The MOPC’s best journalists

For the first time in its 78 years, the Manila Overseas Press Club honors outstanding journalists and media organizations, local media’s best, bravest, brightest and most influential. A judgement of peers, the most coveted journalism awards are those given by press clubs.

Awarding is at 11 a.m. promptly tomorrow, Oct. 25, at the Fairmont ballroom.

Specially designed trophies, gleaming golden bells, were ordered in Italy and flown into Manila for the occasion. Italy is home to the world’s oldest and best bell manufacturing technology, dating back a thousand years. Each 15 inches tall and weighing three kilos, the MOPC bell trophies symbolize freedom, excellence, achievement, glory and perfection of craft.

The Liberty Bell of Philadelphia is the most famous freedom bell. Our Balangiga Bells of Samar symbolize our triumph over a conquering power, our glory and our honor. In the old days, to announce the good news, you gathered the people by ringing bells.

In Catholic Church rites, the bells are rung during the most solemn (Consecration) and triumphant of occasions (like weddings). Did you know that a bell must have a soul before it could be manufactured?

The recipients of the 2023 MOPC Bell of Freedom and Excellence (BFE) Prize:

• Dennis Datu, ABS-CBN Integrated News, TV Reporter of the Year

For excellence, dedication, hard work and courage in covering crime, tragedy, disaster, government events and the daily experiences of people as they cope with life’s struggles and challenges, come hell or high water.

• Deo Macalma, Radio Broadcaster of the Year

For four decades of excellent radio work, on-the-spot fair and balanced reporting, clear-minded analysis and dedicated public service. His top-rated “Damdaming Bayan” and “Breaktime” programs draw a loyal and large following for the informative news as well as his inimitable humor.

• DZRH, Radio Station of the Year

For over 84 years of radio broadcasting excellence and remarkable work in delivering the latest news, insightful analysis and unwavering public service, validating radio’s role as the true medium of the people.

• Dax Lucas, Business Writer of the Year

For 21 years of excellence and passionate business and economic journalism, writing about the triumphs and foibles of businessmen and their enterprises and charting the emergence of one of the most dynamic economies in Asia.

• Alex R. Magno, The Philippine STAR, Columnist of the Year

For the excellence, depth and clarity of his columns written from the perspective of an economist and a political scientist and for contributing to a better understanding of a broad range issues affecting the nation, the region and the world at large.

• Maria Yolanda C. Crisanto, Leadership in Digitalization and Advancing Journalism’s Mobile Frontiers

For extending the frontiers of the information revolution and giving truism to Journalism as “history in hurry,” available 24/7. The Globe Telecom Group has pioneered the digital transformation of businesses, including media and cash transfers (GCash is a P3-trillion business), thereby uplifting lives, promoting inclusion and helping media push responsible digital citizenship.

• Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Chief, News5, TV5, Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

For over 41 years of distinguished broadcast journalism in six major TV stations as a reporter, investigative journalist, host, news anchor, debate moderator and in many other roles, displaying an iconic brand of feistiness, talent, courage, intellectual depth and devotion to duty, fairness and truth.

• Mike Enriquez, GMA Network, Inc., Lifetime Achievement in Broadcast Journalism 2023

With rugged looks, a booming voice and 54 years of broadcast excellence, he was the face of excellence, authority and credibility in primetime TV and radio newscast and commentary. His radio and TV programs enjoyed high ratings, huge audience shares and steady revenues. He left a gaping void in journalism that is difficult to fill.

• Cheloy V. Garafil, Secretary, Presidential Communications Office, Distinguished Journalism and Government Service

Finishing mass communications and law at UST, she has chalked up a remarkable career spanning three professions – journalism as a reporter, law as a prosecutor and now Cabinet secretary, as President Marcos Jr.’s chief of the enlarged Presidential Communications Office. Few journalists have achieved such a rapid rise to the top in just 20 years.

• Carmela “Mel” Tiangco, GMA Network, Inc. Television Broadcaster of the Year 2023

For 42 years of broadcast journalism excellence, promotion of democratic values, gender empowerment and a lifetime of committed socio-civic work.  GMA Network’s flagship “24 Oras” which she has anchored since 2004 has consistently remained No. 1 in prime time newscast, a top draw and moneymaker.

• Former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban Jr., The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Journalist of the Year – Law

For his prolific work and prodigious excellence in writing about law and justice with depth, clarity and command of language, thereby strengthening the people’s faith in the third and often misunderstood branch of government, the judiciary. He is today the No. 1 columnist of the Inquirer. He has written 12 books on law, faith and the Supreme Court.

• Ana Marie Pamintuan, Editor-in-Chief, The Philippine STAR, Journalist of the Year 2023

She embodies the best in Philippine journalism today – brainy, hardworking, fair and balanced, courageous, global in values, local in relevance and unyielding in the search for truth, freedom and justice.

She began work in 1981 as a reporter, and in three decades, rose to the top of her profession.

• The Philippine STAR, Miguel Belmonte, President & CEO, Newspaper of the Year 2023

For excellent newspaper publishing, quality journalism, the broadest range of opinions and steadfastness in speaking truth to power no matter the political climate and the economic situation.

The Philippine STAR today is the unrivalled No. 1 in reach, influence and readership. Its Front Page, Opinion, Business, Lifestyle, Sports and Entertainment are consistently superior.

• GMA Network, Inc., Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, CEO; Television Station of the Year 2023

For consistent excellence and for being the largest, most trusted, most innovative, most profitable, most awarded, most diversified broadcasting network, with superior entertainment and timely, accurate and most comprehensive news, both delivered on a sprawling platform – TV, radio, online and on a wide array media-related ventures, anytime and anywhere in the world.

The guest of honor and speaker, Atty. Ivan John Uy, secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology, will receive a glass trophy for his digitalization program.

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