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ANTI-PIRACY NEWS
For Immediate Release

ABS-CBN Files $5M Lawsuit Against Techspeed Canada Inc.,
Joe Baddas, Ferdinand Molina and Todd Ross
For Selling Pirated Set-Top Boxes in Edmonton, Cana

The Techspeed TV Box offerings (TFC logo on upper left corner); Todd Ross (center) and Ferdinand Molina (right) of Techspeed Canada Inc.
(Photos from Facebook and LinkedIn)

TORONTO, August 7, 2017 – International news and entertainment company ABS-CBN served today a Statement of Claim issued in Canadian Federal Court against Techspeed Canada Inc., Joe Baddas, Ferdinand Molina and Todd Ross for damages of over $5 million for copyright infringement, trademark infringement and enabling and inducing copyright infringement of ABS-CBN’s copyrighted works.

The lawsuit alleges that Techspeed Canada Inc., Joe Baddas, Ferdinand Molina and Todd Ross sold set-top boxes that enabled buyers to access hundreds of ABS-CBN’s copyrighted movies and TV shows. On Facebook, Baddas and Ross are seen making a business presentation to new recruits, teaching them how to buy and sell the set-top boxes.

Captured from Facebook, Todd Ross and Joe Baddas making business presentations of Techspeed.

ABS-CBN’s AVP & Head of Global Anti-Piracy, Elisha Lawrence stated: “ABS-CBN alleges that Techspeed Canada Inc., Joe Baddas, Ferdinand Molina and Todd Ross were taking advantage of ABS-CBN’s premium subscription service through its digital platform, TFC.tv, by registering over 78 emails and distributing the usernames and passwords to hundreds of customers. These customers were participating in this illegal activity by paying the Techspeed group and giving access to their credit card information.”

Lawrence added: “Beware of these operations that are not licensed or affiliated in any way with ABS-CBN. If you have any suspicions that they are not affiliated with ABS-CBN, please call the ABS-CBN office in the US or Canada to verify. We will continue to protect customers by shutting these operations down. There is only one genuine ABS-CBN internet subscription service and that is TFC.tv. To purchase a legitimate subscription call 1-855-832-2632 or go to TFC.tv .”

From the website of Techspeed that clearly says the company is delivering The Filipino Channel shows and programs via the Android TV boxes.

ABS-CBN Canada Country Manager Jun Del Rosario said, “Under ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez, we have done our best to deliver the best Filipino shows on our platforms that give viewers more choice and flexibility. We urge the Filipino community in Canada to be on the lookout for those who seek to undermine intellectual property rights and make money illegally from copyright infringement. These are pirates doing criminal activities. They will be caught. Their customers will end up losing their illegal subscriptions. So, you don’t want to fall victim to that scheme. Always go to our website TFC.tv to ensure that you are purchasing from the genuine TFC.”

David Lipkus, counsel for ABS-CBN in Canada, said, “ABS-CBN will continue to take all necessary steps to control access to its content. ABS-CBN invests tremendous resources into its high-quality, original content, and will continue to ensure that Canadians have access to legitimate ABS-CBN content directly from ABS-CBN.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

NERISSA M. FERNANDEZ
Head, Global Corporate Affairs & PR
ABS-CBN International
2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Ste 200
Daly City, CA 94014
nfernandez@abs-cbni.com
MOBILE: 650.455.8616

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

WINNERS ANEW: After winning Emmys in 2015, the ABS-CBN International Lifestyle Network team was victorious anew at the 46^th NorCal EMMY® Awards: From left, Director of Photography Jeremiah Ysip (who won in 2 categories, including an individual award representing TFC), Lifestyle Network Executive Producer and Producer/Director/Writer Beverly Desuasido (who won in 2 categories), Producer/Director/Writer Keesa Ocampo and Videographer Rommel Reyes. Not in photo are Production Manager/Audio Jonas De Leon, Master Editor Jon Santos, and Videographer Nino Nucum.

ABS-CBN International’s Lifestyle Network, TFC Win 3 NorCal Emmy® Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 5, 2017 – ABS-CBN International was honored last June 3 with three wins at 46th Annual Northern California Area EMMY® Awards held at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco.  The U.S.-based Filipino-owned and -operated subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, was nominated in seven categories in this year’s awards through its Lifestyle Network and TFC channels.

The winning entries are highlighted below:

Lifestyle-Feature/Segment

• “Sakura Seasonings,” KHON 2/Sprinkle Media Solutions Pamela Young, Reporter; Kyle Hayama, Videographer
• “Bay Area Lowriders Turn Classic Car Customization into an Art Form,” KQED 9 Claudia Escobar, Producer/Director/Photographer/Editor
• “LN Tags: Devon Espinosa,” Lifestyle Network Beverly Tumaneng Desuasido, Producer/Director/Writer; Jeremiah Ysip, Director of Photography; Rommel RomeDigs Reyes, Videographer; Jon Santos, Master Editor (PHOTO BELOW)

Lifestyle-Program/Special

• “SEARCH Hawaii Summer 2016 :Oahu,” KHON 2/Fish & Poi Productions Yvonne Biegel, Executive Producer/Producer; Kathy Muneno Thompson, Producer; Kainoa Horcajo, Michael Lofaro, Hosts; William Paris, Director/Director of Photography/Editor; Scott G. Culbertson, Sound Engineer
• “Dine Out Along The Road: Morro Bay,” KMPH Fox 26/NTD Media Raymond O’Canto, Executive Producer
• “Spice to Life: Los Angeles-Michael Hung,” Lifestyle Network Beverly Tumaneng Desuasido, Producer/Director/Writer; Clarissa Ocampo, Producer/Writer; Jeremiah Ysip, Director of Photography; Rommel RomeDigs Reyes, Videographer; Mike Revolvalcke, Videographer/Gaffer
• “Spice to Life: Napa Valley-Sally Camacho,” Lifestyle Network Beverly Tumaneng Desuasido, Executive Producer; Clarissa Ocampo, Producer/Director/Writer; Rommel RomeDigs Reyes, Director of Photography; Mike Revolvalcke, Videographer/Gaffer; Eric Steven Perez, Videographer; James Mak, Audio/Grip
• “Spice to Life: New York-Nicole Ponseca,” Lifestyle Network Beverly Tumaneng Desuasido, Producer; Clarissa Ocampo, Director/Writer; Jeremiah Ysip, Director of Photography; Rommel RomeDigs Reyes, Videographer
• “Spice to Life: San Francisco-Tim Luym,” Lifestyle Network Beverly Tumaneng Desuasido, Executive Producer; Clarissa Ocampo, Producer/Director/Writer; Jon Santos, Director of Photography; Nino Nucum, Videographer; Jonas T. De Leon, Production Manager/Audio (PHOTO BELOW)

Photographer-Program

• “Everett Duran Composite,” Comcast SportsNet Bay Area/SFG Productions Everett Duran, Cinematographer
• “Breast Cancer 2 Bikini,” KTVN 2 Mackenzie Stock, Photographer
• “Jeremiah Ysip Composite,” The Filipino Channel, Jeremiah Ysip, Director of Photography (PHOTO BELOW)

The EMMY® award is presented for outstanding achievement in television by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). San Francisco/Northern California is one of the nineteen chapters awarding regional Emmy® statuettes. Northern California is composed of media companies and individuals from Visalia to the Oregon border and includes Hawaii and Reno, Nevada. Entries aired during the 2016 calendar year.

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About Lifestyle Network
Lifestyle Network is a living and travel guide channel owned and operated by ABS-CBN International, a company founded in 1994 in the U.S. to be of service to Filipinos overseas. With the launch of its flagship product, The Filipino Channel (TFC), the company became the first and most successful Filipino content distribution company in the U.S. It offers content on cable, satellite, online audio and video streaming, IPTV, On Demand, theatricals, retail, money remittance and cargo services along with philanthropic support for Filipinos and the communities they now call home. Based in Daly City, California, ABS-CBN International is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ largest media and entertainment company, through ABS-CBN Corporation’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft. For more information, visit https://www.tfc-usa.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

NERISSA M. FERNANDEZ
Head, Global Corporate Affairs & PR
ABS-CBN International
2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Ste 200
Daly City, CA 94014
nfernandez@abs-cbni.com
MOBILE: 650.455.8616

ABS-CBN’s TFC Live Joins Canada 150’s Celebration of Diversity, To Hold World-Class Filipino Concert “ASAP in Toronto”

World’s largest Filipino multimedia network to bring popular touring live show to Ricoh Coliseum on July 29

TORONTO, ONTARIO, May 22, 2017 – Canada truly embraces diversity and two of its world-renowned leaders emphasized this as they ushered in 2017.

On the eve of the beginning of the of the 150^th anniversary of Canada – also known as the sesquicentennial anniversary of Canadian Confederation – no less than Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, praised the nation for having “earned a reputation as a welcoming, respectful and compassionate country.”  The Queen encouraged everybody “to continue to embody the values of equality, freedom and inclusion” and “to remind the world of the importance of protecting those values and of passing them on to future generations.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the same sentiments and sent a powerful statement to the nation: “Together, I know we will continue to build the diverse and prosperous country that we are all so proud to call home.”

Today, in a country where one out of 5 people is foreign born, almost one million Filipinos call Canada their new home even as they continue to honor their Filipino roots and heritage.

It is in this spirit and context that ABS-CBN’s TFC Live is bringing to Canada its most successful touring Filipino concert that showcases the best of Filipino talent and entertainment.

Come July 29, 2017, Saturday, at the storied Ricoh Coliseum -– a venue where a vast range of musical icons from Jimi Hendrix to Pitbull have performed – “ASAP Live in Toronto” promises to be the biggest and grandest Filipino event to celebrate Canada’s 150^th anniversary.

“Diversity and inclusion are among the main themes of the Government of Canada’s vision for its 150^th anniversary.  ABS-CBN TFC Live’s ‘ASAP in Toronto’ is a musical and cultural expression of those themes. It’s Filipinos representing artistically in Canada’s grand anniversary narrative that celebrates multiple dimensions of this country,” said ABS-CBN Canada’s Country Manager Jun Del Rosario.

There are great expectations for “ASAP Live in Toronto” as its reputation precedes it. “ASAP” is the longest running, most successful weekend variety show that airs live on Philippine television.  It is produced by ABS-CBN, the world’s largest Filipino-owned media and entertainment network.  In 2012, “ASAP turned into an international giant touring live event when it brought about 40 stars to Singapore’s MAX Pavilion EXPO.  Since then, “ASAP Live” has travelled to Dubai Festival City, Los Angeles Sports Arena, London’s The SSE Arena, Wembley, and New York’s Barclays Center, selling out back-to-back concerts in those venues.

Yes, that’s right: back-to-back concerts in one night.  Part of the unique and tremendous value of an “ASAP Live” show is that ticket holders get to see not one, but TWO world-class concerts in one show because both concerts become two full episodes that will be aired exclusively by ABS-CBN in the Philippines and on TFC worldwide. So, yes, get ready to be part of “ASAP Live” on television!

On the same day of the concert, ABS-CBN TFC Live will include the Marketplace that will unveil export quality Filipino products, delightful Filipino food and unique interactive activities for the entire family.  This allows ticket buyers to enjoy a full day of interesting offerings prior to the main concert.

Everyone is also encouraged to download the TFC Live App for a full experience that allows ticket buyers to see and navigate through the complete breadth of activities that include contests, games, freebies and exciting prizes.  They can also connect with fellow attendees by using the handy networking features of the app.

For more information including how to purchase tickets to ABS-CBN TFC Live’s “ASAP Live in Toronto” on July 29 at the Ricoh Coliseum, visit http://www.tfc-ca.com/asaptoronto/

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

From left, Lifestyle Network’s “Cooking Hawaiian Style” guest Kawika Kahiapo and host Lanai Tabura; Char Siu Chicken Sliders; and Kalo Poke.

Lifestyle Network’s Episode 8 of “Cooking Hawaiian Style” Features
the Music of Kawika Kahiapo and the Magical Flavors of “Char Siu”

Hawaiian celebrity host Lanai Tabura brings in the Aloha vibe with new crave-worthy dishes

DALY CITY, CA, April 5, 2017 – When Lifestyle Network announced its delicious addition of “Cooking Hawaiian Style” to its programming line-up in 2015, celebrity entertainer and show host Lanai Tabura, a native from Lana’i, Hawaii and part of the Aloha Plate Team that won the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” in 2013, was overjoyed.

“Our whole goal is to share with the world our amazing and versatile food from Hawaii,” said Tabura at the show’s kick-off. “The simplicity of the recipes is complemented by the complexity of flavors made rich by a melting pot of many cultures since the plantation days. ‘Cooking Hawaiian Style’ is a 30-minute show of pure aloha.”

Two years later, “Cooking Hawaiian Style” with Lanai Tabura is celebrating the Spirit of Aloha stronger than ever on its sixth season on Lifestyle Network.  Come April 9 to 15, episode 8 featuring David “Kawika” Kahiapo – the Golden Voice of Hawaiian Music – will air with special delights for viewers!  He will show viewers how to make a homemade char siu (pronounced cha-syu) sauce along with char siu pork, char siu chicken slider and kalo poke.

Char siu is a popular Cantonese way of marinating and preparing barbecued pork.  In Cantonese, it literally means, “fork burn/roast”: char being fork, both noun and verb, and siu being burn/roast, as long strips of seasoned boneless pork are skewered with long forks and placed in a covered oven or over a fire.  In Philippine cuisine, it is similar but not exactly the same to the Chinese asado that is eaten with cold cuts or served as filling for siopao or steamed buns.  But in this episode, watch Kahiapo and Tabura give char siu a unique Aloha spin and also provide musical entertainment from Kahiapo!

In more good news, Lifestyle Network congratulates host, Lanai Tabura, as after just 3 months from opening, his restaurant, Rain Honolulu in Oahu’s Chinatown, was voted one of the “Best New Restaurants on Oahu – Winter 2017” on Hawaii.com.

Catch this Aloha-filled and mouth-watering episode of “Cooking Hawaiian Style” from April 9-15 only on Lifestyle Network, 7PM Pacific.

Lifestyle Network is a living and travel TV guide that fulfills the lifestyle needs of modern Filipinos around the globe. A TFC premium channel, Lifestyle Network’s programming is a unique combination of original and acquired shows airing 24/7 in English. It is available through satellite, cable, and video on demand platforms. For more information, visit http://lifestylenetwork.tv/

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