The sisterhood of the Chika Trio

Since last August when we welcomed them to our homes, we have been enjoying our mornings with the pleasure of their company via their show Chika, BESH! (Basta Everyday Super Happy), aired starting at 7:30 a.m. weekdays (and same days at 11 a.m. on Colours Channel Cignal TV Channel 60).

Only more than two months later, Pauleen Luna, Ria Atayde and Pokwang have become virtual members of our family. We are all ears as they discuss various topics with their guests (about health, motherhood and other issues affecting women of all ages from all walks of life). The discussion is free-wheeling, straight from the heart, like when Kakai Bautista candidly related her battle with COVID-19, Candy Pangilinan on caring for her child with special needs and Gumabao siblings Marco and Michele on how they swap tips about relationships.

Produced by Archangel Media led by Mike Tuviera and Jojo Oconer, Chika, BESH also features international correspondents Taki Saito (Japan), Kimpoy Feliciano (New Zealand) and Shine Kuk (South Korea), plus the segments Tatak Pinoy (about Philippine products with DJ Malaya Macaraeg), Laps Tips (local and foreign recipes with Christian Antolin) and Share Ko Lang (viral videos and stories with Inricho Bautista).

Let’s put the Chika Trio on the “hot seat.”

What do (from left) Ria Atayde, Pokwang and Pauleen Luna have in common? To find out, watch their show Chika, BESH on TV5 weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and Colours Channel (Cignal TV Channel 60) 11 a.m.

So far, have you gotten the hang of being together every morning from Monday to Friday?

Pokwang: “Di ko maintindihan lalim English hahaha pero masaya ang pakiramdam ko sa sagot ko kasi kasama ko silang dalawa (Ria and Poleng).”

Ria: “As much as it might seem like a routine already, I look forward to going to work and being with Mamang and Ate Poleng because we have so much fun together! It’s always so lively and high energy when we’re together that work doesn’t feel like work. It’s a nice break from the bleak reality of this pandemic, honestly. It’s nice to know that I’ll always have workdays to laugh and take a breather.”

Pauleen: “Most definitely. We didn’t actually need so much time to be at ease with each other. The chemistry was instantly there!”

What do you find most interesting/exciting about hosting Chika, BESH?

Pokwang: “Exciting mag-host sa Chika, BESH kasi may mga natututunan kami araw araw at masaya kami sa set looking forward lagi na magkikita kita kami kasi nga masaya lang at napakagaan.”

Ria: “I think what excites and interests me the most about our show is the opportunity to learn — both on cam and off-cam. There are so many lessons to be learned through our discussions.”

Pauleen: “Well, aside from the fact that I enjoy being around my co-hosts, I love how we are able to spread good vibes to people, especially in this time of pandemic. We also have this portion called Virtual Gala where our international correspondents tour us in different countries. Since we cannot travel now, this is the closest to travelling now, so I love this portion.”

What do you three have in common?

Pokwang: “Pareho kaming mapagmahal sa pamilya at mahilig magsi-kain, hahaha.”

Ria: “Apart from our shared love for food, we are all very family-oriented and open books. We are all willing to share and willing to learn from another.”

Pauleen: “Well, our energy, love for life, food and family. We actually have a lot of things in common that’s why it was easy for us to hit it off.”

What is your stand on certain issues like women’s rights, abuse of/violence against women?

Pokwang: “Hindi dapat sinasaktan ang kababaihan or inaabuso at kahit sino walang karapatan na manakit. Tandaan, babae ang nanay mo; nanay mo na nagsilang at nagbuwis ng buhay para sayo. Hindi katapangan ang BABAE LANG ANG KAYA MO!”

Ria: “I believe that there is still so much that can be done in our pursuit to fight for our rights, to create equality and to end oppression towards us. Violence against women should never be tolerated and we should all look out for one another, especially with regard to this aspect.”

Who are the three people you would want to interview in Chika, BESH and what questions would you like to ask them?

Pokwang: “Robin Williams, Charlie Chaplin at Tatay Dolphy. My question is: Ano mga ganap sa buhay na labis na nagpalungkot sa inyo at nagpaluha bilang komedyante? Paano nyo tinatago ang lungkot nyo bilang tao? Hahahaha spirit of the glass?”

Ria: “Wes Anderson: How has your upbringing affected your oeuvre? Park Seo Joon/Kim Soo Hyun: What other roles are on your bucket list of roles? Aaron Sorkin: If you were to write a screenplay on Philippine politics, what specific aspect of it would you cover?”

Pauleen: “Definitely Sarah Geronimo, I have deep admiration for her. Her dedication for her craft, her humility and talent. I’d also love to interview my husband. I’m sure it will be super fun! And maybe Gary V., it would be nice to share insights with someone super talented as him.”

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