A strenuous journey to the mountains of Mindoro.  An accidental meeting that changed the course of history for a tribe in need.  They are the Irayas, one of the seven tribes of the peace-loving Mangyans, that captured the heart of one woman.  This is the love story of a people who have been shunned by the outside world but was embraced by the person who would move mountains for them.

For centuries, the tribe prospered along the coastal areas of Oriental Mindoro until migrant settlers drove them from their land and forced them to live in the mountains.  From then on, they lived a nomadic life, moving from place to place, sleeping in makeshift huts, living on what little and whatever they can get their hands on.

Like other indigenous people in the world, they have been treated as second class citizens– often exploited, neglected, and discriminated against by lowlanders. Denied of basic services for decades, the tribe struggled with their daily life.  Uneducated and uncivilized, they lived in mortal fear of the Tagalogs. With the threat of being forced out of the land they live in always a possibility, they are praying for someone who could somehow end their plight.  Time is running out.

Witness a different kind of love story which will spell the beginning of a new and better life for the Iraya Mangyans.

This is the story of the little production company that made a big impact on the Philippine broadcast industry.

After over two decades of fearless stories, groundbreaking concepts and quality productions, award-winning and pioneer investigative program “Probe” will finally unveil its own story in “Probe: Ang Ating Kuwento” this Sunday (July 18) on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best.

Former Probe members including its co-founder and current ABS-CBN Head of News and Current Affairs Maria Ressa, broadcast journalists Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Judith Torres, David Celdran, and Tony Velasquez, and many others will join “Probe” main anchor and driving force Cheche Lazaro in remembering the biggest and most memorable stories in the program’s glorious run.

Reporters, producers, production assistants and even camera crew will recount how they covered specific events as Probe’s story is intertwined with the country’s history in the last 24 years.

They talk about the challenges they faced, the dangers they encountered in pursuit of a story.  The reporters and producers also discuss how storytelling has changed as the show changed formats and stations over the years.

The viewers will also get a glimpse of what went on behind the camera as the Probers share their funny stories on coverage.  Lastly, the Probers also talk about the Probe standard, their learnings from Probe and from Lazaro herself.

Under Lazaro’s leadership, Probe became a byword for excellent journalism with stories that didn’t only bare the highs and lows of the country but also raised the standards in broadcasting.

Probe also became a training ground for world-class anchors, reporters, producers, writers, graphics designers, editors, and cameramen, who make up its elite list of alumni.

Lazaro maintains that the world has not seen the last of “Probe.” “We’re closing the weekly format but we will continue to make a positive contribution to television,” she said.

Don’t miss “Probe: Ang Ating Kuwento” this Sunday (July 18) after “TV Patrol Linggo” on ABS-CBN.

Proud of being an engineer with a blueprint for the Philippines, Bayani
Fernando, running mate of Senator Richard Gordon, is gearing up for his
biggest political project to date. He is all eyes on the vice presidency
and, unlike rivals for the post, is not interested in any Cabinet
portfolio in case he wins. (more…)

After six months of tested patience, sleepless nights, and arduous assignments, our efforts finally paid off.

Last November 29, 2009, Probe Profiles bagged two awards from PMPC Star Awards for Television for Best Public Affairs Show and Best Public Affairs Show Host for Ma’am Cheche Lazaro. For my part, I believe it was an unexpected win for the team, even though we were very much hopeful that the show will be recognized by the award-giving body. It was an understatement to say that I felt elated that time walking past the stage
and receiving the award with my fellow Production Assistants. Of course, giving our acceptance speech in front of the camera (knowing that we will be seen on TV numerous times after the ceremonies) proved to be nerve wracking yet pride-boosting.

But for me, getting there was not easy after all. The invitation said the dress code should be formal, so I was obliged to follow. There was also pressure from our producers for us to look decent for the occasion. I, for one, had my hair groomed. In addition, I also bought a new pair of jeans, top and shoes just for the occasion (I believed it won’t be a waste of money if we lose, because I can consider it as an investment for the next awards night. By the way, thank you to my coPA, Paterno, for borrowing his father’s suit for me). Jen and Elsie (my fellow PAs) were elegantly dressed in their best cocktail dresses too. We tried to look our best to represent our company, our show and our program host for the event. (I think we did a pretty good job, with the comments we have received after the show was aired over ABS.)
To close this blog, we would like to thank PMPC for giving us the Public Affairs awards. The same goes to our avid viewers and supporters who spent sleepless nights waiting for our show to air. Thank you very much for your continued patronage, and we hope that you will continue to join us every Wednesday night after Bandila for more of Probe Profiles this coming 2010 and beyond. We assure you that we will continue to give you
the brand of reportage that you have seen over the past 23 years.

- Fern Mascariñas, Probe Profiles