“Bandila” and Ces Drilon win at the recently-concluded KBP Golden Dove Awards.

ABS-CBN’s multi-awarded news program “Bandila” won Best Newscast while anchor Ces Oreña Drilon took home the prestigious Ka Doroy Valencia Broadcaster of the Year trophy at the 19th KBP Golden Dove Awards last Thursday (Nov 25) in Tagaytay City.

“Bandila” and Drilon’s triumphs followed the successful debut of the program’s new format last November 22. With more and more viewers getting hooked to its fast-paced and interactive format, the new “Bandila” is all set to change the landscape of late night newscasts.

Headlined by the triumvirate of acclaimed journalists Drilon, Julius Babao, and Karen Davila, the new “Bandila” not only offers comprehensive reports on the day’s biggest news but also allows viewers to immediately react on news reports.

Drilon, Babao, and Davila can be seen during the newscast using their own tablet and laptop computers to read comments that viewers send in through social networking and micro-blogging sites.

“Bandila” executive producer Paul Henson said this is ABS-CBN’s way to empower Filipinos to take part in issues that matter to them. Henson added, just like the award-winning “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” citizen journalism campaign, “Bandila” is a platform where ordinary citizens can be heard.

The four-year old newscast is currently enjoying positive reviews online, with posters commending its “revolutionary,” “hip and informative” concept, as well as its powerhouse combination of anchors.

Twitter user Jun Robles twitted last November 25 “I had a venti of Starbucks coffee last nyt to keep myself awake for Bandila. I wasnt disappointed. Ur format is revolutionary!”

Itsmemyk, meanwhile, likened “Bandila” to another ABS-CBN program with cult following. He posted last November 24, “@juLiusbabao @cesdrilon @Karen_DaviLa Bandila is the “Showtime” of late night TV! dahil lahat nakaabang! It’s the latest fad, habit, hobby.”

Even Filipinos abroad are getting into the Bandila “fever.” Twitter user joven2181 said “Bandila is the breakfast of Vancouver. I like u expressing your opinions about each news. the best trio tandem in newscast kayo.”

Viewers also raved about the rapport of the three anchors. All experienced and award-winning, each of them gets to contribute some analysis and backgrounders on the issues from time to time.

With its exciting new format and the energy and wisdom brought in by Drilon, Babao, and Davila, “Bandila” has veered away from the traditional late night newscast template that late night viewers have outgrown.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs went home victorious from the KBP Golden Dove Awards. Henry Omaga Diaz was honored as Best TV Newscaster, Rated K was named Best magazine Program, Sports Unlimited was awarded Best TV Sports Program, Harapan Vice Presidential Debate was judged Best Special Program and Salamat Dok was hailed Best TV Public Affairs Program.

Take part in the newscast by sending your comments and reactions to the official Facebook and Twitter pages of “Bandila” and official accounts of the three anchors. Catch “Bandila” with Ces Oreña Drilon, Julius Babao, and Karen Davila after “SNN” from Monday to Friday on ABS-CBN.