Rico Hizon on the different battle media is waging amid pandemic

Rico Hizon (right) with Kobe Bryant

In the time of coronavirus disease (COVID-19,) variety shows and “teleseryes” have taken a back seat to news programs. Or, to put it in show biz parlance, “Inagaw ng ‘corona v’ ang korona sa mga artista.” The spotlight is now on the pandemic as celebs are “forced” to go on hiatus.

News anchors like Rico Hizon are also considered front-liners in the battle versus the virus. We stand by for their updates about the health crisis as if we were waiting for the next episode of a hit series. Newsmen got us glued to the Corona saga.What a time for Rico to be back on the local scene. After 17 years with BBC World News in Singapore and London, the vete­ran broadcast journalist joins CNN Philippines as its senior anchor and director for news content development.

I remember visiting Rico at the BBC News Studio in Singapore. After he showed me around, we had coffee and talked about show biz. I was amused to find out that he adores the love team of Kim Chiu and Xian Lim (KimXi). Who would think that someone engrossed in world affairs actually gets a kick out of the KimXi tandem.

Even when Rico was making waves abroad, he never lost sight of his Pinoy roots. During this chaotic time, his cool and calm style of reporting is exactly what we need to somehow keep our sanity—or whatever’s left of it—intact.

Here’s my chat with Rico:

What made you decide to come home and work for CNN Philippines?

After living in Hong Kong and Singapore for 25 years, I felt it was time to bring my family back to Manila. My dad turned 92, and I felt it was time to spend more time with him. My wife Melanie and I also wanted our 15-year-old son Migo to know more about the Filipino culture and heritage and be closer to his lolo, having been born and raised in Singapore.

When the guys of CNN Phili­ppines asked me to be part of the team, I didn’t hesitate to join them. I also wanted a new challenge and schedule in my career. I’ve always anchored morning news programs from GMA News to CNBC and then BBC News. This time, I’m anchoring the evening news at 9 p.m., from Monday to Friday.

What was your most memo­rable interview on BBC?

I have had quite a number of memorable interviews, and one of them was with Kobe Bryant. Despite being a basketball superstar, he was so simple and down-to-earth. He was smiling throughout the interview and radiated positive vibes. He even signed my basketball jersey.

Another memorable interview was with Jamie Foxx, who was so much fun to talk to. Despite using my allotted time for the interview, he said let’s give Rico more time. I will also ne­ver forget my chat with K-pop phenomenon Psy, because we danced the Gangnam style.

Then, there’s Lea Salonga. In my interview with her last December, we sang a few lines from “A Whole New World.”

Tell us about your fascination with the love team of Kim Chiu and Xian Lim.

I’m a certified KimXi fan. I’ve watched all their “teleseryes,” starting with “My Binondo Girl” and their movies, until today. They serve as my stress relie­ver. I’ve known them perso­nally for about eight years. They have no star complex. Whenever they’re free, we meet up. While they were in Singapore last year, filming “Love Thy Woman,” I watched their shoot and had dinner with them.

How do you handle the pressure of being a broadcast journalist in the time of COVID-19?

These are challenging times, indeed. We are fighting an unseen and unpredictable enemy. While our brave front-liners are protecting and saving lives, we in the media also play a vital role in response to COVID-19. But were facing a different battle.

We at CNN Philippines have to fight the rumors and misinformation. We have to keep spreading the facts, to empower people with information they need and trust. Amid the misinformation, fake cures and false medical advice on the novel coronavirus, “CNN Philippines 24/7” aims to set the record straight, for viewers to understand what’s known and unknown about COVID-19.

Who’s your dream interviewee?

Our medical front-line heroes who are risking their own lives to save others. I want to hear their “before, during and after” COVID-19 stories.

If a headline will be made about your life story, what would it be?

“Rico Hizon: A Trailblazer for Filipino Anchors in Global News.” INQ