UNTV received for its online home (www.untvweb.com) the highest honor as the Most Popular Website of the Year from the Philippine Web Awards.
Together with the websites of UNTV CEO, broadcast journalist Daniel Razon (www.danielrazon.com), blog of Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) host, Bro. Eli Soriano (esoriano.wordpress.com) and the religious group, Members Church of God International (www.mcgi.org), all four websites received a People's Choice Award in their respective categories.
The awards night was held last Friday (April 8) at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
This year's award marks UNTVweb.com's sixth consecutive win from the local award-giving body.
In the polling percentage of the news, zines, and entertainment category, UNTVweb.com left behind the websites of major television and radio stations; GMAnews.tv and Jam 88.3 respectively, and two popular magazine publications: Appetite and Men's Health Philippines. This is the fifth time that the television network received the People’s Choice award.
For its sixth win this year, Daniel Razon’s site led the Personal category against its seven contenders. It competed with the websites of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Joseph Manalastas (web developer), and Mini Philippines (a Twitter-like blog that highlights news and stories about the Philippines), to name a few. DanielRazon.com received a Best Website Award in the celebrities and personalities category in 2007.
Daniel Razon is UNTV’s Chief Executive Officer and host of the station’s flagship morning program Good Morning Kuya! His website showcases his media works, expertise in photography, knack for music, advocacy for change, and charity works.
In the country, UNTV and Razon are known to be proponents of numerous public services like free commuter rides, free medical assistance, and free private education, among others. Celebrating its seventh year in July, UNTV is known as The Pillar of Public Service in Philippine Television.
UNTV made its debut on the web in 2004. Earlier this year, it unveiled its newly-revamped site that highlights free 24/7 webcast, more news and program videos, and enhanced public services.
Unlike in the previous competitions where short message service (SMS) was one of the means to vote, this year’s voting could only be done online through the PWA website.
Other big winners include the religious group, the Members Church of God International (www.mcgi.org) and the blog of its presiding minister, Bro. Eli Soriano (esoriano.wordpress.com).
Now on its 12th year, the Philippine Web Awards continue to recognize the best Filipino created Web sites and the people behind them. Media Gateway Corporation spearheaded the event. - Words by Hazel David
