GMA Regional TV and Synergy are bringing back their award-winning GMA Masterclass to the University of the Philippines Cebu on September 22, 2025, with a special edition titled “GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special” in celebration of the 33rd Cebu Press Freedom Week.
This year’s session will feature Emil Sumangil, anchor of 24 Oras and senior news producer at GMA Integrated News. Sumangil will share his experiences and insights with aspiring journalists to spark meaningful conversations about the role of the press in today’s fast-changing media landscape.
A respected figure in Philippine broadcast journalism for two decades, Sumangil is known for his in-depth reporting on major news events, from crime and disaster coverage to public service stories that amplify citizens’ voices. His work includes an exclusive series of reports on the case of the 34 missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts).
Sumangil said it is an honor to take part in Cebu Press Freedom Week through the GMA Masterclass. He stressed the importance of early exposure for aspiring journalists, saying the youth must understand what they can contribute to ensure fair and balanced news delivery, especially with the challenges of today’s media environment.
Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, said the GMA Masterclass continues to provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue. He added that participants will learn a lot from Sumangil, a journalist committed to upholding press freedom and delivering accurate, impartial news.
The special session will be hosted by Martin Javier, 24 Oras “Game Changer” segment host, Sparkle artist, and sportscaster.
In 2024, Malou Mangahas and Raffy Tima led a discussion on “Documentaries in a Rapidly Changing News Media Landscape.” In 2023, the series joined Cebu Press Freedom Week for the first time with a panel on “Journalism in the Age of AI,” featuring Howie Severino, Aileen Rae Perez, Pia Arcangel, and Nikko Sereno.
Launched in 2018, the GMA Masterclass Series has become a platform for industry experts to engage students and academics on key local and national issues. It has earned multiple honors, including “The Most Development-Oriented TV Plug” at the Gandingan 2020 Awards and an Excellence Award at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards.
