Rico Hizon still finds the thrill in every interview

After all these years of interviewing world leaders, business icons and global celebrities, news and entertainment broadcast journalist Rico Hizon still gets star-struck meeting yet another celebrity.

“That sense of awe reminds me to stay curious, humble and genuinely interested in every story I tell,” Rico told The Philippine STAR.

“Be it a Hollywood superstar or a local hero, I always approach each conversation with respect and excitement. That’s what keeps the magic of journalism alive for me.”

Recently, Rico had a short chat with talk show host and comedian Conan O’Brien, one of late-night television’s most iconic personalities. Conan was in Manila to feature the Philippines for his travel documentary, “Conan Must Go.”

It was a “meeting of wit and world-class storytelling,” as Rico described his recent encounter with Conan.

The award-winning news anchor who has brought the world’s biggest stories to audiences through CNBC Business News, BBC World News, CNN Philippines and now with the ABS-CBN News Channel, hosts the weekly talk show “Beyond the Exchange with Rico Hizon” and “SM in Focus,” the SM Group’s YouTube news channel.

Rico shared that it was a fun and insightful short conversation with one of the most iconic names in entertainment. Before coming face to face with Conan, Rico has been following Conan’s career for a long time.

“I used to watch him on ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’ and later on ‘The Tonight Show’ then ‘Conan Without Borders’ and ‘Conan Must Go’,” Rico shared. “I’ve always admired his sharp wit, quick humor and how effortlessly he connects with audiences.

“(Conan) is one of those hosts who can make you laugh, but also make you think. So going into this chat with Conan, I wasn’t just meeting a famous comedian… I was meeting someone whose work I genuinely enjoyed for years.”

Rico queried Conan’s impressions about the Philippines and the Filipino people. “What he found most fascinating about Filipino culture, especially the food,” Rico said. “I also asked him why he chose the Philippines for his ‘Conan Must Go’ travel documentary.

“I asked him, if he was ready to come back to the country after this working trip, he said yes, if he could sleep on my couch, Haha! Conan isn’t just funny, he’s observant and very thoughtful in how he connects with different cultures. I also got to interview the people in his team, like three-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Jose Arroyo and his producer Aaron Bleyaert.”

Rico was told that Conan selected the Philippines this time after fans reached out to him. “Where fans reach out, that’s where I go,” he quoted Conan as saying. “We’ve had so many fans in the Philippines for years. They reached out. So, I decided to go and find out what’s going on here. But I’m definitely coming back.”

Rico maintained Conan on TV he is larger than life. “That towering figure with razor-sharp humor,” he described the American host. “But in person, he’s down-to-earth, engaging and genuinely curious. He makes you feel like the conversation is between equals and that’s a rare quality in someone of his stature.”

Surprisingly, Rico always prepares his questions for every celebrity interview. “No matter how seasoned you are, preparation is key,” Rico insisted. “Be it a short chat or a long interview, I make it a point to study my guest’s body of work, their journey and what makes them tick.

“With someone like Conan, I had to be ready to match that quick humor and sharp mind — but also create space for meaningful, sincere moments. A good interview always balances structure and spontaneity.”

Meanwhile, Rico still has prominent people on his bucket list he still wants to interview.

“And that list keeps growing,” he beamed. “That’s what keeps journalism exciting. I’d love to sit down with Elon Musk to talk about the future of technology and space, Lionel Messi about greatness and legacy, and Taylor Swift for her global influence and storytelling. Each of them represents a different part of culture and history in the making.”

With his wife Melannie Syquia-Hizon and him as empty nesters in their home — only son Migo is studying in the US — Rico still looks at the coming Christmas holidays as a time for family, faith and gratitude.

“After a busy year of news and interviews, I love slowing down and spending time with my loved ones,” Rico granted. “Whether it’s here in the Philippines or a quick trip abroad, it’s less about the destination and more about being with the people who matter most. That’s how I recharge and remind myself why I do what I do. Life and family are always great blessings for me.”