ABS-CBN personalities, programs win big at 7th ALTA Media Icon Awards 2026

October 23 ------ ABS-CBN personalities and programs earned multiple honors at the 7th ALTA Media Icon Awards 2026, organized by the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, recognizing excellence in television, radio, and music.

Among the awardees were ABS-CBN News journalists Zen Hernandez and Johnson Manabat, who were named Best Female News Personality and Best Male News Personality, respectively. ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast, "TV Patrol," also received the Best News Program award. For Hernandez, the recognition carries greater significance as it comes from students and young audiences, especially at a time when the media industry continues to face challenges involving misinformation, disinformation, and attacks on its credibility.

“Siyempre, napakahalaga ng bawat parangal at lalo pang mahalaga itong mga award na ito dahil nga galing siya sa mga kabataan, sa mga estudyante ng University of Perpetual Help,” she said. She emphasized that the recognition restores her faith in the younger generation’s ability to distinguish credible journalism from false information. “Sa panahon ngayon, maraming challenges na kinakaharap ang media, may misinformation, disinformation, 'yung mga pag-atake sa kredibilidad ng media. Pero 'yung mga ganitong pagkakataon, it restores faith sa mga kabataan natin na marunong umalam at kumilatis nga ng tamang impormasyon,” she added.

Manabat echoed the same sentiment, saying the recognition serves as an inspiration for journalists to continue delivering accurate and relevant news despite the growing distractions brought by social media. “Sabi ko nga kanina, sa dami ng distractions ngayon sa social media, importante na 'yung kabataan nanonood pa rin pala ng balita at binibigyan ng halaga yung trabaho ng mga gaya natin kasi challenging yung mga panahon ganito na maghahatid ka ng balita. Ang dami mong kalaban eh,” Manabat said. “So habang merong mga kabataang gaya nila na nagbibigay ng parangal, kahit papaano nagbibigay ng inspiration sa atin na gawin yung trabaho natin nang mas mabuti para maibigay natin yung information na kailangan ng lahat,” he said.

Meanwhile, several Kapamilya entertainment personalities and programs also took home major awards. "Pilipinas Got Talent" Season 7 was named Best Talent Search Program, while its host, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, received the Best Talent Search Host award.

Known for her humor, Cantiveros drew laughter during her acceptance speech as she expressed gratitude for the recognition. “Amazing. Alam mo, dati na-award ako dahil napapagalitan ako ng papa at mama ko. Pero ngayon, this is the best award that I’ve received this 2026. Thank you so much for believing in 'Pilipinas Got Talent,'” Cantiveros said in an interview.

The actress and television host said the recognition reassured her that the effort she puts into hosting is appreciated. “Ito parang importante kasi parang meron palang na napupuntahan yung effort mo sa pag-host. And I cannot believe this happening na talaga ako pa yung napili nila,” she said.

Veteran broadcaster Karen Davila was also recognized as Best Magazine Show Host for "My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!". In the acting categories, Joshua Garcia won Best Actor for Television for his performance in "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay," while Lucas Andalio was named Best Child Performer for "Call Me Mother." Rising Kapamilya star Brent Manalo received the Most Promising Male Star award, while the tandem of Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan was named Best Love Team.

DZMM TeleRadyo also secured wins earning Hall of Fame recognition in the Best AM Radio Station category. Its program "Gising Pilipinas" was named Best AM Radio Program, while broadcaster Alvin Elchico won Best Male AM Radio Personality. In the music categories, singer Janine Berdin was recognized as Best Female Recording Artist, while the "Nation’s Girl Group" BINI received the Best P-Pop Group award.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com