GMA Network Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz led the Philippine Jury at the 5th Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children. The event was held from November 13 to 16 in Bangkok, Thailand.
With Javier Cruz at the helm, the Philippine jury reviewed exceptional child-focused content, spotlighting stories that uplift young audiences, spark the imagination, and encourage authentic expression while reflecting the experiences of today’s youth.
“It is a privilege to be a voice that encourages the creativity of children. Giving support and a platform for children are just among the meaningful ways we can nurture their imagination and confidence,” says Javier Cruz. “At GMA Network, we believe that every child has a story worth telling, and we are committed to producing programs and other content that are child-friendly, innovative, informative, educational, and highly engaging.”
Among the distinguished guests and personalities at SEAVFC were Anak TV President Elvira Yap Go, who also serves as the Convenor and Founding Chairperson of the festival, the multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, host of the top-rating “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” and “Unang Hirit” host Suzi Entrata-Abrera.
In her speech at the opening of the video festival, Yap Go encouraged children in the audience to hold on to their strength: “Humanity can only move forward on the strength of your courage, your compassion, and your vision. That vision is not some faraway story. It begins the moment you believe you are an author. So, write boldly, write beautifully, and let the magic of peace be the ink that fills your pages.”
Soho, who led the panel discussion “Shaping Young Minds: Teaching Kids to be Good Storytellers of Peace,” shared her insights on the power of storytelling: “Journalists are storytellers, and I am a strong believer in the power of stories to inspire, help people in need, and to change lives. Stories empower. Stories are powerful! I believe that the more stories we tell one another, we communicate and connect better. If we keep the stories coming and the conversations going, we will most likely realize we all have the same goals in life. Stories lead to better understanding and peace.”
Meanwhile, Entrata-Abrera was among the speakers of the panel discussion “Deep Dive into the Ecosystem of Youth and Children’s Media, and Collaborative Pathways Toward the Sustainability of ASEAN Children’s Media”
The Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children was established in the Philippines in 2017, rooted in the passion of Elvira Yap Go, whose Anak TV tirelessly promotes television literacy while advocating for child-sensitive and family-friendly television in the country.
SEAVFC is an advocacy-driven festival that brings together video enthusiasts, TV industry professionals, aspiring video makers, and children from across the 10 ASEAN member states. It features screenings of the finest children’s works, panel discussions, talks by international media luminaries, and children’s workshops.
This year’s SEAVFC has the theme “Magic of Peace,” showcasing the power of storytelling to inspire harmony, unity, and understanding among children in the ASEAN region. The winning entry from the Philippines under the Children Videomakers (16-17 years old) category is “Ang Batong Hindi Ibinato” from Pasian National High School in Monkayo East, Davao de Oro. For more news and updates, visit www.GMANetwork.com.
