Lexi Schulze Berenguer-Testa Making the connection
MANILA, Philippines - “I’ve always found that the best way to break the ice is to say something raunchy, or left of center!” laughs the doe-eyed Lexi Schulze Berenguer-Testa. She cracks another joke and quickly adds, “I’m kidding. But a smile always helps.”
From striking up a conversation with comedy genius Jerry Seinfeld at a bar, to making a connection with Sarah Jessica Parker because of a Sex and the City T-shirt she had with her, to talking about passions and business with Bo Sanchez and Sen. Cynthia Villar (some of her most memorable subjects to date), Lexi’s openness and gift of gab have led her to many interesting encounters. And she’s jumping on every opportunity for more adventure.
Lexi was first discovered and launched as a commercial model. And while she dabbled in modeling and worked as a VJ, Lexi has since explored the more exciting world of TV and event hosting. She is also a former columnist of Allure.
There’s something about the palpable, electric energy on the set, and the immediate adrenaline rush of connecting with the audience that keeps her hungry. As the host of Top Story on ANC and as part of the team behind On the Money, a personal finance show, Lexi is able to indulge her curiosity about other people.
“Admittedly, I’m more trained in lifestyle, and so anchoring about business, news, politics and such is quite a challenge for me. But I’m wildly fascinated by people — how they think, how they act. Through my shows — even if the subject matter is unfamiliar, I’m still able to learn about other people,” she smiles.
Though her current shows tackle news, politics and business, she doesn’t consider herself as a “hardcore” news journalist. She makes the differentiation: “Journalists are out to get the truth. For me, as a host, it’s about communicating, listening and understanding. I take the role of the ordinary Joe who has questions. My hosting style or questioning style is like we’re having coffee. It’s non-intrusive. In fact, I don’t try to agitate (the situation to get answers). I’m not trying to play devil’s advocate, but to hear their side.”
For Lexi, hosting/anchoring is not about commanding the show, but the mastery of conversation, a delicate balance of listening and responding. Listening, above all, is a crucial skill needed to be a fair and effective host. “Because if you don’t listen, you miss the opportunity for genuine connection.”
She continues, “You may be ready with all the questions, and you may have done all your homework, but when you do an interview live, you never really know what you’ll get or how the conversation will flow. So you must always be present and listen. Remember, a good conversation is really about giving each other the chance to give a little bit of themselves.”
Photography by RITA MARIE • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by SARI CAMPOS for Make Up For Ever • Hairstyling by BOGGY DIAZ • Styling by DIANE LASAM
• Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Floral jumpsuit by ERIC DELOS SANTOS and asymmetrical bow-detailed dress by ROSANNA OCAMPO
