I WAS having a chat several days ago with Minic Rivera over iChat video. We were “showing off” local junk food (Minic resides in the US) — Chippy for him and Oishi Potato Chips for me. I won when I showed him my Burger Machine Sans Rival. We were basically reminiscing about the good things that we Pinoys love — and take for granted here in the motherland. In between snacks, Minic opened my eyes to a new project he was developing called The Pinoy.TV, which launched today.

The Pinoy.TV is a monthly online video festival based on themes that pertains to Filipinos and the Philippines, in general.

You do not have to be a filmmaker to join. As long as you have a story to tell and share with us about the theme, then we want you. No acting is necessary. We want real videos from real stories.

The video with the highest rating at the end of the month will get the theme prize of $100 and tons of bragging rights.

There was an interesting philosophy behind the project. According to Minic, Filipinos who are born and raised in foreign lands don’t get to really connect with our national heritage as Filipinos. And I’m not talking about the cheesy national heroes or historical landmarks. The Pinoy.TV aims to help educate Filipinos (and our friendly neighbors) from around the world about their heritage and what it truly means to be Filipino. Our heritage surrounds us — from the malls, to the food, to the bars and music, to the beautiful beaches… the list goes on.

And look here. The first contest theme is already up:

“I am a Filipino.”

But before anything, please take note of the following dates:

• Entries may be submitted from March 5 to March 31, 2007.
• Winner will be announced on April 1, 2007.
• Winner will get the prize within five (5) days after the announcement.

Will you be the next The Pinoy.TV idol? Sali na!