The discipline Winnie Monsod, Kara David and Susan Enriquez learned from being broadcast journalists all these years is needed more than ever amid the COVID-19 situation.
In a recent video call interview that included Bulletin Entertainment, Winnie said she distinguishes between fake and reliable news by going to trusted sources in order to verify claims.
Kara learned to be "resourceful" and she has more "patience" because of her job.
"Marami sa mga kabataan ngayon 'yung information, isang click na lang sa kanila. Pero kung naging journalist ka -- kasi way, way back pa na hindi pa ganito 'yung technology, tinuturuan ka na maging very resourceful and patience. Kailangan maging maabalidad at madiskarte para makuha mo 'yung balita at ma-kwento 'yung balita," she said.
Susan is thankful they continue to give people the news they need and deserve, especially when it comes to safety protocols and health measures.
The three are part of "New Normal: The Survival Guide" due on GMA News TV by July 20. The magazine program will air Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 pm.
From the title, the aim is to help Filipinos navigate this new way of living through information and practical solutions.
Winnie's "Newsmakers" discusses the most controversial issues of the day. She will interview big newsmakers via online video conference. The journalist will also react to viral videos and the latest trends; from ube pandesal and baked sushi rice to doing TikTok and using Zoom.
Kara's "Bright Side" presents light stories and viral content that inspire viewers to look at the brighter side of life and help them manage anxiety.
Susan's "Pera Paraan" sees her share practical tips on handling household finances, earning additional income, and succeeding in a work-from-home environment. She will also feature success stories of small businesses amid the lockdown.
What was their reaction when they found out about their segments?
Susan got "excited."
"Kasi alam naman nating lahat and nangyari. Dahil sa lockdown maraming namomroblema kung paano kikita ng pera, saan kukuha ng gastusin, ano 'yung pwedeng alternate livelihood, kabuhayan. So this show, kahit papaano, ay makakapagbigay ng ideas kung ano ang pwedeng gawin sa ganitong klaseng sitwasyon," she said.
The 57-year-old radio and TV host-reporter revealed she, herself, has started online selling of her cousin's sweetened rice cakes.
"It's all about pagiging wais. Kung paano ka gagawa ng paraan para matugunan at magkaroon ng pagkakakitaan sa panahon ng new normal," she said.
Kara hopes to ease the anxiety the COVID-19 scare brings.
"Alam natin na maraming problema pero that doesn't mean na walang silver lining in all of these. So 'yung show namin looks at the inspiring stories behind this pandemic," she said.
"Marami kaming mga istorya na tungkol sa mga taong nagbabayanihan, mga taong nag she-share ng kanilang blessings. May mga stories kami about frontliners na nagsa-sacrifice pa rin ng kanilang life and energy para lang makapaglingkod."
Her segment offers good vibes, which she feels more people need at this point.
“Lahat ng istorya na inspiring at nakakapagpataba ng puso, 'yun ang ita-tackle natin,” she said. “Importante na ipakita 'yung resilience ng mga Filipino, their capacity for compassion. Sobrang laki ng puso ng Filipino sa pagtulong sa kanyang kapwa.”
Kara added: “Ito 'yung mga istorya na kailangan mapanuod din ng mga tao, para makita naman natin 'yung isang side pa nitong pandemic na to. That it somehow, in some ways, brings out the best in us."
Winnie underscored the importance of having right information.
"Not false information but information based on data and fact,” she said. “We talk to the experts, the ones who know the subject better."
Also on "New Normal: The Survival Guide" are Rovilson Fernandez, Tonipet Gaba, and Drew Arellano.