CEBU, Philippines — Balitanghali, the longest-running noon-time newscast on Philippine free TV, continues to deliver truthful, timely, and relevant news to viewers as it celebrated its 19th anniversary last month.
Anchored by award-winning and seasoned journalists Connie Sison and Raffy Tima, Balitanghali provides viewers with the latest and the biggest developing news as well as topics close to the hearts of Filipinos. Joining Connie and Raffy is “Mare, Ano’ng Latest” segment host and entertainment reporter Aubrey Carampel for the hottest showbiz news and lifestyle features.
As Balitanghali celebrates its 19th year on television, Connie, Raffy, and Aubrey expressed how honored they are to be part of the long-running newscast.
“[I am] so grateful to be a part of the longest-running Filipino language noontime newscast! Though I have joined Balitanghali 9 years after it was launched, I most definitely cherish co-anchoring Balitanghali for the past 10 years now. Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng aming mga loyal viewer mula noon hanggang ngayon. Asahan ninyong lalo pa naming pagbubutihin ang aming paghahatid ng mga nangungunang balita sa loob at labas ng bansa. God-willing, marami pang mga taon tayong magkakasama-sama,” says Connie.
"Being with Balitanghali for the past 19 years has been a great honor and a privilege as a journalist. I can hardly believe that almost 2 decades have passed since we first began airing Balitanghali as the first Filipino noontime newscast. Since that time, other newscasts have followed, proving that Balitanghali has blazed a new trail and earned new viewers looking for the latest news and entertainment. Isang malaking karangalan na hanggang ngayon bahagi pa rin ako ng Balitanghali at patuloy na naghahatid ng balitang mapagkakatiwalaan at totoo," expresses Raffy.
"Balitanghali was launched in 2005, the same year I became a showbiz reporter for GMA News. Hosting its segment, ‘Mare Ano’ng Latest?,’ is a dream come true. Every time I am in the studio, I always feel like I am that ‘kumare’ who shares the latest showbiz news updates about local and even international celebrities, keeping our ‘mga mare at pare’ informed and entertained at the same time. It’s a passion, and I enjoy every moment of it. It is also an honor to be alongside seasoned journalists and news anchors, Raffy Tima and Connie Sison. I am learning a lot from them," shares Aubrey.
Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso considers Balitanghali’s milestone part of GMA Integrated News’ commitment to the public. “As we proudly celebrate 19 remarkable years of our longest-running noon-time newscast on Philippine free TV— it is a testament to our role as ‘the News Authority of Filipinos.’ This milestone marks not just our legacy but a renewed commitment to a bigger mission: delivering truthful, timely, and relevant news to a much larger audience. As we move forward, expect us to reach new heights, innovate with purpose, and continue empowering communities with stories that matter. Thank you to our Kapuso viewers for making this journey possible!” says Amoroso.
Segments close to Filipinos’ heart
Since 2005, Balitanghali has become a significant part of Filipinos’ lives every lunch time – “kumpletos rekados ang pananghalian ninyo sa Balitanghali…19 taon n’yo nang kasalo.”
With the program being the “kasalo” of Kapuso viewers, on top of the biggest developing news of the day, Balitanghali has been offering exciting segments that are close to the hearts of Filipinos.
Because local news matters, the "Regional TV News" segment brings the relevant local stories gathered by the various GMA Regional TV stations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to the national audience. The segment is hosted by Cris Zuñiga, Cecille Quibod-Castro, and Sarah Hilomen-Velasco of GMA Regional TV.
“Magkano na ba?” aptly asks the very question in every consumer’s mind – the prices of basic goods from rice to gasoline, from school supplies to noche buena items.
Anchored by Aubrey, “Mare, Ano’ng Latest?” features the latest scoops in the entertainment and lifestyle world, both locally and abroad.
“Balita Abroad” provides a broader view of the world. It offers a global perspective and awareness on issues and events outside the country that Filipinos can still relate to.
“Health is Wealth,” meanwhile, gives viewers practical tips on how to take care of their health and keeps the public informed with the latest medical breakthroughs.
The segment “Good Job” features individuals who deserve a pat on the back for the pride and inspiration they bring to the Filipino people.
The "Wow" segment is exclusively for videos or stories that make the viewers exclaim "WOW."
Lastly, “Trending” features the hottest videos online that warm viewers’ hearts and bring smiles to their faces.
Catch Balitanghali on weekdays from 11 a.m. on GTV. Global Pinoys can watch the newscast on the Network’s international channel, GMA News TV. — (FREEMAN)