Mel Tiangco facts for kids

Carmela "Mel" Corro Tiangco, born on August 10, 1955, is a well-known Filipino television news anchor and host. She is a key figure in GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs. Mel Tiangco has won many awards for her work in news.

Mel Tiangco's Life and Career

Carmela Corro Tiangco was born in Bataan, Philippines. Her parents are Arsenio Tiangco Sr. and Florencia Corro.

Starting a Media Career

After finishing her studies at De La Salle University, Mel Tiangco became a top presenter in Philippine television news. Her career in media began in the early 1980s. She started as a newscaster at a government-owned TV station called MBS-4.

She was discovered during an audition. Later, she also worked in radio at DZXL.

Working at ABS-CBN

In 1986, Mel Tiangco joined ABS-CBN Corporation. She worked there for ten years. She first worked on a radio show called Mel and Jay with Jay Sonza. This show later became a popular Sunday television talk show in 1989.

She also became a co-anchor for the network's main evening news program, Balita Ngayon. She became very famous as one of the first anchors of TV Patrol, which started in 1987.

Moving to GMA Network

In 1996, Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza moved to GMA Network. They continued their show, which was renamed Partners: Mel and Jay. They also had a radio show on DZBB-AM.

In 2004, Jay Sonza decided to run for senator. Mel Tiangco then hosted a show by herself, called Partners with Mel Tiangco. Later, she hosted Mel & Joey with Joey de Leon.

Becoming a Main News Anchor

Mel Tiangco became a main anchor for GMA's biggest news programs. She was part of Saksi starting in 1996. In 1999, she became the first solo female anchor for Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco, a nightly newscast.

She was known for doing special interviews. She interviewed former president Joseph Estrada and his successor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Since 2004, she has been a co-anchor for 24 Oras, which is GMA's main evening news program.

Hosting Other Shows

Mel Tiangco also hosts Magpakailanman, a weekly drama show. This show first started in 2002. She also co-hosted a public affairs show called Sanib Puwersa with Arnold Clavio. From 2011 to 2013, she hosted Powerhouse on GMA News TV.

Helping the Community

Even before joining GMA, Mel Tiangco was involved in helping others. At GMA, she worked as the executive director for a public service group called Bisig Bayan. In 2002, she became part of the GMA Kapuso Foundation. This foundation helps people in need. She was the executive vice president and chief operating officer until April 2016.

Mel Tiangco's Family Life

Mel Tiangco has four children. One of her children is Wency Cornejo, a musician who was the lead singer of the band AfterImage. Her other children are Ana Teresa, Melanie, and Jose Miguel.

In 1997, Mel Tiangco had a serious health issue. She recovered after receiving medical treatment. This experience made her even more dedicated to public service.

A Change in Networks

In 1996, ABS-CBN suspended Mel Tiangco for a few months. This happened because she appeared in a TV advertisement for Tide. The network said this was against their rules, which stated that news personalities needed permission to do such ads.

Mel Tiangco then took a break from work, and Jay Sonza resigned. Both of them later moved to GMA Network.

Legal Discussions About Her Transfer

Mel Tiangco filed a complaint against ABS-CBN regarding her suspension. After some legal discussions, a settlement was reached in 2011. This agreement meant that ABS-CBN paid her for certain claims.

Later, the Supreme Court decided that Mel Tiangco was an "independent contractor." This meant she was not considered a regular employee.

ABS-CBN also filed a lawsuit against Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza. They wanted to stop them from working for another network for a year after leaving ABS-CBN. However, the court ruled that Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza had the right to end their contracts with ABS-CBN. The court also said that GMA Network did not influence their decision to leave.

Despite these challenges, Mel Tiangco received a lot of support from the public. She later shared that she had forgiven her former network. She felt that her success at GMA Network and her show Magpakailanman proved her worth.

Television Programs

Awards and Recognition

Mel Tiangco has received many awards for her work in journalism and public service.

Key Awards for News and Hosting

• 1988, 1990, 1990-1996, 1994, 1995-1997: Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television.
• 1990-1996: Best Female Television Talkshow Host, Star Awards for Television (Hall of Fame).
• 1994: Best Magazine Talk Show Host, Star Awards for Television.
• 1998: Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year Award, KBP Golden Dove Awards.
• 2001: Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television; Best Female Broadcaster for Television, KBP Golden Dove Awards.
• 2002: Best Talk Show/Program Host-TV, Partners Mel & Jay, 12th KBP Golden Dove Awards; Best Female Newscaster, Frontpage, Star Awards for Television.
• 2006, 2008: Most Outstanding Female News Presenter of the Year, COMGUILD Center for Journalism.

Awards for Public Service

• 1990: Presidential Medallion, for Work for the Welfare of the Disabled.
• 1991-1992: Broadcast Journalism Award, Public Service on Radio (Mel & Jay DZMM).
• 1991-1992: TOWNS Awardee, The Outstanding Women in Nation Service (Public Service & Journalism).
• 1994: Commendation for Humanitarian Concern, House of Representatives.
• 1994: Presidential Awardee, Best Non-Government Organization in Public Service.
• 2004: Outstanding Broadcast Journalist & Social Servant, Gusi Peace Prize Award.

Other Notable Awards

• 1994: Lifetime Achievement Award, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
• 1994: Gintong Ina Awardee, Celebrity Mother of the Year.
• 1994-1995: Gintong Ina Awardee, Single Parent of the Year.
• 2000: Trailblazer Award, Outstanding Alumna, St. Theresa's College.
• 2002: Outstanding Citizen of Quezon City for Mass Media.
• 2012: Anak TV Makabata Hall of Famers Award; People of the Year, People Asia Magazine.