MORALES. Sensible but unbridled views.
Don’t be fooled by Vicky Morales’ cool and nonchalant demeanor on TV. The lovely news anchor of GMA 7’s “24 Oras” and “Good News” and host of “Wish Ko Lang” is ballsier than you’d give her credit for—as our recent chat with Vicky proved.
Her views are sensible but unbridled—from the RH law and the “right way” of helping “Wish Ko Lang’s” needy beneficiaries, to broadcasters opinionating about the news.
Vicky shares, “This bantering style during newscasts is being done more often now—but, I’ve always been uncomfortable with it. You have to be careful, because what you say can influence people. So, we limit our banter to lighter topics—nothing too sensitive or politically colored.
Has she always wanted to be a newscaster? Vicky beams, “Initially, I wanted to be a physician like my dad (Dr. Dante Morales, a cardiologist), but the kind of life he lived—always rushing to the ER to attend to his patients—didn’t appeal to me. It’s a noble but not very family-friendly profession.
“My mom was shocked when I decided to take Rep’s summer theater workshop as a kid, because she knew how painfully shy I was! It was a way for me to get out of my shell. I always thought I’d be a businesswoman because, in grade school and high school, I used to dabble in small businesses—I would bake cookies and sell them to my classmates
“If my children (7-year-old twins Leon Alfonso and Filippo Luis and Daniela Simone, 4) end up in this profession, I’ll guide them all the way. But, children have minds of their own nowadays, perhaps because of social media.
“They’re the reason why I hesitated when I was asked to join ‘24 Oras’ last year, because I didn’t want to give up ‘homework time’ with them. Now, I get home at 8:30 p.m., just as they’re about to sleep—which gives me enough time to pray with them.
What are her most cherished memories on “Wish Ko Lang” (which is celebrating its 13th year)? Vicky recalls with fondness, “The ‘Good Samaritan’ series sticks out, because it took us a year to refine it. Seeing man’s inherent kindness always brings tears to my eyes—people would give away their last P20 to help others in distress, kahit maputulan sila ng kuryente! Situations like that restore your faith in humanity.
“We do followup stories, too—but, sometimes, we get disappointed, because they don’t turn out the way you expect them to. Also, I had a debate with my staff about helping a couple with 15 children. If you can’t support all of them, why have so many?
“That is why I support the RH law—I’m against promiscuity, but I am prochoice. We want to give people a chance to make something out of themselves—but, let’s help them the right way!”