'Kapamilya Winner Ka' host Christine Fernandez leaving showbiz?

CEBU, Philippines - The local entertainment scene is teeming with individuals talented in acting, singing, dancing and hosting. Nevertheless, we can’t help but notice that most of the notable local hosts are no longer active in the biz.

There was a time when Lou Galicia and Ma. Fe of GMA 7 were very, if not the most, active in doing local hosting gigs. Carol Ballesteros Go, on the other hand, is now in the corporate world. And what happened to former Pinoy Big Brother celebrity housemate and two-time KBP Best female host Angela Calina? She chose to get married and be based now in Goa, India.

If some of them chose to be inactive, some, however, just changed careers. Neda Avinante, who was part of the longest TV show in Cebu, Sabado Na Gyud, is now the executive producer of Mag TV Na. She said, “It is more fulfilling to be the producer. I get to do all the dirty jobs and I have really used what I have studied in college. Hosting will always be part of me, but you know, showbiz is fleeting. When one has to go, she or he has to go; it’s a matter of timing.”

I recently had a chat with Kapamilya Winner Ka’s Christine Fernandez, who proves to be more than just a TV personality as she’s now a certified eye doctor. Is this latest development in her life going to affect her hosting career just like the others who have discovered other pursuits and interests? Read on and find out.

FREEMAN: Is it true that you’re leaving showbiz?

Christine: No! Definitely not! Entertainment gives me a different kind of fulfillment as a person. To be honest, ever since I was a student, my weekly stint on TV has been my de stressor. For as long as I could do both hosting and being a doctor in one time, I’ll stay.

FREEMAN: You’re now a licensed Optometrist, have you been practicing?

Christine: Yes. When we don’t have tapings for Kapamilya Winner Ka, I go home to Butuan to practice. I always volunteer also during ABS-CBN’s Halad sa Kapamilya. My family has been in the Optical Industry for 40 years already. I already belong to the 3rd generation. It began with my grandfather, who started it in the 1960s in Davao then brought his profession to Iligan. It was then pursued by my dad and uncles as well as aunties during the 80s. We have eye clinics in Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Pagadian.

FREEMAN: We heard that you’re opening a clinic here in Cebu. Tell us more about it.

Christine: Yes, as a matter of fact, my first eye clinic opened last Wednesday, February 25, at Gaisano Mactan Island Mall. I am pretty much excited with the newest addition to our Optical Clinics because I did the purchasing of all the products and the instruments. It’s a hands-on set-up. I’ll be handling the patients myself. The examination procedure is more extensive and detailed. I’m proud to say that this kind of Optometric practice is the first in Mactan. I would also want to contribute to Lapu-Lapu City’s medical tourism.

FREEMAN: With you opening a clinic, how will you now balance your time?

Christine: Our taping schedule is done in advance. And most of the schedules fall on a weekend. So as of now, I see no problem. Mu-absent lang ko sa work, we are all doctors naman in the family so, pareliyibo lang sa ko kung mag-taping. (laughs.)

FREEMAN: Do you still have time for LOVE?

Christine: I’m dating someone at the moment. But I am not in a hurry. I want my next boyfriend to be the ONE. So, we are taking it slow. For now, it’s God and career.