TFC’s JuanEUKonek and EDSA Woolworth win back-to-back Media Advocacy and Migration awards

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Dec. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- The Filipino Channel (TFC) scored a double, consecutive win for “JuanEUKonek” and TFC@theMovies as the program won Best TV Program and “EDSA Woolworth” clinched Best Film at the recently concluded Media Advocacy and Migration Awards (MAM) of the Inter-agency commission (IAC) on the Month of Overseas Filipinos held at Social Security System (SSS) in Quezon City, Philippines.

“JuanEUKonek,” a program produced by JREM exclusively for TFC, won its second straight win as the Best TV program (regular category) just as it celebrated its 2^nd anniversary.

According to CFO Executive Director Undersecretary Mary Grace Tirona, “JuanEUKonek” won for showing the varied lives of Filipinos in Europe – from the conditions of au pairs (in Scandinavia, to the plight of Filipino nurses, especially the achievements of Filipinos, and including the reality of same-sex marriages which caught the attention of the jury. “Ipinakita ng JuanEUKonek na nariyan din ang malayang pagsama ng mga lalaki o dalawang babae man.  Sana magkaroon ng patakarang matuwid para sa di kinaugaliang pagsasama tulad ng pag-alaga ng pagimpok sa kanilang kinabukasan at pati na rin ng kalusugan nila sa gitna nga paglaganap ng HIV. (‘JuanEUKonek’ shows the reality of same sex relationships. I hope we can encourage responsibility among them in terms of health and financial literacy),” Tirona said.

Representing “JuanEUKonek” was executive producer and host Rose Eclarinal who received the award on behalf of fellow presenters ABS-CBN Middle East and Europe Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe and Legal Consultant and community leader Gene Alcantara.

Meantime, TFC@theMovies won its second award for its second exclusive production “EDSA Woolworth” which told the story of a blended family, who despite their mixed values, recognize their differences and love each other as one true, family.  Produced by ABS-CBN Global Chief Operating Officer Rafael “Raffy” Lopez and directed by John-D Lazatin, “EDSA Woolworth” is TFC@theMovies’ second production since “A Mother’s Story” which also won a MAM Award under the same category in 2012.

Lazatin, who is also the Business Unit Head for TFC@theMovies says the second award validates TFC’s decision to venture into film production in pursuit of its goals to tailor-fit content for the OFs.  “The reality is that the OFs is faced with a lot of issues and we at TFC have the platform to bring these to fore so we do so in the best way we can as OF ourselves.  With A Mother’s Story and now EDSA Woolworth, we tried to dramatize the real-life situations of both transient workers and migrant Filipinos who face detachment and continued negotiation of identities in their second homes.  In all their challenges, one thing is key in helping them survive and cope – love for family as these movies show,” Lazatin shared.

Lead actress Pokwang who received the award with reel and real-life partner Lee O’ Brian said: “Pinapakita ng EDSA Woolworth ang pagmamahal ng pamilyang Filipino.  Pagdating sa pamilya, wala tayong inuurungan.  Dito natin na-realize na hindi madali ang buhay ng mga migrante.  Nagpapadala sila tuwing Pasko pero hindi natin alam ang pinagdadaanan nila (EDSA Woolworth shows the Filipino’s love for family.  When it comes to family, we are ready to face any challenge.  The movie helped us realize the migrant’s life is not easy.  They send us gifts at Christmas but we do not know the real picture – that they are actually having a hard time.”

Through MAM Awards the IAC, which include the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has been receiving entries that hope to capture more of the real issues that OFs face, through the print, television, film, radio and online media.

CFO Chairperson Secretary Imelda Nicolas admitted the jurors had a hard time choosing from the 50 entries because of the richness of the Filipino talent across platform.  “Magagaling ang mga Filipino – kahit na anong format.  Very adaptable ang mga Filipino.  Maski ano ang circumstance, somehow they survive brilliantly and rise above whatever the consequences are.  Global ang output pero local ang issues.  It was tough for the judges to choose 10 winners from 50 entries (I can really say that the Filipino is great no matter what communication tool he uses.  Also, Filipinos are very adaptable, no matter what the circumstances are.  The output was global but the issues were local or endemic to their second homes. ”

Eclarinal affirmed: “Kaya nating makipagsabayan noon pa pero wala lang avenues, or programs na tumututok para ma-highlight iyong mga achievements ng mga Filipinos.  (The Filipino can keep up with other global citizens but has not been given the opportunity to do so.”

Through MAM Awards, CFO and the other inter-agency committees hope to provide another sustainable platform that will showcase not only the innate Filipino talent but also keen sense on the issues that affect the migrants.  Underscretary Tirona hoped: “the wealth of information has helped us understand the migrant and his family and friends.  However, she says it should not end there as we need to keep on raising awareness especially for the next generation."

“JuanEUKonek” is produced by JREM exclusively for TFC and airs on TFC in Europe and ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC).  “A Mother’s Story” can also be seen via TFC.tv

For the complete list of winners visit www.cfo.gov.ph