Korina Sanchez-Roxas on Being Unstoppable and Embracing Risks
Award-winning broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas is currently on a break from her shows like “Tic Talks,” “Good Will,” and “Face to Face.” During a lunch at Bahay na Puti in Araneta City on June 6, she shared insights on how journalism has evolved and how she stays relevant amid rapid changes. She stressed the importance of adaptability, saying, “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.”
Korina recalled facing sudden challenges that forced her to shift her mindset and approach quickly. Her years as an executive producer at ABS-CBN prepared her well. “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 said. She added that she prefers to work at her own pace and focus on her path rather than compete.
How Journalism Has Changed Today
Korina described today’s journalism as “fluid,” a sharp contrast to the more disciplined approach of her earlier career. With social media’s influence, she emphasizes the continued need for discipline. “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 observed that the traditional style of journalism she grew up with is no longer the same. “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 pressure for speed often means less time to deepen stories. “Pero dahil pabilisan na ngayon, 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.”
Still, she insists that journalism must remain factual. “You must continue to strive to be factual. 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,” sources said.
Risky Reporting and Courage
Korina recounted a challenging assignment following a drug trail that was considered too dangerous for her network. “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 shared a memorable interview with Sofronio Vasquez, who revealed ties to the Kuratong Baleleng group. “He said, ‘I’m from Ozamiz.’ I said, ‘Oh! Kuratong Baleleng!’ 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,’ he said, but all I know is that my grandfather loves me very much.’ He said this on-air.”
Korina has faced threats during her career but remains undeterred. “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.”
Although she was once a popular choice in senatorial surveys, Korina is not interested in politics now. She cited the current political climate as chaotic and intimidating. “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. I’m just hearing it from people. When it comes to commentary, I’m very careful,” local leaders noted.
Memorable Papal Coverage
Covering the Vatican was a unique experience for Korina, especially since she had to manage everything alone when her male companion couldn’t get a visa. “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 recalled.
Many at the Vatican hoped Cardinal Luis Tagle would be the next pope. Korina, who covered three papal conclaves, shared, “Many foreign press outlets thought that Cardinal Tagle would make it. They call him Tagel. Then I met this Italian who is the 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.”
When white smoke appeared after the conclave, Korina 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,” sources said.
She also recalled her warm encounter with fellow Filipino broadcaster Jessica Soho at the Vatican. Their photo went viral, admired by many for their professionalism. About their rumored rivalry, Korina said, “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.”
Health, Wellness, and Work-Life Balance
Despite a demanding career, Korina prioritizes her health. She currently hosts “Agenda” with Plinky Recto on the Bilyonaryo Channel and takes about 60 health supplements daily to maintain her wellness.
She underwent stem cell treatments several times in her 30s, 40s, and 50s. Over time, she learned to prevent burnout with 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’s story highlights resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing media landscape. For more news and updates on journalism and broadcasting, visit Filipinokami.com.