Ted Failon
Ted Failon | |
---|---|
Born |
Mario Teodoro Failon Etong 29 March 1962 Manila, Philippines |
Ethnicity | Filipino |
Education | Polytechnic University of the Philippines |
Occupation |
Broadcast Journalist Radio Commentator Anchor Host |
Notable credit(s) |
Hoy! Gising Anchor (1992 to 2001) |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Spouse(s) |
Trinidad Arteche-Etong (1984–2009, her death) |
Children |
Katrina Etong Karishma Etong |
Parent(s) |
Jose Carson Etong Josefina Quibilan Failon[1] |
Mario Teodoro “Ted” Failon Etong (born on March 29, 1962) is an award-winning Filipino broadcast journalist both on radio and television. On radio, he is heard in the morning delivering the news for dzMM Radyo Patrol Balita alongside former Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro and making his signature sharp and witty commentaries about relevant national issues affecting his countrymen on his own program, Failon Ngayon sa dzMM. On TV, he can be seen co-anchoring his network’s flagship nightly news program TV Patrol and hosting his own investigative program Failon Ngayon every Saturday night.
Ted considers radio as his first love and after 34 years of doing radio in both FM and AM stations; he’s become notable for delivering intelligent commentaries and making it relatable and interesting to his listeners who comes from all walks of life, through the use of entertaining sound effects and music.
Early Life
Mario Teodoro Failon Etong was born in Manila, Philippines but grew up both in San Dionisio, Parañaque and Tacloban City, Leyte.
Ted’s father, Jose, who hails from the town of Jaro, worked as a jeepney driver plying the Baclaran-Divisoria route. His mother, Josefina, from Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, was a market vendor in Parañaque.
As a high school junior, Ted was already working as a full-time hotel room boy in Tacloban City. He also worked as a waiter and a construction worker. He had to work and help his parents who, at that time, were struggling to make ends meet. At one point, he even became a tricycle driver to earn a decent living.
“My life as a young adult was wayward. My father was a driver who didn’t know how to read and write. My mother was a market vendor. It was my older sister who watched over me. I learned to smoke in my first year in high school and eventually learned to drink alcohol. My father and I often argued because he wanted me to become a mechanic, which I never really liked. He used to beat me up real hard so I had to leave the house in numerous occasions and escape.”
Up until he became one of the most popular media personalities in the country, Ted carried this burden of having to disobey his old man in pursuit of his own small dream of becoming a broadcaster, armed only with nothing but his God-given gift: his voice.
“I never imagined that I would make it this big. My dream was only simple. To be heard on radio in our province. I never wanted anything else because hearing myself talk on air was enough for me. When I finally did, I used to record my own audio clip and listen to it at home. To become a famous broadcaster was farthest from my mind. I never planned it.”
Early Career In The Province
Ted only managed to attend college with the help of his sister, Teresa. He took up AB Economics in Colegio de San Juan de Letran while working as a disc jockey (DJ) in a small joint along EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City.
Ted moved back to Tacloban again in 1980 and shifted courses from AB Economics to AB Mass Communications at the Divine Word University.
He continued working as a DJ at different local discos until he applied and was hired in 1982 at DYPL-AM, a local radio station, as a driver/reporter.
It was at this point that Ted officially started his career in radio broadcasting.
“Poverty is a common problem. For me it was even harder because I had to contend with a lot of emotional problems and stress. I used to think life was made very difficult for me because besides being poor, I had a father who was very mad at me.”
“When I became a DJ, that was when I discovered that I have a talent. Prior to that, I took a lot of blue-collar jobs. I learned how to mix gravel and cement at the construction site where I worked. Then, while working as a local DJ, I drove a tricylce to earn extra. I followed my dream to become an announcer. And when I got that small break in Tacloban City, I decided to try my luck in the big city.”
Inspiration
Ted was inspired by the success of a fellow Leyteño, retired Channel 9 news anchor Gabby Aurillo who, for reasons still unclear to Ted, suddenly left the limelight.
“I sought help from him and after he did, he just went away. Suddenly, we lost track of him.”
In 1983, Ted got married at 21 to Trinidad Arteche with whom he has two daughters—Katrina and Karishma Tedrina.
“We eloped and got married. Necessarily, I had to quit school. One day, I went home to see my father to tell him that finally I have a real job. Still, he did not approve of it. My mother, on the other hand, ever loving as she was, was very happy.”
Ted had to quit school and work full-time as an announcer and production head in DYPL-AM. It was in 1987 that, at only 25 years old, Ted became the station manager of DYPL-AM. Eventually, DYPL was named DYMM.
In 1988, Ted tried his luck in Manila but it was not his time yet to make it big. While working at DYPL-AM, Ted met the owner of DWGV-FM, a local station in Angeles City, Pampanga, who convinced him to work as a program and production director for the station while he was looking for a job in Manila. Ted accepted the offer and relocated to Pampanga.
However, he kept going back to Manila to apply at different networks.
Faced with the challenges of an early marriage, a fledgling career and a resentful father, Ted saw his life was getting more complicated. Among all his heartaches, it was his father’s anguish that weighed heaviest.
“But I never lost hope. Slowly, I made a name for myself until eventually my father began to appreciate what I was doing. Time came when he would boast to everyone that I am his son. Wherever he went, he always announced that Ted Failon is his son. Maybe he finally realized that this stubborn son of his can be of good use anyway.”
Reconciliation
Ted finally mended his severed ties with his father when, prior to the latter’s death in 2000, he treated him to an all-expenses paid trip abroad and bought his father a truck.
“I really planned for that trip. I wanted us to be together. Just the two of us. It was only then that we were able to talk man to man. I released all my angsts and frustrations. I told him how hard it was for me to live with such a heavy burden. After that, all went well. Our relationship as father and son became smooth. It was the happiest day of my life.”
Famous and all that, Ted said he was never ashamed of having a “no read, no write” father, stressing that he will forever hold dearly the fact that despite his old man’s deficiencies, he managed to send all his kids to school. The third in a brood of four, Ted is glad that all of them graduated from college and became professionals.
“I will always be proud of my father. It was his hard work that placed us all where we are now. In that aspect, he excelled.”
Career In The Big City
Earlier in May 1990, Ted applied at ABS-CBN News for the third time and was finally accepted as a desk editor. A few months later, Ted was given a break on dzMM where he became anchor of the 2-4 a.m. show, Gising Pilipinas! It was Becky Cabral, then Editorial Manager of ABS-CBN News, who gave him his break as Desk Editor. Opportunities both in radio and television kept pouring in and Ted soon became a regular anchor of DZMM. He co-hosted Bayan Ko, Sagot Ko and Bahay Kalinga, apart from hosting Mission Exposé and Wanted on TV Patrol.
Biggest Break
Ted got his biggest break at his home network when he covered an incident where an entire coastal village was wiped out by a huge wave in his town in Leyte. Arriving in Manila to air his material, he was asked by then VP for TV Rolly Cruz to fill in for Noli de Castro who failed to report for work that day alongside the late Frankie Evangelista. After that, Cruz asked him to fill-in for de Castro every time he’s not available.
For Ted, it was the start of a career in television. And at the same time his successful radio career continued. For ABS CBN retained his radio programs.
“The first time I was asked to do live TV reporting, I couldn’t believe it,” he declared.
Ted introduced to the station the public service program, Aksyon Ngayon! where he and Korina Sanchez’s tandem started. Ted then became anchor of the would-be phenomenon TV program, Hoy! Gising together with Korina where their partnership would become wellknown and admired.
In 1995, Ted was appointed as Radio News Manager of dzMM. He also did Pulso Aksyon Balita—the late night news program that took over World Tonight and MIB: Mga Imbestigador ng Bayan.
Ted is public service personified. And because his programs have always been in the interest of the masses, different award-giving bodies have recognized his journalistic talent. His radio program, Aksyon Ngayon has received numerous awards including Best Radio Public Service Program by the Catholic Mass Media Awards. The unparalleled program Hoy! Gising received many accolades as well, such as those from Star Awards for Best Public Service Program. It was even recognized by Gawad CCP as “Isa sa pinakamahusay na programang pangtelebisyon . . . [one of the most excellent television programs].”
Ted himself has garnered numerous awards including Best Public Service Program Host for Hoy! Gising.
College Degree
While working, Ted realized the importance of having a college degree and so in 1994 he enrolled at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines where, in 1996, he finally got to graduate with a degree in Broadcast Communications. He also took up Law at the Arellano Law Foundation in Manila but his tight schedule and heavy workload did not permit him to continue on.
Public Service As A Congressman
Mario Teodoro F. Etong | |
---|---|
Member of the House of Representatives from Leyte's 1st district | |
In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004 | |
Preceded by | Alfred S. Romualdez |
Succeeded by | Remedios L. Petilla |
Personal details | |
Nationality | Filipino |
Political party | Independent |
Occupation |
broadcast journalist, radio commentator, former congressman |
Ted ran for Congress for the First District of Leyte in 2001 as an independent candidate against an incumbent political giant, belonging to the Marcos-Romualdez clan, whom he defeated. During that time Ted did radio once a week with Korina. He also became host of his own show for the ABS-CBN News Channel called Good News that received the Catholic Mass Media award for Best TV News Magazine Show in 2003. After serving for only one term, he realized that politics was not for him and so he returned to his real love—broadcasting.
At Present
Currently, Ted has programs both in radio and television. Just recently, Ted was elevated to the Anak TV Seal Hall of Fame after being awarded as one of the 10 Most Admired Personalities in Television for seven consecutive years. He can be seen on TV every night in the primetime newscast program of ABS-CBN, TV Patrol. On radio, he can be heard in the morning delivering the news at 7 a.m. Philippine Standard Time (PST) for dzMM Radyo Patrol Balita, awarded by the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (Association of Broadcasters in the Philippines) as Best Radio Newscast and Ted as Best Radio Newscaster.
At 8 a.m. (PST), Ted is heard again in the multi-awarded commentary program of dzMM, Failon Ngayon where he delivers his signature sharp and witty commentaries. And because of his background in FM radio as a DJ, this top-rater is filled with new gimmicks, amusing segments and entertaining sound effects, music and all.
For young aspiring broadcast journalists and writers, Ted has this advice: “Read, read and read. Read everything, even the Bible. Read it over and over. The voice is just a tool. An instrument. What comes out of that voice is different. What you’re saying is much more important than how you say it.
Keep on dreaming. Consider yourself lucky for having a talent. Always think ahead of the competition as you continue to pursue that little dream. Most importantly, if you have to give anything to your family then, by all means, give them what is due to make them happy. You will never know when life will be over until it is over. In this world, everything is borrowed.”
Ted’s life story reflects his belief that there are no small dreams for a big dreamer. Armed with an inherent talent and the passion to learn and work and survive, he hurdled the greatest challenges of life.
Forever grateful with what God has given him—a golden voice—Ted dedicates all to the people by touching their hearts and widening their knowledge.
Ted continues to change people’s lives. He is simply a living proof that a “probinsyano” (one who hails from the province) like him can do well in the big city given the right attitude and talent.
Discography
Television
Year | Title | Role | Network |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | Sa Gitna Ng Daang Matuwid: State of the Nation Address 2013 | Host | ABS-CBN |
2009–present | Failon Ngayon | Host | |
2004–present | TV Patrol (Formerly TV Patrol World) | News Anchor | |
2004-2005 | Hoy Gising! Kapamilya | Host | |
1999-2000 | Pulso: Aksyon Balita | Anchor | |
1992-2001 | Hoy Gising! | Anchor |
Radio
Year | Title | Role | Station |
---|---|---|---|
1990-1997 | Gising Pilipinas | Anchor | DZMM |
1991 | Aksyon Ngayon | Anchor | |
2009–present | Failon Ngayon | Host |
Awards
AWARD/PROGRAM CITATION | AWARD GIVING BODY | DATE |
1. Best Radio Public Service, Aksyon Ngayon | 14th Catholic Mass Media Awards | March 26, 1993 |
2. Best Radio Public Affairs Program, Manila
DZMM Aksyon Ngayon |
KBP Golden Dove Award | April 27, 1993 |
3. 1993 Quezon City Community Outstanding Young Achiever (COYA) Award for Public Service | Quezon City “Capital” and “Sampaguita” Jaycees, Inc. | March 15, 1994 |
4. Best Public Service
Aksyon Ngayon |
15th Catholic Mass Media Awards | March 18, 1994 |
5. “Isa sa pinakamahusay na programang pangtelebisyon…”
Hoy! Gising |
Gawad CCP | 1994 |
6. Best Public Service Program Host
Hoy! Gising |
9th PMPC Star Awards for Television | 1995 |
7. Best Public Service Program Host
Hoy! Gising |
13th PMPC Star Awards for Television | 1999 |
8. Outstanding Alumni for Broadcast Journalism | Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. | 1999 |
9. Outstanding Radio and Television Personality | Consumers Union of the Philippines’
10th Annual National Consumer Awards |
1999 |
10. Best Public Service Program Host
Hoy! Gising |
14th PMPC Star Awards for Television | 2000 |
11. Lifetime Achievement Award | National Press Club | February 28, 2002 |
12. Best TV News Magazine,
Good News, ANC 21 |
24th Catholic Mass Media Awards | October 21, 2003 |
13. Best News Commentary Program,
Tambalang Failon at Sanchez |
27th Catholic Mass Media Awards | 2005 |
14. Best Newscaster,
Radio |
15th KBP Golden Dove Award | October 25, 2006 |
15. Best TV Newscaster | 17th KBP Golden Dove Award | November 2008 |
16. “Bilang katangi-tangi at ginagalang na makabatang alagad ng telebisyon…” | Anak TV Awards | 2007 & 2008 |
17. Best Radio Program,
Tambalang Failon at Sanchez |
6th Gawad Tanglaw | 2008 |
18. Best Panel Moderator | Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
2008 |
19. Best Panel Discussion Program,
Harapan |
Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
2008 |
20. Best TV Anchor | 7th Gawad Tanglaw | 2009 |
21. Best News Program,
Radyo Patrol Balita Alas Syete dZMM |
31st Catholic Mass Media Awards | 2009 |
22. Best Radio Public Affairs Program
(Tambalang Failon at Sanchez) Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host Best TV Newscast (TV Patrol World) |
18th KBP Golden Dove Awards | 2009 |
23. “Iginagalang at tinitingalang Makabatang Alagad ng Telebisyon” | Anak TV Awards | 2009 |
24. “For consistent, exceptional work that goes beyond the call of duty – for people with vision – who raise the bar of excellence, inspire their colleagues and set the news agenda.” | ABS-CBN 20-20 Merit Awards | December 2009 |
25. Male News and Current Affairs Host | 6th USTv Students’ Choice Award | 2010 |
26. Best AM Announcer
Best News Anchor Best News Program (TV Patrol World) |
Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
2010 |
27. Best News Anchor | 8th Gawad Tanglaw | 2010 |
28. 2010 Most Outstanding Male News Presenter of the Year | COMGUILD Center for Journalism | August 1, 2010 |
29. Best News Program (Radyo Patrol Balita Alas Syete, dZMM)
Best Public Service Program (Solo work for Tambalang Failon at Sanchez, dZMM) Best News Program (TV Patrol World) Best News Magazine Special Citation (Failon Ngayon) |
32nd Catholic Mass Media Awards | October 13, 2010 |
30. Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host
(DZMM) Best Special Program (Harapan Vice Presidential Debate – Ted as host) |
19th KBP Golden Dove Awards | November 25, 2010 |
31. Top 15 Most Admired Male TV Personalities | Anak TV Awards | December 8, 2010 |
32. Best Male News and Current Affairs Program Host | 7th USTv Students’ Choice Award | February 17, 2011 |
33. Best News Anchor
Best AM Announcer Most Development-Oriented AM Program (Tambalang Failon at Sanchez) Best News Program (TV Patrol World) |
Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
February 2011 |
34. Best Public Affairs Program
(Failon Ngayon) Best Radio Anchor |
9th Gawad Tanglaw | March 17, 2011 |
35. Broadcast Journalist of the Year Award | Rotary Club of Manila
Journalism Awards 2010 |
May 2011 |
36. Best Male News Presenter | COMGUILD Center for Journalism | August 2011 |
37. Best News Commentary
(Tambalang Failon & Webb) |
33rd Catholic Mass Media Awards | October 2011 |
38. one of Most Admired TV Personalities | Anak TV Awards | December 2011 |
39. People of the Year – Broadcast Journalist | People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards | January 2012 |
40. Best AM Announcer | Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
January 2012 |
41. Most Outstanding Male News Presenter of the Year | COMGUILD Center for Journalism | August 4, 2012 |
42. Best News Commentary
(Failon Ngayon DZMM) Best News Magazine Special Citation (Failon Ngayon - Boracay Episode) |
34th Catholic Mass Media Awards | September 25, 2012 |
43. Failon Ngayon
Anti-Corruption Campaign |
Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption Awards | September 2012 |
44. Nominated for Best Current Affairs Documentary on a Domestic Subject, TV Category
(Failon Ngayon – Mine Tailings Episode) Nominated for International TV Personality |
Association for International Broadcasting, London | November 7, 2012 |
45. Makabata Star 2012 | Anak TV Awards | December 2012 |
46. Best Male Newscaster | 26th PMPC Star Awards | November 18, 2012 |
47. Best Investigative
Program Host (Failon Ngayon) Best AM Announcer (Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) |
Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
January 2013 |
48. Outstanding Public Affairs Program
(Failon Ngayon) |
Golden Screen TV Awards | March 1, 2013 |
49. Best Male News & Current Affairs
Program Host (TV Patrol) Best Investigative Program (Failon Ngayon) |
9th USTv Students’ Choice Awards | March 7, 2013 |
50. Mine Tailings Episode of Failon Ngayon was a finalist in Current Affairs Category | New York Festivals World’s Best Television and Films | April 2013 |
51. Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year Award
Best Radio Public Affair Program (Failon Ngayon) Best Radio Newscast Program-Manila (Radyo Patrol Alas Siyete) |
KBP Golden Dove Awards | April 2013 |
52. Hall of Fame Award
2010, 2011, 2012 Most Outstanding Male Newscaster |
COMGUILD Center for Journalism | August 11, 2013 |
53. Failon Ngayon
Anti-Corruption Campaign |
Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption | August 2013 |
54. Best News Commentary
(Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) |
35th Catholic Mass Media Awards | November 15, 2013 |
55. Service Excellence Award | IBA International Business and Academic Conference | December 5, 2013 |
56. Makabatang alagad ng telebisyon | Anak TV Awards | December 12, 2013 |
57. For consistent and exceptional work that went beyond the call of duty | NCAD (News and Current Affairs Division) 20/20 Merit Awards of ABS-CBN | December 2013 |
58. Most Development-Oriented Radio Program
(Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) Best AM Announcer Best News Program (TV Patrol) |
Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
January 2014 |
59. Best Television Public Service Program Host
Best Male News Anchor |
1st PUP Mabini Media Awards | February 2014 |
60. Best TV News Anchor
Best AM Announcer Best Radio Program (Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) |
UmalohokJUAN
Lyceum of the Philippines’ 1st Media Awards |
March 2014 |
61. Natatanging gawad tanglaw sa sining ng radyo | Gawad Tanglaw
Colegio De San Juan De Letran |
March 2014 |
62. Outstanding Public Affairs Program
(Failon Ngayon) Outstanding Public Affairs Program Host |
5th Golden Screen Awards | March 21, 2014 |
63. BRONZE WORLD MEDAL
(for “Tagas ng Minahan” / “Mine Leaks” episode of Failon Ngayon in the category of Television – Documentary/Information Program) |
New York Festivals International TV and Film Awards | April 2014 |
64. Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host | KBP Golden Dove Awards | April 2014 |
65. In recognition of his unparalleled dedication and bravery for his coverage of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) | SM Foundation Inc.’s SUPER (a Salute to Unparalleled People, Endeavors & Resources) Awards | May 19, 2014 |
66. Best AM Radio Anchor
Best AM Radio Program (Failon Ngayon) |
COMGUILD Center for Journalism | August 2014 |
67. Male News Anchor of the Year | 4th EdukCircle Film and Television Awards
(by The EdukCircle – International Center for Communication Studies) |
August 2014 |
68. Outstanding Radio Program
(Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) Outstanding Radio Anchor |
Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption Awards | August 2014 |
69. FPI Bayabay Media awardee
honoring outstanding and deserving media practitioners who have raised important and sensitive issues that have serious impact on our country |
Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc.
The Voice of Industry Annual FPI Bayabay Award |
September 2014 |
70. Yolanda Hero | 13th Cycle of the
Lopez Achievement Awards |
September 2014 |
71. Awardee in the Public Responsibility category
(Failon Ngayon) |
13th Cycle of the
Lopez Achievement Awards |
September 2014 |
72. Nominated for Outstanding Achievement in the category of News
(TV Patrol Weekend: Most Powerful Storm) |
International Emmy Awards | October 2014 |
73. Best Public Service Program
(Failon Ngayon) |
36th Catholic Mass Media Awards | October 2014 |
74. WINNER for Domestic Current Affairs Documentary, TV category
(Failon Ngayon – Deluge Episode) Nominated for International Television Personality |
Association for International Broadcasting, London | November 2014 |
75. Best Radio and TV Anchor | Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) | November 2014 |
76. Pinagkakapuri at kinikilala ng sambayanan bilang makabatang alagad ng telebisyon | Anak TV Awards | December 2014 |
78. Best News Program Anchor
Best News Program (TV Patrol) |
1st Gawad Kamalayan Awards
of Mapúa Institute of Technology |
January 2015 |
79. Best Documentary Program | Aral Parangal 2015
Young Educators Council of Socskargen |
January 2015 |
80. Best Male Newscaster
Best News Program (TV Patrol) Best Public Service Program Host Best Public Service Program (Failon Ngayon) |
Students Choice Mass Media Awards
Eastern Visayas State University, Ormoc City Campus |
February 2015 |
81. Best Investigative Journalism Host
Best Investigative Journalism Program (Failon Ngayon) |
Students Choice Awards 2015
6th Northwest Samar State University |
March 2015 |
82. Best Male Newscaster
Best TV News Program Best TV Documentary Program (Failon Ngayon) |
14th Kabantugan Awards
Mindanao State University General Santos City |
March 2015 |
83. Best AM Radio Announcer
Best AM Radio Program (Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) Best News Program (TV Patrol) |
2nd UmalohokJUAN Awards 2015
Lyceum of the Philippines University |
March 2015 |
84. Best AM Announcer | Gandingan Awards,
U.P. Los Banos |
March 2015 |
84. Best Public Service Program
Best Public Affairs Host (Failon Ngayon) |
KBP Golden Dove Awards | May 2015 |
85. Investigative Reporter of the Year Award | Rotary Club of Manila’s Journalism Awards | June 2015 |
86. Best AM Radio Anchor
Best AM Radio Program (Failon Ngayon sa DZMM) |
COMGUILD Center for Journalism | July 2015 |
87. Best News Commentary
Failon Ngayon sa DZMM |
37th Catholic Mass Media Awards | November 2015 |
88. Best Radio Public Service Program
(Failong Ngayon sa DZMM) Best Public Service Program Host |
ALTA Media Icon Awards 2015
University of Perpetual Help System |
December 2015 |
References
Template:Polytechnic University of the Philippines {{Joash Bermejo}
External links
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