The pride of the broadcast industry

To the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Philippine broadcasting is a living symbol of democracy and freedom, as stated in its credo. The organization’s foremost objective is to professionalize the broadcast industry with the end in view of elevating the standards of media in the country.

Hence, in the 14th Golden Dove Awards held Tuesday night at the Star Theater, the KBP recognized the excellent work in the local broadcast industry this year.

"KBP is one of the most prestigious awards in the industry," said KBP president Ruperto "Jun" Nicdao Jr. in his opening remarks. "Every network which has made significant contributions to the broadcast industry has Golden Dove trophies under its belt. We want to inspire all networks and broadcasters to continue to elevate the bar of programming excellence."

The evening paid tribute to radio and honored 81-year-old broadcaster Jorge D. Bayona, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bayona pioneered radio broadcast in the Bicol region in the ’50s.

A special posthumous citation was given to Antonio Barreiro, former KBP chairman, for his contributions to the broadcasting industry. The award was received by his wife, Zenaida Villar Barreiro, and his son, Jun. In the audience were the late Barreiro’s three other sons – Bobby, Raffy and Chito.

Another posthumous citation was awarded to young TV host-director Reyster Langit, son of veteran broadcaster Rey Langit. Middle of this year, Reyster succumbed to cerebral malaria which he contracted while doing a documentary in Palawan for the public affairs program, Kasangga Mo ang Langit, which he hosted with his father. Reyster’s two other companions – DWIZ reporter Jesus Christian Macadaeg and camera man Arnold Tañare – also died from complications of the said rare disease.

It was a poignant moment when Rey Langit went up onstage to receive the award with Reyster’s younger brother, who vowed to continue his older brother’s mission of helping other people. Apparently, Reyster’s effort did not go to waste. Kasangga Mo ang Langit, romped off with the Best Public Affairs Program National Award that night.

Nearly 40 awards were given away, including the special awards. ABC 5 was named Best TV Station, marking the first time that the network received such an award. "Tonyboy Cojuangco always tells us, you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best," said ABC 5 executive Roberto "Bobby" Barreiro in his speech.

ABC 5 productions like Joey de Leon’s 10-year-old gag show, Wow, Maling Mali, was accorded the Best TV Comedy Program honors, while Loren Legarda’s Real Stories won the trophy for Best TV Magazine Talk Show, national. The former senator was not in the venue earlier enough to receive the award, but got to thank the KBP later in the show before she presented the Best TV Station plum.

KBP opted not to name any winners in a number of categories like Best TV Magazine Talk Show (local), Best TV Variety Show (local), Best TV Comedy Program, Best TV Drama (national and local), Best Radio Drama, Best TV Culture and Arts Program (local), Best TV Children’s Program (local), Best TV Public Affairs Program Host (national and local), Best TV Variety Show Host (national and local), Best Radio Station Produced Commercial and Best TV Public Service Announcement (local).

There was also no recipient of this year’s Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year Award. Last year, the late broadcast journalist Kiko Evangelista was posthumously honored with the said prestigious citation.

Showbiz couple Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos turned out to be the photographers’ favorites that night from the time the two-some arrived in the venue until Ryan went up onstage to receive his Best TV Magazine Talk Show Host Award for Studio 23’s Y Speak Live.

While giving his acceptance speech, Ryan told the audience that his parents were on speaker phone so they could hear what he would say. "My last award was a bronze medal in spelling bee when I was in grade school," an obviously ecstatic Ryan said. "Ma, mapapalitan na ngayon ‘yung nasa iskaparate natin," he added.

Ryan shared the award with his fellow – and only other – nominee in the said category, Boy Abunda. "Watching people like you work teach me a lot about trust and respect for the guests," he told the more seasoned TV host. "I have to take your workshop for me to deserve this."

Then, Ryan also thanked the people who were instrumental in his rise to fame – Paolo Bediones "for recommending me to host when I was only 19," ABS-CBN bosses Charo Santos Concio, Cory Vidanes, Deo Endrinal and Enrico Santos – "Thank you for providing me a playground where I can spread my wings and really run around and providing me the best shows that you know, a show that a young host could work on"; Studio 23 managing director Leo Katigbak – "My boss, thank you for allowing me to be me and for giving Y Speak a home" and his talent manager Noel Ferrer.

Of course, Ryan did not forget his "number one cheerleader and my girl," with his eyes fixed on Judy Ann Santos, who was also beaming with pride in her seat. Ryan also mentioned the Santoses, "who have become my second family" and Judy Ann’s manager, Alfie Lorenzo – "Salamat sa resbak."

That night, Judy Ann, who was radiant in a black strapless gown, simply escorted Ryan to the awards night and remained inconspicuous in her seat throughout the night, obviously not wanting to steal the limelight from her boyfriend.

Karen Davila received the award for TV Patrol World as Best TV Newscast (national). She was also nominated in the Best Radio Public Service Program Host category for her Pasada Sais Trenta, a daily afternoon radio program on DZMM. However, the award went to Marvin Javier of DZXL, Radio Mindanao Network (RMN).

Angelique Lazo was adjudged Best TV Newscaster (national) for Arangkada Balita of RPN 9, while Leo Lastimosa of TV Patrol Central Visayas (ABS-CBN) was named Best TV Newscaster (local).

DZMM station manager and anchor Angelo Palmones received the award for Best AM Radio Station, as well as for his daily radio morning show, Radyo Patrol Balita, which won Best Radio Newscast. Anthony Taberna, also a DZMM radio host, snagged the Best Radio Field Reporter plum.

Other awards: Best Newscaster – Weng de la Peña of DZXL Manila, Radio Mindanao Network; Best TV Field Reporter (local) – Angelo Angolo of ABS-CBN’s TV 4 Bacolod; Best TV Field Reporter (national) – Lia Manalac for Arangkada and Newswatch on RPN 9; Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host – Jarius Bondoc for Sapol ni Jarius Bondoc on DWIZ Manila of Aliw Broadcasting Corp.; Best Radio Jock – Anne Asis for Wave 89.1 Manila of Raven Broadcasting Corp.;

Best TV Magazine Talk Show Host (local) – Angela Calina for Chikahay Ta! of ABS-CBN’s TV 3 Cebu; Best Radio Magazine Talk Show Host – Anthony Suntay for Real Sports of Wave 89.1 Manila; Best Radio Variety Show Host – Laila for Pinoy Hits, For Life of WRR 101.9, ABS-CBN’s FM radio station; Best Radio Public Service Program – Doctors On-Line of DZAS Manila, Far East Broadcasting Company; Best TV Station (local) – ABS-CBN’s TV 10 Iloilo; Best FM Radio Station – Monster Radio RX 93.1 of Audio Visual Communicators, Inc.; Best TV Newscast (local) – TV Patrol Bacolod; Best TV Public Affairs Program (local) – The Morning Show: Halalan Special of ABS-CBN’s TV 4 Bacolod; Best TV Variety Show – Wowowee, ABS-CBN; Best Radio Station Promotional Material – Ernie of WRR 101.9; Best TV Public Service Announcement (national) –— ABS-CBN’s flag campaign; Best Radio Public Service Announcement – Basura of WRR 101.9; Best Radio Public Affairs Program – Sugpuin ang Korupsyon of DZRH Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC); Best Radio Magazine Talk Show – Mom’s Morning Chat for Mom’s Radio Cagayan de Oro of Southern Broadcasting Network;

Best Radio Variety Show – Awit, Tula at Balagtasan of DZRM Manila; Best TV Culture and Arts Program (national) – The San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and Master Chorale of ABS-CBN; Best Radio Culture and Arts Program – Travel Radio of Magic 89.9 Quest Broadcasting, Inc.; Best TV Children’s Program – Art Jam of ABS-CBN; Best Children’s Radio Program – Usapang Pambata of DXND Kidapawan, Notre Dame Broadcasting Corp.

The 14th KBP Golden Dove awards night was hosted by Bianca Gonzales, Hans Montenegro and Amy Perez. Performers for the night were Bituin Escalante, Luke Mejares, Reuben Laurente, Nikki Gil, Sheree, Sarah Geronimo, Animé and Cueshé. Celebrity presenters included Mark Gil, Pinky Amador, Assunta de Rossi and Ram Revilla.