A bevy of accomplished women responds to Makilala’s search for a co-host
Makilala hosts, from left, Cristina DC Pastor, Jen Furer and Rachelle Ocampo
We were only looking for one but nearly 20 women responded to Makilala’s call for a fourth co-host for this groundbreaking TV talk show aired through Queens Public Television.
A diplomat, a Broadway actress, a lawyer, a nurse, a grandmother, corporate executives, performance artists, grassroots organizers, and many more have sent in their applications by the close of the January 12th deadline. Through private emails, many more have expressed interest, including a couple of men and a transwoman.
Makilala is the first Filipino American talk show in New York. It debuted in July of 2013 and has aired seven episodes on topics, such as social entrepreneurship, voting rights, autism, and learning Tagalog. The show is hosted by three women — book author Jen Furer, health care educator Rachelle Ocampo and journalist Cristina DC Pastor. The search for a fourth co-host came about with the departure of Maria Cruz Lee, who stepped down in December. The show is produced by Marilag Productions founded by Maricor Fernandez of QPTV and Pastor.
“Totally excited and overwhelmed with pride that a lot of individuals applied and showed interest, not just here in NY/NJ but also in the Philippines. It’s Pinay Pride at its best,” said Furer, author of the immigration memoir “Out of Status.”
“The surge of applications indicates a hunger for awareness, commitment, and passion in championing the Filipino people, our culture and heritage,” she continued.
As diverse as their personal backgrounds, the applicants offered a variety of reasons why they aspired to be part of Makilala: they have strong opinions on community-oriented issues, they want to meet people, it’s a learning experience, it would be fun and exciting, they want to make a difference.
One woman replied in all joviality: “With my diverse talent and adventurous personality, I want to bring the knowledge and insights that I gained to your growing team. Why will I deprive the world of my unique contributions?”
The women come from all across metropolitan New York, including Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.
“When we were faced with the idea of having to look for another co-host, we saw the opportunity to reach out further into our community. These women bring with them a flood of ideas and passions,” said Ocampo, president of the Pilipino American Unity for Progress, an organization for young professionals.
Makilala has aired six episodes featuring leading personalities, such as Ryan Letada of NextDayBetter, Rhodora Ursua of Kalusugan Coalition, Merit Salud of the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Venessa Manzano of the Filipino School of New York/New Jersey, Ayesha Vera-Yu of the Advancement for Rural Kids, and Cheryl Ocampo of Queens County Parents Autism Coalition. A seventh episode featured the four hosts being interviewed by QPTV’s Gail Lewis, which is the station’s way of drumming up promotion for the program.
The women described themselves using the adjectives smart, passionate, dynamic, driven, confident, honest, opinionated, and creative. One applicant said she is proud to have the trait of one who is skeptical and enjoys playing “devil’s advocate.”
“It is our great honor in Makilala to have these Filipino American women who are willing to share their talents and expertise, their commitment to be part of the team,” said Fernandez. “We welcome them as we continue to serve, reach out, and get to know people who continue to move or empower our community.”
Said Ocampo: “There is no doubt that Makilala will grow stronger and more unified with each new voice that comes through our open doors.”
Rachelle Ocampo and Jen Furer on location coverage in Soho. At center is producer Maricor Fernandez.
Makilala’s episode on autism featured Cheryl Ocampo of QCPAC (second from right) and violinist Jerome Viloria who provided the closing musical number.
