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| The anchors of GMA Network's flagship primetime newscast: Vicky Morales, Mike Enrique's, Mel Tiangco (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GMA Network) |
GMA Network's flagship primetime newscast 24 Oras was hailed as the Grand Final Winner in the Best News Program category while the phenomenal box-office and social media star Vice Ganda made history as the first Filipino to win the Grand Prize for Best Lifestyle and Entertainment Presenter/Host at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA's). Besting entries from sixteen countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region, 24 Oras was recognized for its special coverage of Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) that struck Luzon in November 2020. On the other hand, the Unkabogable Star beat out other contenders for his stint as the host of ABS-CBN's recently concluded weekend community singing game show "Everybody, Sing!!"
Amid the combined perils of cyclones and the pandemic, GMA news teams bravely went to severely hit areas. 24 Oras reported on families — among them young children — trapped on their rooftops. The news teams served as the lifeline to authorities for many who needed rescue and other assistance. 24 Oras’ nationwide coverage provided viewers information and public service at a time when they needed it the most. It showed raw images of not just the typhoon’s strength but also the Filipinos’ even stronger bayanihan spirit. GMA Network Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores expressed her gratitude to the Asian Academy Creative Awards for the recognition. “This is another testament to Filipino excellence. I am particularly proud of my team for fulfilling GMA’s commitment to Serbisyong Totoo no matter the circumstance and situation,” said Flores. “The stories of the everyday Filipinos will always be our motivation. We share this recognition with every Filipino. We thank you for giving GMA News the honor and privilege to serve,” she added.
24 Oras anchors Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales likewise dedicated the award to the Filipino people. “It is our honor to tell the stories of Filipino resiliency, vigor and heart, of bravery and survival, and the will to surmount hardships brought about by calamities, and the series of typhoons that hit the Philippines every year,” shared Tiangco in her acceptance speech on behalf of 24 Oras and GMA Network. “Ibinabahagi po namin ang karangalang ito sa bawat Pilipinong inspirasyon po namin sa walang patid na paghahatid ng Serbisyong Totoo at pagbabalitang walang kinikilingan at walang pinoprotektahan,” added Morales.,“Muli, mula sa kaibuturan ng aming puso, maraming salamat po sa Asian Academy Creative Awards,” said Enriquez. Further, the newscast’s report on Typhoon Ulysses Marikina Rescue was also the Philippines’ representative for the Best Single News Story/Report category in this year’s AACA’s.
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| (Image Source: Philippine Entertainment Portal/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
One of the main hosts of the noontime variety show "It's Showtime", meanwhile, couldn't contain his joy upon learning that he was hailed as the Grand Winner in the Best Lifestyle and Entertainment Presenter/Host category. On his Twitter, Vice shared, “Overwhelmed! Ang gulo ng pakiramdam! Naiihi ako na naduduwal na ‘di ko maintindihan. Nakakabaliw sa saya! Thank you Lord! This is unbelievable!" During the opening moments of an episode of It's Showtime, Vice dedicated the milestone not only to his mother network, but also to the millions of Filipinos who remain strong, resilient and positive amidst the challenges brought about to them by the ongoing global pandemic. "Everybody, Sing!" is the first of its kind in the Philippines produced by ABS-CBN Entertainment where members of a certain community sing and play for a chance to win the grand cash prize for their sake and benefit.
Held annually, the AAA’s recognizes the excellence of programs and personalities that represent and promote Asian content and creativity. Filipino personalities who have represented and eventually brought honor to the country in the prestigious award-giving body include Arjo Atayde as the first Filipino to win Best Actor In A Leading Role in 2020, former ABS-CBN News Channel's "Market Edge" anchor Cathy Yang as Best News Presenter/Anchor in 2019, and "MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya): Toy Car" as Best Single Drama/Telemovie in 2018. For the full list of the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards winners, visit www.asianacademycreativeawards.com.
