2018

ABS CBN Global

Studio Tours Kapamilya

< Back to ABS-CBN >

The Flavors & Feels of the Holidays take Centerstage this Saturday at the TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run

LOS ANGELES, December 13, 2018 – During this holiday season, the TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run in Los Angeles highlights the fuzzy feels and the festive flavors of Christmas. Open to all ages, gender and races, ABS-CBN International’s TFC presents another platform for Filipino cuisine to shine in. TIKIM is a Filipino word that means “to taste” and with Filipino taste stations at every kilometer of this 5K fun run, and a picnic and entertainment past the finish line, there is a lot to savor for every member of the family.

A great selection of food trucks and restaurants like Silog, Nova’s Grill, Paella! Paella!, Ateh’s Pinoy Pusion, Heavenly Ice Cream, White Rabbit, NutriAsia, McCormick, and Limelight Cateringwill be participating. There will also be fun and nostalgic games that will bring back childhood memories.

A solid line-up of performances will be provided by Jeserey Sanchez, Matt Almodiel, Rozen, Crismat Mateo, and The Catalyst with hosts Tisha Alyn Abrea, Farina Aguinaldo, and Jessica Lesaca.

One of the best things is that by registering and joining the TIKIM fun run, each adult participant would have provided meals for 10 malnourished children in the Philippines because part of the proceeds from the registration is donated to the feeding program of Bantay Bata (Child Watch), a pillar program of ABS-CBN Foundation International.

For more information or to register for the TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run in Los Angeles, visit TIKIM at https://mytfc.com/tikim.

Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo presents the Mayor’s Business of the Year award to TFC. Receiving the plaque is ABS-CBN Global Head of Corporate Affairs & PR Nerissa Fernandez.

TFC named Business of the Year by Daly City

DALY CITY, Calif., December 10, 2018 --- At the historic installation of newly-elected City Councilmembers at the City Council Chambers of Daly City’s Civic Center, TFC was named Mayor’s Business of the Year. According to Mayor Juslyn Manalo, TFC provides entertainment and offers shows that reflect the Filipino culture and values. But more than that, Manalo adds that “it’s really through the work they’ve done for the community. For the past two years they’ve partnered with the city of Daly City to do the Filipino American History Month celebration and it’s wonderful to partner with a business that cares about the community. We see a long-term partnership with The Filipino Channel and it’s an honor to present this award to them.”

ABS-CBN Global Head of Corporate Affairs & PR Nerissa Fernandez accepted the award on behalf of Global COO Olivia De Jesus and North and Latin America Managing Director Jun Del Rosario. In her speech, Fernandez quoted the late Chairman Emeritus Don Eugenio Lopez, Jr when he was asked if ABS-CBN is about values first or service first? “ABS-CBN is about values first because values comprise the soul of service.” She added that “Daly City provided us a business environment wherein we could freely put into practice our cherished corporate values.”

In attendance at the ceremonies were California State Senator Scott Wiener andAssemblymember Philip Ting of the California Legislature, both of whom also presented TFC with Certificates of Recognition.

Fernandez underlined the significance of being named Mayor’s Business of the Year in Daly City,the largest city in San Mateo County, saying it “is an impactful recognition for ABS-CBN and TFC. But we shouldn’t wear it over our shoulders like a mantle of ‘we achieved this and that.’ What this award affirms is the importance of corporate citizenship. Our business is not removed from the living, breathing community it operates in. What we do or not do in and with the community matters. As newly inducted Daly City Councilman Rod Daus-Magbual said, ‘My father taught me to look at Daly City as my garden. If you take care of the plants, the plants will take care of you.’”

Other attendees of the Special Meeting of the City Council were Congresswoman Jackie Spier, San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Other awards given out by the city are the Citizen of the Year, Commissioner of the Year, and Youth of the Year.

Discovering Routes is featured on NBC Bay Area’s Asian Pacific America

SAN JOSE, Calif., December 6, 2018 – Discovering Routes travels with Diskubre, ABS-CBN Global Studios’ digital exclusive series featuring four young travelers who embark on some big adventures for a journey of self-discovery, was featured on NBC Bay Area’s Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa.

Handa sat down with Discovering Routes Executive Producer and Project Manager Keesa Ocampo to talk about the many ways that people explore their history. Ocampo shared the amazing adventures that young travelers Feih, 14 (New York), Calvin, 21 (New Hampshire), Elaine, 17 (Pennsylvania), and Alex, 22 (Sydney, Australia) have embarked on. Discovering Routes travels with Diskubre followed them on their 11-day sojourn around the Philippines as they took the “route to their roots.”

Catch the fun and interesting discussion on Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa this Sunday, December 9 on NBC Bay Area channel 11, cable 3 and 703 at 5:30 AM and on COZI TV channel 186 at 6:00 PM.

Discovering Routes travels with Diskubre is a partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY)and the Philippine Department of Tourism–New York (PDOTNY). Tune into the season finale on Thursday, December 13at 5:00 P.M. (Pacific) on www.DiscoveringRoutes.com.

Discovering Routes Project Specialist Jacob Acueza (left) and Project Manager and Executive Producer Keesa Ocampo (center) join Robert Handa (right), host and producer of NBC Bay Area’s Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa.

Google Doodle honors Filipina Doctor Fe Del Mundo,

Harvard Medical School’s first female student,

Founder of the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines

Which provided medical care to communities lacking insurance.

On her 107^th birthday, she is among the top the news of the day.

SHE LIVED HER LIFE GIVING BACK AND FULLY TO OTHERS.

Navigate as fast or as leisurely as you can through the 5k course, savoring Filipino food stations every kilometer in your TIKIM shirt, and win your medal at the end!

TAMPA, FL, November 16, 2018 – Lucky for those in Tampa, Florida, the weather this weekend is extremely GORGEOUS: forecast is sunny from the high 40s at early morning to mid 70s by noon. So, the invitation is to join us outdoors.

TFC Live is inviting everyone to take part in TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex on November 17, 2018, Saturday, starting at 10am. This is the third installment of the TIKIM Filipino Fun Run series that kicked off last Mother’s Day at the Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo, California, followed by another on September 22 at the Earl Bales Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run caught the attention of many with its one-of-a-kind 5k fun run (or walk) that celebrates Filipino culture and the value of giving back. It takes the runners through a course with a unique Filipino food tasting station at each kilometer. Part of the proceeds from the registration is donated to the feeding program of Bantay Bata (Child Watch), a pillar program of ABS-CBN Foundation International.

No less than Philippine Queen of Soul Jaya and TFC’s “Adobo Nation” host Lee Robin Salazar will be on hand to provide world-class entertainment to attendees after the run. Joining them is a solid line-up of live performers.

UPDATED SCHEDULE

November 17, 2018

8:00 AM – Gate opens

- Packet Pick up

- Registration

- WILL CALL

- Food Vendors & Exhibitors

9:30 AM - Zumba (Warm Up) by: UJAM

10:00 AM – Run Starts

Noon – Program Starts

- Singing of the Philippine National Anthem (Alexis Bentinganan)

- American National Anthem (Philfest Tawag ng Tanghalan winner - Jennifer Barrican )

12:10 PM - Welcome Remarks (TFC & FAMI)

12:15 PM - UJAM

12:25 PM - Feisty Mommies with Bobby

12:30 PM - GAMES (℅ FAMI Team)

1:00 PM - UCF Dancers (Cultural Dance)

1:15 PM - Forever 40 young sisterhood

1:30 PM - GAMES ( ℅ FAMI Team)

2:00 PM - Jennifer Barrican ( Song Number)

2:10 PM - Philippine Performing Arts & Company (PPAC)

2:30 PM - Feisty Mommies with Bobby

2:40 PM - GAMES ( ℅ FAMI Team)

3:00 PM - UJAM

3:15 PM - UCF Dancers ( Cultural Dance)

3:20 PM - USF FAM ( Hiphop)

3:30 PM - GAMES ( ℅ FAMI Team)

4:00 PM - FIesta mo sa Florida Candidates Presentation with ABS-CBN Foundation Int’l

4:15 PM - TFC Hour with many talents led by Philippine Queen of Soul Jaya and Adobo Nation’s Lee Robin Salazar

5:00 PM - Closing Remarks (TFC & FAMI)

TFC Live partners this year with the non-profit Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. to hold TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run in Tampa at the historic Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, FL 33626. Helping out also is TFC community partner Fil-Am Movement International which holds annually the Fiesta Mo Sa Florida in Kissimmee.

For more information or to register for the TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run in Tampa, Florida, visit https://usa.mytfc.com/tikim or the registration website at http://tikimfilipinofoodfunrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=11366

BA Documentary “Box City” wins 1^st place in San Francisco Press Club’s Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards

BURLINGAME, Calif., November 16, 2018 --- A distressing design of cardboard roofs and plywood floors hunched and cramped beneath the majestic backdrop of San Francisco’s glossy high-rise apartments, sparkling condominiums, and million-dollar homes is captured in BA’s documentary, Box City. It is also an encampment that many homeless in the community call home.

Box City won 1^st place, besting AJ+, in the TV/Video Documentary category of San Francisco Press Club’s 41st Annual Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards. The team behind Box City – Producer/Writer Henni Espinosa; Director of Photography Jeremiah Ysip; Cameraman Patrick Luna; Editor Jon Santos; and Graphic Designer MikeCarrion were awarded certificates of excellence for their notable work.

The team behind BA presents Box City. (L-R) Director of Photography Jeremiah Ysip, Producer/Writer Henni Espinosa, Editor Jon Santos, Graphics Designer Mike Carrion. Not in photo is Cameraman Patrick Luna.

The mission of the San Francisco Press Club is to encourage excellence in journalism by providing training, grants, scholarships and recognition for professionals and students in the Greater Bay Area. Their mission is driven by the belief in the First Amendment, integrity in reporting and the essential role of journalism in a democracy.

Tim Redmond, SF Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, emphasized the importance of the job when he said in his speech that “Democracy cannot survive without journalists.”

San Francisco Press Club Outgoing President Antonia Ehlers expressed her gratitude to the journalists and media practitioners “for all that you do to make the Bay Area a better place, and for inspiring our residents with your thoughtful stories, photography, digital media, graphic design and more.”

San Francisco Press Club’s outgoing president, Antonia Ehlers (center) with the Box City team (L-R) Jon Santos, Jeremiah Ysip, Henni Espinosa, and Mike Carrion.

This year’s winners were judged by the press clubs of San Diego, Cleveland, Orange County, Florida, New Orleans and Milwaukee.

CLICK HERE for the official list of winners and categories.

Celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Golden State Warriors’

Filipino Heritage Night

With ABS-CBN Foundation International’s Community Ambassador Noriel Adricula and the Bantay Bata Voices

to sing the U.S. National Anthem

KABILAAN: Palomo + Carrion art exhibit is memorable and meaningful for Filipino American History Month

SAN FRANCISCO, October 29, 2018 --- There is a huge painting that depicts the image of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal, that recalls one of his famous quotes, “Whoever does not love the language of his birth is lower than a beast and a foul smelling fish.”

In another corner of the space, one is met head-on with the ubiquitous balikbayan box(repatriate box), a corrugated box containing items sent by overseas Filipinos. It also symbolizes the generosity of the overseas Filipino and their love for, and strong ties to, family back in the motherland. This image resonated with many gallery visitors as they claim that “This is the story of our lives.”

These are just some of the paintings on exhibit at KABILAAN (From Both Sides): Palomo + Carrion, a collaborative painting exhibition by Anthony Palomo and Mike Carrion,curated for Filipino American History Month. KABILAAN depicts the Philippine Diaspora: the life, aspirations, and dreams of Filipino immigrants in the U.S., including those still in the motherland who may be seeking greener pastures in America.

KABILAAN is also a thoughtful homage honoring the forefathers and those who came before, recognizing their great sacrifice to pave the way for those who arrived years later. The times may be different, changes may be in place, but for many kababayans (fellowmen), it is a continuing struggle to find and preserve oneself in today’s world.

At KABILAAN’s opening night, Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Henry Bensurto, Jr. expressed that “we are blessed to be given one month to celebrate Filipino American History Month and honor the legacies of our ancestors who have paved the way for us here in America.” Bensurto added that “the two words that best describe the underlying messages in the paintings of Anthony and Mike are meaningful and memorable. These two words are very relevant in the experiences of today’s Filipino diaspora, not just in the US, but the entire world.”

Palomo shared that preparing for the exhibit inspired them to “Gather our creative juices into telling our personal and individual stories and to translate them into paintings that embody our highest aspirations as Filipinos.”

Odette Keeley, board trustee at Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy remarked that “It is a visually stunning, inspiring exhibit of Filipino-American painters.” Sonia Delen, senior vice president at Bank of America Merrill Lynch shared how she loves art that represents our culture, and these paintings show that. ABS-CBN Managing Director for North and Latin America Jun del Rosario was struck at how one painting reflected how “You can live in today and still be proud of your heritage and identity.”

Carrion was overwhelmed at the public’s reception at opening night. “I never expected a lot of people to relate and find images that were very relevant to their experience as immigrants: from connecting with families back home through social media, to the simple joys of sending boxes filled with necessities to loved ones back home.”

KABILAAN was conceived from a simple conversation between friends. As Palomo andCarrion shared current experiences coming from both sides of the Pacific Ocean, this led to the desire to pass and preserve the Filipino heritage through their art.

President of the San Francisco League of Consular Corps Mariza Bensurto shared that she was moved with the art on display at the exhibit. “I feel that more people should come and see it. What a blessing for the community,” she added.

KABILAAN: Palomo + Carrion runs until November 9 at the Kalayaan Hall of thePhilippine Consulate on 447 Sutter Street.

Photo by Angelo Olandres

The Essential Truths of “ASAP Live in Sydney”

“The Filipino community in Australia is passionate about maintaining its unique cultural identity, language and tradition, alongside a common commitment to Australia and the state of New South Wales. I commend everyone who made tonight’s concert a reality.” – New South wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, in a video message to “ASAP Live in Sydney” audience

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, October 29, 2018 – To the new world order that believes that social media is the best place to look into to analyze engagement with content, then the recently concluded “ASAP Live in Sydney” is a runaway winner. All one needs to do is type those very words on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and user-generated posts collectively amounting to millions of views and tens of thousands of shares come popping out.

To those who don’t bother with social media, a simple photo of what transpired at ICC Sydney Theatre on October 20, 2018 speaks volumes:

Photo by Nerissa Fernandez

But “ASAP Live in Sydney” -- made possible by fans, sponsors and partners who believe in the longest-running Filipino weekend variety TV show and global live concert tour of ABS-CBN, and its current international flagship channel, TFC -- is so much more than just a numbers game.

“ASAP Live in Sydney” – in the same way that “ASAP Live” was in Singapore, Dubai, Los Angeles, London, New York, Toronto and Honolulu – is a creative and artistic expression and manifestation of a strong Filipino identity and transnational cultural unity.

It’s about Filipinos without borders, gathering to celebrate a common place of origin or roots while celebrating where they presently are. And in a world-class spectacle of song, dance, talk and multimedia, performers and audience happily tell themselves about themselves: it’s Filipinos telling Filipinos about Filipinos outside of the Philippines.

CHEMISTRY AT THE PRESS CON

For instance, the press conference held on October 18 also at ICC Sydney Theatre was virtually a group of Filipino and Fil-Australian strangers bound together only by the fact that they are either members or viewers of “ASAP Live”. But it turned out to be a respectful, loving, animated, funny, learning and intimate interaction of close to 200 people in a room. Add to that thousands more via Facebook livestream.

(Photo by Darryl O’Brien)

From left, ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Gabby Lopez holding a congratulatory message from Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang in Sydney who stands next to him, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, Member of New South Wales Parliament for Riverstone Kevin Connolly, ABS-CBN Global COO Olivia De Jesus and ABS-CBN Australia Country Manager Jay Santos. (Photo by Angelo Olandres)

New South wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, in a video message to “ASAP Live in Sydney” audience, said: “The Filipino community in Australia is passionate about maintaining its unique cultural identity, language and tradition, alongside a common commitment to Australia and the state of New South Wales. I commend everyone who made tonight’s concert a reality.”

New South wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, in a video message to “ASAP Live in Sydney” audience. (Photo by Nerissa Fernandez)

Philippine Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang in Sydney, in her message, said: “Bringing a Filipino musical production of such great magnitude to Australian shores integrates well with the narrative of overseas Filipinos and even Filipino-Australians in this country. It is a story that affirms that wherever the Filipino goes -- that wherever the Filipino builds a community -- the Filipino will always contribute to the dynamism and vibrancy of their adopted homelands.”

WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT

The creative minds of ASAP Live Business Unit Head Joyce Liquicia and her team produced back-to-back concerts in one show that integrated the Filipino in the blended cultural universes of the Philippines and Australia. Opening the first concert with the Walangari Karintawarra and Diramuaboriginal dance and didgeridoo music of the host country then segueing to Bamboo and Daniel Padilla, with the G-Force dancers, singing, “Hoy, Pinoy Ako (Hey, I’m Filipino)” from Bamboo’s classic hit, “NoyPi” was a testament to staying uniquely Filipino even while living in and embracing a new land. It was a theme that would weave throughout the evening.

(Photo by Darryl O’Brien)

Then as a trademark of “ASAP Live” shows, there was a stream of exuberant and intricate pop song and dance numbers that represented energy, positivity and fun with a touch of both modern and nostalgic.

(Photo by Tristan Fillo)

There are showstoppers that included ASAP mainstays with the following special guests that elevated even further the overall artistry of the show: Yassi Pressman, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Paulo Avelino, Cristine Reyes, Ariel Rivera, Randy Santiago, 2014 The X-Factor Australia winner Marlisa Punzalan and Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid who had announced her transfer to the ABS-CBN Kapamilya network prior to flying to “ASAP Live in Sydney”.

(Photo by Darryl O’Brien)

(Photo by Tristan Fillo)

“It amazes me that ‘ASAP Live’ continues to grow, evolve and win new audiences thousands of miles across the globe. It remains relevant to today’s Filipino diasporans living in multicultural societies. We in ABS-CBN Australia are very thankful for the opportunity via ‘ASAP Live in Sydney’ to collaborate with the entire ABS-CBN and TFC teams and partners to bring this huge, bright light of Filipino pride to thousands here in Australia who welcomed the show with open arms. It’s been a challenging but entirely fulfilling and heartwarming ride. We’ve been blessed,” said ABS-CBN Australia Country Manager Jay Santos.

(Photo by Angelo Olandres)

There is much more to see in “ASAP Live in Sydney” in its telecasts or online. Catch “ASAP Live in Sydney” this Sunday only on ABS-CBN TFC worldwide.

ASAP Live in Sydney team with Pia Wurtzbach, Jed Madela visit

nursing home, Town Hall of Sydney as part of community outreach

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, October 19, 2018 – With one day to go before the biggest ever Filipino musical spectacle ever to happen in Australia, the ASAP Live in Sydneyteam still made sure that it continues to reach out to the community of Sydney as part of its goal to share its Kapamilya (family) spirit not only to Filipinos and Filipino Australians, but to the dynamic, multicultural people of one of the most populous cities of Australia.

(LEFT) ASAP Live in Sydney team with Pia Wurtzbach, Jed Madela pays a courtesy call on the Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore, represented here by Councillor Jess Scully who is shown holding the classic hardbound book, “Kapitan: Geny Lopez and the Making of ABS-CBN”, which was given as a present by the ABS-CBN ASAP Live in Sydney team. From left are ABS-CBN Australia HR Manager Shirley Crisostomo, renowned beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud, ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & PR Head Nerissa Fernandez, ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Ricky Resurreccion, award-winning singer Jed Madela, City of Sydney Councillor Jess Scully, Miss Universe 2015 and actress-host Pia Wurtzbach, ABS-CBN Australia County Manager Jay Santos, ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Regional Marketing Head and South Asia Country Manager Maribel Hernaez and ABS-CBN Global Events Operations Head Geraldine Bisquera. (Photo from Town Hall of Sydney)

(RIGHT) Jed Madela and Pia Wurtzbach and some members of the ASAP Live in Sydney team visited the Quakers Hill NSW Nursing Homes and Aged Care Facilitieswhere they brought cheers to the elderly residents of the sprawling facility. A lot of Filipino staff were also thrilled to interact with the ASAP team. In the photo above, from the Quakers Hill team are Clinical Nurse Educator Albert Barros, Care Manager Mary Barnier, Residents’ Activities Officer Ria Vashisht, General Manager Cynthia Bartolo, General Service Officers Maria Antonio and Agnes Barraquiao, Registered Nurse Nicole Pascual, Clinical Nurse Educator Cristine Andana and Administrative Officer Elsie Barraquiao. From the ASAP Live in Sydney team are Jed and Pia, ABS-CBN Australia HR Manager Shirley Crisostomo, ASAP Executive Officer Apple Salas-Segubience, ASAP Business Unit Head Joyce Liquicia, ABS-CBN Australia Country Manager Jay Santos, ABS-CBN Global Events Head Ricky Resurreccion, ABS-CBN Global Events Operations Head Geraldine Bisquera and ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & PR Head Nerissa Fernandez. (Photo by Jonas Gaffud).

City of Sydney Councillor Jess Scully presents the gift of the Australian boomerang to Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and singer Jed Madela of the ASAP Live in Sydney cast. Councillor Scully and the team exchanged notes on what the City of Sydney has done recently and is doing currently and what ABS-CBN, TFC and ASAP are doing. Councillor Scully shared that Sydney is supporting Artspace/visual Arts Centre Ltd’s plan to engage Filipino Australian artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan tocreate a month-long embedded community project in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, Australia and Bataan, Philippines.

According to the project info, the contemporary artists will develop a community-led design initiative to create a site-specific installation and socially engaged programming around basketball courts in the two locations. This project plans to work simultaneously across two basketball courts in Bataan, Philippines and Woolloomooloo, Australia by creating site-specific installations and using integrated programming accessible to the local communities. The sculptural form of the work will be adapted to each site, led by consultation and collaboration with each local community. The architectural installation will operate as a place-making platform in order to activate the basketball court and surrounding environment and offer a gathering point for community and visitors.

The project aims to celebrate the local and the global “neighbourhood” around the shared and social experience of basketball. The project will provide a unique opportunity to connect Bataan and Woolloomooloo basketball and youth communities by facilitating the sharing of experiences through livestream diaries and via social media platforms. (Photo by Nerissa Fernandez)

At the entrance to the Town Hall of Sydney are, from left, ABS-CBN Global Events Operations Head Geraldine Bisquera, ABS-CBN Australia HR Manager Shirley Crisostomo, ABS-CBN Global Head of Corporate Affairs & PR Nerissa Fernandez, ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Regional Marketing Head and South Asia Country Manager Maribel Hernaez, Protocol Project Coordinator Toola Andrianopolous of the Office of the Lord Mayor of Sydney, singer Jed Madela, Ms Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, beauty queen trainer and manager Jonas Gaffud, ABS-CBN Australia Country Manager Jay Santos and ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Ricky Resurreccion. (Photo by Marvi Gelito)

At the Quakers Hill Nursing Home, the ASAP Live in Sydney team enjoy the warm hospitality of the staff who prepared a delightful spread for traditional afternoon tea. (Photo by Nerissa Fernandez)

The visiting ASAP Live in Sydney team at the façade of the sprawling Quaker Hill NSW Nursing Home and Aged Care Facilities. This one literally rose from the ashes as it was burned down in 2011 through a callous arson attack that killed 11 and became Sydney’s worst nursing home disaster. Today, the facility is a premier residential aged care home in Sydney’s North West with generous accommodation options and living spaces, a Registered Nurse-led care model, access to a range of medical services, engaging social and recreational programs and strong links to the local community, among others. It is one of the 70 homes in four Australian states under the Opal Aged Care. (Photo from Quaker Hill NSW Nursing Home)

Count “ASAP Live in Sydney” to be surely among the City of Sydney’s world-class entertainment offerings with a heart this October. It’s set for tomorrow, October 20, Saturday, at the ICC Sydney Theatre.

For the event day schedule, to check updates and to buy tickets now to “ASAP Live in Sydney”, download the TFC Live App from the App Store or Google Play and register. You may also visit https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ASAP18

TFC Live’s TIKIM Fun Run Goes to the “Big Guava” on November 17

Historic Philippine Enrichment Complex in Tampa, Florida plays host to 3^rd leg of the touring TIKIM Fun Run this year

TAMPA, FL, October 8, 2018 - The month of November in the U.S. is usually associated with the Thanksgiving tradition that marks the start of the Christmas holiday season for many. But while others bring out and parade their fall or winter fashion and gear that month, just know that the average weather temperature in Tampa, Florida in November is still somewhere between the 70s and 80s. So, the weather outside may be frightful in other states, but Tampa outdoors remain delightful.

Thus, TFC Live made sure people have a warm place to go in the usual brrr months of the year by taking its TIKIM Filipino Fun Run to the Philippine Enrichment Complex in Tampa, Florida on November 17, 2018, Saturday, starting at 10:00am.

This is the third installment of the TIKIM Filipino Fun Run this year, kicking off last Mother’s Day at the Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo, California, then followed by another last September 22 at the Earl Bales Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This original, one-of-a-kind 5k fun run (or walk) that celebrates Filipino culture and the value of giving back is fast becoming a touring event juggernaut that is drawing hundreds of multicultural participants of all ages. Its main attractions other that the run itself? It takes the runners through a course with a unique Filipino food tasting station at each kilometer and part of the proceeds of the registration is donated to the feeding program of Bantay Bata (Child Watch), a pillar program of ABS-CBN Foundation International.

“Doing TIKIM Fun Run in November couldn’t have been timelier because it’s Thanksgiving season,” said ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Ricky Resurreccion. “Thanksgiving is about being grateful for blessings like your family, so celebrate by running as a family at this event. Then as you do so, while running and enjoying Filipino food and culture with others, you are automatically giving to others by helping malnourished children in the Philippines with nutritious meals. That’s because three dollars out of each adult registration go to the feeding program of Bantay Bata. You feel good about everything with this event.”

Part of every TIKIM story is also the selection of the venue. Why Tampa? There is a certain quiet but delightful quirkiness to the city. Tampa, as a word, may have meant “sticks of fire” in the language of the Calusa, Native American tribe that once lived south of today’s Tampa Bay. It could have referred to the fantastic lightning display in its skies during summer. But if New York is the “Big Apple”, Tampa is the “Big Guava” ironically because of a businessman’s failed quest for wild guava tree plantations in the city back in the 1800s that actually led to Tampa being tried out for cigar production instead. Tampa turned into the “Cigar Capital of the World” and Tampa folks always say, “we owe it to the guava”. Related to cigars (or Cuban influences in Florida), the Cuban sandwich recipe that you devour in most restaurants in the U.S. most likely originated also from Tampa.

Moreover, Tampa is quite a creative and imaginative place for fun runs. Throughout the year, they hold races like the Tampa Beer Run, Tampa Bay Whiskey Run 10k and 5k, the Tampa Bay Tequila Half Marathon, and in neighboring cities, they have the Labor Day Apple Pie Run, Glam Run 5k, Boo Run and Boo Dash, Reindeer Run, Chase the Dreidel 5k, the Santa Claus Run for Scholarship, Ice Cream 5k and Jingle Bell Jog.

In short, the Tampa area is a fun runner’s paradise!

TFC Live partners this year with the non-profit Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. to hold TIKIM Fun Run in Tampa at the historic Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex at 14301 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, FL 33626. Helping out also is TFC community partner Fil-Am Movement International which holds annually the Fiesta Mo Sa Florida in Kissimmee.

For more information or to register for TIKIM Fun Run in Tampa, visithttps://usa.mytfc.com/tikim or the registration website at http://tikimfilipinofoodfunrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=11366

HAIL TO THE QUEEN! Newly crowned Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez is all smiles. (Photo by George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News). Katarina struts confidently in the much anticipated ABS-CBN reality show, “The People’s Queen”, showing on TFC, Myx TV and Lifestyle Network globally this October and on Metro Philippines in November (ABS-CBN International).

ABS-CBN International’s “The People’s Queen” reality show produces

its first real beauty queen in Ms World Philippines Katarina Rodriguez

“The secret to success in every pageant is recognizing the queen in every female,” says Rodriguez

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, October 9, 2018 – In just a week after Variety magazine announced it as part of its TV Fall line-up, ABS-CBN International’sThe People’s Queen – the glamorous reality TV boot camp for beauty pageant hopefuls – has produced its first real beauty queen. Last weekend, cast member Katarina Rodriguez was crowned Miss World Philippines 2018 at the pageant’s coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines.

Rodriguez will represent the Philippines at the Miss World 2018 pageant in China this December. Aside from winning Miss World-Philippines, Rodriguez was also named Beach Beauty Challenge winner, Best in Long Gown, Miss Resorts World Manila, and Miss Blue Water Day Spa (along with Maureen Montagne). The exciting pageant and win for the 26-year old trended on Twitter in the Philippines:

See also:

https://sites.google.com/site/missphilippinesearthusa/others

ABS-CBN International presents first U.S.-produced reality show

with an All-Asian American cast via “The People’s Queen”

Variety Magazine features exciting new show on its October TV news round-up;

Show to premiere on Myx TV, TFC and Lifestyle Network in October and on Metro in November

NEW YORK, NY, October 2, 2018 - What happens when you bring 5 beauty pageant hopefuls to live in a mansion for 6 weeks with 2 over-the-top coaches and a team of fashion and media specialists? The People’s Queen, the glamorous new reality show that is taking the pageant world by storm, becomes available globally starting October.

The People’s Queen is being called a cross between Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and America’s Next Top Model. The show follows Cecilio Asuncion and Voltaire Tayag as they challenge five of the top Filipino pageant hopefuls in their quests for international titles.

Cecilio and Voltaire are not simply shaping the perfect beauty queen; they’re creating The People’s Queen.

“The pageant community is looking to redefine its role in an era of female empowerment and gender equality,” Asuncion explains. His history with the pageant system extends to before he was even born. His grandmother was Miss Manila. Today, Asuncion is the Director of Slay Model Management, the world’s first all-Transgender model agency and National Director of Miss Supranational USA. He judged the Miss Universe 2017 pageant in Las Vegas and hosted this year’s Miss Teen USA pageant in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“In today’s pageants, the real competition is an internal one,” he continues. “It used to be that women reshaped themselves to fit the crown, striving to match the idealized version of a Barbie doll beauty queen. Today’s judges want to see the real, unfiltered woman beneath the lashes and beautiful gowns.”

“In order to triumph, pageant contestants are required to dig deep within their souls, confront unresolved personal issues and overcome self-doubt,” says Tayag, another pageant veteran. He was a fashion designer before turning his passion and expertise into becoming a pageant journalist and trainer. A stickler for traditional training techniques, Tayag often butts heads with Asuncion and his less conventional training methods.

Variety, Hollywood’s bible in entertainment, included ABS-CBN’s “The People’s Queen” in its October TV news round-up.

The five pageant hopefuls in The People’s Queen are Nikita, a biracial beauty confronting her bullied past; 25 year-old Katrina, who spent years focusing on the needs of her immigrant family and may have missed her chance for an international crown; 15 year-old Jenny, a pageant newbie who may be too rough around the edges; overly shy Michelle who must break out of her shell if she hopes to compete at the Miss Philippines pageant; and Katarina, a runner-up on Asia’s Next Top Model and former Miss Intercontinental Philippines who is now vying for the Miss World Philippines crown.

“American audiences are craving multiculturalism in their televised programming and are especially interested in seeing more Asian representation,” says ABS-CBN Global COO Olivia De Jesus. She points to the successes of ABC-TV’s Fresh Off the Boat and the Warner Brothers Pictures’ film, Crazy Rich Asians.

De Jesus is an executive producer on The People’s Queen along with Jun Del Rosario, John Lazatin and Glenn Meehan, whose previous executive producer credits include the long-running TLC reality series, Little People, Big World.

Meehan agrees that Americans are eager to learn more about Asia’s rich culture, as long as it is a genuine representation. “Pageantry is a huge part of Filipino culture,” he says. “It is regarded as a sport and their passion for it demonstrates the quiet, resolute yet ultra-competitive nature of its people.”

Asuncion adds that the trend toward diversity isn’t exclusive to Hollywood. He sees it taking over pageants too as they are actively promoting varied shapes, heights and backgrounds in competition. “The upcoming Miss Universe 2018 pageant will even feature its first Transgender contestant, Miss Spain, competing for the crown,” he says.

“Pageant queens were never born, they’ve always been made,” Asuncion contends. “Where we used to build a queen with external make-overs, it’s internal transformations that win titles today. It’s simply not enough to be a beauty queen anymore. Pageant hopefuls must strive to be The People’s Queen.”

The People’s Queen is ABS-CBN International’s first foray into a reality show in English with an all-Asian American cast beyond its Myx TV channel. ABS-CBN is the largest Filipino media and entertainment company in the world. In the USA, its programming is available on Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Cox Cable and other major cable systems, as well as on satellite via DIRECTV, on IPTV and digitally via TFC online (TFC.tv) which is also available on Roku.

The People’s Queen will be seen globally on Myx TV (Myxtv.com) starting October 24; on TFC on cable, satellite, TFC online (TFC.tv) and Lifestyle Network on October 27 in North America, Europe and Middle East (October 28 in Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia); and on Metro channel in the Philippines in November.

Follow The People’s Queen on Instagram @thepeoplesqueenshow and Twitter @tpqshow.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jeff Dorta

PROJECT PUBLICITY, INC.

212-445-0099

jeffdorta@projectpublicity.com

www.projectpublicity.com

Nerissa M. Fernandez

ABS-CBN International

650-508-6032

nerissa_fernandez@abs-cbn.com

https://usa.mytfc.com/

Filipino American contributions

take front and center during Filipino American History Month in October

DALY CITY, Calif., September 17, 2018 --- October is celebrated as Filipino American History Month across the U.S. because the earliest documented Filipino presence in the U.S. was on October 18, 1587 in Morro Bay, California.

It was the late Dr. Fred Cordova and his wife, Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, founder of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FAHNS), a community-based organization whose mission is “to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation, and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation, and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States,” who first introduced October as Filipino American History Month back in 1992.

In 2009, the United States Congress had passed subsequent resolutions recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, urging people across the U.S. to celebrate the significant contributions of Filipino Americans to the enrichment of the country.

TFC takes part in four celebratory events during the meaningful month of October.

On October 6, Saturday, the City of Carson will have the kick-off ceremonies for their 9^th Annual Filipino American History Month festivities. The day starts at 8:00 am by the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument outside the Carson Community Center on 801 E. Carson St. in Carson, California. This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, and a program that highlights their leadership awards in three categories: Community Leadership, Youth Achievement, and Heroism.

Headliners for the program are singers Fe de los Reyes and Miguel Vera. Other performers are the CSU Long Beach Filipino American Coalition, Shane Selloria, Jason Farol, Kindreds of Carson, and former “Fil-Ams Got Talent” champions Charishma Marquez, Shekinah Austria, and Therese Masangcay. Keynote speaker is Asian Pacific Studies Professor Dr. Mary Talusan-Lacanlale. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz and Councilmember Elito Santarina will also grace the kick-off.

Daly City celebrates Filipino-American History Month via Kasayahan sa Daly City at the Marchbank Park from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. There will be food trucks, a family fun zone, arts and crafts, a jump house, a beer garden, several vendor booths, a bubble machine, and entertainment from homegrown talent. Parking is free at the DC Station Garage on 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard, and Marchbank Park is accessible on the second floor. This is a free event, and everyone is invited.

Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by Melvinsings! Maddie B, Kariktan Dance Company, American Center of Philippine Arts, Rudy Kalma, Mike Dayao, Guji, and more.

Headliners to perform at the TFC Hour are “Queen of Freestyle” Jocelyn Enriquez and rapper and spoken word artist Ruby Ibarra.

For more information about this event, call 650-991-8001 or go to their Facebook events page here.

“12 Million” – a glimpse into the Filipino diaspora through story and song, will be shown in Los Angeles and in the Bay Areaon October 20 and 27, respectively. Through artistic expressions of music and drama, the show will offer a glimpse into the real-life experiences of Filipinos from across the globe.

“12 Million” will be shown in at the Aratani Theater at Little Tokyo on 244 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA on October 20,and at the Terra Nova Theater on 1450 Terra Nova Blvd., Pacifica, CA on October 27, 2018. For tickets and other inquiries, visit www.anglahiexploits.com.

On October 27, the 9^th Annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration will be held at the Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Avenue, also in Carson, California. The event is from 8:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. with the 2018 Larry Itliong Labor Awards as highlight of the day.

Speakers for the day are: Johnny Itliong, director of the Larry Itliong Foundation through Education, and son of labor leader Larry Itliong; Fernando Chavez, founder of the Chavez Law Group and son of union leader and labor organizer Cesar Chavez; and Historian Roger Gadiano, who is also a member of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) – Delanochapter.

Silakbo sa Mik Tinig, a local group who performs socially relevant raps about immigration, women, and demilitarization will be performing on that day.

An expression of culture and the recognition of Filipino American contributions take centerstage in these various celebrations of Filipino American History Month this October.

Click here for more information on the Daly City Filipino American History Month celebration. To learn more about the City of Carson’s Kick-Off and Larry Itliong Day Celebration, call 310-952-1743 or go here. And click here for more information about "12 Million."

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/165ea1161d68917b?projector=1

Toronto is all abuzz with its first TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run this September

TORONTO, September 6, 2018 – TIKIM Filipino Food Fun, a one-of-a-kind 5K fun run or walk that celebrates Filipino culture and the value of giving back, is headed to Toronto on September 22, 2018 at the Earl Bales Park.

TIKIM is a Filipino word that means “to taste” and the 5k fun run, presented by TFC Live, in coordination with the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC) of Toronto, is set to take runners through a course with a Filipino food tasting station at each kilometer of the way. Each station is a celebration of different Filipino flavors.

At the end of the run is a food fair and tasting experience. This provides a great opportunity for family and friends to get together after a unique and energetic run, and to spend time together in a picnic setting against the lush and scenic views of Earl Bales Park. The park features a dogs off-leash area, playgrounds, a sensory garden, splash pad, an outdoor amphitheatre, memorials, paved walking/cycling trails, picnic sites and fire pits.

ABS-CBN Global Events Head Ricky Resurreccion says that “After the successful launch of TIKIM in the SF Bay Area, we’re very excited to bring the TIKIM experience to Toronto.” Resurreccion further explains that since “Toronto is gifted with a rich tapestry of various ethnicities, we think the uniqueness and the fun elements of our event will appeal to this market.”

The inaugural TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run took off last May in sunny California, with nearly 600 registered runners. A fresh concept to join the roster of various themed-runs around the country, TIKIM gained ground among Filipino-American and non-Filipino runners alike. Even newbies or non-runners joined in on the fun.

ABS-CBN Managing Director for North and Latin America Jun del Rosario said that “This is a good proof of concept that the community can come together and do an activity that is relevant – it pits part of our culture which is food, out there in the market.” Del Rosario added that he was very pleased with the turnout. “It was within the expected level. I’m a lot happier that I’m seeing a lot more of the younger people. Beyond the turnout, it’s how the younger generation has embraced this. That for me is more important.”

Run for Food while Doing Good.

Aside from being a fun run, TIKIM is also a philanthropic event. Part of the proceeds of TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run registration will benefit World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization that partners with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Participation in TIKIM will help support programs that will help children and their families improve nutrition and transform their communities. Projects also include working with government health departments to improve access to basic healthcare, malnutrition interventions, vaccinations and medical clinics.

The TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run is open to all races, gender and ages. Categories are Adult Runners and Youth Runners.

Runners will receive a commemorative TIKIM t-shirt, race bib, an acknowledgement letter with the runner’s donation to World Vision, and food fair access. Running Room, Ltd is the exclusive running retail sponsor of TIKIM in Toronto.

Click here or go to mytfc.com/tikimtoronto for more information and to register for TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run in Toronto.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/165b149de3cbe602?projector=1

TFC Helps Celebrate Filipino Culture at the 25^thPistahan Parade and Festival in Downtown San Francisco!

SAN FRANCISCO, August 17, 2018 – It was a great weekend to celebrate culture.

TFC took part in the 25^th Pistahan Parade and Festival presented by the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE), a nonprofit organization that contributes to the artistic and cultural pride of the Filipino American community through the promotion of Filipino American art, music, film, cuisine and dance.

Billed as the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S., the two-day event was brimming with fun, music, performances, and food, with seven pavilions for exploration, discovery and learning: Dance, Art, Innovation, Culinary,

Health, Sports, and Leadership, plus the main stage where various performers showed off great skills in singing, DJing, rapping, martial arts, scratching, folk dancing, and many more.

FAAE President Al Perez explained the reason behind this year’s Pistahan theme: “Celebrating our History and Creating our Legacy” is because “we want to respect all the struggles and the challenges that the people who came before us went through, that opened doors for us now.” Perez also added that “We say ‘creating our legacy’ because we want us to be actively taking part in what’s going to happen in the next 25 years, the next 100 years.”

The first day kicked-off with a parade that started at the Civic Center and proceeded along Market Street with the end destination at the Yerba Buena Gardens. The TFC float had special Kapamilya guest performers Martin Nievera and Darren Espanto waving at the crowd on the streets. Balitang America’s Henni Espinosa and Steve Angeles also joined the TFC float that played music from the various summer campaigns of ABS-CBN over the years.

The TFC Hour, emceed by Adobo Nation Host Ginger Conejero and Barangay USA’s Gelo, was the climax to the two-day event, where Nievera and Espanto enchanted the huge crowd with the Concert King’s timeless songs, and Darren’s ballads, alternating with upbeat songs and a game round of the Katchi® Dance-off with Gelo, Conejero, and Darren’s baby sister.

With the favorable weather, performers and audiences alike enjoyed the great energy and engagement that one could feel from those on stage and on the grounds.

Perez shared that “The partnership of Pistahan with TFC and ABS-CBN has been the turning point for Pistahan. The caliber of the show became bigger, and that also forced us, as organizers, to be better prepared. TFC has put in place a certain level of organization, so we had to step up to the plate. From then on, the festival kept growing.”

Managing Director of ABS-CBN North and Latin America Jun Del Rosario says that “This partnership between TFC and the FAAE plays a big role in bringing together the Filipino American community and showcasing our unique culture in the Bay Area and perhaps even beyond Northern California. This kind of representation is a source of pride for Filipino Americans across all generations. We look forward to sustaining this wonderful partnership that continues to evolve with the times.”

MEET THE PRESS AND COMMUNITY: The ABS-CBN TFC team joins KZ Tandingan, Maja Salvador, Toni Gonzaga, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual,

Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla and Inigo Pascual at the “ASAP Honolulu” press conference at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

ABS-CBN TFC’s “ASAP” received a proclamation from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, represented here by the City’s Director for International Affairs Firmo Dayao, who is also with the City’s Office of Economic Development. From left are Adobo Nation host and BA reporter Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN Corporation Head of Integrated Events and Customer Engagement Bobby Barreiro, ABS-CBN North and Latin America Managing Director Jun Del Rosario, ASAP Business Unit Head Joyce Liquicia, ABS-CBN Global COO Olivia De Jesus, Mr. Dayao who presented the proclamation to ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN Corporation President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, and TFC’s Barangay USA Host Gelo Barga.

HISTORY MADE: A group shot of ABS-CBN executives with the ASAP Honolulu cast and crew

TFC Artists Jona and Sam Milby

Rocked the City of Carson at the Celebration of the 120^thAnniversary of Philippine Independence

Myx TV Hour Engages the Millennial Crowd at Veterans Park

CARSON, Calif., June 14, 2018 --- Thousands of residents from the City of Carson and nearby areas in Southern California made their way to the Veterans Park in Carson for the 120^th Anniversary Celebration of Philippine Independence.

It was a spectacular Saturday that started with the flag-raising, followed by an ecumenical service led by Rev. Emmanuel Orendain, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church, and then a community mass celebrated by Rev. Father Albert Avenido of St. Philomena Catholic Church. This was followed by the presentation of colors and parade led by City of Carson Mayor Albert Robles.

The rest of the day was packed with fun and entertainment for the whole family. Vendor booths spread throughout the park provided arts and crafts, food, and various engagement activities. Philippine Independence Day Foundation Chairman Alex Cainglet pointed out that “There were around 100 plus booths this year versus the average of 70 from previous years. More local businesses bought in with the drawing power of TFC and the quality of entertainment it is known for world-wide.”

Myx TV, the only English-language multicultural Asian American entertainment network in the United States, showcased their various talents during the Myx TV Hour hosted by social media phenomenon Jessica Lesaca, Host of “Week Sauce.” Gracing the stage were singers Rocky Sandoval, Jeserey, Jules Aurora, and Leanne Tessa of Club Mickey Mouse.

Special guests Myx Host Joshua Manansala, Jamal McClerkin, host of Myx Digital’s “What’s in the Bag?” and Audrey Elizabeth, Myx Digital host were also there to spice up the Myx TV Hour.

Myx TV Virtual Casting Project Manager Allen Palos noted that audience engagement was very good. He says that “We saw a lot of second generation Filipinos in attendance, and organizers told me they had an influx of second gen attendees.”

The much-awaited TFC Hour opened with SoCal locals- Adobo Nation’s LA Chika Reporter Anna Diaz and BA Correspondent Steve Angeles taking to the stage for some fun banter with the audience before introducing the main acts of the Philippines’ Soul Princess Jona and Rockoustic Heartthrob Sam Milby.

Councilmember Elito Santarina was all praises, saying that “The City feels fortunate to have such great talents from TFC for our Philippine Independence Day Celebration. This annual celebration is Carson’s biggest event so we want only the best for the community. That is why I thank TFC for bringing two of their best talents, Sam and Jona, to Carson.”

Jona and Sam enjoyed themselves as they performed for the SoCal community. Both artists went down from the stage and joined the crowd on the ground, as they continued singing, wanting to be with, and reach out up close to the lively audience.

It is endearing to see how the ABS-CBN/TFC artists connect with the festival participants. PIDF Trustee and City Council Deputy Riezl Locsin-Pe Benito noticed that “they (Sam and Jona) are both sincere in their intention to bring happiness to the community as expressed in their interactions toward the audience. The hosts, Anna and Steve, were great too, in addition to the fact that the community knows them already.”

Cainglet said that, “people from Santa Barbara (70 miles away) and San Diego (90 miles away) drove all the way to see them perform. Several dignitaries, namely state and city officials, who were non-Filipinos, stayed on to watch and be entertained.”He also added that “Sam and Jona gave world-class quality entertainment. The organizers felt so right and blessed to get TFC for this year’s celebration.”

Santarina echoes the sentiment when he revealed that “the attendance this year broke all records. This has the biggest turn out so far. In fact, Carson has been the talk of the town since Saturday. The community now looks forward to next year’s celebration.”

Jona, Sam, and ABS-CBN/TFC were presented with Certificates of Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan (California’s 44^th District) Commendation and Plaques of Appreciation, and plaques of appreciation from the City of Carson.

After the Carson event, Jona and Sam proceeded to the Hilton Hotel in Universal City to appear at the dinner gala event of Kalayaan Incorporated of Southern California at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City, celebrating the 120^th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

TFC Bags Back-to-Back Wins at the 2018 Regional EMMY® Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2018 – TFC nabs two awards at the 47^th Annual Northern California EMMY® Awards held recently at the SF Jazz Center.

TFC bested KTVU Fox 2, KRCB in Sonoma County, and Hawaii News Now (KGMB) when “Box City,” an original Balitang America documentary, won in the Public/ Current/ Community Affairs – Program/Special – English category. The documentary tells the story of homeless Filipinos, who built their small homes made of cardboard and plywood, living in an encampment they call Box City.

Box City was produced by the same team behind the EMMY® award-winning documentary “The Filipino Champions of SOMA,”that won the regional EMMY® for the same category five years ago: Overall In-Charge of Production Olivia De Jesus and John Lazatin; Producer, Writer and Host Henni Espinosa; Director of Photography Jeremiah Ysip; Editor Jon Santos; and Graphics Artist Mike Carrion. Patrick Luna was asked on board to provide drone shots and additional video.

BA’s Assignment Editor and Senior Correspondent Henni Espinosa won as On-Camera Talent – Program Host in the English category for her work in Box City.

At the red-carpet interview with NBC Bay Area’s Kevin Wing, Espinosa shared that, “When we first went into the encampment filled with homeless Filipinos, we didn’t know what to expect. My cameraman, Jeremiah, told me ‘you need to get in there. These are people with stories who don’t want to be judged; they just want to share why they’re in that situation.’”

Espinosa added “What’s even more meaningful beyond the awards and accolades is that people actually reached out to help these homeless Filipinos after Box City aired. They gave food, donations, and clothing. For us, that’s what’s more important. It has become a movement.”

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is the premier and most recognized non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of excellence in television. The San Francisco/Northern California Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences was chartered in 1961. It is dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award.

-30-

Photo 1:

The team behind the original Balitang America documentary – Box City – holds up their Emmys® after winning in the Public/Current/Community Affairs – Program/Special – English category. (L-R) Jeremiah Ysip (director of photography), Jon Santos (editor), Henni Espinosa (producer/writer/host), Patrick Luna (photographer). Not in photo are: Mike Carrion (graphic artist), and John Lazatin and Olivia De Jesus (over-all in charge of production).

“Bitter Melon” – a Cinematografo Original – makes its way to Outfest this July

LOS ANGELES, June 27, 2018 --- When the very first Cinematografo International Film Festival (CIFF) launched in November last year, it also introduced select originals and new projects that their committee has carefully selected to fund and support. One of these is Bitter Melon.

Bitter Melon is the third feature film that filmmaker H.P. Mendoza directed (Fruit Fly, I Am a Ghost). It is the story of a Filipino-American family who reunites for a Christmas party, only to find out that Troy, the second oldest child, has been ruling the house with fear-intimidating everyone who lives there-including his mother, and even physically abusing his wife. What starts as a fun holiday reunion turns into a darkly humorous crime scene as Declan, the youngest son, leads the family as they conspire on how to best murder the violent and abusive Troy.

After the movie’s world premiere at the CAAMFest 36 in May, where Mendoza has premiered all his other earlier movies, Bitter Melon will be screened at the Outfest,one of the premier LGBTQ film festivals in the world. Outfest runs from July 12-22in various theaters around the city. Bitter Melon is one of the featured narratives to be shown on July 13, Friday at Harmony Gold.

In an interview with the weekly magazine show, Adobo Nation, Mendoza shared that the film is about domestic abuse and the system of violence that repeats itself every generation. Bitter Melon tackles “what would happen if someone said something, or even better, if someone did something.”

According to Mendoza, Bitter Melon has been in the works for two decades now, starting with a script he wrote in 1997. He admits that he was a different person in 1997. “As I got older, I realized I was being wacky because that made it safe. It was a dark comedy, but it was a wacky, dark comedy. And it really is no laughing matter because it touches all of us in whatever shape or form.”

Why Bitter Melon? Mendoza had said that if he ever made a film about a dysfunctional family, he would name it after the bane of his childhood existence.“Me and my brothers would hate it every time our mother would cook bitter melon. She would say, ‘I know it’s hard to swallow, but it’s good for you.’” That is how he would describe the movie. “The situations in the movie are hard to swallow, but you have to watch it and talk about it.”

Bitter Melon stars Jon Norman Schneider as Declan, Brian Rivera as Moe,Patrick Epino as Troy, Josephine De Jesus as Prisca, L.A. Renigen as Tiya, andTheresa Navarro as Shelly.

Outfest is an LGBTQ-oriented film showcase and festival in Los Angeles. For more festival information, go to www.outfest.org. For more information about the Cinematografo Original, go to http://bittermelonfilm.com/.

TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run’s Celebrity Runners Reveal their Training Tips and Food Cravings

DALY CITY, Calif., May 9, 2018 – This Mother’s Day, TFC Live brings you two essentials: food and fun combined in a one-of-a-kind 5K run or walk that celebrates culture and the value of giving back in the inaugural TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run. Aside from the delectable delights awaiting runners at each kilometer mark, participants will be joined by Filipino celebrities, who are runners themselves. Joining the hundreds of runners at the starting line are actress/singer/host Kim Chiu, actor/model Jake Cuenca, actor/singer Inigo Pascual, and Star Patrol Anchor Gretchen Fullido.

All four celebrities are joining TIKIM to support TFC and because the run will benefit many children via the feeding program of ABS-CBN Foundation International’s Bantay Bata (Child Watch). “I’m really excited to spend time with our fellowmen, and because I’m running for something bigger than myself,” Fullido shares. Cuenca adds that “Aside from getting a good workout, we also get to help the children. You get to have fun while doing something good.”

Pascual looks forward to having his mother with him on this trip. “I’m going to force my mom to do it (TIKIM Run) so that can be her exercise too. The cool thing about this is we get to eat at every kilometer, so in a way, Mommy and I get to bond together on Mother’s Day.” Chiu happily discloses that aside from the joy she feels when she is aroundkababayans (fellow Filipinos), she is curious about TIKIM and would like to experience the run that combines food, fun, and giving. “Tikim-tikim habang tumatakbo every kilometer so I think it’s going to be fun.” (You get tiny tastes of various Filipino food as you hit every kilometer…)

How TIKIM’s Celebrity Runners Prepare for a Run

According to Chiu, “I sleep early because my body needs to be conditioned on race day.”She also loads up on carbs the day before, “para hindi ka mahimatay and sugar is also important para hindi ka mahimatay pag mainit yung run.” (… that way, you don’t faint, and sugar is also important so you don’t faint if it’s hot during the run.)

Cuenca says that “Everyone who follows me on Instagram knows that running is really my hobby so whether that’s a 5k or 21k or even 42k I’ll always enjoy a good run.” Since all the races he has joined were held in the Philippines, he looks forward to running in the U.S.

Fullido makes sure she is prepared physically and mentally. She shares that “I never towed the starting line unprepared because I know it can be painful if I don’t put in the necessary mileage. I also make sure that I get the proper nutrition ahead of the race so I can perform my best.”

Pascual already runs constantly with his father, Filipino film and TV actor Piolo Pascual, but the younger Pascual says that he will “run more and I’m going to prepare my taste buds for the food that they have prepared for us.”

What the Celebrity Runners are Craving, Hoping to Taste at TIKIM

The fact that TIKIM combines Filipino food with a fun run has a lot of the participants looking forward to the tasting stations at every kilometer mark, and to the food festival that awaits all at the end of the trail.

TIKIM’s celebrity runners have their own hankering for Filipino eats and treats and they share their cuisine obsessions here. Fullido has so many favorite Filipino dishes, but her top three all-time favorites are lumpiang shanghai, kaldereta and crispy pata. “I hope they serve these so I can feast on my favorites while running in TIKIM,” Fullido adds.

For Pascual, tapsilog and kinilaw are among his favorites. Tapsilog is when one combines tapa (beef strips), garlic-fried rice (sinangag), and fried egg (itlog) into one meal, usually served as breakfast fare. Kinilaw (literally "eaten raw") is a raw seafood dish like ceviche.

Both Chiu and Cuenca are looking forward to kakanin. Kakanin refers to various Filipino delicacies that are usually made of glutinous rice, cooked slowly, and blended with coconut milk. Chiu enthuses that “kuchinta, palitaw, pichi pichi yan mga favorite ko!” Cuenca is now a pesco-vegetarian and can no longer enjoy his once-upon-a-time meat-based favorites. He reveals that “when i was still eating meat, my favorites were sinigang and sisig, but now that i am vegetarian i don’t get to eat that but on that day, I’ll eat fish.”

Enjoy a unique Mother’s Day celebration and come by to check out TFC Live presents TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run on Sunday, May 13, at the Coyote Point Recreation Area, 1701 Coyote Point Drive in San Mateo. The run starts at 8:00 A.M. and the food festival opens at 10:00 A.M.

Aside from food trucks and vendor booths, the food festival will have entertainment, and other fun activities for the whole family. Participants can check out the various food offerings and activities from TIKIM vendors and sponsors like Guerrero Law Firm, Financial Rescue LLC, XOOM, The Law Offices of John C. Ye, SouthWest Sun Solar, LBC, Ria Financial, Saladmaster, Mango Tours, Abby Skin Care, Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Cafe, Seafood City’s Grill City and Crispy Town, Tastebuds, Pampanga’s Cuisine, Sunflower Bakery, Sweet Dreams, Kadoks, Isla Restaurant, and Sun Tropics.

Other supporters include Tobacco Free California, Belo Medical Group, Consumer Protection Legal Center, Solar Earth USA, NutriAsia, Heavenly Ice Cream, Pampanga’s Bakery & Restaurant, Ma Sarap Food Truck, Da Pokeman Food Truck, OngPin Restaurant,Nick’s Kitchen, Irma’s Pampanga Restaurant, and Crumbwich Silvanas.

Presentors for TIKIM are County of San Mateo “Child Support Services, Seafood City,Remitly, and Philippine Airlines.

-30-

PHOTO 1:

The inaugural TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run happens on Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day) Imagine a 5K course with a Filipino food tasting station at each kilometer of the way. As you cross the finish line, a food festival featuring favorite, popular and traditional Filipino dishes awaits. Not only will your run be fun, but it’s also a way to give back, as part of the proceeds of the TIKIM Fun Run registration will be donated to the feeding program of Bantay Bata (the Child Watch program of ABS-CBN Foundation International).

PHOTO 2:

Kim Chiu finished strong at the Pilipinas Duathlon Series Leg 1 held at Clark, Pampangain February. She is running in TIKIM to help the feeding program of ABS-CBN International’s Bantay Bata (Child Watch). (Photo courtesy of @chinitaprincess)

PHOTO 3:

Recording artist and actor Inigo Pascual shares that he makes sure to run at least 30 minutes a day. He has also joined the L.A. half marathon before. (Photo courtesy of Star Magic)

PHOTO 4:

Gretchen Fullido joins "Run for The Mountains" at the Bonifacio Global City last 2017. She also ran the 2017 70.3 IronMan race at Subic Bay. (Photo courtesy of Pido)

PHOTO 5:

Jake Cuenca at the 2017 Powerman Philippines Asian Championship. Cuenca is excited to run and excited to taste the food at TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run. (Photo courtesy of @juancarloscuenca)

Those who would like to go straight to the food festival may do so, starting at 10:00 A.M. Participants can check out the various food offerings many activities from TIKIM vendors and sponsors like County of San Mateo “Child Support Services,” Guerrero Law Firm, Remitly, Financial Rescue LLC, XOOM, The Law Offices of John C. Ye, Southwest Sun Solar, LBC, Ria Financial, Saladmaster, Mango Tours, Abby Skin Care, Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Cafe, 50 Shades of Dough, Seafood City’s Grill City and Crispy Town, Seafood City,Tastebuds, Pampanga’s Cuisine, Sunflower Bakery, Sweet Dreams, Kadoks, Isla Restaurant, and Sun Tropics.

Run for Food while Doing Good.

Aside from being a fun run, TIKIM is also a philanthropic event. According to ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Ricky Resurreccion, “It is a way to give back, as part of the proceeds of the TIKIM Fun Run registration will be donated to the feeding program of Bantay Bata (the Child Watch program of ABS-CBN Foundation International).”

By registering and joining the fun run, each participant would have provided meals for 10 malnourished children. Imagine how many children all the TIKIM registrants will be able to feed. Three dollars out of each adult registration will go to Bantay Bata, so participants know that when they run and eat at TIKIM, they are also helping a needy child to enjoy nutritious meals.

The TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run is open to all races, gender and ages. Categories are Adult Runners, Youth Runners and Food Festival participants.

Runners will receive a commemorative TIKIM t-shirt, race bib, an acknowledgement letter with the runner’s donation to ABS-CBN Foundation International, and a $5 food voucher, which can be redeemed at any of the food festival vendor booths. Runners will also each receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a special prize. Registered Youth runners will each receive a TIKIM t-shirt (first 200 kids), race bib and medal. Participants to the food festival only will get a $5 food voucher and a raffle entry.

Aside from food trucks and vendor booths, the Food Festival will have entertainment, and other fun activities for the whole family.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a unique and memorable way. Click here for more information and to register forTIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run.

LEFT, ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III; RIGHT: New ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Martin “Mark” Lopez

ABS-CBN elects Gabby Lopez as chairman emeritus,

Mark Lopez as new chairman

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, April 19, 2018 - ABS-CBN Corporation’s Board of Directors elected Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III as chairman emeritus at the company’s organizational meeting which was held today (April 19). In the same meeting, Martin “Mark” Lopez was elected chairman of the Board. Mark succeeds Gabby as chairman of the ABS-CBN Board of Directors as part of the company’s succession planning process.

Gabby, who turned 65 last August and is the second chairman emeritus in the company’s history, will remain as a director of the Board. His father Eugenio Lopez Jr. – fondly known as Kapitan Geny – was given the same title after Gabby was elected chairman in 1997.

“As every athlete knows, there comes a time when inevitably it’s time to let go of the reins and allow others to take over. My father has always said ‘broadcasting’ is for the young. After all, today’s digital world is vastly different from the world I managed,” Gabby said in his speech after the ABS-CBN annual stockholders’ meeting. He also said that he “will not disappear into the woodwork.”

Gabby, who also served as CEO of ABS-CBN from 1997 to 2012, is credited with steadily transforming ABS-CBN from being the country’s biggest broadcasting network into being the country’s leading media and entertainment company. Under his helm, ABS-CBN diversified into various successful ventures that include interactive and online media, international and domestic cable and satellite channels, broadband services, sports programming, consumer products and licensing, digital TV, and immersive experiences.

It was also under his leadership that ABS-CBN launched cable TV service SkyCable, global subscription channel The Filipino Channel, and video-on-demand streaming sites TFC.tv and iWant TV. He also pursued the launch of ABS-CBN TVplus, the country’s first-ever digital terrestrial television product.

“I accept this huge responsibility of carrying on the company’s vision of being in the service of the Filipino – using the blueprint of excellence and innovation set by Gabby. ABS-CBN has played an instrumental role in nation-building in the past 65 years. We understand what the company means to the Filipino and this country, and we will take this to heart as we guide the company through its digital transformation,” said Mark, who was identified as a successor as early as five years ago.

In his previous role as chief technology officer, Mark was responsible for setting the company’s strategic directions and ensuring operational excellence in information and communications, as well as technology broadcast engineering. He spearheaded ABS-CBN’s system modernization, highlighted by the migration to the cloud and the automation of content creation and delivery to various media platforms. He was also responsible for ABS-CBN’s migration to HD and the completion of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) infrastructure.

Prior to joining ABS-CBN, Mark spent 13 years at MERALCO, the largest power distribution company in the country, where he eventually assumed the role of vice president and chief information officer and concurrent to his role as CIO, he also served as the president of e-Meralco Ventures, Inc. until 2010.

Mark completed INSEAD’s general management program in 2017, received his Executive Masters in Business Administration degree from the Asian Institute of Management in 2003, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Menlo College, California in 1994. (ABS-CBN Corporation)

HONOLULU, HI, April 17, 2018 – More than 30 of the Philippines’ brightest stars will be hanging’ loose and doing the shaka – a gesture of friendly intent often associated with Hawaii - when ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel (TFC) brings ASAP, the longest running, top-rated weekly Filipino musical variety show, to the Aloha State of Hawaii on June 30, 2018 at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.

After captivating the SRO crowd at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Canada last year, with their world-class performances and musical numbers, the ASAP family will surely win the hearts of the crowd in the beautiful island of luaus and mai tais this summer.

Here is the rundown of the first wave of celebrities expected to wow Hawaii: Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga, Robi Domingo, Pia Wurtzbach, KZ Tandingan, Morissette, Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Kyla, Daryl Ong, Erik Santos, Inigo Pascual, Darren Espanto, Moira Torres, and Zia Quizon.

TIKIM also promotes social responsibility in the community. “It is a way to give back, as part of the proceeds of the TIKIM Fun Run registration will be donated to the feeding program of Bantay Bata (the Child Watch program of ABS-CBN Foundation International),” said Resurreccion.

By registering and joining the fun run, each participant would have provided meals for 10 malnourished children. Every month, ABS-CBN Foundation International’s Bantay Bata feeds 300 children with one nutritious meal a day during school time. By the end of the 4-month program within a school year, the Foundation makes sure that the nutritional requirements of these children are met.

There are tons to enjoy at the TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run. It’s open to all races, gender and ages. Participation categories are Adult Runners, Youth Runners and Food Festival participants.

Runners will receive a commemorative TIKIM t-shirt, race bib, an acknowledgement letter with the runner’s donation to ABS-CBN Foundation International, and a $5 food voucher, which can be redeemed at any of the food festival vendor booths. Runners will also each receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a special prize. Registered Youth runners will each receive a TIKIM t-shirt, race bib and medal.

At the food festival, participants will be greeted by food trucks and booths, entertainment and picnic, along with other fun and exciting activities. Be ready also as ABS-CBN Integrated News & Current Affairs will be bringing surprise celebrities from the Philippines!

For Early Bird Discounted Registration Fees, visit before April 15, 2018 and register athttps://www.sweattracker.com/Registration/Tikim

Clockwise from top left: Myx TV General Manager Miguel Santos executive produced “My Motto: Veterans Edition”; the show has been nominated in 2018 by Cynopsis Short Form Video Awards and NAMIC Vision Awards; Myx TV’s “My Motto: Veterans Edition” Digital Producer Diana Vergara, second from left, is shown with Team Rubicon COO Art dela Cruz, comedian Thom Tran and National Veterans Foundation Women Veteran Outreach Coordinator Leaphy Kim whose stories were showcased in the NAMIC-nominated special. (Photos by Justin Baker)

Myx TV’s “My Motto: Veterans Edition”

Named 2018 NAMIC Vision Awards Finalist

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 5, 2018 – After nabbing finalist nods for its shows, “Discovering Routes” and “My Motto: Veterans Edition” at the 2018 Cynopsis Short Form Video Festival & Conference, Myx TV, the leading English-language Asian American entertainment network, through “My Motto: Veterans Edition” was announced also as finalist in the Digital Media-Short Form category at the 2018 National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Vision Awards, presented in partnership with NAMIC Southern California.

“My Motto: Veterans Edition” is a television special created in partnership with the national veterans campaign, Got Your 6, to honor Asian Pacific American veterans. The special was produced by Myx TV Digital Producer Diana Vergara and executive produced by Myx TV General Manager Miguel Santos who was recently accepted as a voting member of the prestigious Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS or The Television Academy), the organization that presents the Primetime Emmy Awards, an annual ceremony honoring achievement in U.S. primetime television.

“My Motto: Veterans Edition” is going up against:

Digital Media

• Short Form 30 for 30 Shorts: 24 Strong – ESPN

• Christine’s Story: Raising Awareness About Domestic Violence - NBC Asian American

• Local, USA: K-Town ’92: Reporters - World Channel

• My Motto: Veterans Edition - Myx TV

• The NBC Latino 20 - NBC Latino

NAMIC is the premier organization focusing on cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communications industry. Its mission is to develop a pipeline of diverse talent from which the next generation of industry leadership will be selected. It collaborates with industry partners to grow and nurture a workforce that reflects the cultural richness of the populations served.

"For 25 years, NAMIC has been proudly recognizing achievements in multicultural programming," Eglon E. Simons, president and CEO, NAMIC, was quoted in the NAMIC release. "We celebrate this year's nominees and encourage their work advancing diversity on screen and behind-the-scenes."

With an outstanding 16 nominations, HBO leads the contenders participating in this year's NAMIC Vision Awards, according to the same NAMIC release. ABC and Starz earned seven nominations each, followed by ESPN garnering six. Overall, 31 networks/distributors generated 81 nominations for NAMIC Vision Awards presented in 17 categories: Animation, Best Performance – Comedy, Best Performance – Drama, Children’s, Comedy, Digital Media – Long Form, Digital Media – Short Form, Documentary, Drama, Foreign Language, Lifestyle, News/Informational, Original Movie or Special, Reality, Reality – Social Issues, Sports, and Variety/Talk Show. Original programs having aired from November 1, 2016 to November 30, 2017 were eligible for consideration.

Winners will be recognized in New York City on April 3, 2018 as part of The Multicultural TV Summit, an event exploring the business of targeting segments for TV and video. For more information on the Multicultural Summit visitwww.multiculturaltvsummit.com . For a complete list of the 25^th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards nominees, visithttp://namic.com/visionawards/2018nominees/ .

Myx TV is a network owned and operated by ABS-CBN International, a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation which is the largest Filipino media and entertainment network in the world. For more on Myx TV, visit https://myxtv.com/ .

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

NERISSA M. FERNANDEZ

Head, Global Corporate Affairs & PR

ABS-CBN International

2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Ste 200

Daly City, CA 94014

nfernandez@abs-cbni.com

MOBILE: 650.455.8616

The Universal Search for Home and Family Resonates in “Lost & Found:

A BA Original Documentary”

DALY CITY, Calif., March 01, 2018 – Nikki spent a good part of her childhood in an orphanage, malnourished to the point of losing her life. Four years ago, she weighed only 40 pounds. Now, Nikki has grown to a healthier 80 pounds. Then there is Jomar. That was his name back in the Philippines. After moving to the United States, he now goes by the name Ryder.

There are more children like Nikki and Ryder, orphans who have spent their younger years in shelters or institutions, longing for the love of a family.

Get to know their stories in “Lost & Found,” a BA Original Documentary that presents the journeys of children who were abandoned in their countries of birth, but who have found homes, hope and warmth in a snow-covered community in Bozeman, Montana.

BA Correspondent and “Lost & Found” writer/producer Steve Angeles learned about these communities of adopted Filipinos making their way to places like Montana. Angeles said, “BA’s purpose is to always find unique stories. We’re often exposed to the lives of Filipinos in places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and this was a chance to see the lives of Filipinos that are on a unique journey compared to what we are used to.”

Troy Espera, BA Executive Producer, confirms the relevance and attraction of the documentary. “This was definitely a story BA could not pass up. ‘Lost & Found’ gives us an opportunity to explore a community of Filipinos in a place you’d least expect them to be – the Rocky Mountain community of Bozeman, Montana.”

Angeles also adds, “Despite what each child had been through, the love of a stranger had found them, and these kids have found their way into America’s Great Plains where they’re finding their way through life, achieving things that they may not have been able to do if it wasn’t for these everyday people extending their hands.”

Espera believes that “Lost & Found” is more than a Filipino story. It is also an American story. “We meet Americans with huge hearts who open their homes and their families to children from another land who desperately need love and care. During this divisive time in our country’s history, these families embody the values of compassion and community that we often look for in the greater debate around immigration.”

Watch these new Americans as they build new lives with their adopted families, while facing the challenges of adapting to the culture, climate and complexities of the country they now call home.

"Lost & Found" was filmed by Jeremiah Ysip, winner for Best Videographer in the 2017 Northern California Regional Emmy® Awards, and edited by Danny Manansala, who likewise worked on a regional Emmy® winning PSA. "Lost & Found," the newest addition to the BA Original Documentary collection, airs on TFC on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 8:00 P.M., with a replay the following Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 4:25 P.M.

-30-

Photo 1

Every family has a unique history. But for some families in the Rocky Mountains, their roots go beyond borders, cultures, and blood. “Lost & Found” – the newest BA Original Documentary – tells their stories.

Photo 2

A change of scenery. The Wambeke siblings grew up in a Manila orphanage, and now, they live in Montana, along the Rocky Mountain View. (Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Ysip.)

Photo 3

Ryder Reddig (left) of Minot, North Dakota, and Nikki Van Dyken (right) of Bozeman, Montana. Both children grew up in Rehoboth Children’s Home, an orphanage in Tanay, Rizal in the Philippines, before they were adopted by American families. They were reunited at the Hope for Orphans Gala in Bozeman, Montana. (Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Ysip.)

Photo 4

Ryder Reddig (center) joins his siblings Addison (left) and Jadyn (right) at the Sacred Portion Hope for Orphans Gala. They gave out these roses to adoptive parents, symbolizing the love they have shown the children. (Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Ysip.)

Photo 5

The Andriolo family spends time at home. Joyce (center) was adopted from the Philippines in 2012, and has been a loving older sister to the Andriolo brothers. (Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Ysip.)

Media Contact:

Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion

ABS-CBN International – TFC

2001 Juniperro Serra Blvd, Ste. 200

Daly City, CA 94014

650.241.5607

ABS-CBN Global Head of Anti-Piracy Elisha Lawrence Speaks Today

at the Global IP ConfEX & Global Law Tech Exhibition in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, February 28, 2018 – Talking about the topic, “How to Put Pirates in Jail in China”, ABS-CBN AVP, General Counsel, Head for Global Anti-Piracy & Content Security Elisha Lawrence joined three others as keynote speakers at the Global IP ConfEX & Global Law Tech Exhibition at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel.

This event aims to bring together over 300 in-house counsel, law firm partners, law tech professionals, tech vendors and selected service providers. Lawyer participants attend the event to address and resolve some operational challenges in areas of Litigation, Technology, Software, E-discovery, Risk, Security, Compliance and Outsourcing, among others. The event helps them in finding solutions through learning and education and networking with the right service providers.

ABS-CBN Global Head of Acquisitions and Rights Management Ody Tolentino and ABS-CBN Global Head of Female Specialty Channels Unit and ASD Speaker Aileen Paredes

(Photo by Wincess Lee Gonzales)

Joining Paredes as delegates at the event were ABS-CBN Global Head of Acquisitions and Rights Management Ody Tolentino andWincess Lee Gonzales of ABS-CBN Corporation Acquisitions.

Asian Side of the Doc is one of the two international marketplaces for documentary and factual content. The other one set for La Rochelle in France from June 25-28, 2018 is called Sunny Side of the Doc. Both events are held annually.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

NERISSA M. FERNANDEZ

Head, Global Corporate Affairs & PR

ABS-CBN International

2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Ste 200

Daly City, CA 94014

nfernandez@abs-cbni.com

MOBILE: 650.455.8616

For the ANC Leadership Series...

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND CO-OWNER PETER GUBER

IS COMING TO MANILA

Golden State Warriors (GSW) Executive Chairman and Co-owner Peter Guber will be coming to the Philippines on March 20 as the featured speaker in the ABS-CBN News Channel’s (ANC) Leadership Series at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The sports mogul, who is also the chairman and CEO of media giant Mandalay Entertainment, will talk in front of the country’s business executives, sports and entertainment industry leaders, and members of the academe about his experiences as an executive and entrepreneur in various industries.

In addition to his ownership of reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors, Guber is co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and co-owner and executive chairman of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). He is co-owner and co-executive chairman of the new eSports ownership group, aXiomatic, which purchased the controlling interest in Team Liquid, one of the most successful global eSports franchises. He is chairman of the Strategic Advisory Board and an investor in NextVR. He is also a member of the University of California Board of Regents and has been a professor at UCLA for 40 years.

Prior to founding Mandalay Entertainment, Guber was chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, chairman and CEO of Polygram Entertainment, co-founder of Casablanca Record & Filmworks and President of Columbia Pictures. Guber produced or executive produced (personally or through his companies) films that garnered five Best Picture Academy Award nominations (winning for “Rain Man”) and box office hits that include “The Color Purple”, “Midnight Express”, “Batman”, “Flashdance”, “The Kids Are All Right” and “Soul Surfer”.

Guber, the #1 New York Times’ best-selling author of the business book, “Tell to Win”, is the third featured speaker in the ANC Leadership Series. In 2016, ANC brought Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson in the Philippines, followed by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2017.

The ANC Leadership Series is part of the country’s premier all-English cable news channel’s efforts to raise the level of discourse on global affairs and business issues in the country by bringing renowned international speakers for a one-day speaking engagement. ANC, as the gold standard and primary source of Philippine news and analysis, continues to embrace the responsibility of providing Filipinos not just accurate news reporting but also enlightening discussions on topics that matter.

“Telling Stories, Winning Games” at the ANC Leadership Series will be moderated by ABS-CBN news and sports anchor TJ Manotoc, on March 20, 2 pm, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

For news and information, watch ANC, your news channel, your partner on TFC online. You may also visitnews.abs-cbn.com/anc or follow @ANCalerts on Facebook and Twitter. (ABS-CBN Corporate Communications)

-30-

About ABS-CBN Corporation

ABS-CBN Corporation is the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment organization. The Company is primarily involved in television and radio broadcasting, as well as in the production of television and radio programming for domestic and international audiences and other related businesses. ABS-CBN produces a wide variety of engaging world-class entertainment programs in multiple genres and balanced, credible news programs that are aired on free-to-air television. The company is also one of the leading radio broadcasters, operating eighteen radio stations throughout the key cities of the Philippines. ABS-CBN provides news and entertainment programming for eight channels on cable TV and operates the country’s largest cable TV service provider. The Company also owns the leading cinema and music production and distribution outfits in the country. It brings its content to worldwide audiences via cable, satellite, online and mobile. In addition, ABS-CBN has business interests in merchandising and licensing, mobile and online multimedia services, glossy magazine publishing, video and audio post production, overseas telecommunication services, money remittance, cargo forwarding, TV shopping services, theme park development and management, property management and food and restaurant services, and cinema management, all of which complement and enhance the Company’s strength in content production and distribution. The Company is also the first TV network in the country to broadcast in digital. In 2015, it commercially rolled out its digital TV box, ABS-CBN TVplus, to prepare for the country’s switch to digital TV.

About ANC

ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, is the country’s first 24/7 English language all-news cable channel and the go-to news source of the country’s business leaders and decision-makers in the past 20 years. Considered the gold standard in Philippine news, ANC offers its viewers news, commentary, analysis, live coverage, and features on important and relevant events and issues here and abroad. True to its pioneering ways, ANC is also the first local news channel to establish its presence online. In 2016, ANC launched its high-definition cable channel (ANC HD). ANC is part of ABS-CBN Corporation, the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines. For more information, follow ANC on Twitter (@ancalerts), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ANCalerts) or visit its microsite at news.abs-cbn.com/anc.

ABS-CBN Names Olivia De Jesus as New Global COO

MANILA, Philippines, January 12, 2018 – ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ largest media and entertainment network, has named Olivia De Jesus as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ABS-CBN Global Ltd., the organization that oversees all international subsidiaries of ABS-CBN and manages its global flagship brand, TFC (The Filipino Channel).

De Jesus takes over her position from Rafael Lopez who has retired. Lopez will continue to be engaged by the company as Executive Adviser to the President and CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation.

As COO, De Jesus will provide the leadership and vision necessary to grow the Global business. She will drive strategy formulation and establish initiatives to expand the company’s product lines and markets.She will effectively manage the company’s regional business operations, product management, content creation, support functions and corporate services to ensure that financial strength and operating efficiencies are achieved.

Prior to her appointment, De Jesus held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in ABS-CBN.

As Managing Director of North America since 2007, De Jesus effectively managed a diverse content, experience and service portfolio, making the region the consistent dominant contributor to ABS-CBN Global’s consolidated growth. Under her leadership, cross-functional teams launched successful initiatives that have been adopted global-wide such as TFC@theMovies, One Kapamilya Go event, Lifestyle Network Global, Myx TV, Adobo Nation among others. These led to new revenue streams, garnered industry awards and solidified ABS-CBN‘s position as a leading and thriving global brand.

Most recently, De Jesus also spearheaded the development of innovative content for the emerging global Filipino millennial market through projects such as TFCU Talks, the reality travel show, “Discovering Routes”, and the very successful 1^st Cinematografo International Film Festival in San Francisco.

Since joining ABS-CBN in 1996, De Jesus has held other positions such as Director for Marketing Communications at the International Division, Head of Manila Operations at ABS-CBN Global, Managing Director at Creative Programs Inc. and Global Head of Content Strategy. Prior to joining ABS-CBN, De Jesus was an award-winning senior creative at McCann-Erickson and Saatchi & Saatchi in the Philippines.

De Jesus has been very active in the community as Managing Director of ABS-CBN North America. She served as Board Director and Treasurer for the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF) from 2008 to 2011. She was named among the Filipina Women’s Network’s (FWN) 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the U.S. in 2012. She still serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for ABS-CBN Foundation International, the non-profit philanthropic arm of ABS-CBN.

De Jesus completed an Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School in 2015. She graduated from the University of the Philippines, Diliman with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:

NERISSA M. FERNANDEZ

Head, Global Corporate Affairs & PR

ABS-CBN International

2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Ste 200

Daly City, CA 94014

nfernandez@abs-cbni.com

MOBILE: 650.455.8616

“This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the named addressee. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please note further that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.”