Hollywood’s acclaimed podcast, BlogTalk with MJ Racadio, made a special stop in the Philippines to feature an exclusive interview with award-winning international broadcast journalist Rico Hizon, Editor-in-Chief of GoodNewsPilipinas.com (GNP).
A Celebration of Good News Pilipinas Day
The interview took place on BlogTalk with MJ Racadio ‘s Good News Pilipinas Day on November 30, 2024, at the GNP headquarters in SPACES World Plaza, coinciding with the celebration of Andres Bonifacio Day in the Philippines with the multi-award-winning GNP Academy Team of Rico, Angie Quadra Balibay (Managing Editor), Atom Pornel (Celebrity Interviewer/Social Media Manager), and JC Santos (Videographer).
A Meeting Years in the Making
MJ and Rico jointly shared their excitement about finally meeting in person. “It’s my first time at Good News Pilipinas headquarters, collaborating with them on my 10th anniversary of BlogTalk,” MJ starts his live podcast, referencing his joining the Good News Pilipinas family as a regular columnist this year. “ Finally, we’ve been communicating for so many years for this interview, and it’s finally happening here at the Good News Pilipinas headquarters,” Rico responds.
SEE some snaps from the historic meeting here:
Recognizing a Filipino Journalism Legend
MJ Racadio, the host and founder of the Los Angeles-based podcast, introduced Rico Hizon as a “broadcasting legend” who has achieved international acclaim through his work with BBC News and CNN Philippines.
Rico Hizon shared his broadcasting journey, tracing his career back to his childhood dream inspired by watching news programs with his mother. “I told myself, I want to be like them. “I want to be where the action is,” Hizon recalled.
They also discussed his rise through global networks like CNBC Business News and BBC World News and how he defied stereotypes. “I even asked BBC World News when they hired me, ‘Are you sure you would like to hire me? Listen to my accent.’ They said, ‘Rico, we like your interviewing style. We like your presentation style. You carry this very neutral accent.‘”
BE INSPIRED BY Rico Hizon’s journey from a reluctant speaker to an international broadcasting icon—read his story here.
Spotlight on Good News Pilipinas
The conversation also explored Hizon’s passion project, GoodNewsPilipinas.com. Founded in 2006, the website champions positive stories about the Philippines and Filipinos worldwide. The online platform is now the Philippines’ No. 1 Website for Good News and is this year’s Best Publication Gold Anvil recipient. They emphasize the platform’s mission: ” Why do we have to focus on negativity when there’s so much positive we can talk about in our beautiful country and our people, not only in our own backyard but around the world? “
A Shared Vision of Positivity
MJ Racadio praised GoodNewsPilipinas.com, saying, “It’s now part of my routine… I really love the slogan, that every time you go to GoodNewsPilipinas.com, it’s ‘Making every Filipino proud. ‘”
Rico Hizon responded to the praise by pointing out that MJ Racadio himself is a Filipino Pride in Hollywood in Los Angeles for making a name for himself as official media at the Oscars, the Grammys, the Miss Universe pageants, and more. “We are very proud of you, MJ, and what you have done for the Filipino community in the United States. We’re very proud of what you have achieved in the close to three decades that you’ve been in the US.”
Rico Hizon’s Ongoing Endeavors
The interview touched on Hacen’s concurrent endeavors, including:
- SM in Focus on YouTube: A news magazine program of the SM group where he talks about sustainability, social good, business innovations, and recognitions within the SM group.
- Beyond the Exchange with Rico Hizon on ANC: A weekly business program on the ABS-CBN News Channel – viewed worldwide on The Filipino Channel IWantTFC and YouTube – exploring the business side of celebrities, booming industries, and entrepreneurial ventures of micro, small, or medium enterprises, showcasing inspiring success stories from Filipinos at home and abroad.
Words of Wisdom from a World-Class Filipino
As the interview concluded, Hizon shared heartfelt words of wisdom: “Despite all the challenges, we always have to keep our feet on the ground, remain simple, dream big, and give glory to God. Our families are the foundations of our success.”
A Collaboration That Celebrates Filipino Pride
The exclusive feature on BlogTalk with MJ Racadio in collaboration with Good News Pilipinas TV highlights not only the achievements of Rico Hacen but also the enduring pride and resilience of Filipinos.
Take a sneak peek into the exclusive interview here:
Catch the Full Interview!
Catch the full interview on Good News Pilipinas TV and BlogTalk with MJ Racadio and learn more about how Filipinos continue to shine on the global stage. Visit GoodNewsPilipinas.com for more Good Pinoys stories that inspire pride and positivity about the Philippines and Filipinos worldwide!
Join our vibrant Good News Pilipinas community, where we celebrate the achievements of the Philippines and Filipinos worldwide! As the Philippines’ No. 1 Website for Good News and proud winners of the Gold Anvil Award and Lasallian Scholarum Award, we invite you to connect, engage, and share your inspiring stories with us. Together, let’s shine a spotlight on the stories that make every Filipino proud. Follow us on all platforms through our LinkTree. Let’s spread good news and positivity, one story at a time!
