Tough at seryoso, pero sweet, soft-spoken, at always game when it comes to challenges! Ang isa sa top executives ng GMA Network na si Atty. Annette Gozon Valdes ang bigating sorpresa this week!
Kilalanin pa siya sa sa latest episode ng 'Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel!'
Kilalanin pa siya sa sa latest episode ng 'Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel!'
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NewsTranscript
00:00 Surprise! Hello everybody and welcome to a new episode of Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel
00:07 where every episode is different because we have a surprise for you, not just for me but for all of you
00:16 and of course for our guest because she doesn't know what we're going to talk about.
00:20 So that makes me very excited for each and every episode and I don't know why but I feel like I have a different feeling for today's guest.
00:27 I feel like this is a big surprise because there are a lot of people listening.
00:31 I have a lot of people with me in our Zoom recording.
00:34 I will be receiving clues.
00:37 Let's go through the clues one by one because I used to read all the clues at the same time
00:41 so now I'm going to read them one by one so I won't be able to guess right away.
00:45 First clue, she is a lawyer.
00:48 Okay, a lawyer with a different profession.
00:51 Oh my, she is also a president.
00:54 I'm reading all the presidents I know one by one.
00:57 On cam or not in real life.
01:01 She can also be considered a manager because she has a lot of artists.
01:06 Oh no, I'm nervous. Wait, I can't think of any of these clues.
01:11 Is our guest female or male?
01:13 When did she become a judge?
01:16 Judge? Okay, I don't think she's in court.
01:19 Oh, she's my boss. I know who our guest is.
01:23 None other than Attorney Annette Gozon Valdez.
01:26 Hello, Pia.
01:28 Oh my gosh, ma'am. I was nervous about the lawyer and then the president.
01:32 I was nervous about the president. I was like, "Oh my God, who will Pia think of?"
01:36 Yes, ma'am. I was a bit derailed there.
01:39 But when it got to my boss, I knew her.
01:43 Hi, ma'am. How are you?
01:46 Hello. I'm okay.
01:47 Wow, ma'am. Thank you for saying yes to being our surprise guest.
01:51 What an honor. It's so nice to be able to talk to you like this, have a conversation like this.
01:57 I think this is the first time, ma'am, that I actually get to really interview you.
02:01 Not this kind. Not in coverage or not like a newsy story.
02:07 So, ma'am, first, how are you? How have you been?
02:10 The last time I saw you was the courtesy call of the Australian Ambassador at GMA.
02:15 So, how have you been?
02:17 I'm okay. I'm still very busy as usual.
02:20 Yes, ma'am. Because, of course, you're an attorney, president, judge.
02:24 So, I was going to ask you, ma'am, with all the things that you do, because you're handling so many things,
02:32 and I mentioned each and every one as we went along the way.
02:35 How do you manage your time among all the things that are keeping you busy?
02:40 It's very fortunate that we now have cell phones and we can work anywhere at all times
02:48 because I'm handling a lot of departments.
02:51 So, it's just continuous. I have different chat groups with the different departments I handle,
02:56 emails. So, it's just keep them coming.
03:00 You just need to answer them one by one. Answer them one by one.
03:04 That's how I juggle everything.
03:06 Maybe, ma'am, your phone has a notification every five minutes.
03:12 Yes, I really need to check it because usually, I have regular meetings.
03:16 But apart from the regular meetings, it's really a mess.
03:21 So, I have to work on what's coming in and then answer it right away.
03:26 Or else, I'll really be busy with work.
03:29 Yes, maybe if you don't get to reply for, I don't know, maybe one hour, it's already a mess.
03:35 Yes, and there are a lot of emails.
03:37 Ma'am, I'll ask you about your—because we all know that you've been, of course, a lawyer from when you started your career.
03:43 It was as a lawyer and then later on, you started handling different departments in GMA.
03:49 And of course, now, your most recent is you're being a judge on Battle of the Judges.
03:53 So, maybe we'll backtrack. So, we'll start with your work as a judge on Battle of the Judges.
03:58 Because we see, right? We see on the show, in the plugs, that the performers are really good.
04:03 How is it different from anything you've done before in the past?
04:07 And all your corporate and legal work.
04:09 Yes, of course, it's different when you're on cam, right?
04:12 You always have to do your best. You can't fumble.
04:18 Of course, it's a lot of pressure because I have other judges who are really celebrities, who are used to being on cam.
04:25 It's a different experience for me.
04:28 And it was the first time for me to really try to mentor the contestants that were under my group.
04:36 It's a contest. So, the acts should be really good.
04:40 And because my fellow judges are very competitive, we really try to make our acts better.
04:51 Is it difficult? I mean, because you really do the mentoring and the handling of artists.
04:57 But is it difficult to have to do it on cam or for a TV show like Battle of the Judges?
05:01 Actually, we do a lot of it off cam.
05:04 Like, in between taping days, we have to really attend brainstorming sessions with the contestants, conceptualize their production numbers,
05:15 choose the music that they will use, costumes that they will use, props that they will use.
05:20 So, we really do production numbers every time there are acting contestants.
05:26 So, that happens behind the scenes.
05:29 So, it's not seen. And on TV, it's seen that this is the final act.
05:34 This is the one that took a whole week or two weeks.
05:37 So, it's very time-consuming for us.
05:42 So, ma'am, do you also get nervous when your contestants are the ones performing?
05:47 Yes, because in Battle of the Judges, the contestants are getting closer to us.
05:53 So, we have an emotional investment in them.
05:56 So, when they perform, I get nervous that they might not make a mistake.
06:00 And I get nervous that they might not be eliminated.
06:03 So, the show really puts pressure on me.
06:06 That's why I don't want to do it on cam.
06:09 I was going to ask, ma'am, how was your first full on cam experience?
06:16 Because this is the first time that you're appearing on a show.
06:19 I mean, you're always being interviewed, but this is one of the judges.
06:23 Actually, it's hard to be on cam.
06:25 I prefer it to be off cam or behind the scenes or working on a desk or my computer.
06:31 Because this is very time-consuming.
06:34 Sometimes, we have to do taping at 4am, but we start in the afternoon.
06:39 Because it's long and there are a lot of preparations per act.
06:43 So, I experienced the life of an artist.
06:46 I'm a bit clumsy and I always wear makeup.
06:50 So, it's different.
06:52 I'm not used to that kind of work.
06:56 How was that, ma'am?
06:59 When season 2 of "The Battle of the Judges" came out?
07:02 Because I had no choice.
07:03 That's why I went here.
07:05 It was in a programming committee, in a sub-committee.
07:08 They were choosing who the judges would be.
07:11 And one of the judges said, "There should be a GMA executive who knows how to choose talents."
07:18 So, I said, "Lilybeth, Miss Lilybeth."
07:20 And they said, "No, you should be the one."
07:22 So, I was the one who pushed over.
07:25 I was like, "I don't want to. You have no choice."
07:28 So, that's the story behind my being a judge in "The Battle of the Judges."
07:33 But what's the most fun part for you, ma'am, of doing the on-cam work here on "The Battle of the Judges"?
07:39 It was very fun interacting with my fellow judges, with La Alden, and with the staff of the whole show.
07:46 Behind the scenes, when we're not on-cam, we had a lot of conversations.
07:51 We got to be very close with each other.
07:55 So, there were times when the show was about to end,
07:58 we'd say, "I hope we can meet again. We'll see each other again."
08:02 And during tapings, we thought of having a potluck so we can eat together, like a party.
08:10 So, that was the very fun side.
08:12 Was it fun for you, ma'am, doing the competitive spiels?
08:17 Because that's part of the vlog, right?
08:20 Like, "We're not going to lose."
08:22 Yes, it was a bit of a pressure because they were so good.
08:25 Tito Boy, Bea, Jose.
08:27 So, I had to level up.
08:30 It was a bit of a pressure because they're used to it.
08:33 They're already experts.
08:36 They're just like that. I'm already so good.
08:38 I was like, "Oh my God, I have to put in all the effort."
08:41 So, who had the most takes, ma'am?
08:44 It was always me.
08:46 For each spiel. But I'm sure they don't mind.
08:51 Yes, not really.
08:52 Because, very seldom, almost all the time, we didn't have retakes.
08:59 Wow!
09:01 But did they initially help you in terms of how to deliver your lines?
09:06 How to make it tough or strong or a certain kind of delivery?
09:11 Yes, and actually, they coached me on reacting more while watching the act.
09:17 They said that I was a bit too serious.
09:20 So, I really put in the effort. Sometimes, I tried to dance.
09:23 I was so nervous.
09:26 I was like, "You're so serious!"
09:29 But it was okay. I put in the effort.
09:31 Yes, ma'am. When there are people performing on stage,
09:35 when the camera pans, there needs to be a bit of movement.
09:38 Yes, the judges are being pulled.
09:40 So, I talked to them after the first taping.
09:43 "Miss Anette, you need to react more because you're just like that.
09:48 You're too serious."
09:50 "Okay, okay."
09:51 Of course, you're used to it, ma'am.
09:53 You usually preview. It's probably just video clips that you preview.
09:59 Yes. So, I realized that I'm really serious when I watch the acts.
10:04 I don't have any expression on my face.
10:06 So, that's how I realized when they pointed out to me.
10:10 So, there's a bit of acting involved afterwards.
10:14 Oh my! This is a surprise feed for us.
10:19 I heard that during one of the tapings, you were so focused on what you were doing
10:25 that your shoes didn't match. Is that true?
10:29 Yes! What happened was we were tired from rehearsing the previous day.
10:34 I was focused on what my contestants were doing.
10:38 So, when I got to the GMA, I realized that my shoes were different.
10:43 And I had to bring extra shoes.
10:46 "Oh, no, wait. Put your shoes on, ma'am. Put your shoes on the car."
10:50 Maybe because they're the same height.
10:52 So, I didn't notice.
10:54 When I was walking down the stairs, one of the staff said,
10:57 "Miss Annette, I think your shoes are different."
11:00 I said, "Oh, no! I didn't bring extra shoes."
11:04 So, I was that serious.
11:06 I wasn't thinking about what I was going to wear
11:09 because I was focused on what was happening, on the talents that were going to perform.
11:14 Everyone was laughing at me.
11:16 I didn't notice.
11:17 But it's great that you were so lucky that they were the same height.
11:21 Because I imagine that one of them is 2 inches and the other is 3 inches.
11:24 Maybe because of that, I would've noticed.
11:26 So, I didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me.
11:29 But those shoes were lucky, right?
11:31 I mean, that incident was lucky.
11:33 It was lucky because my act was won.
11:36 That day, I said, "I think my shoes should always be different."
11:41 But that's how dedicated you are for your acts and your contests.
11:44 That will link again.
11:46 Yes.
11:47 At least, it didn't happen during the board meeting.
11:50 It was even better during the board meeting.
11:52 Because we were going to walk with full bodies.
11:56 I said, "My shoes will really be visible."
11:58 Oh, no. There was no gap.
12:02 At least, during the board meeting, it was hidden under the table.
12:05 This one, there was no gap. Oh, no.
12:09 Were they at least the same color?
12:11 Yes.
12:12 The same color, but one of them is wedged and the other is not.
12:15 That's why you can see underneath that it's different.
12:19 For all you know, that will be the new fashion trend.
12:22 Yes.
12:23 I wanted to say that I did that on purpose because that's it.
12:26 Let's say that someone gave advice.
12:29 Like a stylist's advice.
12:31 It's a trend.
12:32 It's a new trend.
12:33 But Ms. Annette, having worked with your fellow judges and of course with Alden,
12:38 you've known them from way back.
12:40 But is there anything new that you discovered while working together on the show?
12:45 About each of them.
12:46 I've known Alden for a long time.
12:48 What I discovered about him is that he's already great at hosting.
12:53 He can be in control of the show.
12:56 Because sometimes, when the judges are commenting,
12:59 sometimes it's too long and he needs to follow up questions.
13:01 He can do it.
13:03 I saw his growth as a host.
13:06 I saw his growth as an actor in dramas.
13:09 But as a host, he's already great.
13:11 I was surprised with Tito Boy because he really does research.
13:16 He does his research so well.
13:19 He has so many inputs and quotes that are relevant to the acts.
13:23 That's why he's Tito Boy.
13:25 He's really a host who does his homework, who's prepared, always prepared when he comes to set.
13:32 That's what I noticed about him.
13:34 I was surprised with Bea because she's so competitive.
13:37 She's so funny.
13:39 She's so invested in her contestants.
13:43 Sometimes, she'll plead to her contestants to be more competitive.
13:50 She's very competitive because she loves her contestants.
13:55 And she's very creative also.
13:57 Even behind the scenes, when we talk,
14:01 sometimes we talk about the concepts of soap opera that she wants to do.
14:05 She's the one who has the seeds.
14:07 It's her concept.
14:08 She created it.
14:09 That's what I discovered about Bea.
14:12 I was surprised with Jose because I just heard his life story.
14:17 How he started out in showbiz.
14:19 He went through everything.
14:22 He started off-cam.
14:23 Even before showbiz, he was a clown.
14:26 Then he became an audition master.
14:28 He also joined a lot of contests when he was young.
14:31 He's a contestant.
14:33 He always went to singing contests.
14:35 He went to dance contests.
14:38 It's like Jose went through everything.
14:40 He can do everything.
14:42 Singing, dancing, hosting, acting, comedy.
14:45 That's why he's so good at training and mentoring his contestants.
14:50 That's why I was really pressured.
14:52 The judges are so good.
14:54 And of course, they're experts in their own fields.
14:57 So, it was really pressuring.
15:00 I feel sorry for my contestants if I don't level up.
15:03 I might end up looking like a clown.
15:05 Ma'am, with all your stories, I can feel the pressure.
15:09 It's so hard.
15:10 You can't go into taping just being relaxed.
15:14 Because all you're thinking about is how you're going to perform.
15:16 You also have to think about how your contestants will perform.
15:19 Yes.
15:20 And this Battle of the Judges is also a game of strategy.
15:23 Every time, there are only two contestants competing.
15:26 So, the votes will be coming from the judges.
15:29 No contestants will be competing.
15:31 Plus, one vote from the studio audience.
15:34 Sometimes, there are strategies.
15:36 "Ah, this contestant is a singer. That's great."
15:39 "I'm a singer."
15:41 "Maybe I should vote for the non-singer so she won't be able to enter the next round."
15:46 We have strategies like that.
15:48 All the judges have strategies like that.
15:50 It's really different.
15:51 It's not only a show that's good at acting.
15:54 But it's also a game of strategy.
15:57 It's like a survival game.
15:59 It's like that.
16:00 You have to think about who you're going to vote off.
16:02 Because you can vote off the best.
16:05 It's not prohibited in this show.
16:08 So, there's that factor.
16:10 So, ma'am, you mentioned earlier that you're about halfway through taping for Battle of the Judges.
16:16 And the whole time that you're doing this, of course, you're still managing your role in GMA.
16:22 As a member of the board of directors, and then SVP handling SPARQL, and then handling entertainment, and all the other groups.
16:29 Would you say that—
16:30 Although, you mentioned earlier that corporate work is easier.
16:34 Yes, it's easier.
16:36 Do you have to switch?
16:38 For example, if you're about to go into taping, or if you're about to go into your meetings, is there a switch?
16:43 Or is there a certain mindset that you have to adopt?
16:47 I don't think so. Because sometimes, even on set, for example, while getting ready for makeup, I'm still working on my phone.
16:55 So, it's easy to shift from work to Battle of the Judges.
17:00 Ma'am, we mentioned earlier that you're also a lawyer, right?
17:03 Yes.
17:04 Was there a time before you entered GMA that you—before you started working in GMA, was there a time that you were practicing going to court?
17:13 Yes. Actually, when I was young, my dad brainwashed me to become a lawyer.
17:19 So, I had to go to law school, and then I had to go to master's.
17:23 So, I was brainwashed. And then I had to work with him in his firm.
17:27 So, I worked there for maybe three or four years.
17:31 But in my second year in the law firm, my dad and I already did a GMA.
17:36 So, he included me in the GMA.
17:38 So, at that time, concurrently, I was still practicing in the law firm and with GMA.
17:43 But eventually, I couldn't do it on time, so I left the law firm.
17:47 So, ma'am, when you were practicing in the law firm, were you representing clients in court?
17:54 Yes. Actually, I have a case where the client is GMA.
17:58 So, it was an intellectual property issue, like a copyright issue.
18:03 One of the shows that we aired, someone said that there was a violation of copyright.
18:09 So, the witness for GMA was Joey Abacan. So, we were still practicing.
18:14 Mr. Witness, something like that. So, I did that.
18:18 Do you sometimes miss the action of being in court and representing a client?
18:26 Or the action of working in GMA is different every day?
18:29 Yes. I don't miss it.
18:31 I don't miss being in court because it's also a pressure.
18:35 And I enjoy my work in GMA more.
18:38 You mentioned that Attorney Goss and FLG really brainwashed you to be a lawyer.
18:44 Did you have a certain idea of what kind of lawyer you wanted to be at that time?
18:48 He wanted to be a lawyer. My dad was the one who was in charge of my life.
18:52 He said that I needed to do corporate law and taxation.
18:55 So, when you do your master's, your focus needs to be on taxation.
18:59 So, I did that. And actually, I taught in the UP College of Law before, taxation.
19:04 Until recently, you were still teaching?
19:07 No. I taught taxation a long time ago.
19:11 But recently, I was teaching again but it was legal history in the UP College of Law.
19:17 In BGC campus because there's a campus in BGC.
19:21 Ah, okay. But, ma'am, is it okay if you describe to us what it was like growing up?
19:27 Because I know that you went to Ateneo for your undergrad.
19:31 And your undergrad was Management Engineering, which is the toughest course in Ateneo.
19:36 It's an honors course and then you went on to UP College of Law.
19:40 Did you have your study habits ingrained into you as a small kid?
19:44 Or it's just something you picked up along the way?
19:47 No, my dad really has a premium in being a diligent student.
19:54 You know my brother, right? Philip?
19:56 Yes. We're both in the same course.
19:59 He was in the same law school, in UP.
20:02 He also did his master's in Harvard.
20:04 So, it's like we were really programmed.
20:07 So, actually, my dad has a premium in his studies.
20:11 So, he always emphasizes that we have to study hard, we have to develop the discipline in school of working hard, of studying hard, of excellence.
20:22 So, that's how we were growing up. He was really pushing us to excel.
20:27 Wow. Was he the type of dad who would offer a certain reward if you got a certain grade or a certain average?
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21:09 Wow. Was he the type of dad who would offer a certain reward if you got a certain grade or a certain average?
21:20 No, actually, it's the opposite. We don't get any reward.
21:22 What he does is, if we're not number one in the whole batch, he won't sign our report card.
21:29 Wow.
21:31 It's the opposite, right? We don't get any reward but it's different.
21:35 That's hard. He had to be number one in the whole batch?
21:40 Not only in the class, yes.
21:42 Wow.
21:43 No, he won't sign.
21:45 So, he was always signing your card?
21:49 Well, yes.
21:51 That's the important thing. He was always signing your report card.
21:57 Did you do the same with your kids, Ma'am Anet?
22:00 No, I'm very lax with them. But they're okay. My daughter also excelled in college. Actually, she graduated ME, Management Engineering, her class.
22:14 So, that's the pressure. I didn't pressure her at all.
22:18 My son is in his second year in University of Toronto. But they don't have any pressure from me. I was different because it's hard to pressure them.
22:29 Wow, it's in the genes. It's hard.
22:34 If your dad was very strict, how about your mom? Would she balance it out? Or same, she would really also push you?
22:42 Our mom would be the tutor, especially of my brother and my sister growing up. She really helped us. She's a housewife.
22:51 We would go to school together. She really took care of us. After school, we would have snacks.
22:57 So, my brother and sister, she would go to the school and bring them lunch.
23:02 She would get a table in the canteen. She would set up plates and forks.
23:09 So, when my two siblings arrived, because they're much younger than me, their food was ready.
23:14 So, at that time, were you still in the same school or you had graduated already?
23:19 I was seven years older than my brother and eight years older than my sister.
23:25 So, we got to school. But when I was in high school, they were still small. Grade 4, grade 3.
23:31 So, my mom really helped them. She let me go because I was old.
23:37 That's so cute. There was no extra plate just in case you wanted to join them.
23:42 What happened was, my siblings' friends would join. So, they were already full at the table.
23:49 At least for sharing. Can you imagine? There was a tablecloth.
23:52 Yes, yes.
23:53 That's so cute. It's like Philip never told us about that when we were young.
24:00 Philip was a picky eater. So, he really needed the food that my mom brought.
24:06 Wow. So, that means that the food was still hot while they were eating.
24:10 Yes, yes. Our house was just near the school. So, we were preparing for the food.
24:15 That's so cute. Was it difficult that the age gap was that big?
24:20 Because now, it seems that you're very close. You're a very tight-knit family.
24:24 But growing up, if the age gap was seven and eight years, did that mean less bonding for you?
24:30 No, it wasn't an issue.
24:31 The weird thing is, I was like their toy. I don't know if I was a kid when I was a kid.
24:37 We always played every day. Because my parents were very family-oriented.
24:44 We all slept in their room.
24:46 Oh, how nice. Every night.
24:48 Every night. I stayed with them until we got married.
24:51 My brother stayed with them until we got married. He was still sleeping with my parents.
24:55 Wow.
24:56 My sister was the only one who didn't. She took up medicine in UP. So, she had a condo there.
25:02 But that was the only time that she didn't sleep in my parents' room.
25:06 So, growing up, we were always together. We were always next to each other in bed.
25:09 Very close.
25:11 And then, what were the things that you would really bond over or talk about?
25:16 Nothing. We would always swim because we had a pool at home.
25:20 We would play in the pool with shark-shaped toys.
25:26 Nothing. We would always chase each other.
25:29 We would watch cartoons together.
25:31 So, I felt like, "Why am I watching their cartoons?"
25:35 Maybe their cartoons are mature.
25:39 Yeah, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck.
25:41 At least, they look like kids.
25:43 Yes, yes.
25:45 Does that mean that the closeness that you have as siblings and of course with your parents, has it translated to the next generation, your kids?
25:54 Well, yes. They were close because for a while, we all lived in my dad's house.
25:59 So, my children and my sister's children grew up also together.
26:06 My brother's children didn't grow up that much because his kids were still young.
26:11 My brother had kids late.
26:14 But they were very close.
26:16 And my parents, until now, really want that at least two times a week, everyone would be together to have lunch or dinner together.
26:25 So, it's really scheduled.
26:27 Yes. My mom gets mad if there's an absent.
26:30 It's cute that it's two times. Normally, most families, their minimum is once a week, on the weekend.
26:37 At least, you two are twice.
26:39 Yes, sometimes. And then my sister still lives with my parents.
26:42 So, she and her family, every day, dinner, they're still together.
26:48 And me, ever since the pandemic, I've been working from home.
26:53 Because I'm my dad's assistant.
26:55 He doesn't know how to operate a computer.
26:58 So, when there's Zoom meetings, I'm always there. He's always with me.
27:01 So, every day, we have lunch there.
27:04 Oh, how nice.
27:05 Very close. Very close family.
27:07 Is there a strict rule that at the dinner table, you can't talk about work because it's family time?
27:13 Because you work together, so maybe there's a tendency.
27:16 No. My dad is also like that. Whatever he wants to talk about, he'll talk about it.
27:21 So, usually, there are things about work that really come out.
27:26 That you can't not talk about.
27:29 Yes. And he's the boss.
27:31 How about if you're on vacation? Even if it's out of the country, you can still talk about work?
27:37 Not really. Because when we're out of the country, my dad relaxes.
27:42 But there's a time limit.
27:45 Like, for two weeks max, he's bored, he needs to work again.
27:49 So, usually, our vacations are only for two weeks.
27:52 Because he really looks for work.
27:54 It's what motivates him and really inspires him, right?
28:00 Yes. Maybe he's like a workaholic.
28:03 Maybe if he can't work, he's more lethargic in a way, right?
28:08 If you don't get to work. There are some people like that.
28:10 Yes. Maybe. But that's how he is. Until now, he's still hands-on.
28:15 But for example, when you do go on vacation, is he hands-on also in planning the vacation?
28:20 Or he leaves it up to the kids? You decide.
28:23 He leaves it up to us. Where we're going.
28:26 But usually, his request is, we always go on family cruises.
28:31 Because he doesn't want to move his luggage, to move to the airplane.
28:36 So, that's his request.
28:38 So, maybe since we've been cruising for 20 years, every year.
28:42 Wow.
28:43 That's our vacation.
28:45 Again and again, sometimes, we've been to Alaska four times.
28:50 Because the cruise ships are limited.
28:54 At a certain time, our window is just a few weeks.
28:59 Because that's the common summer vacation for kids.
29:03 So, we go again and again, but we enjoy it.
29:06 Maybe, especially for the kids. Because they get to appreciate at different ages.
29:12 Right?
29:13 Yes.
29:14 Each particular place.
29:15 Yes.
29:16 When they're young, they still don't understand what they're going to.
29:20 And then after a while, after a couple of years, they'll see it again.
29:24 Yes.
29:25 Going back to your childhood, growing up, you had it ingrained in you that you would be a lawyer.
29:31 But was it a surprise then to find yourself in the media industry?
29:37 Because I remember in the history of GMA, FLG was offered the share.
29:43 So, it wasn't really in the plan and then all of a sudden, you were here in GMA?
29:48 Yes, it wasn't really in the plan.
29:50 So, I was surprised that I was going to be in GMA.
29:53 I had just started in the law firm.
29:55 But growing up, Pia, my mom, she's a housewife, she loves showbiz.
30:00 She loves artists.
30:02 So, when we were kids, she had a subscription to all the showbiz magazines.
30:08 The Orig, Kislap, Extra Hot, Modern Romances.
30:12 We had all of those every week.
30:14 Then she taught me, she said, "Anet, this is what you're going to do.
30:17 Think of your favorite artist, then I'll buy you a notebook.
30:21 You'll cut out her pictures and put them in the notebook."
30:25 So, I did that.
30:26 Who were the ones who appeared in your notebook, ma'am?
30:30 I was Maricel Soriano.
30:31 The first ones I cut out were when she was a teenager.
30:35 That's what my mom taught me.
30:37 I think that's why when my dad joined GMA, he brought me along because he knew that we were also trained in showbiz.
30:44 So, were there any of you who discovered about yourself when you found yourself working in the media industry?
30:50 When you had been expecting to be practicing full-time as a lawyer?
30:54 Yes, I discovered that I love creating stories.
30:58 That's what I like doing in GMA.
31:01 I'm part of the drama sub-com.
31:03 So, it's fun to talk to all the creatives of GMA because they're the best in the Philippines.
31:12 They're very open to ideas and collaborations.
31:16 It's fun to work with them.
31:18 That's why we can come up with concepts.
31:21 For example, Maria Clara and Ibarra.
31:23 I was surprised that they brought me along to the byline created by them.
31:26 I was like, "Miss Annette, you're also part of the team. You're the one who said that."
31:29 So, we're like that inside the drama sub-committee with the creatives.
31:33 I enjoy creating stories.
31:36 In movies, other films created by GMA Films, it was my concepts that I discovered.
31:42 I'm really fond of that.
31:44 That's so fun, ma'am.
31:46 I've always wondered what a story conference would be like for entertainment.
31:50 Because in the news, we just do a run-through of everything that's happening during the day.
31:55 Then, there are the expected stories or coverages.
31:58 But in entertainment, I feel like it's just one big story that you can talk about.
32:05 For example, we'll talk about the love triangle.
32:09 But there needs to be a different element.
32:11 That's why I feel like it happened before with My Husband's Lover.
32:14 Because we always do love triangles, right?
32:17 But this is the first time that the gender is different.
32:19 There are things like that.
32:20 Because, of course, you have to always innovate in a way.
32:24 You have to bring back the old concepts so that the viewers have a new experience watching them.
32:31 Like Maria Clara and Ibarra, it started off as just supposed to be Nolly and Fili.
32:37 So, my contribution to that was to say that it might be boring.
32:42 So, my suggestion is to put a Gen Z character who doesn't know about Nolly and Fili.
32:49 When she's asleep, when she wakes up, she's in the story.
32:52 And she doesn't know what's going to happen in the story, so she has to navigate her way.
32:55 So, there's a fresh element to tried and tested concepts. That's what drama creatives always try.
33:03 Are you allowed, ma'am, to say if you have a favorite TV show ever?
33:08 In terms of GMA shows.
33:10 My favorite is probably Encantadia.
33:13 Both Encantadia, the first and the second.
33:15 What makes it your favorite, ma'am? Extra special to you?
33:18 Well, I'm a partner with the conceptualizers.
33:21 And it's really centered on female empowerment.
33:26 But in a way that's visually stunning.
33:29 And the story was really also a solid drama story.
33:33 It's a very entertaining show, but it has lessons that are imparted to the viewers.
33:40 So, those are the type of shows I like.
33:42 And are there any other shows that you still want to do or that you're excited to do for GMA?
33:49 There's an upcoming next year. It's also good.
33:52 But later on, it's a historical drama.
33:57 So, there are lessons because certain historical points of the Philippines will be passed.
34:05 So, for me, it's also educational for the kids.
34:08 It's a secret, but it's for next year.
34:11 Wow, exciting. We'll be looking forward to that, ma'am.
34:14 That sounds like something that the students will be watching, that the teachers will ask their students to watch also.
34:19 Yes, I know.
34:20 So now, ma'am, when you're doing the different kinds of work that you do,
34:25 we all know that, like you mentioned, you also have your own family and you have your kids also.
34:30 So, of course, you were a working mom, a career woman when your kids were much younger.
34:34 Was it a juggling act for you or it just happened naturally?
34:39 Maybe I'm lucky that I was allowed to bring my kids to work.
34:44 So, I was with them in the office before, in the law firm, and then in GMA, I was also with them.
34:50 So, after school, they would go to my room.
34:54 So, I think that's my way of juggling.
34:58 But I always make it a point to spend a lot of time with them also.
35:02 That's nice. And I think it's important also because they see the work that their parents do, right?
35:07 Yes, I was with them before. For example, we had a movie shoot.
35:11 I was with them. So, they really saw the movie shoots.
35:14 They got to know the directors, they got to know the writers because they were just small.
35:19 So, now, it's like, "Wow, we feel so old."
35:22 My kids are so big now.
35:24 Actually, ma'am, I do remember seeing your kids in the lobby of GMA. They were so small before.
35:28 Yes, yes. They would go there after school.
35:31 Then, they would hang out in my office.
35:34 Are any of them interested in the media industry as well?
35:37 None. As of now, none.
35:39 My daughter is into finance.
35:41 My son is taking up business. He wants to do business.
35:46 So, I don't know if eventually, someone will be interested.
35:49 No one wants to be a lawyer.
35:50 I don't have a husband. I didn't get married. None.
35:53 You have a lot of nephews.
35:55 Yes, I think there are some small ones.
35:58 Because my other nephews are much younger.
36:00 I feel like Philip's son might be into the media.
36:04 He's into it.
36:05 Wow.
36:06 Opposite to his dad.
36:09 Opposite. He's really into Tagalog.
36:11 He speaks Tagalog. He watches shows and sings.
36:17 So, I feel like this is it. This is the one who can do showbiz.
36:21 This is the next generation.
36:23 Ma'am, at home, does your TV constantly tune in?
36:29 It's like it's just being monitored.
36:31 It's not being turned off.
36:32 Well, yes. My dad is really monitoring.
36:35 So, the TV in the bedrooms.
36:38 Even in our dining room, there's a TV.
36:41 So, while he's eating, he's still monitoring.
36:43 I think he really needs to be monitored on TV.
36:47 It's like he needs to be watched all day.
36:51 Yes.
36:52 Because the whole day, there's a show that's airing.
36:55 And there's a radio.
36:56 And then you have to monitor online.
36:58 My dad listens to the radio at night.
37:01 Overnight, he doesn't turn off the radio.
37:03 Wow. So, he can sleep with the radio on.
37:07 Yes.
37:08 Wow. And when he wakes up, he hears the news for the first time.
37:12 Yes.
37:13 That's great.
37:14 Because the news doesn't sleep.
37:20 Oh my, ma'am. In all the years that you have been working in the media industry and as a lawyer,
37:28 what are some of the biggest lessons you've learned?
37:32 That you've taken not just from the people you work with, but also from your parents, from at home.
37:37 Maybe the first is, we always have to be ethical in our dealings with everyone.
37:43 Me, personally, because this is what I see in my dad.
37:46 Whenever we enter into contracts or into partnerships, we always have to be in good faith.
37:51 You can't be alone.
37:56 And my dad puts a premium on transparency.
37:59 He wants everything to be upright.
38:02 So, I think those are the most important things that I've learned.
38:07 And is it something that you also like to impart, not just with your colleagues, but also with your kids,
38:13 for whatever industry they choose to be a part of?
38:15 Yes, it's important.
38:16 Because we're a Christian family.
38:19 So, our motto, my dad's motto is, "When we work, we have to glorify God in our work."
38:26 But how can you do that?
38:28 Maybe it's by working hard, by working in good faith, always in good faith,
38:33 by being a good boss or a good co-worker.
38:38 So, we're thinking about how we can be fair and ethical.
38:42 It's the way to be able to glorify God.
38:47 And I guess also the learning really just never stops, especially in an industry that's always evolving, always changing.
38:54 Yes, it's so fast.
38:55 And now, with all the different platforms emerging, we're also chasing what's next.
39:02 What's the next big platform?
39:04 What's the next big venue?
39:06 So, we always need to be abreast with all these new technologies, new developments.
39:12 We can't just pass by.
39:14 Exactly.
39:15 And I think, ma'am, maybe one of the most exciting things, not just for those who are in the industry, but the viewers as well,
39:21 is the collaboration between GMA and ABS NOW.
39:25 Was it something that you would have ever dreamed of, I don't know, maybe just as far back as three or five years ago?
39:32 Well, before, we were trying to ask them if they wanted to co-produce movies, but it didn't seem to work out at that time.
39:40 So, before, we were still thinking about how we can work with them.
39:44 But I think, in God's timing, now, it's suddenly possible.
39:49 I think it's a very good thing for the showbiz industry and the viewers
39:54 because they can see the things that weren't included in a show, they can watch it together.
40:00 So, so far, the comments from viewers have all been positive.
40:04 Was it an easy decision for the board, for management, that, "Yeah, sure, if we can, then let's collaborate"?
40:11 Actually, my dad was the first one to say, "Ask them if they're open, if they want to propose to us, because we can listen."
40:21 So, we reached out to Carlo Katigbak, and then, he was very open right away.
40:27 My dad, actually, very smooth with all of our talks with ABS.
40:31 Were you the designated envoy?
40:33 I was the designated. I was the one assigned.
40:38 Ma'am, Mr. Katigbak from ABS was your schoolmate, were you batchmates?
40:43 No, he was two batches higher than me. He was also an ME, Management Engineering.
40:48 So, you had known each other from before, from school?
40:51 We weren't friends before, but his sister was my batchmate, Ateneo, but not ME.
40:57 Was that how you started communicating?
41:00 Yes, and actually, he was a very close friend of my cousins, Joel Jimenez and Carmen Jimenez.
41:08 They've been close since way back.
41:10 Very smooth, that's why it's surprising.
41:12 We said, "We should've worked together before, we're like long-lost friends."
41:19 At the recent GMA Gala, they were also there, and it was an opportunity for everyone to mingle.
41:25 Did you have the opportunity to go table hopping and talk to them, or did they go to your table?
41:32 Yes, actually, when they arrived, they went to my dad's.
41:35 Later, I would take them to their table to make sure they're enjoying themselves.
41:40 Later, they'd get bored, but I think a lot of people would go to their table, so I think they enjoyed the night also.
41:48 Yes, actually, ma'am, it was almost midnight, we were still walking around, and the ABS people were still there,
41:54 including Vong Navarro.
41:56 They were having an after-party up to 5 AM.
41:59 Wow, they were up to 5 AM?
42:01 Yes, they were with the GMA stars in the after-party. They were having a party up to 5 AM.
42:06 Wow.
42:07 I was awake by then.
42:10 Next year, we'll be waiting for the after-party.
42:12 The news also had their own after-party, but it didn't reach 5 AM. Maybe around 3 PM.
42:20 Yes, a lot of people reached 5 AM.
42:22 Even Linglong Dantes.
42:24 It was fun.
42:26 Yes, we enjoyed it.
42:28 It's rare to see everyone together, right, ma'am?
42:32 Yes, it was just a party, no work.
42:35 Oh, ma'am, speaking of the gala, we saw you singing on stage.
42:40 Yes.
42:41 Did you practice for that number?
42:43 We practiced.
42:44 Actually, Joy and Marcelo had the idea of Sparkle.
42:48 I thought the other members of the board wouldn't allow it.
42:52 Because they said, "For a change, instead of an artist, you should perform."
42:57 It's a way of giving back.
42:59 So I said, "I'll ask them. I doubt if they'll like it."
43:02 Then I asked, and they said they really like it.
43:04 So I was like, "Oh no, they like it."
43:07 Who's the most game?
43:10 Judy, she loved it.
43:13 She even tried for the gala.
43:15 She's thinking of another production number next year.
43:20 Long time to prepare.
43:21 She's that excited.
43:23 Maybe more songs next year.
43:25 I don't know.
43:26 Maybe later there will be a harness.
43:29 Just kidding.
43:30 If that's the case, for the opening, FLG will be able to fully appreciate the production number.
43:37 I went home early and said, "Our song number won't wait for her. I'll just watch it if it's video."
43:44 She said she might see it at the Christmas party or something.
43:48 Yes.
43:49 How many times did you guys practice for that?
43:51 Two practice sessions.
43:53 Wow, impressive. Two practice sessions.
43:56 Yes.
43:57 No nerves performing live?
44:00 I don't think so.
44:01 Because ARCGYN was sponsored that night.
44:05 It's owned by Lori Jimenez West.
44:08 Lori told us, "Let's do ARCGYN before performing so we won't get nervous."
44:15 So that's the secret.
44:18 Yes.
44:19 And it worked.
44:21 Yes.
44:22 So that means, because it's so nice to see that our bosses also know how to let their hair down and party.
44:30 Would you consider yourself more a workaholic than somebody who likes to party?
44:37 Yes, I'm more of a workaholic.
44:39 But is there a conscious effort to balance it out?
44:42 With Sparkle and the new departments I'm working with, there are always a lot of events.
44:49 So it's hard for me because sometimes clients or artists, it's hard to know.
44:56 So I tend to go to more events.
45:00 But I really want to sleep early and I want to sleep long.
45:05 So sometimes I get tired and it's hard for me to recover.
45:09 I need about one week to recover.
45:11 So you're very strict about, for example, eight hours of sleep?
45:15 Yes.
45:16 If I don't sleep the next day, I feel so tired.
45:19 How about you, ma'am?
45:21 How do you eat, pray, love? It's very important that it's all there, all those elements.
45:27 I think praying is the most important for me.
45:31 My focus really is work.
45:33 Work and family.
45:35 Time for myself.
45:37 I hardly do parlour.
45:39 I hardly do derma.
45:42 I really don't do anything.
45:44 I don't do manicure.
45:46 I don't do anything.
45:47 So more of work and family.
45:52 Wow, ma'am. That's great.
45:53 You don't do derma but when we saw each other, you looked super fresh.
45:57 No, I don't. Maybe twice a year.
46:00 Wow. I wish I could do the same.
46:04 Wow.
46:06 Do you have a daily routine that you like to stick to that if you don't get to follow that routine, you feel off balance?
46:14 I don't have one.
46:15 Very flexible?
46:16 Yes.
46:17 Okay.
46:18 And you mentioned, ma'am, that praying is very important to you.
46:21 Is this also what you would attribute your cheerful disposition to?
46:25 Because everybody who works with you, they say, "Ma'am Annette is very cheerful."
46:29 They can't imagine you getting angry or being strict.
46:36 Maybe.
46:37 Because when I work, I really want God to glorify me.
46:43 So how do you do that? You can't shout or get angry.
46:49 Maybe it's also God working in me that He doesn't make me angry.
46:56 He doesn't let me go out.
46:59 It's beyond my control.
47:01 But it's good that I'm just like that. I'm very mild.
47:04 Oh, that's nice. So now we know the secret.
47:07 Ma'am, thank you so much for taking time out to be with us because we know you're super duper busy.
47:12 Not just very busy, super duper busy.
47:14 It's not enough to say "very busy."
47:17 But before we wrap things up, we have a quick game. Is that okay?
47:22 Just a quick game that the team prepared for you.
47:25 Okay, I'll just go through it. It's a surprise, ma'am.
47:28 Okay.
47:29 A surprising game. It's called "Annette's Favorite."
47:32 Just a list of all your favorite things.
47:35 What is Annette's favorite breakfast or food?
47:38 Japanese food.
47:39 Ah, very healthy. Annette's favorite dessert?
47:43 I don't like desserts.
47:45 Wow, no sweet food?
47:47 I don't like sweet food.
47:48 Wow, that's why you're so slim, ma'am.
47:50 I like food that's more like a meal.
47:53 So for example, at the buffet, you wouldn't even go to the dessert table?
47:58 Yes, I'd just save it for more food.
48:01 At least food that's not rice.
48:04 Yes.
48:05 Less carbs.
48:07 Okay, how about Annette's favorite color?
48:10 Blue.
48:11 One big fight. Is that the reason?
48:14 Maybe.
48:15 FLG might get mad.
48:18 Annette's favorite place or country?
48:21 Japan.
48:22 Because of the food?
48:23 Yes. I really love eating in Japan.
48:27 So any season? Any season, Japan?
48:30 I don't like summer because it's too hot.
48:32 It's only a few months out of the year.
48:34 Yes, so just avoid that time.
48:37 How about Annette's favorite male foreign celebrity?
48:43 Tom Hanks? I just watched A Man Called Otto, so I really like him.
48:49 It makes me cry.
48:50 Yes.
48:51 Okay, how about female foreign celebrity?
48:54 Maybe Meryl Streep?
48:56 The old ones, the ones I chose, the old ones.
48:59 My age is affected.
49:02 No, because Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, whether it's their movies from when they were young or their movies now,
49:09 they're all good at movies.
49:11 Yes.
49:12 Yes. No underwears.
49:15 How about your favorite getup or outfit?
49:18 Just casual. I like loose, loose fitting.
49:21 Loose fitting. And you can also wear mismatched shoes.
49:25 That's okay. For luck.
49:27 Yes, for luck. It's the new trend.
49:30 How about your favorite time of the day?
49:32 Maybe after dinner because that's the time I can relax more, do my own things.
49:39 It's like the time to wind down.
49:41 Yes.
49:42 And how about your favorite pastime?
49:45 Eating or watching shows.
49:50 Watching shows and movies. Are you an active person, ma'am? Like you have sports or?
49:54 Before, I used to play tennis but now I don't have time. But I think I really have to find time for exercise.
50:03 Maybe even the treadmills in the office. Those are the ultimate boss.
50:09 My husband is a health buff.
50:12 He's so athletic.
50:13 He's cycling every day. He forces me to cycle but I have a hard time waking up early.
50:19 Because you have to get up early. It's still too hot.
50:22 Oh yes.
50:23 It's hard.
50:24 I know how to do indoor spinning but I don't know how to bike. So they're making fun of me.
50:30 But I really need to exercise again, especially at my age. I have to find time.
50:39 Any form of exercise.
50:40 Yes.
50:41 Okay. How about your favorite quote?
50:46 "When you leave everything in God's hands, you start to see God's hand on everything."
50:52 My dad always says that. So that's my favorite.
50:56 That's nice. Because it's really just leaving it all up to Him. We can only control so much.
51:04 Yes.
51:05 How nice. Attorney Annette, thank you so much for taking time out to be with us.
51:12 Before we let you go, perhaps you'd like to invite all our listeners to catch Battle of the Judges.
51:19 Is there anything also that you'd like to impart to all the loyal Kapusos,
51:24 whether they're loyal Kapusos from of old or new proud Kapusos who are part of the community?
51:31 Is there anything you'd like to say?
51:33 First of all, I'd like to invite everyone to watch Battle of the Judges.
51:37 It's every Saturday at 7.15pm.
51:40 And to all our Kapusos, whether old or new, thank you very much for being a Kapuso.
51:46 And we promise to always do our best to try to give you the entertainment that you deserve.
51:53 And of course, the news that you deserve. The truth.
51:58 Oh, Ma'am Annette, thank you so much.
52:00 Thank you.
52:01 Thank you, Nia.
52:02 Thank you.
52:07 This surprise was planned by the team of Ronald Ramido and Aubrey de los Reyes,
52:10 edited by Shirley Pagiligan, with the wonderful people of GMA Integrated News.
52:14 Don't forget to like and subscribe.
52:16 'Til the next surprise!
52:17 [music]
52:23 (upbeat music)