Broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna finally got the chance to talk to Mexican star Thalía via Skype.
In an interview on Tuesday, Taberna said his online meeting with Thalía, who admitted to be a “fan” of the Filipino journalist, will be featured in his show “TNT Tapatan ni Tunying”, which airs every Thursday at 4:15 PM.
Kami (ang na-initiate) alam mo naman may konting history kami ni Thalía. “Yung nagpadala pa siya ng gift at nagbigay din kami. At the age 42, parang 24 pa lang din”, he said.
Asked to share some details of their conversation, Taberna said… “Gustong gusto niya ako. Magaling siya mag-Ingles, nag-nosebleed ako sa pagi-Ingles, very fluent siya sa ingles. Napakanta ko.”
According to Taberna, Thalía, who is known in the Philippines for her shows Marimar and Maria la del Barrio, would like to visit the country again if given a chance.
Last year, Thalía said she wants to follow Taberna on Twitter after watching his “Punto por Punto” segment on Jessica Sanchez on the ABS-CBN morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda”. She even sent gifts to Taberna.
TUNYING AS NEW ABUNDA
In his newest show, Taberna tackles stories of celebrities and politicians. But Taberna stressed he won’t be replacing Boy Abunda of “The Buzz” after his revealing interviews with stars including Venus Raj.
“Hindi po totoo ang tsismis na kumakalat na papalitan namin si Tito Boy Abunda dahil sa ‘Tapatan ni Tunying’, dahil puro artista ang napaapnood niyo, hindi po totoo. Ang totoo ay hindi lang artista, pwedeng atleta, ordinaryong tao, politiko, international star ay mapadpad sa ‘TNT’. Huntahan lang ito kapag hapon”, he said.
Asked if he is worried that his credibility as hard-hitting journalist will be affected by tackling showbiz issues, Taberna replied… “Para sa akin ay incidental lang yung nai-interview ko na showbiz. Kasi ang pagkakaiba nitong si ‘TNT’ ay expanded version ng ‘Punto por Punto’ or ‘Mano Mano’ na day-to-day national issues, politics, crimes.
Ito ay natalisod lang natin itong mga artista dahil may pakialam din naman tayo sa kanila. But this goes beyond them, hindi lang sila (artista) but ang palagay ko ang lalong mae-emphasize dito ay si Tunying pala ay versatile at flexible na kahit kanino mo itapat, pwede showbiz, baka pwede sports or mga bagay na hindi ko pa nagaganap”, he said.
He also stressed that ‘TNT’ is not a showbiz-oriented program. “Hindi siya dapat ma-typecast na puro artista. Tulad sa next episode namin ay babalik kami sa politics, sa mga bagitong senador”, he said.
DREAM FACE-OFF
In the interview, Taberna shared that his dream interview is with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“Si PNoy gusto kong ma-interview at si Gloria (Arroyo) matagal ko nang hindi nai-interview. Mas maganda kung pupunta si PNoy sa Veterans (hospital) pero normally kapag may issues yung iniinterview namin ay hiwalay naming ginagawa”, Taberna said.
Taberna added that he would ask Aquino when he plans to settle down. “Gusto ko mag-asawa na si PNoy kasi ang asawa nagbibigay ng stability sa isang tao yon. Baka kapag nag-asawa siya ay maintindihan niya kung ano ang totoong nararamdaman ng may-asawa. Ako, may asawa ako. Ang pagtingin ko sa isang bagay ay ganito lang, pero kapag tinanong ko ‘oo nga’. Ang magagaling na mag-asawa ay nagko-compliment. Sa palagay ko makakatulong kay PNoy na mag-asawa siya para makiramdam ang bayan sa kanya”, he said.
As for former president Arroyo, Taberna said he would only ask a simple question… “Itatanong ko masakit ba talaga leeg mo? O nagsasakit-sakitan ka lang?” Taberna said he also wants to do “cross-examination” with the controversial Napoles family.