Filipino TV channel 
launched in region

ABU DHABI — The official launch of the Philippines’ Kapatid (Sibling) TV5 network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in Abu Dhabi on Friday turned into a prime-time show with Filipino celebrity idols Ruffa Gutierrez and Aga Muhlach, and comedian Shalala, taking centre stage.

A performance at the launch of Kapatid TV5 network at National Theatre in Abu Dhabi on Friday. — KT photos by Nezar BaloutRuffa

The Fans Day at the National Theatre was attended by hundreds of Filipinos who were treated to an afternoon of fun-filled show and an evening of musical entertainment by the Side A band together with Muhlach.

Through a partnership with the Orbit Showtime Network (OSN), Filipinos in the region can now view Kapatid TV5’s (channel 165) entertainment shows, drama series and sitcoms, and sports and news programmes on Aksyon (action) TV (channel 166).

Claro Ramirez, president of the Pilipinas Global Network (PGN), said TV5 has been on air at OSN since July 15 this year and already has over 400,000 viewers.

“With 2.7 million Filipinos in the MENA region, and many more overseas workers continuing to come here, this is a growing market,” Ramirez told Khaleej Times.

TV5 is the third largest television network in the Philippines with 20 per cent market share, according to AGB Nielsen rating. The telecast of TV5 in the region coincided with its entry into Europe. PGN hopes to fully penetrate the global market by the end of 2012.

During the afternoon and evening shows, a hat was passed around to collect money from the audience. The total amount collected will be doubled by the OSN and TV5 as part of their corporate social responsibility of giving back to the UAE community. “This is part of the embassy programme to help our compatriots; whatever we collect here will be doubled by OSN and TV5 to help the runaway maids or those in need of financial assistance,” said Ramirez.

“I would like to commend the OSN and TV5 for their humanitarian act. This shows that bayanihan (brotherhood) spirit is alive,” Philippine Ambassador Grace Relucio Princesa said.

Beauty queen-turned actress and TV show host Ruffa Gutierrez was very pleased with the warm welcome she received from her compatriots here. “I’m very thankful that our kababayans (compatriots) here are so kind, so sweet, so polite. They go out of their way to make you feel really special and comfortable,” she gushed.

This is Gutierrez’ third visit to the country, but her first official trip.

Not wanting to miss out on the beautiful sights of Abu Dhabi, she fitted into her busy schedule a quick trip to the Yas Viceroy (previously Yas Hotel), the Yas Marina Circuit and the Hyatt Capital Gate.

“It is like being home, because everywhere you turn to there’s a Filipino with a ready smile waiting for you. It is not just the Filipino people, it is about the country itself that is always warm and they always welcome the tourists,” she said. — olivia@khaleejtimes.com