MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charo Santos Concio said the Philippines may not yet be a major player in the world content market but many Filipino shows have already been warmly welcomed in several territories, a proof that Filipino content is now thriving in a globalized environment.
“We are grateful that through our content, we can show the world the real wealth of our country. These are our strong family values and our resilience as a people. We see no better way of achieving it than through television,” said Santos-Concio, who spoke as the gala chair of the 43rd International Emmy Awards held in Hilton Hotel New York recently.
Santos-Concio is the first Filipino gala chair invited to participate in the event, which she referred to as the “world’s most important annual television event.”
“The more we care, the less we fight. During dark days of terror, we come together in prayer. So, the world, far from falling part, is even inspired to unite,” she said.
She said that when content producers begin to know and care about people and things, “we begin to care about other people’s quest for love, pursuit of dreams, cry for justice, celebration of triumph and struggle for survival.
Meanwhile, actor Piolo Pascual also had his shining moment when he presented the award for Best Telenovela alongside Karla Mosley of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Before the awards proper, Santos-Concio and Pascual both graced the red carpet and granted media interviews. Santos-Concio looked elegant in her Cary Santiago terno gown, while Pascual looked dashing in a black suit.
The International Emmy Awards recognize excellence in global television programming. This year, Special Awards were presented to Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of “Downton Abbey” (Founders Award) and Richard Plepler, chairman and CEO of HBO (Directorate Award).
The event was attended by actor Michael Douglas, Elizabeth McGovern of “Downton Abbey,” Tovah Feldshuh of “The Walking Dead,” Patina Miller of “The Hunger Games,” and Lea DeLaria of “Orange is the New Black,” who were among this year’s presenters.