Karen Davila, whether you like it or not...

Whether you like it or not, Karen Davila is now a major broadcast star. Proof of this is her anchoring Headlines, ABS-CBN’s late evening news broadcast. And inarguably, she shines in Headlines without upstaging the news. Watching Karen is like watching a world-class Flamenco dancer. She is intense, yet pleasant. She is passionate yet gentle. She is smoldering yet cool. She casts a spell on you that makes it a struggle to switch channels. And she has a smile that debilitates the unbeliever. The voice is full and sonorous. The face is beautiful. Karen Davila is a splendid gem on TV.

But Karen Davila is not just a newsreader. She is a reporter who works hard to cover the news. She writes and produces stories. In this conversation I had with her, she talks about her never-ending journey to excellence. She doesn’t mind what people say and don’t say about her. To her, it’s the work and her audience.

Karen knows that it’s still a long way to go. And she’s willing to pay her dues. Read on and find out how unafraid Karen is to deliver the news, the way it is. The way it should be.

How’s life in ABS-CBN so far?

Challenging. I’ve been in ABS for nine months now and I’m enjoying it professionally. I report, produce, write and co-anchor for the Correspondents, ABS’s investigative magazine program – and it’s been very fulfilling. Last March, I started anchoring for Headlines, the late evening newscast – so it’s exciting…

People say ABS-CBN is a snake pit. Comment.

I used to think that way myself…well, it is a very big company and the atmosphere is extremely competitive. I’m so grateful I started off in Current Affairs. I’ve built good relationships especially in Correspondents and I value that tremendously. I’ve realized that most of the talk is really hype … so what’s truly important to me is to invest time with people and the work place.

Your transfer to ABS was very controversial. How did you deal with it?

I prayed a lot. Kept my feet on the ground.

Your boyfriend David Jude Sta. Ana is now with ABS. How did he move?

Well Boy… you’d have to ask him that. Ha ha!

You are pitted against Mel Tiangco. Your thoughts.

It’s an honor and a challenge. It’s difficult of me to think of Tita Mel as competition because she’s mentored me in a way. Remember, we anchored the news together in Saksi from 1997 to 1999. She is a professional, generous in sharing her skills and a true lady. She is a pillar in the broadcast industry. And that inspires me – I work harder, make an effort to be more focused and disciplined.

Was saying goodbye to GMA 7 difficult?

Yes. I was in GMA for seven years and that was my first job right after graduation. People have judged me for moving – rightly or wrongly… and I understand how difficult it was for some viewers to accept it… I have people still asking me today why I really transferred. And I take the time to tell them. It’s like being in a bank, or an airline or any other kind of career – we make choices that we believe would help us grow professionally.

Broadcast journalists who get into politics. Comment

I have nothing against broadcasters who run for office and win. What I think is appalling however, are unqualified people running and then winning! I’m proud of Loren Legarda… I think a lot of responsibility lies on the voter – choosing the candidate who is not only qualified for public office and good governance, but one who has his or her heart in the right place.

How about broadcast journalists who endorse products or appear in ads?

It depends on the product, the message and the purpose.

How did you know that broadcasting was your calling

Early on, I didn’t. When I was in college, I wanted to be a Donna Karan, not a Diane Sawyer. I wanted to enroll in Fine Arts but I ended up taking Masscom. A professor told me I had the potential for newscasting and I’ve always loved writing – so it made sense to try television. I knew this was my calling, when I started producing stories and didn’t care how long the work took, how far it took to get the story or how small the pay was. I loved it. I was passionate about it, that’s when I knew.

Tell us about your struggling days.

My first paycheck for Business Today, an early morning show was P5,000 a month-minus tax, P4,500. It was enough for gasoline and my lunch allowance. In the beginning, I struggled writing in Tagalog and having to prove that I was capable. I remember, when I was a rookie in GMA, I was assigned to cover the Senate… I wrote a story but then asked for a press release instead. That was demoralizing but part of the learning process!

What can you say now to your detractors?

Thank you? Ha ha! That’s a pretty funny question. I never take a lot of things personally. I don’t hold grudges. The key is to remember that I’m here for the work… the work… the work… and nothing is permanent. This is all temporary.

(To Be Continued)