Para sa ika-13 anibersaryo ng Pinoy MD, maraming baong bagong kuwento ang TV host at surprise guest na si Connie Sison! Mula sa pagiging working mom niya sa tatlong anak, mga TV shows na pinasukan sa iba’t-ibang network, at pati na sa kaniyang asawang si Chris.
Dito lang ‘yan sa Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel!
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ST19M6
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/47M3Kve
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3MUyimw
Dito lang ‘yan sa Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel!
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ST19M6
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/47M3Kve
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3MUyimw
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 [upbeat music]
00:02 Hi everyone and welcome to a new episode of Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel
00:06 where every episode is a big surprise.
00:10 And today, I don't know who we'll be joining
00:14 so we'll be expecting an unexpected conversation for this episode.
00:19 And before I meet our guests, I'd like to thank everyone for joining us
00:22 for downloading, streaming, and listening on your favorite streaming platforms.
00:26 Now, of course, I'll get to know our guests today.
00:30 So, how are we going to do this?
00:32 Do I have any clues?
00:34 Will our surprise guest suddenly appear?
00:36 - Hola! - Hola!
00:40 Oh, it's my sister!
00:42 [laughs]
00:43 - Oh my! - Hi!
00:44 I won't make it hard for you, that's why I said "Hola."
00:47 Oh, really? Wow!
00:48 I was thinking that maybe my guest is a news anchor
00:50 because it's so early.
00:52 Before the call time, it's already ready.
00:54 Yes, right?
00:56 Actually, I'm not that ready.
00:58 I was just wondering when you started talking.
01:00 [laughs]
01:02 But you look ready.
01:04 How are you?
01:05 - Hi, Kony! - Oh, shoot! I didn't mention it.
01:07 I'm so excited. I didn't mention it to our listeners.
01:10 Our surprise guest is none other than Miss Kony Cizon.
01:13 - Hi, Kony! - Hello!
01:15 Hi, Pia!
01:17 - It's my sister! - Yes.
01:19 - So, we can talk about your story, "Why is it my sister?" - Yes, let's talk about it.
01:23 First of all, we have the same birthday.
01:25 Is that the reason? Why is it?
01:27 Yes, because we're sisters.
01:30 - Yes, sister. - We're both sisters.
01:32 So, we have the same birthday, December 8.
01:35 And we have the same name.
01:37 - Right? - Thank you.
01:39 Don't say my name.
01:41 - Just say yours. - Oh, just mine?
01:43 Okay.
01:44 So, I'm Maria Pia Concepcion.
01:47 And you're Maria P. Concepcion.
01:50 [laughs]
01:52 Don't say it. It's a perpetual.
01:54 - You said it too. - Yes.
01:56 It's okay.
01:58 You should not be shy.
02:00 Yes. You shouldn't be shy.
02:02 It's a beautiful perpetua.
02:05 [laughs]
02:06 Perpetua in Spanish means forever.
02:09 - It's a perpetual. - Right?
02:11 Forever beautiful.
02:13 Forever young.
02:15 Yes.
02:16 Birds of the same feather are hermanas.
02:19 [laughs]
02:21 - There. - Exactly.
02:23 Oh, Connie.
02:24 Well, first of all, thank you so much for guesting.
02:27 Because I know, for the sake of our listeners,
02:30 it's almost 6 in the evening.
02:32 But I know, for Connie, it's very late in the day.
02:34 Because Connie's day starts early.
02:37 - Not as early as before, 5.30 am. - Yes.
02:39 But it's still early.
02:41 Because you came from no personality.
02:43 One-on-one, no personality in DZBB.
02:46 Then you have Balita.
02:48 Then you're shooting Pinoy MD.
02:50 So, your day is long.
02:52 But before I do all my jobs,
02:56 for the day,
02:58 I'm a mother-in-law.
03:00 [laughs]
03:01 So, I really wake up not as early, like you said,
03:04 not as early as when I was doing Unang Hirit.
03:07 Which I do.
03:08 You know, we wake up at 3 am when we do Unang Hirit.
03:11 - That was before. - Before.
03:13 But now, I wake up at 6 o'clock.
03:15 It's still early.
03:17 So I can go to school.
03:19 I can go to school.
03:21 You have to remember, right?
03:22 One of the reasons, and of course,
03:24 I mentioned my reason for retiring after 13 years in Unang Hirit,
03:29 was because that was also my nephew's wish.
03:33 He wanted to see me when he wakes up in the morning.
03:37 [laughs]
03:38 - Oh, yes. - That's one.
03:39 - Aside from health. - Yes.
03:41 How can you deny that?
03:42 Actually, now that you mentioned it,
03:43 because you said you were 13 years in Unang Hirit,
03:46 and your nephew, Maxine, is how old?
03:48 10 years old.
03:50 So, yes, he didn't experience
03:52 that he would wake up in the morning
03:54 and you're still at home.
03:56 Yes. You know, during the pandemic,
03:58 one of the things that really touched my heart,
04:01 because when 2020 happened,
04:03 the pandemic started, right?
04:05 We were off the air for one month, right?
04:09 Our world was in a mess.
04:11 We didn't know.
04:12 That never happens on the news, right?
04:15 So, that one month,
04:17 he woke up and I was there by his side.
04:20 It was a realization.
04:21 Maybe she couldn't verbalize it at first,
04:24 what she was feeling,
04:25 but she went out and said,
04:27 "My dream is for me to wake up every morning
04:30 seeing you beside me."
04:32 So, that touched me.
04:35 And there were many factors.
04:36 I really prayed, right?
04:38 When I retired, you know, it's a sister thing.
04:40 I prayed for everything, right?
04:42 Especially for our important decisions.
04:44 I really prayed.
04:45 So, I prayed for that for a long time.
04:47 And then, when my daughter told me that,
04:49 and the following health-related issues
04:52 came to my body,
04:54 I said, "This is it, Lord.
04:56 Okay, it's very clear.
04:58 I will retire."
04:59 And it helps that your family is very supportive
05:02 of all your decisions,
05:03 of course, starting with your husband, Chris.
05:05 Of course, yes.
05:06 Chris is really...
05:07 What is it?
05:08 When I said that I will pray first,
05:10 he will pray with me.
05:12 And of course, every night,
05:13 I will pray with our daughter.
05:15 And she always prays every night.
05:17 She's so strong.
05:18 She's so strong with God, right?
05:21 Pure.
05:22 Her intentions and her heart.
05:24 But you know, I have no regrets, Marish.
05:26 You know that, sister.
05:27 When we decide to do something
05:29 that is aligned with God's purpose for us,
05:32 which is, first of all, God,
05:34 then our family, our husband,
05:36 and then our children,
05:38 and then our career,
05:39 and then ministry,
05:40 then everything will be blessed by God's way
05:43 for us to realize that this is the direction.
05:46 So, I have no regrets.
05:47 In fact, I'm also very happy when I wake up at 6 o'clock.
05:50 "Oh, I can sleep already."
05:52 What time do you sleep?
05:54 Later.
05:55 Oh, my God.
05:57 It's not even 8 yet.
05:58 I don't know.
06:00 Wait a minute.
06:01 I just woke up.
06:02 No, I also nap.
06:03 So, now, I sleep around 10.
06:05 10 p.m.
06:06 Before, when you were in the UH?
06:08 I was with Maxine around 8 p.m.
06:11 So, you can imagine,
06:13 there's no nightlife.
06:15 And if there is,
06:17 I really wake up around 8.30.
06:20 Yes.
06:21 I can imagine,
06:22 maybe Maxine is living the life now.
06:24 Because when she sleeps, you're with her.
06:26 When she wakes up, you're still there.
06:28 Yes, that's true.
06:30 So, I'm happy that she's happy.
06:32 You know that babies grow up fast.
06:34 We only have very limited time.
06:36 They still want to be with us.
06:38 Yes.
06:39 Because it's fast.
06:41 Because when it comes to TNs,
06:44 and I'm hoping that the longer period of time will extend,
06:48 when she wants to sleep beside me.
06:50 But normally, in my experience with my two daughters,
06:54 her sister and her two sisters,
06:56 I don't want to be beside them when they're 13.
06:59 I'll give you a few years with Max.
07:02 Yes.
07:03 So, savoring every moment with her.
07:06 Yes.
07:07 It's nice, Ermana, to be talking about your family life.
07:10 Because, is it okay with you,
07:11 tell us the dynamics,
07:13 you said that Maxine is your daughter.
07:15 You have an older daughter.
07:16 Your two older daughters are out of the house already.
07:19 Yes, out of the house.
07:20 We realized, my husband and I,
07:23 that we're suddenly doing empty nesting.
07:26 Because my two older daughters,
07:28 of course, we have an adult,
07:30 they're both adults, right?
07:32 One of them is still studying in Australia.
07:34 Suddenly, she's gone.
07:35 So, what's left is just a bunso, right?
07:39 So, now, it's like empty nesters, in a way,
07:41 that the three of us are the only ones in the house.
07:44 It's a bit difficult,
07:45 because I'm managing something,
07:47 because, for those who don't know,
07:50 the age gap of my daughters,
07:52 it's like 8 years, and then 10 years,
07:54 and then Maxine.
07:56 So, you can imagine,
07:57 there's always a stepmother.
07:58 Yes, right?
08:01 It's like the stepmother is repeated.
08:03 Yes, and then,
08:04 I reached a point where I didn't know
08:06 how I would date the three of them.
08:10 Because their interests are different, right?
08:12 But I'm happy, because my eldest,
08:15 she's like our third parent, right?
08:18 Because the gap is so big,
08:19 18 years, the gap between her and the bunso.
08:22 And then, my second daughter, 10 years.
08:25 So, I really have a lot of orders to them,
08:28 to take care of the bunso.
08:30 Our family life, it's okay.
08:32 I realized that it's okay,
08:34 because I'm a stepmother.
08:35 Maybe that's my reason,
08:36 that I didn't plan for that long.
08:39 But because I'm an OC,
08:40 I want to be a stepmother every stage.
08:42 Because I'm a working mom, right?
08:44 So, I wanted it that way,
08:46 that there's really a gap enough,
08:48 so that everyone feels like they're the eldest.
08:52 Yes, everyone has,
08:55 they can say they have a special bond with you.
08:57 Yes, that's right.
08:59 And we mentioned earlier,
09:00 how important it is to have a very supportive
09:03 and loving husband,
09:04 which is exactly what Kris is.
09:07 How many years have you been together, Kris?
09:09 Maybe, let's count.
09:11 It's been more than 20 years.
09:14 Of course, more than 20 years.
09:16 You know,
09:17 if someone met you for the first time,
09:20 when they saw you,
09:22 you're super sweet,
09:23 like you're newlyweds.
09:25 Yes, I don't know how I did it.
09:29 No, but really,
09:31 you know,
09:32 we're not perfect.
09:34 There's no perfect couple, right?
09:36 But I always say,
09:38 to those who ask,
09:40 "Why are we still so sweet?"
09:42 "How did it become like this?"
09:43 I always say,
09:44 it's a daily decision, right?
09:47 That you have to love,
09:48 even if you're seeing that
09:50 it's sometimes so annoying, right?
09:52 Like that, right?
09:53 But actually, it's true.
09:55 It's a daily decision,
09:56 that you have to love your spouse regardless.
09:58 Because you know,
09:59 you're doing it because you also love God.
10:01 Because that's a command, right?
10:03 From our Lord.
10:04 So, it's just like that.
10:05 We're really the same.
10:06 Sometimes, maybe,
10:07 He's also thinking about me.
10:08 But we know how to fight.
10:10 You know, like that.
10:11 Before, of course,
10:12 we used to fight when we were young, right?
10:14 But now, as we're getting older,
10:16 we know how to fight.
10:18 When it's like,
10:19 it's not like,
10:20 "Let's not sweat the small stuff."
10:22 You know, like that.
10:23 "Huh? It's okay now.
10:24 Let's not fight anymore.
10:25 You're famous. You're famous."
10:26 Love, love again.
10:28 Oh, wow!
10:29 A different level of maturity.
10:31 Oh, yes.
10:32 Sometimes, we're also mature.
10:33 But how did Chris court you?
10:37 Was it a long courtship?
10:38 How did you meet?
10:39 Actually, I don't know this story.
10:41 We've been friends for a long time.
10:42 I don't know.
10:43 How did you meet?
10:44 You know,
10:45 we have a lot of common friends.
10:47 A lot.
10:48 It's like we're in the same circle.
10:50 Like, for example,
10:52 we were in grade school, okay?
10:54 He was from Ateneo.
10:55 I'm from Miriam.
10:57 We were still in Merinol at that time.
10:58 And then, his best friend,
11:00 who lives in La Vista,
11:02 because it's close to Ateneo, right?
11:04 Lives also with his cousin
11:06 in the same compound.
11:08 I'm his friend, you know?
11:10 Ah, okay. I get it.
11:11 So, when we go to their house,
11:14 we don't really earn money.
11:16 Sometimes, it's like,
11:17 of course, when you're in grade school,
11:19 you don't think about anything, right?
11:21 We just play around there.
11:23 Sometimes, it's like Barbie, Barbie.
11:25 They're like that.
11:26 They're like,
11:27 they're up to something, right?
11:28 It's like that.
11:29 But what I mean is,
11:30 we've had connections for a long time.
11:32 But it was only when I was already working
11:35 in the network,
11:36 in the other field,
11:37 that there were people who asked me to go on a date.
11:39 It was three different groups
11:41 who told me,
11:42 "I'll ask you out.
11:43 It's okay.
11:44 You should go on a date."
11:45 But,
11:46 oddly enough,
11:48 we didn't meet.
11:49 Those three.
11:50 The three groups that you wanted to ask out,
11:52 all of them wanted you to go on a date with Chris.
11:54 Yes.
11:55 All of them wanted me to go on a date with Chris.
11:56 But,
11:57 these were different groups.
11:58 They didn't know each other.
12:00 Okay?
12:01 So, it wasn't really because I was so busy.
12:04 I was really focused on my career.
12:06 I was just starting out.
12:07 I was just a bit new then.
12:09 But,
12:10 it was really fun.
12:11 Because, I think,
12:13 God really made a way, right?
12:16 Because, one Friday,
12:18 after work,
12:19 my friends invited me
12:21 to go to this place
12:23 that was also new.
12:24 I said,
12:25 What place was that?
12:26 It was just new.
12:27 It was in Eastwood.
12:28 It was a new place.
12:31 It was just opened recently.
12:32 I thought it was Faces,
12:33 Euphoria.
12:34 No, no.
12:35 Because it was close.
12:36 I didn't want to go far.
12:37 I didn't want to go to Makati.
12:38 So, I said,
12:39 "Let's just go here."
12:40 And then,
12:41 at that time,
12:42 there was a big event.
12:43 I don't know if you remember,
12:44 but those events at that time
12:46 were really famous.
12:47 There were FHM events back then.
12:50 I said,
12:51 "There are so many people."
12:53 I said,
12:54 "I just want to relax."
12:55 "I just want to be quiet."
12:56 "You know,
12:57 some place that's not too crowded."
12:59 So, we went out of Eastwood.
13:01 Okay?
13:02 And then,
13:03 we saw a restaurant there nearby.
13:04 I said,
13:05 "Let's just go here."
13:06 I said that.
13:07 And then, not knowing,
13:08 I forgot because
13:10 the people who asked us to go on a date,
13:12 they mentioned Chris.
13:14 Sometimes, there was Escudero.
13:15 But, I didn't remember
13:17 that it was Chris Escudero.
13:18 Okay?
13:19 So, it came to the point
13:20 that when we got to his restaurant,
13:23 of course, he knew that it was me.
13:26 But, I didn't remember him.
13:28 Because, maybe he knew
13:29 because he saw me on TV.
13:31 He said.
13:32 But, he was also surprised.
13:33 We really didn't...
13:35 No one really set up that.
13:37 It was just fate.
13:39 Wow!
13:40 So, it was funny
13:42 because at that time,
13:43 he approached our table.
13:46 Then, he said,
13:47 "Hi."
13:48 "How are you?"
13:49 "You know this and that."
13:50 Then, I realized that
13:52 it was Chris Escudero
13:54 who was asking me to go on a date
13:55 that wasn't continuous.
13:56 And then, finally, we met.
13:57 But, at that time,
13:58 I don't know.
13:59 I said,
14:00 "I'm challenging him to be my friend."
14:03 Why?
14:05 Because, I feel like
14:07 my friend at that time
14:08 was really in a crush.
14:09 Ah!
14:10 Okay.
14:11 I was kicking under the table.
14:14 Wait.
14:15 Were you still friends with that friend?
14:16 Yes.
14:17 Of course.
14:18 Okay.
14:19 So, I said,
14:20 I introduced them.
14:21 They met.
14:22 Then, Chris told me,
14:23 later on, of course,
14:25 "I'm asking him why
14:27 while he's talking to me,
14:29 I'm directing him to our friend."
14:31 I don't remember.
14:32 So, it was like that.
14:33 To cut the long story short,
14:35 you know,
14:36 there's just something in me
14:37 that when I went home,
14:38 I thought,
14:39 "Ah, that's him."
14:41 Wow! Really?
14:42 After that first meeting?
14:43 Yes.
14:44 That's him.
14:45 And, he's really good.
14:46 I'm not telling this story yet,
14:47 even though it was a while ago.
14:48 But, he's really good.
14:49 Tell us first.
14:50 I don't know if I should tell you.
14:52 Okay, fine.
14:53 Tell us first.
14:54 You know, it's funny.
14:56 Because, I have this feeling,
14:58 "It's like him."
14:59 But, I didn't really notice him
15:02 because it's weird.
15:03 It's not like,
15:04 "Maybe."
15:05 It's just like that.
15:06 But, he's really kind.
15:07 And, there's just something in him
15:10 that I got attracted to.
15:12 He's kind.
15:13 He's a gentleman.
15:14 And, I told Gaby,
15:15 "Lord,"
15:16 I said,
15:17 I was praying,
15:18 "If he's really him, Lord,"
15:20 I said to him,
15:21 "I have a lot of lists."
15:23 He's really detailed,
15:26 "Maybe."
15:27 I wrote it down in detail,
15:28 this and that.
15:29 But, what's funny is,
15:31 I have a fast food restaurant
15:33 that I want to take him to.
15:35 And, I ordered a very specific burger
15:39 and an ice cream.
15:40 Specific, okay?
15:42 I said,
15:43 "If he wants that,
15:45 he's the one."
15:46 Wow, it's a sign.
15:48 It's a sign.
15:49 I don't know.
15:50 But, it's funny, right?
15:51 But, you know,
15:52 God is really humorous.
15:55 Because, several dates later,
15:57 out of the blue,
15:58 I forgot my list, right?
16:00 Because, I feel like I like him.
16:02 I'll like him, right?
16:04 But, of course,
16:05 I forgot what was on my list
16:07 and my condition for that food.
16:09 Then, one time, we went there.
16:12 He asked me,
16:13 "Can we do a drive-thru first?"
16:14 He said,
16:15 "He's really hungry."
16:17 I said, "Okay, fine."
16:18 Then, I thought,
16:19 because we were there
16:20 for the drive-thru of that fast food,
16:22 I said,
16:23 "Oh, no.
16:24 Maybe, if he really ordered this."
16:26 I was laughing, right?
16:27 In my head.
16:28 Then, to my surprise,
16:30 "Oh, my sister,
16:31 his order was just on time."
16:33 Right?
16:34 There it is.
16:35 Then, I said,
16:36 "It's so exact.
16:38 What's that?"
16:39 Then, I just laughed.
16:40 Then, I went home that night
16:43 thinking that I'll answer him.
16:45 Oh, you're not his boyfriend yet.
16:47 Not yet.
16:48 Just a date.
16:49 But, I said,
16:50 "I'll answer him
16:51 because the sign is very clear
16:52 because of the food."
16:54 I like him.
16:55 Right?
16:56 Along, of course,
16:57 with other traits, okay?
16:58 It's not that shallow.
16:59 I said, "There's a lot on my list."
17:01 He passed on the other one,
17:02 but I said,
17:03 "The others,
17:04 if this one is specific,
17:06 it's specific."
17:07 That's why I said,
17:08 "If you want to have somebody
17:11 that you want a partner in life
17:13 or a boyfriend,
17:14 be very specific to God
17:16 what you're going to pray for."
17:18 What I'm teaching my children now,
17:20 I said,
17:21 "Because my list is different.
17:23 I need this,
17:24 this, this, this, this."
17:25 But, I should,
17:26 I said,
17:27 what's in the first equation,
17:29 I told him,
17:30 "You have to find a man
17:31 that loves God the most."
17:33 I said,
17:34 "Because if that man
17:35 loves God the most,"
17:36 I said, "There's no problem."
17:37 Everything will fall in its place.
17:39 Everything will be fine.
17:40 That's my advice to my daughters.
17:42 Because daughters,
17:43 there are three of them, right?
17:44 Yes, three women.
17:45 Of course, you need to.
17:46 You need to give them
17:47 all the best advice
17:48 that you can give them.
17:49 That's right.
17:50 Yes.
17:51 Yes.
17:52 And I'm very happy
17:53 because my eldest
17:55 landed with a very good man.
17:56 And then,
17:57 my other daughter
17:58 is in Australia.
17:59 She's also in a lot of courts.
18:01 But she's sticking to her
18:02 perspective on life.
18:05 They have to really find
18:07 a man that truly loves God.
18:09 Growing up,
18:10 was your mom a working mom
18:12 or was she a stay-at-home mom?
18:14 Stay-at-home mom.
18:15 My mom was really devoted
18:17 to her children.
18:18 Maybe that's why
18:19 our example of being a mom
18:21 is really very strong.
18:23 Because my mom
18:24 is really a super mom.
18:26 She's a super mom.
18:27 Maybe that's why
18:28 when I work,
18:30 it's like something very new for me.
18:33 Because I haven't seen
18:35 my mom working.
18:36 She really takes care of us
18:39 because we're seven.
18:41 Wow, how many are you in seven?
18:43 I'm a youngest.
18:45 So, if I had seven kids,
18:48 maybe I wouldn't work anymore.
18:50 Maybe I wouldn't do it either.
18:52 Maybe the store would be closed.
18:55 But growing up,
18:58 I had that very strong idea
19:01 of what I want to become as a mom.
19:04 Of course, this is not a joke.
19:07 I know that you have to grow up.
19:11 So, I'm very, very happy
19:13 that I saw my mom's traits.
19:17 I'm not even half of how good
19:20 a mom she was to us.
19:21 But I try every day.
19:23 And I'm sure she's very proud
19:25 of all the efforts
19:27 that you're making now as a mom.
19:29 I hope so.
19:30 I only can pray.
19:32 Speaking of,
19:35 you said your mom was a stay-at-home mom,
19:37 but you've always been a working mom.
19:39 This career that we have both entered,
19:41 it's not a joke, it's hard.
19:43 It's very difficult to juggle your time.
19:45 As with any other career, of course.
19:47 But was it something that you have
19:49 always wanted to do,
19:50 being a broadcaster, being a journalist?
19:53 You know this story, Ermana.
19:55 I took up BS Psychology.
19:58 So, it's really far.
19:59 I didn't dream of it.
20:01 It wasn't something that was innate in me
20:03 that I really wanted to face in life.
20:05 Because I'm really shy in real life.
20:07 It's not just obvious.
20:08 Because, of course, I was used to it.
20:10 You seem to believe it.
20:11 Right.
20:12 Because I was used to it through the years,
20:14 when I dreamed of it.
20:15 Because this is my job.
20:16 At that time, I didn't know
20:19 what I wanted.
20:20 I realized that I wouldn't be able to do
20:23 the first job that I wanted to do.
20:27 That's why I took up BS Psychology,
20:29 which was to become a preschool teacher.
20:31 I wanted to open a preschool.
20:34 But at that time, it didn't work out for me.
20:36 Ever since, I had a relationship with our Lord.
20:41 I owe it to my mom.
20:42 Because she really made sure that we had
20:44 that relationship.
20:45 A deep relationship with God.
20:47 I always go to God and I ask Him.
20:50 During that time, I really cried.
20:52 Because I felt like, "What is this?
20:54 I don't know where I'm going
20:56 after everything that I did, I learned,
20:59 and it didn't work out for me."
21:01 So, after I prayed, I suddenly saw
21:05 a very beautiful newscaster
21:08 on Channel 9.
21:12 I said, "I want to be a newscaster."
21:16 That's it.
21:17 From then, I just practiced reading the newspaper.
21:21 Until now, there's still a newspaper hard copy.
21:26 But I practiced, practiced, and then I decided,
21:28 "Okay, I'll try to apply."
21:30 I was a walk-in applicant,
21:32 but I didn't apply for the big networks at that time,
21:35 Channel 2, Channel 7.
21:38 So, I applied.
21:39 I was a walk-in applicant for Channel 9.
21:41 At that time, there was Studio 23
21:43 and also Sarimanok News Network.
21:46 I just walked in on those three.
21:48 Then, I was blessed that Channel 9 called me one day
21:53 and then they told me,
21:55 "It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon."
21:57 It was my final interview.
21:59 They said, "I'm already being introduced to other staff."
22:02 And then they told me,
22:04 "Oh, it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
22:06 Can you make it back at 5?"
22:07 Then I looked at them,
22:09 "Yes, sir."
22:10 To anchor the evening newscast
22:13 together with Michelle Ovella Luna.
22:15 Michelle, remember?
22:16 Yes, who's now with PAL.
22:18 With PAL, yes.
22:19 So, before, Shelo used to be with Channel 9
22:22 as a news anchor for the evening newscast.
22:25 And they had a vacation.
22:26 They had a news anchor.
22:28 So, I was going to pinch-hit.
22:30 So, I did it for a week.
22:32 And you know, I was so happy
22:34 because they were happy.
22:37 Of course, I was going to come back.
22:38 I was just a pinch-hitter.
22:39 So, they offered me a permanent job as a reporter.
22:42 But at that time,
22:44 Studio 23 and SNN called me.
22:48 So, I needed to, in a way,
22:50 choose what path I really wanted at that time.
22:55 So, I politely and I'm very grateful until now
22:58 with the people in Channel 9.
23:00 Because that's where I really started.
23:02 They gave me that opportunity, that chance.
23:04 But eventually, I landed
23:06 and ended up working for Studio 23.
23:09 Why Studio 23?
23:11 Because at that time, they were only a year old.
23:14 That company.
23:15 So, I thought,
23:17 "At least, when Studio 23 grows,
23:20 I'll be a pioneer."
23:21 Right?
23:22 And Studio 23, as we know,
23:25 was a sister company also of Channel 2.
23:27 So, a lot happened.
23:29 I was a feature reporter at that time.
23:31 Just to cut the long story short,
23:33 I featured in a restaurant.
23:35 Suddenly, there was a big news.
23:39 I was in the area.
23:41 I was given a break for TV patrol.
23:44 The next day, they told me,
23:45 "Don't report to Studio 23 anymore.
23:47 Go straight to Channel 2."
23:50 And it went on and on.
23:52 But of course,
23:53 you didn't have a hard time making that shift
23:55 because Studio 23 was in English, right?
23:57 And when Channel 2 came, it was in pure Filipino.
24:00 [upbeat music]
24:04 Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?
24:07 What is climate change?
24:11 Because information is crucial,
24:13 we're giving you all the facts that you need.
24:15 What are the places in the Philippines that are COVID-free?
24:19 Introducing "Need to Know,"
24:20 a weekly explainer series from Jimmy Yusef Public Affairs.
24:24 Here's what you need to know.
24:26 Here's what you need to know.
24:27 Here's what you need to know.
24:28 Watch "Need to Know,"
24:30 available on Jimmy Yusef's Facebook page
24:32 and our YouTube channel.
24:34 [upbeat music]
24:36 You didn't have a hard time making that shift
24:38 because Studio 23 was in English, right?
24:40 And when Channel 2 came, it was in pure Filipino.
24:43 No, not really.
24:44 Because Tagalog is a bit hard.
24:46 [laughs]
24:48 They said,
24:49 "You know, that's their worry
24:51 when they let me go live."
24:53 Because Studio 23 was an English newscast.
24:55 Then they saw me, I was good-looking, and so on.
24:58 So their first question to my cameraman was,
25:01 "Do you know how to speak Tagalog?"
25:03 [laughs]
25:05 So I said, "Yes, I know."
25:07 "Okay, please report what's happening."
25:10 The MV "Princess of the Orient,"
25:11 I don't know if you remember.
25:13 So I broke that.
25:14 And it was fine.
25:16 And after that, I was given that opportunity
25:18 to actually do hard news already for TV Patrol.
25:21 It wasn't, you know,
25:23 after that, it was easier.
25:25 Because I remember Kabayan was telling
25:29 our executive producer for TV Patrol that time,
25:32 "Mierna, test first if you really know how to speak Tagalog."
25:35 [laughs]
25:36 So they voiced me as someone who's really
25:39 struggling with Tagalog.
25:41 [laughs]
25:42 So I was voiced.
25:44 Good thing it passed.
25:45 So there, after that, it went on and on.
25:48 How many years were you at ABS?
25:50 10 years with ABS.
25:51 And now, I've been at ABS for 16 years.
25:54 Wow! Has it been 16 years?
25:56 Yeah, 16 years.
25:57 That's fast.
25:58 Because I still remember the first day
26:00 that you entered the GMA.
26:02 I remember that because everyone was like,
26:04 "Hey, it's Connie Season. You're going to be here."
26:06 And everyone was like, "Wow, it's really Connie Season."
26:08 And then when you entered the makeup room,
26:10 I said, "Her whiteness is so bright."
26:12 [laughs]
26:14 That's so funny.
26:15 But you know, that was in 2007, I remember.
26:19 At 2006 or 2007, I think.
26:23 2007, my first day at Channel 7.
26:27 I was like, "Oh my gosh, I'm the newbie."
26:32 I was like that, right?
26:33 So I was nervous.
26:34 But you know, it's the best decision.
26:37 I believe that God also directed me.
26:41 As always, when there are transitions,
26:43 we're afraid at first.
26:44 But actually, God had other plans
26:47 and better ones that we can ever imagine.
26:49 I couldn't imagine that I would be moving
26:52 to my old channel.
26:54 But then, you know, this is God's plan.
26:56 And I've never been happier, I think.
26:58 I remember when you first started at GMA,
27:01 you were doing fieldwork
27:03 and you were doing the hourly updates.
27:05 - Right? Flash report. - Yes, right.
27:07 Right, right.
27:08 Flash report plus that.
27:09 And then since then, you have done...
27:12 - Unang Hirit. - We did it together there.
27:14 - Right? - Yes, at Unang Hirit.
27:16 - I retired earlier. - Documentaries.
27:18 And documentaries.
27:20 I remember we were with Rhea.
27:22 Yes, the three of us.
27:23 That was the first show that was given to me.
27:26 - Documentaries. - Really?
27:27 With you and Rhea.
27:29 Yes, that was in, I think, 2007.
27:32 If I remember correctly.
27:33 Yes. Actually, I still remember our pictorial.
27:36 Do you still remember our pictorial?
27:38 Of course.
27:39 I was so thin then.
27:43 I thought I was fat.
27:46 No, I was so happy because I think that was probably the first time
27:49 that we really had a chance to talk.
27:51 - Bonding, bonding. - Yes, bonding, bonding.
27:54 Because before, we were together in the makeup room.
27:57 But I remember this.
27:58 At that time, we were still doing the hourly updates.
28:00 The two of us and Rafi.
28:02 We were doing the hourly updates.
28:04 And then we went into the makeup room.
28:06 You were there.
28:07 I wanted to talk to you.
28:09 But I remember that was the time you were praying.
28:11 Because for our listeners, Connie is really a very prayerful person.
28:16 And it's so inspiring to see.
28:17 You know, you're busy in the middle of the day,
28:19 and then you see Connie so quiet in her corner.
28:22 And it's like the prayer is so deep.
28:25 - Am I sleeping? - No.
28:27 - I'm just sleeping. - Because your eyes are open.
28:31 Oh, is that so?
28:32 But we know that you're praying.
28:34 So we were saying, "Sh, Connie is still praying."
28:37 - "We might be able to storm Connie." - Yes.
28:40 What I do, because it's an hourly...
28:43 What do you call it? The flash report?
28:46 - Yes, the flash report. - It's like an hourly report.
28:48 So sometimes, I don't do anything.
28:51 So I just read.
28:53 And then sometimes, sporadically, I pray.
28:56 Even until now.
28:57 At that time, I do my quiet times.
28:59 Every time I'm waiting for my turn to do the flash report.
29:07 I try to just stay in one corner there.
29:09 That time.
29:10 But when we met, you saw how noisy I was.
29:13 And how annoying I was.
29:15 Everyone went out in the early morning.
29:18 I woke up early in the morning.
29:20 No, but those were the times.
29:24 Of course, slowly.
29:26 I try to get to know everyone.
29:31 Slowly.
29:32 I don't want to be like a stranger.
29:34 I don't want that.
29:37 But in all your years in GMA, what are the experiences that struck you the most?
29:43 Not necessarily coverage or story.
29:45 But really just a particular experience related to your work in GMA.
29:50 Okay.
29:51 Maybe the experiences that struck me.
29:53 You know that I had Maxine when I was 38 years old.
30:01 You were 38 then?
30:02 Yes, I was 38.
30:04 Oh, 38. Yes, I was 38. I'm still in doubt.
30:06 38 plus.
30:08 Yes, 38.
30:10 So, at that time, she was really attracted to me.
30:13 Because like I said, my children were always stupid.
30:17 I told my husband, "It's time."
30:23 Because it's been 10 years.
30:24 Just kidding.
30:25 It's time.
30:26 Because I wanted to have a baby again.
30:28 I miss it.
30:29 Gabby is already a big girl.
30:31 So, she was attracted to me because all my co-hosts were so attentive.
30:38 Because I was pregnant.
30:40 "You guys are the first ones to give birth."
30:43 So attentive.
30:44 Then, I planned to have another child.
30:47 So, I had other wives.
30:50 I'll have Ninong and Ninang for my last hurrah.
30:52 Supposedly.
30:53 But the doctor said, "Don't do it."
30:56 Because I was so experienced when I was pregnant with Maxie.
31:01 I was in the ICU twice.
31:04 I said, "Oh my God."
31:06 So, I said, "I don't think I can do it anymore."
31:09 After 2 years, I thought, "40 years is still okay."
31:13 But, God said, "It's enough."
31:17 So, you said, "It's okay. You already have 3 Marias."
31:20 Maybe that's why she was crying.
31:23 I realized, my friends, you guys in GMA, are not just my co-workers.
31:29 You are my lifelong friends.
31:32 Because we did this, Ninong, me, Ninang, and so on.
31:35 I just know that it didn't have to be that we would be Ninong and Ninang to each other.
31:42 To prove that we are going to be lifelong friends.
31:45 We are.
31:46 We already know that.
31:47 It's true that we care for each other.
31:51 We're there for each other when we need to.
31:53 Even if we don't.
31:54 Sometimes, we don't want to see each other.
31:56 But when we do see each other, we're just joking.
31:59 It's like that.
32:00 Sometimes, it's just everyday.
32:02 It's a quick day.
32:04 For 13 years.
32:05 Yes.
32:06 But now, it's rare to see each other.
32:08 When we see each other in the makeup room.
32:10 Yes.
32:11 Our greeting when we see each other in the makeup room,
32:14 it's not like, "Hi!"
32:16 We'll shout first.
32:17 "Hi!"
32:18 Like that.
32:19 Yes.
32:21 And the conversation is long.
32:22 Yes.
32:23 I realized that when we see each other,
32:26 we don't seem to be gone for a long time.
32:29 Yes.
32:30 We pick up always where we left off.
32:31 Yes.
32:32 It's true.
32:33 We make it a point.
32:34 Just so they know that our friendship is real.
32:39 Because we miss each other when it's been a while.
32:43 We're just at home.
32:46 Yes.
32:47 We're not at the age where we go out.
32:51 Yes.
32:52 It's not like that.
32:53 It's like that.
32:54 It's different.
32:55 Is that "Just got lucky?"
32:57 Yes.
32:58 "Just got lucky."
32:59 The dance moves are different.
33:00 Yes.
33:01 It's different.
33:02 But it's like that.
33:03 I'm happy.
33:04 Because I know that even if we'll probably retire from this business,
33:09 from this industry,
33:11 we'll always be friends and we'll always try to see each other.
33:16 Even if we'll have to go to different places in the future.
33:19 Yes.
33:20 Exactly.
33:21 Friendship is not just about work.
33:24 Yes.
33:25 But earlier, Connie, you said that you're lucky because when you got pregnant,
33:30 your co-hosts were very attentive.
33:32 And I think also, isn't it super okay that you have a lot of doctors on the show?
33:38 Super.
33:39 That's true.
33:40 I told you, it's a blessing that I had Pinoy MD.
33:44 Because at that time, actually in 2010, we started Pinoy MD.
33:51 It's a blessing that you realized that you have acquaintances and close doctors.
33:58 Because we also have people who call us at any time of the day
34:03 that you're worried for your kids or for yourself or your husband.
34:08 It's also different when you have someone you can trust, right?
34:11 With the doctors.
34:12 So, you know, I'm so happy, I'm so blessed.
34:14 I really consider them also my lifelong friends.
34:17 They're my children's nannies and nannies.
34:20 So, for me, I said that 13 years of doing Pinoy MD is one of my greatest blessings from our Lord.
34:29 Wow, I can't believe it's already 13 years.
34:31 Yes, it's really fast.
34:33 Going on 14.
34:34 Because we have two anniversaries.
34:37 One is June 12 and the other is November.
34:40 Why two?
34:41 Because the department changed.
34:44 But the first one was when Ma'am Rikki Escudero started.
34:48 Then after that, it was turned over to Public Affairs.
34:51 So, it's November.
34:52 But the same year.
34:53 So, it's just fun, right?
34:55 So, both anniversaries, we celebrate it.
34:58 My friends and I and the doctors.
35:02 Wait, how did you start as host of Pinoy MD?
35:05 I mean, was it something that you were really interested in?
35:08 Was it something you had conceptualized or did you get closer to it?
35:14 Yes, Ma'am Rikki Escudero just offered it to me.
35:19 Then they have a concept.
35:21 Then they said it's a medical show.
35:24 And of course, I was so happy when I learned that it's a medical show.
35:27 Because I knew at that time that medical is different.
35:33 Because it won't be ever outdated.
35:36 There will always be news about new discoveries about health.
35:41 Or breakthroughs.
35:43 Or just to be able to--
35:45 And it's also public service.
35:47 I really like that.
35:48 Because I've always been aligned with doing public service shows.
35:53 Even when I started with Hoy Gising.
35:56 Then I did an on-call there with Ivan Mayrina.
36:00 Yes, on CUE TV.
36:03 Yes.
36:04 So, I thought, "Wow, this medical show will help a lot."
36:09 Because there are a lot of us, as we know, until now,
36:12 that are deprived of health workers or facilities even in the far-flung areas.
36:19 Are not that equipped.
36:21 We have ideals in the provinces.
36:26 You know, it's really fun because Pinoy MD was born in terms of having another branch.
36:33 Like, "This is for radio."
36:36 Pinoy MD had a double B.
36:38 You know, it's really fun because it's live.
36:41 So, I get calls.
36:43 I get text messages from our listeners and viewers.
36:47 Because we're still on Radyo TV.
36:48 We're also on GTV at 7.30 in the morning.
36:52 Right after Pinoy MD at GMA, it's 6 to 7.
36:57 Then at 7.30, Pinoy MD at Double B live.
37:00 So, I get questions every Saturday morning.
37:05 And then I realize that they said, "Thank you so much."
37:09 Because we don't have money to go to the doctors to ask if we should really go to the hospital.
37:17 So, we do that in the program.
37:19 And also with Pinoy MD TV in Channel 7.
37:23 Because imagine our topics, we do everything timely.
37:29 We're given the opportunity to pass the information to our viewers for the past 13 years.
37:37 They understand because we're given case studies that they can relate to.
37:44 Or we lower the highfalutin medical terms to the idea that everyone can understand.
37:52 So, it's fun because we can help in that manner for 13 years.
37:57 Are there any topics in Pinoy MD that you discussed that you realized, "Oh wait, this applies to me."
38:04 Or I know you've shared also some of your health stories on Pinoy MD, right?
38:09 Yes.
38:10 Why are you laughing?
38:11 I'm laughing because you know, you asked that.
38:14 I feel like I'm doing an example of diseases recently.
38:18 Oh my!
38:19 Yes, because starting last year, October, right?
38:24 Actually, I had appendectomy for one year.
38:27 Last October 17, last year, I had a series of different diseases.
38:33 I said, "Lord, I'm in need."
38:35 It's like I was given an example of all of our topics in Pinoy MD.
38:39 So, I had appendectomy last October 17.
38:43 It was sudden, right?
38:45 So, my appendix was almost about to burst.
38:47 Thank goodness, I was able to hold on.
38:49 And then after that, I had a super painful neck.
38:54 I had spasms and so on and so forth.
38:58 So, I was given an example of diseases.
39:00 So, I said, "Lord, I'm in need."
39:03 My illness was like, "I'm in need."
39:06 Thank goodness, I always get to recover.
39:09 So far, my health is good.
39:11 But in terms of really becoming an example, I felt that.
39:16 I hope that other diseases won't get worse.
39:20 That's our player always, right?
39:22 That God will keep us healthy and strong, right?
39:25 And also our loved ones.
39:27 I'm sure you have healthy lifestyle tips.
39:30 Because prevention is always better than cure.
39:33 Of course, of course.
39:34 We always remind people, right?
39:36 Like you said, prevention is still better than cure.
39:40 So, it's really a healthy lifestyle.
39:42 There's no other way.
39:43 There's no shortcut.
39:44 If we want to achieve that, we really have to work hard.
39:49 And like I always say,
39:50 this is what I've been telling the Filipino MD for the past 13 years.
39:55 I said, "I will make my tagline.
39:58 I believe in it."
40:00 I said, "We should take care of our bodies."
40:03 Because we're all alone, right?
40:05 So, we should take care of our bodies.
40:07 Because we don't have a spare tire in the car, right?
40:12 But if one of our bodies gets sick, it's hard.
40:16 How can we manage this?
40:18 So, while you're not sick,
40:20 while you're able to do things,
40:23 we should take care of our bodies.
40:25 I know because we're going to reach an age
40:28 where there are factors that will affect our aging.
40:32 But they say,
40:34 "There are those who age gracefully
40:36 because they took the time to take care of themselves
40:39 while they're still young."
40:40 They didn't abuse it.
40:42 So, that should be our mindset.
40:44 We need enough sleep.
40:46 I realized that.
40:48 How important having 8 hours of sleep is.
40:52 I don't blame anyone.
40:55 Of course, I love doing Unang Hirit.
40:57 I love it until now.
40:58 They'll always be a part of me.
41:00 My Unang Hirit family.
41:02 But of course, the problem for me,
41:05 I'm not a kid anymore.
41:07 I wake up very early.
41:10 I've been doing the morning show ever since.
41:13 I'm on the other side.
41:14 So, for 23 years, I've been waking up 24 years.
41:18 It really took a toll on my body
41:21 to the point that my hormones got confused.
41:24 But I'm so happy and grateful
41:26 that I had enough sleep.
41:29 You know, recently, I had my blood test,
41:32 my blood workup.
41:33 Everything is so normal.
41:35 That's why I'm happy.
41:36 Oh, that's great news!
41:38 Some doctor friends were telling me,
41:41 "The hormonal problem is not fixed
41:44 if you don't get enough sleep for at least 8 hours
41:48 or even 6 hours.
41:49 As long as you can sleep well."
41:51 But we can't do it like that
41:53 if we're still young.
41:55 And then, of course,
41:56 healthy lifestyle means eating, right?
41:59 A balanced diet.
42:00 And there's no other way.
42:04 We should really move around.
42:06 Even simple stretches, exercises,
42:09 they don't have to be hardcore, right?
42:12 It should be up to our age.
42:14 We should be teaching experts
42:17 what is the best exercise for our age.
42:21 Right?
42:22 It shouldn't be just anything.
42:23 And it should have stretching.
42:25 And of course,
42:27 you learn not to suck on anything
42:30 or be stressed out by the little stuff every day.
42:34 So I always advocate for us to have peace in our hearts.
42:38 And I can only say that I'll have that personally
42:42 if I get to connect with our Lord.
42:44 So it's a true prayer every day.
42:47 I think that's the best advice.
42:49 You should have peace in your hearts.
42:51 Actually, and you know what?
42:53 It really dates from you
42:54 because when we're together,
42:56 you know, when you're with someone,
42:59 you're really light when you're with them
43:01 because that person has so much peace radiating from them.
43:04 You know, for example,
43:05 I'm going to the makeup room and I'm so stressed
43:07 and when I see you,
43:08 "Oh, she's gone."
43:10 Well, thank you, Irmana.
43:12 Because of that,
43:14 I'll give you a free ride.
43:17 Okay, tomorrow.
43:18 Tomorrow.
43:19 Okay, okay.
43:20 Oh, Irmana, thank you so much.
43:22 Thank you, Hap.
43:23 And congratulations on Pinoy MD's 13th year.
43:27 14th?
43:28 13th.
43:29 13th year, but of course,
43:31 14th is just a short time.
43:32 Yes, it's short.
43:33 Because I said, June next year,
43:35 and November again.
43:36 So we're hoping that God will bless us
43:39 with more years of being able to serve our Kapuso
43:43 through our program, Pinoy MD.
43:45 I hope you'll click on it
43:47 because we're still working on our program.
43:50 It's on GMA Network, Channel 7,
43:53 at 6 to 7 a.m.
43:55 Every Saturday, Pinoy MD.
43:58 So we'll see each other there
44:00 for the care of our health
44:02 because our bodies are only one.
44:04 So we should take care of it.
44:07 Invite our Kapuso to all your other shows,
44:10 everything that keeps you busy,
44:12 wherever we can watch you and catch you,
44:14 even on social media.
44:15 Yes, thank you so much, Irmana.
44:17 I'm grateful for your continuous support
44:20 for our programs.
44:22 Particularly, I start, of course, with one-on-one.
44:25 No personality, because that's at 9 a.m.
44:28 Monday to Friday, I'm with Arnold Clavio.
44:31 And of course, this is on the radio.
44:33 9 to 10 a.m. on DZBB.
44:35 We'll be discussing
44:39 what we should know about our country.
44:42 After that, around 10.30.
44:45 In the morning, on GTV,
44:47 I'm with Raffy Tima,
44:49 Aubrey Carampel, and Katrina Son.
44:51 We're the group of news
44:54 that always has great news for you.
44:57 And of course, Pinoy MD.
45:00 Every Saturday.
45:02 We've been with Pinoy MD for 13 years.
45:05 6 to 7 a.m. on Channel 7.
45:08 We'll take care of the health.
45:11 Pinoy MD. 6 to 7 a.m.
45:14 On Channel 7.
45:16 And 7.30 to 8.30 a.m.
45:19 I'm live on DZBB and GTV.
45:22 For Pinoy MD on DZBB.
45:24 Every Saturday.
45:26 So, no rest.
45:28 But we're happy.
45:31 Thank you, Lord.
45:32 That's why we need to go on vacation.
45:34 Sometimes, we need to balance.
45:37 I really advocate that.
45:39 You know, work-life balance.
45:42 For our own sanity.
45:44 Yes, and for the sanity of those around us.
45:47 Yes, of course.
45:48 That's right.
45:49 It's hard.
45:50 It's a mix of both.
45:53 They're pitiful.
45:55 Thank you, Connie.
45:58 Thank you so much.
46:00 Bye-bye.
46:01 Thank you.
46:02 This surprise was planned by the team of
46:07 Ronald Ramido and Aubrey de los Reyes.
46:09 Edited by Shirley Paghiligan,
46:11 and by the amazing people of GMA Integrated News.
46:13 Don't forget to like and subscribe.
46:15 Till the next surprise!
46:17 [Music]
46:21 [BLANK_AUDIO]