Speak with the heart, truth and love, says Archbishop Advincula during CMMA’s 45th awards

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said that with disinformation spreading on various platforms and many influencers around, the event’s theme of speaking with the heart, truth and love is indeed important.

The honorary chair of CMMA was also the keynote speaker during the 45th awarding ceremony of the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) on November 23, 2023, at the Citystate Tower Hotel Manila.

The CMM Awards recognize exemplary works produced to uphold Filipino and Christian values through its various programs and projects.

Advincula said the theme is anchored on Pope Francis’ message during World Communications Day on May 21.  “Despite the challenges the country and the world are experiencing, the CMMA plays an important role in shaping and influencing the mindset, perspective, and character of society through their various works,” he said.

Among others, the Cardinal said charity and love in the media are not sugarcoating or manipulating facts to suit one’s narrative.

“... try to 'look at one another with compassion, welcoming our mutual frailties with respect rather than judging by... if truth-seeking and truth-telling are already difficult, how much more telling the truth motivated by love and compassion?" said Advincula.

In the past 45 years, the CMMA has encouraged truthful storytelling and inspiring and moving content for media consumers.  It tried to push for a transformative and positive mass media landscape.

With a huge amount of work to carry on, Advincula said the mass media community must also do its part in advocating for fair and honest delivery of their messages.

He lauded digital media because it has given more voices a chance.  But the downside is utter disregard for the truth and human respect.

"We can sometimes be misled; that is why it's good that people are working for this kind of endeavour," he added.

Edgard Cabangon, chair of the CMMA,  said they promote the highest human values.

Among the winners is  “Tunghayan Kami, Inay,” which was awarded Best Music Video. The team is composed of Fr.  Giuseppe Pietro Virola-Gieuseppe, OP (producer), Eugène Dominic Aboy, OP (composer), Marvin Rellamas (director), and Joenner Paulo Enriquez, OP (composer).

Koro Dominiko (Dominican choir) of the Dominican Friars in the Philippines rendered the song at the opening of the program.

Ms. Cheryl Cosim, Mr. Kim Atienza, and Fr. Hans Magdurulang served as hosts of the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards.

Rufino Sescon Jr,  trustee and executive director of the CMMA, said the program may be the shortest yet really meaningful, with a cozy gathering of the CMMA awardees. 

He thanked everyone, especially young people who are supportive of CMMA.  He also cited their compassion, responsibility, responsibility truthful and God-fearing attitude because they are the new evangelizers of the good news.- (MTV)