BIANCA Gonzalez
Television host Bianca Gonzalez is one of the most opinionated and conversant personalities in show biz today.
A self-confessed nerd since her school days, the 29-year-old celeb said that she has always been interested in news, as well as political and social issues.
“I don’t find it boring. I want to be socially aware as much as possible,” she told the Inquirer at her recent launch as ambassador of Globe Telecom’s MyRewards MyGlobe campaign.
Bianca, a communications graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, said that her innate inquisitiveness helps her a lot in her work. She’s thankful she’s part of the early morning news program “Umagang Kay Ganda,” where she gets the rundown of news every day.
“I basically eat news for breakfast, and if I see something that really interests me, I’ll read more about it, or discuss it with my cohosts or expert guests,” she said.
Bianca, who also works as a newspaper columnist and a women’s magazine editor on top of her TV duties, stressed that people should be concerned about the things happening in the country.
“Some people think that things like the cybercrime law, peace talks, and rising prices of fuel don’t affect them, but they really do,” she noted. “They probably have more important things to worry about, but it’s important to at least know (about these issues).”
She continued: “We should also be aware of the politicians and leaders
concerned with these issues, because we vote for these people. Watching the news will guide us in our decision making, when the time comes when
we need to elect officials or take a stand.”
Bianca also pointed out that being informed about current events could help people find their advocacies. “I’m so passionate about education. Some people focus on health, environment, sports or the arts,” she said.
In 2010, Bianca was appointed the United Nations Children’s Fund Philippines Child Rights Supporter. She’s also the founder of Teach Kids Learn Foundation, and is a part of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community.
“I’m all about youth empowerment. I want to tell them that they have lots of options in life, and can pursue whatever they like,” she said. “I want to keep young people informed. I want them to know that it’s not baduy (out of style) to watch the news and have an advocacy.”
The Inquirer asked Bianca about her thoughts on some of today’s hottest issues:
Cybercrime law
I’m not totally against it. I think it’s needed to curb child pornography or human trafficking.
But the tricky part is the libel provision, which was allegedly lifted from traditional media laws. The cybercrime law should be revised because traditional and online media have totally different dynamics. The rules are different. Lawmakers should at least study the structure of new media in order to make more effective, applicable laws.
Reproductive health bill
I’m all for responsible parenting. Many women who may want to choose to stop having more children can’t because they don’t know how.
Sin tax bill
For health reasons and more funds, yes (I’m for it). I don’t know why cigarettes and alcohol are so cheap here compared to other countries. But of course, I hope hindi sa bulsa ng iba mapunta yung funds kundi sa mga tao rin (it won’t go to the pockets of a few but to the masses).
Peace talks with MILF
Peace talks, yes—but slowly and surely, nothing rushed. I would very much like the youth in war-torn areas to have the same opportunities as those in Luzon or the Visayas. Living in a place of peace is one big step.