Time out with Sec. Martin A.

For a change, instead of facing political reporters, President Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar had a free-wheeling chat with movie writers over lunch at Annabel’s restaurant the other day. Having been a newsman before he began working for Pres. DU30, he seemed to be more relaxed and he didn’t have to tackle (read: explain) heavy issues, except when he was asked how he would define “fake news” which is being thrown around not only by local politicians but also those of other countries (Pres. Donald Trump included).

“If somebody says that her neighbor has a lover,” explained Martin, “that’s tsismis. But if a broadcaster airs it on TV or if a reporter writes about it in his paper, that becomes news.”

So when does it become, uhm, “fake news?”

Volunteered Standard’s Isah Red, “according to a US expert, news that misleads the readers into believing something that is not correct is fake news.”

Martin felt at home and at ease with the movie press probably because he is “showbiz” at heart, having tucked up a bachelor’s degree in Film (his first major) and Media/Social/Political Studies (his second major) from the Federation University of Australia (FUA) which recently conferred on him the Distinguished Alumnus Award, making him the first Filipino (and the second Asian) to be so honored, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to his chosen field of endeavor and continuous pursuit of excellence both as government official and private citizen.”

“I wanted to be a movie director,” revealed Martin (who could have, when he was younger, landed a career as actor; his older sister, Lia, a former Bb. Pilipinas International, used to be a TV host on the ANC channel before she got married and migrated to Australia where she enjoys being a wife and mom, and teaching swimming on the side). “I enjoy doing documentaries; I love editing.”

He (full name: Jose Ruperto Martin Marfori Andanar, born on Aug. 21, 1974) made use of that talent when he served as executive at TV5 where he anchored Aksyon Sa Umaga, and Punto Asintado Radio Show on Radyo5 92.3 News FM and AksyonTV (TV5’s sister stations).

Aside from the degree from FUA, Martin also took up an Executive Course in Public & Non-Profit Management from Georgetown University, International Leadership Program from Northern Illinois University, Communications in Public Policy Delivery from National University in Singapore, Master in Entrepreneurship from the Asian Institute of Management, and PhD in Public Administration from UP.

What’s more stressful, being TV5 executive or working for Pres. DU30?

“Almost the same,” admitted Martin. “I think I was molded by my job in broadcast to be where I am right now. Work in television was just as stressful because we had to deal with news 24/7. Heading TV5 and its online platform was no joke… you know, setting it up, championing it and managing it. In government, we face the same challenge. My main goal is to improve the communication platform of the government and make it strong and relevant.”

You wonder, do government officials working closely with Pres. DU30 have to adjust their life (schedule, etc.) to that of his?

“During the first nine months, we really had to follow the President every step of the way. It wasn’t hard for me because when I was with TV5, I used to wake up at 3 a.m. for the morning show. My bedtime was 8 p.m. But once we got to know the President’s schedule, we kind of stick to the 9-to-5 office hours.”

It’s a good thing that, according to Martin, his two children (one 18 and the second, 14) are grown now that he has joined the government. But still, he often sacrifices quality time with them.

“I make up for it by spending time with my family on weekends,” said Martin.

To relax, Martin reads books (now halfway through with Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Persuasion; and the latest book by Japanese-American author Fukushima, the one about political institutions).

And also to keep in shape, aside from surfing in Siargao where his father hails from and where he spent his younger years, Martin jogs around the village where his family lives and plays basketball with his son.

“I have lost 35 lbs. since October last year. I stopped eating rice, beef and chicken. I avoid food (nuts and beans) that make uric acid shoot up.”

Until 2022, Martin hopes to continue working for the government — “That is, if I am fortunate enough to keep the President’s trust and confidence.”

And when all that is over, all he plans to do is “just surf” in Siargao where the Andanar family owns a beach house in the Sta. Monica area which is more quiet and more private than the General Luna side which is frequented by celebrities (that’s where director Paul Soriano is shooting a movie with Erich Gonzales as leading lady).

“I also want to mentor and teach high school students,” added Martin who, as a community worker in 2006, founded Sons Of Siargao (SOS) Youth whose core programs include Books For Siargao that sets up children’s libraries in poor barangays; and Youth Leaders for Democracy Seminars, a module that teaches poor communities the importance of volunteerism and good governance. (SOS has established 36 libraries since 2006.)

No political plans after 2022?

Sec. Martin smiled and shook his head.

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