ABS-CBN wins over GMA in the 12th Asian TV Awards

Even if GMA Network, Inc. had more nominations than rival ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. for the 12th Asian Television Awards, it was the latter who took the lead during the awards night held Thursday, November 29, 2007, at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore.

Back in September, these two Philippine giant networks have been boasting about their respective nominations. GMA had 10 nominations while ABS-CBN had only 4. APT Entertainment also snatched one nod for Dennis Trillo as Best Drama Performance by an Actor for 'Unico Hijo', however the said show was also aired on GMA. Over-all, Philippines had 15 nominations in the said prestigious award-giving body.

Thursday night, amidst the latest national/political crisis the Philippines has, this award-hungry country took home seven honors (including runners up and highly commended citations) out of its 15 nominations.

Out of 4 nominations, ABS-CBN took home 4 awards: Best Drama Performance by an Actress Gina Pareno for her performance in 'Maalaala Mo Kaya', Best News Programme for Bandila, Highly Commended Game Show for Pilipinas, Game ka na ba? and Highly Commended News Programme for TV Patrol World.

On one hand, GMA 7 won only 2 out of its 11 nominations: Best Current Affairs Programme for Reporter's Notebook and Runner Up Comedy Performance by an Actor for Michael V.

ABS-CBN almost bagged the Terrestrial Broadcaster of the Year Award by being a runner up to Singapore's MediaCorp TV. who won the said highest award. Discovery Network Asia was also adjudged Cable/Satellite Network of the Year.

Bandila's victory as Best News Programme is its 2nd international recognition on its over a year of existence. It was a finalist in the International Emmy Awards 2007.

Congratulations to the winners!