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On March 28, the second day of the three-day Anak TV workshop titled SineBata was held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Paco, Manila.

As a member-network of Anak TV, GMA supports this advocacy organization in its mission to promote media literacy and champion child-sensitive, family-friendly television programming.

Through its annual SineBata program, the organization provides a three-day video-making workshop for youth aged eight to 17, offering them a platform to harness their creativity through the art of filmmaking.

The program has been expanded this year to include animation as a key topic for the first time.

To provide expertise on the subject, Post Production Videographic Senior Manager Cathy Frayco was invited to teach the children and guide them as they begin their journey into animation.

In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, Cathy shared that as an animator, she wants future young Filipino aspiring animators to learn and remember the importance of “values formation” in the concepts they create.

She further noted that while technical skills are important, the most vital part is the message that resonates with the audience, particularly young viewers.

“Siguro, 'yung values formation. As an animator, hindi lang siya 'yung kung paano mo siya ia-animate, but the concept. Pero, we as a Filipino, even noong bata pa ako, nanonood ako ng ibang cartoons pa, ang tumatatak sa akin is 'yung values as a child,” Cathy said.

She continued, “Eventually, nacu-curious ka na; 'Ay paano ba ia-animate 'yung mga ganito?' So for me, 'yun 'yung pinakaimportante, kung ano 'yung tumatatak na values at saka lang, eventually, iniisip na kung ano 'yung technicalities on how to animate,”

She also shared that one of the reasons she agreed to teach children about her chosen field is because it aligns with the advocacies she believes in.

Furthermore, she wants to convey a message of encouragement to young people who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

“Actually, even before pa, nagkakaroon naman ng student talk sa GMA, sa Studio Tour. Nagto-talk ako sa mga students, pero for the Anak TV kasi, actually, kumbaga 'yung reach niya kasi and 'yung advocacy nila ay same sa pinaniniwalaan ko,” Cathy expressed.

“So, to teach young Filipinos not just in storytelling, although part of storytelling 'yung animation, eventually s'yempre as an animator, gusto mo rin na dumami kayong Filipino animators. Kumbaga, maging encouraging for young Filipinos na eventually magustuhan nila, na maging animator din sila,” she added.

Source: Anak TV

Reflecting on how modern animated characters represent the youth of today, Cathy pointed out that today's generation is much more vocal and expressive of their ideas.

She further emphasized the importance of guiding the youth as they articulate their creative visions through various artistic mediums.

“Tingin ko yung vocal. Kumbaga, same with 'yung theme ngayon ng [South East Asian Video Festival for Children] na 'Hear my Voice,' it's about 'yung expressing your thoughts, express mo your ideas. Ayun' yung difference ng mga bata ngayon, talagang ine-encourage natin sila na mas mag-express at maging vocal sila not just in vocal na salita but ma-express nila 'yung ideas nila na p'wede rin sa arts,” Cathy said.

She also shared that interacting with the youth at the workshop was her favorite part of the event, as it allowed her to witness firsthand how dedicated they are to pursuing the career path they are currently studying.

“Ang pinaka-favorite ko is 'yung interaction. Nakaka-amaze na parang sobrang bata pa pero nakakabuo na sila. Noong pinapakinggan ko kung ano 'yung mga stories nila, nakaka-amaze and nakakatuwa rin at the same time na magiging part ka ng kung ano mang output nila,” shared Cathy.

Source: Anak TV

Cathy shared a final word of encouragement, telling the youth to continue cultivating their passion despite the challenges they may face in the beginning.

“Keep the passion burning. Paramihin pa natin 'yung Filipino animators. Have the courage to start, doon talaga nag-uumpisa 'yun, once you start, tuloy-tuloy lang. Hindi siya magiging madali at first pero once na nag-start ka, don't start learning, doon ka maggo-grow,” she expressed.

The workshop drew young participants from as far as Zamboanga. Following the sessions, these students will create their own original videos, with the top entries earning the chance to represent the Philippines at the Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children (SEAVFC) in Indonesia this coming 2027.