They say the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have that natural cinematic touch. So to have a movie producer serving as Deputy Administrator for Operations of OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Association) actually makes sense, considering such person may likely be embracing stories very much related to real-life human experience, difficult or dream-like.
Current OWWA Deputy Administrator Honey Quiño certainly fits the bill. She has an inside track to what goes on in making movies and the very people on the set giving their all to deliver the necessary work to create films. Her good track record in movie producing is now being reflected in the way she treats OFWs who have their own struggles and whose experiences go beyond their reputation as providers of foreign money.
DA Honey shared, “In the entertainment industry, you have to manage the entire production team. You also have to balance your budget with the quality of the films you are producing. In OWWA, we render support and public service, especially to distressed migrant workers. Same with filmmaking, we have to support struggling artists and film workers and help them find work in the industry.”
DA Honey is lawyer by profession before she entered the world of film producing. She is an owner of the A&Q Production Films, and other movie making-related companies A&Q Entertainment and Primestream, Inc. and AQ Prime.
Incidentally, OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio is also a celebrity figure associated to local showbiz.
DA Honey has emphasized the correlation of her new role in public service and that of her responsibility for her own film-outfit.
She explained, “Being a Deputy Administrator for Operations of OWWA and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of AQ prime, there is actually a common goal and that is to help people.”
“Personally, I always believe na hindi tayo nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang, so whether you are in a private institution or government service we need to help others sa abot ng makakaya natin. Pag nagtutulungan mas marami tayong nagagawa,” she added.
As a movie producer, Mary Melanie “Honey” Quiño has produced films such as “Nelia,” “Fairy Tale” and “Ligalig.” Joel Lamangan directed “Fairy Tale” while Topel Lee helmed Ligalig” which starred now National Artist Nora Aunor.
The lawyer-film producer also produced the internationally soon-to-be-released “Pura Serbidora” directed by Louie Ignacio.
DA Honey said she accepted the OWWA job partly because she got inspired by Arnell’s dedication for work.
She said, “I enjoy working with Arnell because he is very energetic and insightful. 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.”
Honey ensured to deliver and reach out to as many migrant workers as possible, elaborating, “We are going to have a transparent, efficient and effective system that would cater the needs of migrant workers. For the filmmakers and our OFWs, we will make sure that you will get the attention and service you deserve. We will help and fight for the rights of OFWs and strengthen the film industry.”