GMA Ilocos TV station: Ready to roll

ILOCOS, Philippines — With GMA 7’s continuous effort of delivering news and information in real time with accuracy in details, a new originating station was launched recently in this province to better serve the Kapusong Ilocanos in terms of bringing the latest local news content and a variety of TV entertainment.

Located in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, the new TV station, with a floor area of 490 square meters, sits on a 2,000-sq. meter lot and houses 38 efficient work force that will make certain all Kapusong Ilocanos get to enjoy the kind of treatment that GMA is known for: Walang Kinikilingan, Walang Pinoprotektahan, Serbisyong Totoo. It also has modern technical facilities that allow GMA Ilocos the ability to broadcast local content and national programs and to capture live local news and entertainment events.

“With the new state-of-the-art facilities (in the newest originating station), we have already lined up major activities for our Kapusong Ilocanos over the course of the next 12 months sharing with the whole country and abroad the enormous potential of the Ilocos region and Abra,” announced Oliver Amoroso, GMA Regional TV AVP for marketing and sales, during the launch where The STAR was one of the print media invited to cover. “This will be complemented with festival TV specials showcasing our Kapuso stars and local talents.”

This early, John Feir, a.k.a. Belly Flory, has his hands full with out-of-town location shoots for the upcoming episodes as host of Let’s Fiesta! which will showcase the culture and grandeur of Northern provinces. His skin has noticeably become a few shades darker when he ascended on stage to greet and share to everyone bits of information regarding the show.

GMA Regional TV VP Rikki Escudero, on the other hand, affirmed that the network never dwindle in carrying on in its objective of giving televiewers the latest issues and updates wherever and whenever. Seven well-trained reporters from the region are tasked to gather news and information for Balitang Ilokano. News reports will be presented in Ilokano to make it more understandable for the people in the region.

“A local newscast is usually our first offering in a regional station together with special coverages of special festivals in the regions so talagang pinaghandaan namin yun,” Rikki said. “In terms of newscast, our preparation is more about skills training. Unknown to many, Ilocos is such a rich harvesting ground for manpower as there are many good universities in the north so we never had a tough time looking for young yet excellent ones. We have a lot of trainings for them (reporters). They’re very earnest but since magpo-political season tayo so medyo there are a lot of temptations so we have to make sure they are also trained not just editorially but also ethically.”

Jorge Guerrero, anchor of Balitang Amianan in Pangasinan, is returning to his hometown, Laoag, to lead the reportorial team of Balitang Ilokano composed of Ivy Hernando, Zenna Nacino, Mark Manudog, Argee Lorenzo, Brigette Mayor and Manny Morales. “We want for a few months top of mind ang Balitang Ilokano, so we brought Jorge as senior reporter. We believe no one knows (the news) better than the people from that province,” Rikki added.

Still, most of the planning and execution will be done by Cel Amores who is on top of all the Kapuso regional newscasts.

GMA Ilocos goes on air beginning today. Engineer Elvis Ancheta, VP for transmission and regional engineering, assured a clear TV program reception with three transmitting stations operating in the region — Channel 5 in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; Ch. 8, Bantay, Ilocos Sur; and Ch. 7, Abra. The TV transmitter facilities reach an estimated 218,622 households. He said, “GMA continues to implement wider regional reach and signal quality improvements, setting itself apart from the competition. We built all these facilities with a singular purpose: To be the most competitive and the most advanced TV station in the Ilocos region reaching a greater number of televiewers and delivering the Kapuso network public service to the Ilocanos who deserve it.”

After the station blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Oliver invited everyone to the Sales Partners’ Night which was held at the Vigan Convention Center graced by Mark Herras, Geoff Eigenmann, Jennica Garcia, Jackie Rice and Ronald Singson. Betong Sumaya, John and Ana Maris Igpit were hosts.

The following day was a blast in Ilocos Norte as various Kapuso events were held at Ilocos Norte Capitol grounds. Gov. Imee Marcos thanked the network for building its originating station in Ilocos when she went onstage during the Kapuso Night. The Ilocanos were treated to song-and-dance numbers by Down to Mars, Michelle Madrigal, Mark Herras, Victor Aliwalas, Derrick Monasterio, Kristoffer Martin, Mike Tan, Steven Silva, La Diva, Will Devaughn, Kyla, Protégé finalists and Rochelle Pangilinan who received the most applause from the crowd. By the way, Cesar Apolinario also rendered a song that made him want to melt pronto. Reason: The rain seemed so eager to duet with him.

(The highlights of the Kapuso Day in Ilocos can be seen in Let’s Fiesta TV Special on July 1 airing via the network’s regional stations in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Naga and Bacolod. In July, GMA will also widen its reach in the Bicol region.)