Award-winning broadcast journalists Pia Arcangel and Ivan Mayrina recently reaffirmed their commitment to GMA Network by renewing their contracts.

This new chapter in Ivan and Pia's journey as Kapuso further highlights the trust, excellence, and shared commitment of GMA Integrated News’ “mas malaking misyon at mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan.”

Since joining GMA in 2000, Ivan has built a solid career as a reporter and has become one of the most reliable and credible voices in broadcast journalism.

He began his Kapuso journey as anchor of GMA News Live/Flash report and Segment Producer of the long-running morning TV show Unang Hirit. He would later become one of the on-cam personalities of Unang Hirit and has been one of its news anchors and hosts since then.

In 2018, Ivan officially joined Pia on GMA Integrated News’ weekend primetime newscast 24 Oras Weekend.

As a beat reporter, Ivan has covered the justice and courts beats, the Manila Police District, community events, and national government agencies. As a Malacañang reporter, he has covered two Philippine presidents: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (June 2022-present) and former President Rodrigo Duterte (May 2021-June 2022).

Ivan has covered major national and international events, including the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (2013), which contributed to GMA Network's third Peabody Award.

He was the first on the scene after the siege of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Kolambugan town in Lanao del Norte in 2008. The coverage earned for GMA’s flagship newscast, 24 Oras, a “Silver World Medal” for best newscast in the 2009 New York Festivals.

"Twenty-five years, we talk about 25 more. Honestly, with how I’ve been treated by GMA, I don't see myself being anywhere else. Makakaasa kayo na kung ano man ‘yung ikinatuwa ninyo in the last 25 years, we’ll have more of that. GMA will continue to stand sa journalism na wasto, patas, balansyado [balanse], kapaki-pakinabang. And what’s more important now na GMA Integrated News na tayo, more than the traditional media na nakasanayan nila — napapanood tayo sa telebisyon, naririnig sa radyo — we will even go further. We will go where they are, kung nasaan ang audience natin. Susundan natin ang kanilang nagbabagong patterns, their new habits, their new preferences, para patuloy natin maihatid ang brand of journalism that GMA stands for. My profound thanks to the officers of GMA for this opportunity to be a soldier in this mission na maghatid ng Serbisyong Totoo,” Ivan said.

A proud Kapuso since 2002, Pia has been at the forefront of delivering news and public service. With a career spanning more than 20 years in the media industry – from producing documentaries to covering politics, crime, breaking news, and sports stories, and anchoring news programs – Pia is among the most esteemed broadcast journalists of her generation.

She currently anchors GMA Integrated News’ late-night newscast Saksi. Together with Ivan, Pia also anchors top-rating weekend news program 24 Oras Weekend.

She is regularly seen in various news coverage specials, including the President's annual State of the Nation Address. She currently hosts Power Talks with Pia Arcangel, the interview podcast produced by GMAIN's Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab (DigiLab), where she provides listeners with exclusive and relevant insights from the country's most influential figures.

Over the years, she has received numerous local and international broadcast journalism awards, including the Best Female Anchor from Gawad Tanglaw and the Best Female Anchor and Female News Personality of the Year from the Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, among others. Pia was shortlisted in the Presenter of the Year category at the 2024 Association for International Broadcasting Awards (AIBs), joining the ranks of prominent journalists from international outlets such as ABC, CNA (Mediacorp), and Al Jazeera English. She was also nominated in the same category in 2023 for her GMA Integrated News podcast.

“As I continue to carry out my anchor duties on ‘Saksi’ and ‘24 Oras Weekend,’ I am guided by the same passion that brought me to GMA Network more than 20 years ago – which means the pursuit of relevant and impactful stories will continue. I am also particularly excited about bringing stories that inspire and empower to the digital space – where we continue to grow our presence with the newest season of ‘Power Talks with Pia Arcangel,' " Pia said.

Present during the contract signing were GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr.; Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso; and Vice President and Deputy Head for News Programs and Specials Michelle Seva.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in broadcast journalism?

Pia: "I grew up with a pretty high exposure to news. Every morning on my way to school, my mom would listen to the news on AM radio, and every night, before dinner, she would tune in to the news. Later on, in high school and college, I joined the debate team so that I would read and watch the news too, so I've always had an interest in current events. I would say that these led me to a career in journalism."

Ivan: "I didn’t aspire to be a broadcast journalist when I was young. In fact, I chose communication research as a major in UP College of Mass Comm because it was the most appropriate for corporate work, which was the path I intended. But then, when it’s for you, it will seek you out. The opportunity to do TV presented itself one fine day in June of the year 2000, and the rest, as they say, is history."

2. What kind of stories do you enjoy covering the most?

Pia: "I'm particularly intrigued by political stories - mostly because there are so many sides and angles to every story. There's also an adrenaline rush whenever I'm covering a big, breaking story because you know that everyone is waiting and watching a story develop at the same time."

Ivan: "I have done all kinds, but the ones that really hit home are the inspiring stories of ordinary people who deal with adversity. I draw strength from the courage of the ordinary Filipino."

3. How would you approach an interview with a difficult or uncooperative subject?

Pia: "I try to be as amiable as possible because I understand that being bombarded with questions is not necessarily the most pleasant thing, and I also believe that it's important to maintain a respectful attitude towards any and all interviewees."

Ivan: "I will be professional about it, still ask the questions, still continue the interview, but I do step back and try to bring the temperature down, disarm the other person, and find a common ground to build from. But some interviews are just not meant to be. Give it up, and find someone else, or risk it heading further south."

4. How would you handle a situation where you are asked to report on a story that conflicts with your personal beliefs?

Pia: "I keep in mind that I'm a journalist and that truth and impartiality take precedence over my personal thoughts and opinions."

Ivan: "My boss firmly told me years ago when I was refusing a beat assignment I didn’t like, “You don’t have to like the people or things you cover” - and that made a lot of sense. In fact, part of the discipline of being impartial is listening/reading those that you disagree with. It gives you perspective."

5. What are some of the most significant stories you have covered in your career?

Pia: "Looking back, some of the more significant stories would be the aftermath of Ondoy, which I saw firsthand on the field, sports stories like Manny Pacquiao's fights abroad, political stories like impeachment attempts against top political leaders, and big international stories like the coronation of King Charles."

Ivan: "I did stories from the entire menu: conflict, human interest, health, crime, disaster, and politics. For some reason, I have been assigned mostly to political beats, and it is there that I think I have made the most significant stories, especially the current one, where I cover Malacañang and the President."

6. How do you handle criticism and feedback on your work?

Pia: "I welcome and value all types of feedback - these are necessary to help me improve my craft."

Ivan: "I welcome criticism. In fact, I seek people out to elicit feedback, especially the negatives. The secret, I think, is to never take criticism personally. It's just the way we are, imperfect, and there is always something to learn and improve on."

7. Advice for young journalists.

Pia: "One must be prepared and willing to put in the hard work if he/she wishes to pursue a career in journalism. Journalism is a tough profession, and it requires grit and determination."

Ivan: "Always go back to your 'why' in doing this. It will get you through the hard days and rough patches (and there will be a lot)."