‘TFC Connect’ welcomes new host

CEBU, Philippines - This June, The Filipino Channel (TFC) celebrates nine years of its longest-running program exclusively made for overseas Filipinos (OFs), “TFC Connect,” as it continues to keep them close to the homeland and their loved ones. “TFC Connect” will also take on a new vibe, starting next month.

The program, which started in 2007 as a guide hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, updated viewers on what to expect in the coming week on the  premier network. “TFC Connect” has evolved to become a program that provides a link between OFs and their families in the Philippines through segments such as “MissMo” and “Kapamilya Treats.”  The program, hosted by Dimples Romana starting in 2013, also became the platform for the Filipino talent to shine, through segments such as “Kids of the Week” and “Bida Guest.”

According to Herbs Samonte, ABS-CBN Global Content Production and Development Group Head, through the years, “TFC Connect” has transcended its role from an exclusive program to a conduit not only between the OFs and those they hold dear, but also between them and their country. 

“For close to a decade, ‘TFC Connect’ has become the hub of everything Filipino and has become the champion of values and traditions that make us who we are, wherever we may be,” said Samonte. 

“As we celebrate our anniversary this June and unveil a new season this quarter, we want to be more inclusive, reaching out even to the younger members of the family and of our audience.”

Starting on the first week of July, “TFC Connect” takes on a new look and feel to reach out to the second generation OFs who may have been born overseas or were born here but have migrated overseas.

“TFC Connect” will take on a new format with more interactive segments and will welcome new host and Youtube star, Wil Dasovich. Dasovich is a 24-year-old Filipino-American who personifies the second generation OF. He has been shuttling between the Philippines and the US for almost three years and the “TFC Connect” stint may just make him stay.

The new host will bring Kapamilyas to ABS-CBN shows to see how they work behind the cameras. He will travel to chosen OF families’ hometowns and immerse in the local culture and reminisce some of the things the OF families may have missed as they led their lives overseas. It will also be Dasovich’s own immersion as well.

To join the segments, OF families are encouraged to submit a video on the reasons why they should be the next families to be featured.

“TFC Connect” airs Mondays to Fridays worldwide. The show’s anniversary celebration began this month while its new look and segments will be launched on July 4.  (FREEMAN)