Students pick TV faves

RUFA Mae Quinto accepts the USTv award for “Bubble Gang,” ribbing her hosts: “This means [we’re] wholesome.” PHOTO BY JILSON SECKLER TIU

“USTv: Unang Dekada Gabi ng Parangal”  recently gave a total of 22 awards in four categories—public affairs, entertainment, religious and special awards—during a program held at the UST Plaza Mayor.

ABS-CBN bagged most of the awards—16, including Students’ Choice of Television Network. “TV Patrol” won Best News Program; “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda” was declared Best Public Affairs News Program; Noli de Castro’s “Kabayan Reports: Gusto Kong Mag-aral” was named Best Documentary Special; Korina Sanchez’s “Rated K” Lenten special, “Senakulo,” won Student’s Choice of Catholic Feature.

Encouraging the youth

Dyan Castillejo and her “Sports Unlimited” were Students’ Choice of Sports Personality and Program. “‘Sports Unlimited’ is 16 years and running,” Castillejo said. “I still encourage [the youth] to engage in sports. It’s never too late.”

JESSY Mendiola performs a dance number. PHOTO BY JILSON SECKLER TIU

Students’ Choice of Reality/Game Show was given to “The Voice of the Philippines.” Its host, Toni Gonzaga, won Best Reality/Game Show Host, and also Talk Show Host for “The Buzz.” Gonzaga’s co-host in “The Voice,” Robi Domingo accepted the awards for her.

“It’s Showtime” and host Anne Curtis were named Students’ Choice of Variety Show and Host, respectively.

Breaking the nine-year streak of “Maalala Mo Kaya,” ABS-CBN’s daytime drama “Be Careful With My Heart” is this year’s Best Drama Program.

Afternoon Koreanovela series “Rooftop Prince” was named Students’ Choice of Foreign Drama Program.

GMA 7 took home six awards, including Best TV Program for “i-Witness.” Two of the network’s news personalities, Arnold Clavio and Sandra Aguinaldo, both UST alumni, were named Outstanding Thomasian Media Personalities.

“Bubble Gang” won a record ninth citation as Best Comedy Program. Addressing the Dominican officials present, actress Rufa Mae Quinto quipped: “Thank you, fathers, for the approval. This means we (the ‘Bubble Gang’ cast) are wholesome.”

Multiple awardee

Jessica Soho was the top individual winner: Best News Host, Best Magazine Program Host, and Best TV Personality. Her show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” was declared Students’ Choice of Magazine Program.

Four TV network foundations—ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc., TV5 Alagang Kapatid and UNTV Kamanggagawa—received recognitions as well.

“Since it’s [USTv’s] 10th year, we have a new set of awards, and more effort was poured into the preparations,” UST public affairs head Giovanna Fontanilla said. “And it’s a success.”

Other personalities who attended the event included actors Jessy Mendiola and Albie Casiño, “X Factor” finalist Takeoff, and “Bubble Gang’s” Betong.