The power of the The Filipino Channel

It's been recently apparent to me how central Filipino TV entertainment is to the international Filipino community. The commercials between programs are constantly peddling efficient ways to either communicate with your relatives back home or agencies and organizations that provide cheap alternatives to remitting money. It also seems that Filipino movie stars are just as effective (if not more) than the Philippine consulate when providing assistance and comfort in foreign places. These people are living legends- if you are Filipino, then you know who these people are! The standardized programming covers regions like Australia, South and East Asia and even to areas in the Middle East. I suppose this makes sense since the Filipino people are the country's largest export, representing over 14% of the national GDP. And the programs they will watch! Variety shows, song and dance (everyone is an actor/singer) and Filipino versions of American standards galore!

A lot of news is coming out of the Philippines these days. Massacres, martial law, and then this volcano erupting (or about to)! Here is a piece of Frances trivia- I used to go to school in the area by Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City and could see the volcano every day!