MANILA – The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) Balitang America (BA) original documentary “Kept: Six Decades of Servitude” has won in the 49th Annual Northern California Area Emmy Awards for Human Interest Program/Special category.

The documentary tells the story of Nanay Fedelina, an abused domestic worker for 65 years.

In his speech via Zoom during the livestream ceremony, BA correspondent and “Kept” writer and producer Steve Angeles dedicated his win to the whole ABS-CBN family.

“It’s a weird way to win one but we won one. God is good. We feel so blessed. It is about the stories that we do, the issues that we raise. This is for all of us at ABS-CBN. We have all been through a lot lately and hopefully this brings us some joy and brings us some pride in telling the stories of Filipinos. Kapamilya Forever,” he said.

“I am just relieved the story of Nanay has a happy ending, thanks to the community that supported her – the Pilipino Workers Center, the Philippine Consulate Los Angeles, the owners and staff at Long Beach Care Center, as well as the federal authorities who continue to check on and care for Nanay, who has become a symbol of hope in our community,” he added.

As for the documentary’s director and cinematographer, Jeremiah Ysip, he could not help but be extremely proud of their team for all the hard work and truthfulness that went into telling Fedelina’s story.

“I am thankful Nanay Fedelina allowed us to document her experience as a modern-day slave,” he said.

Amid all the challenges the society is grappling with today, ABS-CBN International Head of News Production for North America Troy Espera, said that “human trafficking in our own Filipino community remains an important issue that our news team is committed to covering.”

“This recognition from our peers inspires us to continue sharing our community experiences with as many people as possible,” Espera added.

The other members of the “Kept” team are Danny Manansala, Mike Carrion, Mav De Castro and Olan Agudo.

The documentary premiered on TFC in October 2019 and is currently available to watch on TFC.tv. This is the third Emmy win for BA original documentaries.

Also nominated under the Community/Public Service (PSAs) (Single Spot or Campaign) was “Love, Kiana,” a PSA for mental health awareness produced and directed by Kiana Cruz and co-produced by Ysip for Adobo Nation.