From volleyball star to TV anchor and reporter, to citizen journalism advocate — this has been the journey of Gretchen Ho, the anchor of The Daily Serve on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, who now also serves as an ambassador for ABS-CBN’s Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo (BMPM).
Ho was officially launched as the celebrity Bayan Patroller of BMPM, the pioneering citizen journalism movement of the Kapamilya Network, in a bloggers’ conference held inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City early this week.
BMPM head Rowena Paraan said Gretchen was their choice to serve as the face of the movement in this year’s elections because of her reputation as a role model to the youth, from her time as an athlete to her entry to the world of media.
“Gretchen has always been vocal about her concern for the country and her opinion on national issues. Young people look up to her and we believe she can help us engage the youth and encourage them to be vigilant especially in a critical time for the nation, such as the election season,” she said.
As BMPM ambassador, Ho represents a 1.4 million strong army of Bayan Patrollers who will report about the 2016 elections. Asked on why she accepted to take this new role, she said she wants to help the youth determine their next leaders.
To find out more about BMPM and how to become a Bayan Patroller, you may visit the BMPM microsite at http://bmpm.abs-cbnnews.com/.
★★★★★
CNN ‘Sydney in 24 Hours’
The journey to Sydney can be long for many global travelers but the city sure knows how to make it worth it. Next month on CNN’s In 24 Hours, host James Williams is back in his home country to soak up the sunshine in a city that is uniquely laid back and luxurious all at the same time. From sunrise to sunset and into the night, CNN takes viewers along to the experiences only a privileged few will ever encounter.
For the perfect morning, Williams sets sail with the winner of the 2015 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Paul Clitheroe and crew while taking in a perfect Sydney sunrise on the harbor. From boat to car, Williams takes a ride in a 1977 Porsche 911 Carrera driving this cult classic through some of Sydney’s most beautiful locations. It’s then on to the Symbio Wildlife Park where Williams meets Imogen, the koala who became an international sensation last year when she was born.
In the afternoon, Williams hits the beach to meet Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes. With a fortune estimated in the millions, Hemmes has played a major role in shaping Sydney’s social scene. Williams learns both the business and creative process behind one of Hemmes’ latest establishments, Coogee Pavilion.
Then what could be more Australian than surfing? Six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore gives James a one-on-one surf lesson at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. In the evening, Williams visits Sydney’s ultimate icon, the Opera House. Here, he goes beyond any chef’s table and steps into the kitchen with famed Chef Peter Gilmore at his new restaurant Bennelong. Williams rounds up ‘Sydney in 24 Hours’ with a special customized behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House.
In 24 Hours airs on CNN International at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow.