GMA reporter Tina Panganiban-Perez once covered stories while she was 9 months pregnant

Can you imagine chasing after news stories on the field while carrying a child full term in your belly?

Tina Panganiban-Perez can, because she did just that during her early days as a reporter for GMA News.

"As in sagad-sagad, hanggang nine months, nagko-cover ako," the journalist shared while guesting on Eat Bulaga's "Bawal Judgmental."

During her interview portion, Tina shared there was even a time when she was interviewing politicians while seven months pregnant.

"May time pa na, noong in-impeach si [President Joseph Estrada], ako kasi 'yung reporter sa Congress noon," the reporter shared.

"Seven months pregnant ako sa second baby ko, salo-salo ko 'yung baby ko, nagtatakbo ako sa Congress kakahanap ng interview, kakahatak ng congressman para ma-live interview ng newscast, so tumatakbo ako na nakaganon," Tina added, gesturing to her belly.

Of course, Tina was given the option to take it easy during her pregnancy, but she was fully determined to keep chasing after stories for the newscast.

"Alam naman ng office kunyari mahirap para sa isang buntis na gawin ito or mahirap para sa isang reporter na gawin ito. Puwede naman siyang tumanggi kasi, s'yempre, ang uunahin, 'yung comfort ng reporter dahil safety niya 'yung nakataya," Tina said.

"Tapos syempre pag nahirapan y'ung reporter na buuin 'yung storya, wala ring output kasi para sa newscast, so ginagalang naman pag tumanggi," she added.

After all, Tina's proudest moments in her journalism career include that time she was able to secure an exclusive interview with former senator Gringo Honasan in connection with the military rebellion against the Arroyo administration.

"Lahat ng mga kakilala ko na puwedeng tumulong talagang kinalampag ko. Araw gabi hindi ako duty, day off ko kinukulit ko sila," she said.

Tina also admitted having her share of "ayoko na" days, like that time she covered an election for two days straight without going home to change, but she knew why she had to keep going.

"S'yempre napapagod ka rin. Minsan, may pagkakataon na dalawang araw hindi ka umuwi… Pero kasi minsan, 'yung story, nakikita mo 'yung importance," Tina said.

"Kaya, kahit pagod ka na or gusto mo nang matulog, [I say] 'Hindi, hindi. Kailangan mahanap natin 'to or mainterview natin 'to," she added.

Talk about girl power! — LA, GMA News