[bg|celebrities_flock_to_ustv_kick_off|4|110|random|8|#FFF|1|Celebrities flock to USTv kick-off]
Nov. 11, 1:41 a.m. – THE UNIVERSITY launched the 8th USTv Students Choice Awards yesterday night with the aim to promote Thomasian values amid declining television standard.
This six-hour kick-off attempted to remind the Thomasian community about USTv’s mission of being more than just showbiz awards.
“This year’s launch of USTv will remind the students to watch and choose television programs wisely to follow positive Filipino values amid the changing world,” said Rolando Vittorio Gatmaitan, Jr., Student Organizations Coordinating Council president.
This year’s kick-off party was moved to the Plaza Mayor from its original venue, UST Sports Complex, upon the suggestion of the Facilities Management Office because the gymnasium is still undergoing some “finishing touches,” he said.
Media partners of the launch include ABS-CBN, GMA, GMA News TV, Myx,Studio 23, and TV5.
Television personalities who were present were Angelica Panganiban, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Jayson Gainza, Ryan Bang, Pooh, John Prats, JM de Guzman, Melissa Ricks, and Enrique Gil (ABS-CBN); Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown castaways, Chariz Solomon, Chynna Ortaleza, Glaiza de Castro and Mike Tan (GMA); Pia Arcangel, Tonipet Gaba, and Cesar Apolinario (GMA News TV); and Alex Gonzaga, JC De Vera, Faith Cuneta, Gerald Santos, Vandolph Quizon, Amy Perez, Makata Tawanan and Beatbox Gore (TV5).
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN artist Anne Curtis, who was supposed to sing “Someone like you” for the first time in the event, left without getting up on the stage. Curtis arrived in the University about an hour earlier before the scheduled time for ABS-CBN.
She said on her twitter account, @annecurtissmith: “Thomasians, I’m sorry I had to leave na. I tried to at least get up on stage and say hi kahit 2 minutes lang but GMA staff didn’t want.”
A USTv staff, who refused to be named, was at the back stage when the incident happened, said Curtis wanted to do her performance earlier than ABS-CBN’s schedule because she had another commitment but the organizers did not agree as they had to follow the line-up of the program.
“It’s just sad that I was already about to get on stage, as in by the stairs na. Kasi nauna ako du’n before the GMA artists were there,” Curtis said.
Tentative dates of the awards night are on February 16 or 17 next year, still at the Plaza Mayor. Reden D. Madrid with reports from Alexandra A. Dimatera and Marianne S. Lastra
