Rio wants to try her hand at broadcast journalism

Rio Locsin takes her job as role model seriously. So seriously she dreams of becoming a news anchor like Karen Davila so she can feature investigative stories that will open people’s eyes and make them aware of problems and solutions.

"I was watching this late-night docu on a family of seven and how they hardly have enough food to eat and I was so moved. It suddenly occurred to me that I want to do these kinds of stories. I love news. And I know celebrities can do a lot to educate people," says Rio.

Surviving the ups and downs of showbiz for the past years is no joke. Rio herself didn’t expect it. And now, she can’t ask for more. Except for this chance to take a crack at broadcast journalism.

Now Rio feels it’s time she gives back all the blessings she has and share time and talent in shows that will help others help themselves.

Money has become secondary to her. Helping others now comes first.

Rio is definite with what she wants, not only in life, but more so in her career. This confidence shows in her decision to do away with a manager who will wheel and deal in her behalf for the past few years.

"I’ve been in the business long enough to know its ins and outs. And I know what I want – the roles I can sink my teeth into and those that don’t fit me," says Rio.

Turns out she can take care of her career well enough, thank you.

Rio has never been wanting in assignments so far. A new soap crops up right after another one goes off the air. This is because she’s not choosy with roles.

While others shun mother roles because they deglamorize and don’t fall in the lead actress category, Rio welcomes them with open arms.

In fact, she’s playing a mother in ABS-CBN’s upcoming drama series, the revived Gulong ng Palad, which premieres Monday, Jan. 9. Rio takes over the role of Caridad Sanchez played in the TV soap of the same title which ran from 1977 to 1984.

As strong-willed Idad, Rio is the mother lead character Luisa (Kristine Hermosa) runs to in times of trouble with the rich family of her boyfriend Carding (TJ Trinidad).

As in all Filipino families, the mother in Gulong ng Palad calls the shots, and Rio’s role, though not the lead, can’t be ignored. It’s even pivotal. She becomes Kristine’s (as Luisa) pillar of strength.

Playing a role as close to life as the one she has in Gulong ng Palad is a breeze for Rio. For one, it’s a case of art imitating life.

Rio in real life is a doting mother to Paula Bianca, Costa Palma and Joses. Like her character in Gulong ng Palad, Rio the mother is a stern disciplinarian.

"My daughters are more scared of me than they are of Padim Israel (her pastor-husband). My daughters can open up to him about their crushes and boys. He can advise them about these things because he’s talking from a man’s viewpoint," reveals Rio.

Her maternal instincts tell her she should rein in her daughters even if they’re already grown up (the eldest is through with college and is already working) if they are to enjoy their single blessedness longer. In other words, Rio, at 44, cringes at the thought of becoming a grandmother.

"I’m not ready for that yet," she admits.

Or maybe she doesn’t want her daughters to experience what she went through: teenaged pregnancy, early motherhood and the annulment of her marriage to Al Tantay.

"I had no choice but to work so I can feed my children," recalls Rio. But what seemed like a burden turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Rio’s desire to provide for her daughters allowed her to work with the best directors like the late Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Celso Ad Castillo, Orlando Nadres and Joel Lamangan. And they brought out the sensitive actress in her.

It was also then when the seemingly fragile, naïve Rio discovered an inner strength she didn’t know she had. She not only survived, she found a new life and lasting happiness.

"I can’t ask for anything more," she smiles. "I’m not even hoping for an acting award anymore. The more I expect, the more I might get frustrated."

Having her hands full with work is enough for Rio.

In counting her blessings, she’s opening the door wide open for more of these to come her way.