God’s business

What’s in a name?

For Cebu Catholic TV Network (CCTN) Channel 47 President and CEO Nonito Limchua aka Tatay Dodong, a name is worth more than gold.

This was the highlight of his message delivered before officers, employees and guests of CCTN and Filproducts, another firm which he also owns, during the twin companies’ Christmas party held last week at an uptown convention center. Tatay Dodong and his wife, the lovely Diana, are both active in the charismatic movement as lay leaders of the Oasis of Love Catholic Community.

As an alternative TV station, CCTN is committed to integrate Catholic teachings in its whole slew of programs aimed to attract a mainstream audience. From news, music, Cebuano soap operas, magazine and talk shows to public worship, CCTN stands out for sticking to its Catholic brand which, from a marketing point of view, would be tantamount to keeping financial statements in the red. However, Tatay Dodong defies such conventional wisdom by sticking to his guns even at the expense of his own pocket.

In his Christmas message last Saturday, he revealed having met with a national marketing group that was supposed to turn around things for the Catholic TV station. He said he was hopeful that the Manila-based firm would be able to come up with new program designs and marketing tools but the deal fell through in the last minute. The reason: The other party wanted a redesign of the station ID by replacing the word “Catholic” with “City,” such that the new ID would be Cebu City TV Network.

I actually think it was not a bad proposal, but for Tatay Dodong the Catholic ID is non-negotiable. He acknowledged that CCTN “continually struggles to make both ends meet” but being Catholic is verily CCTN’s cutting edge, if you will. He added that since the media company is God’s business, “He will see to its well-being,” Tatay Dodong stressed.

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In October this year, the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) reported that 54 media companies under the Catholic Media Network are facing an uncertain if not altogether bleak future because the franchise of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) under which CMN affiliates operate expired in August 2017.

CBCP filed for an application seeking an extension of the legislative franchise for another 25 years, but the application got stuck at the committee level of the Lower House. Speculations are rife that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is using the franchise issue to keep the Church from opposing Alvarez’ pet bills notably divorce, the dissolution of marriage and same sex marriage.

Strictly speaking, Catholic radio and TV stations that continue to operate under an expired franchise can be questioned anytime but so far, I haven’t heard of any friction between the government and CMN affiliates spread across 11 regions and 35 provinces. The Manila headliner is Radio Veritas. In Cebu, it is Station DYRF.

CCTN Ch 47 is a latecomer to the Catholic consortium but was able to secure franchise with the help of the late Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. While the issue of CMN’s collective franchise hangs like the proverbial sword of Damocles over its 54 affiliates, Tatay Dodong told me CCTN was able to secure provisional approval.

This development will certainly keep him positive as he prepares the Oasis of Love community for its first lived-in spiritual retreat designed for OFWs in Hong Kong next year. The trailblazing “Walk With Jesus” seminar happens on Chinese New Year, February 17-19, 2018.

Unknown to many, the Oasis of Love has been conducting spiritual outreaches in Hong Kong’s central district, Kowloon and New Territories since October 2016. The outreach program is attached to the parish of OFW chaplain, Fr. Jay Plandes, SVD who sees to it that parishioners can avail of the sacraments of confession and Holy Eucharist each time the Oasis of Love conducts healing sessions. Ministering to thousands of OFWs burdened mostly by family problems is a huge undertaking, but Fr. Plandes together with the Cebu-based group have risen to the occasion.

Tatay Dodong told me that when they arrived in October 2016, he found OFWs linger around Hong Kong’s public park engaged in idle chatter with some gambling their hard-earned money to escape from loneliness. After more than a year of monthly visits, Tatay Dodong said he has sensed renewed hope among his countrymen. Today, they not only help bring fellow OFWs to attend Sunday masses but also do some volunteer work around the parish.

With Tatay Dodong and Oasis of Love reliables, Emmanuel Soabas, Paul Alima, Allan Abelgas, Jimmy Dagoya and music ministry members, God’s business in Hong Kong is in good hands.