Leading broadcast company GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) ended the month of August on a positive note as it led rival stations in nationwide TV ratings according to data from the industry's more trusted ratings source Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.
Based on full August data (Aug. 1-25 official data; Aug. 26-31 overnight data), GMA registered an average of 34 percent in total day (6 a.m. to 12 mn.) household audience shares in National Urban Philippines, 1.3 percentage points ahead of ABS-CBN's 32.7, and 19.2 percentage points ahead of TV5's 14.8.
In comparison with the previous month, GMA was the only broadcast company whose total day household audience share across all areas (inclusive of the Visayas-Mindanao regions) increased in August, as driven by improved shares in the evening block (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.), where viewing levels are at their highest.
Further, GMA remained undisputed and led all day parts in the important areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which represent 77 and 59.5 percent of total urban television households in the country, respectively.
In Urban Luzon, Nielsen data show that GMA hiked its total day household audience share compared to the previous month from 37.1 to 38 percent. ABS-CBN scored only 28.6 percent while TV5 lagged farther behind with 14.1 percent.
GMA also maintained its solid performance in Mega Manila, even increasing its total day average from 37.9 percent in July to 39.1 percent in August. On the other hand, ABS-CBN managed 26.4 percent, while TV5 got only 14.9 percent.
In the afternoon block (12 n.n. to 6 p.m.), GMA further strengthened its dominance, scoring double-digit margins in audience share over its closest competitor. GMA led ABS-CBN in the afternoon block by 13.9 points in NUTAM, 22.1 points in Urban Luzon, and 24.8 points in Mega Manila.
GMA also dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila.
Incidentally, Kapuso stars especially the cast of "Makapiling Kang Muli," "Just One Summer," and "One True Love" went to Davao City recently to celebrate the Kadayawan Festival with their fans. Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati bannered the Kapuso Float during the parade and the Kapuso Mall Show at SM Davao City. They were joined by co-stars Janine Gutierrez, Benedict Campos, John Lapus, Mark Gil and Rio Locsin.
Also joining in the Kadayawan Festival celebration were the stars of GMA Films' "Just One Summer," Elmo Magalona, Julie Anne San Jose, Lexi Fernandez, Sef Cadayona, and Steven Silva; and the top-rating primetime soap "One True Love" - Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Lucho Ayala, Benjie Paras and Raymond Bagatsing.
Last Aug. 17, the cast of "Just One Summer" visited Brgy. Talomo and Brgy. Panacan for the Kapuso Barangayan where they were warmly welcomed by their fans. After that, they proceeded to the NCCC Mall for the Kapuso Mall Show with Sam Pinto.
The network's participation in the Kadayawan Festival was aired last Sunday (Sept. 9) via GMA's regional stations in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod, and Bicol. The TV Special will air in Cagayan de Oro on Sept. 16.
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Bo Cerrudo as 'The King'
Back to theater is the country's premier classical balladeer is Bo Cerrudo, who alternates (with Leo Tavarro Valdez) for the majestic role of King Mongkut of Siam in the forthcoming Resorts World Manila's production of the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical "The King and I."
In a recent interview Bo (Bimbo Cerrudo during his early years as a singer-stage actor), expressed excitement about the role. He said he was challenged by it so he made his own research about The King of Siam who he found out was an astrologer and a comedian as well.
Bo has been in the business for 25 years, starting on stage (as Repertory Phils. actor) then became a singer. "After a fulfilling singing career, balik theater ako," Bo said. He appeared in "Flower Drum Song," "West Side Story," "Rama Hari," and in the Manila run of "Miss Saigon." But it was in "Walang Sugat," staged at the CCP that he made the most number of shows.
But of course, he can't do without musical performances, and so he came up with the series "Cerrudo: Classico," which became the longest-running concert series of its kind, having staged over 100 shows since its inception in 2005.
Right now, Bo together with Moy Ortiz and Jon Santos is in another concert series, "I Heart Manila," which started last Sept. 5 and is staged every other Wednesday at the Music Museum.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 11, go to Jeanne Young, Emilio Tuason, Elenita P. Grande, Ma. Karina N. Tan, Mark Philippe Solomon Fulgar, Baybee Astete, Linda Mercado, Ana Maria Mendoza of Hotel Rembrandt, Ferdinand "Don" Manebo, Anna Marie Pili and Bessie Badilla...
