In recognition of world-class talent shared by hard-working Filipinos abroad, GMA Pinoy TV, the Kapuso Network’s flagship international channel and the Home of Global Pinoys, kicked off December, the Month of Overseas Filipinos, with an afternoon dedicated to art, music, and poetry.
The highlight of the event was the turnover of the painting “Pinoys to the World” to GMA Network. A visual masterpiece by Philippine Navy Reservist, Goodwill Ambassador for Culture and Arts, and Artist on a Mission Kristine S. Lim, the painting comes from her “Perla de Oriente ” series. In “Pinoys to the World,” she incorporates the colors of the Philippine Navy and Philippine symbols such as the anahaw, bangus (milkfish), mango leaf, sampaguita, and the Philippine eagle. The banca in the painting fully ties the journey of modern-day Filipino manlalayags or overseas workers.
Accepting the painting on behalf of the Network was GMA International’s First Vice President and Head of Operations Mr. Joseph T. Francia. He thanked Lim for sharing her talent not just to Filipinos but to the world. In his speech, he also acknowledged the presence of the Philippine Navy: “Your being here today is a manifestation and recognition of your shared values with GMA Network: ang pasiglahin the lives of Filipinos.”
The afternoon’s revelries took place at the Network’s Open Air space. There, the Philippine Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Team performed robust renditions of well-loved classics and pop tunes that delighted the crowd. The response buoyed up the Philippine Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Team for an encore performance.
Not to be outdone was the Philippine Marine Corps Silent Drill Team. Their solemn but dazzling maneuvers and precise drill movements and formations without verbal command captivated onlookers who were surprised not once, not twice, but three times, when they fired their rifles. Amidst applause and chuckles rippling through the crowd, the Philippine Marine Corps Silent Drill Team continued with their amazing display of coordination. The sunlight glinting off the tips of their bayonets seemed to wink playfully at the amused reactions of guests.
Gracing the event as well was Kapuso Primetime King and host of “Family Feud” Dingdong Dantes. Himself a Philippine Navy Reservist with the rank of Major and a Goodwill Ambassador for Disaster Preparedness, Dingdong reflected on the efforts undertaken by GMA Pinoy TV in empowering Filipinos everywhere through quality programs.
“Sa pamamagitan ng ating trabaho, ng ating mga programa, and through the works of my fellow reservist Kristine Lim, through the arts and our culture, we are able to relive that passion, that fire of becoming full Filipinos, ang pagiging buong pusong Pinoy all over the world. Kaya parati po nating sinasabing proud to be Pinoy. Kahit Global Pinoys na po tayo ay bitbit pa din natin ang puso ng pagiging Pilipino.”
“Abot-Kamay na Pangarap” lead stars Jillian Ward, Sparkle artist and Star of the New Gen, and Ken Chan also joined the event. The afternoon showcase was also a send-off to the actors who would be filming scenes in Nagoya, Japan and also entertaining OFWs at the show, “Ang Saya-Saya ng Pasko sa Nagoya.”
Jillian congratulated GMA Pinoy TV on their successful journey to making Filipinos feel at home wherever they are. Echoing her sentiments, Ken added, “Nakaka-proud talaga na kahit saan po kami magpunta na iba’t-ibang bansa, nakikita talaga ang galing ng Pinoy. Proud kami sa inyong lahat na overseas Filipino workers.”
Rounding up the afternoon honoring the skills and talents of Filipino overseas workers was a poetry reading of Jose Rizal’s “Awit ng Manlalakbay” or “Song of the Wanderer.” The National Hero was described by Francia as the “first Global Pinoy.”
GMA Pinoy TV also launched their station ID entitled, “Global Pinoys” with a music video. The song was sung by “The Clash” grand champion, Power Diva Jessica Villarubin, and finalist, Kapuso Soul Balladeer Garrett Bolden.
Joining GMA Pinoy TV and the Philippine Navy in the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos were various agencies representing overseas Filipino workers: the Commission of Filipino Overseas, the Philippine Nurses Association of America, the Philippine Independence Day Celebrations of the East Coast and New York, other members of the migration sector and various honored guests.
