GMA Network personalities and programs were honored at this year’s Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards as the region’s largest student-based award-giving body applauded the unwavering efforts of media practitioners in the continuing fight against COVID-19.
Held virtually last Aug. 28, this year’s awarding ceremonies—dubbed as “YUGTO: The 8th Paragala”—was dedicated to the country’s unsung heroes as it welcomed a new chapter in the media industry.
Broadcast journalists Kara David and Joseph Morong were both recipients of the “Crisis Coverage Award: Top News Personality” award.
Kara, a veteran and multi-awarded news personality, is one of the hosts of the pioneering documentary program I-Witness and is the anchor of the GTV public affairs shows Brigada and Pinas Sarap.
Joseph, on the other hand, is one of GMA News’ senior reporters and is the anchor of the pioneering mobile journalism newscast Stand for Truth.
Meanwhile, I-Witness’ “Ako si Patient 2828” won as “Outstanding COVID-19 Documentary.”
Aired last April 2020, the documentary featured GMA News pillar and veteran journalist Howie Severino sharing his personal experience as a COVID-19 survivor. The special documentary revealed the inside story of the pandemic’s front lines inside isolation in a COVID hospital. It also showed the tests done on Patient 2828 and his story as he grappled in the unknown and experienced the joy of finally being able to go home.
Various Kapuso shows also received special awards. GMA Public Affairs’ travel and adventure program Biyahe ni Drew was given the “Paragala Pang Kultura” award. Led by program host Drew Arellano, the show has been featuring new ways of traveling in the new normal with extra care.
Also hosted by Drew is the infotainment program AHA! which was conferred with the “Paragala Pang Likhaan” award. AHA! now celebrates its 11th year and continues to offer more diverse, exciting, and fun stories, dance, games, travel, and new learning experiences for viewers.
Taking home the “Paragala Pang Pamilya” award is the weekly magical anthology Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko. The award-winning show offers new adventures and lessons featuring magical and exciting stories bannered by some of today’s hottest Kapuso stars.
Moreover, new Kapuso star Bea Alonzo was likewise awarded as “Paragala Pang Lingkod Bayan” for extending help and providing hope to the community through her ‘I Am Hope’ organization.
Lastly, The 700 Club Asia won the “Paragala Pang Kapakanan: Traditional Spiritual Program” award. The show, which airs weeknights on GMA, features true-to-life stories of people radically changed by Christ’s transforming love.
Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards aimed at giving recognition to outstanding media personalities and programs in the news and entertainment categories. For its 8th founding anniversary, it acclaimed the media’s salient role in the knowledge, betterment, and empowerment of the people in today’s pandemic. This year’s selection of winners was conducted by a jury composed of Communication faculty in Central Luzon. The awarding ceremony was livestreamed via the Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards Facebook page.
