Last August 24 was a celebration of everything we love about Philippine TV, and let’s just say, the stars came out to shine! The 37th PMPC Star Awards for Television lit up the VS Hotel Convention Center in Quezon City, turning the long-awaited ceremony into a glamorous tribute to the best in the business from 2023. It was a night of big wins, heartfelt speeches, and some major surprises.
The spotlight was definitely on a few of the industry’s heaviest hitters who showed off their incredible craft.
- Joshua Garcia took home the coveted Best Drama Actor trophy for his soul-crushing performance in Unbreak My Heart. But that wasn’t all! He also snagged special awards like Male Celebrity of the Night and Face of the Night. His thank you speech was a total class act, giving a shoutout to everyone who helped him, from his co-actors like Jodi Sta. Maria and Gabbi Garcia to the entire team behind the series.
- Rhian Ramos finally got her long-overdue moment! She scored her first-ever PMPC trophy, winning Best Drama Actress for her unforgettable role in the crime mystery series Royal Blood. She was visibly emotional, dedicating her award to her home network GMA 7, where she has spent 19 years of her career. She also gave a touching thank you to her boyfriend for his unwavering support.
- Alden Richards and Rochelle Pangilinan both proved their dramatic power by winning the Best Single Performance awards for their powerful portrayals in episodes of Magpakailanman. These two are true chameleons!
Hosting is no easy feat, and the PMPC made sure to honor the best in the game. It was a rare tie for Best Male TV Host, with two of our faves sharing the spotlight: Paolo Ballesteros of TV5’s E.A.T. and Robi Domingo of ASAP Natin ‘To. And for the ladies, Kim Chiu proved she’s a force to be reckoned with, taking home the Best Female TV Host award for her vibrant energy on It’s Showtime.
While stars from all networks were celebrated, it was clear that one network had a huge night. GMA 7 was declared the Best TV Station, proving that their quality content and stellar talent are hitting all the right notes. They also swept some of the biggest categories, including Best Primetime TV Series for the fan-favorite Maria Clara at Ibarra, Best News Program for 24 Oras, and Best Magazine Show for the iconic Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
PMPC paid tribute to four pillars of Philippine television through the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon 92-year old veteran actress Caridad Sanchez (accepted by her daughter Cathy Sanchez Babao, presented by Sylvia Sanchez), legendary host Ariel Ureta (presented by Boots Anson-Roa), dance icon Geleen Eugenio (presented by Maribeth Bichara), and TV executive Malou Choa Fagar (presented by her protégé Joey Marquez).
Seasoned broadcaster Angelique Lazo also received the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Bill Velasco.
The German Moreno Power Tandem Award was given to popular loveteams Barbie Forteza & David Licauco (for “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and “Maging Sino Ka Man”) and Francine Diaz & Seth Fedelin (for “Dirty Linen”).
Here is the official list of winners of 37th Star Awards for Television:
• Best TV Station: GMA 7
• Best Drama Actor: Joshua Garcia (Unbreak My Heart, GMA 7)
• Best Drama Actress: Rhian Ramos (Royal Blood, GMA 7)
• Best Single Performance by an Actor: Alden Richards (Magpakailanman: Sa Puso At Isipan, The Cantillana Family Story, GMA 7)
• Best Single Performance by an Actress: Rochelle Pangilinan (Magpakailanman: The Abused Teacher, GMA 7)
• Best Drama Supporting Actor: Elijah Canlas (Senior High, TV5, A2Z)
• Best Drama Supporting Actress: Cherry Pie Picache (FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, TV5, A2Z)
• Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikael (The Write One, GMA 7)
• Best Drama Anthology: Magpakailanman (GMA 7)
• Best Primetime TV Series: Maria Clara at Ibarra (GMA 7)
Best Daytime Drama Series: Abot Kamay Na Pangarap (GMA 7)
• Best Mini Series: Walang Matigas Na Pulis Sa Matinik Na Misis (GMA 7)
• Best Comedy Show: Pepito Manaloto (GMA 7)
• Best Comedy Actor: Paolo Contis (Bubble Gang, GMA 7)
• Best Comedy Actress: Chariz Solomon (Bubble Gang, GMA 7)
• Best Variety Show: It’s Showtime (GTV, A2Z)
• Best Male TV Host: Robi Domingo (ASAP Natin ‘To, TV5, A2Z) and Paolo Ballesteros (E.A.T., TV5)
• Best Female TV Host: Kim Chiu (It’s Showtime, GTV, A2Z)
• Best Documentary Program: The Atom Araullo Specials (GMA 7)
• Best Documentary Program Hosts: Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, Kara David, John Consulta, Sandra Aguinaldo (I-Witness, GMA 7)
• Best Magazine Show: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA 7)
• Best Magazine Show Host: Korina Sanchez (Rated Korina, TV5, GTV, A2Z)
• Best News Program: 24 Oras (GMA 7)
• Best Male Newscaster: Joee Guilas (PTV News Tonight, PTV 4)
• Best Female Newscaster: Karen Davila (TV Patrol, A2Z, All TV)
• Best Game Show: Emojination (TV5)
• Best Game Show Host: Dingdong Dantes (Family Feud, GMA 7)
• Best Public Service Program: Wish Ko Lang (GMA 7)
• Best Public Service Program Host: Edinel Calvario (Healing Galing, GTV)
• Best Celebrity Talk Show: Fast Talk With Boy Abunda (GMA 7)
• Best Celebrity Talk Show Host: Boy Abunda (Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, GMA 7)
• Best Public Affairs Program: Cayetano In Action With Boy Abunda (GMA 7)
• Best Public Affairs Program Hosts: Boy Abunda, Pia Cayetano, Allan Peter Cayetano (Cayetano In Action With Boy Abunda, GMA 7)
• Best New Male TV Personality: John Clifford (Pepito Manaloto, GMA 7)
• Best New Female TV Personality: Gela Atayde (Senior High, TV5, A2Z)
• Best Lifestyle/ Travel Show: Pinas Sarap (GTV)
• Best Lifestyle/ Travel Show Host: Kara David (Pinas Sarap, GTV)
• Best Morning Show: Unang Hirit (GMA 7)
• Best Morning Show Hosts: Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Susan Enriquez, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, Matteo Guidicelli, Shaira Diaz, Anjo Peritierra, Cheska Fausto, Sean Lucas, Shuvee Etrata, JR Royol, Kaloy Tingkungko (Unang Hirit, GMA 7)
• Best Children’s Show: Talents Academy (IBC 13)
• Best Children’s Show Hosts: Jace Fierre, Shiloh Isaiah Haresco, Jessica Marie Robinson, Mikayla Go, Candice Ayesha, Madisen Go, Anika Dominique Figueroa, Ysabelle Luisa Perez, Cara Bartolo (Talents Academy, IBC 13)
SPECIAL CITATIONS:
BingoPlus awarded the Female TV Star of the Year to Rhian Ramos and the Male TV Star of the Year to Sam Versoza, marking the first time the celebrity couple received a joint recognition in a showbiz industry event.
Joshua Garcia and Rochelle Pangilinan were chosen as Male and Female Faces of the Night (from Intele Builders and Development Corporation) and as Male and Female Celebrities of the Night (from Jojo Mendrez), while newcomers Gela Atayde and Larkin Castor received the Timeless Smile Awards from Smile 360 Dental Clinic.
In addition, BingoPlus granted ₱50,000 cash incentives to both Best Drama Actor and Best Drama Actress winners.
PMPC also presented Plaques of Appreciation to Atty. Persida Rueda Acosta, Atty. Ernelson Trojillo, Ms. Cecille Bravo, BingoPlus, VS Hotel Convention Center, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
The ceremony was directed by Vivian Poblete Blancaflor, with stage design by Rico Ancheta. The awesome red carpet and photo wall were sponsored by BingoPlus.
“Ang aming mainit na pagbati sa lahat ng mga nagsipagwagi. Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang mga naiuwi ninyong karangalan. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga sumuporta,” said Mell T. Navarro, PMPC President.
Founded in the late 1960s, PMPC Star Awards, Inc. is recognized as the pioneer entertainment media organization in the Philippines, continuing its tradition of organizing the annual Star Awards for Television, Movies, and Music.
It was truly a night to remember, reminding us all why we love Philippine TV so much. A huge congratulations to all the winners!
The Chikkaness 