PRESS STATEMENT FROM GMA-7:
"24 Oras, the flagship primetime newscast of GMA-7, stood tall among Asia's best programs as it received the "Highly Commended" award for Best News Programme at the 15th Asian TV Awards.
"The Kapuso newscast brought home the country's only award this year at the annual event, which was held recently at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore.
"The awards brought together the best programs from all over Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan and Malaysia. 24 Oras' "Maguindanao Massacre" coverage was up against entries from India 's CNN-IBN, CNN-Singapore , Malaysia 's Al Jazeera-English and Singapore 's CNBC Asia Pacific for Best News Programme.
"Anchored by multi-awarded broadcast journalists and GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez, 24 Oras is among a number of Philippine programs and talents nominated in the Asian TV Awards.
"Aside from 24 Oras, GMA-7 received five other nominations: Planet Philippines, hosted by Richard Gutierrez, for the Best Natural History or Wildlife Programme or Docu-Drama category; "Ondoy's Wrath" from Reporters' Notebook, hosted by Jiggy Manicad, Maki Pulido and Rhea Santos, for the Best Public Affairs Programme category; Dingdong Dantes for Best Drama Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Stairway to Heaven; Michael V for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor/Actress for his performance in Pepito Manaloto; and Bubble Gang for Best Comedy Programme.
Kapuso heartthrob Dingdong Dantes was a presentor of the Lifestyle Programme, Best Talk Show, and Best Single Drama/Telemovie Programme awards.
The Asian Television Awards, according to its website, is "the Asian television industry's most significant and celebrated event, recognizing excellence in programming, production and performance."
"This year's awards attracted close to 1,000 entries from 15 countries, including Australia, Philippines, India, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan Malaysia, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Thailand."
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