The Filipino Channel (TFC) the premier Filipino network in the world marks a decade of service in the Land Down Under as the leading multi-platform Filipino company in the region, under its corporate entity ABS-CBN Australia Pty Ltd.(TFC Australia).
Incorporated in 2004 to further realize the vision of ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Emeritus Eugenio “Kapitan” Lopez Jr. in the Asia Pacific Region to “build bridges on air,” TFC has then been reaching out to Filipinos starting in Australia through its broadcast, events and ancillary services since then.
"TFC follows the journey of the overseas Filipinos, so it was a fulfillment of our mission to establish presence in Australia and New Zealand," said ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Managing Director Ailene Averion.
“Today, Filipinos comprise one of the fastest-growing populations in this region and TFC intends to reach out to wherever they are, to serve them," said Averion. "Their need to connect to the homeland remains preeminent, and so is their need to be empowered and represented locally. We understand the challenges imposed by the region's geographical size and terrain, but our dedicated team is committed to seeking them out, helping expand their network, promoting their presence and activities, and showcasing their unique culture, identity and talent so they are accorded the opportunities, reward and recognition that they deserve," added Averion.
Since its incorporation in 1994, TFC Australia has been distributing world-class and very popular content from the Philippines. Years after, TFC Australia extended this service to Filipinos in New Zealand and launched its internet protocol television (IPTV) and online platforms in the country. As the affiliate of ABS-CBN Corporation, the largest broadcast network in the Philippines, the network has been providing the link for Filipino – Australians (Fil – Aussies) and Filipinos in New Zealand through homegrown content which kababayans back home enjoy via ABS-CBN TV 2. TFC also produces programs tailor-made for the needs of Filipinos based abroad.
Rhodora Hernandez who has been a TFC subscriber for nearly a decade says TFC has become an integral part of her life. “Parang kulang yung araw ko kapag hindi ako nakakapanood ng TFC. Dito, parang hindi mo nami-miss ang Pilipinas. Kasi dito sa Australia busy ka sa work. At minsan kapag may problema ka, nakakalimot ka. (My day is not complete if I don’t watch TFC. When I watch TFC, I get a piece of home. We get so busy here in Australia but we momentarily forget our problems because of TFC.
Aside from its flagship service, TFC Australia also brings ABS-CBN’s other premium channels to the Land Down Under: ABS-CBN News Channel or ANC (with live news and incisive documentary), DZMM 630 and Teleradyo (with round-the-clock news and fearless commentary), My Only Radio For Life or MOR (featuring contemporary and classic hits and dedications). On top of these channels, TFC Australia also delivers the global version of Lifestyle Network which features fashion, food and travel content for the discerning taste of Fil - Aussies, BRO which addresses the program needs of Pinoy males and Cinema One Global which features movie hits and marathons of well-loved teleseryes.
Beyond television, TFC Australia has also been providing linkages to home through Filipino movies via its special projects, theatrical releases, official online service TFC.tv and Pay-Per-View (PPV) service. In 2012, TFC awarded the region’s first first Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Global Bayaning Pilipino Awards to Kapitbahayan Cooperative Limited headed by Ruben Amores for providing low cost housing for low to medium income families. In New Zealand, TFC launched its IPTV service through its initial theatrical screening via the John Lloyd Cruz – Bea Alonzo starrer, “The Mistress,” in Westlake Boys High, Auckland.
This month, TFC Australia culminates its 10th year anniversary in the region with its first ever, “One Kapamilya Go!” in Australia and New Zealand. The anniversary party happens on September 26 in New Zealand at the Victory Convention Centre, Freemans Bay, featuring ABS-CBN Global Ltd.'s worldwide ambassador for TFC’s 20th anniversary Gary Valenciano, “The Voice” first runner-up Klarisse de Guzman, “Be Careful With My Heart” comic duo Vivieka “Sabel” Ravanes and Tart “Doris” Carlos and the phenomenal love team of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The party continues on September 28 at the Rosehill Raceourse, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill, New South Wales with Gary V, de Guzman, Ravanes, Carlos, Bernardo with Kapamilya Heartthrob Sam Milby. The event, also part of TFC’s round up of events for ABS-CBN Global Ltd.’s worldwide celebrations of TFC’s 20th anniversary, is expected to showcase the great Filipino talent, consistent with the network’s anniversary theme “Galing ng Filipino.”
From news to entertainment, from North to South, TFC remains to be the Filipino network truly in the service of the Filipinos worldwide today and in the years to come. (Story/photos by: Marianne de Vera)