TV5 brings Filipinos closer to Pope Francis

MANILA, Philippines - Following the overwhelming success of the recent launch of TV5’s one-of-a-kind website and interactive online campaign dubbed as #DearPopeFrancis, what with the unprecedented participation of over millions of Filipinos in the Network’s unique invitation to welcome Pope Francis, TV5 now offers even more Filipinos from all over the world the opportunity to closely follow Pope Francis and his historic journey to the Philippines exclusively via the Kapatid Network’s line-up of engaging and comprehensive programs and activities dedicated to the Papal visit.

Yesterday, viewers have kick-started their spiritual experience in line with the much-awaited Papal visit by tuning in to TV5’s special one-hour documentary titled, Pastol sa Panahon ng Pagbabago. This weekend, TV special gives viewers a look back on some of the most recent and relevant issues Filipino Catholics come to face today: A) Poverty and The Filipino  B) Contraception  C) Gays and D) The Selfie Generation — how the Church, led by Pope Francis, has tried to reach out to more people through social media.

Until Jan. 15, the celebratory mood of the entire nation that is already eager to welcome the Holy Father will be made even more meaningful with News5 correspondent Carla Lim giving a fresh perspective as she joins Pope Francis on board the Papal plane for his upcoming apostolic voyage.

On top of this, from Jan. 15 to 19, TV5 will be spearheading the call to enjoin all Filipinos in celebrating Pope Francis’ presence from his arrival to his journey all over the country, through the Network’s comprehensive TV coverage and blow-by-blow updates all throughout the day. At the helm of it all will be the formidable team of News5’s acclaimed anchors led by News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes, together with award-winning broadcast journalist Erwin Tulfo and seasoned news personalities Cheryl Cosim and Ed Lingao, as well as several key resource persons.

With its commitment to reach out to as many Filipinos as possible and to give more individuals from all walks of life — most especially the youth — the opportunity to take part in the historic Papal visit, TV5 will also be launching an interactive Social Media Command Center. News5 anchors and TV5’s young stars will be joining forces anew as they put the spotlight on relevant social media updates from netizens mentioning #DearPopeFrancis, and sound bites from various representatives of Catholic youth organizations.

Moreover, TV5 will surely be covering all bases in reporting anything and everything about the Papal visit with the introduction of its special group of remote anchors featuring some of the most colorful personalities in the TV and entertainment industries. Aptly called “Poperazzis,” the quirky foursome of Lourd de Veyra, Ramon Bautista, Jun Sabayton and RA Rivera will be offering viewers a dynamic reportorial style that ultimately covers news items that are not being reported by journalists, focusing on the Filipino behavior during the Papal visit, and including the very sentiments of the general public through man-on-the-street (MOS) reports.