Multi-awarded ‘Maynila’ turns 13

MAYNILA, the weekly Saturday morning block timer on GMA 7, which features stories of love and romance set in the country’s capital, Manila, celebrates its 13th year in on TV this month, making it one of the longest programs in the broadcast industry.

What makes Maynila unique is that it is independently produced by Maynilad Golden Production Inc., a privately owned company; and whose original host at the very start was former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza. The show had been cited for its contributions to the cultural appreciation and values orientation of today’s youth. One of its most notable awards is the Anak TV seal, an award given to Philippine TV shows which are child-friendly, that underscores the show’s attraction for the whole family.

The show depicts the usual problems and travails of young people growing up today while injecting Filipino values and promoting the different attractions of Manila—its rich history, varied architecture and charming people. The program’s format has worked for its audience through the years, as Maynila continued to fare well in the ratings game, and has also made minimal changes in its presentation, with former Manila mayor and Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Lito Atienza now guesting in cameo roles in each episode after serving as host these past years.

Atienza, a staunch champion of family values and a lifelong supporter of youth action in public life, makes a strong pitch in every show for young people to take lessons and internalize the social and personal values that are presented in every program. This is what the show believes to be its greatest strength in capturing its viewers, making not only the teen market swoon from the teeny-bopper romance stories but also gains the nod of their parents and elder viewers.

Moreover, Maynila has also proved to be the breeding ground for young talents now making it big in GMA Channel 7 and other broadcast networks such as ABS-CBN and TV5.

Catch the show every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on GMA 7 and learn and fall in love with its bevy of young stars finding romance and fulfillment in the country’s celebrated capital, Manila.