The country’s most interesting and inspiring stories will continue to go beyond borders as the documentary program “Storyline” and the immigration talk show “Crossing Borders” unveil its new seasons on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC SkyCable channel 27) on Friday (July 24) and next Thursday (July 30), respectively.

Produced by multi-awarded speaker, columnist, and TV show host Patricia Evangelista, “Storyline” uses elements of cinema to tell stories of hope, faith, and courage. On its fourth-season opener, “Storyline” will feature embattled journalist Cheche Lazaro, who is bravely facing a wiretapping case, followed by Mon and Monique Eugenio’s retelling of their heartrending experience when their three-year old baby drowned in the Batangas sea tragedy last month.

“This is our ‘icons’ season. In each episode we will feature one local icon and an ordinary person who made their mark in history through their extraordinary experiences,” said Evangelista, an awardee at the prestigious 2009 Bayi Awards for her penchant to write and talk about issues relevant to Filipinos, especially women.

Next in line to tell their stories are Rochelle Barrameda, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Pres. Jessin Soriano of Splash, and toothpaste magnate Cecilio Pedro of Lamoiyan.

“Crossing Borders,” meanwhile, will continue to offer expert advice on the concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Program anchor Atty. Mike Templo will also feature more stories of triumph, especially after their segment on OFW Elisa Bataanon paved way for Filipinos in the United States to help a compatriot.

Elisa was a former domestic helper in the ‘80s who went home in 1996 after her husband was murdered and the home she saved for burned down. She raised her two sons by her lonesome then suffered a stroke three years ago.

The therapists were touched by her story and relayed their intention to help Elisa on the show’s site at http://crossingborderstv.multiply.com. The program is now coordinating with Anna Rosete, the HR coordinator of GMM Pro-Care Providers Inc. to facilitate the donation.

Meanwhile, ANC will hold the “3rd Countdown to 2010: An ANC Leadership Forum” on July 28 at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater, in line with the network’s “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” campaign. Senators Francis Escudero, Francis Pangilinan, Loren Legarda, Manuel Roxas II, as well as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno were invited to give their own takes on the country’s real condition a day after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivers the state of the nation address. ANC will air the event live at 7 p.m. with replays on Studio 23 on August 1 at 7 p.m. and on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best on August 2 at 10:15 p.m.

Catch “Storyline” on Friday (July 24) at 6pm and “Crossing Borders” on Thursday (July 30) at 10:30 pm only on ANC SkyCable 27, the country’s only 24/7 news and current affairs cable channel.