November 5, 2015 (Dubai, UAE) – Service took on another form as ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) – a global brand that offers, among others, the world’s most widely distributed premium and on demand channel showing Filipino content on multiple platforms – gathered thousands of Filipinos to offer valuable financial and investment opportunities at the recently held 3rd TFC Filipino Expo 2015 “Buhay, Kabuhayan At Iba Pa” at the Le Meridien Hotel in Dubai, UAE.
TFC proved that it goes beyond its core offerings of news and entertainment by bringing in financial experts from the Philippines led by Francis Colayco, best-selling author of “Wealth Within Reach” and other titles; financial literacy advocate Armand Bengco; and ABS-CBN News Channel’s (ANC) “On the Money” host Salve Duplito to dispel myths, share business tips and inspire over 5,000 Filipinos to improve their financial standings and create a better future for their families.
Joining the subject matter experts are government representatives headed by Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and Filipino community (Fil comm) leaders. Colayco, Bengco and Duplito covered topics from financial literacy, investment and wealth management, while Fil Comm speakers from the Philippine Business Council talked about establishing businesses in the Philippines and even in the UAE. Filipino Human Resource President Vagelyn Federico and Legal Consultant Atty. Barney Almazan educated OFWs on the employment landscape in the Middle East and their employment rights. Imaging consultants Art Los Banos and Agnes Briggs shared valuable advice on professional and personal image-building.
According to Fil comm leader Elle Salinel, the various community groups, especially the Filipino engineers in UAE, were very satisfied to have participated in TFC’s third installment of the Fil Expo. Edgar Santos from Dubai affirms: “I learned a lot about investing. Now, I am ready. I have identified what I will do in the Philippines.”
FINANCIAL FREEDOM. ABS-CBN Managing Director for Middle East, Europe & Africa Kai Rodriguez is proud that TFC was able to mount this kind of event, the network’s third, for Filipinos in UAE and nearby cities. “What’s more impressive is that the people who came out are so focused on their future and so sophisticated about their investment questions,” she said. “These are the OFWs who really aim to make a difference. I was amazed at their level of knowledge and the quality of their questions. TFC Fil Expo has become an effective platform for such conversations and interactions that we hope would enable our OFWs to reach their financial goals.”
Colayco wrote to Rodriguez to express his appreciation, thanking her and TFC “for giving us the opportunity to be part of your TFC Fil Expo 2015 event. Your advocacy of uplifting the lives of OFWs in all respects surely deserves the support and admiration of all Filipinos.”
Over 30 local and Philippine-based companies from real estate, remittance, telecommunications, cargo, investments and even sunrise industries opened up their products and services to the 5,000 plus crowd in their pursuit of financial freedom and literacy.
RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE. Aside from letting Filipinos take charge of their financial future, TFC also let Filipinos take a more participatory role in nation-building through the overseas vote. The network, partners with the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA – OVS) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) since 2012, opened its doors for the Philippine Embassy’s on-site registration for the 2016 elections.
Consul General Cortes proudly reports that over 500 OFWs registered at the PE booth. He says: “We are thankful for Filipinos in Dubai and Northern UAE for heeding the call of the Consulate to register. It shows that all of our kabayans in Dubai are excited to play their part in the May 2016 elections. To all those who registered, I would like to remind you that you have one month to vote – from April 9 to May 9, 2016.
ABS-CBN Middle East and Europe Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe adds: “The overseas vote is a force to be reckoned with. Registration is only the first step. Our kabayans should go out and vote and let their voices – the voices of the OFWs, be heard.”
GREATNESS OF THE FILIPINO. Keeping to the core of its service, TFC also shared performances from the King and Queen of Teleserye hits Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto who sang their trademark hits. Proving that while the Filipino’s business acumen has a lot of potential, Erik and Angeline continue to prove that the Filipino talent shines in terms of music. The products of top-rating singing competitions (“Star In A Million” for Erik and “Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Superstar” for Angeline) shared their winning pieces “This the Moment” and “Patuloy Ang Pangarap.” Together, they further impressed with the OPM classic “Tagumpay Nating Lahat.” a fitting message for the OFWs in the exhibit who aspire to do great from financial standing and even more.
During the event, TFC also launched its TFC Live app where kabayans were able to enter for free just by registering. Moreover, TFC also launched emea.kapamilya.com, the network’s community site for Filipinos in Middle East, Europe and Africa.
IN THE SERVICE OF THE FILIPINO WORLDWIDE. While the Filipinos were delighted to see two of ABS-CBN’s powerhouse performers, and the exhibit of Filipino products and services, the participants were as eager to hear the financial experts talk about how they could unlearn bad habits, embrace new techniques and achieve a more financially stable future. Truly, TFC’s Fil Expo was not just a tradition fulfilled but opportunity gained for kabayans.
Those who missed the actual event and the livestream of TFC’s Fil Expo 2015 across Europe, Middle East (except UAE) and Africa last weekend can still get to watch the sessions and performances again by visiting emea.kapamilya.com For more updates, visit facebook.com/TFCMiddleEast
