Mel Tiangco facts for kids

Carmela "Mel" Corro Tiangco (born August 10, 1955) is a famous Filipino television newscaster and host. She is one of the main news anchors at GMA Network and has won many awards for her work.

Mel Tiangco's Early Life and Education

Carmela Corro Tiangco was born on August 10, 1955, in Bataan, Philippines. Her parents are Arsenio Tiangco Sr. and Florencia Corro. She studied at De La Salle University. After finishing her studies, she became one of the top presenters in Philippine television.

Starting a Career in Broadcasting

Mel Tiangco began her career in broadcasting in the early 1980s. She started as a newscaster at a government-owned TV station called MBS-4. She was discovered after an audition. After the People Power Revolution in 1986, she moved to radio, working for DZXL.

Joining ABS-CBN and "Mel and Jay"

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 talk show on television in 1989. She also became a co-anchor for the network's main evening news program, Balita Ngayon. She became very well-known 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. Mel Tiangco later hosted other shows like Mel & Joey with Joey de Leon.

Anchoring Flagship Newscasts

Mel Tiangco has been a main anchor for GMA Network's most important 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.
• She was known for her exclusive interviews, including with former president Joseph Estrada and his successor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
• Since 2004, she has been a co-anchor for 24 Oras, which is one of the most-watched news programs in the Philippines.

Hosting Drama and Public Affairs Shows

Besides news, Mel Tiangco also hosts Magpakailanman. This is a weekly drama anthology show that tells real-life stories. It first started in 2002. She also hosted public affairs shows like Sanib Puwersa and Powerhouse.

Public Service and Philanthropy

Mel Tiangco has always been involved in helping others. Even before joining GMA, she was active in public service. At GMA, she became a leader in the GMA Kapuso Foundation. This foundation helps people in need through various projects. She served as its executive vice president and chief operating officer for many years.

Mel Tiangco's Personal Life

Mel Tiangco married at a young age and later separated in 1994. She has four children, including musician Wency Cornejo, who was the lead singer of the band AfterImage. She also has children named Ana Teresa, Melanie, and Jose Miguel. In 1997, she had a serious health challenge when she suffered a heart attack. She recovered and continued her work, especially her public service missions.

A Change in Networks

In 1996, Mel Tiangco moved from ABS-CBN to GMA Network. This happened after ABS-CBN suspended her for appearing in a television advertisement. She then decided to leave ABS-CBN and join GMA Network. This move sparked some legal discussions at the time, but the courts later confirmed her right to transfer networks. Despite the challenges, she received a lot of support from the public. She has since said that she has forgiven her former network and feels proud of her achievements at GMA.

Television Programs

Awards and Recognition

Mel Tiangco has received many awards throughout her career for her excellence in journalism and public service.

Awards from 1988 to 1993

• 1988, 1990: Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television
• 1990: Presidential Medallion, Presidential Awardee for Work for the Welfare of the Disabled
• 1991-1992: Broadcast Journalism Award for Public Service on Radio (Mel & Jay DZMM)
• 1991-1992: TOWNS Awardee (The Outstanding Women in Nation Service) for Public Service & Journalism
• 1990-1993: Pinakamahusay na Programa sa Telebisyon (Best Television Program), Gawad Cultural Center of the Philippines Awards for TV, for Mel & Jay

Awards from 1994 to 2000

• 1994: Commendation for Humanitarian Concern, House of Representatives
• 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
• 1994: Presidential Awardee, Best Non-Government Organization in Public Service
• 1994: Presidential Awardee, First Media People's Award
• 1994: Best Magazine Talk Show Host, Star Awards for Television
• 1994: Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television
• 1994: Best Female Celebrity Talk show host, Star Awards for Television
• 1995-1997: Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television
• 1996: Finalist, New York International TV Festival, for Mel & Jay
• 1998: Finalist, Asian Television Awards, Singapore
• 1998: Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year Award, KBP Golden Dove Awards
• 2000: Trailblazer Award, Outstanding Alumna, St. Theresa's College

Awards from 2001 to Present

• 2001: Paralegal ng Bayan Awardee, 16th Huwarang Pilipino Award for Media & Journalism
• 2001: He & She (HAS) Club Awardee, Outstanding Woman of Bataan
• 2001: Woman of Distinction Award, Soroptimist International
• 2001: Best Female Newscaster, Star Awards for Television
• 2001: Best Female Broadcaster for Television, KBP Golden Dove Awards
• 2002: Best Talk Show/Program Host-TV, for Partners Mel & Jay
• 2002: Best Female Newscaster, for Frontpage
• 2002: Outstanding Citizen of Quezon City for Mass Media
• 2004: Outstanding Broadcast Journalist & Social Servant, Gusi Peace Prize Award
• 2004: Outstanding Host for Partners Mel & Jay, 1st Golden Screen Awards for Television
• 2004: Woman of Distinction Award, Soroptimist International
• 2006: Most Outstanding Female News Presenter of the Year, COMGUILD Center for Journalism
• 2008: Most Outstanding Female News Presenter, COMGUILD Center for Journalism
• 2012: Anak TV Makabata Hall of Famers Award
• 2012: People of the Year, People Asia Magazine
• 2013: Edukcircle MOPIP TV Awards