Charlene Gonzalez: Proud to be new host of QTV’s “Proudly Filipina”

QTV 27 is set to make this year’s leap day, February 29, a more memorable date for its viewers as it welcomes Ms. Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach as the new face of “Proudly Filipina”—a primetime show that empowers women by sharing the remarkable journeys of Filipinas who have made a difference.

A Good Timing

Good timing—that was how Charlene found herself in a new home with a new family in Q-27. Early this year, the production team of Proudly Filipina was coordinating with Charlene to have her as one of the featured guests. Coincidentally, that’s also the time when former Proudly Filipina host Daphne Osena-Paez resigned from the show.

In need of a new host who embodies what a proud Filipina really is, Proudly Filipina considered Charlene for the role. Charlene, on the other hand, has always wanted to have a television show that inspires and touches the hearts of the viewers. And the rest, as they say, is history.

A Different kind of Charlene

Charlene, who was formally presented to the press via a PIDO-styled press conference held last February 20 at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City, will showcase another dimension of her personality far different from how she has been known for all these years.

She will not only be the program’s host – doing interviews and delivering introductions, but she will also be actively involved in research and pre-production as encouraged by the production team.

On her first assignment, program director Tim Jimenez was very impressed at how Charlene conducted the interview with TV Icons Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. “Charlene is very sharp with her words and is such a great listener that’s why she could ask the most significant questions and draws out the unforgettable statements from her subjects,” observes Jimenez.

The Pilot Episode

On her first episode, Charlene chronicles the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs of the women behind the “TVJ and Eat Bulaga” phenomenon.

Helen Gamboa and Aileen Macapagal shared their stories on what they had to give up and what they had gained for being a partner to Tito and Joey respectively. Vic Sotto also revealed stories on how the woman of his life now has transformed him into a changed man.

After working behind the camera with the triumvirate for almost three decades and rising her way to becoming the top TV Executive that she is now, Malou Ochoa-Fagar is undoubtedly a major force behind the success of TVJ.

Future episodes of Proudly Filipina include the inspiring stories of trailblazing doctor and inventor of the incubator - Dr. Fe del Mundo; the dedicated teachers of Sindangan Elementary School in Northern Leyte who have made their school the country’s best despite all the odds; award-winning actress and now Batangas Governor Vilma Santos; the women doctors to the barrios; and the female lawyers of the Public Attorneys Office, among others.

Nominate Your Own Proudly Filipina

With Charlene’s objective to integrate a ‘pay-it-forward’ element in the show, Proudly Filipina will encourage its featured women, as well as its viewers, to recognize that one woman who has touched their lives and has inspired them to be the inspiration that they are now.

Every week, the show will feature an inspiring story of a Filipina nominated by the viewer. This Filipina need not be a celebrity or a high profile personality. She can be anyone, even a stranger, as long as she has an inspiring story to tell. Viewers can send their nominations through text or e-mail, and a special gift awaits both the lucky viewer and the nominated Filipina.

In this time and age where a Filipina’s identity is associated with negativity most specially online, Proudly Filipina is one with the other efforts in reshaping the image of the Filipina and changing the global perception into a Filipina who is empowered, confident and inspiring.

Proudly Filipina airs every Friday at 7pm on Q-27.