To make a big jump from one field to another is nothing new for Atty. Mary Melanie “Honey” Quiño, now Deputy Administrator for Operations of Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA). In fact, she’s not one to leave a profession she has been embracing for long. She’s incorporating whatever her new task into her kind of routine.
Everything in DA Honey’s life is intertwined, connected in such a way they complement each other. Small wonder that prior to becoming OWWA’s DA, she has long been known in the entertainment industry as a film producer. And before showbiz spotlight zeroed in on her, her circle had long found her as a likable, no-nonsense lawyer.
“As a law practitioner prior to government service, it’s instilled in my mind that it is my job to protect and defend one’s right. So when I joined OWWA I used my skills to defend the rights of OFW and promote their welfare through the agency’s program,” DA Honey said.
As a legal expert, she gained respect. When she entered the movie industry she won public acclaim. Naturally, when the pandemic hit, her vision covered those that really needed help.
“Compared to the international film industry which is already in recovering phase, our local industry is still struggling,” she expressed. “The new normal has greatly affected the income performance of theatrical release. As result thereof, local producers were discouraged to produce theatrical movies. But our company A and Q films was brave enough to venture into filmmaking with the primary consideration of helping local film workers. We thought of giving them jobs instead of ayuda, because job would really help improve the worker’s self-esteem and confidence which is very important for mental health.”
She further noted, “To sustain our advocacy of providing jobs, we launched our own Over-The-Top business which is now called AQ prime stream or AQ PRIME. With this online platform, A and Q films can now continuously produce movies without worrying about theatrical performance. Audiences can watch quality films on their mobile phone in their comfort.”
Fortunately, she and her team have Korean partners who share the same advocacy and mission.
As a movie producer, Quiño has produced films such as Nelia, the Joel Lamangan-directed Peyri Teyl, Ligalig, helmed by Topel Lee and starring National Artist Nora Aunor, and the soon-to-be-released internationally Pura Serbidora directed by Louie Ignacio.
As proof of how she fits well into her new OWWA job, Honey has actually been producing films that cater to OFWs’ experiences. She has a pool of directors more than willing to create films dedicated to OFWs. She believes that here in the Philippines, most people have family members who are OFWs. Many Filipinos find such films relatable. Her films not only tackle the dark experiences of OFWs, but also their success, light-hearted moments, and romantic experiences.
It’s a plus that DA Honey gets along well with OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio. She noted, “Arnell is very dedicated to his work and I really like that about him. He fuels my passion for work and continuously supports me in everything that I do. We always learn something just by talking to each other. I enjoy working with him because he is very energetic and insightful.”
She added, “We always work as a team and we have developed a perfect balance. He’s always open to hearing my ideas and with that, we were able to build a better learning environment for our employees.”
So far, DA Honey was able to help several distressed OFW and provide assistance for their livelihood. Her tandem with Arnell leads them to create new programs for the well-being of OFWs and their families.
