Who’s your favorite TV personality?

Most families own more than one TV set in their homes. Why not? TV is one of  the cheapest forms of entertainment and we can enjoy it in the comforts of our own home. With TV keeping us company every night, we develop favorites among the personalities we watch regularly. I asked some friends to share with us their favorite TV personality.

Maryanne Alcordio Solomon, past president, I Canserve and trustee-Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry

My favorite TV personality is John Lloyd Cruz because I just found a new “breast friend” in him. He opened up and shared his story about his coping when his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. He made me realize that when one is diagnosed with breast cancer, the patient is not the only victim but that the loved ones are also the victims.I am now enjoying his movies more and even his commercials. Among my other favorite TV personalities are my other “breast friend,” singer Martin Nievera, who gave me his gift of music when I was cancering; and fellow breast cancer survivors and friends: Bibeth Orteza, Maritoni Fernandez, and Direk Olive Lamasan who gave a new meaning to courage and hope.

Romina Nañagas, associate PR director, Campaigns and Grey

My fave TV personality is Boy Abunda. I admire him immensely for the way he hosts and the way he conducts his interviews. He is genuine, intelligent and is able to balance being direct and being sensitive perfectly. That to me is the mark of one who knows the craft of conversation. Off-camera too, I am a Boy Abunda fan. He is a man who stands up and speaks up on issues he feels strongly about. But more than just speaking up, he speaks with people about the issues. He engages people in a dialogue — and that, too, is an art.

Len Nepumuceno,  vice president, Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines

I love both Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.  Don’t think I can choose only one, both are my faves! Oprah is so generous, loving, sympathetic, kind-hearted plus she has Dr. Oz every time on her show!  Over the years, she has been an inspiration to most and the stories that she shared with her viewers truly touches the heart.

And Ellen, what’s not to like? I Love Ellen because she’s so down to earth and was always brave enough to show the public who she really is. Ellen is naturally witty and funny and I admire her for that. Making people laugh is one difficult task!

Suzette Hahn Lopez, Villa Medica country director

My favorite TV personalities, foreign and local, are Christiane Amanpour and Mike Enriquez. If there is one TV personality that is the epitome of a great news bearer, it is Christiane! She impresses me as a super intelligent woman yet unassuming in her demeanor. She comes across as simple and understandable and yet very incisive and witty.  She is as cool and comfortable covering a war zone as she is interacting with royalty, heads of state and even chief executives of companies.  Christiane’s knowledge and familiarity with issues is broad and deep, ranging from politics to social and religious issues, culture and arts, and the Middle East and other global problems.  She has great charisma!  Best of all, she is the medium of truth!

On the local front, I would choose Mike Enriquez.  He is simple in his style, sincere, honest, humorous and yet very effective in the delivery of truthful and objective news!  His style is very unique  and it comes across very well with the entire range of listeners/viewers from the A to the E groups!  

Cara de Ocampo, wife and owner of Beyond Yoga/AntiGravity Yoga

My favorite TV personality is Gretchen Barretto. With Gretchen, what you see is what you get. Everything about her — her beauty, her grace — lights up a room. She is so real, she won’t hesitate exposing her weaknesses, yet she demonstrates her strengths in a way many admire; she doesn’t try to put herself “up there.” As a friend, she is funny, a joy to be around and 100-percent caring.

Rea Gomez-Harrow, Bono artisanal gelato

I don’t get to watch a lot of TV, but when I do, I thoroughly enjoy watching any of Anthony Bourdain’s shows. I think he epitomizes the non-celebrity TV celebrity, which perhaps is what makes him a reliable, credible source for what’s good to eat and where to go. His acerbic wit and dignified honesty are endearing to watch and make him radiate onscreen, even in the most humble of locations. Besides, I’d give my left foot to do what he does for a living — travel, eat, and talk! 

Rep. Princess Sitti Djalia Hataman, Anak-Mindanao partylist

My fave TV personality is John Llyod Cruz. Despite my hectic schedule, I manage to watch his teleseryes, from ASAP to Beautiful Affair,  Immortal, and Maging Sino ka Man. He’s not only a great movie actor but excels even on TV.

Julia Sarabia Morales, businesswoman

My favorite TV personality is Charlie Rose. I love watching him on Bloomberg. He has a subtle and dignified demeanor about him. It’s always about his guests and not him. He doesn’t succumb to covering “popular” topics just to make ratings. Complete opposite of Piers Morgan of CNN, who I also love, but in a different way.