Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network (ABS-CBN) is a multi-media conglomerate based on the Philippines. In 1994, ABS-CBN took their network to the international level and launched The Filipino Channel (TFC) on the West Coast in the United States. Shortly after launch, TFC became available nationwide and became the first and most successful Filipino broadcaster. Since then, it has become available in a number of countries world-wide with over 2 million subscribers. In the US there are 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American subscribers alone.
The Filipino Channel has played a pivotal role in the Filipino community. There is probably not a single Filipino-American family that does not know about TFC. It continually provides one of the few places Filipino-American children can see role models of Filipino descent. ABS-CBN prides itself in being able to help second-generation and third-generation Filipino-Americans feel closer to the culture. The programs on The Filipino Channel include a variety of genres including comedies, dramas, reality shows and movies. It also provides a direct link to current events and news happening in the Philippines. One show, Citizen Pinoy, deals with issues regarding immigration and addresses various problems that might arise during immigration and settlement into the American lifestyle. Talk shows such as The Buzz keep Filipino-Americans up to date on the latest gossip regarding Filipino and Filipino-American celebrities. Balitang America was the first-ever Filipino American news program to be broadcast in the United States. Similar to other network news station, the stories reported on Balitang America feature community features, profiles, special reports, and international news.
TFC has developed its own shows that showcase and promote various Filipinos and Filipino-Americans world-wide. Wowowee is probably considered one of the most popular shows on The Filipino Channel. It is a variety show that often features Filipino and Filipino-American celebrities. It is normally filmed in the Philippines but has gone on tours in the past. This year, Wowowee went on a world-wide tour to celebrate its 4th anniversary. The show itself is comprised of a variety of segments. One is Hep,Hep, Hooray and involves 10 randomly chosen audience members. The audience dances to “Boom Tarat Tarat” while the 10 are chosen. The game itself requires coordination and rhythm with the last person standing becoming the winner. The participants then go on to play in several other segments. Some of the celebrity performances from the United States that have appeared on Wowowee have been the Jabbawockeez and Apl De Ap of the Black Eye Peas. The Philippines has also developed its own reality shows based on American shows such as The Spelling Bee and Pinoy Big Brother. The services provided by ABS-CBN have expanded into other areas and includes many interactive venues. For instance, ABS-CBN now provides Filipino on Demand. This newest service is a video on demand subscription that gives access to award-winning classics, blockbusters, miniseries, and live concerts 24/7. TFC Studio Tours provides TFC subscribers with the chance to visit the studios and sit in on the shows. In addition, this is available world-wide depending on show availability. A number of the shows involve participation of Filipinos world-wide and aids in bridging the gap between the various countries Filipinos currently reside in.
-JP
