GMA Network reported that figures from the industry's more widely recognized TV ratings data supplier, AGB Nielsen Philippines, showed that it maintained its TV ratings lead in viewer-rich Mega Manila in March.

Last March, GMA’s channel 7 posted an average overall audience share (6 am to 12 mn) of 36.3 percent in Mega Manila, up by 0.9 percentage points versus the 35.4 percent of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation’s Channel 2.

Based on AGB Nielsen’s 2010 TV household population projections, Mega Manila TV households now comprise 55 percent of the National Urban Philippines TV population and are generated from a bigger panel of 800 TV households.

GMA said the steady performance of its primetime programs as well as the high ratings of new shows launched in March propelled its overall success in TV ratings for the month.

Including specials, fifteen GMA Network programs made it to the list of overall top 30 programs (with data from March 28-31 based on overnight ratings).

Manny Pacquiao’s latest fight against Joshua Clottey topped all programs, while the Network’s two primetime fantasy series, Panday Kids and The Last Prince, led by primetime’s most sought after love team of Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal, were also in the top 5.

The newly launched and the first reality sitcom, Pepito Manaloto, which debuted late last month, immediately made its presence felt as it ranked 6th overall. Another primetime hit, Diva, which stars Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, took the 7th spot.

GMA Network’s banner newscast 24 Oras got the highest rank among all news programs as it landed 8th on the list of top 30 overall programs. 24 Oras had an average rating of 26.4 points, ahead of rival TV Patrol World’s 24.1 points.

Meanwhile, the Network’s new Sunday noontime variety show, Party Pilipinas, lived up to expectations as its pilot telecast last March 28 posted a TV rating of 15.5 points, up versus rival program ASAP XV’s average March rating of 14.4 points.

Among News and Public Affairs programs, GMA Network’s 24 Oras and Imbestigador ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the top 30 list. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, 24 Oras Weekend, and Wish Ko Lang likewise made it to the top ten.

A number of Q Channel 11 programs also took spots in the top 30 list of News and Public Affairs shows including Misteryo, Balitanghali, and True Stories.