The no-nonsense Karen Davila

According to Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre (of The Filipino Reporter), if you ask Pinoys in America to name the top three female news personalities in the Philippines, chances are that Karen Davila, 38, will be one of them.

Said Edmund, “As co-anchor of ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol World (with Julius Babao and Ted Failon) — the most widely viewed Filipino newscast in the US and around the globe via The Filipino Channel — Karen has become part of millions of Filipino households overseas yearning for the latest news back home.”

A no-nonsense newshen for the last 15 years, Karen has always been on the go and in constant competition for the most sought-after stories both for the nightly newscast and the weekly award-winning investigative show The Correspondents which she alternately co-hosts with Ces Drilon, Abner Mercado and Bernadette Sembrano. She also hosts Wonder Mom, the informative show for mothers and co-anchors (with Vic Lima) Pasada Sais Trenta, the radio chat on dzMM.

I agree with Edmund when he added, “And it doesn’t hurt that this articulate UP-educated broadcast journalist, calm and professional demeanor in front of the camera, is easy on the eye.” Married to former ABS-CBN news executive DJ Sta. Ana (now senior vice president of PhilWeb Corp.), Karen is mother to two active boys, David, seven, and Lucas, one. She also sits on the board of directors of WorldVision as goodwill ambassador.

Edmund noted that Bring Branigin, a noted Filipino-American and Asian-American leader in Washington, D.C., is impressed by Karen’s credibility when it comes to delivering news on TV is second to none.

“She delivers her lines with authority and grace, and she’s never arrogant,” says Branigin. “She can easily match the reporters of ABC or CNN or NBC. You can see her credibility and sincerity on the screen. Of course, having a lovely face is a plus factor.”

“I like her because she always tries to express rather than impress,” says Michael Mancego of Toronto, Canada. “There’s something in her that convinces me she knows what she’s saying and that she’s saying it with intelligence.”

A few weeks ago, Edmund caught up with Karen during her US visit to address the Harvard Project for Asian & International Relations (HPAIR) conference at the Harvard University, bringing to light the plight of women in third world countries in Asia. Prior to her US trip, Karen was honored with The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award and the Gawad Tanglaw Award, two highly-coveted recognitions she added to her string of international and local awards which include the UNICEF Child Rights Award, CNN Best Medical Report, the New York TV and Film Festival, KBP Golden Dove Award, Broadcast Journalist of the Year by Rotary Club of Manila, Anak TV Seal Award and the PMPC Star Award, among others.

Funfare e-mailed Edmund a set of questions for Karen. Here are excerpts of the joint interview:

Is there some pressure being one of the Philippines’ top broadcast journalists and co-anchors of a top-rated TV news program? How do you deal with the pressure?

“I think there’s pressure in any profession. Yes, television is very competitive. After 15 years in broadcasting, I have learned that what speaks most of you is your body of work and your character above all. Reputation and credibility are built over time, and what’s important is that you’re able to prove yourself. How do I deal with the pressure? Honestly, I pray a lot, and I tell God, ‘I’ll do my best, but I trust you’ll only give me what is meant and right for me’.”

How do you preserve your integrity and credibility as a journalist?

“Very simple. Be true to your profession and to your conscience. I believe it’s your moral compass and guide. My mantra is to inform, educate, thresh out issues, and help viewers make a better choice on things that affect them.”

TV competition is tough. How do you deal with it and what keeps you going?

“In any profession, passion is the key. Focus on what’s important — your work, not intrigues.  It’s all about the work, the job, the work, the job...the service, the stories.” 

What’s the lowest point in your life.

“When my son David was diagnosed with mild autism when he was four years old. I thought my world was going to crumble, but with God’s help and sheer will and determination from our end to find a treatment, he’s absolutely growing and developing wonderfully. He’ll be in Grade 1 in a big school. He’s such a smart, intelligent boy. David’s experience taught me not to fear anything but to trust in God’s power and goodness.”

As a wife, mother of two kids and with a very demanding work schedule, how do you manage your daily life?

“My mother is my mega helper. She’s the pillar of strength in my life. She teaches me the value of family.”

Do you get enough sleep? How do you maintain your refreshing looks and svelte figure?

“Sleep is very important in recharging yourself. I eat right and exercise, although not as much lately. I avoid eating rice but not my weakness, chocolates.”

How do you unwind? Do you go shopping or visit salons and spas?

“I love massages. I read a good book. Retail therapy helps, too.” (Laughs).

Who decides on what dress you should wear on TV?

“I choose my own clothes.”

The last movie you saw.

“Slumdog Millionaire (as of Feb., 2009); it’s brilliantly inspiring. It teaches us the value of having a pure heart.”

Is your older son David aware that his mom is famous? How does he deal with it?

“I think he knows that people know his mom. But to him, I’m just ‘mommy’.”

Do you still get star-struck? Name three people you’ve met that made you blush.

“That’s a cute question. But no, I don’t really get star-struck as much as I used to maybe because I’ve been in the television industry for so long. But if I met Barrack Obama, I would be. That man is brilliant.”

Three of your most unforgettable coverages and why?

“I have a lot, but I won’t forget my coverage of the Quezon landslide in 2004 where thousands died. I was there for two weeks straight and seeing so much death and sadness just shake you up. There are many other coverages I love — children in jail, problems with health centers and malnutrition. ‘Yang mga yan ang nasa puso ko talaga.”

News personalities you look up to and why?

“Cheche Lazaro and Maria Ressa. They’re very balanced, fair and clear with their story-telling.”

The biggest misconception of people about you.

“Hmmm....I have no idea. People have discovered how friendly, funny and approachable I am. That’s a nice shift.”

People see you as a very effective journalist. What are the chances of your running for public office?

“I haven’t thought of that. I think serving through media is even more powerful and effective. I think what’s important is to be true to your calling and never to do things out of selfish ambition. Otherwise, you won’t be as effective in serving.”

What would you tell people who lose hope in view of the worsening global crisis?

“It’s tough worldwide, but so many Filipinos have been experiencing and living with so little, even before the crisis. I think as a nation, we should get to work, focus on giving people jobs and changing our attitude about politics. I’ve said this before, Filipinos need to be responsible for their own destiny.”

If you have the power to change three things in the Philippines, what would they be?

“Corruption, callousness and the fatalistic attitude of Filipinos.”

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