In photo are Gosh Dilay, Armo Armovit, Sponge Cola’s manager Saul Ulanday, Yael Yuzon, Kathleen Go, and Temark Cruz.

MANILA, Philippines — Nationwide ratings winner GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) further hiked its lead in TV ratings versus its competitors from October to November, according to broadcast industry’s most trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Based on full November data (Nov. 27-30 based on overnight readings), GMA remained the No. 1 free-to-air television channel with 37.5 total day average household audience share points ahead its closest rival.

GMA was the only TV station that grew its total day household audience share performance across all areas this November relative to the previous month.

Based on an estimated five viewers per household, GMA’s margins translate to almost 1.5 million more viewers from all over the country over ABS-CBN; and 4.2 million more viewers over TV5.

In the list of overall top 30 programs, GMA has 16 programs in the list with the historic boxing special “Pacquiao-Marquez III: World Welterweight Championship” clinching the top spot.

GMA especially made remarkable nationwide ratings performance in both daytime and afternoon blocks, where it left behind competitors by double-digit margins.

The margins translate to 2.3 million more viewers from the said area attuned to GMA over ABS-CBN; and 3.7 million more viewers over TV5.

In the Kapuso bailiwick Mega Manila, which comprises 58 percent of total television households nationwide, GMA registered 42.2 share points, 18.9 points ahead of ABS-CBN’s 23.3 points; 25.8 points away from TV5’s 16.4 points.

Other GMA programs that showed consistent performance in both areas include the longest running noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” banner newscast “24 Oras,” primetime shows “Amaya,” “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” and “Munting Heredera.”

The Nielsen TV Audience Measurement used by GMA is used by 21 companies including two other local networks, namely, TV5 and Solar Entertainment; Faulkner Media; CBN Asia; 13 advertising agencies and three regional clients. On the other hand, ABS-CBN is the only major local TV network reportedly subscribing to Kantar Media, formerly known as TNS.

IWCM presidents present concert

The Inner Wheel Club of Manila’s Scholarship Committee will hold a fund-raising concert billed as “A Night of Music and Laughter” tonight at Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Michael Angelo Lobrin, best-selling author and inspirational speaker, together with the talented children and grandchildren of past presidents will perform. They are stage actress Carla Guevara who played the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” in London and now an ABS-CBN Star Magic talent, Jack Salud, AJ Almario, Gabby Atayde, Jimmy Atayde, Ma. Angela Atayde, Ma. Carla Allessandra E. Gono, Audrey Isidro, Megan Isidro, Maxinne Isidro, Anica Aventura, Enzo Aventura and Mariana Calero Racho.

The scholarship committee is composed of past IWCM presidents and has been supporting 20 scholars from the Araullo High School and aims to raise funds to be able to increase the number of its scholars.

Sponge Cola scores a Diamond

Congratulations to Sponge Cola for having been awarded a Diamond Record Award. The group reached Diamond Record status for their “Tambay” EP, which has sold more than 150,000 units.

The award was presented by Universal Records’ General Manager Kathleen Go on “ASAP Rocks.”

Composed of Yael (vocals/guitars), Erwin Armovit (lead guitars), Gosh Dilay (bass) and new member Tedmark Cruz (drums), Sponge Cola’s hits are: “Gemini,” “Bitiw,” “Puso,” “Tambay,” “Regal,” and current single “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay” from their latest album “Araw. Oras. Tagpuan.” The band also made impressive covers of Madonna’s “Crazy For You,” APO’s “Saan Na Nga Ba Ang Barkada” and “Nakapagtataka.”

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 13, go to Sen. Manny Villar, Robert Yupangco, Amy Austria, Allan K., Mario Katigbak, Charlie Agatep, Robert Castañeda, Jennifer Strachan, Efren Ocampo, Fe Delos Reyes, Luz Torres Caparanga, Nicolo Emmanuel Pili, Mely Fernandez, and Dr. Hermogenes D. Jarin... Happy wedding anniversary to Norlito and Fely Flores...