Korina Sanchez-Roxas on Being Unstoppable and Embracing Risks
Award-winning broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas is currently on a break from her shows including “Tic Talks,” “Good Will,” and “Face to Face.” During a lunch at Bahay na Puti in Araneta City on June 6, she opened up about the evolving landscape of journalism. She highlighted how adapting to change has been crucial to staying relevant in the industry.
“The most important thing you can teach your child is to adapt to change. Change is the only constant. Kung hindi ka marunong mag-adapt sa change, maiiwan ka,” she emphasized. Her words reflect her own journey in the fast-changing world of news reporting.
Korina recalled moments when sudden challenges forced her to quickly shift her mindset and approach. She continuously adapted by learning new skills, embracing new environments, and building relationships. “Hindi pa ako umalis ng ABS-CBN noon before nag-iisip na ako ng next step ko. Mabuti na lang at ganun ang training ko. Survival mode ako palagi. I was an executive producer at ABS-CBN for a long time. Hindi lang ako talent. I was battle-ready,” she shared. Unlike many, she moves at her own pace but with urgency: “I’m not competitive. I do my own thing at my own pace. I want it fast.”
Journalism Then and Now: A Fluid Landscape
Korina described today’s journalism as “fluid,” a stark contrast to the more structured environment she once knew. The rise of social media requires journalists to be both disciplined and adaptable.
“It’s still important to be disciplined. In any skill, you require training and discipline. If you don’t have that, you can explode in all directions. Going to school and finishing a course is discipline. It’s important para mahusay ang pagkatao mo,” she explained.
She noted how the traditional form of journalism she practiced no longer exists. “Journalism now is very fluid. The kind of journalism that I knew then is dead for me. Ibang-iba na talaga ngayon. Compared to discipline before, hindi ito papasa sa akin.”
The rapid pace today leaves little room to let stories mature. “Parang wala ng oras para pahinugin ang storya. Wala na rin follow through or investigation. Meron pa naman pero hindi tulad ng dati na palalimin ng investigation. Ngayon medyo uurong ka kasi baka mapag-initan ka,” she said. Still, she reminded reporters to always seek facts from multiple sources. “Facts are facts. You cannot change them. You can interpret them or angle them, but facts are facts. So be factual. Get all the facts straight from as many sides as you can,” she urged.
Facing Risky Coverage Head-On
Korina shared daring moments from her career, including covering a dangerous drug trail that few journalists dared to follow. “I was following a drug trail. Where did the source come from? No one wanted to do it, and I ended up in Ozamis. Kuratong Baleleng. I remember the management stopped me because it was too dangerous. In those days, they gave that kind of assignment to the boys.”
She recounted interviewing Sofronio Vasquez, who openly spoke about his connection to the Kuratong Baleleng group. “He said, ‘You know, Miss K, I am proud to say that the founder of Kuratong Baleleng is my grandfather. Let them say what they want to say, but all I know is that my grandfather loves me very much.'”
Korina also faced threats during her early years but remained unfazed. “I had a death threat before, but I don’t remember how I got it. I said, ‘If you were going to be killed, why would they let you know?’ So I feel like it’s nothing. But there was a black vehicle parked in front of the building where I live. Then it just disappeared.”
Despite being a favored name for senatorial runs, Korina stays away from politics. “Ang gulo ng pulitika ngayon. Parang nakakatakot sumabak kung hindi malakas ang paninindigan mo. Can you stand to be independent? Will the system allow independent-minded individuals to succeed? I’m questioning the results. When it comes to commentary, I’m very careful,” she said.
In-Depth Papal Coverage
Korina’s extensive coverage of papal events showcased her versatility. Tasked with managing everything at the Vatican after her companion failed to secure a visa, she juggled multiple roles. “Thankfully, other Filipinos were helping me there. I felt like I was 25 years old again, reporting. I wrote everything and did the makeup. I was also the producer and did the lineup. I was also the one who found people to interview. My cameraman, who came from Europe, bought other equipment,” she said.
Many at the Vatican hoped Cardinal Luis Tagle would become pope. “Many foreign press outlets thought that Cardinal Tagle would make it. They call him Tagel. Then I met this Italian author of seven books on Pope Francis. I interviewed him. He said, ‘I want Tagle to make it.’ Tagle had a chance because many people believed it was him,” Korina recalled.
When white smoke emerged, signaling a new pope, she initially thought it was Tagle. “I told my companion, ‘If Tagle wins, we’ll have one more week.’ When the name was mentioned, we pretended not to hear. Everyone fell silent, confused, and lost in thought until acceptance settled in,” she said.
She also fondly remembered meeting fellow broadcaster Jessica Soho. Their photo went viral, earning praise for their professionalism. On rumors of rivalry, Korina stated, “Sa tao na lang siguro ‘yun. Magkaibigan naman kami ni Jessica. Hindi naman kami nagtatawagan at nagte-text. But when I see her, we’re very friendly.”
Prioritizing Health and Wellness
Despite her busy schedule hosting “Agenda” with Plinky Recto on the Bilyonaryo Channel, Korina prioritizes her health. She takes around 60 health supplements daily as part of her wellness routine.
Korina has undergone stem cell treatments several times across her 30s, 40s, and 50s. Over time, she learned to avoid burnout by setting clear boundaries. “Nobody can call or text me beyond 8 p.m. And I don’t want to work beyond 8 p.m. Nobody can text or call me before 9 a.m. Siguro lahat nasa Netflix, lahat sa platform napanood ko na. Kasi ‘yun ang bakasyon ko eh,” she shared.
Korina Sanchez-Roxas’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and dedication. She remains a powerful voice in Filipino journalism, facing risks head-on while embracing change.
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