This is the feature article I wrote from my interview with GMA Reporter, Ms. Tricia Zafra and is a required activity for our Journalism Basic Principles and Practices subject.
On Duty 24/7
Serious, stiff and straight to the
point---that’s how TV journalists establish themselves in front of the camera.
They have to look professional and reputable as they bring the news to the
ever-curious public. This job may seem glamorous as they appear on television
but for GMA News’ Tricia Zafra, it’s difficult but it’s worth a lifetime.
“Yung kagustuhan ko na, yung hangaan ka ng mga tao. Hindi dahil sa
itsura mo, hindi dahil sa nakakatawa ka, kundi dahil sa ginagawa mo at yung
ginagawa mo mayroon siyang halaga sa society.” Zafra said when she was asked about
her drive on being a journalist. Unfazed and dignified, this petite and baby
faced journalist oozes professionalism and firmness even though she just came
fresh from a news coverage on her day off.
She also believes that intelligence
should be admired than the physical appearance and that female journalists just
like one of television’s most prized reporter and her senior, Jessica Soho, are
embodiment of both dignity and grace; beauty and brains. A Cum Laude graduate
of BA in Broadcast Communication in UP Diliman, Zafra’s childhood heroes are
Loren Legarda and Angelique Laso to name a few.
When asked about the essential skills journalists should be equipped
with, Tricia Zafra answered convincingly----a sign of her wisdom, knowledge,
length of stay in the industry, practice and respect for her craft.
“Unang-una communication skills talaga.
Kailangan proficient ka sa Filipino…
Second siyempre English, kasi it’s the language used in the corporate
world… Pati yung comprehension skills so hindi ka lang dapat magaling magsalita
o kaya magsulat.” She
said with utmost confidence.
She also added a few more golden
nuggets to her answer. Apart from the things she mentioned, she said that
journalists should be good observers, sensitive to cultural differences and use
of words, courteous to people and most especially, easy to work with. Despite
gaining recognition and popularity, journalists like Tricia Zafra are down to
earth and engaging conversationalists who eagerly shares information but
doesn’t put someone in an awkward situation because they emit an accommodating
nature and charm.
One the other hand, it is a fact that
not all people watch news. The prevalence of entertainment shows proves that
the masses prefer to be entertained more than to be informed. Shortened news,
reaching out to new platforms and other adjustments, the media strives to
capture a larger audience interest. In the eyes of Tricia Zafra, this is truer
than ever. “Ang pinaka nakakainis sa part namin.
Napanuod yung story mo, ‘Uy napanuod ko yung report mo.’ Oh talaga ayos ba?
‘Ang oily mo’… ”
A frustration boomed from the heart to
the voice, Tricia Zafra, as much as she gives every fiber of her being to the
profession, she wishes the public to be appreciative of their industry’s
efforts. Every single day, they gather, write, revise, congest, shoot and
report news to serve the people in high hopes that the people will be fed well
with facts. This may be one of the downsides of her job but on the contrary,
the advantages, in her own opinion, are better than its counterparts.
“flexi-time…everyday
mayroon kang bagong matutunan sa mga interview mo na oo nabasa mo siya diyaryo
pero pag nakipag usap ka na din sa tao mayroon ka pang ibang matutunan. Lagi
kang nagpupunta sa iba-ibang lugar… Saka kapag nandito ka kasi parang
magkakaroon ka talaga ng love/hate relationship sa trabaho mo kasi nakakapagod
siya at nakaka i-stress. May mga bagay na hindi mo magawa dahil sa trabaho mo
pero pag iniisip mo namang umalis di mo magagawa kasi di mo na makikita yung
sarili mo na gumawa pa ng ibang bagay…” she shared.
Despite of the nature of her job
having odd working hours, Tricia Zafra is true to her calling and is always
willing to be available whenever her duty calls for it. No matter what, where,
why or when, Zafra knows the ups and downs of her work but nevertheless, is
always reminded of the best thing she could ever have in her life:
“ako ngayon talaga masaya ako and I
think that’s the greatest perk di ba…”
Indeed,
Tricia Zafra’s happiness and willing to serve is always on duty 24/7.
(Pauleen Joyce L. General)
