MANILA, Philippines - It will be a momentous day today as it marks the start of news and public affairs channel GMA News TV – powered by the internationally acclaimed News and Public Affairs team of GMA Network – on free television.

While this comes as one of today’s biggest news, many are still curious as to what they can expect from the new Channel 11. But since I am unable to mention the channel’s full programming grid, I’m instead sharing 11 reasons why I’ll tune in to GMA News TV Channel 11:

1. Hourly newscasts. From morning until night, GMA News TV promises to keep its viewers informed of the latest news in and outside of the country. And they have no less than the biggest names in broadcast journalism today – Jessica Soho, Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, and Howie Severino – delivering the news.
2. State of the Nation with Jessica Soho. It is referred to as GMA News TV’s flagship program and it is anchored by the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist. Need I say more?
3. Still on Jessica, I am also looking forward to the return of “Brigada.” Inspired by the late Louie Beltran’s Brigada Siete, Jessica Soho now guides the next generation of reporters in their quest for a deeper understanding of today’s hottest stories. They will brief Jessica on their stories came about and Soho will act as informal judge and mentor – asking questions and assessing the reports based on evidence and sharing her thoughts on the stories themselves.
4. Mike Enriquez opens up the day with “Dobol B sa News TV,” which will be the TV simulcast of Mike’s primetime radio program on GMA News TV. To say that I’m excited for this one is an understatement.
5. Winnie Monsod’s and Malou Mangahas’ hard-hitting programs. The much-respected Mareng Winnie breaks down the government’s decisions and processes to point out who’s been naughty and nice in “Bawal Ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie,” while Malou Mangahas, one of the country’s most respected investigative journalists, fearlessly tackles corruption and other anomalies in “Investigative Documentaries.”
6. Daily public service program “On Call.” Anchored by Ivan Mayrina and Connie Sison, together with segment host Valerie Tan, “On Call” provides on-the-spot assistance and answers to viewers’ questions, concerns and complaints.
7. Public affairs treat on primetime. Enough of the never-ending drama series during primetime, GMA News TV’s primetime block offers an intelligent alternative to the viewers’ primetime viewing experience.
8. Film-like documentaries “Front Row” and “Reel Time” treat viewers to a box-office-hit experience with eye-opening and thought-provoking documentaries every Saturday and Sunday.
9. “May Tamang Balita.” Internet sensation and funnyman Ramon Bautista partners with comedienne co-hosts Sheena Halili, Maey Bautista, and Janna Dominguez in giving viewers a different spin on the news with mock newscast and political satire show “May Tamang Balita.”
10. Reality program “The Smiths” featuring rock icon Pepe Smith with his equally colorful and charismatic children. At the trade launch for GMA News TV, the rock icon got a lot of love from the audience. And you can just tell everyone is excited to see this new reality program. I can just imagine it – funny, outrageous, with surprises here and there – a lot like Pepe Smith himself.
11. And most importantly, GMA’s brand of serbisyong totoo is going beyond GMA-7. Thanks to GMA News TV, there is now more airtime for newscasts and public affairs programs, and this will surely benefit the viewing public.

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‘Magic Palayok’ offers a sumptuous TV fare

Definitely a refreshing and delightful show for both adults and the young is “Magic Palayok,” GMA Network’s new offering in its slate of innovative programs. The primetime drama starts airing today, Feb. 28, before “24 Oras.”

“Magic Palayok” brings back the tandem of Geoff Eigenmann and Carla Abellana, who through their past four projects together have proven their appeal and drawing power. The real-life sweethearts worked together in such successful shows as “Rosalinda,” “SRO Cinemaserye presents Carinderia Queen,” “The Last Prince,” and Sinenovela’s “Basahang Ginto.”

The new series is directed by awarded director Joel Lamangan who said “this is the first time in my entire career that I am doing this kind of show. Ngayon lang ako gumawa ng pambata. Akala ko di ko kaya. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA Network for trusting me with this project. Talagang pinag-iisipan nilang mabuti ang mga projects nila…” Joel just finished his latest indie movie “Deadline” (which was inspired by the Maguindano massacre) which he promised to show to the entertainment press very soon.

The interplay of food and love that “Magic Palayok” offers on GMA Telebabad is made more interesting with presence of talented child Angeli Nicole Sanoy who captured the hearts of televiewers after her endearing portrayal of Jik-Jik in the original drama series “Grazilda.” Angeli plays Cookie, the owner of the magical claypot in “Magic Palayok.”

The series marks the TV comeback of Ms. Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski who plays Isadora, Cookie’s doting mother and the original keeper of the enchanted claypot. Also in the cast are Cherie Gil, Chynna Ortaleza, Manilyn Reynes, Jay-R, Gino dela Peña, Frank Garcia, Ernie Zarate, Lou Sison, Luigi Revilla, Vicky Ortega, Francheska Salcedo, Arthur Castro and Bianca Umali.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Feb. 28 go to Buddy de Vera, Ryann Eigenmann, Cynthia Patag, Ylette A. Faustino, Cathy Bordalba, Carol Nievera, Elena Canchela, Alvin M. Gerilla, and US-based former actress Blanca Gomez...