MVP in talks to buy GMA Network (Philippines)

MVP in talks to buy GMA Network (Philippines)

Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), owner of third broadcast industry player TV5 and telecoms giant Smart Communications, has confirmed that he is in talks to buy GMA Network.

MVP in an interview with ABS-CBN said preliminary negotiations were held in 2002 and about five years ago. GMA management reportedly declined to comment on the matter, but in December 2011 the network denied there was an offer from Pangilinan.

Image Credit: CoolBuster

If the deal pushes through, GMA will be an addition to MVP’s media business that includes TV5 and Business World. He also has an investment in the popular news website Rappler.com.

MVP chairs Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Associated Broadcasting Company (TV5), Smart Communications, SPi Global, Stradcom International Holdings Inc., Cignal Digital TV, Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Talk 'N Text), First Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and Philex Mining Corporation.

He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Meralco and the Chairman of the San Beda College Board Of Trustees.

MVP reportedly assured GMA employees and talents that they will not lose their jobs once he already owns the network.

Reference used: Wikipedia.org

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Smart Communications Wins Big at Anvil Awards (Philippines)

Smart Communications Wins Big at Anvil Awards (Philippines)

Smart Communications, the country’s leading and largest wireless service provider, received the most number of trophies at the 47th Anvil Awards held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel recently.

Smart in a Facebook Note said the company won awards for its public relations programs, namely:

• Jump - the new Experience Center of PLDT and Smart which represents a bold shift from the usual retail center to a cutting-edge display of convergence, innovations and communication;
• Text to Donate - collaterals designed for the SMS-based micro-donation program initiated by Smart and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF); and
• Tanim - a cinema ad developed in partnership with USAID Ecogov and SM Cinema, which advocates the importance of interconnectivity of ecosystems and resources.

  

  Image Credit: Coolbuster

  The telco also bagged Anvil awards of excellence for the following programs:

• Kabalikat - Smart’s umbrella program for all its corporate social responsibility initiatives;
• Communiteach - a community-mentoring program that aims to improve the level of education of public elementary school students; and
• Sierra Madre Trek - a tribute trek for slain botanist Leonardo L. Co to help strengthen public appreciation for the man and his work, as well as the beauty and biodiversity of the Northern Sierra Madre Nature Park.

Twenty five (25) merit awards were also given to Smart for its various PR programs in the areas of customer care, human resources, financial services, education, environment, disaster preparedness and response, and health.

All in all, Smart received thirty one (31) trophies.

The Anvil Awards, dubbed the “Oscars” of local PR practice, is an annual event organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

It recognizes organizations that demonstrated integrity, excellence, and concern for the public interest in their programs and tools which were implemented from October 2010 to October 2011.

source: CoolBuster

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