WHAT started as a start-up project for St. La Salle Mass Communication graduates to establish a local cable network showing syndicated programs and Negrense lifestyle shows has now transformed into a national network with a greater thrust: “bring every story in Negros close to every Filipino.”
After close to three years of "birthing pains," Bacolod-based Piaya Channel is now Piaya Network Broadcasting Corporation, a story proving that success, like the famous delicacy, is definitely sweet.
In time for the annual Negros Trade Fair of the Association of Negros Producers at the highly attended Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City last week, PNBC was officially launched before a crowd of established national media arms and advertising agents.
My engagement as host of “A-Listed TV” and “Piaya Documentaries” gave me a lot of chills. Like a flower slowly opening up to the touch of warm sunlight, I feel like opening up to another opportunity in life. This time, an even bigger responsibility to deliver stories for a greater number of audience.
These two shows, together with other locally produced programs about fiestas, food, fashion and established family businesses, PNBC will take these stories in a national scope, this time, through national cable network, Cignal.
In Negros Island Region, however, it will still be carried over local SkyCable at the same time on Cignal, a testament of the corporation’s thrust to make the Philippines a Piaya Nation. Indeed, it’s high time to reach all corners of the country. Afterall, our stories are more than encouraging and uplifting, making true to the monicker that Negros is the “sweetest spot” in the Philippines today.
Chief executive officer and owner Anthony Leo Aguirre shared that he envisions Piaya as among the top quality TV show provider on cable, noting the “importance of media in shaping the mindset of this generation.” He also highlighted the role of the network in developing need-based solutions to the issues besetting the grassroots through social service programs.
I am more than elated to be part of this growing family. That is why we are already completing a roster of social issues and prominent problems to be produced for “Piaya Documentaries.”
It would include the lives of our fellow Negrenses, the real struggles they face every day, and the kind of hope they hold on to in order to survive. Apart from real life drama, we are also including a bulk of “brighteners” about outstanding students, great parents and successful entrepreneurs to spark interest and inspiration to our viewers.
This is the same sentiment I aired during the Grand Launching Night with host and TV actress Carla Abellana. To sit down with her and talk about my personal ambitions for the show and the kind of motivation I fill my bag with is a rewarding experience. It allowed me to revisit the goals I have set for myself and the direction the show will trek.
The bottom line is that “Piaya Documentaries” will start small and low, go steady and eventually reach a certain peak. When it happens, it has already established itself as a program that showcases the realities of life that we can all learn valuable lessons from. Until it happens, the team, together with producer Camille Escaro, shall scout every corner of this region for worthwhile topics that suits our audience’s interest.
Apart from PNBC, a subsidiary company for camera, production works, and high-end equipment rentals was also launched. This shall secure quality output for Piaya which will also debut in producing films, short stories and shall eventually venture to other media platforms.
Today, PNBC is more than ready to conquer the Philippines through airing exciting stories about love for country, a sense of local pride and our people’s mission to make their lives better.
With this, the Philippines is slowly becoming a “Piaya Nation,” such a sweet moniker for a country where hope is as sweet as the molasses from the enticing piaya sold in the streets of the sugar capital.