Veteran journalist Korina Sanchez has embraced a new role as the “Pambansang Referee” in TV5’s reimagined program, ‘Face to Face: Harapan,’ part of the network’s ‘Hapon Champion’ block.
Known for her distinguished career in broadcast journalism, Sanchez surprised many by joining the intense talk show, which facilitates face-to-face confrontations between disputing parties in search of resolutions. The show, previously hosted by Amy Perez, Gelli de Belen, and Karla Estrada, is known for its on-air exchanges reminiscent of a “barangay hall.”
Sanchez, who carries a reputation as a respected journalist, addressed the initial reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. “Alam mo madalas tanungin sa akin ‘yan. Pinag-iisipan ko pa lang ‘yung project, marami na nagsasabing, ‘tatanggapin mo ‘yan?’ May ganu’n sila, ‘no? Sabi ko, ‘bakit ano bang meron? Ano bang meron sa ‘Face to Face?’” she shared. “And isa sa pangunahing dahilan kung bakit tinanggap ko? Dahil hindi pa ako nakaka-host ng ganitong klase ng programa. So it’s a challenge and I want to inject my own brand into the format.”
Reflecting on her approach, Sanchez admitted she was initially surprised by the intensity of some confrontations, including physical altercations. “Ayun. ‘Korina, alam mo ba nagbabakbakan sila d’yan? Kung minsan nagsasabunutan pa.’ May nakita talaga tayo. Medyo na-shock ako doon. Pero the challenge is how do you find a resolution, ‘di ba, na magkakasundo-sundo sila. At the same time, paano ka ba magiging ‘Pambansang Referee’? Para kang naging ‘Pambansang Referee’ rin kasi,” she said, adding that she views these moments as part of the challenge of finding resolutions.
Sanchez also shared that her career has always been about connecting with the masa, citing past programs like ‘Hoy, Gising!,’ ‘Balitang K,’ and ‘Rated K’ as part of her legacy. “Never ko naman inisip, ‘ano bang brand ko?’ Never ko naman inisip basta’t go lang ako nang go.,” she explained. “Ang brand ko talaga ay malapit sa ordinaryong tao. Siyempre alam n’yo rin, buhay pa naman ang ‘Rated Korina,’ talagang kwentong buhay talaga ang aking forte. ‘Yun na nga lang, ‘eto, live ko na sila maririnig. Ayun. So kaya ko naisip umoo kasi ito naman talaga ang Korina na kilala ng lahat. ’Yung malapit sa ordinaryong tao. So, there.”
On set, Sanchez has embraced the nickname “Ate Koring,” a term of endearment from her ABS-CBN colleagues, now fitting for her down-to-earth approach on the show. Her co-hosts, including Bro. Jun “Dr. Love” Banaag, Dra. Camille, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, and Donita Nose, have praised her ability to handle live mediation with ease and authority, with Bro. Jun calling it an “achievement” to work with her.
While Sanchez is often seen as a “queen” of journalism, she humbly refers to herself as a “servant of the industry,” sharing, “It’s a blessing to still be here, helping people through media.”
‘Face to Face: Harapan’ is produced by MQuest Ventures and Cignal TV, airing weekdays at 4 p.m. on TV5 and at 9 p.m. on One PH.
