GMA7's iWitness, ABSCBN's Storyline and Magkaribal eyeing NY Fest awards

Ten local shows from two top rival networks (6 from ABS-CBN, 4 from GMA) are vying for awards from the 2011 International Television & Film Awards.

The event, scheduled for April 9 to 15 in  Las Vegas, is produced by New York Festivals - an international awards group that gives recognition to worldwide efforts in advertising, film, television and radio programs, and branding.

Two entries from the Kapamilya network are shortlisted in the category Telenovelas: Magkaribal (Rivals), starring Gretchen Baretto and Bea Alonzo; and Dahil May Isang Ikaw, starring the revived Jericho Rosales -Kristine Hermosa love team.

ANC's weekly documentary Storyline is nominated in three categories - Biography/Profiles, Community Portraits ans Social Issues/Current Events.The show runs other the noses of the talented director/writer/journalists team of Paolo Villaluna and Patricia Evangelista. The documentary has shared the stories of Gerry Chua (of Eng Bee Tin and Ube Hopia), journalist Maria Ressa, volunteer firefighters, and convicts, among others.



Included the Docudrama category is Ces Drilon's late night show I Survived. The show tells tales of real people who lived through the hardest ordeals life threw at them.

TV Patrol's coverage special, Bloodbath in Manila - the August 23, 2010 hostage taking of 25 Chinese nationals in Quirino Grandstand - is nominated in the category Breaking News. The network's promotional spot, Altar is also vying for the Copywriting: Promotion Spot category.

The Kapuso network's well-applauded music video rendition of the national anthem Lupang Hinirang is a finalist in the music video category. The two and half minute film was directed by Paul Ticzon (the network's 2010 Christmas plug is also his work).


Born to Be Wild, hosted by Doc Ferdz and Kiko Rustia, is nominated in the Nature & Wildlife category.

Multi-awarded late Monday night show I-Witness' episode "Paraisong Uhaw (Parched Land)" vies for an award in the Social Issues/Current Events categories. The show bagged two silver awards from NYF in 2008, one for Howie Severino's "Huling Hala Bira" and the other for Sandra Aguinaldo's "Iskul Ko, No. 1." Kara David's story "Paraisong Uhaw" depicts the hardships of the residents of Sampad, Masbate as they struggle without a permanent source of water, a basic necessity of life.

Biyaheng Totoo (Real Journey) is shortlisted in the Special Report category. The show is a special feature on the ten poorest provinces in the Philippines, documenting the survival of its residents even without the scarcity (if not absence) of government support.


The entries will be judged by industry experts from all across the globe (two of which are from the Philippines,  John Ray Arrabe and Ella Evangelista-Martelino).