Filipino cable channel unveils new ventures

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—A bimonthly entertainment print magazine and a remittance partnership are just two of the new ventures The Filipino Channel (TFC) unveiled on Feb. 22, indicating that 2013 would just be as busy for the cable channel as the previous year, according to its officers.

The cable television network owned by ABS-CBN Global Ltd. launched the first issue of TFC All Access, a printed bimonthly magazine, which will give readers the “inside scoop on the stars they love to see on screen.” The magazine also provides “in-depth” reportage on celebrity homes, weddings and career predictions.

Led by Editorial Director Leylanie Go, the editorial team “wants to bring their subscribers the best exclusive stories and never before seen pictures,” Go said. The team aims to expand readership with an online version, which is being developed. The next issue will be out in early April. TFC All Access is distributed at restaurants and stores frequented by Filipinos and it is free to TFC subscribers all over the United States.

TFC has also entered into a partnership with Alas Cargo to facilitate My Remit, a “Kapamilya” service, which makes paying bills in the Philippines the United States “faster and safer,” according to TFC Senior Director and managing chief June Del Rosario.

The cable channel is promoting its teleseryes and other shows through its online portal TFC.tv.  Viewers can watch their favorite entertainment using iPads, laptops and even smart phones. They can watch shows two to three hours after they air in the Philippines, as well as previous episodes.

In previous years, only one or two Filipino-produced films have hit theaters per quarter, but recently at least one film has being released each month. Films like “Sisterakas,” a top-grossing comedy and “One More Try” have been well received. To keep viewing rates for such movies high and to get Filipino films into more theaters abroad, English subtitles will now be included. The next film set for release is “A Moment In Time,” starring heartthrobs Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

TFC.tv shows on the web let viewers interact with a social network through commenting and direct posts to social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. TFC.tv offers free trials, and premium subscription is available at $12.95 a month and $32.00 for three months.