Three out of five QTV-11 shows earned distinctions in the 2009 New York Festivals (NYF).

According to its website, NYF is a "51-year-old International Awards Group (IAG) Company which recognizes The World’s Best Work™ in over 65 countries. It has eight annual competitions, and one of them is International Television Broadcasting awards."

When it comes to judging, "the entries were carried out by several hundred producers, directors, writers and other media professionals around the United States."

Submitted entries vie for any of the following awards: "Gold, Silver and Bronze Trophies and Finalist Certificates."

Based on the e-mail sent by New York Festivals the other day, January 15, QTV-11 learned that in Television Programming,  two of its shows were given medals and one was chosen as a finalist.

Winning the gold medal was Inno Sotto: A Special Fashion Documentary, which was shown last April 2008; a bronze medal was bagged by the weekly cooking show Chef To Go, hosted by Chef Rob Pengson.

Gigi Stantiago-Lara, assistant vice president for Alternative Productions (QTV-11), was thrilled to know that their shows were honored in the New York Festivals. 

In an interview, she said, "QTV is a very young organization. And it's a first time for us. Imagine winning 3 out of 5 entries we sent. We are very happy and ecstatic. When we got the e-mail, I had to reread it to make sure..."

Meanwhile, Lucy Torres-Gomez and Wilma Doesnt's lifestyle talk show The Sweet Life earned a Finalist certificate. The two hosts expressed their gratitude to the viewers who have been supporting their show.

In a text message, Lucy told PEP, "I am thrilled like anything! And I speak for the whole team.  The fact that it was cited as a finalist in such a prestigious award-giving body already is a victory in itself.  We work hard to put up a good show, five days a week, and moments such as this tell us that we are moving in the right direction.  Thank you, God!"

Wilma gushed, "Gosh, this is it! Happiness to the highest level ang nararamdaman ko!  Isang bonggang pasasalamat sa inyong lahat.  It's a good start for the year. Yahoo!"

Last year, three QTV-11 programs were given a finalist certificate in the New York Festivals: At Your Service, Star Power, Sana'y Muling Makapiling, and Sapulso.