Korina Sanchez, a household name in Philippine broadcasting, has built a remarkable career as a respected journalist, television news anchor, magazine show host, and radio personality. Now, she takes on a new challenge as the host of TV5’s “Face to Face: Harapan,” succeeding Karla Estrada, who recently stepped down from the role.
This unique program, likened to a televised Barangay Hall, offers a platform for individuals to resolve disputes with the help of advisers and counselors. Beyond addressing personal conflicts, the show aims to educate viewers with valuable lessons drawn from real-life situations.
The “Trio Tagapayo” (Three Advisers) features psychologist Camille Garcia, legal expert Lorna Kapunan and spiritual counselor Jun Banaag. Adding light-hearted moments are co-hosts Donita Nose and Marimar Tua.
In a press conference, Sanchez acknowledged that the essence of “Face to Face” remains unchanged since its first inception in 2010.
“‘Face to Face’ showcases real life — the truth of the everyday experiences of ordinary Filipinos. The reality is that conflicts do happen. Some are quite intense, while others are more subtle. The cases are exciting — sometimes funny, shocking, and even tear-jerking at times,” Sanchez explained.
“The goal of our program is to find solutions from which we can also learn valuable lessons. This isn’t just about meddling in other people’s lives, it’s about understanding how we can resolve our own misunderstandings,” she added.
Embracing a new challenge
When asked what convinced her to take on the role, Sanchez admitted there was an initial hesitation.
“Even while I was still considering the project, many were already saying, ‘Will you really take that on?’ That’s what they kept asking. I said, ‘What is it about Face to Face?’ You see, I’ve been in the TV industry for so long that I don’t even watch anymore because if I did, my life would just revolve around television. So, I intentionally avoided watching when I was thinking over the presentation from the TV5 team,” she recalled.
The veteran broadcast journalist with (from left) psychologist Camille Garcia, lawyer Lorna Kapunan and co-hosts Donita Nose and spiritual counselor Jun Banaag. TMT PHOTO
“One of the main reasons I accepted the project is that I’ve never hosted a program like this before. It’s a challenge, and I want to bring my own brand to the format,” Sanchez continued.
However, Sanchez shared she was initially taken aback by stories of dramatic confrontations.
“People told me, ‘Korina, do you know they really clash there? Sometimes they even pull each other’s hair!’ I was a bit shocked by that. But the challenge is, how do you find a resolution where they can reconcile? And at the same time, how do you become a national referee?” she said.
Known for her journalistic background, Sanchez plans to bring a fresh approach to the show.
“Since my background is quite different from the previous hosts like Amy Perez, Gelli de Belen, and Karla Estrada — mine being rooted in journalism — my approach brings a unique perspective. As a journalist, I put a lot of effort into researching each case study. I want viewers to learn not just from the stories but also from the information, statistics, and even the science I contribute to our discussions,” Sanchez noted.
A kinder, wiser Korina
Apart from the new approach, Sanchez identified her connection with the masses throughout her career as her defining quality.
“They kept asking me, ‘What about your brand?’ It made me stop and think because I never really considered what my brand is. But then I realized that from the days of ‘Magandang Umaga Po,’ to ‘Hoy Gising,’ ‘Balitang K,’ ‘Kayo ang Humatol,’ ‘Rated K,’ ‘TV Patrol,’ and my years as a daily reporter, my brand has always been the masses,” she enthused.
“My brand is being close to ordinary people. And of course, ‘Rated Korina’ is still alive, so storytelling about real lives has always been my forte. The difference here is that I’m now hearing their stories live. That’s why I decided to say yes because this is the Korina everyone knows — someone deeply connected to the lives of ordinary people,” she furthered.
Sanchez also humorously noted that her approach has mellowed over the years saying, “If I were 30, I might’ve jumped into the fray during the arguments. But now, I’m more composed — more like ‘Ate Koring,’ a persona my former ABS-CBN colleagues affectionately called me.”
Garcia, a veteran adviser on the show since its inception in 2010, praised Sanchez’s heartfelt hosting style.
“She doesn’t rely on prompters. Her advice comes from the heart, and it’s grounded in reality. Even after just a few episodes, she’s already shown what she can bring to the table,” Garcia said.
Meanwhile, Banaag shared how the show continues to teach him new perspectives.
“After decades of counseling on the radio, I thought I knew it all. But seeing these stories unfold in person teaches me — and the viewers — something new every day,” Banaag pointed out.
“Face to Face: Harapan” airs weekdays from 4 to 5 p.m. on TV5.
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