GMA Network’s Reel Time documentary “Isinulat sa Tubig (Forgotten Children of the Waves)” has received the Golden Nymph Laureate Special Amade Prize at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival – the first to be received by a Philippine TV program.
Reel Time was also the lone Asian country television show awarded at the 57th edition of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival European awards.
AMADE jury president Michel Merkt praised the Philippine program saying, "The access to education is crucial and we were all touched and amazed by the determination of these children from the remote village of Matnog in the Philippines."
"This year, we wanted not only to give the award to a project which shares AMADE’s vision but also brings hopes and a strong positive message to the community,” Merkt said during the awarding ceremonies in Monaco.
A GMA network release described the winning documentary a feature on students crossing oceans and trekking up mountains on foot every day just to get an education, written and directed by Reel Time's executive producer Jayson Bernard Santos.
"The students from Matnog, Sorsogon in the southern part of the Philippines no longer have to swim going to school after several individuals and organizations have sent their donations. These kids will forever remind us of our responsibility to give voices to the marginalized especially the children," said Santos.
The Golden Nymph Awards are among the most prestigious prizes in international television, rewarding the best TV programs and actors.
