Gretchen Ho Lives Out ‘Woman In Action’ Advocacy in new Travel Infotainment Show on One News

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From being a star athlete in college to becoming a respected news anchor and sports host, Gretchen Ho has come a long way in charting her own path and making a name for herself. She has been dubbed as a “woman in action” and an empowered one at that, with her projects and advocacies making a big difference in people’s lives.

This October, Gretchen becomes a fearless wanderer in her new travel infotainment show, Woman In Action, where she explores remote places in the country, highlighting not just their beauty, but also the unique stories of the communities that will inspire and move people to action.

“I’ve found that traveling is best done by going off the beaten path. As a runner, I’ve made it a point to run in each destination I go to, and the streets always reveal something that tourist destinations won’t. It’s in connecting with the people that we really understand and learn about a place. What you will find in this show is not just a sense of adventure, but also a desire to create sustainable impact everywhere we go. That impact isn’t a one-way street though, as we, together with the audiences, seek to be moved and changed by what we see, hear and know” said Gretchen Ho, host of Woman In Action.

Premiering on October 1, 7:30 pm on Cignal TV’s One News, with a catch-up airing the next day at 8:00 pm on One PH, Woman In Action celebrates life and the countless adventures the world has to offer. Gretchen will take viewers on a riveting journey of awesome discoveries, and at the same time, bringing to light the situation of each community.

With Gretchen’s combined passion for travel, adventure, and public service, Woman In Action delves into each escapade, sharing How To’s and challenges, featuring stories about different individuals and communities, and addressing social problems with a call to action.

“What I’ve found in my years working in the media is that there are many young brilliant people all over the country just waiting for an opportunity. My show seeks to be a vehicle for that – to connect those people to local communities and to our audiences, in an effort to create, not just memories, but also, opportunities. I’m excited for this chance to be able to write and document some of the stories and take a more active part as producer of the show”, added Gretchen.

As an all-around and hardworking woman-in-action, Gretchen has been on a blazing path from her college volleyball days up to her illustrious hosting career. Honed by her dedication and passionate work, Gretchen has become an icon among this generation’s empowered women who weather the proverbial storms in pursuit of their life goals. The success of her recent campaign, #DonateABikeSaveAJob, helped a thousand families, with more than 1,500 bicycles donated to frontliners and workers for easier transportation during the height of the pandemic. Truly a Woman in Action, Gretchen inspires women to stay true to their calling, find their courage and willpower, and forge their own path to success.

‘Changing the world: one story, one action at a time,’ Woman In Action encourages viewers to be socially responsible travelers and, through its featured stories, inspire people to take action and help entire communities. Join Gretchen Ho in her travels and explorations in Woman In Action, starting this October 1, 7:30 pm on One News via Cignal, available on CH. 8 SD and CH. 250 HD. You can also catch Woman In Action on SatLite CH. 60 and on the Cignal Play app. Re-watch the episodes the following day at 8:00 pm on One PH, CH. 1.

Gretchen Ho: ‘Meeting NBA legends only humbled me down’

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Having had the privilege to meet the likes of Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry once upon a time, PLDT Home Ambassador Gretchen Ho reveals the most important life lessons she’s learned in her career as a sportswoman

Volleyball may have been Gretchen Ho’s ticket to fame as one of the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Fab Five during the 2010s — the sport that paved her way to being a celebrity athlete and journalist. But catch the PLDT ambassador in a heart-to-heart, and she’ll let you in on her first great love — basketball.

“My dad was a basketball player in his youth, so he would always teach us how to play and keep us abreast with the latest basketball games. My three brothers and I grew up to be basketball lovers! We’re a very sporty family, so enjoying the NBA with them was just one natural way we bonded together,” Gretchen recalls.

From an NBA fangirl to a bona fide sportscaster who has covered the games on location and met the league’s stars in person way back when, Gretchen — like many other basketball fans — has found new ways to enjoy the games despite the pandemic. The TV5 and One News anchor remains updated with the league’s 75th season through the NBA League Pass, the NBA’s premium live game subscription service. Using the League Pass, made more affordable and accessible through PLDT Home Fiber, Gretchen is able to watch the games and other exclusive content with the family — an experience that triggers many childhood memories and even life aspirations.

An NBA fangirl’s dream

One of Gretchen's most memorable NBA moments was watching the historic Chicago Bulls - Utah Jazz Finals Game 6 back in 1998. At eight years old, she saw Michael Jordan steal the ball from Karl Malone, with the Jazz leading 86-85 and with 18.9 seconds left. A young Gretchen found herself sharing the victorious moment as MJ nailed that game-winning jumper to give the Bulls their sixth title.

“When Michael Jordan made his final winning shot, I was jumping up and down the bed in my pajamas! Sabi ko nga nung bata ako, pangarap ko maging NBA player — hindi WNBA, NBA talaga! I don’t know why I said that to my dad as a young girl!” she recalls with a laugh.

While the opportunity to be an NBA player remains a hoop dream, Gretchen was able to experience the next best thing: Covering the NBA All-Star Weekend twice in a row as a sports journalist.

“It was surreal for me and a great privilege. Seeing all the top NBA athletes come together to play felt like being in the Disneyland of basketball. It was great seeing how agile, strong, and flawless they were in their play,” she enthuses.

Among Gretchen’s biggest NBA fangirl moments were in 2018, when she interviewed Chris Bosh who was then set to retire from a blood clot injury; and in 2019, when she saw Michael Jordan himself in the historic Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Los Angeles.

“I’ve always loved every chance I got to tell these stories. As an athlete and a sports fan myself, I've always made sure to pour my heart into sharing these inspiring journeys to the audiences,” she says of the experience.

Her hardcourt inspiration

It is every sports fan’s dream to meet their idols in person. In Gretchen’s case, not only did she meet Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry, she also hosted two events for him during his time in Manila.

“Steph Curry is a phenomenal game changer—the first player in NBA history to make 3,000 career 3-pointers. And yet, he stays humble. I love who he is inside and outside the court. He’s very playful on the court and a great family man off it,” she shares.

Gretchen personally feels drawn to stories of underdogs who had fought through with nothing but perseverance — much like San Francisco’s Golden Boy.

“Beyond the games, what I love about the NBA are the inspiring stories the league's stars carry with them. It’s amazing how much hard work they put into their craft to stand out and make a mark among other great basketball players around the world,” she says.

“What I love the most are stories of players who have been undervalued yet have worked their way up with constant improvement, quality in performance, and commitment so they can be the best they could ever be. I think this is relatable to anybody who aspires to be better in whatever they do.”

A growing NBA community

It’s this underdog arc that Gretchen finds relatable to many Filipinos — known for pulling through adversity in any sport, career, or just about any situation.

“It’s no secret. Everywhere you go in the Philippines, there’s always a basketball court! If not a full one, there’s at least a makeshift one on some post or board,” she muses.

Gretchen especially feels delighted that Filipino athletes are now making it in the league. Take for example Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson and Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, she says, two Filipino-American athletes now sharing the NBA court for the first time and making a mark in the league.

“This just goes to show that the Filipino can make it. I love it when Jordan and Jalen openly acknowledge that they are Filipinos! It makes the dream to send a full-blooded Filipino even more reachable when you see the two of them doing well in the NBA!”

These days, even with no NBA field assignments, Gretchen stays updated with the league through her devices. As the excitement continuously piles up on the NBA’s historic 75th Anniversary Season, Gretchen remains connected to the world’s biggest basketball league — through the NBA League Pass powered by PLDT Home.

For fans like Gretchen who can get technical about the games, the NBA League Pass offers live stats and multiple viewing options. It also includes the NBA Mobile View, which delivers a closer shot of the action optimized for viewing on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

“It is a great way to keep up with the jam-packed schedule of games, storylines, and tributes. With NBA League Pass, I’m able to watch the marquee games live and on-demand,” Gretchen says. “I also love that it has many great features — like using different camera angles so I can view every heart-stopping moment the way I want to!”

With NBA League Pass charged to your PLDT Home Fiber bill, Filipino homes can have a virtual front-row seat to a variety of games for as low as P85 a month!

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband network in the Philippines after an impressive speed performance for the second half of 2021, dominating its telco rivals with a Speed Score™ of 77.24 at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards. With the brand’s fast and reliable internet connection, NBA fans can enjoy uninterrupted sports action and continue to be updated on the league and its biggest stars this season and beyond!

For more information on how to enjoy the NBA League Pass via a PLDT Home subscription, please visit the official website at pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.

Photo credits: Gretchen Ho

Gretchen Ho inspires young girls to dream big through World Vision’s 1,000 Girls campaign

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Gretchen Ho is the official ambassador in the Philippines for World Vision’s campaign, “1,000 Girls”. This year’s theme is “#GirlsCan”. By focusing on issues faced by young girls today due to the on-going pandemic, the challenge is to respond to their most urgent needs to help realize their full potential and have a better future. 

Gretchen’s support for this campaign is rooted on her belief that every girl has the capacity to be empowered and to overcome, but she also acknowledged the importance of support from family and friends. “It isn’t always easy to fight on your own. That’s why we need to provide them with support, guidance, resources and opportunities to be able to maximize their potential. Many girls are at a disadvantage because of their economic background or family set-ups. Sometimes, the only thing that a girl needs is a helping hand,” said Gretchen.

Through World Vision’s child sponsorship program, these young girls will have access to learning and development opportunities that are sustainable, community-driven, and long-term solutions. 

Gretchen sees education as one of the best ways to equip the youth. “Through education, a world of opportunities opens up for a young girl. If that young girl is able to build her self-confidence through those opportunities, there is potential to become a leader,” explained Gretchen. “In today’s world, where there is so much injustice, inequality, hatred and discrimination, we need the strengths of a female to overcome. We need more female voices to be heard”.

World Vision partners with different stakeholders including the local community to build resilient families and create an enabling environment for the children. By allowing them to have access to education, nutritious food, and clean water, to enjoy quality health services, and to participate in spiritual nurture activities, these young girls are being empowered so they too can one day be agents of change.

“World Vision is excited to share with everyone an opportunity to help children meet their needs. The 1000 Girls campaign is one that highlights empowerment for education, health and protection. Your support will give hope to every child especially during this time,” said Rommel Fuerte, World Vision’s National Director.

“My message to all the young girls out there is — I believe you can make it. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Make the most out of what you have. If you have less in life, ask for help. If you have more in life, help others. There is room for success for everyone. Believe in yourself, be resourceful, be creative and you will conquer,” shared Gretchen. 

To know how you can support “1,000 Girls” by sponsoring a girl today, visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/1000girls/. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates. 

About World Vision 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. 

First Wish 107.5 Music Awards: A Triumphant Night of Music and Charity

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John Lesaca with Darren Espanto and Darrentics which won Most WIshful Fandom

The first Wish 107.5 Music Awards (WMA) staged on January 26, 2016 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum was a huge success as thousands of Wishers and music lovers gathered to witness a spectacular evening celebrating Filipino music.

Gerald Santos

Gerald Santos kicked off the program with his live performance of the Wish 107.5 Jingle. This was followed by a jaw-dropping pop-rock medley of Elvis Presley, Queen, and The Beatles hit songs performed by The Voysing, Jek Manuel, Sassa Dagdag, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darren Espanto. 

Darren Espanto and Morissette 

The audience was further pumped up as Morissette and Darren Espanto shared the stage to sing a duet of Sia’s “Chandelier”. They had previously performed the song individually inside the Wish 107.5 bus, both of which were widely recognized and adored by fans and listeners.

Singing classic love songs such as “Almost Paradise”, “Perfect Combination”, “Always”, and “Way Back into Love” – Leah Patricio, Maki Ricafort, Daryl Ong, Morissette, Paolo Onesa, and Beverly Caimen took the stage for a stunning duets’ medley. 

Marlo Mortel, Jason Fernandez, Brad Go and Nyoy Volante for acoustic medley

Another medley followed, with Marlo Mortel, Jason Fernandez, Brad Go, and Nyoy Volante crooning acoustic classics such as “Sound of Silence”, “Dust in the Wind”, “Tears in Heaven”, “More than Words”, and “Be With You”. Jessica Reynoso and Maki Ricafort also shared a duet of RNB/Motown hits. 

Capping off the performances were Leah Patricio and Beverly Caimen’s powerful duet of Beyonce’s “Listen”.

A total of P1.1 million was given to six different beneficiaries personally chosen by the winners of the major award categories in the WMA.

Darren Espanto

World Vision, the chosen beneficiary of Darren Espanto, who won four major awards namely Best WISHclusive Performance by a Young Artist for “Chandelier”, Wish Ballad Song of the Year for “I Believe In Me”, Wish Original Song of the Year for “Stuck”, and Wish Young Artist of the Year, received a total of P 400, 000.

Food for the Hungry Philippines received P300, 000 as Jason Dy’s selected beneificiary. Dy won three major awards – Wish Urban Song of the Year for “Milagro”, Best WISHclusive Performance by a Male Artist for “Stay With Me/See You Again” mash-up, and Wish Male Artist of the Year.

5th Gen for Best Wishclusive performance by a group

Upcoming power vocal group 5th Gen’s beneficiary, the Divine Mercy Mobile Center of Music and Arts Therapy was granted a financial assistance worth P100, 000. 5th Gen took home the award Best WISHclusive Performance by a Group for their single “Contagious”. 

The wish-granting station also donated Php 100,000 to I Fight Against Human Trafficking, the chosen charitable institution of Yeng Constantino. The OPM star won the Best Wishclusive Performance by a Female Artist for “Ikaw.”

Another Php 100,000 cash assistance was extended to each of the chosen beneficiaries of Sponge Cola and Morissette – Child Haus and Home for the Angels, Sta. Ana Manila, respectively. 

Sponge Cola’s hit single, “Move On” was hailed as the Wish Alternative Song of the Year. Meanwhile, Morissette was named as the Wish Female Artist of the Year.

The presenters of the awards were the very own Wish 107.5 jocks - Faye, Jelly Kiss, Ray Holiday, Flynn Rider,Alice, and Princess Leigh – accompanied by some members of the panel of judges, Mr. Isah Red, Ms. Sylvia , Ms. Cory Quirino, and Mr. Andre Alvarez. 

Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho

Real-life couple Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho served as the hosts of the event.

From the spectacular performances and announcing of the winners, to the granting of checks to charities - the first Wish 107.5 Music Awards was indeed not just an ordinary awards night, but a triumphant evening of celebrating the “coolest musical experience” with great song performances and granting of wishes.

WINNERS – WISH 107.5 MUSIC AWARDS

1. Wish Promising Artist - Jensen and the Flips

2. Best Wish Cover - Darren Espanto - In Love Ako Sa’yo

3. Wishclusive Viral Video of the Year - Darren Espanto - Chandelier

4. Most Wishful Fandom - Darrenatics

5. Wishers’ Choice – Young Artist of the Year - Maris Racal

6. Wishers’ Choice – Female Artist of the Year - Morissette

7. Wishers’ Choice – Male Artist of the Year - Jason Dy

8. Wishers’ Choice – Wishclusive Performance of the Year - Don’t Know Why by Maris Racal

9. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Young Artist - Darren Espanto - Chandelier

Beneficiary: World Vision

10. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Group - 5th Gen - Contagious

Beneficiary: Divine Mercy Mobile Center of Music and Arts Therapy 

11. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Female Artist - Yeng Constantino–Ikaw

Beneficiary: I Fight Against Human Trafficking

12. Best Wishclusive Performance by a Male Artist - Jason Dy - Stay With Me/See You Again Mash-up 

Beneficiary: Food for the Hungry Philippines

13. Wish Urban Song of the Year - Milagro by Jason Dy

Beneficiary: Food for the Hungry Philippines

14. Wish Alternative Song of the Year - Move On by Sponge Cola

Beneficiary: Child Haus

15. Wish Ballad Song of the Year - I Believe In Me by Darren Espanto

Beneficiary: World Vision

16. Wish Original Song of the Year - Stuck by Darren Espanto

Beneficiary: World Vision

17. Wish Young Artist of the Year - Darren Espanto

Beneficiary: World Vision

18. Wish Female Artist of the Year - Morissette

Beneficiary: Home for the Angels, Sta. Ana, Manila

19. Wish Male Artist of the Year - Jason Dy

Beneficiary: Food for the Hungry Philippines