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| Small station, big breakColumn: If I Know “ITO Ang Balita” is a one-hour straight news service of UNTV 37, committed to deliver impartial and truthful reporting of the day's event. It will air daily from Monday to Friday starting September 3, and will be anchored by two of the most respected and outstanding broadcasters in the country, Jay Sonza and Candace Giron. Backed by the strength of local and international news departments, “Ito Ang Balita” takes an in-depth look at the hottest news and issues of national and global interests. Other segments are the Business Sense, Sports Discipline, Police Blotter and more. It will also provide the viewers with live news updates and breaking news. “Ito Ang Balita” will feature live interviews with the country's top newsmakers as well. It was Jay, who's also the station manager of UNTV 37, who thought of giving Candace the break to be his co-anchor in “Ito Ang Balita. ” “I told her that there is this small station (UNTV 37) who is looking for somebody to do the primetime news. But since this is a small station, you cannot expect that the salary is as big as one given by big networks. Ang importante, especially for you, is the break. Ang tagal mo na sa industriya, magaling ka rin naman and you come from the family of broadcasters (Candace's lolo is Olaf Giron of the National Press Club). She thought I wasn't serious. I talked to Candace but I wasn't sure yet if she would accept,” related Jay at the presscon of “Ito ang Balita” on Tuesday held at Crustacea in Podium. Jay told Candace to submit a copy of her contract (she was still with GMA7 then) then he gave her a proposition. He also drafted a letter rescinding the contract since Candace's contract with GMA ends on September 30. Candace also asked for an offer sheet (probably GMA didn't believe there was an offer). “I told her if they give this to you, we don't mind if you don't get to join us. My original idea was for Candace to get what she's worth. Tinaasan ko ang offer sheet. Hindi naman tinaasan ng GMA 7. They approved the letter rescinding the contract kaya natuloy ang paglipat ni Candace here in UNTV,” related Jay. For her part, Candace is very thankful with the trust given her by Jay and UNTV 37 to be a news anchor on UNTV 37. She had worked before with Jay when they co-hosted an event and she enjoyed the experience. RYAN REPLACES DINGDONG But instead of Dingdong Dantes co-starring with Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Agoncillo will replace Dingdong who can't do the movie because of conflict in schedule. “Dagao” will be shot in Daet, Camarines Norte while Dingdong is busy taping for the TV series “Marimar” which is being shot in Zambales. GMA Films had talked to Ryan's manager, Noel Ferrer, on the possibility of Ryan taking over the role. Since Ryan is still busy with “Ysabella,” Noel told GMA Films to get back to them again if Ryan would be the final choice. It was Direk Chito who talked to Diether Ocampo and Jericho Rosales who were also considered for the role. Although Star Magic had agreed in principle, the two actors could not do the project because they have exclusive contracts under Star Cinema. It's a go for Ryan who didn't mind being a replacement. He was also not the original choice for “My Kuya's Wedding” but he accepted the project and it's bound to become a hit. His manager is fixing his September schedule to accommodate the shoot in Daet, Camarines Sur. Also in the cast of “Dagao” are Luis Alandy, Assunta de Rossi, Epi Quizon, Jewel Mische, and model-turned-actor Will Devaughn. THE FAMILY THAT SINGS TOGETHER Aptly called “It's All In The Genes,” the show brought together on a rare occasion the country's grand dame of jazz and prince of jazz along with beauty queen-turned- singer Rachel. Annie is thrilled by this rare musical reunion on stage: “I am very happy because for the first time we will all be onstage and I think it is truly something else,” says she. “What I always tell my children is that if you like music and you hear an inner voice to pursue it then go for it. Music always keeps our spirit up and it makes you grow up gracefully,” she adds. To Annie's surprise, two in the family (Richard and Rachel) also took the path of music. In the case of Rachel Anne, Annie was amazed how early her daughter took to music and showbiz. Rachel says it was because she saw her mom perform at an early age. “I have observed her as a performer and I knew how she led her life outside of music,” says Rachel. “So when I hear her sing her version of ' My Way,' I can't help but cry. ” Source: People's Journal |
