Award-winning broadcast journalist and Kapuso Foundation founder-ambassador Mel Tiangco remains a solid Kapuso as she signs another contract with GMA Network, her home network for almost 28 years.

Carmela Tiangco, or Tita Mel as she is popularly known, has been with the Kapuso network since 1996 when she began anchoring the late night newscast ‘Saksi,’ GMA Network’s longest running news broadcast show. She also remains to be at the helm of GMA's flagship newscast, ‘24 Oras,’ having served as its anchor since 2004.

Speaking about her heartfelt gratitude and fulfillment, Tita Mel emphasized how thankful she is for having nothing but great memories in the Kapuso network.

“Anong sasabihin ko kundi salamat… Every time I would think about the time when hindi na ako tatawagin ni FSY (GMA EVP and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong), it is always with an accepting heart. Because I know that pag natapos na, I will be fulfilled, that my heart will be happy, because it will be full of so many wonderful memories that I have here at GMA,” said the veteran journalist during her contract signing event.

She also thanked GMA for welcoming her in 1996 with open arms and giving her a workplace she can call ‘home,’ filled with colleagues she now considers as her own family.

“Nung naramdaman ko na kung paano magtrato ang GMA, ibang-iba. Ibang-iba sa GMA. Iba talaga pag nadadama mo o pinapadama sayo yung value mo. Iba kapag nalalaman mong minamahal ka, mahalaga ka - and that is how GMA has made me feel all these years. Napaka-lapit, napaka-bukas sayo ang buong kumpanya,” she added.

The multi-awarded news anchor received warm messages of appreciation and gratitude from network executives who graced the short ceremony. Present during the momentous event were GMA Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. 

“Si Mel Tiangco ay accomplished at popular na bago siya lumipat nung 1996 or 28 years ago, pero nung nakalipat na siya, lalo siyang gumaling at naging popular,” said Atty. Gozon, who fondly recalled the time when the former was welcomed by the network nearly three decades ago.

“Tita Mel as she is fondly called by everybody here in GMA and in GMA Kapuso Foundation, ay hindi lamang icon, kung hindi institution na. Dahil diyan, gusto ko ring banggitin ang kaniyang role sa pagpapalakas ng ating GMA Kapuso Foundation,” he added.

At 68 years old, Tita Mel’s longevity is the perfect epitome of enduring talent and unwavering dedication - having been the face of both the top primetime newscast in the Philippines, and GMA Network’s longest running drama anthology, ‘Magpakailanman’ - a feat she wants to share with all the Kapuso audiences.

“I thank you very very much, 3.7B views? Tapos number one pa ang 24 Oras. Humahanga din ako sa mga tagahanga ko, sobrang loyalty yun, ibang klaseng loyalty yun. All these years, they have stood by me, through all the challenges, andyan sila hindi nawawala. I thank them very very much for that,” said the Tiangco, referring to her top-viewed and top-rated programs. 

Mel Tiangco’s durability and maintained brilliance in all the things she does are a clear testament to the kind of work ethic she embodies, as well as her continued passion for things that matter.

“Ang puso ni Mel ay nasa tamang lugar, at alam ng tao na hindi plastic ang kanyang desire to help, kundi tunay at totoo,” said Atty. Gozon, commending Tiangco’s laudable performance not only as a professional but also as an advocate.

“Ako man din po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo, dahil sa mga opportunities that had opened to me because of my stay here in GMA, at ang pinakamabigat sa lahat ng iyan ay ang pagtatatag ng GMA Kapuso Foundation. Kasi ibang klaseng trabaho yun eh, napakasarap na yung nagtatrabaho ka na, nabibiyayaan ka pa sa langit. The opportunity alone, in my mind, in my book, to be able to help people, is a real blessing from the Lord. That is what you gave me,” she noted.

A veteran news anchor whose career will forever be associated with the success of 24 Oras, Mel Tiangco has borne witness to some of the most glorious moments of GMA’s flagship newscast. 

The award-winning news show, which recently turned 20 on March 16, possesses an entire shelf of trophies and recognitions that symbolize excellence, including high commendation honors given by Asian TV Awards, a ‘Best News Programme’ plum from the Asian Academy Creative Awards, a gold and a silver medal from the New York Festivals TV and Film awards, and many more. 

It goes without saying that Mel herself has received an impressive number of accolades. She’s a multiple time PMPC Star Awards for Television honoree, a KPB Golden Dove Award winner, a TOWNS (Ten Outstanding Women in Nation Service - Public Service and Journalism) awardee, and countless other “Best Female Newscaster” nods.
“Nag-uumapaw po sa puso ko ang pasasalamat… at sana nga ang ating kinabukasan ay maging mas maganda, mas mabuti, hindi lang para sa atin, kundi para sa lahat sa buong mundo. I love all of you ngayon, bukas, at magpakailanman,” concluded a sentimental Mel Tiangco, followed by a warm round of applause from those in attendance.