No, TFC and iWantTFC are not the same; rather, iWantTFC is the consolidated streaming service that emerged from a merger involving TFC's online platform.
Understanding the Relationship Between TFC and iWantTFC
iWantTFC is a comprehensive Filipino over-the-top (OTT) media service and production company. It is owned and operated by ABS-CBN Digital Media, a division of ABS-CBN Corporation, and provides a wide array of Filipino entertainment, news, and lifestyle content to a global audience.
The platform known today as iWantTFC was established in 2020. Its creation was the result of a significant merger between two existing streaming services that previously operated independently:
- iWant: An earlier digital platform offering various content from ABS-CBN.
- TFC Online: The online streaming component of The Filipino Channel (TFC), which primarily served overseas Filipinos with television programming.
Evolution of ABS-CBN's Streaming Services
To better understand their relationship, consider the following evolution:
| Service Name | Period (Contextual) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| iWant | Pre-2020 | An online streaming service by ABS-CBN, featuring a diverse library of shows, movies, and live events. |
| TFC Online | Pre-2020 | The digital arm of The Filipino Channel (TFC), providing live and on-demand access to ABS-CBN's television programs for viewers outside the Philippines. |
| iWantTFC | 2020 – Present | The current, unified streaming platform formed by the merger of iWant and TFC Online, offering a broader and more integrated content experience globally. |
Therefore, while TFC (specifically its online iteration, TFC Online) was a foundational part of its development, iWantTFC represents the current, combined, and enhanced digital media service that built upon the offerings of both predecessor platforms. If you were a subscriber to TFC Online, you would now access your content and much more through the iWantTFC platform.
