Bobby Nalzaro: The face of Cebuano news

Bobby Nalzaro, anchor of Cebu’s number one TV newscast, GMA 7 Cebu Balitang Bisdak and known as the Mike Enriquez of the province, can be considered the most prominent face of "Cebuano" news today.

Cebuano viewers seem to love Bobby’s feisty, bold way of reporting the news, as proven by the show’s rise as the most-watched news program in Cebu. But more than his unique anchoring style, this 41-year-old broadcaster is also known for his signature fashion statement: "all-white" outfits.

"It started in 1990," he recounts. "Aside from being comfortable with wearing white, the color also reflects the real ‘Bobby’– simple, pure and generally shy."

In his more than 25 years in the industry, however, Bobby, who started his broadcasting career in 1980 as announcer for radio station DXRZ Zamboanga, realized that life will never be simple for a media personality like him who fights for his beliefs.

As a hard-hitting broadcaster, Bobby says, "I eat death threats for breakfast." He adds that at the height of the Ruben Ecleo, Jr. and PBMA scandal, he got the most number of death threats and prank calls. He was very vocal about his resentment against the practices of the Ecleos and the PBMA.

"Three months ago, eight PBMA members were arrested. According to intelligence reports, I, together with Cebu Mayor Tomas Osmeña was included in the PBMA hit list. Ipinagpapasa-Diyos ko na lang."

Aside from regular threats on his life, Bobby has about 18 libel suits against him. "One time, someone beat me up outside the radio station." All these he had to accept in exchange for his commitment to public service.

"It is a part of my job. I acknowledge that. These will not stop me from serving the Cebuanos," he says.

Another bold move Bobby made is openly supporting Cebu’s "vigilante" group, which operates against the most notorious criminals of the province. "Will we wait until we become the victims?" he asks. Bobby clarifies that contrary to other people’s belief, he is not part of the group. "I support them. That’s all. People think I’m part of the group because I beat the police in knowing what’s going on."

As for the violation of human rights caused by these "vigilante" operations, Bobby says police records confirm the identities of these law-defiant people.

Considered Cebu’s tri-media personality, Bobby, aside from anchoring Balitang Bisdak, is also a news analyst, commentator on DYSS’ top-rated radio show Bobby Nalzaro: On Board and a columnist of two Cebu newspapers, Sun Star and Super Balita.

These activities earned him the monicker "Super Bob." Asked what medium he is most comfortable in, he says, "Time is limited in radio and you can’t explain things at length. Through radio, a broadcaster can really shape opinion. Thus, a radio broadcaster’s responsibility is really big."

Bobby, who is husband to Cecil and father to Elridge Roy, also acknowledges the support his family is giving him. "They understand my work very well. In turn, I always try to be a good ‘family man’ for them," he says.

Bobby admits that being recognized, like getting the 2004 KBP Golden Dove Awards for Outstanding Public Affairs Radio Program Host is fulfilling. But as a public servant, seeing that he has contributed something to his audience gives him a different high.

Bobby recounts this story: "Two years ago, the night before the Sinulog festival, while doing the newscast, my attention was drawn to a child suffering from hydrocephalus. I suddenly felt the need to help. Later that night, in my radio program, I sought help for the child’s operation. The kid was operated on after that."

Unluckily, the patient died a few months after. Bobby does not regret ever helping the child, saying, "The most important thing is you helped the patient live longer. That is public service."

Asked about his tag as the "Mike Enriquez of Cebu," Bobby admits being placed side by side with someone as respected as Mike is a feat.

"But, I do not think about it. I am just thankful that I am being compared with a pillar of the broadcast industry.

Bobby humbly adds,"I still have many things to do to equal his (Mike’s) stature."

Cebu resident Francis Espino believes otherwise. "Mike Enriquez is the Bobby Nalzaro of Manila," Espino relates.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is sure: Bobby, like Mike, is a news personality with the guts to fight for his beliefs, a heart for public service and an untarnished integrity – qualities of a true kapuso newsman wiling to render serbisyong totoo, anytime, any place.