hen you love your work, it will love you back. Arnold Clavio is one perfect example of such saying. At present, he is a respectable and multi-awarded boobtubed broadcaster and a radio commentator. Definitely one GMA-7's priced possessions, all his shows are consistent top raters: Unang Hirit, Saksi, Emergency and Dobol A sa Dobol B. Since he joined the Kapuso Network in 1989, his career zoomed steadily. Due to hardwork, determination and passion, he's simply in an enviable position now. Not really bad for a reluctant broadcaster at first.

THE LADDER OF SUCCESS

HE avers: “Actually, I used to contribute for GMA Balita then. My first big break came via Brigada Siete. Jessica Soho and Marissa Flores offered me the slot. But I really din't have plans of being a broadcaster. More on a print ako, eh.

“Bata pa lang, mahilig na akong magsulat. I joined various writing contests noon. I became an editor of our school organ during my elementary and high school days. Wala talaga sa isip kong pasukin ang broadcasting. Pero ‘yun nga, nagtuluy-tuloy na.”

What's the secret behind his shows success' in the ratings game? Does it pressure him?

“Honestly, I'm confident with all my programs I'm in. We're doing our best to maintain the high ratings. Like Emergency, the show has been running since 1994 pa. Rating don't affect me that much. Perhaps, the main reason why people watch my shows is because I'm myself. I don't have any put-on once the camera starts grinding. That naturalness is a vital factor and viewers like it.”

His loyalty with his home studio can't be questioned. What drives him to stick it out with GMA-7?

“Maganda kasi ang samahan namin, eh, from the top executives down to the crew. May respetuhan. There's always a open communication. My bosses are very professional. You can approach them in real life.

“Yes, off cam, I seldom talk. ‘Di ‘yung daldal nang daldal that you see or listen to everyday. In person, tahimik lang ako, nag-o-observe lang. It's my discipline,” he reveals.

SELF-REFLECTION

HIS simple nature is mirrored in his abode (actually, a rest house somewhere in the East). Its cozy ambience is conducive to meditation and reflection.

“I'm a minimalist,” says Arnold . “As much as possible. I want to save space. I bought all the stuff for my house. Pati interior decorating, it was idea, ‘yung modern but simple. Basic lang talaga. ‘Yung may mahigaan lang ako and be comfortable. Even the color motif, akin. I want pastel or earth colors.”

Meaning, he allots time to arrange the physical makeup of his home?
“Oh, yes! mahilig akong mag-interior decorate. For example, if one month's time, eh, sawa ako sa isang particular na posisyon, I'll change it. Kasi ‘pag ganoon, naiiba ang dating ng bahay. It achieves a different atmosphere or perspective. Affected kasi pati aura mo. ‘Pag ‘yon at ‘yon din ang makikita mo, you'll get bored. So, ako binabago ko talaga,” he says.

Is he particular when it comes to cleanliness?

“Oo, naman,” he quips. “During my college days, I became a working student. Nag-bus boy ako, nag-waiter. So, when I eat in a restaurant, I clean my mess. Na-adapt ko na ‘yan. Sa bahay, gano'n din. I want everything to be in place. Parang showroom. Ayoko ng marumi or magulo. Kaya nga madalas, sa labas ako kumakain. Mausok kasi ‘pag nagluto ka pag sa loob ng bahay ‘tapos ‘yung grease, ‘di ba? I'm also particular sa kalinisan ng CR. I like it as if it's like your bedroom na rin.”

Speaking of food, what are his favorites?

“I like lumpiang hubad, adobo and sinigang sa miso,” he answers.

He doesn't live with his folks anymore. Is it hard?

“On the contrary, independent living made me more responsible. You decision-making gets trained and tested. Like when the bills arrive, you'll learn how to budget. Masarap, kasi you have freedom,” he says.

If his residence is orderly, his “second home” is not.

“My car is like your typical man's room,” he reveals.

“Magulo, makalat. ‘Andoon lahat: laptop, camera, video cam, cologne, cell phone, grooming stuff and siyempre, my clothes. I always hits the road kaya gano'n.”

Arnold 's high regard for privacy stems from his being a frustrated priests. This is one prime reason why his house is conducive to self-reflection.

“Iba kasi ‘yung mundo sa labas, eh. Maraming maiingit sa'yo. Your home becomes your shield where you can have the time to deal with your personal issues away from the prying eyes of the public,” philosophizes the A-1 broadcaster.  

FUN & LEISURE

WITH his hectic schedule, does he still have time for leisure?

“Meron din naman,” says Arnold , “like I play golf and badminton. Twice a week, I do the latter. I play from 6-9 pm before I do Saksi. Most of my sleeping hours are sa tanghali. I'm also a computer freak and collects action figures. The child in me is always present. It helps me to remain humble.”

His advice to budding broadcast journalist…

“Be original. Don't be a copycat. Just do your work and you'll get noticed.”

What's the best lesson he learned so far in the business?

“That you can't please everybody. People kasi I have the notion that you can help solve every single problem, which is impossible. I'm just a messenger here.”

Lastly, what's the happiness for him?

“When you're in your lonesome with God,” Arnold ends meaningfully.
(Articles lifted from S Magazine) - -