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 recent lunch at Bahay na Puti in Araneta City, she opened up about the evolving world of journalism and how she stays relevant by embracing change. “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 said, highlighting the need to stay flexible in a fast-moving industry.
Korina reflected on her career, sharing how she constantly shifted her mindset and actions when facing unexpected challenges. She adapted by learning new skills, connecting with different people, and stepping out of her comfort zone. “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 explained. Her journey shows how being unstoppable requires both readiness and resilience.
The Changing Face of Journalism
Korina described today’s journalism as “fluid,” a big shift from how it used to be. She pointed out that social media has sped up the news cycle, which demands discipline more than ever. “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,” she said. She added that finishing school is also a form of discipline important for personal growth.
“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.” She explained that the fast pace means stories often don’t get the time to develop fully. There is less follow-up and investigation than before, sometimes due to fear of backlash. “Meron pa naman pero hindi tulad ng dati na palalimin ng investigation. Ngayon medyo uurong ka kasi baka mapag-initan ka,” she noted. Still, she stressed the importance of getting facts straight and maintaining accuracy, no matter how the news landscape changes.
Risky Reporting and Challenges Faced
Korina recalled a daring assignment where she pursued a drug trail few wanted to touch. “I was following a drug trail. 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. They usually gave that kind of assignment to the boys,” she said. Despite the risks, she conducted an on-air interview with Sofronio Vasquez, who spoke openly about his ties to the group.
She also shared facing death threats early in her career. “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.” Her courage and composure helped her navigate these dangers.
On Politics and Public Life
Though often linked with political surveys, Korina expresses no interest in joining politics. She finds today’s political climate too chaotic and daunting. “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?” she questioned. She remains cautious with commentary, aware of the complexities involved.
Memorable Papal Coverage Experience
Korina also shared her experience covering the Vatican, where she handled multiple roles because her companion couldn’t secure 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,” she recalled.
She covered three papal conclaves and noted that many hoped Cardinal Luis Tagle would be the next pope. “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,” she said. When white smoke appeared, Korina thought it was Tagle and shared the moment’s emotional weight.
She also reminisced about meeting fellow broadcaster Jessica Soho at the Vatican. Their photo together went viral, earning praise for professionalism. On their supposed 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.”
Prioritizing Health and Wellness
Despite her busy career, Korina prioritizes health. She hosts “Agenda” on the Bilyonaryo Channel and maintains wellness through a strict regimen. She takes about 60 health supplements daily and has undergone stem cell treatments multiple times. Over the years, she learned to avoid burnout by setting 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 exemplifies how being unstoppable goes hand in hand with embracing risks and adapting to change. Her story inspires many in the ever-changing world of journalism.
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