The ANC SONA Experience 2011

By: Joyce Dalawampu

Let me take you backstage and have a behind-the-scenes look at how the ABS-CBS News Channel made SONA 2011 accessible to the Deaf community.

Before President Benigno S. Aquino III was set to deliver his second State of the Nation Address, ANC's Ms. Francis Toral through Mr. Mio Cruz coordinated with SDEAS CPD to invite sign language interpreters for the ANC SONA Special last July 25 which ran from 2pm up to 6pm.

Just like last year, our team was composed of 4 people, 2 interpreters, a Deaf consultant and a coordinator. Since this was our second time, we were more familiar with the set up and the steps to be followed once inside Studio 6, ABS-CBN Main Building, Sgt. Esguerra St. corner Mother Ignacia Ave.

From left: Maffy Gaya (Deaf consultant), Joyce Dalawampu (Coordinator),
Febe and Jun Sevilla (Interpreters)

Our call time was 1:30pm but we were there one hour early to prepare. ANC served lunch, after which we headed to the dressing room for prep and make-up.

Waiting for our turn

Sir Jun getting ready for the cameras

At 2pm, we were led to Studio 6 right inside
the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs headquarters.

While we were in Studio 6, the ANC SONA Special hosted by Tony Velasquez and Tina Monzon-Palma with panelists Former Makati Representative Teddyboy Locsin,
Attorney Adel Tamano, and Prof. Julio Teehankee Of The Dlsu Political Science Department was shot in a different Studio because it was larger in space

Video footage from both studios were broadcasted live
once the President started delivering his speech promptly at 4pm

Sir Jun was assigned to the President's speech
while Ms. Febe was assigned to the post SONA analysis

Maffy observed closely and worked with Sir Jun and Ms. Febe
to make sure that the signs were clear and understood



While the crew ensured the continuity of the video feeds
from one studio to another

The ANC team with the Studio 6 Crew

The ANC team with program hosts Tony Velasquez and Tina Monzon-Palma
outside Studio 7


A surprise photo opportunity with another ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Host,
the ever engaging Kuya Kim who was getting ready for his own program


Special thanks to the Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI), Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf (MCCID), Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD), Department of Special Education under the College of Education, University of the Philippines (UP SPED), and Filipino Deaf Women's Health and Crisis Center, Inc. (FDWHCC) for working once again with DLS-CSB SDEAS in another momentous event.




We are truly grateful to Ms. Francis Toral and Mr. Mio Cruz of ANC
for inviting us and look forward to future partnerships
in the service of the Filipino people.

Thank you.