MANILA, Philippines – Sports broadcaster Chino Trinidad is tired of sob stories he sees on television. He’s had it with reports of crime, poverty and all things depressing, which bring in ratings, but do nothing to uplift the spirit.
So he decided to do something about it. He checked his savings account, took out a hefty sum, approached friends and contacts, hired a group of ideal young people, and put up Pilipinas HD in his Mandaluyong home. The cable channel presents inspiring stories of heroes, the ones history showed us and unsung types like the airport janitor who returned money to a passenger.
Chino gave birth to his “baby” on June 12, Independence Day, the better to remind him and his 20-plus staff of the ideals they live by.
Chino got his inspiration from a priest-friend who told him that the media practitioners’ mission is to stick to three E’s: Educate, enlighten and entertain. He and his staff translated this into stories that dig deep into its subjects’ lives.
“We will create a new personality,” he vows. “If you’re going to make story on Jose Rizal, why not do it in his own words, through his own eyes? Base it on his diaries, which is in Spanish. This way, we get to know him up close and personal.”
Another story revolves around Emilio Aguinaldo. Chino and his staff dug deep into what pushed Aguinaldo to do the things he did, thereby gaining the reputation of being one of history’s “villains.”
For music content, Chino and his staff are looking into the well-loved kundiman.
The goals are noble, although the budget is staggering. Chino doesn’t give figures, but says it’s enough to mire him and his supportive wife in debt. So he’s counting on celebrity friends.
One of them is the award-winning John Arcilla. Chino wanted to get John for a docu called Mga Bayani, but told the star of Heneral Luna budget is practically non-existent.
John’s touching reply, “As long as for it’s our country, count me in, brother.”
Chino is also thinking of getting Cesar Montano (“he’s passionate about history”) and Julio Diaz for future stories.
“Sakay, Julio’s movie with Raymond Red left an imprint on me. I will revive Sakay. I’ll also set up a medical fund for Julio (the actor was rushed to the hospital last April due to brain aneurysm and is back to work).”
Chino knows actors like John, who are willing to do a passion project for nothing, come few and far between. So the new producer has to be practical. He’s tapping talented aspiring actors to play key roles instead.
Also on board are a panel of historians, playwrights and other experts who will make sure stories tell the truth and nothing but.
Chino is also on the lookout for indie producers searching for a platform. In fact, he plans to devote half a day to these indie producers.
Actor-turned-indie film director and producer Cyrus Valdez, 22, belongs to this breed of young talents Chino wants to develop. Cyrus is going to Pinatubo to film Silver Lining, the story of the people’s triumph over a volcanic eruption that ruined their lives 26 years ago.
It’s the kind of story Chino wants to present starting June 28, when Pilipinas HD starts airing on select cable channels.
Chino is targeting Cignal TV, among other cable operators.
The enterprising media man knows his is an uphill climb. But he’s in it for the long haul.
“We’re doing this for the next generation. Millennials are accused of being lazy and unconcerned. But we’re also at fault. We left them on their own.”
Pilipinas HD is Chino’s leap of faith, his covenant with the future. He knows it offers no guarantees, but he’s willing to take a risk rather than do nothing. More importantly, he’s inviting us to join him work for a better tomorrow for our children and our children’s children.