Karen Davila on Harvard, Cory, Noynoy, Hillary, Mandela, Qaddafi & ex-BF Rico Hizon

News is history shot on the wing.  — Gene Fowler

Kristin Karen Davila is one of the best broadcast journalists working in Philippine TV and radio today, 17 years after graduating with a mass communications degree from the University of the Philippines. From March 22 to April 1, the 40-year-old Karen will study at Harvard University with a select group of outstanding young international government, business, civic and other leaders honored as Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Karen anchors the Bandila late night newscast on ABS-CBN 2 along with Julius Babao, after six years of anchoring the daily primetime newscast TV Patrol. She also hosts morning interview talk show Headstart on the ANC cable channel, plus a daily afternoon radio show, Pasada Sais Trenta, on DZMM. Her husband, DJ Sta. Ana, is news head of operation at TV5.

Among Karen’s 16 awards are the Young Global Leader 2010 honor, the Grand Prize for UNICEF Child Rights Award 2005, the Silver World Medal from the 2007 New York TV & Film Festival, the Best Medical Report from CNN in 1999, Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award in 2008, Broadcast Journalist of the Year Award in 2004 from Rotary Club of Manila and others.

Karen is also active in various civic causes like being ambassador for the international home-building non-governmental organization Habitat for Humanity led by Fernando Zobel de Ayala in the Philippines; she’s also Country Goodwill Ambassador and a member of the Board of Directors for World Vision which helps under-privileged children, board member of the Asian Cultural Council, along with her support for the Go Negosyo advocy led by Joey Concepcion. In 2009 and 2010, Karen was invited to lecture at the Conference of Harvard Project for Asia & International Relations where she spoke on gender equality for Asian women and also on the effects of freedom of the press on developing nations in Asia. 

 Karen recently sat down for an exclusive interview at Cyma resto in TriNoMa mall, just a few days before her flight to the US. Here are excerpts.

PHILIPPINE STAR: When are you going to Harvard and what are you going to study?

KAREN DAVILA: I am privileged to have been accepted into Harvard’s Global Leadership & Public Policy Short Course for Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum this March 22, for three weeks.

It’s a leadership program exclusively open only for Young Global Leaders of the WEF. I’m shocked by the list of classmates — ranging from government ministers, CEOs, presidents of different organizations to the crown princess of Norway... It’s amazing to be in such company. I’m sure I have much to learn from them!

Will you bring family members?

No, I’m not bringing family members to Boston — it’s a heavy and full schedule, starting at seven in the morning with Leadership Discussion Groups to classes until six pm. I am hoping that, after the trip, I could meet up with my family somewhere — but I don’t have enough time, and long travel can be taxing for the kids.

What’s your reaction to being honored as one Davos’ Young Global Leaders?

Being chosen as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum is such an honor. Last year, there were only 300 YGLs worldwide, and three Filipinos. A committee chaired by Queen Rania of Jordan chooses the YGLs for the year — you have to be under 40 years old to be nominated as a YGL, by the way. They go through your portfolio, your body of work, achievements as a young professional.

Do you get to meet each other?

The YGLs are a very tight knit community, always meeting in different parts of the world to shape public policy, or generate business ideas. It’s fabulous.

Who are the leaders in the world whom you look up to and why?

Many famous leaders have different qualities. I personally am touched by Nelson Mandela, he was a man who was unfairly treated, imprisoned, abused, tortured — and yet, he left jail without a trace of bitterness and anger so that he was able to rule his countrymen.  

Is being a good person like Nelson Mandela enough to be an effective leader?

Many say Mandela could’ve done much more to prevent the spread of AIDS in the African continent, given his influence and popularity then — but he was like a modern-day Jesus, somewhat, living such a simple life and ruling by serving.

Which, if any, Philippine leader do you admire the most?

Locally, I’d have to say the late President Cory Aquino made me proud of being a Filipino again. She came into power in 1986, I was then 15 years old — I didn’t really know the profoundness of her being in power. But when she recently passed away, I was amazed at how a woman so simple, but with a heart of gold, led our country. She withstood temptation and resisted such power. I met Cory as broadcast journalist a few times and it now feels surreal to have been in her presence.

When was the first time you interviewed or met Cory?

Kris was a classmate in high school at Colegio San Agustin Makati so I had the privilege of meeting Cory when she was president.

You were a student when you first met then President Cory?

Yes, I remember having breakfast at Malacañang Palace while I was a student during our sleepovers, and she was just like any other mom — simple, nurturing... But now, looking back, I realize, Cory was no ordinary woman. She was made of sterner stuff.

President Noynoy is personally honest. Do you think he can be an effective leader? Any recommendations to him about leadership?

Well, I’m no one to teach President Noynoy how to be a good leader, I mean this is a guy who garnered 15 million votes! But I think he struggles like the Kennedys do — following always in their parents’ footsteps. But Noynoy is clearly blessed — one, his parents are etched in our country’s history and have redefined it in fact.

Let’s rephrase my question. What are your hopes for Noynoy as a leader?

I am hoping that during his presidency, Noynoy finds himself — his real core, so to speak — so that in any decision, he relies not too heavily on what is popular, but what is right and good for the nation. Sometimes, the right decisions are the unpopular ones.

What is your reaction to your high school classmate Kris saying she plans to someday enter politics?

Well, Kris is her father’s daughter. Knowing her as a student, she’s not only bright and intelligent, but also very articulate and charming. I believe anything Kris puts her heart and mind into, she’ll be very good at it. Serving the public is such an honor, it’s running for public office that’s a bit of a hassle! (Laughs)

Any interviews you particularly love?

I’ve been doing ANC Headstart for one year now, an interview every single day! I loved the interview recently with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, then also with Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierrez — two women from opposite sides of the political fence, but in each interview I saw how strong both women were and also how soft they were deep inside.

In your past interview with presidential bet Dick Gordon, he was so angry at survey firms. Do you recall other memorable interviews?

I remember during the campaign, ANC Headstart interviewed Richard Gordon who lambasted the survey firms and our network, it was non-stop, but such a natural spontaneous moment! Actor Baron Geisler chose to speak to us first, before he checked himself inside a rehabilitation center. Karen Vertido, first interviewed by Ces Drilon for TV Patrol, she eventually sat down with us for a full live one-on-one interview and it was admirable how this woman fought for herself.  She accused a former boss and politician of raping her.

Your recent interview with Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson was intriguing…

Yes, we had Chavit Singson on ANC and it was revealing how he was so in denial over his son’s possible addiction or use of cocaine... but in the same breath, you could see that this man, whom many feared, was also funny. I remember asking him if he had a new girlfriend and he said, “Kulit mo ha! Ikaw takot ka ba sa akin?” and I said, “No, I’m not your girlfriend naman, why would I be scared?” It’s a whole different planet when a man can say on TV, “Buti na lang hindi ko siya pinatay” referring to his girlfriend cheating on him.

When you interview controversial persons like Chavit, do you judge those people?

One thing I learned in doing interviews is not to judge any subject. Don’t get me wrong, I speak my mind and in fact, at times, get very vocal and heated with an interviewee — but I don’t ever want them to leave the set feeling I have an agenda against them, because frankly, I don’t.

Was the anger of Susan Roces against ABS-CBN 2 directed at you during Fernando Poe Jr.’s wake your most difficult experience as a broadcast journalist?

I have to say, it was my traumatic live interview with Susan Roces in 2004 that made me the interviewer I am today. Being lambasted on live TV, I didn’t know what to do — I blamed myself for my reaction for so long — but it made me want to try harder, and be excellent and develop my own style as an interviewer.

I’m often asked what my style is as an interviewer. It’s simple: I converse, I ask questions, just like as if I were at dinner.

As a citizen, not as a journalist, what is your view on the impeachment of the Ombudsman?

I don’t want to give a personal opinion on what Ombudsman Gutierrez should do, but having interviewed her intimately a few times on ANC Headstart, it somehow will do good for the institutions too, if we can finish an impeachment trial. Let’s remember, Erap was impeached in the lower House, but he was neither acquitted nor convicted — unlike former President US Bill Clinton, who was impeached but acquitted in the Senate. I’d like to see our systems, our processes work — there is a certain kind of steeliness and strength, actually, for Gutierrez to want to finish this through instead of taking the easy way out and resigning. It’s all a matter of personal conviction.

How do you assess Hillary Clinton as a leader?

I think Hillary Clinton is as strong, smart, cunning and calculated as a leader can be. Highly disciplined, she’s a role model for many women because she’s her own person. Yes, there is Bill Clinton but separately, there is Hillary!

If you could interview embattled Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi, what would you ask him?

“What will make you step down?”

What question would you ask controversial Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen?

“Why do you think you are the way you are?”

What would you ask Prince William of UK in an interview?

“What have you learned in your parents’ marriage that you won’t repeat in yours?”

I heard BBC broadcaster Rico Hizon was your boyfriend. Why didn’t you two get married?

(Laughs) Ikaw talaga Wilson, tsismoso ka pala! Yes, Rico and I were going out for two years, I was 23 years old then! Very young. We’re now both happily married to our own partners, but I feel proud seeing Rico on international TV and seeing him successful. He’s very hardworking and loves being a Filipino. By the way, we’re Twitter friends now!

You didn’t answer the Rico question completely. (Laughs) Any politicians like Noynoy among your suitors? He courted your TV colleagues Korina (Sanchez) and Bernadette Sembrano.

(Laughs) None. Ikaw talaga. You’re so funny!

What do you think is the secret of your success?

I don’t know. There is no secret to my success… except in all the 17 years I’ve been working for television, I’ve worked hard. I am blessed to have been gifted with passion, determination, love for writing, writing stories. I’ve done so many documentaries for the Correspondents TV show and it’s such a pleasure to be able to tell the stories of people in a way that viewers can empathize with.

Did you dream of becoming a TV star as a child?

Not really, I wanted to be a fashion designer like Donna Karan and ended up being a TV broadcast journalist instead — God’s destiny.

Do you love fashion as much as writing?

Yes, I enjoy fashion!

Who are the Filipino fashion designers whom you admire the most?

Locally, I love Inno Sotto, Rajo Laurel. The most stylish woman for me is Tina Ocampo, who designs for Celestina. She’s such an artist!

I heard you love and collect art too, like Julius Babao?

Yes, but my collection is nowhere near his! I just have an Elmer Borlongan, HR Ocampo, Louie Cordero, Geraldine Javier, really small one too, ha! My husband DJ loves art too — his parents’ collection includes Galicano, Malang, Ang Kiukok. There’s not much space where we live, but I’d like to invest in more younger artists when we move from our condo to a house!

What are your hobbies? Do you have time to unwind?

My schedule is a bit weird now... I start at 6:30 a.m., get ready for Headstart, then I go out during the day for coverage either for Krusada or, at times, news gathering. I try and sleep by 1 p.m., to get ready for radio 4:30 p.m. Pasada 6:30 p.m. on DZMM. If I’m lucky I’ll try and run at 6 p.m. then have dinner and do Bandila, which has been airing quite late. It’s taxing because my live TV radio work schedule is far apart. Sleep is the challenge.

Is it true that another TV station has tried to pirate you for multiples of your pay? Why are you still with ABS-CBN 2?

Seeeeeecret... No, seriously, I’ve been with ABS-CBN for 10 years now and I love the company. We go through winds of change, but that’s quite normal. What’s important, however, for any talent or professional is to be utilized and maximized to be their best. I’m 40 now, and I’ve hit a crossroads, somewhat. I am grateful for Channel 5’s faith in me too — but what’s on my mind now? It’s Harvard. (Karen smiles)

Why are you such a strong supporter of Habitat for Humanity?

I started my volunteer work when I was a young reporter for GMA-7 and it was with Habitat for Humanity, I think sometime in 1995. I loved building a home and making someone who didn’t have much in life happy. What I love most about Habitat is it doesn’t believe in dole-outs, it introduced the idea of sweat equity, which is you help build your own house, and someone else’s home, and that even for a small amount every month, you give to pay for your own home that goes to a community fund. One of my most memorable moments was meeting former US President Jimmy Carter at a Habitat build. I hosted the event that evening in Cavite — I think this was in 1997, I’m not sure — but that affected my spiritual life deeply. He had, like, a halo aura around him, it was humbling and inspiring at the same time.

What is the worst crisis in your life and how did you overcome it?

When my eldest son David, who is now nine years old, was diagnosed as being in the autism spectrum. He was four years old then. I thought my world was going to crumble, I was devastated, I cried endlessly, it was so painful and I blamed myself. But my inner resolve got the better of me; instead of being defeated, I researched heavily, coordinated with many parents and opened myself to many treatments for my son. He’s been undergoing the case in a gluten-free diet and biomedicine for six years now, and he’s high functioning, some people often ask me if he really has autism. He looks like a regular kid now, and says “I love you, Mommy” all the time.

How would you like people to remember Karen Davila in the future?

I’ll be honest with you, Wilson, its not very important to me that the world remembers me when I’m dead. I’d rather be loved and appreciated while I am living. If there’s anyone I want to remember me, it would be people I love like my family and children.

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