Topping vote shares in their own categories, the official websites of UNTV and broadcast journalist Daniel Razon won the People’s Choice awards in the 12th Philippine Web Awards. PWA received more than two million votes in all 12 categories with 75 semifinalists.

UNTV also grabbed its first Most Popular Website of the Year award, the highest honor in the competition, for getting the most number of votes among all entries. The awards night was held last Friday (April 8) at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

UNTV, along with the group Members Church of God International, emerged as the biggest winner during the competition, bagging the Most Popular Website of the Year and People’s Choice Award in its category.

In the polling percentage of the News, Zines, and Entertainment category, UNTV left behind the websites of major television and radio stations; GMAnews.tv and Jam 88.3 respectively, and two popular magazine publications: Appetite and Men’s Health Philippines. This is the fifth time that the television network received the People’s Choice award.

Its sixth win this year, Daniel Razon’s site led the Personal category against its seven contenders. It competed with the websites of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Joseph Manalastas (web developer), and Mini Philippines (a Twitter-like blog that highlights news and stories about the Philippines), to name a few.

UNTVweb.com and DanielRazon.com both received a Best Website Award in their categories in 2007.

Daniel Razon is UNTV’s Chief Executive Officer and host of the station’s flagship morning program Good Morning Kuya. His website showcases his media works, expertise in photography, knack for music, advocacy for change, and charity works.

Mr. Roderick Masa of UNTV Marketing accepted the award in behalf of Kuya Daniel Razon

In the country, UNTV and Razon are known to be proponents of numerous public services like free commuter rides, free medical assistance, and free private education, among others. Celebrating its seventh year in July, UNTV is known as The Pillar of Public Service in Philippine Television.

UNTV made its debut on the web in 2004. Earlier this year, it unveiled its newly-revamped site that highlights free 24/7 webcast, more news and program videos, and enhanced public services.

Unlike in the previous competitions where short message service (SMS) was one of the means to vote, this year’s voting could only be done online through the PWA website.

Other big winners include the religious group, the Members Church of God International (www.mcgi.org) and the blog of its presiding minister, Bro. Eli Soriano (esoriano.wordpress.com).

Photo call after the awarding of all the winners during the 12th Philippine Web Awards.

Now on its 12th year, the Philippine Web Awards continue to recognize the best Filipino created Web sites and the people behind them. Media Gateway Corporation spearheaded the event. – Words by Hazel David