Who is the most unforgettable person you have interviewed?

Interviewing the most influential figures here and abroad in pursuit of delivering groundbreaking coverage; being able to give readers and viewers a factual and inspiring story — these are part of the exciting and challenging tasks driving every journalist. I often hear stories from my journalist friends of the huge challenges, frustrations, the adrenaline rush and the fulfillment they go through to bring us the news we read or hear, even for a few seconds. One has to be prepared to ask the right questions, making one’s subject comfortable to be able to produce an in-depth interview, and know when to ask the right follow-up questions — these skills can make or break the interview.

Today it’s our turn to ask our veteran journalists in news, showbiz and sports to share with us their best interviews. Let’s see who their favorite interviewees are. 

Rico M. Hizon, anchor/reporter, BBC World News

It’s difficult to pick just one. I’ve had a few unforgettable ones. In politics, US President Bill Clinton. He’s charismatic, selfless, sincere with his goals and ambitions to help the people, reform-minded, dedicated to their work. In sports, Kobe Bryant. Down to earth, humble, passionate. He’s a champion athlete and losing never lets him down. In business, Microsoft Bill Gates — he’s a visionary, hungry and driven to succeed, always on the lookout for opportunities in good times and bad times. 

Jinno Rufino, sportscaster, producer

Throughout my career as a sportscaster I’ve had the privilege to interview some of the top athletes in the world such as Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Allen Iverson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many more. Each one was memorable but the one that stands out the most was the time I had a one-on-one interview with Coach Mike Krzyzewski, better known as Coach K. Coach K has been the head coach of Duke University since 1980, and took charge of Team USA in 2006. A year after he took the helm of the national team, Nike had a big event in the “Mecca of Basketball,” New York City. I sat down with him in the famous Radio City Music Hall for several minutes, and it felt like for the first time I was going to interview someone whom I believe has forgotten more about the game of basketball than I’ll ever know. Perhaps that’s the reason why, for the first time in my life, I was actually nervous before the interview. When it comes to the game, this man has achieved more than most, plus a lot of foreign media gathered around us to listen in as well. This was it, one shot, 10 minutes, and I knew I couldn’t mess up. Luckily for me, he was easy to talk to and answered even some of the tougher questions with class. 

Karen Davila, broadcast journalist

I have interviewed many people on Headstart and I would like to name two — for their very opposite but very standout personalities.

1. PNP Chief General Ronald Bato De La Rosa. You almost forget how lethal he can be with his self-effacing humor. He is so funny with his provincial wit and authenticity that it is impossible for him not to charm you. Answers like, “Criminals have the right to stay silent... forever,” are said with such lightness but one thing is sure — this man is deadly to criminals. So never take a word he says lightly.

2. Albert Del Rosario. Words roll off his tongue almost like silk — even when he was being firm on the country’s claim against China with the West Philippines Sea. Phrases like “Right is might” — in a world where size and power meant everything — shaped our role in the global arena. There are a few people who can impress both intellectually and morally during an interview and former DFA Sec. Albert Del Rosario was one of them.

Korina Sanchez Roxas, chief correspondent for News and Current Affairs, ABC CBN

It is very difficult to decide on one person as the most unforgettable interviewee. Rather, it is the circumstances surrounding the interviewee that makes it unforgettable. I made a list of Top 10 before, three of whom are:

1. Former President Erap Estrada in Malacañang when he was slowly losing his Cabinet members and his grip on power on the eve of his departure from the Palace. His words: “I can’t hold it against them. This is political survival.” I admired his courage.

2. Former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad of Malaysia. He embodies political success that spans generations, and he is still at it. His words: “I only saw the beginnings of the fruits of what I planted after six years in office. I stayed for 23. So I don’t know how you’ll make it in the Philippines where you change governments every six years.”

3. Former Senator and my husband to be (who knew then?) Mar Roxas when he guested on Morning Girls with Kris and Korina. It is unforgettable because Kris did all the talking. I wasn’t able to say a word.

Chit Lijauco, managing editor, Philippine Tatler??

Months before he died in 1985, Carlos P. Romulo, then the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Marcos administration, was confined at the National Heart Center where I interviewed him. As soon as I identified myself as writing for the opposition newsmagazine, Veritas, he blurted out: “They destroyed my life’s work!” He was referring to the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, a blatant act that enraged a nation and spurred it to mount a protest movement that eventually toppled a dictatorship. My heart pounded as I listened to this Cabinet Minister spouting words against his boss, President Ferdinand Marcos. I also knew I was holding on to a big story, and would need to keep this secure and secret until my weekly newsmagazine’s next issue, which was still a week away. I scoured the newspapers every day to check whether Gen. Romulo repeated what he said to me, but save for a Time magazine correspondent, my interviewee kept mum — whether by choice or by coincidence. It was my first scoop and one of Gen. Romulo’s last interviews, I believe, as he died in December of that year.?

Lolit Solis, TV host, Celebri-TV

Cong. Albee Benitez because he was so frank and honest. Lahat ng itanong mo sinasagot niya, no cover, nothing to hide. I feel he is a very trustworthy and reliable person kahit na isa siyang politician. If I sound like a fan, ganun niya ako na-impress.

Pia Hontiveros, chief correspondent and anchor, CNN

I wish I could say Pope Francis. Although I was privileged enough to accompany him on his papal visits in 2015 to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, I did not get to interview him. But perhaps being the first Filipino journalist to ask him a question during an in-flight press conference from Colombo to Manila could count as an interview? But no, not really. Still, what does it matter? I was lucky to have been embraced by him.

Shawn Yao, anchor and writer, Bloomberg TV Philippines

A 17-year-old boy named Daniel who was arrested for two murders in Valenzuela. He grew up a child prostitute and by 17, was pimping out other boys older than he. The two men he killed were clients trying to renege on their deal. The police chief said, had they not caught him, he would be a serial killer. We need to take better care of our children. Daniel was just a kid.

Rorie Carlos-Manzano, former fashion, beauty and lifestyle director

I’ve had quite a few over the past 15 years but the one I distinctly remember was when I met handbag designer and international tastemaker Fiona Kotur. We did a shoot at her old apartment in Hong Kong for Town & Country and she was the most gracious and relaxed subject I have ever encountered. She didn’t have any prior demands, had no qualms about wardrobe, and was immensely quick-witted and engaging throughout the entire interview.