Broadcast giant GMA Network reaffirmed its global excellence in producing world-class content that resonates with international audiences, bringing home 3 World Medals for the Philippines at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film (NYF) Awards–including another prestigious Gold medal for “The Atom Araullo Specials (TAAS).”
For the third consecutive year, The Atom Araullo Specials earned the World Gold Medal, this time in the Documentary: National Affairs category for its powerful episode “Pogoland.” Aired in 2024, the documentary hosted by Atom Araullo delved into the vast, deep, and intricate world of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), offering viewers a deep and nuanced look into this controversial industry.
The Atom Araullo Specials also won back-to-back Gold Medals in the Documentary: Social Issues category for “Batas Bata” (Child’s Game) in 2024 and “Mata sa Dilim” (Eye in the Dark) in 2023.
Aside from Gold, the Silver and Bronze medals were also won by GMA Public Affairs.
Earning a Silver medal was the multi-awarded and highly-acclaimed film “Firefly,” which won in the Films: Feature Films category. Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, Firefly previously emerged as the runaway winner at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California, taking home the highly coveted Best Picture honor. Shown in 2024, the film also dominated the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival.
The Philippines’ most awarded news magazine program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)” added another laurel to its growing list of international accolades, taking home the Bronze medal for its episode “Minahan sa Homonhon Island” (Nickel and Dime: The Cost of Mining in Homonhon Island) in the Documentary: Environment & Ecology category. The episode featured the devastating effects of large-scale mining in Homonhon Island in Guian, Eastern Samar, which sparked discussions online as host Jessica Soho went to Guiuan to personally investigate the issue.
Equally giving the country prestige are “24 Oras” and “Lost Sabungeros,” which earned Finalist certificates in their respective categories.
GMA Integrated News’ flagship newscast 24 Oras was conferred with a Finalist Certificate for its special coverage titled “Super Typhoon Carina (Typhoon Gaemi) and Habagat (Southwest Monsoon).” The recognition celebrates 24 Oras’ exceptional journalism and public service as it delivered timely, accurate, and life-saving information to millions of Filipinos during one of the most destructive weather events in 2024. GMA Integrated News mobilized its reporters on the ground, integrated real-time data, and provided vital updates through multiplatform coverage. The program served as a critical lifeline for communities in distress, highlighted GMA Integrated News’ continued excellence in disaster reporting to keep the public informed and safe, and its standing as the most trusted news organization in the Philippines.
Completing the recognitions for GMA Network was Lost Sabungeros, which secured a Finalist certificate in the Documentary: Investigative Journalism category. Directed by Bryan Brazil, the GMA Public Affairs’ first-ever investigative documentary tried to shed light on the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighters) who have been abducted in various incidents since 2022.
Celebrating the world’s best since 1957, the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards honors creative excellence and mastery of craft in all lengths and forms. This year’s roster of shortlists included a diverse range of engaging primetime entertainment, documentaries, investigative journalism, sports coverage, promos, streaming media, and brand image films.
GMA Network has consistently led the Philippines’ presence at the New York Festivals, garnering the most nominations and awards for the country year after year. For more updates about GMA Network, visit www.gmanetwork.com.
