Some names come to mind, like Deepak Chopra – who misplaced his belt shortly before the interview and who spoke brilliantly about ayurvedic medicine and synchronicity.
"The name of my God is Jesus Christ. Am I right?" I asked. He smiled, stared at me like a prophet and declared, "If you’re happy with Him, then He is your God. If you believe Him – then He is your true God."
There was no question left unanswered. Not because he had all the answers but he simplified matters in a way that some questions became unnecessary. And by the way, Deepak Chopra does not get sick because he takes care of his body and spoils his spirit. That conversation marked the beginning of Private Conversations on the ABS-CBN Channel.
Other memorable interviews come to mind quickly. My dear, dear Kris (Aquino) is always engaging and funny. But television is too limiting for Kris’ brilliance.
Victor Hansen (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul) was relaxed and an engaging storyteller. When he starts to talk, you known he is a good man. Someone you can bring home to mama for lunch!
There was Nead Donald Walsh, author of Conversations with God. He’s a brilliant, sensitive man who cried on the show when he started to talk about fidelity and his wife. I was riveted by this man’s stories.
Sister Christine Tan was concise in her answers, but every word was spoken from the heart. "You come from a well-off family. Why did you decide to go to Leveriza to live with the poor? Are they grateful for everything you have done for them"?
"I went to Leveriza because it made me happy. And I’m grateful to the people there, for all the things they have done for me as a human being."
A no-nonsense lady – she broke into a wonderful smile when I asked her about her love life when she was a teenager.
Just before we went on air – she whispered to me – "Hijo, what’s your name again?" "Boy," I whispered back, and went on with our private conversation.
A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to speak to Nanay Coring (Socorro Cancio-Ramos) for the Young Entrepreneur Organization (YEO) at the Makati Shangri-La. It was set ala-Private Conversations.
Here was an 82-year old lady – who was sharp like Oreana Fallaci, smart like Condi Rice, driven like Margaret Thatcher, tough like Sojourner Truth, inspiring like Maya Angelou, powerful like Oprah, tenacious like Barbara Walters.
With 72 branches and over 60 years of operation, she built National Book Store to what it is today – and the lady has not forgotten to laugh!
Who she was first, a mother or a sales girl?
"A mother," she quipped.
Nanay Coring is one of the best interviews I have done, next to the best that is yet to come.
Sarah joins SCQ icons Hero Angeles, Joross Gamboa, Roxanne Guinoo, Melissa Ricks, Joseph Bitangcol and Michelle Madrigal as they go through the joys and pains of growing up and falling in love.
SCQ Reload: Kilig Ako! is directed by my dear friend, direk Lauren Dyogi, who, as many of you would remember, was my co-juror in Star Circle National Teen Quest along with Ms. Gloria Diaz.