Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Baterina: Making a graceful way to the top

By Wein P. Gadian

Who wouldn’t know Ratsada’s anchorwoman? The pretty face that never tires of giving us the latest news of the day. The woman who’ll always be a ‘princess’ in her home but has chosen to serve the public. She is Gerthrode Charlotte Tan–Baterina, the only girl among three siblings. Thus, growing up with a male dominated household gave her enough courage in the many things she’s involved in. In her four years of experience in the media, Gert has proven more than what she’s expected to deliver. “I actually matured fast, having been given responsibilities in my work. And that I am made to believe I’m the only one capable of doing. It was hard at first, but with the support of my subordinates, my boss and my family…I’m still here.”

Twist of fate

As a young girl she’s always fond of nature and all the underwater creatures. Thus, upon enrolling in college she decided to become a Marine Biologist. She could have been a brilliant Marine biologist but when adviced to study in Siliman University, Dumaguete City for her specialization – she opted for a Bachelor of Arts degree instead. She took up a course in A.B. Broadcast Communication - Management at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas – Miag-ao, Iloilo. “It was maybe for my love for arts and writing. It was also my second choice.”

Her accomplishments in school included being an editor-in-chief of Pagbutlak (an annual school organ of UPV-Miag-ao’s College of Arts and Sciences), and a proponent in founding one of UP’s theatre club.

The newscaster

Tan with Rhea Santos and Maki Pulido

Fresh from her college graduation, she applied at GMA Iloilo and with enthusiasm she was given a job as field reporter. And with her conviction and hard work she was assigned to co-anchor with Noli Calvo and then with the late Chris Misajon. Other than being a reporter, with her potentials, responsibilities were given to her. Where she delivered as what is expected giving her designation as anchorwoman, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) News Director and Executive Producer of Ratsada. Having so much responsibilities may have made her quit but Gert’s busy schedule is always sustained by her faith in God. “I always leaned on God for wisdom to cope with the many responsibilities given to me.”  

People at times put someone on the pedestal because of her or his contribution to society making them inspiration but behind popularity what matters is one’s sincerity in her actions off camera, off stage. And like what Rachel said to Bruce Wayne in Batman: “It’s not who you are underneath but what you do that defines you.” Although some have abused their recognition, Gert was unaware of it. “When I’m there (as anchorwoman), what matters is my staff. I didn’t know until I received mails from people all the way from Central Visayas…”

Love for Service
Behind the camera, Gert is just any other girl who has dreams. And she wants to teach in Management & Broadcast Communication and to have her own children. She could have all but with her health problems…it was a bit slow especially having a baby. But it didn’t hinder her to continue to bring happiness with her service (Kapuso Foundation). Influenced by her dad who used to be a Santa Clause to their poor neighbors, this made her closer to them. Thus, her life as an artist, a writer and a sports enthusiast is never complete without her service to the less privileged.

Gert says she’s a hopeless romantic and still write love letters to her husband even at home. And as for her passion for writing, her write-up will be in Troy Camarista’s magazine, ‘Post’. Her favorite writer is Peter Solis Nery especially in his book where he wrote ‘love letters’ to a friend. She spends her leisure time with friends and her loving husband. Other than all these things, Gert would still think she’s an ‘old soul’ who sees the deepness of life. How she handles being busy and having big responsibilities, “You should have guts. Walk with integrity and conviction in what you’re doing.” She smiles.