FILIPINOS will get to discover more the Negrense art scene and culture as Piaya Network goes nationwide.
The brainchild of father-son duo Tony and Leo Aguirre, the network, which got its name from Bacolod's famous sweet piyaya, a unleavened flatbread filled with muscovado, mango and purple yam, was initially created to showcase the best of the province.
Two years after their launch on August 2014, the senior Aguirre said they've managed not only to promote Bacolod as a tourist destination, but the network serves as a venue for local talents.
"We started just like a backyard project. Now, most of our shows speak of Bacolod in totality in terms of culture, talents, and perspective of business and other interests. We try to show the original Bacolod," Tony said.
When asked how he convinced his father to support his plan of creating a network that will cater to the Negrense interests, the young Aguirre laughingly replied, "I think napilitan na lang siya."
But kidding aside, Leo added, "Nung tumatakbo na lahat, nakita niya na we are getting a good income from the local market and people came along. Everything is free-flowing and we have a good control of the production."
With vision to be one of a kind in crafting the media art experience in Negros and beyond, Piaya Network specializes in digital production. The network carries mostly original television shows with themes on travel, food, and lifestyle.
The network runs on a 24-hour schedule and airs specials such as festivals, sporting events, concerts and short films.
"Locally, we have a solid market because the schools are well tapped. We have a good coordination with them and they have a fair share of independent films appearing on the channel."
As of posting, the station airs hyper local shows like "Project Negros," a program that showcases the people, industries and products that are deeply rooted to the Negros province.
They also have "Festival Junkie," kids show "SmArts," lifestyle programs "Food Infinity," "Travel N' Taste," "Backpacker Adventure," "A Listed," "L: Live, Laugh, Love" "The Real Talk," and "Piaya Documentaries," a program that highlights the plight, aspirations and daily struggles and issues of Negreneses.
"Our culture there (in Bacolod) is very laidback and very relaxed, which is conducive for the arts. In fact, we have a lot of galleries and museums. Bacolod City and the Bacolod people love the arts. We love storytelling, exchanging stories, and sharing ideas," said Atty. JR Gumabon, the station's legal counsel.
Leo said they are a new player in broadcast entertainment but they aim to offer more viewing options for the Filipino audience. He also vowed to remain true to Piaya’s mantra – to promote Negrense products and talent.
"We are a new player from the province, from the Visayas representing the voice of the south (and) also presenting the voice of the Philippines. Honestly, we are a bit intimidated by the big networks but we're not here for the business talaga. Ako, gusto ko lang talaga mapalabas lahat ng ito. I just want to show the beauty and stories of Bacolod kaya go lang ng go."
Piaya Network is available on Sky Cable channel 35 and on Cignal Cable channel 56. (Sunnex)