Moms and Dads
Oscar Oida: Fatherhood Made Him A Better Reporter
GMA 7 reporter Oscar Oida is known for his hard-hitting coverage on television. But his role as a father and husband is his priority
Oscar Oida is known to viewers for his news reports on GMA7 whether as an anchor or reporter. But more than being in media, Oscar basks on his role as a father to his daughter Aerin with his wife, TV5 reporter and anchor MJ Marfori.
Modern Parenting talked to the news producer and reporter about covering the news, balancing life as a dad to Aerin, and how a health scare pushed him to make the most of what he has today.
Life as a News Reporter
As a reporter, Oscar has covered several events, making it hard to choose what’s memorable for him.
“Napakaraming memorable coverage, siyempre hindi mawawala diyan yung mga delikado tulad ng Marawi siege, Ginsaugon landslide at iba pang mga disaster coverages,” he admits. “Very special din yung mga crime reporting days ko.”
“I was very young then and gustong gusto ko yung adventure. Yung pakiramdam mo every night para kang nasa action movie,” he adds, jokingly.
“Pero seriously, pinakamahalaga sa akin yung mga nagawa kong report na nakatulong ng husto sa buhay ng mga tao.”
Reporters are often trained to set aside their emotions when covering heavy news. Oscar admits that it can be challenging since he’s also a dad, especially when news involves children.
“[Mahirap] lalo na pag ang victim sa report e mga bata. Siyempre ang hirap na hindi maka relate dahil may anak ka. Lately, may mga report ako kung saan hinanap namin ang ilang mga missing kids. Yung talagang di ka rin maplagay dahil alam mo yung pakiramdam ng mga magulang at the same time yung pag aalala sa bata na napalayo sa kanyang mga magulang.“
“Talagang mag-eeffort ka talaga para mahanap sila. Kaya ang sarap ng pakiramdam sa tuwing nagiging instrument ang report mo para matunton ang mga ito.”
Oscar as a father
When Oscar’s not covering the news, he takes on dad duties to his daughter Aerin. With a demanding job that takes him away most of the time from Aerin, how does he make up for it?
“Malaking bagay na pareho kami [ni MJ] nasa media para maunawaan namin ang mundong ginagalawan ng bawat isa,” he said. “Dahil dito mas alam namin kung paano kami mag aadjust sa mga oras namin para masiguro na lagi parin kaming may time for Aerin.”
How does he explain to Aerin the times he’s away from her and MJ? Oscar admits it can be tough but he explains it.
“It’s very important na kahit maliit palang yung bata e naipapa-intindi mo na sa kanya yung importance ng work,” he said. “Kung anu-ano ang kabutihang hatid nito sa buhay ng pamilya. Everytime we travel and get to experience beautiful moments together lagi naming ineexplain kay Aerin na naging possible yon because her parents work hard.”
While there are dads sweet to their daughters, Oscar admitted he’s the strict one when it comes to raising Aerin.
“Between me and MJ, ako yung bad cop. Believe me it’s a very tough job lalo na with Aerin. Ang hirap niya pagalitan kasi she’s so charming,” Oscar shared. “Pag pinapagalitan ko na yan biglang titignan niya ako ng namumugto ang mga mata tapos sasabihin... ‘daddy are you my best friend?’ Ang hirap pero kailangan. Dapat lang din talaga aaralin mo ang tamang pag disiplina ang hirap lalo na sa umpisa kasi first time dad ako.”
Life Lessons as a Dad
Life as a reporter is like the fast lane where health is compromised. Oscar found his life at risk when he was diagnosed with leptospirosis which Brigada documented. This situation opens his eyes that things can change in seconds.
“That experience made me realize na kahit minsan akala mo ang lakas lakas mo at parang kaya mong gawin ang lahat pwedeng sa isang iglap e bigla ka nalang wala ng control sa buhay mo,” he explained of his hospital experience. “Pwedeng mawala ka nalang ng ganun ganon. Kaya dapat di mo na pinagpapabukas ang mga bagay na pwede mong gawin ngayon lalo na yung pagpapaligaya sa pamilya. Kung may pagkakataon na maging masaya at makapagpasaya ng kapwa, gawin mo na. Coz tomorrow is never promised.”
These days, Oscar tries his best to balance his work and being a dad to Aerin. They would go out on Sundays and even take vacations out of the country. More than anything, being a father has also given him insights as a better reporter.
“Mas lalo niya akong ininspire to do my best. Yung passion ko in delivering the news lalong tumindi,” Oscar said of his journey as a dad. “Dahil alam ko na yung mga binabalita ko may epekto sa pamumuhay ng taumbayan at sa paghulma ng mundong ating ginagalawan – mundong ginagalawan na rin ni Aerin.”
Giving Passion and Love
In an age where journalism is challenged, how does he inspire the new generation of media practitioners? Oscar reminds them to love the job. ” Passion driven ang trabahong ito. Di pwedeng di buo ang loob mo kasi bibigay at bibigay ka sa mga challenges kung wala ito sa puso mo. Mahirap pero very fulfilling ang trabahong ito.”
And as a father to Aerin, what does he wish for his daughter? Like all dads, it’s giving her a good life.
“Ako ang pinagdarasal ko lang ay sana mapalaki ko si Aerin ng maayos at may takot sa Diyos. Mabigyan siya ng magandang future. Sa panahon ngayon, very challenging talaga ang pagiging magulang pero hindi ko ito ipagpapalit sa kahit ano.”
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