On March 16, 2022, inside the historic halls of the Manila Hotel, a significant chapter in the history of the Filipino diaspora was written. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), under the Office of the President of the Philippines, convened to honor the heroes who kept the global Filipino community connected during its darkest hour.
Among the nineteen distinguished honorees stood Nash Ang, our founder, a visionary filmmaker, and a tireless advocate for migrant rights. He was bestowed with the 2021 Media Advocate Award during the Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards.
This recognition is not merely a personal accolade for Mr. Ang. It is a resounding validation of the mission that OBRA Inc. has championed since 2007: the belief that art, technology, and community are not separate pursuits, but powerful tools that must be fused to uplift the lives of Filipinos worldwide.
A Victory for the "Digital Ecosystem"
The 2021 MAM Awards were unique. They were selected against the backdrop of a global pandemic that separated families and isolated workers in foreign dormitories. In this context, the CFO sought to honor not just storytellers, but "lifelines", individuals who used media to raise public awareness, advocate for rights, and promote a positive image of Filipinos despite the crisis.
Nash Ang was selected for this honor because he saw the future of advocacy long before the rest of the world caught up. While traditional organizations relied on physical meetups, Ang and OBRA Inc. were building what he calls a "digital ecosystem".
Through platforms like Pinoy Seoul (www.pinoyseoul.com), which was previously recognized with the Best Website Award in 2019, and DancePinoy, Ang created virtual sanctuaries. When the pandemic hit, these platforms didn't just survive; they became essential utilities. They provided critical information on repatriation and health protocols when confusion reigned, and they offered a sense of home when borders were closed. The award citation explicitly recognized this resilience, noting his work in promoting a "positive image of overseas Filipinos despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic".
The Artist as Ambassador
One of the most compelling aspects of Nash Ang’s advocacy is his refusal to separate his art from his activism. To him, representation is a form of service.
The Media Advocate Award citation highlighted a groundbreaking achievement that resonated globally: his role in the massive Korean drama "Arthdal Chronicles". Ang did not simply act in the series; he subverted the typical power dynamic of foreign talent in Korea. As a cast member, he integrated native Filipino languages specifically Tausug and Yakan into the script for the Wahan tribe.
This was not an isolated incident. The award also recognized his directorial work on "Seoul Mates," the first-ever Filipino-Korean feature film. By telling the story of a Filipino transwoman and a Korean musician, Ang challenged the conservative norms of both societies. He used cinema to humanize the marginalized, fostering understanding between two distinct cultures. His history of excellence, including the "Ani ng Dangal" (Harvest of Honors) awards in 2011 and 2016, and the Best Director prize at the Pyongyang International Film Festival, demonstrates that this 2021 recognition is the culmination of over a decade of artistic diplomacy.
Advocacy in Action: Beyond the Screen
While the "Media Advocate" title suggests a focus on screens, OBRA Inc. has always believed in tangible action. The research supporting the award highlighted Ang’s ability to mobilize his digital network for real-world aid.
The establishment of Pinoy Store in Korea addressed a silent struggle of migration: homesickness. By creating an e-commerce platform that delivered Filipino food and products to the doorsteps of workers, OBRA Inc. provided "comfort advocacy". It was a practical solution that acknowledged that mental health and morale are just as important as legal protection.
A Model for the Future
Nash Ang’s journey from a broadcasting student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to a Master of Fine Arts graduate at the Korea National University of Arts is an inspiration to every Filipino dreamer.
In his own words, Ang describes himself as an "ecosystem architect" and a "cultural bridge-builder". This is the ethos that drives OBRA Incorporated. We are not just an organization; we are architects of a global support system.
The Media Advocate Award is a milestone, but it is not the finish line. As we look toward the future, with initiatives expanding to the Filipino-American community through Pinoy California and beyond, we carry the spirit of this award with us. It serves as a reminder that our stories matter, our voices have power, and that no Filipino whether in Seoul, California, or Manila, should ever feel alone.
To our members, volunteers, and supporters: this award belongs to you as much as it does to Nash Ang. You are the "Work of Art" (Obra) that we are building together.
Mabuhay ang OBRA Inc.! Mabuhay ang Global na Pilipino!
