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Balitang America airs Yearender Townhall Special on TFC

Community Writes Letter to President-Elect Barack Obama | 01/12/2009 3:30 PM

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REDWOOD CITY, CA. – In keeping with its mission of empowering the community and giving Filipinos a voice, TFC's flagship news program, Balitang America looked back at the biggest stories and Filipino newsmakers of the year with a special town hall presentation aired on New Year’s Eve with replays on January 1 and 2, 2009.

Program anchor Gel Santos-Relos and North America News Bureau Chief Ging Reyes were joined by correspondents, a panel of experts, concerned citizens and members of the Filipino-American community in tackling various issues the country now faces and exploring possibilities for the future.

The spirited (live-to-tape) discussion includes the historic elections and what's next for the Obama Administration, the state of the economy, immigration, the continuing struggle of Filipino World War II veterans, and the Filipinos' rise to stardom in mainstream America and the world of sports.

For the second straight year, the audience played an important role in the annual special. Balitang America asked its audience to vote for the Top Newsmaker of the Year.  2008, as it turned out, was the year of singing sensation Charice.  Runners up were rock band Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda, Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.   Other candidates include the Filipino WWII Veterans, first Fil-Am NBA coach Eric Spoelstra of Miami Heat, First Filipino major league pitcher Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants, Jabbawockeez and Supercr3w and many more.

The result of the public voting was announced during the special, written and produced by Balitang America Executive Producer Vivian Araullo.

But the highlight of the show was an exercise in community spirit.  “It is important for ethnic media to act as a bridge between the community it serves and the key decision-makers who impact that community,” said News Bureau Chief Ging Reyes.  “So, we worked with community members to draft a statement that spelled out what Filipino Americans believe should be done to solve the problems of the community and the nation.”  The town hall successfully came up with a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, which will be delivered to the Office of the President after the show aired.

“The town hall meeting format of the Balitang America Yearender Special is an effective stimulus for civic participation,” said Chinky De Jesus, managing director of ABS-CBN International.  “I applaud the Balitang America team for this strong community-building effort that manifests the cornerstone of ABS-CBN’s service to the Filipino worldwide.”

The town hall special’s panelists include: Polly Cortez, Regional Quality Assurance manager of the US Department of Treasury; bank executive William Tecson Jr.; real estate professional Allan Lorenzo; Immigration Attorney Lourdes Tancinco; IBF & IBO flyweight boxing champion Nonito Donaire; standout Filipina American boxer Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton; Veterans' Equity Advocate Gomercindo Bondad;  America’s Best Dance Crew member RJ Navalta and the Supreme Soul dance group.

Balitang America reporters and correspondents are Henni Espinosa, Lenn Almadin Thornhill, Rodney Jaleco, Steve Angeles, Don Tagala, Joseph Pimentel, Monette Rivera and Bev Llorente.