Great disasters that struck the Philippines and neighboring Japan.  Political controversies of administrations past and present.  Worldwide unrest and protests.  Unimaginable crimes that shook the public.  These are just some of the stories that caught the attention of the country and the rest of the world – including the virtual world of social media.
 
With news from the Philippines going viral and trending on various social media platforms, GMA News and Public Affairs presents “Trending 2011” the network’s first interactive yearend special where the public is enjoined to vote for their choice of this year’s biggest newsmakers. They may use their Facebook and/or their Twitter accounts or vote online by visiting the link: www.gmanetwork.com/trending2011.
 
Anyone may cast their vote for the biggest stories and personalities in five categories: from Newsmakers, Shocking Crimes, World News, For the Win and Showbiz and the Arts.
 
In the Newsmakers category the voter may choose from six nominees: President Benigno Simeon Aquino III who critics complain that his fixation on former President Arroyo has distracted him from more far-reaching reforms; Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the former president whose legacy continues to dominate the political landscape; Sec. Leila De Lima, who became a lightning rod of sorts in her pursuit of the Administration’s directive to prosecute government officials accused of corruption and for allegedly defying the Supreme Court; Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, the current COA chief who initially made headlines as a credible and charismatic whistleblower on alleged corruption in the military; Former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri who is the first senator in Philippine history to resign for reasons other than to assume another position in government; and Chief Justice Renato Corona who became the first Supreme Court chief in Philippine history to be impeached.
 
Mall shooting incidents, one involving two minors, and crimes involving celebrities, including the murder of a member of a political clan, are what grabbed headlines as the most Shocking Crimes of 2011. Nominees in the World News category include the Death of Osama Bin Laden, the Execution of Pinoys in China, the Japan Tsunami, the Royal Wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, the Death of Muammar Gaddafi and the Fall of Hosni Mubarak. In the sports category For the Win, the public can choose between boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, the national football team Philippine Azkals, the courageous Philippine Dragonboat Team or the emerging rugby team Philippine Volcanoes. In the final category, Showbiz and the Arts, the controversial “Poleteismo” of Mideo Cruz, Filipina beauties who bagged various beauty titles, the epicserye Amaya, Eat Bulaga’s dominance, and Showbiz Breakups are the nominees.
 
"Trending 2011: The GMA News and Public Affairs 2011 Yearend Special" is hosted by veteran journalist Mike Enriquez with special co-host Dingdong Dantes. The special airs January 1, 2012.