Connie Sison: From psychology major to successful journalist

GMA-7 news anchor Connie Sison has recalled her beginnings from being a psychology student to becoming one of the Philippines’ most recognized journalists.

In an interview with Pia Arcangel on “The Howie Severino Podcast,” Connie said that she didn’t set out to become a journalist at first. In fact, she studied psychology and dreamt of opening a preschool.

But she also admitted that at the time, she was confused and didn’t know exactly what she wanted.

“Sabi ko lang kay God, nagdasal ako, ‘Lord, please guide mo where I should be kasi hindi ko talaga alam. I really don’t know,’” Connie said. “I’m really, really confused.”

One time, she said she watched a newscast on Channel 9 and thought she was interested in becoming a broadcaster.

Connie opened a newspaper and practiced reading the news. The next day, she went to Channel 9 to submit her resume as a walk-in applicant.

When she didn’t get a callback, she decided it was not for her and she went on doing other jobs.

One day, however, she met by chance her Channel 9 interviewer, who told her that they had been trying to reach her.

It turned out that they weren’t able to contact her due to the then restructuring of landline facilities and changing of phone numbers in Marikina City, where she lived.

Connie was immediately called to the office and asked to read from a prompter. After passing the audition, in the same afternoon, she went on-air for her first ever newscast.

From being a news anchor, she went on field and trained as a reporter. Soon, she got calls from other networks, particularly Sarimanok News Network or what is now ANC and the now defunct Studio 23.

Connie later moved to Studio 23, where she reported feature stories in English.

She recalled that at one point, after featuring a restaurant opening, she was asked to cover the sinking of MV Princess of the Orient in 1998.

Coming from a lifestyle coverage, Connie was wearing a short dress and high heels. She took off her shoes so she could go up the wreckage. She was then asked to report live.

“Nakapaa ako. Nagpaa na ako kasi nandu’n ’yung mga bangkay sa taas. Tapos siyempre it was so gory in a way because nalunod, tapos bloated and I cannot forget ’yung first time kong nakakita ng mga patay at mga, ha, marami,” said Connie.

That’s how she got started doing hard news. After 10 years, Connie moved to GMA, her home for over 14 years now.

“But you know it’s been 14 years na isa ka ng proud Kapuso,” Pia told her.

“Yes,” answered Connie. – RC, GMA News