Lessons from hosting

I hosted with Gelli de Belen the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television at the Kia Theater, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. It was a night that gathered some of the biggest and brightest stars this side of showbiz.

Making my way through the backstage, past showbiz friends, old and new, brought back so many memories. When I first set foot in a television studio as host of a showbiz talk show many years ago, I had absolutely no idea what I was supposed to do. Fortunately, one of the very first things I learned back then was that, what I said to the camera was just as important — if not more so — than how I looked in front of it. And that has made all the difference in how I have conducted myself and my interviews ever since. And while until now, I remain a diligent student of the medium, there are few lessons I have learned that are as important.

But going back to the Star Awards, I would like to congratulate the winners — Bridges of Love (Best Primetime TV Series); Maja Salvador (Best Drama Actress); Alden Richards (Best Drama Actor); Judy Ann Santos and Sunshine Cruz (Best Single Performance by an Actress); and John Lloyd Cruz (Best Single Performance by an Actor).

Special awards were also given to Coney Reyes (Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement) and Maria Ressa (Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement). These two have unquestionable credibility, unparalleled commitment and unwavering integrity when it comes to acting and delivering news.

Another of the night’s highlights came when the love teams of both LizQuen (Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil) and AlDub (Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza) were named co-awardees of the German Moreno’s Power Tandem Award.

With his passing, the award gains special significance as it firmly recognizes the late German Moreno’s unparalleled contribution to the growth of the Philippine entertainment industry, particularly in the development of new talents. No one can replace him, and none can eclipse what he has achieved. His presence will sorely be missed by all whose lives he has touched.

On a personal note, I am grateful to the PMPC Star Awards for TV for recognizing my contribution in the entertainment industry. In 2011, I was elevated to its Hall of Fame for winning 15 consecutive trophies as Best Male Showbiz-Oriented Talk Show Host. The first four awards — in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 — were for Startalk while the last 11 were for The Buzz.

That night The Buzz won again as Best Showbiz-Oriented Talk Show, The Bottomline received the Best Public Affairs Program award, the Aquino & Abunda Tonight bagged the award for Best Celebrity Talk Show, and I received the Best Celebrity Talk Show Host award for A&A Tonight.
    Thank you.

Filipino talents at EuroPop

Filipinos are indeed world-class talents!
     Last year’s EuroPop Philippine team delegate Ryan Richard Tamondong won the Grand Prix title in Berlin, Germany. Gyver Jude Concon placed fourth in the 18 to 24 age category while Princess Faith Priel and Mikee Micosa both received a diploma and a medal.

The Philippines is the only Asian country invited to join EuroPop. This is the second year of the Philippines at EuroPop.

Last year, Ana Katrina Ramsey won first place in the 18 to 24 years old category, Gian Marla Gloria won fourth place, and Glee Nette Gaddi bagged third place in the 14 to 17 age category. Goin’ Bulilit’s Chacha Cañete placed second in the 10 to 13 years old category and Natalie Erin Martinez received a diploma and a medal.

Mabuhay kayo!