July 14, 2014 (QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES) – In celebration of its 20 years of service, The Filipino Channel (TFC), proudly unveils the first twenty winners of its search for successful and inspiring overseas Filipinos (OFs), “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” sponsored by TFC’s remittance arm in the Philippines, E-MoneyPlus, Inc.
Launched in September of 2013, “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” a campaign of the premier network in the world and E-Moneyplus, Inc. through its brand myREMIT, has been searching the world for OFs who have made a difference in the lives of their families and those of others through their own success stories. These include Filipinos who have triumphed over adversity, built their dreams especially for their kapamilyas or family and at times, paid it forward to others and their communities.
This June, a total of twenty winners who conveyed the values of love for family, diligence, hard work and generosity to others, were chosen. These ideals are the same values which TFC honors in its 20th anniversary, consistent with its theme ‘Galing ng Filipino, ituloy Mo!’
Over two hundred OFs sent their entries and photos via TFC’s Fauacebook pages worldwide. Specifically, the winning entries were chosen based on how they were able to help their family, friends or communities in their own way and have become sources of inspiration to others. As part of their prize, each of the winners received Php20,000 through myREMIT. In addition, the winners are being featured every week on “TFC Connect.”
According to myREMIT Business Unit Head Raymund Abog, “Sifting through the entries was an inspiring yet emotionally tough job for the team. Reading through each story proved to be an even more daunting task as each of the OFs had a touching story to tell. He added, “We at TFC and myREMIT are glad we pursued this search and are humbled by these admirable OFs.”
MIDDLE EAST. In the Middle East, “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko” winning stories were as far-reaching as the countries under the region’s scope. Dacumos Siadan Jr. of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a Lumad or a native of Mindanao. Up until the time he left for KSA, his parents Virginia and Dacumos Siadan Sr. were supporting the family even in their golden years. Because of his parents’ dedication, Dacumos has only set his eyes on his them for his prize money. On the other hand, Edwin Austria, of Riyadh has been dedicating his life to his family as a dutiful son. Even to this day when he won “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” Austria has dedicated it to his father Loreto Austria.
Other winners Leonardo Resco of Jubail, Manuel Sanchez of Eastern Saudi Arabia, and John Ryan Rosquillo of Abu Dhabi, and Jenelyn Sayno of Riyadh have one thing in common –
they are offering their prize money to their mothers Priscila Resco, Victoria Sanchez, Clarita Rosquillo and Merlita Sayno who have all toiled for the family until their winning children were able to carry on the task.
Robert Javier of Madina, KSA and Michael Masancay of Riyadh, however, have different stories to tell. Both have broken families but they continue to have a positive outlook. In fact, Javier has helped his estranged father in the past. Now, he dedicates his prize to his sister Gretchen Mae Javier. Masancay on the other hand, dedicates his prize to his mother who never left the family’s side. Jonald Olivo lost a different loved one – his better half. He lost his wife to the battle against cancer where most of their savings went. After striving for years in United Arab Emirates (UAE), he was able to get back on track. Now he sends his prize to his new love Janet Jardiolin.
Truly, one can succeed with dedication as winner Baltazar Severo Cantiller also showed. Cantiller is an ex-convict who found his true freedom inside the prison cell. Because of his good conduct he found his second life in Asir Province in KSA. Now, he is giving his prize money to maternal aunt Andulawan Abeto who has been like a real parent to him. Another proof of perseverance is Hinorato Bejoc of Dammam. From driving a jeepney in Cebu to driving a pump truck in KSA, Bejoc has managed to improve the life of his family. He is offering the prize money to wife Gloria Bejoc.
EUROPE. The winners from Europe are continued testaments of OFs’ love for family. Motivated not to let her family experience the same hardships she went through, Zenia Alaestante travelled to United Kingdom (UK) to work as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). Now, much more equipped financially, she offers her prize to mother Zenaida Alaestante. Reynaldo Lachica, another winner from UK, is a multi-awarded OF in the line of sciences. However, for Lachica, his most outstanding achievement remains to be the chance to have helped his family (beneficiary and mother Soledad Lachica). While Lachica’s life was decorated, another winner, Ann Jean Lupian’s story is as colorful. From gambling on a future in Manila, she tried her luck in Denmark. Now with a success story to tell and which TFC and myREMIT recognized, she offers her prize to her mother Rizalina Lupian.
NORTH AMERICA. The moving tales continue in the North America. Winner Audrey Lopez’ mother is currently battling an illness. While she is in Florida, their mother is left to their sister Margarita Galang to care for so she decided to dedicate her prize money to her. Now, her mother, after having been bought to the U.S., is in a better condition. Raquel Padilla on the other hand, lost her father at age 13 so she went overseas to fend for her family. Now based in Canada, she dedicates her prize money to her family who will use it for charity. Another winner form North America is Grace Morizawa from California, may be married to a Japanese–American but continues to be a Pinoy at heart. She dedicates her prize to her Alma mater Josebio Lopez Gonzaga Memorial School. Like Morizawa, Elizabeth Martin Malnegro of New York also dedicated some of her earnings, sending students, including those who are not her relatives, to nursing school. This time she offers her prize money from TFC and myREMIT to husband Engineer Joel Malnegro.
ASIA-PACIFIC. As some of the winners lost their loved ones, Rhogyn Italia lost her mother at the gentle age of three. To make matters worse, her brother, whose birth cost her mother’s death, has mental problems as a result of the tragedy. To help tide the family over, Italia worked overseas. Today, she dedicates her prize to her father. Another winner from Asia, Rey Celesio Subingsubing works in Singapore so he can support his family. Now he dedicates his rewards to mother Lorna Subingsubing.
Be inspired by their stories on “TFC Connect’s” Tuesday episodes until September on TFC worldwide. Catch them on DZMM 630 and DZMM Teleradyo soon. TFC Connect and DZMM Teleradyo programs can be seen on TFC’s satellite, internet protocol (IPTV), mobile and online (TFC.tv) platforms worldwide. DZMM 630 can be heard on TFC’s platforms in the U.S.A. For more information on “Pamilya Ko, Buhay Ko,” stories of hope and inspiration supported by myREMIT,” visit http://bit.ly/TFCPamilyaKoBuhayKo
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