The Palace

Today I had my first politics-related interview. And it sure is bigtime! I interviewed Secretary Jesus Dureza, the former Press Secretary and the current Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Affairs. At first it felt scary, cause it was my first time to interview a big political personality. And above all, the interview was held in no other than Malacanang!!!

It was my first time at the Palace, though we were not allowed to go around. Nevertheless it was an amazing experience. We were even not allowed to enter at first because my crew and I were wearing jeans-- hindi pala pwede mag maong pants. But Secretary Dureza gave us permission afterwards. Security is really strict inside the palace grounds. I felt very safe inside, knowing that President Arroyo is just nearby... hehehe.

It was such an experience. Thanks to my partner Bettina who was with me and to my cameraman and driver. Hopefully there will be a repeat. :-)

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SONA

It's the day of President Arroyo's 8th State of the Nation Address. In an hour, she'll be delivering her speech, already dubbed by critics as false and just a show of lies. Her allies, however, say otherwise.

And as early as a few hours ago, I was already given a copy of her speech. Never thought I would be reading her SONA even before she delivers it. But of course, I never really read it in its entirety, since I want to listen from the horse's mouth herself. I just hope she will truely address the real state of the country.

Haay, my first SONA in the newsroom. Oh well, free food time! (and of course, heavy work).

*watch ABS-CBN Coverage of SONA LIVE on ABS-CBN, ANC, Studio 23 and DZMM. As well as updates on www.abs-cbnNEWS.com

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