Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

The very core of the movie and TV industry is the story or the script. All films begin with the written word; that’s why, the scriptwriter has often been referred to as the genesis of the movie or TV show.

In the Philippines, some of the most acclaimed, highest-rated, longest-running, and addictive dramas and comedy shows on Philippine television are the masterpieces of multi-awarded scriptwriter, Loida Flores Viriña. She is the genius behind such legendary drama series as Gulong ng Palad, Flor de Luna, Ginang Milyonarya and primetime hit comedy shows Home Along Da Riles, Oki Doki Dok, Onli in da Pilipins, Baltic & Company, and Si Tatang Kasi.

Loida’s scripts are well-crafted stories of human relationships that inspire, motivate, touch, and move people. "May puso ang kanyang mga scripts," described Linggit Tan, Vice President of ABS-CBN. "Loida’s stories were always filled with good values," said Ben Aniceto, former station manager of ABS-CBN, which has been Loida’s home station for more than three decades.

Not only were Loida’s shows inspiring, they also seemed to be addictive to televiewers.

"When Gulong ng Palad was shown on TFC in 2005, my friends and I all hurried home every night so as not to miss one episode," admitted Priscilla Trias from New Jersey. "We made sure we finished our homeworks early so we can watch Flor de Luna," shared Jenny from Manila. "We grew up on Home Along Da Riles. It was our family’s favorite TV show for many, many years," said Yolette from Las Vegas. Surveys prove Filipinos agree with these viewers for Loida Virina’s shows consistently topped the ratings.

The prolific writer, known to family and friends as Loy, has received numerous awards and commendations in the course of her over 50 years in the industry. Some of these awards include:

• CAT Awards Nominee as Outstanding TV Comedy Writer for Si Tatang Kasi (1970)
• PATAS Awards Nominee for Outstanding Writer for Comedy Baltic & Company (1976)
• PATAS Awards Nominee for Outstanding Writer for Drama, Gulong ng Palad (1978)
• Gintong Parangal sa Larangan ng Panitikan mula sa Bayan ng Malabon (1982)
• Outstanding Citizen of Caloocan Award in the Field of Journalism (1983)
• Gawad Parangal ng Francisco Balagtas sa Larangan ng Panitikan—Surian ng Wikang Pambansa (1986)
• Gawad Parangal Bilang Scriptwriter sa Nakaraang 25 Taon, mula sa Screenwriters Guild of the Philippines (1989)
• 10th Star Awards for Television-Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Memorial Award(1996)
• Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Comedy Show Home Along Da Riles (2001)
• Palanca Awards Judge for One-Act Play, Three-Act Play and Teleplay Categories 1985-1999
• Golden Quill Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Television (2006)
• Palanca Awards Chairman Board of Judges for Teleplay (2006)