GMA News TV launches game-changing programs in 2013

In 2012 – after only one year on the air -  GMA News TV doubled its ratings AND took home two Silver World Medals at the New York Festivals for its Front Row documentaries – more than any other Philippine channel. Anchor Jessica Soho of its flagship newscast State of the Nation was named Most Trusted News Presenter among many other citations. During major news events the past year  - including former Chief Justice Corona’s walkout from the Impeachment Trial and the funeral of Comedy King Dolphy - GMA News TV‘s coverage surprisingly outrated media giants ABS-CBN and TV5 in Megamanila. This 2013, expect even bigger things from the country's No. 1 News Channel. GMA News TV launches game-changing, next level documentary series of a scale never before produced by GMA News and Public Affairs. KATIPUNAN is an 8-part historical docudrama on Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo and the Philippine Revolution. 2013 is the 150th anniversary of Bonifacio’s birth and GMA News TV commemorates it with this powerful series. It will present history unlike in our textbooks -  unsanitized, no glossing over our heroes’ errors and weaknesses. Dramatic scenes will be interspersed with historians’ interviews. Actor Sid Lucero plays Andres Bonifacio while Mike Tan plays Emilio Aguinaldo im Katipunan. The series was created by Senior GMA Manager Jaileen Jimeno and written by Suzette Doctolero of Amaya and Indio fame. BAYAN KO is a special, 6-part dramatic mini-series that brings social realism back to local TV. It will present a fictional, newly elected mayor fighting a political dynasty, corruption and bureaucracy in his poor town. Bayan Ko will air before the May 2013 elections, with Rocco Nacino in the role of Mayor Joseph Santiago, with Pen Medina as the Governor and Ping Medina as his Congressman son. The series was created by GMA News TV Channel Head Nessa Valdellon. WAGAS: MGA KUWENTO NG TOTOONG PAG-IBIG will showcase unforgettable real life love stories. These will be dramatized by top GMA actors and will include a documentary portion and in-depth interview with the real couple.   The heartwarming series Wagas launches in time for Valentine’s Day this 2013. GMA News TV also launches BIYAHE NI DREW which will have ultimate tour guide Drew Arellano showing the best way to experience a local travel destination within a limited budget. Most importantly, GMA News TV covers its very first election this 2013.  With the tagline PERSPEKTIBO, KONTEKSTO, BOTO, GMA News TV’s live coverage throughout election day will provide much needed analysis, public service and context. GMA News TV’s aim is to give the viewers timely information, explain the processes, show the patterns, explore the possibilities, weigh the issues and open their minds that elections are not just about candidates gimmicks and loud voices. Leading up to election day, GMA News TV also presents the much anticipated PAGSUBOK NG MGA KANDIDATO, where the Senatorial candidates will be asked to respond to challenging leadership scenarios live and KASAYSAYAN NG ELEKSYON - a powerful documentary on the controversial history of elections in the Philippines from the Tejeros Convention to the present day.