A homecoming journey of the heart

It is estimated that about 11 percent of our population, or about nine to 11 million Pinoys, are living and working overseas. Most are on work permits or visas and sending their hard-earned dollars to their loved ones here — which by itself is a heroic saga with myriad tales to tell. And among these notable stories of sacrifice, wanderlust, passion and self-awakening are our Kapatid abroad who are being featured in TV5 International’s first-ever originally-produced program titled Ganito Na Kami Ngayon. 

Conceptualized to tell the moving stories of Filipinos overseas, the program is made possible through the efforts of Pilipinas Global Network Ltd (PGNL), TV5’s international arm.

The weekly 30-minute program features reunions and homecomings â€” showcasing the Filipino’s return to his native land, his hometown’s tourist destinations, while at the same time focusing on the values of rediscovering one’s roots. Some lucky kababayan who have lived abroad for many years are given the opportunity to finally return “home” and be brought to different must-see places in the metropolis and in the provinces. 

According to Jeffrey Remigio, PGNL FVP and head of operations, the program was conceptualized mainly for TV5 International to start creating local content for overseas audiences. “We thought that after three years of PGNL, it was about time for us to venture into doing local production — meaning tackling the content needs of our specific overseas markets. So we crafted the whole show with their interests in mind; not that our programs here (in the Philippines) are not designed for them also, but Ganito Na Kami Ngayon takes the overseas Pinoys’ perspective and we try to see things through their eyes.”

For its pilot episode last Jan. 11, Ganito Na Kami Ngayon put the spotlight on Ferdie Penala, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Dubai who decided to come home after five years to surprise his girlfriend with a marriage proposal. The second episode chronicled the story of Marc and Marcel Cabrera, two brothers who returned to the country after being away for over a decade. Through them, the episodes highlighted the many developments the province of Rizal has undergone throughout their long years of living overseas.  

Remigio avers that it was not easy for them to get subjects for the shows as each Kapatid abroad has his own story to tell. The show does not only feature the regular OFWs but try to get former artists as well. “Take the example of what we did on our Antonette and Tom Taus episode. We brought them home and we were with them through their entire sojourn here,” shares Remigio. Apparently, Antonette still has a big-fan base here in the Philippines, which is something not everybody knows. 

Actor Bernardo Bernardo with Mitch Valdes

So, how do they select subjects for the episodes? “We get recommendations from people. But, for the most part, research is the very key. It is imperative that we do the preliminary interviews just so we can check if he or she really deserves to come home through our support,” explains Remigio. There are three criteria in which one can be considered as a guest or subject: 1.) Eight to 10 years absence from the Philippines;  2.) They have a compelling and interesting story; and 3.) their hometowns have not been well-publicized and gotten public attention despite the progress made.

One episode of Ganito Na Kami Ngayon which denizens of theater and cinema would find highly interesting would that be of renowned actor Bernardo Bernardo. “He came home after so many years. His appearance has changed in many ways but he is still that very jolly and vibrant person that many of his friends and associates would recall.” He reunited with his theater roots from Repertory, watched the staging of Rak of Aegis, and met with some OPM officers. But for Bernardo, it was more of a personal journey for him. “He needed time to be home to understand what he really wanted to be in the next chapter of his life. It was a self-rediscovery,” Remigio discloses.

According to Claro Carmelo “Ito” Ramirez, PGNL/TV5 International president, “This is what makes the program unique. It’s about time we create something different. We want to be a part of our Kapatid’s journey back home and witness how they will reconnect with their loved ones in a very light but heartwarming, fun and informative manner.”

Truly, it can be said that there is never a more memorable trip than a journey of the heart, especially when it comes to reclaiming one’s roots and retracing the steps that have taken us from home and hearth to the farthest corners of the globe.