Lou-Anne Mae Rondina gets her own program, proves worth

CEBU, Philippines - “Balitang Bisdak” reporter Lou-anne Mae Rondina used to feel very queasy at the sight and smell of dead bodies. She recalls it was her coverage of the Princess of the Stars ship tragedy where she saw the most number of corpses in one place. One time recently, she had to interview a funeral parlor employee. Call it Filipino hospitality, but they were not allowed to interview unless she and her crew ate first. The catch: they had to eat in the same room where plenty of dead bodies were strewn around. 

“They challenged us to eat while the remains were just nearby, or they will not agree to an interview. After that, I overcame my fear of dead bodies,” narrated the petite former “Buena Mano” anchor. 

Such are the things that Lou-anne experiences day in and day out as a broadcast journalist. It is this nature of the job wherein no day is entirely the same that excites her even after five years with the local primetime news program “Balitang Bisdak.” Whether it’s staying for almost 24 hours in Dalaguete during a mine explosion just to get a story that will be aired for just a minute or two, or feeling emotionally stirred when interviewing a single mom with nine children who was left by her husband for a Mother’s Day feature—Lou-anne simply loves what she is doing. 

“I really liked the work ever since because each day is never boring. Every day is a challenge. It’s rewarding because I get to help others by giving them information, at the same time I also develop myself as a person,” she said.  

The 29-year-old took up Mass Communications at Silliman University during her first two years of college and completed the remaining two years at St. Theresa’s College. She names GMA News and Publics Affairs host Rhea Santos as the broadcast personality she looks up to. After co-anchoring GMA Cebu’s early morning show with Allan Domingo, she was handpicked to host their newest magazine program, “Isyu Karon.”

This one-hour Saturday “Reporter’s Notebook meets Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” type of show (7-8 am) came on the heels of two of the local station’s successful election-related programs—“The Visayan Agenda” and “Ang Pangutana.” It tackles concerns, trends, happenings and developments in Central Visayas. Other GMA regional stations such as in Iloilo, Davao and Dagupan have the same program. 

“I was happy but at the same time, I had ambivalent feelings. Happy that the network trusted me with this job, but I was also thinking if the show would rate or if it would last long,” shared Lou-anne on how she felt with the assignment. 

Cel Amores, GMA’s AVP for Regional News and Public Affairs, said that Lou-anne had proven herself worthy of the task. “Lou-anne has come of age. It’s time to let her loose in a program of her own. She gained her worth and did good stories in ‘Visayan Agenda,’ and she has also already gained a following in ‘Buena Mano.’”

Lou-anne is joined by a team of young people brimming with enthusiasm and ideas on how to sustain the program’s pilot airing. Former “Buena Mano” executive producer Vlad Fernando and newbie reporter Me-ann Alivio are the program reporters, while Maria Theresa Niere and Demar Ochotorena serve as researchers. Associate producer is Randy Gorion and in the role of executive producer is Bexmae Jumao-as. 

The staff said “Isyu Karon” will have a feedback mechanism through Facebook so that viewers can comment on the episodes and also suggest topics that they want the team to investigate. They promised future episodes featuring issues in Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor. 

Lou-anne will not hesitate to guide and give worthwhile advice if solicited by her profession’s young recruits, such as fresh grad Me-ann Alivio. “If you really love the job, go for it. Be open to ideas and to trying new things because when we cover things, it's always something different. Your being a good reporter won't be measured by just one story. You get better and better by experience. I used to get scared easily before, but I overcame that because of this job. Also, don't get distracted when people you meet on field sometimes scold or insult you. Not all people will welcome you just because you’re from media. But you have to rise above it.”

And even when two of her female “Balitang Bisdak” batchmates and close friends Cecil Quibod and Lalaine Go-Singco have resigned this year, Lou-anne does not allow the sadness to sidetrack her from the tasks at hand. 

“I will miss them of course, since we started out together in GMA. But I'm really focused on my work. I don't let other things distract me. They have plans for themselves. As for me, this is the job I want so my focus is here. I understand that people come and go,” said the TV journalist. (THE FREEMAN)