“MAAYONG Buntag Mindanao!” This is my cue that it’s time to roll out of bed. Every weekday morning, I wake up and turn on the TV at 5:50 AM. I would sleep for a few more minutes, until my mind picks up the familiar sound of Maayong Buntag Mindanao’s opening billboard music.
Like clockwork, ABS-CBN Davao’s morning program, Maayong Buntag Mindanao (MBM), starts at 6:15 AM. If you’ve lived in Davao long enough, chances are that you’ve grown accustomed to the company of MBM every weekday morning, from the moment you wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, until the time you leave your house for school or work.
Known to the masses for its local and entertainment news, lifestyle and inspirational stories, and discussions on community affairs, MBM has become a steady presence in most Davao Region households.
After successfully attracting a large number of viewers, MBM gained more supporters through the years, making it the longest-running morning show in Mindanao. After two decades of establishing prominence in the local television scene, MBM has reached another milestone this year with its 25th Anniversary on TV. This is a feat that deserves to be celebrated; a prestige rarely bestowed upon morning programs in the history of Philippine television.
Since its launching on September 6, 1993, MBM has aired a variety of segments such as Syensya na po; Kikay box; Rated PG; Campus Patrol (now Bisita Eskwela); Morning Kusina; Morning Destination; Tubag; Hugot; Maayong Buntag, Attorney; Maayong Buntag, Dok; Bisita Eskwela; Bisita Barangay; How to be you?; and Fit na fit. More than inspiring viewers through the screen, MBM reaches out to communities through organizing livelihood, environmental, educational, medical and dental, and other programs for thousands of families in the region.
For their 25th Anniversary, MBM spearheaded a series of public service initiatives such as the Lingkod Kapamilya Libreng Libro program (in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Architects), a book donation drive for the students of Lumondao Integrated School in Marilog District. MBM also partnered with government offices to launch the Serbisyo Karavan, a one-stop shop for community residents to avail of frontline government services. In the next few months, MBM seeks to bring the Serbisyo Karavan to communities in Tagum and Digos.
Hosted by Michelle Robin, Hernel Tocmo, Francis Magbanua, and Chastine Montaño, MBM manifests its commitment to the public by delivering worthwhile segments and quality programs. As MBM continues to flourish, with its capacity to influence communities, Kenneth Mangaya-ay (MBM’s Program Producer) hopes that Davaoeños would allow the show to be forever part of their mornings, and ultimately, their lives.
In the years to come, with MBM to herald my day, I know I’ll be waking up to a morning that’s not only good, but splendid.
Happy 25 years, MBM!