Past Tense MovieLike a movie that has its beginning, middle and end, TFC@theMovies has a story to tell that began in the U.S. and which now unfolds in Japan. Inspired by the Filipino’s love for movies, moved by their touching stories and driven by its continued thrust to serve the overseas Filipino across all forms, the premier network in the world, The Filipino Channel (TFC) launched TFC@theMovies in Japan this December.

The beginning

Launched in November 2011, TFC@theMovies first moved overseas Filipinos around the world with its first venture, “A Mother’s Story,” a story of an overseas Filipina’s challenged to keep her family together while she struggles to make ends meet in a foreign land. Since then, TFC@theMovies has been screening blockbuster hits from ABS-CBN Corporation movie production and distribution company Star Cinema.

The storyteller

From its initial foray, ABS-CBN Global Head of Theatricals John-D Lazatin is pleased to see TFC@the Movies rolling out in Japan. “When I first presented the TFC@theMovies to management, the story seemed like a concept made straight out of a movie. Now, TFC@theMovies is launching in Japan and like the movie in my mind, TFC@theMovies has its own story to share, with a beginning, a climax, sometimes a twist and then a happy ending.” Lazatin adds, the launch in Japan is not the end but is definitely part of the continuing narrative that is TFC@theMovies.

The transition

Years before, TFC, under ABS-CBN Japan, Inc., has been treating Filipino movie fans in Japan to Friday night screenings of Star Cinema’s well-known films via “TFC Movie Nights.” Selected TFC subscribers were treated to movies including the accompanying popcorn, for them to enjoy the best in Filipino film and the company of Kapamilyas, all for free. With the launch this December, TFC@theMovies will take the ‘movie date’ a level higher as it brings well-loved movies to the silver screen.

The highlight

This week, TFC@theMovies drew the curtain for the season’s much-talked-about film “Past Tense” featuring Kim Chiu, Xian Lim and Ai-ai delas Alas at the Cinemart Theater in Roppongi, Tokyo. “Past Tense” takes on a unique story of a two women who engage in a love triangle by some twist of fate. In the months to come, Filipinos in Japan will be moved by more stories from TFC@theMovies. For TFC@theMovies theatrical screenings, visit www.facebook.com/TFCJapan http://www.facebook.com/TFCJapan. Connect with fellow global Filipinos or follow @KapamilyaTFC on Twitter and Instagram. (Story/Photos by Marianne de Vera)