“I’m not a politician,” she said during a press interview for the upcoming return of the drama anthology show “Magpakailanman” held at the GMA-7 compound in Quezon City on Friday, October 5.
The newscaster, who is also the executive vice president of the Kapuso Foundation , said she doesn’t need to be a politician to help those in need.
“I do public service. I don’t need to have a position to do it,” she said.
Her current position also allows her to “make things move with a snap of my finger.” Mas madali akong tumulong pag andito ako,” Mel explained.
She even quipped: “I don’t need to be a politician to earn well, GMA pays me very well. It’s clean money, all above board, all supported my documents.”
‘They know it’s not for me’
But more than that, the “24 Oras” news anchor said she’s afraid to be “sucked by the system” if she does enter politics.
“Kasi I’ve seen people who have been sucked into the system,” Mel shared. “Ayoko, I like myself. I love myself.”
But hasn’t the idea of running for office ever crossed her mind?
“No,” Mel answered. “As a matter of fact, kung minsan, I go to sorties, public service projects, tapos dating mo doon sasabihin sayo, ‘tatakbo ka ba?’”
“But now nagsawa na sila. They know it’s not for me.”
With over two decades worth of experience in Philippine television, is there any else Mel wants to accomplish?
“I don’t know. Basta ang alam ko, meron pa akong magagawa,” she said.
“What it is, I don’t know. But I’ve seen so much poverty out there. I’ve seen so much neglect everywhere. I’ve seen children really sick with no hope at all. I’ve seen the worst in our country.”
‘Pakialamera ako’
And it’s not like Mel has a lack of hurdles to confront, as she is set to host “Magpakailaman.” The newscaster hosted the drama anthology show during its five year run from 2002 to 2007.
The network considered a new host for the show’s reiteration, but GMA executive Redgie Acuña-Magno said they later realized no one else can headline “Magpakailaman” but Mel.
For her part, Mel said she agreed to do it again if they incorporate new elements on the show.
“Sa lahat ng shows ko, pakialamera ako,” she joked.
Mel explained: “Sabi ko sa kanila, ilagay ninyo yung elements ko, yung persona ko doon sa show. Hindi 'yung andun lang ako, (nagbabasa) ng script. Put it into the concept that I a Mel Tiangco, I am a news personality, I am a public servant, and i-incorporate ninyo doon sa show. 'Yun 'yung request ko sa kanila.”
The new show, she added, will feature the “real story behind the story,” with more in-depth research and not just simple dramatization and subject interviews.
“That’s where my personality comes it,” she said. “We want the show not only to be an entertainment show, but a show na talagang kapupulutan ng tao ng… something good. Whether aspiration or something informative.”
“Gusto naming may mapapala yung televiewer sa panonood.”
They’re planning to feature the life story of Katrina Halili for their first episode but this hasn't been finalized yet.
Are they ready to face their old rival, ABS-CBN’s long-running drama anthology show “Maalaala Mo Kaya?”
“Ay siyempre naman,” Mel enthused.
“Magpakailaman” is set to premiere this November on GMA-7.
Chuck Smith | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom
