Mark Salazar is the newest I Juander host, promises 'more fun, more tawa'

Meet the newest "I Juander" host, Mark Salazar!

The GMA News reporter and anchor will be on board the news magazine show starting Sunday, February 21.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Mark expressed his excitement over hosting the show alongside his longtime friend and colleague, Susan Enriquez.

"[I'm] excited, I'm going to work with a good friend, si Susan, kasi matagal na kaming friends," he said. "And secondly, I've always been a fan of a show like 'I Juander,' 'yung light lang, travel show. I've always wanted to have a show like that."

Mark said that as a reporter, he was used to going to new places and gathering information about a province or region, so his new duties weren't that big an adjustment for him.

"Ang difference lang maybe is that 'pag 'I Juander' ang show mo, you go deeper into cultural perspective, people and community," he said. "Ang mas take away 'pag 'I Juander' ang gagawin mo, you focus on the culture and the people, not so much on hard issues, political or social issues."

What makes the job easier is his good relationship with Susan, who has been hosting "I Juander" since its creation in 2011.

Mark said it felt natural to be on camera with her since they see each other nearly every day for work.

"'Yung normal namin na ginagawa, kahit naman walang camera ay ginagawa namin, so ginagawa lang namin this time with camera," he said.

"Pantanggal din siya ng stress. Hindi na nga siya work eh. Nilagayan lang ng camera 'yung gimmick time," he added.

Asked what he planned to bring to the table, Mark said, "Sabi nila kasi komedyante ako."

He revealed that the audition tape that he had submitted featured him climbing a tall bayabas tree which got a laugh out of Susan.

"Si Susan matawanin talaga, siguro ilalabas ko pa 'yung mga tawa. Kasi 'yung tawa niya 'yung nakakahawa, hindi 'yung tawa ko. I think what I can bring in the show is more fun, more tawa portion," Mark said.

He promised that viewers will enjoy his and Susan's adventures as they travel together to learn more about the country.

"Aside from travels and more learning ng ating sariling kultura, they'll see more friendship between me and Susan, kung gaano kasaya to travel and learn when you're with friends. They always say half of the fun is company," he said.

"'Yun ang magiging masaya sa travels ng 'I Juander,' because you'll see two friends traveling together, laughing together and learning together," he added.

"I Juander" used to be co-hosted by late GMA journalist Cesar Apolinario, who passed away due to lymphoma in December 2019.

You can catch Mark and Susan in Sunday's episode of "I Juander," which will air at 7 p.m. —JCB, GMA News