Abner on a bigger mission

Broadcast journalist Abner Mercado will find it hard to land in the list of cutest TV journalists in the Philippines. But in the roster of most trusted and credible, he will definitely fill a good spot.

Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre said that and, uhm, I agree with him.

For over a decade now, Abner (with his trademark muffler) has been a fixture in the Kapamilya News & Public Affairs programs (seen overseas via The Filipino Channel).

“He’s never hysterical in delivering even the most urgent story, his style of interview, inquisitive but polite, intense but relaxed, as well as his knack for using profound Tagalog words only endeared him to many viewers,” noted Edmund. “Described as a ‘gentle giant’ and ‘trustworthy friend’ by close pals Karen Davila and XXX director Jimmy Dasal, Abner is (believe it or not!) one of the more recognizable Kapamilya faces abroad, thanks to TFC. In NYC during the holidays last year, Abner was stopped several times for photo requests by Filipinos who recognized him on the street; some of them even recalling their favorite Abner Mercado exclusives.”

Abner was in Las Vegas last month (with ABS-CBN news head Ging Reyes) to personally accept the Bronze Medal Award (in the Social Issues/Current Events category) at the New York Film & TV Festival, which honored one of his powerful documentaries in Krusada. It was on April 17, Abner’s 42nd birthday.

Abner with cameraman Jimmy Dasal in Tasman Glacier, New Zealand (above) and in New York (below)

His winning entry, titled Laya, examines the heart-wrenching conditions of terminally-ill Filipino inmates who have appealed for clemency so they can spend their remaining days with their loved ones.

“My crusade began a few years ago on our show The Correspondents,” recalled Abner. “I decided to pursue it when I noticed that under the present administration walang napapalaya kahit na isang elderly or dying inmate na hindi na threat sa lipunan. Some of those featured on our show have died without ever being with their families even for a while.

“It’s ironic that it was Pres. Cory Aquino who had the most number of female inmates set free from the Correctional. But her son, Pres. Noynoy Aquino, has not granted any executive clemency in his two years in office. Sana mabigyan ito ng pansin ng Pangulo bago pumanaw ang marami pang napagdusahan na ang pagkakasala nila sa lipunan.”

It’s Abner’s second global recognition after bagging a Special Jury Prize in 2005 at the Moscow International Mountain Film Festival for his documentary Mt. Cook Chronicles: The Road To Everest, about the quest of Filipinos to conquer the world’s highest peak. He also has trophies from local award-giving bodies like the PMPC Star Awards and the Catholic Mass Media Awards, as well as a string of nominations.

Last year, he found himself elevating his profession to a new level by becoming a lecturer in environmental reporting at his alma mater, the University of the Philippines Diliman.

“I really felt honored when UP offered me the job,” shared Abner who has reported on a wide range of environmental and cultural issues from mining abuses to the decaying of the mummies in Benguet. “I realized that this is the right time to help mobilize a new breed of soldiers whose objective as journalists is to preserve the environment.”

The UP offer came while Abner was in the middle of helping Puerto Princesa Underground River’s bid to be included in the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The campaign was a success and Abner later returned to Palawan with his students.

“My students’ final project was to visit the Underground River. They became aware of the big challenge to the Palawan officials to preserve the environment especially now that thousands of tourists are flocking to the island.”

Abner noted that his students were only thrilled to find themselves in the middle of a revolution to preserve and protect Mother Nature while showcasing it to the world to boost the country’s economy and image, and create jobs for the locals.

Abner guiding his students at UP

In the near future, Abner said he would like to try his hand at his other passion — filmmaking. This explains why most of his documentaries feature stunning cinematography and excellent editing.

“I’m a filmmaker at heart but broadcast journalist by practice and profession,” he admitted. “Given a chance, I would like to do a full-length movie or to direct a TV drama. I almost realized my dream a few years ago. Maybe it wasn’t the right time yet kaya naudlot; maybe in God’s time I will do it,” adding half in jest, “malay mo baka ako pa ang makapag-uwi ng first Oscar ng Pilipinas, hahahahaha!”

Why not, Abner? After all, big things start with a dream, don’t they?

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