MANILA, Philippines -- GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) has increased its nationwide ratings lead over its competitor based on the most recent data of broadcast industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Based on partial October data (until Oct. 13; Oct. 9 to 13 overnight readings), GMA recorded its highest nationwide ratings margin over competition in total day household audience shares by an impressive 7.4 points with 35.8 points.

The lead resulted from the Network’s improving ratings across all time blocks, most notably in primetime.

In the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 nn.), the Kapuso Network more than doubled its national ratings lead against competition from 4.1 points in September to 9.2 points in partial October.

Moreover, in the widely watched afternoon block (12 nn. to 6 p.m.), GMA’s national ratings lead over ABS-CBN reportedly grew to a stellar 21 points. Current program roster of GMA’s hit afternoon block is composed of the longest-running noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga, daytime locally-produced series “Pahiram ng Isang Ina,” “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” “Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit,” Koreanovela “Cinderella Man,” and gateway to primetime offering “Daldalita.”

On primetime (from 6 p.m. to 12 mn.), GMA increased its base of nationwide audiences as it substantially reduced competition’s margin in partial October.

National Urban Philippines is composed of Mega Manila (which makes up 58 percent of total urban television households), Urban Luzon (which makes up 77 percent of total urban television households including Mega Manila), Urban Visayas (13 percent of total urban TV households), and Urban Mindanao (10 percent of total urban TV households).

Kapuso programs on weekdays and weekends continued to dominate the lists of overall top 15 programs in the key areas of Mega Manila and Urban Luzon. These include “Iglot,” “Amaya,” “Munting Heredera,” “Time of My Life,” “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” and “Pepito Manaloto.”

The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA is also used by 21 companies including two other local networks, namely, TV5 and Solar Entertainment.

Younghusband brothers partner with 3M

Phil Younghusband and his brother James are behind The Younghusband Football Academy (TYFA) whose vision is to create world-class football talents in schools throughout the country.

As Phil has said over and over: “We believe that football is the sport for the Filipino.”

James and Phil are the frontliners of the Azkals, who have made the country proud in football. Through TYFA, they have also endeared themselves to young Pinoy sports enthusiasts.

“A key element to TYFA is the football clinic that we offer to private and public schools, the grassroots program which reaches provinces as far as Palawan and Bacolod,” said Cathy Nazareno-Rivilla, executive director.

TYFA partnered with 3M through its Consumer Business Group’s Strategic Brands Nexcare and Futuro, which supports the active and healthy lifestyle that TYFA promotes.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 8, go to Basil Valdez, Deo Endrinal, Vicvic Villavicencio, Rogie Rama-Cabreza, Teresita Guiao, Jocelyn Poon, Venida Viernes, Gabriel Ripoll, Joel Atencio, Rowena Agilada, Lou de Guzman, Karla Katherine Pizarro, Boysie Agustin, Aida A. Martinez, Gabriela “Nica” Belardo, Hazel Cabrera of Viva Hotbabes, Oliver Volante and Lauren Young...