MNP Q&A: MJ MARFORI, ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT FOR NEWS5

Full Name: Maria Josefina Romualdez Marfori
Occupation: Correspondent for News5
Resume: Andar ng Mga Balita, Dokumentado and various News5 programs
Birthdate: June 21, 1988
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Education: Philippine Studies Majoring in Philippine Mass Media (De La Salle University)
Guilty Pleasure: Spicy foods
News sources: CNN, FOX, REUTERS, AP, PEP
Last book read: 'Being Happy' by Andrew Matthews

Tell us something about your job as a reporter: I gather newsworthy and compelling stories in entertainment that people are interested to know, or they should know it. Events in showbiz can start very early and end very late.

What's the best thing about your job?
You grow as an individual and for the betterment of the country and others. As you grow older, people appreciate you more.

Would you ever consider anchoring a major newscast in the future?
Yes!

What did it take to get to where you are right now?
Faith, action.

Why do you think TV5 picked you as a network correspondent?
They trusted me to grow effectively with the company and to deliver relevant stories needed for their newscasts and shows.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you in all of this?
Balancing time and personal life.

What's the biggest advice someone from TV News ever gave you?
Today is another day, you're just as good as your last story.

How do you describe your own style in reporting?
Complete, direct and entertaining.

Do you watch the competition?
Of course!

Tell us about your first job in television:
I was an on-the-job trainee for the morning show in channel 2, Umagang Kay Ganda. I went on field with the segment producer for lifestyle stories. I also did some camera roles for some segments on the show. Being a TV reporter was my first job after college, but my beat was politics.

What's your thought about the new media (blogging, Twitter and Facebook)?
It’s another venue for people to share their first hand experiences. We should respect what everyone has to say but not necessarily have to believe it.

What's the biggest story you have covered?
Elections & Justin Bieber should be a tie.

Who do you look up to in the news media?

Mike Enriquez! Since I was in grade school. Everyone in my childhood knows that.
What do you think is your edge on other correspondents/reporters?
We all have an edge. We are all unique and no one can tell a story the way I, he or she can.

Any advice for aspiring media practitioners:
Focus, take action and make sure you want to be in this job to inform and for the right reasons and most importantly pray.

Related Stories: TV5'S MJ MARFORI IN THE LATEST YOUTUBE NEWS BLOOPER
WILLIE REVILLAME MAKES MEDIA ROUNDS
IT'S MANNY PACQUIAO VS LEA SALONGA