Mitzi Borromeo The power of storytelling

MANILA, Philippines -  The stories we watch on the news are not just tidbits and splices of the day that was, but they collectively share the story of all of us. And helping to bring more light, depth and perspective to our daily feed is seasoned news anchor Mitzi Borromeo, the woman in pursuit of stories of inspiration. 

“With media, what I love about it is that it’s all about storytelling,” shares the stunning broadcast journalist. “Whether it’s about a poor fisherman who has no food to eat, or rich guys making their billions, or this entrepreneur who’s trying to change the world, it’s about looking at the common thread between all of us so that we can learn something. It’s really about trying to bring inspiration to our stories,” shares Mitzi, who graduated with a Political Science degree from the Ateneo de Manila University.

Since the beginning of her career, her heart had always been drawn to social issues and environmental causes. In fact, in 1998, when she first joined the Sarimanok News Network (which would later become ABS-CBN News Channel), she juggled responsibilities in the newsroom while volunteering for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines. 

 After a few years, she left media — albeit temporarily — and worked full time as an NGO worker for WWF and the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability.

 “These types of advocacies and jobs have always been close to my heart because at the end of the day, I believe that everything is an environmental issue. Everything and everyone is connected,” she shares.

When it comes to working in the media, on the other hand, the draw had always been about giving hope and encouraging change. “In news, you’ll never find a lack of sad stories. There will always be problems. But what we can do through the power of media is we can stimulate minds, let audiences see different perspectives, and despite all the craziness out there, give them a glimmer of hope. All we need is a little inspiration,” she beams.

Thankfully, through her work, she’s been able to contribute a little bit of sunshine and shed light on matters that need attention. Today, Mitzi is the news correspondent for the daily evening newscast on CNN Philippines, and is co-producer, writer and anchor of Profiles.

 “I’m particularly proud of Profiles because we feature different personalities that are inspiring, people who have made a difference in the world. I enjoy these stories more because I’m able meet so many people, and somehow I’m able to live out my dreams through them. For me, with every new story and encounter, it’s like falling in love. You’re entering a different world each time.”

There is indeed power in stories — in the ones that we share and in the ones that we make of our lives. Through her work, Mitzi hopes to make her own life something worth reading and worth sharing. “Through stories, we can start our own revolutions.”

Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by BABA PARMA • Hairstyling by RONNIE TUMAMAK for Creations by Lourd Ramos • Styling by TARA SUBALDO • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Pink dress by SM FASHION FORUM and sky blue dress by RHETT EALA