MANILA, Philippines - A TV show hosted by US-based lawyer and read-to-live advocate Francis Padua Papica starts international airing this month, joining GMA Life TV’s roster of quality programs.
Francis, who is also the show’s executive producer, announced he has accepted the offer of GMA Network, Inc. for exclusive rights to air the show on its international channel.
The show Today with Francis Padua Papica, which has gained wide following after being aired on local channels in Naga City, Camarines Sur, can now be seen in US, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Asia starting April 21.
Today with Francis builds around its core message “it’s cool to be concerned,” highlighting values of community service and involvement. The show tries to approach its advocacies and objectives in a refreshing, entertaining manner to reach out to the youth and all audiences. It puts the spotlight on groups and prominent personalities from whom everyone can learn a lot. Today with Francis also brings along its audience to various fun places in and out of the country, features recommended books as well as other stories in an enjoyable 30-minute magazine format.
The lawyer is also the founder and CEO of the 15-year-old Francis Padua Papica Foundation, Inc. (FPPFI).
The production outfit behind Today with Francis is f12 Creativworx Multimedia Studios, a small company based at the Naga City Creative Media Center, a facility for startup firms located at the Naga City Hall complex. Francis credits his staff for being able to pull through with the production despite being undermanned. He also acknowledges the show’s growing ranks of viewers and followers for their continuing support and help in making the show possible.
Location shoots have included places such as Hong Kong, Macau, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Boracay and exciting places in the Bicol region. Highlights of the show’s first season include interviews with Efren Peñaflorida, Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Rep. Jack Enrile, Cesar Montano, Marc Nelson, beauty queens Czarina Gatbonton and Dianne Necio, Lettuce King Lyndon Tan, Dodot and Mikee Jaworski, Vince and Shai Hizon and other celebrities.
In one episode, the Chino Hills lawyer trades places with a pedicab driver in his hometown. In another upcoming segment, Francis takes a hair-raising dive from the top of Bunga Falls in Laguna.
Francis promises to take his viewers on an exciting journey in each episode. In each show, he says, we will highlight stories that also inspire and encourage the youth to take positive action in their lives.
He concludes, “As we always say in the show, it’s all about being cool, committed and concerned.”