GMA scores 7 nominations in ATA 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Television Awards (ATA) recently released the list of finalists for its 18th-year run and GMA Network obtained seven of the nine nominations from the Philippines.

GMA Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras made the cut for the Best News Programme category with its extensive coverage of the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo. Anchored by Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez, 24 Oras: Bagyong Pablo depicted the effects of Pablo’s onslaught in Compostela Valley and in Davao Oriental.

Late-night newscast Saksi, headlined by Arnold Clavio and Vicky Morales, in turn, came out as one of the finalists for the same category with its entry Typhoon Pablo’s Trail of Death.

Reporter’s Notebook, hosted by Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido, will vie in the Best Current Affairs Programme category for another detailed account of the said catastrophe titled Bagyong Pablo.

Environmental program Born Impact was short listed under the Best Natural History or Wildlife Programme category for its episode When Whales Strand. Veterinarian-hosts Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato documented the phenomenon of drowning among whales and dolphins in the Philippines, or whale stranding in the said episode which also featured never-before-seen videos and new findings from past stranding incidents.

Marian Rivera is a nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her outstanding portrayal of the main protagonist Angeline in the Kapuso Network’s Pinoy adaptation of the hit Koreanovela Temptation of Wife.

Lorna Tolentino is also nominated for the same category for her exceptional performance in the primetime drama Pahiram ng Sandali (Chasing Moments).

Michael V. is again included in the nominees for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor/Actress category in the longest running gag show Bubble Gang. He already won three Asian TV Awards for the same category in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Founded in 1996, ATA recognizes “excellence in programming, production and performance as determined by an expert panel of over 50 judges from across the region.”

The announcement of winners, which will come from a total of 238 entries across 12 countries, will commence during the Asian TV Awards Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony on Dec. 5 at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa.