Connie Sison tires of political reporting, embraces health advocacy

“Sa TV and radio, always limited ang time. With ‘Happy and Healthy,’ I love it because nada-dissect ko, nahihimay ko,” she shared, explaining how the platform allows her to ask more questions and explore health topics in greater detail.

The program features doctors alongside individuals, including celebrities, who share their personal health journeys, making medical discussions more relatable and easier for audiences to understand.

“I make sure na lahat ng curious ako, naitanong ko, because I’m sure ‘yon din ang nasa isip ng iba. So I try to represent the viewers,” she said.

Launched on September 14 in partnership with Creative Den, “Happy and Healthy with Connie” releases new episodes every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Its revamped format puts greater emphasis on personal experiences while ensuring that medical information is explained by qualified professionals.

Facts over online searches

With more people turning to artificial intelligence and online searches for health information, Sison reminded audiences that these platforms cannot replace an actual medical consultation.

She pointed out that generalized information can sometimes cause unnecessary anxiety, especially when people begin associating their symptoms with illnesses they may not actually have.

Her approach to health discussions remains grounded in facts, something she also carries from her years in journalism.

“Very factual ako. Ayaw ko ng may gray area. Gusto ko parating facts, facts, facts,” she stressed, adding that she wants the program to maintain its credibility through the guidance of doctors and the genuine experiences of its guests.

A different kind of service

Beyond providing health information, Sison sees the project as an opportunity to pursue a deeper sense of public service.

Asked about journalists who have ventured into public service, she described helping others through her profession as something close to a calling.

“If there’s anything that I can help sa aking profession, it’s a calling. It’s like a vocation,” she said.

For Sison, however, helping people does not necessarily mean becoming a politician.

“Hindi ko naman kailangan maging politician para makatulong. Gusto ko na magkaroon ako ng way for me to really help out but in my own little way,” she explained.

While she continues to tackle hard news through “Balitanghali” and her radio program “1 on 1 Walang Personal with Arnold Clavio,” Sison admitted that covering politics for 29 years has taken its toll, particularly as she continues to see familiar problems resurface without lasting solutions.

She would rather channel her energy into an advocacy that brings her fulfillment and allows her to help people in a more personal way.

“So parang sabi ko, eh doon ako sa pagiging ‘Happy and Healthy.’ Ito ang advocacy ko. Hindi ako magiging ‘happy and healthy’ dito. Baka ma-stress ako ‘pag politics,” she said.

Meanwhile, this week’s episode of “Happy and Healthy with Connie” explores the transition and cosmetic journey of a transgender individual, featuring television host KaladKaren, also known as Jervi Wrightson, as her guest.

Through conversations like these, Sison hopes to make health information more accessible while giving people a platform to share experiences that can educate and help others.