‘Kabayan’ received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for News’ as tribute to his almost three-decade stint as a news anchor. While Charo was conferred with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama’ with her program, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” which is now considered as the longest-running drama anthology in Asia for its 20 years in television.

Charo shared the distinction to people whom she considers as key to the show’s success. She said, “This is a great tribute to the 20 years of MMK and I share this award to our dedicated creative team and production staff; to our viewers who never fail to support us every week; and especially to the millions of letter senders here in the Philippines and the rest of the world who share their heartwarming stories full of inspiration and lessons in life.”

Here is the complete list of winners from the Kapamilya Network:

Outstanding Crime/Investigative Program – “XXX”
Outstanding Crime/Investigative Program Host – Anthony Taberna, “XXX”
Outstanding Natural History/Wildlife Program – “Matanglawin: Donsol”
Outstanding Natural History/Wildlife Program Host – Kim Atienza (“Matanglawin”)
Outstanding Showbiz Talk Program – “The Buzz”
Outstanding Showbiz Talk Program Host – Boy Abunda, “The Buzz”
Outstanding Musical Program – “ASAP Rocks”
Outstanding Adapted Drama Series – “Mara Clara”
Outstanding Single Drama/Telemovie Program – “Maalaala Mo Kaya: Silbato”
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Single Drama/Telemovie Program – Coco Martin (“Maalaala Mo Kaya: Silbato”)
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Single Drama/Telemovie Program – Helen Gamboa (“Maalaala Mo Kaya: Parol”)
Outstanding Actress in A Drama Series – Lorna Tolentino (“Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin”)
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program – Angelica Panganiban (“Banana Split”)
Outstanding Adapted Reality/Competition Program Host – Luis Manzano (“Pilipinas Got Talent”)
Outstanding Lifestyle Program – “Sharon At Home” (Lifestyle Network)
Outstanding Lifestyle Program Host – Sharon Cuneta, “Sharon At Home” (Lifestyle Network)

Special awards:
Lifetime Achievement Award for News – Noli De Castro
Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama – Charo Santos-Concio (“Maalaala Mo Kaya”)

Charo and Noli Honored as Lifetime Achievement Awardees by Golden Screen Awards 2011 originally appeared on Starmometer on December 3, 2011.

“Gawad Parangal” is the highest form of recognition that the Quezon City government bestows on its outstanding constituents. Apart from Santos-Concio, other awardees were Father Joaquin Bernas, S.J., Ramon Rodriguez, Jose Vergara, Dolphy Quizon, Cheche Lazaro, Fernando Sena, Lea Salonga, Dr. Rustica Carpio, and Atty. Felipe Gozon. Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista and Quezon City vice mayor Joy Belmonte personally handed the medals to the awardees in a recognition ceremony held last October 12 at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom.

Charo Santos-Concio, Honored by QC Government originally appeared on Starmometer on October 22, 2011.

“Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK), the longest-running drama anthology in Asia, proudly celebrates its 20th year of unprecedented success in featuring stories that are not only rich in values, but also mirrors the Filipino soul and humanity.

Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN President who’s also the host of MMK, cordially invites everyone to celebrate with the show’s two-decade victory in a documentary special, including a much-awaited heart-to-heart interview to be done by no less than another powerful woman, who is as successful in her field, Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. It’s very rare to see two pillars of the Philippine television in a special tete-a-tete to be witnessed by Filipinos all over the world.

With this documentary special, which airs this September 25, Sunday’s Best on ABS-CBN, MMK reminisces on its valuable relationship with its millions of loyal viewers for the past 20 years. It has successfully connected with everyone–barring gender, age or wealth, and has touched, inspired and changed lives of Filipinos.

MMK 20th Anniversary Special also aims to recollect and share again with each other all Filipino values, life lessons, challenges and redemptions as it recalls the unforgettable real life stories—from the viewpoint of “real people.”

Most sought after Kapamilya stars Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion, Sam Milby, Jericho Rosales, Vhong Navarro, Angelica Panganiban and other artists who have become part of MMK’s continuing legacy will also share how did portraying different roles have changed their lives.

“Sa loob ng mahabang panahon, kabahagi na namin kayo sa pagbuo ng magagandang alaala, dahil kayo ang aming inspirasyon. At bilang pasasalamat , ngayong buwan ng Oktubre, espesyal ang bawat Sabado ng gabi, Kapamilya. Ipagdiwang natin ang 20 taon nating pinagsamahan,” goes Santos-Concio’s invitation.

Also, this October MMK will present its anniversary episodes—starring some of the brightest actors in the industry—shot in some of the world’s most magnificent places. Catch MMK’s “Palawan,” “Bukidnon-Happy Feet,” “Barcelona,” “Aurora” and “Canada” episodes, Saturdays, after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN.

Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos Interviews MMK Host Charo Santos-Concio originally appeared on Starmometer on September 25, 2011.

This is in recognition of the Kapamilya network’s valuable achievements, making it a most sought after employer, whose organizational framework covers being exemplary in learning and development initiatives, communicating distinctiveness in employee hiring, training and retention practices, and continuing innovation.

ABS-CBN was chosen after a thorough research was implemented in every Asia-Pacific country by a team of independent professionals from different parts of Asia. After the research was completed, the team submitted its recommendations to a jury that identified the final winners.

ABS-CBN president and COO Charo Santos-Concio, on the other hand was conferred the WOMAN SUPER ACHIEVER AWARD given to “Outstanding Women who have the vision, flair, acumen and professionalism to demonstrate excellent leadership and management skills in an organization, making changes and achieving results”.

Both Asia’s Best Employer Brand and Woman Super Achiever awards, hosted by the Employer Branding Institute, World HRD Congress, Stars of the Industry Group and CMO Asia, came with a trophy and a citation to recognize the valuable contribution made by ABS-CBN and Charo Santos-Concio respectively. The award ceremonies were held at the SUNTEC Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre last July 22, 2011. Santos-Concio and Bong Osorio, ABS-CBN’s Head of Corporate Communication attended the affair.

ABS-CBN Honored with Asia’s Best Employer Brand Award, Charo Santos-Concio Bestowed the Woman Super Achiever Accolade originally appeared on Starmometer on July 28, 2011.

Led by ABS-CBN Chairman-CEO Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III and ABS-CBN President-COO Charo Santos-Concio, the Kapamilya contingent aims to equip the student delegates from all over the nation with valuable information on current communication trends and issues through the event, which has a theme of “Engaging People and Media Participation for Change.”

Among those who will present are ABS-CBN Head of Marketing Cookie Bartolome, ABS-CBN Head of News and Current Affairs Ging Reyes, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group Head of News Charie Villa, ABS-CBN Head of Creative Communications Management Robert Labayen, ABS-CBN Head of Digital Brand Management Carlos Mori Rodriguez, ABS-CBN Head of Programming Richard Reynante, and ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez.

Santos-Concio will also be joined by ABS-CBN Channel 2 Head Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Head for Customer Business Development Vivian Tin, and Reyes in an open forum where the students can personally ask questions to them.

ABS-CBN has been co-presenting the Pinoy Media Congress with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators for already six years. Aside from having most of the country’s top-rating programs and most popular stars, ABS-CBN also boasts of having the nation’s biggest news organization, making it one of the solid authorities in Philippine media.

“As a leader in the industry, ABS-CBN takes the initiative of guiding and preparing young communicators to “BIDA BEST” and become brilliant, insightful, and creative media practitioners who are driven not only by excellence but by love for country,” said ABS-CBN Head for Corporate Communications Bong Osorio.

ABS-CBN believes that the student communicators can help unite the nation towards change using effective communication. The Kapamilya network is already doing this through producing quality and inspiring programs and spearheading citizen empowering projects such as “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” and “Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig.”

ABS-CBN Top Guns Meet Communication Students at 6th Pinoy Media Congress originally appeared on Starmometer on February 18, 2011.

Telling a story is nothing new to ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio, the host of the 19-year-old drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” But last Saturday (Nov 6), Charo got to experience a different kind of storytelling as a volunteer in DZMM’s Teaching Learning Caring (TLC) clinic-on-wheels and classroom-on-wheels project.

While people lined up for free medical check-ups at the clinic-on-wheels, Santos-Concio played teacher to 30 children aged six to eleven in a tent beside the classroom-on-wheels. After reading a book, she led a discussion among the kids, some of which have never set foot on a school. They were very participative, and she was touched by this.

“Nakikita mo sa mga mata nila they’re very focused and attentive. There’s the hunger for knowledge. Nakakataba ng puso na mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong matuto,” she recounted.

Santos-Concio, together with ABS-CBN Manila Radio Division Head Peter Musngi, and DZMM anchors Ted Failon, Ariel Ureta, and Bernadette Sembrano were in Angono, Rizal that time with a group of volunteer doctors and teachers for the very first outing of DZMM TLC.

DZMM TLC aims to promote health and spark the children’s interest in learning in areas devastated by Typhoon Ondoy, like Angono.

A product of the ingenuity and hard work of the men and women of DZMM, TLC is a spin-off of ‘Kapamilya, Shower Na,’ a mobile shower for typhoon victims conceptualized by Failon last year. The outpouring support from ‘Kapamilya, Shower Na’ donors paved the way for the construction of TLC’s clinic-on-wheels and classroom-on-wheels.

“Kakaiba ito dahil dati rati sinasabihan natin sa publiko na pumunta sa ABS-CBN Foundation o DZMM Public Service Center. Pero napagisip-isip namin na marami pa tayong puwedeng gawin. Mayroon tayong mga truck, clinic at classroom on wheels na puwede nating dalhin kung nasaan mismo yung mga nangangailangan,” Musngi explained.

DZMM has partnered with doctor societies and hospitals for the free medical consultations for up to 300 residents per area visited, and publishing houses and bookstores for the books and storytellers for the classroom-on-wheels. Aside from these activities, there will also be film showings, talks, and a soup kitchen-style feeding program in every TLC outing.

Santos-Concio said the support of DZMM for these communities won’t end with every trip. “We hope to involve the local government para maipagpatuloy ‘yung ginagawa natin. Kaya ineengganyo ko ang mga volunteer teachers and doctors to take part in DZMM TLC,” she said.

Musngi added that DZMM will conduct training for barangay leaders and turnover educational toys and books to them so they may continue imparting care and knowledge after the DZMM TLC caravan has taken off. He said the clinic-on-wheels may also be used to respond to emergencies.

Failon said he hopes other groups will be inspired by the idea behind TLC. “Ito ay isang program na dapat gayahin sa anumang panig ng bansa para maabot maski ang mga mamamayan sa liblib na pook,” said the “Tambalang Failon at Webb” anchor.

TLC, DZMM’s latest advocacy project, will be going to Marikina City next on November 20 with Noli “Kabayan” De Castro as the story teller. The country’s number one radio station and leading cable news channel is also involved in on-going medical missions, the annual Buntis Congress, mass christening and other activities that prove that it is not only “Una sa Balita” but also “Una sa Public Service.”

Meanwhile, DZMM also posted a 27% audience share in Mega Manila for the month of September based on the 2010 Nielsen Mega Manila RAM to continue its rule as the number one AM radio station.

You can take part in DZMM TLC by donating useable children’s book for all ages, school supplies, toiletries, medicines, and educational toys. Just bring them to the Public Service Center at G/F of the ABS-CBN Foundation Bldg., Mother Ignacia Ave. Diliman, Quezon City from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. For more information, just call Zaldy Naguit at 9244101 o 9244122 loc. 5674.

Stay tuned to DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo at SkyCable channel 26. You may also visit www.dzmm.com.ph for news updates and live streaming.

Charo Santos-Concio Reads to Ondoy Victims originally appeared on Starmometer on November 14, 2010.

Speaking in front of over 1,200 students and teachers of mass communication nationwide, ABS-CBN Head for Research and Business Analysis Vivian Tin said this is because the Kapamilya network values what the Filipino viewers think and feel. “We don’t need to look at what competition is doing. What we do is look at our audience and understand what they need,” she told the delegates.

Based on their studies, Filipinos turn to television programs to escape, even for a while, from the hardships of their everyday lives. They also watch shows which offer them the right values to live by amid crises and poverty.

Tin said through knowing what the viewers are watching and the reasons behind their preferences, ABS-CBN has been able to put up programs that capture the taste of the viewers.

ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio added that ABS-CBN programs mirror the lives of Filipinos – their hardships and triumphs – which makes it easier for viewers to relate to them.

Indeed, viewers got to see the struggles and the bravery of soldiers in “Tayong Dalawa,” the conflict of the Church and state, and the power of faith in “May Bukas Pa,” and the trials faced by a single mom and the joy of love in “Only You.” These programs were about real people and real situations, and they were all well-received by the viewers.

Meanwhile, delegates also got a treat when “Showtime” hosts Vhong Navarro, Kim Atienza, and Jugs Jugueta brought two monthly champions from their hit program to PUP.

The crowd went wild as they saw ordinary Filipinos take the stage, have fun and have their moment to shine. But beyond the fun of the act, the delegates of “Pinoy Media Congress” understood it was watching a success story unfold before their eyes that made them applaud and smile.

“Our programs give hope and inspiration because they highlight the strengths of Filipinos. We believe in the Filipino,” Concio said.

The annual “Pinoy Media Congress” is co-organized by ABS-CBN and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators. It has been awarded by prestigious groups such as the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of the Philippines since its inception in 2005.

ABS-CBN Reveals Secret of Hit Shows in ‘Pinoy Media Congress’ originally appeared on Starmometer on February 17, 2010.

Lead by ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, President and COO Charo Santos-Concio and Channel 2 Head Cory Vidanes, executives will engage participants in a discussion of issues in media and communication in this two-day forum organized by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE).

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs head Maria Ressa, who led ABS-CBN’s election campaign “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo,” will encourage the audience to take an active role as citizens with her talk on Citizen Journalism while head of abs-cbnNEWS.com and News Mobile Charie Villa, together with Atom Araullo, will discuss the eithical issues involved in news gathering.

ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head Bong Osorio will analyze this year’s crop of political advertisements and what they do to candidates, electorate, and society

On the entertainment realm, Channel 2 Head Cory Vidanes tackles the current state of the television entertainment while ABS-CBN Head of Research and Business Analysis Unit Vivian Tin gives an introductory lecture on TV ratings in the Philippines.

The highlight of this year’s summit will be a presidential debate featuring candidates Sens. Noynoy Aquino, Richard Gordon, Manny Villar, former Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, and Eddie Villanueva who will present to the students their agenda for the country.

Pinoy Media Congress won an Award of Excellence from the Philippine Quill Awards and another Award of Excellence from the Anvil Awards in 2008.

Gabby Lopez and Charo Santos-Concio Lead 5th Pinoy Media Congress originally appeared on Starmometer on February 3, 2010.

ABS-CBN’s top management headed by ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, President and COO Charo Santos-Concio, Channel 2 Head Cory Vidanes and ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) Managing Director Gina Lopez, together with other executives and production heads, spent one whole day of fun and games with the Calaueños and fed more than a thousand families WHO were mostly residents of Estero de Paco and other areas along the sides of Pasig River.

These families were relocated to Calauan as part of the AFI’s Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig seven-year plan to clean up the Pasig river. Victims of the recent storms in Luzon also joined this newly built community in. Brgy. Dayap.

“We intend to reach the 6,000 families by next year,” said Lopez. “I’m just so happy because in two to three momths, their lives were completely transformed.”

Other than the feeding facilitated by the network executives, ABS-CBN also gave cash prizes to the winners of the recently held community song and dance competition ‘Sayawit’ and to the cleanest and most organized blocks in the community.

“Such recognitions give them inspiration and encouragement so they can be a good example to our fellow Kapamilya,” said Concio.

Meanwhile, Kapamilya stars Piolo Pascual, Erik Santos, and Rhap Salazar also graced the event and rendered their song numbers.

“Bayanijuan sa Calauan” was the last the final leg of ABS-CBN’s Christmas Campaign. The campaign started in November with the simultaneous parol lighting ceremonies held in ABS-CBN offices in and out of the country, which was followed by other activities such as the launching of the Christmas Station ID “Bro Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko,” selling of Parol ni Bro lanters for the benefit of AFI and Bayanijuan, and the recent ABS-CBN Christmas Special held at the Araneta Coliseum.

Kapamilya online Christmas promos are still on going. Log on to http://www.abs-cbn.com/parolnibro/ for more information.

ABS-CBN Execs and Stars Brighten Up Xmas of Calauenos with ‘Bayanijuan sa Calauan’ originally appeared on Starmometer on December 21, 2009.

A true blue Kapamilya style celebration, don’t miss the special ‘May Bukas Pa’ production number plus the launching of ABS-CBN’s face of 60 years of soap opera – Judy Ann Santos for her newest series ‘Habang May Buhay’ – followed by sneak peeks of the newest teleseryes to look forward to in 2010. Various stars carol the night away with Pinoy Christmas songs while the Kanto Boys bring the house down with their never ending quirkiness. Expect more surprise treats plus an inspirational message by the one and only King of Comedy, Dolphy.

ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos Concio as well as other network executives grace the night.

The Christmas special is part of the Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko campaign which started last November with a lighting ceremony at ABS-CBN building, followed by the launch of the Christmas station ID and the Bayanijuan sa Calauan and the ongoing Win sa Bituin promo.

It’s going to be a night of pure fun and entertainment! Catch the ABS-CBN Christmas Special Part 2 on December 20, 10pm on Sunday’s Best.

Kapamilya Stars Continue to Sparkle in the ABS-CBN Christmas Special Part 2 originally appeared on Starmometer on December 18, 2009.

MEGA Magazine’s beauty issue this month of May features their list of the 10 Most Beautiful A-List Celebrities topped by no other than Angel Locsin.

It is interesting to note that Angel Locsin is Starmometer’s Most Beautiful Woman in the Philippines for 3 years in a row. She ranked 1st in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Also in MEGA magazine’s list are ABS-CBN President Charo Santos Concio, Myx Veejay and recording artist Nikki Gil and Kapuso primetime-turned-daytime star Heart Evangelista.

In no particular order, here is the complete list of MEGA’s 10 Most Beautiful A-List Celebrities:

1. Angel Locsin
2. Korina Sanchez
3. Charo Santos Concio
4. Nikki Gil
5. Heart Evangelista
6. Carmina Villaroel
7. Stef Henares
8. Joanne Ramirez
9. Audrey Tan Zubiri
10. Michelle Panemanglor

Check them out on the May 2009 issue of MEGA Magazine now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold.

Angel Locsin is Mega Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2009 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 5, 2009.

Hosted by Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, the Bugoy Drilon episode will be aired this coming Saturday, October 11, 2008. It will feature Bugoy’s real life struggle from being a janitor to joining the the reality talent search in order to fulfill his dreams.

Bugoy will be appearing on the last part of the episode having filmed for MMK for one whole day.

“Happy po ako pero hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon ng tao at saka pamilya ko,” he said.

Mark Bautista will play the role of Bugoy while Malou de Guzman, Soliman Cruz, Paw Diaz, Sarah Palad with the special participation of PDA’s mentor Monet Silvestre, Hansen Nichols, Maria Lizel Garcia and Chivas Garcia will also appear in the said episode.

Bugoy Drilon’s Life Story in Maalaala Mo Kaya originally appeared on Starmometer on October 10, 2008.