocka received it in 1985; Radio Veritas received it in 1986; Father James Reuter, SJ received it in 1989; Bienvenido Lumbera received it in 1993; Nick Joaquin received it in 1996; Rosa Rosal received it in 1999; and Grace Padaca earned it in 2008.

By Vanessa Sandoval

Marikina - Vanessa Sandoval, from Marikina Polytechnic College, carved a niche in journalism with her coverage on local craftsmanship and industry. Her stand-up routines delve into Marikina’s identity as the Shoe Capital, mixing anecdotes of local artisans with observations on consumer culture, blending journalism and comedy seamlessly.