From the very start, I know it will be an exciting assignment. And who wouldn't be? Cebuanos, including this writer, are fascinated at how the stars and personalities live their lives and how they became who they are now: rich and famous. My mission was to track them, talk to them, and bring their stories to print. In retrospect, there were interviews that left me amazed and bewildered, if not made me gape, smile, sniff, and sometimes, to be honest, gnash my teeth.
It was a good assignment but like every story, there's an end. With the advent of a new job waiting for me abroad, this writer through FreeTalk, takes his curtain call. As I bid goodbye to the readers of FreeTalk - for now, I would like to share my favorite interviews and the memorable quips I got from them. Out of the more than 50 I did, below are my favorite interviews which belong to my top 12 list: 12. Francine Prieto
Talking with her, for FreeTalk, was like watching how fire reflects on water. I was speechless for a few seconds upon seeing this TV and movie "goddess" walking towards me for the interview. Standing tall at 5'10, Francine revealed that she has never been known to spend too much time worrying about looks. According to this FHM November 2003 cover girl, as long as you look alright, you are already beautiful. 11. Pekto
Thirty-one-year-old actor, Michael "Pekto" Nacua, belongs to my shortlist of new breed of comedians who can really make me laugh. Dakong Bisdak - Pekto, who was born in Guadalupe, Cebu, revealed during the interview that he still fondly remembers his childhood days in Toledo, where his favorite pamahaw - "mangga at puto" - is abundant. Before we ended the said interview, Pekto still proudly quips his favorite Cebuano line: "Kasabot, kasulti, ug di malibak." 10. Bobby Nalzaro
The first time I met Bobby Nalzaro was during my first-ever visit to the GMA Cebu Station last November 2004. The man who most people calls "Super Bob" strikes me as very humble, silent, and unassuming guy - a direct contrast to the hard-hitting and no-nonsense media persona who Cebuanos regularly see on TV, hear on radio, and read on paper. Through the interview, I learned that the life of this Queen City's known, well-respected, credible, and, most of the times, controversial broadcast journalist is one for the books. 9. The Sexbomb
True to my column's title "Nothing Can Stop the Sexbomb" last June 23, the interview with the Sexbomb was flowing with revelation. After "infecting" the country with the catchy "laban-laban o bawi-bawi" and "get get awww," nothing - not even controversies and intrigues - can stop the Sexbomb from making albums hits-after-hits. Whether interviewing them, or watching them act on "Daisy Siete," or gyrate on "Eat Bulaga," the group always seizes to amaze and enthrall their fans, including me. 8. Marissa Flores and Wilma Galvante
"Before I decided to be a Journalism major, I was thinking of being in the field of music." - Marissa Flores
"What makes me sad are endings…telling a show it's time to fold up. That's always sad." - Wilma Galvante
I didn't take these interviews lightly. Imagine, interviewing two top Network officers who hold key positions and overwhelming responsibilities. A question kept on bogging my mind: "Do they have time for an interview?" And I was surprised - they were able to spare me almost an hour of their precious time for an interview despite the heaps of paper, lots of phone calls, and marathon meetings waiting for them in queue. In retrospect, I consider these assignments as one of FreeTalk's "highlights." 7. Bb. Pilipinas '05 Title Holders
"A woman is sexy when she's confident and contented with who she is and how she looks. She may very fat or thin but she will always look sexy when she thinks she does." - Precious Lara Guigaman, Bb. Pilipinas International
I was at the big dome, Araneta Coliseum, when three ladies emerged victorious in an evening of beauty, talent, and pageantry. Among the 23 official candidates who vied for the prestigious titles and the chance to compete in beauty pageants abroad, three ladies stood out: Carlene Aguilar (Bb. Pilipinas World), Gionna Cabrera (Bb. Pilipinas Universe), and Precious Lara Guigaman (Bb. Pilinas International). I was fortunate to interview them after the pageant and got some "winning" quips from the newly-crowned beauty queens. However, the moments I got to interview Bb. Pilipinas International title holder Precious Quigaman up close, the eventual winner of the Miss International '05 crown in Japan, are what I want to be frozen in time. 6. Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco (The Titans of Philippine Broadcast Journalism)
"I hope the next generation of broadcasters will have a lot more good news to report." - Mike Enriquez
"Doing socio-civic work thru the GMA Kapuso Foundation recharges my spirit." - Mel Tiangco
For many, they are the dream interviewees. Considered an unbeatable combination that has changed the Philippine news landscape - Mike Enriquez exposes anomalies, corruption, and irregularities, while Mel Tiangco provides a heart to every issue. I had the chance to interview the "titans" before they went on board together in "24 Oras." Mike, during the interview, revealed that he wanted to be a Franciscan priest or La Sallian brother. Mel, on the other hand, if her life didn't go the way it did, she would want to be a housewife. 5. Tolits
When six-year-old Tolits, BJ Forbes in real life, answered me with that answer (above) when I asked him: "Is being famous an advantage to you?" during FreeTalk's "Kiddie Talk" interview, I can't stop laughing. People easily recognizes him and says "Uy, si ako, ako yan!" or "That's ako, ako" because of his famous line in a TV commercial series of a detergent soap, where he stars as Lito Cruz or Tolits - now considered as his biggest claim to fame. 4. Ethel Booba and Paolo Bediones
"Binigay ko na ang lahat pero bakit kulang pa?" - Ethel Booba
I had the chance to interview Ethel Booba when she was going through a personal crisis that has gotten her love ones entangled in an unfortunate struggle for her time and attention. And what a blast it was! On the other hand, my first close encounter with Paolo Bediones was when he joined Atty. Felipe Gozon, GMA-7's chairman and president, and I in a coffee shop at the Mactan International Airport while waiting for our respective flights back to Manila after the successful Kapusong Cebuano Weekend last May. I was awed by Paolo's enthusiasm to talk about all his new adventures in "Extra Challenge." I became an instant fan of Ethel and Paolo because, aside from Ethel being a natural komedyante and Paolo being an articulate and well-traveled individual, of their laudable hosting skills in the top-rating reality TV-cum-travelogue program 3. Gladys Reyes
She's no. 3 in my list because unlike the "kontribida" roles she plays on TV and movies, Gladys Reyes is sweet, beautiful, and endearing in real life. I had the chance to interview her up close and personal for FreeTalk while she was resting inside the dressing room of Studio 3 at the GMA Network Center during the taping of "Bahay Mo Ba 'To." The supposedly 15-minute interview became a one full hour as Gladys tirelessly talked about her married life, career, and faith. "Bida" in real life, Gladys' kindheartedness has proven to be the salvation of many people around her, from her fans to her immediate family, including her beloved brother, PJ, who is autistic. 2. Pia Arcangel and Tonipet
I enjoyed the interview as much as I enjoyed watching "Art Angel" on TV. These smart, witty, and multi-faceted hosts have proven to be more than TV's beloved "art angels." Aside from being the young and vibrant host of the show, Pia Arcangel is one of GMA's credible news reporters, having been assigned to various beats for primetime news programs "24 Oras" and "Saksi." On the other hand, Tonipet (Antonio Jose Gaba in real life), is a seasoned Repertory-trained theater actor, commercial model (remember the biyahilo commercial?), and freelance production director. 1. Jessica Soho
I consider this as one of the most memorable interviews I ever had ever since I learned to write. This interview just came at the right time - a few weeks before my departure.
My FreeTalk experience wouldn't be complete without interviewing the person who I consider, and to many, the icon of broadcast journalism. With the nerve-wracking, adrenalin-raising, and frenetic round-the-clock developments inside and outside the newsroom, any person would be fortunate to last for a decade - but award-winning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho got a whole lot more than that as she celebrates this year her 20th in the business. This makes her No. 1 in my list.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends in Cebu for always making me feel at home every time I'm in town: Nathalie Tomada (for being a very good friend since college), Mimi Lijauco (for being a good friend beyond work), Niza Marinas (for all the exciting kwentos), Dodong Morallo (for always being accommodating), Orly Cajegas (for making me laugh and smile), Cathy Perez (for the constant texts and emails), Cielo Abellana (for being an "ate,""mother," and friend every time I'm in Cebu), Ann Marie Tan (for all the support in and outside work), Susan Aliño (for guiding me when Cebu's still a big jungle for me), Bobby Nalzaro (for making us all proud to be bisdak), and the men and women of Waterfront Hotel - Lahug (for the hotel service