Charo Santos-Concio (CSC) has always been my president. She was the ABS-CBN president when I served the network as executive producer and headwriter, and that was one colorful, exciting and truly memorable chapter in my media career.
I have loved Charo not only as a nurturing boss, an excellent actress and media practitioner and a very empowering industry leader, but as an independent, progressive and loving woman — wife, mother, lola and friend.
In our first episode for Women’s Month in the “Meet the Press” podcast on Spotify, powered by The Pod Network, Charo let out some breaking news and inspiring words that would be a good teaser to her rather insightful interview.
And as I fly to Los Angeles for the Manila International Film Festival and the Konsiyerto Para sa Filipino (for the benefit of our kababayans affected by the wildfires), here are some of Charo’s quips that would keep us enlightened and excited for her next moves.
Now, in The Big Picture, we have first crack at CSC’s words:
On ABS-CBN not having a franchise but remains the leading content company: “We would like to thank everyone for continuously supporting ABS-CBN. We may not have the franchise, but we still are number 1 in terms of content creation because modesty aside, we have kept the people engaged and have kept that relationship with the audience. We don’t know where the winds will blow but thank you for your continued support mga Kapamilya.”
On being updated on social media trends: “I’m in the field of entertainment, and I’m into communications. So I have to learn the language of our audiences and the various platforms. So when I talk to our young talents, I should know where they are coming from. I try to understand them better by knowing what interests them. Right?”
On her movie with Dingdong Dantes: “Looking at the cast of ‘Only We Know,’ you would think that it’s a May-December love story. But it’s not. There’s more to that, and I’d like you to watch and experience it.
“The movie was offered to me six years ago, and at that time I already said yes to the narrative and to the story pitch. I said I want to do it. Tapos napandemic pa. Then Dingdong got busy. I just had to wait.
“After the blockbuster ‘Rewind,’ there was a point I I said baka ayaw naman na niyang gawin, l would really understand. Pero Dong kept his word and he said, “I really want to do it with you.”
On loving again: “I’m not sure . Paano ba? My husband respected the person in me and made me experience unconditional love, and the love from him, I don’t know if I’ll ever find that from another man. So I don’t know, but I am happy where I am now. I am at peace. I gave the best service to my husband, no regrets. Kaya magaan ako. And I continued to be loved by my sons and my apos, but I don’t want to wait for that love from the rest of the world, because that important love should come from my love for myself, ‘di ba? Kasi walang pupuno nu’n para sa iyo, kundi ikaw.”
On MMK returning on air: “Katulad niyo, nami-miss ko ang MMK. Naririnig ko rin ang pagbabalik. I want to tackle ‘yung mga concerns ng mga kabataan ngayon. Kapag nakakausap ko ang mga tao, parang nabubuhay ang kanilang mga mata, at parang gusto nilang mag share ng kuwento nila. Nakakatuwa lang.
Will it be this year? “I think so. Let’s wait for further announcements.” (N. Ferrer, Malaya)
