Carmela "Mel" Corro Tiangco (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈtʃaŋkɔ]; born August 10, 1955) is a Filipino television newscaster and television host. She is one of the news pillars of GMA Integrated News, GMA Public Affairs and a multi-awarded news anchor.

Mel Tiangco
Born
Carmela Corro Tiangco[1]

(1955-08-10) August 10, 1955 (age 69)[2]
Bataan, Philippines[3]
Alma materDe La Salle University
Occupation(s)Broadcast journalist, President and Founder of GMA Kapuso Foundation
Years active1981–present
EmployerGMA Network Inc.
OrganizationGMA Kapuso Foundation
Agents
Known forCo-anchor of GMA's flagship newscast, 24 Oras and hosts the weekly drama anthology Magpakailanman.
TelevisionTV Patrol (anchor, 1987–1995)
Saksi (anchor, 1996–1999)
Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco (anchor, 1999–2004)
24 Oras (anchor, 2004–present)
Powerhouse (former host, 2011–2013)
Magpakailanman (host, 2002–2007;[a] 2012–present)
Children4

Biography

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Carmela Corro Tiangco was born on August 10, 1955, in Bataan to Arsenio Tiangco Sr. and Florencia Corro.

Media career

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After graduating from De La Salle University, she became one of the leading presenters in Philippine television journal programs.

Tiangco's media career began in the last years of the Marcos presidency. She began in broadcasting when she was hired by government-owned MBS-4[4] as a newscaster after being discovered in an audition in RPN-9 by its network's news director Edwin Fargas. After the People Power Revolution in 1986, the former did not renew the workers' contracts.[5] Meanwhile, she began in radio through DZXL of Radio Mindanao Network.[6][7]

She joined ABS-CBN Corporation for a decade since 1986[5][8][9] — at that time, the network was newly-resurrrected[7] and the station shared the same building with Channel 4 which later moved to its present site.[4] Working first at DZMM,[6] with Jay Sonza,[10] they later hosted the program Mel and Jay, which later had its television counterpart,[11] a Sunday talk show, since 1989.[12][13] Meanwhile, she co-anchored the network's primetime newscast Balita Ngayon;[7] and gained fame being one of the original anchors of the replacement program TV Patrol, which was premiered in 1987.[14][15]

As Tiangco and Sonza transferred to GMA Network in 1996,[6][12][14] they continued being the duo[10][11] through the television program, yet renamed as Partners: Mel and Jay,[6][9][10][11] and a program in DZBB-AM.[6][14] In 2004, as Sonza sought for his failed senatorial bid, Tiangco went solo, and later hosted Mel & Joey with Joey de Leon.[11]

Tiangco became the anchor for flagship newscasts; first being part of Saksi in 1996.[6] She became the first solo anchorwoman for Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco,[12] a nightly newscast[16][17] which premiered in 1999.[16] She was the first to conduct exclusive interviews in 2001, especially of former president Joseph Estrada in the beginning of his detention in Camp Crame, and of his successor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo upon her declaration of state of rebellion following a a siege near Malacañang.[16] She has co-anchoring 24 Oras[12][13] since its premiere in 2004.[18]

Tiangco also currently hosts a weekly drama anthology Magpakailanman,[12][13] whose first incarnation premiered in 2002.[9]

Tiangco was also a co-host for public affairs show Sanib Puwersa with Arnold Clavio.[19] She also hosted Powerhouse from 2011 to 2013 on GMA News TV.

Even prior to being part of GMA, Tiangco has been involved in public service[8] and philanthropic acts.[12] While in GMA, she served as the executive director of the network's public service arm Bisig Bayan; in 2002, she became part of the GMA Kapuso Foundation,[8] the socio-civic arm,[20] where she served as the executive vice president[20][21] and chief operating officer[21] (until April 2016).

Personal life

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Tiangco married at a young age,[8] but was annulled in 1994.[10] She has four children,[8] including musician Wency Cornejo (best known as the lead vocalist of rock band AfterImage which was active in the 1990s), as well as Ana Teresa, Melanie and Jose Miguel.[22]

In 1997, Tiangco underwent angioplasty after suffering a massive heart attack, with a huge amount of blood being replaced to survive. It is said the reason being part of a socio-civic group, among her other missions.[20]

Suspension and transfer to another network

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On January 16, 1996, ABS-CBN suspended Tiangco for three months without pay as co-anchor of TV Patrol and Mel & Jay (then a radio program on DZMM)[23] following her appearance in a television advertisement for Tide in December 1995, allegedly a violation of an earlier-issued circular prohibiting news personalities from doing so[24] without the network's prior approval,[23] which was considered a breach of company rules.[25][26][27] Reportedly, this is universally enforced in all print and broadcast meant to avoid any suspicions of bias or favoritism.[26]

She then went on indefinite leave of absence; while Sonza resigned. Both transferred to GMA 7.[23][28]

Complaint against ABS-CBN on her dismissal

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On March 11, 1996, Tiangco filed a complaint against ABS-CBN Corporation for illegal dismissal and illegal suspension, as well as monetary claims. In April 1999, the Labor Arbiter ruled in Tiangco's favor. The said decision was later reversed in July 2006 by the National Labor Relations Commission, arguing that Tiangco and her co-host Jay Sonza (as also ruled by the Supreme Court in 2004, which eventually affirming the Labor Arbiter's dismissal of his own petition)[29] are "independent contractors."[25][27]

The decision was elevated to the Court of Appeals on the ground of grave abuse of discretion. The parties executed and signed a partial settlement agreement, dated December 15, 2011,[30] wherein Tiangco agreed that ABS-CBN paid her in full the amount covering specific monetary claims.[25][27]

The said agreement was approved by the CA in its January 27, 2012, decision which also declared that the other issues in the case were already moot.[25][27][30]

Tiangco then filed the petition for review questioning the CA ruling, which was later dismissed by the SC which upheld the earlier ruling[30] and decided that Tiangco is not entitled to the claims as she is an independent contractor.[25][27] The ruling, dated December 6, 2021, only publicly released on June 2, 2022.[31][32]

Complaint by ABS-CBN on her transfer to GMA

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Also in 1996, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation filed a lawsuit against the two and GMA Network, Inc. before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to oblige them to comply to the contract banning them from working in any other media station for a year after they left the former network.[23][26][28]

The court ruled on June 26, 1998, validating their cancellation of their contracts with ABS-CBN,[23] as well as their transfer to GMA[28] which had no hand over their decision.[26]

The CA upheld the said decision on August 6, 2003,[26] citing lack of evidence that Tiangco violated the prohibition upon her appearance in the commercial, justifying her unilateral action in dissolving the agreement, and considering the fact that Sonza is redundant without her in the show.[23]

ABS-CBN later filed an appeal to reverse the ruling, which was dismissed by the SC, in a December 13, 2010, resolution, "for failure to sufficiently show any reversible error" in the CA's decision.[23][26][28]

According to GMA Network, the network's act of suspension to Tiangco without solid proof and legal basis is a grave breach of contract, and supports her termination of the contract.[26]

Despite the issue, Tiangco garnered support from the public. In the anniversary press conference for her show Magpakailanman on February 18, 2013, she said that she has already forgiven her former network. While she likened her experience in her former network similar to a cockroach being trampled on, she stated that she has already moved on from the suspension incident as she felt "vindicated" by her accomplishments in her current network and her program's success in the Philippine television.[26]

Television programs

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Television
Year Title Network
1986–1987 Balita Ngayon ABS-CBN
1987–1995 TV Patrol
1989–1996 Mel & Jay
1990 Palibhasa Lalake: 3rd Anniversary Special[33]
1995 Oki Doki Doc
1996–2004 Partners Mel & Jay GMA Network
1996–1999 Saksi
1999–2004 Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco
2001–2002 Debate
(Fill-in host for Winnie Monsod.)[16][9]
2002–2007
2012–present
Magpakailanman
2004 Partners with Mel Tiangco
2004–2011 Mel & Joey
2004–present 24 Oras
2007 Philippine Agenda
2011 Sanib Puwersa
2011–2013 Dream Home GMA News TV

Awards

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1988, 1990

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  • Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television, Philippine Movie Press Club

1990

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  • Presidential Medallion, Presidential Awardee for Work for the Welfare of the Disabled, Apolinario Mabini Award

1991-1992

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  • Broadcast Journalism Award, Public Service on Radio (Mel & Jay DZMM), Rotary Club of Manila
  • TOWNS Awardee, The Outstanding Women in Nation Service (Public Service & Journalism)

1990-1996

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  • Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television, Philippine Movie Press Club

1990-1993

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  • Pinakamahusay na Programa sa Telebisyon, Gawad Cultural Center of the Philippines Awards for TV, Mel & Jay

1990-1996

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  • Best Female Television Talkshow Host, Star Awards for Television, Philippine Movie Press Club (Hall of Fame)

1994

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  • Commendation: Humanitarian Concern, House Resolution No. 35-Series 1995, House of Representatives, Republic of the Philippines
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
  • Gintong Ina Awardee, Celebrity Mother of the Year, Golden Mother & Father Foundation, Inc.

1994-1995

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  • Gintong Ina Awardee, Single Parent of the Year, Golden Mother & Father Foundation

1994

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  • Presidential Awardee, Best Non-Government Organization in Public Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines
  • Presidential Awardee, First Media People's Award
  • Best Magazine Talk Show Host, Star Awards for Television
  • Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television
  • Best Female Celebrity Talk show host, Star Awards for Television

1995-1997

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  • Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television

1996

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  • Finalist, New York International TV Festival, Mel & Jay, TV Host

1998

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  • Finalist, Asian Television Awards, Singapore
  • Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year Award, KBP Golden Dove Awards

2000

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  • Trailblazer Award, Outstanding Alumna, St. Theresa's College

2001

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  • Paralegal ng Bayan Awardee, 16th Huwarang Pilipino Award for Media & Journalism
  • He & She (HAS) Club Awardee, Outstanding Woman of Bataan
  • Woman of Distinction Award, Soroptimist International
  • Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television
  • Best Female Broadcaster for Television, KBP Golden Dove Awards

2002

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  • Best Talk Show/Program Host-TV, Partners Mel & Jay, 12th KBP Golden Dove Awards
  • Best Female Newscaster, Frontpage, Star Awards for Television
  • Outstanding Citizen of Quezon City for Mass Media

2004

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  • Outstanding Broadcast Journalist & Social Servant, Gusi Peace Prize Award
  • Outstanding Host for Partners Mel & Jay, 1st Golden Screen Awards for Television
  • Woman of Distinction Award, Soroptimist International

2006

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  • Most Outstanding Female News Presenter of the Year, COMGUILD Center for Journalism

2008

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  • Most Outstanding Female News Presenter, COMGUILD Center for Journalism

2012

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  • Anak TV Makabata Hall of Famers Award
  • People of the Year, People Asia Magazine

2013

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  • Edukcircle MOPIP TV Awards[34]
Year Award-giving body Category Nominated work Results Ref.
2000 14th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Celebrity Talk Show Hosts[b][c] Partners Mel and Jay
(GMA-7)
Won [35]
2001 15th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Celebrity Talk Show Host[b] Won [36][37]
Best Female Newscaster Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco
(GMA-7)
Won [36][37]
11th Golden Dove Awards Best TV Newscaster Won [36]
Notes:
  1. ^ the first season of Magpakailanman ended on December 27, 2007, with some rerun episodes aired on January 3, 2008. It officially ended January 31, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Shared with fellow host Jay Sonza.
  3. ^ Tied with Kris Aquino.

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "Carla Abellana, napaka-radiant bride sa kasal nila ni Tom Rodriguez" [Carla Abellana, radiant bride at Tom Rodriguez's wedding]. Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Tagalog). October 23, 2021. Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  2. ^ "Mag-asawang Nonie at Shamaine Buencamino, iniwasan ang physical contact sa taping ng Magpakailanman" [Married couple Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino, avoided physical contact during the taping of Magpakailanman]. Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Tagalog). August 11, 2020. Archived from the original on March 22, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  3. ^ Glorioso, Bot (November 27, 2014). "What makes life fulfilling for Mel". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 30, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Francisco, Butch (December 3, 2011). "Star Bytes: Channel 4's glory days (Second of two parts)". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Mel Tiangco: GMA's Gem". Philippine Entertainment Portal. July 3, 2007. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Jimenez, Alex (December 2, 1996). "Saksi: Radio goes the way of TV". Manila Standard. p. 26B. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ a b c Salterio, Leah (August 6, 2007). "Jake Maderazo back at DZXL". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e Salterio, Leah (April 17, 2002). "Showbiz Tidbits: ABS-CBN still persecuting me, says Mel Tiangco". Philippine Daily Inquirer. p. A26. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  9. ^ a b c d Cruz, Marinel (December 22, 2002). "After doing the news, Mel takes on new genre on TV". Philippine Daily Inquirer. p. A28. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google News Archive.
  10. ^ a b c d Salterio, Leah (July 31, 2000). "Showbiz Tidbits: Jay Sonza says he wants to marry Mel Tiangco". Philippine Daily Inquirer. p. B9. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  11. ^ a b c d Valle, Jocelyn (September 26, 2004). "Mel: Joey a 'sensitive, perfect gentleman'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. pp. A33–A34. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Anarcon, James Patrick (October 5, 2017). "15 TV news reports with controversial network transfers". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  13. ^ a b c Anarcon, James Patrick (October 24, 2021). "7 TV Patrol anchors, reporters who pulled controversial exits". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Jimenez, Alex (November 18, 1996). "Tandems and trios are here to stay". Manila Standard. p. 42B. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  15. ^ Bagaoisan, Anjo (March 5, 2022). "How 'TV Patrol' evolved in 35 years". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c d Salterio, Leah (May 28, 2001). "Mel Tiangco says no to politics". Philippine Daily Inquirer. p. A29. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  17. ^ Red, Isah (July 15, 2002). "Simply Red: Switching Timeslots". Manila Standard. p. 24. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  18. ^ "Broadcasting pillars unite". Philippine Daily Inquirer. March 12, 2004. p. C3. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google News Archive.
  19. ^ "Mel Tiangco and Arnold Clavio's Sanib Puwersa will premiere this Sunday". Philippine Entertainment Forum. October 21, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  20. ^ a b c Balbuena, Vanessa (April 15, 2010). "Mel Tiangco On Paying It Forward". The Freeman. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Bondoc, Belle (November 30, 2003). "Foundation hears kids' silent plea for help". Philippine Daily Inquirer. pp. M1, M4. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  22. ^ Lara, Tanya (February 28, 2004). "Mel Tiangco's home hits the front page". The Philippine Star.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g Philstar.com
  24. ^ Philippine Entertainment Portal
  25. ^ a b c d e Philstar Life
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h Gabinete, Jojo (July 11, 2020). "Throwback: Mel Tiangco's 16-year legal battle with ABS-CBN". Pep.ph. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  27. ^ a b c d e Supreme Court
  28. ^ a b c d ABS-CBN News
  29. ^ G.R. No. 138051 (June 10, 2004), Jose Y. Sonza, petitioner, vs. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, respondent (Decision), retrieved July 29, 2023
  30. ^ a b c Abogado
  31. ^ Navallo, Mike (June 3, 2022). "SC junks Mel Tiangco's appeal vs ABS-CBN over 'illegal dismissal, suspension'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  32. ^ G.R. No. 200434 (December 6, 2021), Carmela C. Tiangco, petitioner, vs. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, respondent (Decision), retrieved July 29, 2023
  33. ^ "Palibhasa Lalake's 3rd Anniversary Special with Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza (FULL EPISODE 155)". YouTube.
  34. ^ Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales honored in Edukcircle MOPIP TV Awards
  35. ^ "Happy, triumphant faces at the 14th PMPC Star Awards for TV". The Philippine Star. October 9, 2000. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  36. ^ a b c "GMA Network advertisement". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 24, 2001. pp. A20–A21. Retrieved February 27, 2024 – via Google Books.
  37. ^ a b "15th Star Awards for TV: And the winners are... them again!". The Philippine Star. October 8, 2001. Retrieved February 25, 2024.