Pokwang misses the touch of a man

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

Karen Davila, news anchor of ABS-CBN’s "TV Patrol," added another feather in her already well-decorated cap when she was chosen last year’s Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee for broadcast journalism. Her trophy was awarded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang last month.

Karen was one of more than 100 screened this year for the award. Only five of them made it, so far, the least number in the history of TOYM.

Karen is the seventh from broadcast media to have been honored with the said award. Past awardees include her boss in the ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs Department, Maria Ressa.

This year’s awardees also include Secretary Ace Durano (Ecological Tourism); Dr. Christian Camagun (Agricultural Science); Rex Bernardo (Community Service); and Dr. Antonio Alfonso (Science and Technology).

The TOYM is now on its 50th year. In its half-century existence, it has become an institution, having recognized countless young leaders, a number of whom become acknowledged pioneers in their respective fields.

It is considered the country’s most prestigious awards search and has the reputation of choosing outstanding young Filipino men and women (ages 18 to 40) who are role models for the society.

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A much-awarded broadcast journalist, Karen has been in the business for 15 years. Her documentaries for the news magazine program, "The Correspondents," have helped bring changes in society.

Remember Karen’s docu report on "Batang Preso," which showed the plight of minors thrown in jail for trivial crimes committed and how they are tried as adults?

The report was so explicitly powerful that it won for her the UNICEF Child Rights Award in Hong Kong in 2005, besting 50 others submitted by 12 countries in Asia Pacific.

It was because of this report that the Comprehensive Juvenile Justice bill authored by Senator Kiko Pangilinan was enacted into law in 2006.

We still remember vividly the documentary on "Yellow Babies" which Karen featured in "The Correspondents." These babies had Bilary Atresia.

One of those afflicted with the sickness was Baby Nicolai.

In order for Baby Nicolai to undergo surgery in Taiwan, Karen initiated a fund drive.

She was with the child and her parents when the operation was performed abroad. Now, the baby is free from disease.

That same year, Karen was named "Broadcast Journalist of the Year" by the Rotary Club of Manila.

The TOYM also recognized Karen’s other valuable concerns. For the past year, she has devoted her time supporting and campaigning for children’s education through the World Vision, a non-government organization that sends the children of the poorest of the poor to school for only P600 a month.

Karen’s programs on ABS-CBN are the primetime newscast "TV Patrol World" and "WonderMom" (every Saturdays), where she gives information and shares inspiring stories to her fellow mothers.

Karen also anchors with Vic de Lima the daily radio program, "Pasada Sais Trenta" on DZMM.

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Pokwang (yes, the comedienne) has been loveless for more than five years now.

"Kaya nga, nakalimutan ko na how to kiss and how it is to be kissed," she says in jest, "Maski munting kiliti from the opposite sex, ‘di ko na nararanasan ngayon."

But she is not complaining. "My daughter (age 10) compensates for anumang mga physical na pagkukulang na nararanasan ko. Her hugs and kisses are enough to satisfy me.

"Besides, my being busy is enough to compensate for what I lack in other things."

Pokwang co-hosts the daily show, "Wowowee," on ABS-CBN with Valerie Concepcion, Mariel Rodriguez and Willie Revillame. She’s constantly doing concerts here and abroad.

Pokwang has built a house for herself and her family. She wants to have another house constructed in a 300-square meter lot, also in the same area as her first, Antipolo.

She has ventured into recording. Star Records, the recording arm of ABS-CBN, has just released her first album, "Pokwang… Ang Album Na May Puso."

"Pantanggal ng stress," she describes the album.

The album’s carrier single, "Sana Kunin Ka Ni Lord," is composed by Christian Martinez. It has enjoyed consistent airplay on radio stations nationwide.

Pokwang hopes that even her followers abroad will buy the CD.

Source: Malaya

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