By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – A new media platform focused on showcasing Mindanao’s true identity—its people, cuisine, vibrant culture, and flourishing industries—was officially launched on Wednesday, April 2, in a mall here.
During the Wednesdays Media Forum, Davao resident and MindaNow Network chief executive officer Carl Lorenzana Magno launched the MindaNow Network, highlighting Mindanao’s authentic stories beyond its well-known festivals, scenic beaches, and mountain peaks.
“MindaNow aims to showcase the population—the real stars for this platform—and Mindanao as a land of rich traditions and a center for innovation and growth, sharing the diverse stories in the region, the Philippines, and the rest of the world,” Magno said.
Magno highlighted that, unlike mainstream media, their network operates independently, maintains a family-friendly approach, and prioritizes factual reporting. He also shared plans to relaunch “MindaNow Network News” in July as a news magazine program featuring individuals who positively impact society.
He also mentioned that bloggers and vloggers would be encouraged to share accurate and reliable stories, with incentives offered for credible content. One of the program’s key ideas is to involve bloggers and vloggers in its news segments.
Magno said the MindaNow Network has partnered with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to ensure the content’s accuracy and fairness before being broadcast and address false information about Mindanao.
When asked why the network launched here only now, Magno highlighted the importance of the current administration’s support and the opportunity to showcase more of Mindanao’s progress. He admitted that the network officially began rolling out on December 2, 2024.
“To build a substantial content library, the team traveled to more areas—Cotabato City, General Santos City, Dinagat Island, Koronadal, and Siargao—capturing stories that reflect the heart of Mindanao,” Magno said, adding that the region is far different from the yesterdays.
“With all of these developments and peaceful initiatives, we can visit the region freely and show the world how peaceful it is here. We are not the old Mindanao they are talking about,” the MindaNow CEO said, referring to the earlier comparison of Mindanao to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Among the MindaNow Network programs are travel features—which explore Mindanao’s scenic landscapes from beaches to mountains; lifestyle segments (about artisans, entrepreneurs, and change-makers of Mindanao); business insights (economic trends, progress, etc.); and sports.
Magno is no stranger to pioneering media ventures. He said he launched Lakbay TV, the world’s first travel channel, in 1997, later becoming the Living Asia Channel. After moving to Las Vegas, he founded Asian Culture TV and Fil-Am TV for Asians and Filipinos to be media-represented.
The MindaNow CEO said his inspiration stemmed from recognizing the underrepresentation of Asians in American media. He added that when he was in Vegas, he also created Vegas Plus, a platform connecting independent broadcasters to over 30 million Asians and Asian Americans.
He said with their distribution partnership with Reliance Broadcasting Unlimited, which recently acquired Sky Cable, MindaNow Network would reach 11 million homes through Roku, Sky TV and Sky Direct, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, IBC, and other platforms.
Magno said with backing from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Discovery Samal, and Samal Shores, the network is off to a promising start but needs additional support to expand its reach and impact.
With travel advisories for Mindanao already lifted by Japan and some parts of Europe, Magno said he believes that the media will play a key role in changing perceptions about Mindanao, with the participation of the media and digital content creators.
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