With the 2016 Philippine national elections opening today, April 9 (Manila time), more and more Kapamilya stars are heeding the call of The Filipino Channel (TFC) to #Vote4ASelfieWorthyPH, the premier network’s overseas voting campaign.

Part of TFC’s advocacy to promote overseas voting, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA OVS) and COMELEC Office for the Overseas Voting, the campaign aims to make the voice of the overseas Filipino (OF) heard by way of their participation in the coming national elections.

Kapamilya entertainment and news personalities share TFC’s belief in the importance of the OF vote and have shown this by ‘casting’ their support by way of posting selfies of themselves against a backdrop or scenario they want improved for the country.

#Vote4ASelfieWorthyPH has seen the likes of stars comedienne – actress Marietta “Pokwang” Subong,” actress and “TFC Connect” host Dimples Romana; “The Voice” Finalist “Morissette; comedian-hosts Doris “Yaya Tart” Carlos of “Ang Probinsyano;” comedian-host and “Pangako Sa `Yos” DJ Jai Ho; singer-actress-dancer Jenny Miller; indie film actor Nathan Lopez; Star Magic artist Inah Estrada posting on their social networking sites on causes that are close to their hearts, with the hope that they will see answers to these when they choose the right leaders.

In her Instagram (IG) post, Pokwang shares that she hopes to see a greener, healthier environment in the Philippines. She posted: “Luntian at maaliwalas na kapaligiran. May ganito ring tanawin sa ating bansang sinilangan…At upang mapanatili ang ganda ng lupang pinagkukunan ng biyaya, bumoto tayo ng tama…#Vote4ASelfieWorthyPH.” Dimples Romana, “TFC Connect host,” believes that the future of the Filipino family lies in making the right decision in the coming elections. She shared in her IG account, “For a brighter future for families, our kids and their kids, vote wisely, Kapamilya!”

Beyond reporting the latest updates on overseas voting, TV Patrol anchor and
Sagip Kapamilya advocate Bernadette Sembrano and respected broadcast journalist and overseas Filipino advocate Jing Castañeda, showed their support as well by doing their own selfies from the beautiful provinces of the homeland such as Albay and Bohol.

Sembrano did her own against a backdrop of the wide sea of Bohol. “If only the whole world could see how beautiful our country is…” she said in her post.

Meantime, award-winning broadcast journalist Julius Babao, DZMM Mismo host Awhel Paz and ANC’s Mornings@ANC host and widely followed reporter Ginger Conejero have also been actively supporting the campaign by sharing how a selfie can actually go a long way, to their social media followers.

Throwing support for the campaign also are Umagang Kay Ganda, ABS-CBN Sports + Action, DZMM Teleradyo’s Tina Marasigan, abs-cbn.com, ANC & DZMM’s Barbie Salvador Muhlach and astrologer Star Gazer; as well as My Only Radio For Life’s (MOR 101.9), DJ Chacha, and DJ Chinapaps.

Marasigan for her part raised the issue on minority votes and said that while only .18% of the total voting population in the Philippines are indigenous people, they, like the OFs, have a voice in the coming elections. “Their votes are gold. THEY…WE are to keep these smiles pure and full of hope for a bright future,” Marasigan said.

In the final count, there are over 1.23 million registered voters according to the DFA OVS. With the campaign, TFC, DFA OVS and COMELEC OFOV hope to convert them into voters.

Overseas Filipinos can start voting tomorrow, April 9 Manila time. Before they exercise their right to vote, they need to check their names at the Certified List of Voters at comelec.gov.ph
For registered voters who requested for their ballots to be mailed to them, they can fill out their ballot and bring them to the nearest Philippine Embassy, Consulate General, MISSION or Manila Economic and Cultural office (MECO). Deadline of requests for mailing of ballots is on April 22. Meantime, voting period is from April 9 to May 9 Manila time. To vote, OFs need to bring their valid passport and ID.

For more information on the campaign, election-related news and reminders, visit news.abs-cbn.com/Halalan216 or dfa-oavs.gov.ph
Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krbxos5SR8k&feature=youtu.be
Make your voice heard and post your own hash tag using#Vote4ASelfieWorthyPH and see your posts at the same site (if you use a public account).