GMA Network recently presented to its industry partners the biggest news on Philippine television – GMA News TV, a groundbreaking news channel. At last, a channel dedicated to news and public affairs programs will be available to all in just a matter of days. And with its lineup of new serbisyong totoo programs, GMA News TV promises not to disappoint its viewers.

GMA News TV, a free-to-air channel from GMA News and Public Affairs – the only broadcast news organization in the Philippines that has won the most prestigious honor in electronic media, the George Foster Peabody Award – is set to break on air on Channel 11 on Feb. 28. Over cocktails and drinks, the network’s industry partners were given a sneak peek of what the new news channel has to deliver.

Aside from its partners, GMA News TV program hosts and personalities and the press were also at the momentous event. Of course, the bigwigs of the network – GMA Network officers led by Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., GMA Marketing and Productions, Inc. President and COO Lizelle Maralag, Senior Vice-President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores, Senior Vice-President for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante, and GMA News TV Head Nessa Valdellon – were also at the launch held at A. Venue in Makati City. GMA Vice-President for News Programs Jessica Soho hosted the event.

GMA News TV also comes at a time of growing and insistent public clamor for relevant and credible news reportage that only GMA News and Public Affairs can deliver. “We are responding to viewers’ requests for timely news updates in Filipino and for public affairs shows in primetime with this groundbreaking news channel,” explains Valdellon.

The channel is bannered by the most respected names in broadcast journalism today – GMA News pillars Jessica Soho, Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, and Howie Severino.

Mike Enriquez is at the helm of “Dobol B Sa News TV,” the simulcast from the network’s flagship radio station DZBB. The morning newscast “News To Go,” anchored by Howie Severino and Kara David, follows. Viewers who want the day’s biggest news on primetime will certainly not be disappointed with the network’s flagship primetime newscast, “State Of the Nation With Jessica Soho,” anchored by one of the most awarded broadcast journalists in the country. Arnold Clavio brings the biggest news from all over the country via “Balita Pilipinas.” Vicky Morales anchors “Good News” and Mel Tiangco is at the forefront of the public affairs program “Powerhouse.”

More serbisyong totoo

Prof. Winnie Monsod, finally has her own show – “Bawal Ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie!” Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Executive Director Malou Mangahas, on the other hand, hosts “Investigative Documentaries.” Joining her are Sheila Coronel of Columbia University, Newsbreak's Marites Vitug, GMA News Research Head Florian Balmes, GMA News Operations Head Grace de la Pena, and Ed Lingao of PCIJ who will serve as advisers.

The mock newscast makes a long overdue return with Ramon Bautista’s “(May) Tamang Balita.” Also part of the lineup are “Best Men” with Jun Veneracion, RJ Ledesma, and Jace Flores; “I Juander” with Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario, a myth-busting show tackling interesting aspects of Pinoy culture; “Pop Talk,” a 30-minute weekly pop culture review hosted by Tonipet Gaba; “Fashbook,” a makeover show hosted by Solenn Heusaff; “Weekend Getaway,” a travel show with a fun twist, hosted by Drew Arellano; “Game!,” a sports magazine program hosted by Chino Trinidad and Patricia Hizon; “News TV’s All Sports,” a showbiz newscast hosted by Rhian Ramos; and “Front Row “and “Reel Time,” which will provide family-friendly documentaries every weekend.

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Homecoming recital

The recipients of the First Loyola School of Awards (Music Category), Jerome Sibulo, baritone, and Beatrice Robles, who plays the clarinet, recently gave a homecoming recital at the Ateneo de Manila University. Performing as guest artist was Kimberly Redich, soprano, from Indiana University. On the piano was Jonathan Coo with artist Rene Robles doing some painting during some of the selections.

Jerome obtained his Bachelor of Music, Major in Voice, at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University and is presently about to complete his Master's Degree in Music from the same university. He is vice president of the Students NATS, Indiana University.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 15, go to Rep. Gina Vera Perez de Venecia, Carlo Orosa, Shyr Valdez, Isabelita A. Tapia-Paterno, Nicky V. Salandanan, Agnes Cabrera, US-based Mitzi Pickard, and Nicco Cezar of Star Magic…