Kape at Balita: Writer's Episode
It feels good when you see yourself on TV. It seems that you are also a celebrity even if it will only last for a minute; at least you became famous for a while. Remember, almost every Filipino household have TV sets. Thanks to my blog because I was noticed by the researcher of GMA News TV named Arra Yendi Mendez when she visited my Tagalog blog (Sanib-Isip). That time, she was looking for a topic about Pinoy craft. She read one of my articles that tackles Original Pilipino Music and after that she sent an email asking if I am willing to be interviewed, without saying that she is working for a TV network. She gave her contact number and I coordinated with her immediately. We met in Farmers Plaza in Cubao and she learned that aside from blogging I’m also a book author. I released several books under Psicom Publishing. She introduced herself that she is from the marketing department of Kape at Balita, a news TV program every morning in GMA News TV or Channel 11. Said news program is already defunct now.
Their client, Nescafe Classic, was looking for ordinary people like me who promote our culture. And of course to be a one-day endorser of Nescafe Classic under their segment "Para kanino ka bumabangon". It is an honor to do that because I am a coffee lover and I also drink that coffee brand. However, it took months before the taping was for the episode was done. It would only last for more than a minute but it took 3 hours before it was finished. It was very detailed because the cameraman needed to shoot many angles. I understand that, because it was not the first time that I was seen on TV. I was already seen on Mga Kwento ni Marc Logan of TV Patrol when I was still a member of Association of Filipino Poets. They covered us when we did a Balagtasan. I was also included in a teaser when I auditioned for Wazzup Wazzup of Studio 23. The last is when I was featured in GMA 7's 100% Pinoy - the topic was about texting.
My segment for Nescafe Classic was entitled "Manunulat". I was interviewed by the witty and beautiful host Valerie Tan. The funny thing is, during the interview, I drank lots of cups of coffee. Their staff joked that I should not drink too much coffee so I would not get nervous. But all I can say is, Nescafe Classic is really great because of its aroma and good taste. A writer like me needs to drink coffee while writing because it serves as an energizer. It will help me stay awake and have an alert mind. After the taping, they gave me one pack of Nescafe Classic as a token of their appreciation, which I shared with my office mates and housemates.