Who’s your favorite media personality?

Personalities we read and watch on TV are people we either love or hate. Without much choice, their lives become open books, we get to peek into their lives and get more interested in how they lead their lives. For those we admire, they become larger than life — we cry when sad things happen  and rejoice when happy things happen to them!

Read on as friends share with us their favorite media personalities.

Ipe Cruz, publisher, Rogue magazine

I would say President John F. Kennedy. Without a doubt, he was a rogue through and through. As the closest counterpart to American royalty, he was disarmingly charming with his constituents and in his personal affairs. Before sitting as the second youngest president in the Oval Office, he actually won a Pulitzer Prize for his book, Profiles in Courage. And of course, he went out with a bang (literally).

Michele  Delgado Sison, fashion designer

A TV host, “eventologist,” editor, columnist and club owner — whatever it is he’s doing, he always does it with a flair for fashion. That’s Tim Yap to his audience and clients. A friend that fascinated me 17 years ago and I continue to be fascinated with his optimism, his vision on creating, building, visualizing, a career based on what he loves most. His life is his work, his work is his life. Warm, passionate, driven and excited every single day, that’s dear Timothy!

Malu de Guzman, businesswoman

Senator Loren Legarda is the ultimate lady politician, championing the concerns/interests of women and children. She is very active in preserving our heritage, culture and environment. I admire her thoroughness and work ethic. I recognized her leadership qualities even way back in our high school days.

Margarita Locsin Chan, freelance writer

I don’t really like politicians (and I mean no offense to my relatives and friends who are), because frankly, I prefer statesmen/women, but it seems those sort of people are now extinct. What we have are people without direction or devotion, and loyalty to any political party, well, is non-existent. It really now depends on who invites you to run. And so if I were to choose among those now living, the one I would choose is PM Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore. While some may comment on his being Lee Kuan Yew’s son, I have no problem with nepotism and dynasties, so long as the person lives up to his promises to the electorate and uses his connections for the greater good. Just because someone is someone’s relative doesn’t mean he/she’s not qualified, it just means they had a head start — and there’s nothing wrong with that. And just because you’re a rags-to-riches story, does not mean you’re necessarily better than one with a more fortunate start. It’s the person and his/her good intentions that really matter, not the PR spin! Of course, needless to say, I am a huge fan of his father, who may be old, but is wise, actually funny, and very much modern in his way of thinking. I read his book Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going, and I’ve been giving it out to people who visit me. It may be worthwhile for some of our politicians to learn a thing or two from him. There is a reason he is called Minister Mentor... and if they’re too lazy to read it, it comes in DVD format, too!

Alan German, public relations and branding specialist

Hands down, I would have to say Professor Winnie Monsod. Her career as an educator, host, broadcaster, writer, and economist has been marked with excellence and integrity. Armed with impeccable academic credentials, she nevertheless finds a way to explain the most complex socio-economic issues in a language that is as informative as it is entertaining. Her astounding intellect is matched only by her passion to help improve our country. The irony of it all? She ran for the Senate back in 2001 and we failed to elect her. Hopefully, we can learn some lessons from that.

PJ Pascual, E! News fashion stylist

When I was a younger boy, I always heard the name of Audrey Hepburn from my mother. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, My Fair Lady,  Roman Holiday,  and Funny Face were some of my favorite movies done by the late actress.  She was talented, witty, and entertaining. Viewers, like myself, were drawn to her charisma and style. She is considered as one of the fashion icons of all times.  Because of her, she made Givenchy famous. Aside from being an actress, she was a humanitarian. She served as UNICEF’s Ambassador to help fight, solve malnutrition, and hunger around the world. Audrey Hepburn’s exquisite work influenced today’s actresses, the likes of Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Sandra Bullock, and more.  The name Audrey Hepburn will be always remembered as the great actress and philanthropist of all times.

Karen E. Young, owner and pastry chef, Karen’s Kitchen

I admire Hugh Jackman as a performer, for his versatility in the roles he play. He delightfully acts, sings, and dances (my favorite being his I Won’t Dance YouTube medley).   I admire Alex Kendrick as a person, for what he did with and in Sherwood Pictures because he uses his talents to create films that inspire and equip viewers towards rebuilding family relationships.

Ginger Ignacio Mirasol, jewelry designer

My favorite local politician would be Miguel Zubiri. He is known to be the champion of environmental concerns, pushing the use of bio- fuel, passing the Clean Air Act and pushing for the wildlife conservation act to name a few. His concern for students and teachers made him push hard for the Magna Carta act. He’s one politician that gets the job done.

Anton Barretto, entrepreneur

My favorite political personality is President Noynoy Aquino. Though it’s a cliché, I think that “ang tuwid na daan” of P-noy has put us on the right track.  I believe that he is sincerely working hard for the good of our country.  His interests are not for his personal or political stature. Among the TV and movie personalities, I would single out Enchong Dee as worthy of emulation.  A swimming champion, a consistent honors student while in college, and as a performer he has much evolved.  Both are inspiring individuals and are living proof that if we set our minds and strive hard to reach our goals we can make it happen.

Sittie Aminah Q. Dimaporo, office of Rep. Imelda Q. Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte

I don’t watch much TV but when I do, I always stay on a channel or movie where Vhong Navarro and Vice Ganda are in. I’m a fan of comedy and Vhong Navarro and Vice Ganda never fail to make me laugh out loud and enjoy their sense of humor. They’re the type that don’t strike me as offensive or rude but simply people that can look at the brighter side life as a reminder that joy and humor is something we all need once in a while.