Broadcaster Gretchen Ho was extremely proud when her “baby project,” “Woman In Action” was given the Makatao award by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).
“Woman In Action” is a public affairs program that she hosts and produce on the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned Cignal TV. It started as personal campaign by Ho to empower women through sports, travel and adventure.
Ho shared her triumph on Instagram last August 31 where she posted several pictures as she received her show’s first award.
“Still a bit overwhelmed,” she said in her caption. “Hindi inaasahan na darating ito. Maraming salamat PMAP Makatao Awards sa parangal.” (This was unexpected. Thank you PMAP Makatao Awards for this honor.)
Ho admitted having uncertainties in continuing to produce the travel and infotainment show for women, given her tight news anchoring schedule on One News and its sister company, TV 5.
“Sa dami ng nangyari nitong nakaraang taon, hindi lang isang beses kong natanong sa sarili kung dapat pa bang magpatuloy. Ano ba ‘tong kabaliwang aking pinasok. Hindi rin biro yung pagod, puyat, stress at pinansyal na gastusin. Dagdag mo pa yung birth pains ng pagiging first-time producer,” she said.
(With so many things that happened last year, I’ve asked myself more than once if I should proceed. I asked myself, what is this madness I’ve gotten myself into? The exhaustion, sleepless nights, stress, and financial expenses are no joke. Add to that the birth pains of being a first-time producer.)
But the athlete-turned-broadcast journalist knew the answer to her questions: she just got to do it.
Ho said that she felt is that she needed to do this, given the opportunity entrusted to her. It just couldn’t be done at some other time.
“When you are called by the Lord to do something, no matter how absurd it may seem, you don’t hesitate, but you step up to the plate and say yes wholeheartedly,” she explained.
In the midst of craziness, Ho felt at peace with her decision. “He has indeed provided all the way,” she said, noting that she’s grateful to @Cignal.TV for trusting her with this idea.
“Sabi ko, ayaw kong masayang yung pondong inilaan nila para sa akin. Maraming salamat sa pagtataya at paniniwala sa isang batang tulad ko,” she said. (I told myself that I don’t want the funds that they provided for me to go to waste. Thank you for the trust and confidence that you have in me, young as I am.)
Ho likewise expressed gratitude to her “Woman In Action” team for making their first season memorable, as well as in making every story feature a success, and for their extra effort in what they’re doing and for buying into the vision. She likewise thanked those who opened their house doors for her team.
“Hindi madaling magproduce ng ganitong klaseng show, pero sumuong din kayo. Naaalala niyo ba yung kinailangan natin gumawa ng episode kahit nasa ospital at nawala na si daddy? Hindi ko makakalimutan kung paano niyo ko sinalo. Maraming salamat dahil nilagay niyo rin yung puso at tiyaga ninyo sa programa. Sa ating lahat ang award na ito,” she said.
(It’s not easy to produce this kind of show, but you all persevered. Do you remember that time when we needed to come up with an episode while I was in the hospital looking after my dad, and when he died? I will not forget how you supported me during that time. Thank you because you placed your heart and dedication into the show. This award is for all of us).
With the PMAP award, Ho vowed to produce better shows. EDV