Bernadette makes her own wish

Posted: 9:30 PM (Manila Time) | Jul. 13, 2003

By Marinel R. Cruz, Inquirer News Service

 HOSTING GMA 7's your-wish-is-granted show, "Wish Ko Lang," has changed Bernadette Sembrano's life in a big way. Being exposed to life's harsh realities has made her, for one, less attached to material possessions.

"I used to go for signature clothes and accessories when I was a teenager," says the 27-year-old host. "Now, I don't mind if I don't have them because I know that a lot of people are going through problems that are more complicated than mine."

"Wish Ko Lang," the weekly feature on GMA 7, has been winning favorable response from viewers because of its unique concept of granting people's wishes. The show celebrated its first anniversary last July 5.

Bernadette says her work for "Wish" and the investigative tele-magazine show "Probe Team" takes up a lot of her time. She is also the news anchor for "Flash Report" on weekdays and takes over Vicky Morales' post during weekends on the late-night news program "Saksi."

"I'm so busy that I sometimes feel like I don't have time for myself anymore," says Bernadette. "So it's my mom who buys clothes for me. Unfortunately, we don't go for the same styles."

Bernadette prefers jeans and white long-sleeves rather than the prints and floral shirts that her mom Elaine has been buying for her.

"I have white long-sleeved shirts of different cuts and designs," she says. "But I keep the clothes my mom buys for me."

Bernadette would rather shop for books than for clothes. She keeps her books in shelves that are all over her two-bedroom condo unit in Quezon City, where she has been living for three years now.

"I bring at least three books whenever I go out to do field work," she says. "I read them during long breaks. I still bring them even when I know I won't have time to read them."

Despite her very tight schedule, Bernadette has no intention of giving up even one of her shows, especially "Wish Ko Lang." But she wishes she could treat herself to a grand vacation sometime next year.

"I also wish I could have more time to sort my clothes and un-clutter my house because I don't have much space," she says.

If she had more free time, Bernadette would also love to relax and read her books in her newly refurbished bahay kubo, which stands on her terrace, overlooking the busy streets of the city.

Current favorite book. "I'm now reading a book on spirituality titled 'Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World' by Henri J. M. Nouwen. It gives strength to the tired soul." =

Favorite blazer. "I wear this gray blazer whenever I can't seem to decide on what to wear for newscast. It's been with me for a long time. I think it looks good on TV."

Favorite blanket. "I take this malong whenever I do field work. This has gone to a lot of places. It keeps me warm. I also use it as a beach towel. It's very useful whenever I take a bath in places where there are no bathrooms."

Favorite jeans. "I can't exactly remember when I bought this pair of 563 Levi's jeans. I love how it fits me, so I bought another pair just two days ago."

 Off-shoulder white blouse

Memorable blouse. "I first wore this off-shoulder white blouse on 'Wish.' The promotional video ran for a year. This blouse isn't really my style, but I had to wear it because our designer approved it. I'll never wear this again because it isn't me. Besides, it will not fit me anymore."

Belt. "This is my only belt. It's from Esprit. I've had this for as long as I can remember. Sira-sira na nga eh. Baka may gustong mag-donate." (It's worn out. Maybe someone wants to donate a new one?)

Favorite nightshirt. "I've had this T-shirt since I was in high school. Printed on it is the cute face of a pig. Butas-butas na, its so old na kasi. I think my mom and I bought it in Divisoria."

Favorite shawl. "I bought this in one of the shops in Intramuros about two months ago. I love the color and the intricate design."

Favorite utility bag. "I always bring this Samsonite bag wherever I go. I think it's made to carry a laptop, but I put my books and kikay stuff inside."

Favorite accessories. "I only use pearl earrings. You can never go wrong with pearls. They can go with both formal and smart casual wear.

"I never leave the house without my rosary ring. If I accidentally leave it at home, I really go back to get it. It's so valuable to me because it gives me a sense of security. I don't always wear earrings, but I always wear my rosary ring."

Lip balm. "I always get chapped lips so I use this lip treatment from Lancome. I'm not a fan of expensive cosmetics, but this one is good."

Sunblock. "I can't leave the house without this Shiseido sunblock 30 because I do field work for 'Wish' and 'Probe.' You don't want to get burned out there."

Favorite perfume. "I've been using Sunflower since my college days in UP. The smell really makes you feel refreshed."

Favorite footwear. "You'll find nothing interesting in my shoe rack, really. I go for comfort, not for what is in nowadays. So I like wearing this pair of Teva sandals when I have to do field work. It's very practical, especially if you go to the beach, or go mountain climbing. You won't care even if you get them wet."

Boots. "I used to like wearing boots because I feel protected. They hug my feet nicely. But with the work I do now, I prefer wearing sandals."

Memorable slippers. "I've not worn this pair of slippers yet. I bought them in Pateros because they remind me of my lola. I always see her wearing a pair just like this."

Memorable backpack. "I bought this 1.5-liter Camelback for last year's anniversary special of 'Probe Team.' Memorable talaga! I used this when we did a 'Survivor' episode. I also used this when Eliza (Zamora) and I climbed Mt. Dulang Dulang in 2001."

(Mt. Dulang Dulang, located in Bukidnon, is the country's second highest peak and measures 2,983 above sea level.)

Memorable jacket. "I used this fleece jacket when we climbed Mt. Dulang Dulang. It's freezong cold, climbers would tell you. You need a thick jacket like this to keep you warm."

Favorite traveling bag. "I bought this batik bag in Davao. I bought this on impulse. Isn't it cute? This is my maleta. I use this for my out-of-town trips."