Arnold Clavio: This working journalist wanted to be a priest

In recognition of "GMA-7's outstanding body of work in 2005 covering straight news reporting, investigative journalism as well as public affairs programs and special coverage, all of which have contributed to the public's appreciation and understanding of national and world events," the Rotary Club of Manila recently awarded GMA Network as the Television Station of the Year during its 2005 Journalism Awards Luncheon Ceremony held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City last June 22.

The Television Station of the Year award was not given for the last three years, making this year's award more special. "The judges felt that in 2005 the work in news coverage, investigative work and public affairs really represent balanced reporting and in-depth coverage which is public service," said Tom Banguis, Chairman of Rotary Club of Manila Journalism Awards.

Aside from the said award, two of GMA Network's news and public affairs personalities were also honored - Arnold Clavio was named Broadcast Journalist of the Year for Television and Howie Severino was awarded Investigative Journalist of the Year for Television.

Clavio was cited "for excellence in television journalism, particularly for his outstanding coverage of breaking events in 2005, such as the Valentine's Day bombing, and developments in the 'Hello Garci' controversy, especial coverage of former NBI Director Sammy Ong which have contributed for the public's appreciation of current affairs."

Severino, on the other hand, was awarded "for outstanding, in-depth coverage of the stories behind the news, which help viewers gain a better appreciation of the people and circumstances behind the stories, all undertaken with a fresh and insightful perspective and consummate craftsmanship. His body of work in 2005, including reportage on out-of-school youth, the sad state of Filipino classic movies and the Manila Film Center tragedy are outstanding examples of his craft."

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Believe it or not, as a kid, Arnold Clavio initially wanted to become a priest. But fate apparently had other plans and a different vocation for him.

Almost two decades into his vocation regarded as the media, Arnold is perhaps the penultimate tri-media journalist of his generation, as TV and radio host, newscaster, and newspaper columnist.

Anchoring for "SAKSI Liga Ng Katotohanan," the longest-running news program in the country and consistently number one in the late-night block, Arnold has always managed to stay on top of breaking news events and major developing stories.

This is what sets Arnold from the pack. He is no mere newsreader, no armchair journalist-Arnold is a working journalist.

He digs in and gets to the heart of the story as evidenced by his numerous live, on-the-scene reports and exclusive stories.

In 1994, when he was sent by GMA-7 to Basilan to cover the hostage-taking of several teachers by the Abu Sayyaf, Arnold got the scoop of a lifetime, gaining entry into the bandits' lair and interviewing the captive teachers.

During the tragic Valentines Day bombing in February 14, 2005, Arnold was the only news anchor to report live from the site of the ill-fated bus in Makati. He took viewers inside the horrific face of terrorism-walking the audience through the ruins of the bombed-out bus where six people were killed instantly and a number of others injured.

With years of experience and credibility under his belt, it is no wonder that on many occasions, he does not go looking for stories-the stories come to him.

On July 10, 2005, when former NBI Assistant Director Samuel Ong decided to reveal that he holds the so-called "mother of all tapes" containing purported conversations between President Arroyo and an election official during the 2004 elections, it was Arnold whom he contacted to give the story to.

The story initiated a firestorm of controversy for the Arroyo administration-in what was to be dubbed as the "Hello Garci" controversy.

But apart from delivering the news, Arnold also hosts early morning show "Unang Hirit," where he helps empower early morning viewers with useful information to start the day right.

Here, Arnold shows his lighter side with his own brand of wit and working class humor that has endeared him to millions of viewers who regard him as "Igan" or friend.

As if his schedule was not packed enough, Arnold still has some spare time to host his daily morning radio show, Dobol A sa Dobol B on DZBB, and his weekly public affairs show, "Emergency," while juggling his opinion columns on two major dailies.

But for Arnold, work does not stop in the office. He still manages to run his Igan ng Pilipinas Foundation - a non-profit group helping sick and differently-abled children, as well as helping out in other socio-civic organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Haribon Foundation.

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On the other hand, Talking Sides feels sorry for Rotary's Investigative Journalist of the Year Howie Severino whose I-Witness was recently given a two-week suspension by the MTRCB due to the airing of the controversial documentary "LUKAYO: Hindi Ito Bastos," which is based on the research and documentation of eminent Filipiniana scholar and National Artist for Dance Ramon Obusan.

The episode featured "Lukayo," which is an indigenous folk ritual rooted in the pre-Spanish colonial period. "Lukayo" is a fertility tradition danced during weddings by female senior citizens dressed as clowns wearing wooden phalluses of exaggerated sizes. It is still practiced in several communities in Calayaan, Laguna.

As such, there's still no denying that Howie is one of the, if not THE, premier investigative journalists that we have today.