When there’s an OFW need, there’s ABS-CBN Global Service

ABS-CBN Global Ltd., the media giant’s wholly-owned subsidiary, is banking on its range of innovative products and services to tap a wider market of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Company officials said due to the encouraging success of The Filipino Channel (TFC) – the first Philippine-based cable channel abroad – ABS-CBN Global will continue to offer a host of other products and services that would cater to thousands of homesick OFWs.

"These innovations are part of our mission to be in the service of the Filipino worldwide so that everywhere they go, we are there for them," said Jeffrey Remigio, ABS-CBN Global’s director and head of Manila operations.

Since its launch, TFC became the flagship product of the ABS-CBN Global and was positioned to be the first and only 24-hour, cable and satellite service that offers all-Filipino programming.

It is now it seen by almost a million Filipinos all over North America, Australia, Asia the Gulf States and recently, Europe.

Subsequently, ABS-CBN Global evolved gradually to become a one-stop shop for Filipinos abroad by also offering such services as remittance, retail, cargo, special events, TV program development and syndication and advertising sales and production.

After TFC, the group introduced another service in North America, Middle East and Europe by bundling TFC with three other Philippine channels: 24-hour ABS-CBN News Channel, Cinema One movie channel and Pinoy Central TV – the source of regional, travel and sports programs. This plus two radio stations: DZMM for AM news and commentary and DWRR for FM music.

The bundle, known as TFCDirect!, is a direct-to-home satellite service delivering all six channels in digital broadcast quality.

For overseas calls, ABS-CBN Telecom provides OFWs with several options to call from the US and Canada to anywhere in the world through products like pre-paid cards (Tawag Na! disposable phone card; Sarimanok One rechargeable phone card; and Sarimanok Global worldwide access travel card); post-paid (Long Distance Direct) or collect (1237-00 Bayan Kollect sa America).

Tapping into the lucrative remittance business, the network also came up with ABS-CBN Global Money. Pinoys working in the Middle East (Alkhobar, Dammam and Jeddah) can send money to parties in the country using this facility. In the country, it accepts both foreign and domestic money transfers.

Meanwhile, Filipinos in North America buy publications, music, video, movies and other exclusive products from ABS-CBN through the Starry Starry Store, the network’s shopping center overseas.

There’s also cargo forwarding services to TFCDirect! subscribers in North America via StarKargo. This is managed by ABS-CBN International and RCPI in the Philippines.

For its theatrical and special events services, ABS-CBN Global holds TFC Concert Series across the world where the most talented Filipino artists get to perform in the US, Middle East, Europe and the Asia Pacific. It also premieres the blockbuster movies of affiliate company Star Cinema in these areas.

Furthermore, TFC produces exclusive programs that focus on international community news and issues affecting overseas Pinoys with informative features and entertaining programs showcasing the Filipino way of life.

Among these are Kumusta Kabayan, a live and interactive program for overseas Filipinos that facilitate discussions with guests and callers worldwide through phone patch and email. There is also TV news programs Balitang Middle East and Balitang America that gives Filipino-Americans a face and voice on global television; and Sing-Song Videoke On-Air which features a parade of the favorite OPM hits requested by Filipino viewers worldwide.