Tony, Lynda & TJ lead Kabarkada newscasts

MANILA, Philippines - Following the successful launch of its primetime newscast iba-BALITA with Anthony Taberna, Studio 23 is launching a noontime newscast and a series of news advisories to keep Kabarkada fresh updates throughout the day starting March 7.

Tony Velasquez and Lynda Jumilla bring with them more than 20 years of newsgathering experience as the anchors of the dynamic Filipino-language newscast iba-BALITA Ngayon that will air weekdays at 11:30 a.m.

 “I’m grateful for this opportunity to be of service to another audience,” said Velasquez. “iba-BALITA Ngayon can offer viewers fresh updates on running stories, breaking news reports and insightful analysis and commentary through live interviews with newsmakers and analysts. The extensive reach of our broadcast journalists and our regional and international bureaus will give the most comprehensive coverage of the day’s events.”

“Today, people demand for news and information anytime of the day. People no longer have to wait until the evening to find out what’s happening around them. As early as possible, they would like to know what are about to happen for the rest of the day,” said Jumilla.

Velasquez has produced special reports for ABS-CBN’s Krusada and anchors ANC’s primetime newscast The Rundown and the information technology show Future Perfect. Apart from covering major political beats previously as a reporter, Velasquez did special assignments like covering the Asian tsunami disaster in 2004. He and his cameraman were the only Filipino news team on the ground and at one point, got exclusive video which a wire agency bought from ABS-CBN.

Like Velasquez, Jumilla has developed extensive sources in the government as she had covered the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. It was Jumilla who got an exclusive on the return of former Agriculture secretary Cito Lorenzo, who was linked to the fertilizer fund scam being investigated by the Senate.

Meanwhile, TJ Manotoc returns to Studio 23 as the anchor of Bilis Balita News Advisories everyday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. On primetime, Bilis Balita airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. It will air three times within PBA games Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights.