 |
| Photo c/o Kat's Facebook account |
The first time I met Katherine Chloe Sinsuat de Castro was when I sat as a panelist for her interview. She was an incoming sophomore student of the Communication Arts Department of Miriam College (formerly Maryknoll College). She was following the illustrious footsteps of her dad, Kabayan Noli de Castro, a well-respected broadcaster. I wasn't really impressed with her answers. And had strong doubts that she'll be a good mix for our department.
A few weeks into her second year and she began to make waves in terms of advocating for student's rights and just really going the extra mile for the department. This was one occasion, that I was happy to be proven wrong! For the next three years she became an active CA student, enrolling in my radio-TV production class in third year, and capping it with a thesis on How to Promote Ilocos Norte, in her senior year. Even back then, she was already an advocate of the beauty and diversity of the Philippines. I could feel her deep-seated love for the homeland, as well as her natural curiosity to try and learn new things.
I've followed her career after she graduated from college, equally happy and elated when she covered interesting topics in Magandang Gabi, Bayan plus the other TV shows of Bayan Productions. In a way, I felt that I was able to contribute, in my own small way, to what she has become, a good and credible broadcast journalist.
Last year, she actively campaigned for President Rodrigo Duterte. I could just imagine how it was: hectic, exciting, challenging, and fulfilling. As I followed her experiences in the campaign trail, I recalled my own experiences in the 2004 elections with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her dad, Vice-President Noli de Castro. In one of our presidential sorties, I think it was in Baras, Rizal, I got the chance to whisper to Kabayan Noli, that I was Kat's former teacher. I could still recall the pride and joy that emanated from his face as he looked at me and smiled, the deep and beautiful smile of a dad who is so proud of what one's daughter or child has become and accomplished.
15 August 2016 and Kat was sworn in as Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT). She was tasked with Tourism Advocacy and Public Affairs, I believe a role that she has been doing for a long time now. Some would say, well she comes from an influential and wealthy family, and she has the financial resources to indulge in travel and all it's perks. But that is not her only qualification: what she has is the love and desire to do something great for the Philippines. I should know. I was there when she started her journey. Thank you so much Kat, for setting aside some time for this Q&A (she answered this very late Mother's Day night).
Q: What's on your bucket list?
A: To see the Aurora Borealis, that's just about it.
Q: Give your teen aged self some advice?
A: Take everything in. Cherish every moment and don't grow up too fast. Hahaha!
Q: What motivates you?
A: My daughter. She's my pillar of strength and she inspires me to be the best person I can possibly be.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: Someone who did everything she can to promote the Philippines to the rest of the world.
Q: Name 3 people, living or dead, you'll like to have dinner with, why?
A: Drew Barrymore - I've always admired her since I was a kid. How she overcame every obstacle in life is simply remarkable. From drug addict to successful actress/entrepreneur. JK Rowling - I am a Potterhead. During my younger awkward years, reading Harry Potter was my solace. I'd like to ask her questions on how she wrote the book, what inspired her and maybe get some trivia on some moments mentioned in the book. Leonardo DiCaprio - simply because I've always had a crush on him.
Q: Are you a cat or dog person, why?
A: I'm a dog lover. I find them more loyal than cats.
Q: Where in the world is the place you can call as your sanctuary, why?
A: Amanpulo in Palawan. It's so serene and quiet. I can talk to God there and yes I feel He provides me with answers when I'm in Amanpulo.
Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I can sing, play the piano and I am an adrenaline junkie. Hahaha!
Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, why?
A: The time of the kings and queens. I'd like to experience how it is to attend a ball at a royal castle. Like living in a fairy tale.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Make the Philippines the number one tourist destination in Asia! I claim it. It can be done since I have a very hard working boss in DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo.
No comments:
Post a Comment