Korina: Golden Girl

Veteran broadcast-journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas is arguably one of the most visible female news personalities in the industry with a prodigious career of almost 30 years — inspiring women who start from the bottom and work towards their dreams as far as they can imagine. And yet very little is known about her personal life outside what is seen and heard of her on her top-rating platforms. 

Korina did not celebrate her milestone last year as she turned the big 5-0. So this year, 50 friends and loved ones come together, exclusively, and for the first time, to spill the beans on the Korina they know off-camera. 

1. Nanay Fe Mazo, 40 years kasambahay of Sanchez Family

Hindi ako pinapabayaan lalo sa pangangailangan ko ngayon. Pang habang buhay yung mga gamot ko. Nagsilbi ako sa pamilya Sanchez ng buong buhay ko, mahigit 40 years ako sa kanila. Parang pamilya ang trato nila sa akin. Ang tawag nila sa akin “Nanay.”

2. Dr. Vivian Sarabia, Optometrist

In 2003, I underwent chemotherapy for colon cancer treatment. During those days of loneliness and uncertainty, Korina would call me and, for two hours on the phone, she shared with me the latest showbiz news. She was diverting my attention from the terrible side effects of my cancer treatment. By the time we were done talking, my chemo was also done. Looking back, I realize that, while my oncologists managed my illness, my dear friend Korina took care of my well-being. Korina will always be my soul sister. She is a blessing indeed.

3. Patrick Rosas, Stylist

She has a big and good heart to listen anytime as a true friend. I think she’s cool, and really funny!

4. Bernadette Sembrano, Anchor TV Patrol

Si Ate Koring ay totoong tao. Very supportive siya sa TV Patrol assignments ko. At Ang paalala niya sa akin — ‘wag kalimutan ang mag pilikmata! Thanks, Ateng!

5. Ivy Almario, Interior Designer

Korina has an innate, unerring eye for good design! Her taste in artworks, furniture and accessories while very original, reflects years of honing through travel and the sheer delight of immersing herself, in anything design-related. She cares about shaping the space around her, and transforming it from the ordinary to beyond!

6. Robin Padilla, Actor

Well, I always look at Ms. Korina Sanchez as a public servant. She has the decency of a highly-educated woman and a soft heart for the victims of injustice. I know what I’m talking about because she never abandoned me when I was in prison.

7. Abon Cimafranca, friend of 15 years

So many don’t know the comedian side of Korina. She is one of the funniest people I know.

8. Atty. Romeo G. Roxas, Barangay Umiray Community Developer, Green Square

After Typhoons Winnie, Violeta and Yolly in November 2004 that caused so much destruction, Korina came to Aurora to do a story on the devastation that killed so many people. After her reporting, Korina came back. She skipped altogether the celebration of her birthday to instead help the disaster victims of Umiray, Dingalan and Aurora. She sold her personal bags and clothes in a bazaar and used the proceeds to finance the construction of row houses in Umiray, and the purchase of a jeep which she gave to the community for their transport needs from the mountains.

9. Boy Abunda, ABS-CBN colleague and friend

That she’s driven is true. That she is obsessed with excellence is true. That she is impervious is true. That rest is either myth or urban legend. Korina Sanchez is inarguably a formidable force both as a person and as a professional — and some make a fuss about it because she’s a woman and she does it her way.

10. Arma Avendaño-Bacar, Writer and Assistant of 12 years

I love the simplicity of her heart. During one of her birthdays, we went to Boracay. She was so happy as she was to be married soon. We were in the beach front, ang lakas ng alon, then she asked me, “Arma, talon tayo against the waves?!” And, literally, we were jumping with the waves. And then she asked me, “Sigaw tayo?” So we went, “Waaaahhhhh” — habang bumabagsak kami sa buhangin. Only one of the so many memories I will forever treasure in my heart about Ma’am Korina. Simple and real. My whole family loves her to the moon and back!

11. EG Ruiz, elder brother

She used to be so difficult to feed as a child. I remember the cook would have to place a lizard inside a bottle all throughout the meal for her to chew on her food. This, I swear, went on for years.

12. Jojie Dingcong, Talent Manager, friend of 25 years

Korina in a word? She is real...no drama. I love her. My sis and my friend for life. Totoong tao.

13. Dr. Rachael Rosario of Childhaus

Korina always remembers the kids of Childhaus Center For Children With Cancer during Christmastime. She gives them unique experiences as her gifts to them. Dinala niya sila sa Disney On Ice sa Araneta Coliseum and, one time, pina-experience pa niya sa mga bata ang makasakay sa eroplano in a short local trip.

14. Margot Torres, VP-Marketing, McDonald’s Philippines

Korina in one word for me is: perfectionist. And I am, too. So I think that’s why we have gotten along really well all these years. I admire Korina because she does not compromise her standards and someone always needs to do that to bring the best out of people.

15. Jannice Fortes, Executive Assistant

I always have a long list to do everyday for Ma’am Korina.  But reminding her about bird feeding is for me the cutest of all in that list. Sino pa ba ngayon ang nakakaisip na magpakain ng mga ibong gala? At 9 a.m., you will see Ma’am K feeding the birds na dumadapo sa garden nila sa bahay. She is a certified animal lover.

16. Erlinda Carlos, Korina’s aunt

I have known my niece Korina to be a person of strong convictions, generous, and with a deep sense of family values. When doctors gave up on her mother, then very ill, it was Korina who did not give up. When everyone said my sister had no more hope, Korina refused to believe it. By herself, she managed to bring her mother to the US, staying by her side in hospital until her Mom, my sister, was ready to go home. You might say that she saved her mother’s life.

She has been the strong pillar in her family especially after her parents passed away. I call her the “glue” in the family because wherever she is, she makes every effort to gather everybody together.

17. Mickey Sanchez, youngest brother

Being the only girl among three brothers, Korina was then about 12 and she desperately wanted a baby sister when our Mom was pregnant for the last time. Hence, when our mom gave birth to me and found out I turned out to be a boy, she got so upset and cried the whole day. To make up for it, she insisted on dressing me up like a girl until I was about two years old, with nail polish and all — and wala akong magawa, haha!

18. Bubbles Rodriguez, former segment producer, TV Patrol

She is a remarkable one-woman team. What impresses me most about her is how knowledgeable she is as a broadcast journalist — writing, editing, directing, producing, lighting...

The best stories about Korina are those from behind the camera — like how she would iron her own clothes in the office, at pinaplantsa niya ang damit niya habang suot niya, haha! I live abroad now but it is an honor and privilege to have worked with her.

19. Paolo Baluyut, working student, one of Korina’s scholars

Hindi pinababayaan ni Ate Korina ang aming pamilya lalo na noong na-diagnose ang uncle at auntie ko sa sakit na cancer. Kung hindi rin dahil sa kanya ay hindi ako makakatungtong sa kolehiyo at makakakuha ng kursong Engineering sa UE.

20. Ona Unico, Korina’s production coordinator of 19 years

In 2009, during my greatest trial, lesions formed all over my body and I thought it was the end of me. I couldn’t work because of my health situation. I had left her show, Rated K, long before this. But I had to swallow my pride and e-mailed Madam K for help. I told her what I was going through and that I wanted to work so I can earn the money to maintain my medical needs. Her reply, “Hindi kita pagtatrabahuhin muna, Ona. Magpagaling ka muna and I will take care of all your medicines.”

21. Leo Laparan II, Manila Bulletin Research Head, Korina’s classmate in MA Journalism, Ateneo de Manila University

Fate made this ordinary man and a popular figure in Philippine broadcast media cross paths and form bonds — if only for a short two weeks. And she never forgets. Last Christmas, she lovingly scouted for several copies of the journalism bible The Elements Of Journalism, a book we all couldn’t find locally. She sent those individually to our Ateneo batch mates. It was a pleasant surprise for all of us, her classmates.

22. Joanne Ramirez, Allure Editor, The Philippine STAR

When I was lining up at the fast lane (because a representative of the airline was assisting me) of the immigration line at NAIA, some time 2009, somebody called out to me. “Joanne!” It was Korina and she was lining up with everybody else at the longest queue. Seeing my expression she said, “I’m doing this for Mar,” she said. “Because this is where he would line up.” Realistically, at that time, Korina was the broadcast queen of primetime and I’m sure she could have had some courtesies of the port at her taking. But she lined up like all the other passengers who had no titles or so-called connections. So when you see her lining up now, believe me it’s nothing new.

23. Ms. Rosa Rosal, Philippine National Red Cross Ambassador

I have been blessed with people around me, one of them is Korina. I like her very much because we share the same passion — that is to help vulnerable people. She is a big help to the Red Cross, aside from being a blood donor, she always promotes a strong advocacy in the voluntary blood donation program. She has, therefore, saved lives literally, and in so many other ways.

24. Tyra Janelle Sanchez, niece, 14 years old

Every year since my cousin Maya and I were about five years old, our Tita Korina and we would have a “girls’ day out” where she brings us to three stores: A toy store, a bookstore and a salon. These days, the toys have been replaced by fashion, haha! At the end of every day, she would tell us a “lesson of the year,” like, “why you have to obey your parents” or “why it’s important to get good grades and a good job later on.” Her deal with us girls is, “You can get all the concert tickets you want — on condition that you marry at 30 years old.” Our Tita Korina is like our second Mom. She is my idol.

25. Maya L. Sanchez, niece, 15 years old

She may not know it, but then through her stories and pieces of advice, she taught me how to be willful. She taught me that not everyone will like you, but you’re going to have to accept the fact. She taught me that failure is inevitable.  But on top of it, she taught me to stay strong no matter what; to pick yourself up whenever life pushes you down and that is the most beautiful thing.  

26. Jana Padilla, businesswoman, friend of 25 years

I met Korina when both our boyfriends were working as doctors in the emergency room. We would meet there when we both brought food for the doctors near midnight. We were both money-earners for our families and we were, at the time, both struggling young entrepreneurs. We both had no money for extras that time. But I found myself in an emergency situation and needed help. I couldn’t tell my friend Korina because I knew she didn’t have much to help me with. But then, when she found out, while we were talking one day, she said, “Paano yan? We both don’t have the money.” And then the most unimaginable thing. Korina looked at her hand. She was wearing a simple everyday ring. And then she said, “We have money now.” She took her ring off and gave it to me to pawn temporarily — just so I could meet my emergency. “I don’t think this would fetch much. But use it muna and give it back when you’re okey na.”

27. Kata Inocencio, TV Host/Producer, Kumare

May pagkabruha talaga, hahaha! For a reason! But she is the most misinterpreted person — for I know her to be the most excellent worker and most generous friend. Great mind. Greater heart.

28. Joseph Felix Assad, Honorary Consul of Lebanon to the Philippines

I have loved, admired and respected Korina Sanchez-Roxas for 25 years now. I used to listen to her on AM radio to improve my Tagalog as a balikbayan. I loved her views, her opinions and her mind. I was surprised and excited to meet her one New Year’s Eve after so many years of listening to her every single day. The crush ng bayan. We have been friends now for the last 20 years as we are birds of the same feather sharing the same views on life in general. To know Korina is to love her.

29. Stanley Castro, Executive Producer, Rated K

Some people see Korina as the strict, perfectionist boss. But not a lot of people know that she is also the kind of boss who never missed an opportunity to demonstrate valuable life lessons along the way — like saving for the future and valuing our health. When one of our staff members got hospitalized for pneumonia and kidney failure, Korina shouldered the expenses (including burial fees, because our staff eventually died from it). She went to the wake and made everyone laugh in her speech about her staff, bringing tears of joy to the bereaved mother’s eyes.

30. Mylene Pura-Arroyo, classmate, friend of 40 years

Wow, so many things people don’t know about her. In high school and college, she was known for many things: She cooks well. She sings well. She was in the varsity volleyball team. She won in debates and declamation contests. The upper classmen picked on her because she had nice hair. But they all eventually became her friends, won them over. Story of her life, I guess.

31. Ninoy, family driver of seven years 

Tuwing Pasko nga, pati mga anak ko may regalo din galing sa kanya. Hindi ko malilimutan noong binigyan n’ya ng computer ang anak ko na nag-aaral sa college. May educational bonus kami sa kanya tuwing Hunyo dahil importante kay Ma’am na ang mga anak namin lahat sa staff niya ay nag-aaral.

32. Noli “Kabayan” de Castro, former Vice President, TV Patrol anchor

Isang example ng pagiging professional ni Korina sa pagbo-broadcast. Isa siyang executive producer na magmamando sa buong staff. Ay, kahit ano pong stress niyan behind the camera, pag harap po niya parang normal na normal lang. At eto pa, in a few seconds lang, kayang-kaya niyang mag-make-up sa sarili niya! Pagsigaw ng floor director na, “Ms. Korina, game na po tayo,” pag harap niya sa camera, ready on the air na kapag bumasa ng balita!”

33. Myrna dela Torre, former executive producer, TV Patrol

If there is one thing I could not do without during Christmas, it’s Korina’s blueberry cheesecakes. Hindi ko alam kung paano natutunan ng isang Korina Sanchez ang pagbe-bake ng ganoon kasarap na cake. She has struck me as a hard-hitting journalist, especially during our Hoy Gising! days. Hanggang natuklasan ko na Korina is a charmer in the kitchen.

34. Rannie Racelis, Korina’s cameraman of 16 years

Nagpapasalamat ako kay Madam Korina dahil tinulungan niya akong magkabahay, kaya para sa akin, ang pagiging kapamilya ay di lamang sa dugo nasusukat. Masyado siyang thoughtful na tao at di lamang boss.

35. Dyan Castillejo, TV anchor

I always admire her incredible work ethic, her desire for excellence and super articulate communication in both English and Filipino. She is my sister in the Lord and I will always be her faithful prayer warrior.

36. Dissah Caguiat, Production Assistant

Nag-speech po si Ma’am Korina sa San Miguel, Bulacan at napakaraming tao ang gustong lumapit sa kanya. Nakapasok na po kami ng van nang may kumatok sa sasakyan, isang lalaki kasama ang batang lalaking anak. Humihingi po sya ng pambili ng basketball para sa bata. Sinabi ko po na babalikan nalang namin sila kasi nagmamadali na kami.

Napagsabihan po ako ni Ma’am at sabi niya, “Sa palagay mo ba mababalikan pa talaga natin sila? Biruin mong dala pa nya ang anak niya dito siksikan para makabili lang ng basketball? P500 lang yan, hindi pa ba natin ngayon tutulungan yan, kaya naman natin? Ibigay mo ang pambili ngayon na.”

37. Arnold Vegafria, Talent Manager, Business Partner, Friend

She’s a softie who can melt your heart with her overwhelming thoughtfulness and generosity. Did you know that during one of my birthdays some years back, she actually took a day off just so that she could prepare for my surprise celebration? She didn’t even report for her daily TV Patrol stint! She actually went to Dangwa to buy the flowers, made all the arrangements for the caterer, hired a live band, and even had a customized cake made for me.

38. Doris Bigornia, News Personality, Friend of 30 years

I remember an incident a few days before her wedding. She asked me to go to her house. I was really shocked to see her: No make-up, really pale and with what looked like blood oozing from her towel-draped head. My SOCO instinct told me I should rush her to the hospital right then and there. Then she told me: “Ano ba ang tinitingnan mo dyan? Nagpakulay ako ng buhok dahil namumuti na, at wala akong time para maghintay sa parlor para kumapit ang kulay!” I was thinking, could she have lost it as it was just a few days before the wedding? We both laughed so hard, we couldn’t breathe.

39. Girlie Rodis, Korina’s Business Manager

People presume that the Korina Sanchez they see — strong and independent — is the Korina up close and personal. Definitely, there is a strong woman there. But what they do not see is the vulnerable Korina. I have seen this more than a few times. When her eyes moisten involuntarily. What people least know about her is she is pusong mamon.

40. Milano B. Sanchez, Brother

Every time I’m in trouble or in question about some issue during family meetings, I brace for my Ate’s sermon. And then I start praying for her pet dogs to come out. Why? Because once her pet dogs Goya (a Labrador) and Kolette (a toy schnauzer) appear, her mood immediately changes and she transforms into a loving and malambing doggie mommy right before everyone’s eyes. My sister appears to be poised and calculated to many most of the time but, during family gatherings, she eats, drinks, jokes and laughs like her brothers do. She actually is the funniest among us. Her comedic timing, wit and dry humor cracks us up every time. She is actually one of the best comedians I know.

41. Atty. Mike Toledo, SVP-Corporate Affair Philex Mining Corporation

Korina is a very thoughtful person. She has so many godchildren but never forgets anyone every Christmas, including my son Javi. As a hostess entertaining, she leaves nothing to chance. Korina in a word? Elegant.

42. Paloma, Counseling Astrologer and Feng Shui Consultant

One day I asked about her love life. She wrote down three birth dates on a piece of paper and she asked me, “Who is the one for me?” half jesting. I read the charts and matched it with hers. I chose the last date on the paper. It turned out to be the birthday of Mar Roxas. Five years later, they were married.

43. Ferdie Dugay, TV Patrol Segment Producer

Mahusay siyang reporter. One lazy news day, Bandila producer Paul Henson was casually chatting with Korina about not having a big enough story for the evening’s line-up. Korina asked him, “What did you have in mind?” The producer said, “an exclusive story,” just like that. Mahirap ‘yun. It took just one working day for Korina to astound the producer. That same night she came back with an investigative story about celebrities on the drug watch list of the PDEA, and clubs in the metro known to be hubs of drug trading. That same year, Korina received the Ka Doroy Valencia Broadcaster Of The Year from the Kapisanan Ng Mga Brodkaster Ng Pilipinas.

44. Maricel Soriano, Actress and Friend

Tunay na kaibigan si Tita K. Kapatid na ang turing ko sa kanya. At bilib na bilib ako sa professionalism niya. Nakakaloka. Alam niya ang ginagawa niya at magaling siya. Bakit ko siya mahal na mahal? Parang kay Mar lang, weh ano ba pakialam ninyo? Oo mataray siya, pareho lang kami, pero hindi siya magnanakaw.

45. Rica Lagman-Sto. Domingo, High School Classmate

For her 50th birthday, us classmates asked what her milestone celebration was. She said, “No parties, no celebrations, no trips. I just want to see my dogs run with the wind on the beach.”

46. Chuck Gomez, Korina’s Publicist

Pareho kaming mapagmahal sa magulang ni Tita K. Ulila na siya kaya lagi niyang pinapaalala sa akin na alagaan at mahalin ko ang mga magulang ko. Lagi niya sinasabi sa akin na kung ano man ang mga maganda niyang nagawa sa parents niya ay kulang na kulang pa. Dahil dito lalo kong minahal at pagsisilbihan ang Mamang at Papang ko.

47. Enrico Santos, Head Of New Media and Concept Development Department, and Producer, Skylight Films, and Writer-director of Star Cinema

The Korina I know is the larger-than-life lady who spans the entire spectrum of what is interesting and colorful in a person. She holds silver antique sales and plays with barefoot kids as she gives them tsinelas. She calls her schnauzers her kids, and makes plans to bear Mar’s kids “scientifically.” She is designing strategies one second and wooing us to eat her tapa and sinigang in the next.

48. Cristy Fermin, Entertainment Journalist

May mahika ang magkabilang kamay ng isang Korina Sanchez. Kung gaano siya kahusay magtawid ng balita ay ganun din siya biniyayaan ng mga kamay na kayang bumuhay ng naghihingalo nang halaman, gawing kapaki-pakinabang na obra ang basura at bigyan ng magandang kulay ang malungkot na kapaligiran. Kakabugin niya sa galing niyang magbalot ng regalo ang mga taga-Rustan’s. Pandesal? Nagagawa niyang primera klaseng ensaymada yun kapag isinalansan na niya sa kahon at niribunan. Alagad ng sining si Korina Sanchez sa maraming dahilan at paraan. At ang unang katangiang mayroon ang isang alagad ng sining ay puso. Mabuhay ka, Korina Sanchez, maligayang kaarawan! Mahal kita.

49. Sr. Jo Nebres of Saint Theresa’s College, QC

The sisters at St. Theresa’s, her alma mater, are inspired by her very generous and inclusive attitude and spirit, that speaks of her as a Theresian carrying in her heart the legacy of St. Theresa of Avila who inspired us to seek always for the truth, the beautiful and the good. We are very happy and proud of her!

50. Mar Roxas, Ex-Boyfriend, Husband

Partner. Playmate. Parachute. My Forever!!!

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)