For veterans Pia and Ivan, there’s still more to explore in broadcasting

MANILA, Philippines — They are familiar faces and voices to every Kapuso viewer from sun up to sun down. Ivan Mayrina gives a rundown of news that matters and interesting information in the morning show “Unang Hirit” and reports unfolding events from the field. Pia Arcangel, for her part, presents the day’s hottest news — both developed and developing — in the late-night newscast “Saksi.” She also does news coverage specials and the interview podcast, “Power Talks with Pia Arcangel.” Pia and Ivan are also anchors of “24 Oras Weekend.”

Broadcast journalists Pia and Ivan have been doing all this with gusto and passion for the past two decades and more.

“I first joined GMA as a police reporter, covering the night shift,” said Pia when The STAR asked her and fellow Kapuso TV personality Ivan to encapsulate their professional work and rise-from-the-ranks story in two separate brief e-mail interviews. “From there, I moved on to doing general human-interest stories, and later on, I was assigned to the political beat.”

It has given her the chance to work for and alongside some of the country’s most-respected journalists, which has taught Pia a lot, “and the most important thing I learned is that we must all work together to ensure that truthful and accurate news reporting will prevail,” added she.

“There is simply no way around it: in this line of work, perhaps more than others, you learn by doing, even immersing yourself in the story,” Ivan looked back on his humble beginnings.

“When I started in this job 25 years ago, I said that I didn’t see myself becoming a field reporter, but more as a studio anchor or host. But after my first real coverage of a history-defining event in EDSA tres, it became clear to me that you need to get your boots on the ground to gain that credibility.”

“These days, when young journalists or students ask me for advice, I always tell them that the suit and tie, the studio time — that’s just a small part of what this is all about,” shared he. “The larger, more important part is building your credibility by getting dirty in fieldwork.”

With Ivan’s 25 years and Pia’s more than 20 years in what one may call their calling, they enjoy every bit of it and find their work fulfilling.

“I cherish the privilege of being able to witness historic and important events unfold firsthand, and of being able to report these events to our viewers,” said she.

“I love that this job exposes me to all kinds of people — from doing man-on-the-street interviews and (to) sitting down with the President,” added he.

Asked what has kept them a loyal Kapuso all these years, Pia had this to say: “I value the people that I work with and the principles that our network upholds. When you work with like-minded people who have the same goals as you do, it’s not difficult to stay loyal.”

As for Ivan, he shared, “GMA treated me well, afforded me plenty of opportunities to grow as a host, reporter and anchor, and much of who I am and what I have, (has) been shaped by my work with GMA. It has been a wonderful journey, overall. Honestly, I don’t see myself being anywhere else.”

Last August and September, Pia and Ivan renewed their ties with the Kapuso network, respectively. They were joined by GMA Integrated News VP and deputy head for news programs and specials Michelle Seva, GMA Network president and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr. and SVP and head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso.

Since they know how to navigate the broadcast journalism field and they’ve had “been there, done that” moments, Pia and Ivan are the sources to give pieces of advice and insights on the young who aspire to become a news reporter, reader, host or presenter.

“Anyone who wants to be a journalist, whether (in) the field or in the studio, has to put in the work. There are no shortcuts,” said she.

“I will borrow a word from this question: reader. Don’t just be a news reader. Learn, immerse, put in the work,” shared he. “And always go back to your ‘why’ in wanting to be a journalist, a storyteller. That will get you through the hard times and rough patches.”

Given their hectic schedules or nature of work, Pia and Ivan find time to unwind and recharge their batteries.

“By watching something other than the news,” said she.

“I’m an avid cyclist. I join a few bike races every year, and I try to ride 100 km a week when I’m preparing for a cycling event,” shared he. “Cycling is my main tune-out, stay-fit activity. Cycling heals the body, clears the mind and keeps me in shape.”

Although they seem to have endeavored into different aspects of their chosen field, Pia and Ivan still have work wishes to pursue.

“Right now, I wish to be able to fully explore and embrace all platforms of media, in an effort to truly combat fake news,” said she.

“I want to be a better interviewer, and ultimately host a talk show,” concluded he.

With that, there are new territories to embark on or familiar ones to revisit for Pia and Ivan.