SANDRA Aguinaldo and Atom Araullo, two of the hosts of GMA Network’s multi-awarded documentary series “I-Witness,” are interested to shoot more challenging stories in the coming months.
The GMA Public Affairs program, which is already celebrating its 18th anniversary, has been a source of inspiring stories of ordinary people and information-rich discussions of social issues.
In an interview with the Davao entertainment media last November 17 at Rekado Restaurant in Davao City, the two award-winning hosts shared some tidbits on how it is working for a top-notch documentary program.
“It’s really challenging to find new topics especially that we’ve been airing for 18 years already,” Aguinaldo admitted. “Kung minsan ay kailangan naming hanapan ng bagong anggulo ang isang istorya na nagawa na naming.”
When asked about the most challenging documentary she has done throughout her career as a documentarist, Aguinaldo cited one story about Davao City.
“Sa Davao City sya pero doon sa mountainous area. Ilang mountain ranges ‘yon at dahil sobrang bilis maglakad ng mga katutubong kasama namin ay nabitbit nila ang tubig at feeling ko ay dehydrated na ako,” she said.
The story she was referring to was that of Randy Halasan, a teacher who received a Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2014 for his commitment to educate the Matigsalug tribe of the city.
After the airing of such episode, Aguinaldo narrated that they received a number of calls from viewers who wanted to help the indigenous peoples group. With this, the veteran journalist stated that said gesture “ay nakakawala ng pagod.”
In the meantime, Araullo, who just transferred to the Kapuso Network after staying with ABS-CBN’s News and Public Affairs for several years, noted that being a newbie in documentary production, there is still so much for him to learn. Amid this, he stated that “I’m happy that I can still challenge myself.”
“I’m more excited than confused, pero kabado syempre,” he said, adding that he is most interested in pushing himself out of his comfort zone.
“I’m learning about new ingredients in producing documentaries,” he said, adding that “I’m challenging myself to do more difficult stories… more controversial stories.”
Aguinaldo and Araullo were here last week for the docuforum it spearheaded together with the network’s local newscast “One Mindanao.”
During the half-day forum at Gaisano Mall of Davao Cinema 2, Aguinaldo talked about how she writes and produces her documentaries; one of which was “Isla ng mga Pangarap” shown at the gathering. It tackled the lives of teachers Albert and Jovanne who cross the sea just to reach their students in Halian Island.
Meanwhile, Araullo, the newest addition to the roster of “I-Witness” hosts, showed few snippets of his first-ever documentary for the show.
In a statement, GMA Regional TV vice president and head Oliver Victor Amoroso said he hopes Dabawenyos, specifically the students and members of the academe, had a meaningful time as they watch “I-Witness” and “One Mindanao.”
“We are honored to be part of ‘I-Witness’’ 18th anniversary. This is an extraordinary feat for the country’s longest-running documentary program. At the same time, we are excited to share ‘One Mindanao’s’ best segments,” he said.
Apart from Aguinaldo and Araullo, “One Mindanao” anchors Tek Ocampo and Sarah Hilomen-Velasco and news correspondent Real Sorroche also graced the docuforum.
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