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‘Powerhouse’ ushers in another season with new host Kara David
For more than two years, GMA News TV’s primetime program “Powerhouse” has given viewers a sneak peek into the private lives of many prominent, powerful, and iconic figures in the Philippines. Through its weekly visits to the homes of the country’s most renowned personalities, “Powerhouse” opened the doors not only to the luxurious houses but also to the stories behind the personalities’ humble beginnings and successes.
As it ushers in its newest season, “Powerhouse” also welcomes its new host - GMA News anchor and Peabody Award winner Kara David.
David has become a household name when she joined GMA-7’s flagship documentary program “I-Witness,” where she earned various accolades from local and international award-giving institutions including the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, the Oscars of broadcast journalism. She has likewise received recognitions from the Asian Television Awards, US International Film and Video Festival, and new York Festivals.
“We know Kara will bring sharp interviewing skills and her insightful writing to the show,” says GMA News TV’s channel head Nessa Valdellon. “We’re looking forward to the new Powerhouse!”
GMA News pillar Mel Tiangco, who currently co-anchors “24 Oras” on weeknights and hosts the weekly drama anthology “Magpakailanman,” both airing on GMA-7, decided to leave the show because her schedule was becoming too demanding, according to the show’s executive producer Brian Geli. The multi-awarded broadcast journalist also serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the GMA Kapuso Foundation.
"Powerhouse" program manager Patty Gutierrez adds, “Through the years, Mel Tiangco has proven she is an all-around broadcaster. She has done all genres successfully and she has countless recognition to prove it. But her heart is really and truly for the poor. As GMA Kapuso Foundation’s EVP and COO, the demands are not getting smaller. She wants to concentrate further on the projects of the foundation and that is truly admirable. We will miss her but we are also excited about this new chapter of Powerhouse.”
This coming season, David hopes to feature equally moving stories and in-depth interviews that will continue to inspire “Powerhouse” viewers.
“I feel really honored to host Powerhouse. Malaking karangalan ang magmana o humalili sa programa ng isa sa aking mga iniidolo,” says David. “Tita Mel is a big inspiration, a friend, and a mentor. I feel excited pero at the same time nervous kasi big shoes to fill talaga ito.”
She adds that being chosen to replace Tiangco “gives me a lot of honor and pride.” She shares that she wants to project the same things that Mel Tiangco did on the show - being composed and credible, but still being able to show her human side.
Tita Mel to Kara: "Show mo na ‘yan."
David shares that she sent Tiangco a message prior to her first shoot to ask for tips, and was almost moved to tears when the exiting host told her not to copy her style and to give Powerhouse the “Kara David touch.” “Show mo na ‘yan,” Tiangco told her.
David adds: “‘Yung style ko, kahit sa balita, pang-docu. I’m very into my subjects, emotionally attached.” She even says that if given the chance, she would like to get to know her subjects not just in the comfort of their homes but also in other places where they go about with their daily business.
When asked about her dream interview for the show, David quickly identified President Noynoy Aquino. “Kung power lang din naman ang pag-uusapan, he’s the most powerful man in the Philippines,” she says. She adds that if she would be given the chance, she would like to feature the former presidents of the country.
For its new season, “Powerhouse” enters the private home of Batangas Governor and “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos-Recto. Kara David describes this as the “perfect pilot episode” because she got to start her “Powerhouse” hosting duties interviewing a strong woman who “made me feel at home.” She says that the iconic actress was very accommodating and down-to-earth. “Akala ko bibigyan niya ako ng a lot of showbiz answers” but the star surprised her by being very open and honest during the interview.
Join new host Kara David as she features the life stories of the country’s movers and shakers inside their homes. An all-new season of “Powerhouse” begins July 16, 8:00 PM on GMA News TV Channel 11.
