ABS-CBN Global/TFC, El Pueblo Park Association Present “Sangkap: a Filipino Food History Experience”

First-of-a-kind foodie event this Saturday, February 29, to celebrate Philippine cuisine at the birthplace of Los Angeles

This Saturday, February 29, from 11am-5pm, the Philippines will represent at the El Pueblo Historical Monument – the birthplace of Los Angeles – with a first-of-its-kind event via SANGKAP Filipino Food History.

SANGKAP (which means “ingredient” in Tagalog) presents and celebrates the confluence of Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and other historic and cultural influences in a gastronomic experience of Filipino ingenuity.  The main offering of the event are food tastings from four prominent figures in the LA food scene: Discovery Channel’s “Prison Food” host Chef Johneric Concordia, Downtown LA’s rising star Chef Isa Fabro, restaurateur Gregory Berber of La Luz de Dia, a landmark restaurant that just celebrated 60 years on Olvera Street, and multi-awarded chef and owner of MAX and The Oinkster Andre Guerrero.

PADI's Barkada Bar Tour To Feature Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, And Asintada Artists

Mas bonggang party ang patuloy na hatid sa lahat ng pinakamalaki at number 1 Restaurant & Bar Chain, ang Padi’s!

Ang Padi’s Point, na mas kilala sa tawag na “Padi’s”, ay walang-duda na nagunguna pa rin bilang leader at party place sa bansa, with 26 operational branches Luzon-wide. 

Kilala ang Padi’s bilang paboritong gimikan ng barkada. Known to its nightly entertainment of live bands, Best DJ’s na maghahatid ng mga in na dance music at popular hits. Dinadayo rin ang Padi’s sa mga pagkain at drinks na ginawa para sa barkada—sharing such as the Party of Six, Barkada Feast and the signature 3-Liter Padi’s Cocktail Towers! 

Filipino American film “Death of Nintendo” to make its world premiere at Berlinale 2020

ABS-CBN’s Black Sheep Films production offering will compete in the Kplus Generation programme of the festival

Just two days ago, the German capital started getting caught up in almost 10 days of film high as the 70th Berlin International Film Festival or Berlinale unfolded.  The world’s largest international film festival draws over half a million attendees, including film professionals from over 130 countries.  It showcases 300 films across many categories. As the festival celebrated its glittering start in the Berlinale Palast, it is worth noting that a standout little gem from the Philippines can be found in the deluge of films that is sweeping the festival: it’s called Death of Nintendo.  

TFC airs weekly Sunday Mass online amidst health concerns across Asia

TFC continues it service to the Filipinos overseas in the light of recent indefinite suspensions of Catholic masses in Hong Kong and Singapore in the efforts to reduce the spread of CoViD-19. From February 16, TFC Online as well as the social media pages of TFC Asia, TFC Australia and TFC New Zealand have simultaneously aired the Sunday Mass for the faithful across Asia Pacific.

Religion in the Philippines is predominantly Christian with 81% of the population being Catholic. According to the 2019 data of the Philippines Statistics Authority, there are over 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers with 6.3% based in Hong Kong, 5.7% in Taiwan, 4.9% in Singapore and 2.4 in Malaysia. Another 2.1% of overseas Filipino workers are based in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The numbers reflect the viewership of the February 16 broadcast as majority came from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Sheryl Bermudez, TFC’s Marketing Manager for Asia, shares her team’s efforts in solidarity with the overseas Filipinos who wish to still practice their faith at a time of great caution. “We Filipinos in general are spiritual people and going to Sunday Mass plays a big part in our lives. The livestream of Sunday Mass in TFC's Facebook pages is for our fellow Filipinos in countries most especially in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore where CoVID-19 alarm is high. The people are warned not to go to crowded places and most recently, governments have cancelled events including religious gatherings. With the Sunday Mass livestream, there is a platform for them to still be part of a prayer community,” she says.

Streaming na sa iWant ngayong Pebrero 26 - Dalawang Julia Maghaharap Hangga't Isa Lang Ang Matira Sa "I AM U"

Sunod-sunod na kamalasan at pagkamatay ang haharapin ni Julia Barretto matapos niyang papasukin sa buhay niya ang isang babaeng kamukhang kamukha niya sa "I AM U," ang bagong iWant original series na mapapanood sa iWant simula Pebrero 26 (Miyerkules).

Sa "I AM U," tampok ang magkatulad sa itsura ngunit magkasalungat sa kinalakihan na sina

Elise, na lumaki sa layaw, at Rose, na walang wala sa buhay.

Magtatagpo ang landas ng dalawa nang iligtas ni Rose ang buhay ni Elise. Dahil sa pagtanaw niya ng utang na loob, ituturing ni Elise na kambal si Rose, at papapasukin ito sa marangya niyang pamumuhay--kasama na ang kanyang mga damit, bahay, pamilya, at

mga kaibigan.

Leading U.S. Presidential Candidates Talk About Press Freedom Amid ABS-CBN Shutdown Threats

Democratic presidential candidates (LEFT) Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and two-term South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg being interviewed by Bev Llorente of BA. Both candidates expressed support for ABS-CBN and the value of press freedom.

TFC has long been the news source of Filipinos in North America, delivering updates about the Philippines to the U.S. political arena.

The channel has been a witness to the many elections in the U.S. including this year’s presidential elections.

This is why two of the leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination raised alarm over the potential shutdown of ABS-CBN Corporation, the biggest media network in the Philippines and the parent company of TFC.

Hospital dedicated to OF workers soon starts construction

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Friday, February 21, that the construction of the hospital catering overseas Filipino workers will soon commence and is expected to be completed by May of 2021.

Signed the deal were Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Department of Health (DoH) Undersecretary Dr. Lilibeth David, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairperson Andrea Domingo and Atty. Ellan Mark Pailan of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation.

TFC and VieShow Cinemas launch strategic partnership with box-office hit “Hello, Love, Goodbye”

One of Taiwan’s biggest names in film exhibition and Philippine’s international multimedia powerhouse officially launch their strategic partnership on February. TFC brings ABS-CBN Films Star Cinema’s phenomenal hit movie “Hello, Love, Goodbye” in Taiwan as it screens on select VieShow Cinemas from February 21-23.

Foreign-language moviegoers are to discover an array of subtitled Filipino motion pictures as VieShow Cinemas begins to carry films distributed by TFC. And what better way to start their love story with Philippine movies than watching the highest grossing Filipino film of all time? Under its belt, the Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards starrer is globally recognized as the highest-grossing Filipino film in the Middle East, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. As of September 2019, the film earned PHP 880.6 million (TWD 521.7 million) worldwide gross revenue.

Filipina rapper Alex Bruce teams up with BTS collaborator August Rigo on “Going Crazy”

Here’s another upbeat jam that embraces a more eclectic sound. Alex Bruce’s second single “Go Crazy” under Sony Music Philippines is a collaboration with Filipino-Canadian songwriter and producer August Rigo, the other half of the songwriting duo behind BTS’s worldwide smash “Black Swan.”

The sophomore track takes listeners to the Filipina rapper’s musical journey and the struggles that she has to overcome in her bid to discover a bigger world outside of dreams and opportunities. “The song is all about me dreaming big,” the young talent reveals in a statement. “It’s also about my vision of how the world will interact with me and my music. Literally, it’s about pushing through my blueprint and perspectives, no matter how hard it is.”

12 Overseas Filipinos in Asia Pacific win as TFC Calendar Stars of 2020, bag glittering prizes

The search has finally come to a close as TFC introduces 12 fresh faces of global Filipinos as the stars of TFC Calendar 2020. During the final quarter of 2019, the online hunt for the TFC Calendar Star was launched via the live streaming mobile application, Kumu. A weekly segment on the said app hosted by TV personality Kaladkaren showcased the candidates who candidly share their interests and quirks to their viewers.

The contest was open to overseas Filipinos of legal age based in countries around the Asia Pacific, except the Philippines. There were 1,140 Filipinos from countries across the Asia Pacific who joined the online popularity contest on Kumu. Engagements in the form of virtual gifts from their audience are converted to points that were tallied at the end of the contest period. The top contenders with the most points were hailed as winners who will be featured in the printed TFC Calendar 2020 as well as its digital version published monthly on TFC Asia. Each of the calendar boys and girls also received a jewelry gift from TFC.

Coco Martin-starrer comedy a hit in Guam, extended in theaters

Nearly one month from its Guam premiere, the box office take of 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon! is still going strong as TFC announces its extended screening in Tango Cinemas.

The action-comedy-romance stars Coco Martin whose long-running primetime police drama, Ang Probinsyano, proves him as one of ABS-CBN’s most bankable actors. In both Ang Probinsyano and 3pol Trobol, not only did Martin demonstrated his knack in acting, he likewise worked behind the scenes as creative consultant and as director under his real name, Rodel Nacianceno.

In 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!, Martin plays Apollo “Pol” Balbon, an aide de camp blamed for the demise of his superior and Executive Director of the National Defense Agency. In order to earn the trust of the slain director’s daughter and ultimately get to the bottom of the case, he transforms into ‘Paloma’— a vixen who wouldn’t mind punching and kicking her way to justice. The all-star cast includes heartthrob Sam Milby, comedienne Ai-Ai de las Alas, singer-actress Jennylyn Mercado, as well as premium actors led by Edu Manzano, Tirso Cruz II, and Rowell Santiago.

CFO Launches Search for Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), though Secretary and Chairperson Francisco P. Acosta, announced today that in recognition of the overseas Filipinos' (OFs) outstanding contributions to national development efforts and their notable achievements in their fields of profession, the Philippine government will confer the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) to honor and recognize OFs and other individuals or organizations who contribute to Philippine development initiatives, promote the interests of the Filipino diaspora, or have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their work.

The schedule of the next awards ceremony is in December 2020, and the deadline for accepting nominations is on 31 July 2020 (Philippine time).

“We know that numerous individuals and organizations in your areas deserve recognition for their positive contributions to the Filipino people, society, economy, and heritage,” said Secretary and Chairperson Acosta.

ABS-CBN International launches new podcast, The Last Piece

You might be familiar with that last piece of food served at a Filipino party. Sometimes, out of shyness or modesty, no one reaches for it. Other times, people will race to grab for it. That last piece represents topics served up in The Last Piece podcast, streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud starting February 4, 2020.

The Last Piece is a digital forum that entertains and informs native-born Filipinos across North America through fun, honest, and candid conversations with influencers and thought leaders that make them proud of their heritage and community.​

Award-winning ensemble of Quezon’s Game brings untold history to the big screen

Meet the director with a Jewish connection and the multi-cultural actors who brought his vision to life, screening in more cinemas in Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific this February

“Quezon’s Game” has successfully gathered a collective of multicultural talents from its director and actors to production and musicians. Thus, receiving over 25 awards and citations from film festivals across the globe. An ABS-CBN Film production, in association with iWant and Kinetek, Quezon’s Game reveals the historic leadership of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon that saved hundreds of Jewish people under the Nazi Regime in Europe.

The film has won nine awards of excellence from the Cinema Worldfest AUTUMN Awards in Canada for Lighting, Original Score, Produced Screenplay, Sound Design, Set Design, Costume Design, as well as acting nods for their leads Raymond Bagatsing and Rachel Alejandro, and supporting actor Billy Gallion. Matthew E. Rosen received an Award of Recognition for directing. An Award for Merit for a Drama Feature was also given to the film.

All Eyes on Ben&Ben’s upcoming new single and 2 music videos this month!

Ben&Ben is showing no signs of slowing down. In terms of consistency, the nine-piece outfit continues to break streaming records and dominate cultural conversation with releases that resonate with people from various walks of life. 

Last January 2020 alone, the acclaimed folk-pop band won Wish FM’s Group of the Year and Urban Performance of the Year for their chart-topper “Pagtingin.” On top of this milestone, the band is currently at number one on Spotify Philippines Top 50, with their cover of “Make It With You.”

With overwhelming support from music fans and industry peers, there is no doubt that Ben&Ben is simply defining the times that we live in: the band pours their energy in uplifting our fellow countrymen with their brand of accessible but well-crafted music. “It really boils down to the heart behind the song,” Miguel Benjamin, vocalist and guitarist points out. “When a song is written as a vessel to carry a message that is beyond ego or prideful intent, and simply mirrors the feelings, experiences and lessons that come from a higher place, then somehow it may find its way from the artist's soul to at least one other person's heart, and that is always enough. We fully know that it isn't up to us to produce these works out of our own will, but we are simply vessels for some greater message to fulfill itself through us.” Striking a balance between relatability and raw honesty, the band has managed to push things forward with songs that not only capture an emotional spectrum, but also throb at the core moment of one’s personal experience.

Get “Comfortable” with H.E.R.’s newest sultry jam

Fresh from reaping various accolades and wrapping up the first part of the sold-out I Used to Know H.E.R. Tour, two-time Grammy winner H.E.R. has recently released a soulful single called “Comfortable.”

Produced by DJ Camper with additional backing vocals from Anthony Clemons, Jr., the latest jam from the Filipina-American R&B star showcases a more stripped-down approach reminiscent of her early releases. The earnestness of her lyrics, paired with the sultry mood of the song, arrives with captivating grace beyond her years—a quality that makes “Comfortable” a standout.  

The newest track from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has recently earned positive reviews from music publications. Hypebeast praised its “return to fundamentals,” and went on to acknowledge, “the right amount of modern production cues crescendoing by the song’s end.” 

Space-Ta brings a splash of nostalgia and soul with new single “Sa Piling Mo”

After gaining traction in Japan for his viral hit “Merry Christmas From Your Bed,” Filipino multi-genre artist Space-Ta returns with a brand new single released under Locked Down Entertainment.

Aptly titled “Sa Piling Mo,” the romantic track explores a nostalgic but soulful sound informed by Philly soul and gospel music. But the delivery echoes every Pinoy power balladeer’s dream: an image of a non-stop karaoke filled with Basil Valdez and Rico J Puno hits, delivered drunkenly with every bit of passion and intensity.

According to Space-Ta, the song deals with his romantic journey as a time-traveling musician who broke up with his girlfriend in 2032, and ended up meeting someone new in 1989.

Record-breaking Philippine film Hello, Love, Goodbye returns to Taiwan to make history anew

Romantic drama film with a record-breaking box office gross of PHP 880.6 million (TWD 521.7 million), Hello, Love, Goodbye, is heading back to Taiwan starting February 14th, Valentine’s Day. This also marks the launch of ABS-CBN Global – The Filipino Channel’s partnership with VieShow Cinemas, one of Taiwan’s leading movie exhibitors.

The film labeled as the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time will be subtitled in Taiwanese to reach the local viewers. The audience will be acquainted to two of the Philippines’ biggest names of their generation in both television and film, Kathryn Bernardo as Joy and Alden Richards as Ethan. Hello, Love, Goodbye tells a story of Joy, a young migrant worker, whose primary reason for coming to Hong Kong may be her family, but her choice to stay will be decided by her owns aspirations and brush with romance.

TFC joins overseas Filipinos in celebrating OPM in South Korea

Overseas Filipinos sang out with pride with their 90s Pinoy rock idols at the Seoul OPM Festival 2020. The event, in media partnership with TFC, featured the classics from iconic vocalists Wency Cornejo of After Image, Cooky Chua of Color It Red, Lei Bautista of Prettier Than Pink, and Naldy Padilla of Orient Pearl. 

Held last January 19, 2020, at the Hana Tour V Hall in Hongdae, Seoul, the music fest is the launching concert of the Pinoy Event Organizers Professional and Local Entertainers in South Korea (PEOPLES), a group composed of overseas Filipinos who share inclinations and passion in the various facets of entertainment. It was organized in partnership with the Pinoy Iskolars in Korea (PIKO), Association of Filipino Basketball Referees in Korea (AFREKOR), and Jacy Club Tours (JC Tours).

Internationally acclaimed Quezon’s Game rolling out across Asia Pacific in February

A history long forgotten. A tale of leadership that brought sanctuary to WWII refugees from another end of the world. And the man who made it all possible.

Internationally acclaimed “Quezon’s Game” via TFC will hold its Australian premiere at the Sydney Jewish Museum on February 26, 2020. Regular screening begins in Brunei on February 6th, as well as in Australia and New Zealand on February 27th.

Once forgotten to history, ABS-CBN Films’ Quezon’s Game, in association with iWant and Kinetek, tells the powerful story of leadership and what one man can accomplish when defeat isn’t an option. Based on a true story of heroism during World War II in the Philippines by Filipino President Manuel L. Quezon who rescued as many persecuted Jews as Oskar Schindler at a time when most countries were turning their backs. He struggled and succeeded in welcoming folks from the other side of the world, thereby creating an enduring friendship between Filipinos and Jews – a true epitome of our humanity.