'Tunay na matapang': News5 cameraman delivers live, impromptu Albay update amid Typhoon Uwan
As a career first, News5 cameraman Mark Andrew “Mac” Ortiz moved to the other side of the camera to deliver an on-the-spot situation report in Legazpi, Albay. Although he was reporting at the height of Typhoon Uwan’s intensity, which was still a super typhoon then, it was Ortiz’s earnest delivery that caught the attention of social media users.
In a Nov. 9 live update, Ortiz gave his report while standing in front of a monument in Legazpi City, where he shared data with anchors Ed Lingao and Gretchen Ho, who were in the home station.
“Mack Mack, masyado kang pormal, eh,” Lingao told Ortiz after the cameraman enumerated some statistics he read from his phone. “Kuwentuhan mo lang ako: Ano nakikita mo diyan? Ano naranasan niyo kanina? Kumusta na ngayon? Ganun lang; para lang tayo nag-iinuman.”
“First time, first time,” Ortiz replied with a smile.
“Okay lang ‘yan,” Lingao said encouragingly.
Ho, in a Facebook post, posted about Ortiz’s report that has so far gained 145,000 reactions, 1,400 comments, and 8,000 shares.
“Where else do you see a cameraman reporting?! Proud of our multi-talented Mark Andrew Ortiz! He can shoot, photograph, fly a drone, edit stories, and also report?! Kasamahan namin ‘to sa West Philippine Sea! Tunay na matapang,” Ho wrote, with a salute emoji.
“Salute also to you and sir Ed Lingao for being great mentors and encouraging him to just relax,” wrote a Facebook user in reply to Ho’s post.
Ho's co-anchor Lingao shared a similar tribute on Facebook to Ortiz.
“Sobrang tapang at handang sumugod sa kahit saan na hindi nararattle para magshoot, video, edit, palipad ng drone, at magsetup ng livepoint. Pero first time ni Mack-Mack mag actual live report! Ilan kaya sa atin ang kaya iyan?” wrote Lingao.
“Mark Andrew Ortiz, bakit parang mas hindi ka kinakabahan pag 'may barilan?” he added.
Social media users were equally impressed with Ortiz’s impromptu reporting.
“He doesn’t need praise! He needs a raise!” wrote one.
“Double pay dapat ito. Magaling!” echoed another Facebook user.
“Kudos to this cameraman, very informative and detailed delivery of news. Not bad for a first-timer!” said another.
“Cameraman? Pinag-on-the-spot reporting? First time? Astig” said yet another netizen.
"Purpose doesn't come dressed in perfection. He is so raw yet genuine. He felt so nervous yet he delivered. Astig!" wrote another.
As of 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, Uwan further weakened over the West Philippine Sea. According to PAGASA, it's located 135 km West Northwest of Bacnotan, La Union and is moving West Northwestward at 20 km/h. It packs maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 160 km/h.
Uwan is expected to exit PAR on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
