Along with improved weather center: GMA Integrated News launches new weather presenters

CEBU, Philippines — GMA Integrated News officially launched its Weather Center and its new weather presenters in a contract signing held yesterday.

Maureen Schrijvers, Katrina Son, Amor Larrosa, and Anjo Pertierra will deliver the latest and important weather updates in 24 Oras, Saksi, Balitanghali, State of the Nation, Unang Hirit, Dapat Alam Mo!, and 24 Oras Weekend.

During the launch, the quartet showed the immersive features of the Network’s weather news hub.

In his message during the event, GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon commended GMA Integrated News for its dedication to innovate while staying true to the tenets of journalism.

“In the span of six months, GMA Integrated News has evolved into a dynamic multi-platform mega news organization with the integration of GMA News Manila, GMA Regional TV, GMA News Online, and Super Radyo DZBB – strengthening its position as the ‘News Authority ng Filipino,” said Gozon.

He further underscored the importance of delivering weather updates.

“With weather news being an integral part of our daily lives, GMA Network continues to put premium on our weather news reports and coverage, encouraging innovations amid the ever-changing broadcast media landscape,” he added.

The unveiling of the improved GMA Integrated News Weather Center was led by Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso.

Joining him in the contract signing of the weather presenters were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Network Films, Inc. Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; and Virtual Playground CEO Charlie Dy and General Manager Mark Salamat.

A Sparkle GMA artist who has the distinction of being a Philippine National athlete and a SEA Games Silver medalist, Schrijvers is set to deliver weather news and updates in 24 Oras.

“Sa training, napaka importante talaga ng lagay ng panahon especially for an outdoor sport,” said Schrijvers, who finished fourth place in the Women’s 400m athletics event at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games last May. Her team also took home the Silver Medal in the Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay.

“Being an athlete, I am very competitive and I like knowing and being the best in what I do. So noong nalaman ko na ‘yung opening was for weather, inaral ko talaga siya. What I’m most excited to do is make it more fun, interesting and relatable to everyone,” she added.

Set to give the latest weather updates as the day begins is Anjo Pertierra for the long-running morning show, Unang Hirit. Pertierra is a professional volleyball player who later on became a sportscaster.

“It’s something new for me. Weather presenting is the hardest thing I’ve done so far. Kailangan mo siyang aralin, hindi pwedeng basta binabasa mo lang. Kaya nga noong nag-training kami sa PAG-ASA, ang dami kong nalaman sa weather,” he shared.

As the newest addition to the UH barkada, Pertierra looks forward to helping viewers plan their day by giving them weather updates. “Ibibigay ko po sa inyo ‘yung energy na hinahanap natin sa umaga kasi kailangan pag gising natin good vibes lang kasi kung ano yung unang makikita natin at unang mararamdaman natin pag gising sa umaga madadala natin the whole day.”

Son, on the other hand, is no stranger to news, being one of GMA Integrated News’ senior correspondents. She further shows another facet of her broadcast journalism skills as the weather presenter in GTV’s midday newscast, Balitanghali.

“Isang dekada na akong senior news correspondent ng GMA Integrated News. Pag nagko-cover ako ang binibigay sa aking assignment bagyo so yung mga crew naging tukso-tuksuhan na nila, ‘uy beat nyan, bagyo beat,’” Katrina said.

From one typhoon to another, Katrina’s understanding of how important weather news grew deeper. “Dahil sa pagko-cover ko sa iba’t ibang mga bagyo, marami rin akong natutunan, nakita ko first-hand yung devastation na maaaring idulot ng bagyo,” she said.

“As a weather presenter, maaasahan ng publiko na hindi ko lang babasahin yung weather news dahil na-experience ko first hand yung mga bagyo at dahil sa mga experience ko na na iyon ay mas maihahatid ko sa inyo ‘yung balita [nang] tama at tapat.”

From working behind the camera as GMA Integrated News weather producer, Larrosa takes a new role as weather presenter in GMA’s late-night newscast Saksi and GTV’s State of the Nation.

“Napaka importante na maiparating natin kung ano nga ba yung mga dapat nilang malaman tungkol sa lagay ng ating panahon. Ano ba ‘yung mga dapat paghandaan at papano sila makakapaghanda doon sa risk na dala ng paparating na bagyo?” says Amor.

Larrosa hopes to make weather news closer to viewers. “Ito ‘yung gusto kong maging role ko dito: iyong mailapit at mapadali ‘yung pagbibigay natin ng weather information sa ating mga Kapuso.” — (FREEMAN)