Cherry Mae Maning | TV Anchor.

Part of the original plan of this site was to actually feature people. I have, in all my years of travel, met so many incredibly awesome human beings. Most of them have been a great inspiration to me. And just like the places I visit, I would love to put the people I meet (and eventually become friends with) in this space so I will never forget.

But it is not only the people I meet in my travels that I would like to write about here. I would also like to feature the many awesome people (travel bloggers included) I've met off and online. And I know that their stories are certainly worth sharing.

I met a fabulous young lady during my Davao-Samal Island trip. We were both reviewers for the Samal Island PopTalk episode. And the entire time we were in Samal, she and I shared rooms, thoughts, and stories. Her name: Cherry Mae Maning. She's the second child of Hermogenes, an EA of the Governor of Compostela Valley, and Anna Liza, a stay-at-home Mom who raised all her children well.

I found Cherry fascinating. For someone so young, she seemed quite self-assured. She's a celebrity in Davao but she's very down-to-earth. She was, in fact, game to whatever we were told to do during the shoot.


Cherry is news anchor for Flash Bulletin of GMA5 Davao. And why not? She's beautiful and articulate. But she's certainly more than just a pretty face. Cherry is a registered nurse, graduated Magna Cum Laude (at 19), and is currently taking her master's degree in nursing. She grew up reaping honors since elementary. But it was not only in academics that she excelled. She was also leader of many orgs when she was in school and won beauty contests. So it wasn't a surprise when she joined Mutya ng Dabaw 2010. Although she did not take home the crown (and only landed 2nd place), she garnered the most major awards.

I sent Cherry a couple of questions for this feature. Read on and know this charming 23-year-old a little bit more.


When and how did you start as tv anchor?
I guess I’m just so blessed. I won a lot of hearts during the competition (Mutya ng Dabaw) including that of the media. One day, I got a call from the Executive Producer of Una Ka Bai, a morning show in GMA ch5 Davao. She asked me if I’d be willing to host their program and I said “yes”. June 3, I started as a guest host for 3 days. The following week, I was welcomed as segment host to appear twice or thrice a week. In less than a month, I signed a contract as a GMA Talent. And soon after, I appeared everyday on TV. Then I was offered the position of being the news anchor for Flash Bulletin.

I understand you are taking your post graduate studies. What are your plans after?
I plan to go abroad and pursue my dream of being an instructor. I want to practice my profession.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully, in Canada, working as a nurse. Or I could also be here in our country managing my own business.

Any hobbies?
Photography! And I love to cook. I also love singing and surfing the internet.


Is there anything about you that other people (in Davao, especially) do not know yet?
A lot of things. I am very afraid of reptiles esp. lizards and snakes. Well, many people don’t know that I have good acting skills. ☺ I honestly love acting. I was in the theater arts group in high school before I became the president of the math club. I also dreamt of being a dancer. I wanna be a good dancer pero kaliwa talaga both feet ko. I can't dance. I just can’t. I also wanna be skinny! Pero impossible, American size ako. Iba ang built ng katawan.

And believe it or not, I am a shy person. Nauunahan pa din ako ng kaba and stage fright at times, but I manage them well. Off cam, I am a friend to everyone. Kahit janitor o security guard friend ko. Simple lang talaga ako. I can ride the tricycle o magbaktas, ok lang. People admire me and my dresses in UKB … generally, they admire the way I appear in public because I always get a compliment re that. But I am very practical. I don’t buy expensive dresses or things. Para sa akin, nasa pagdadala lang yan. I only invest in shoes and bags and a few gadgets. Another secret that im going to share… when I have a goal, I write it in a piece paper to post on my wall so that I am reminded everyday to work hard to achieve my goal.


What are the things you value, words you live by?
What I value: love, individuality, responsibility, respect, dedication, excellence, courage, wisdom, compassion, optimism, and flexibility

I believe that life is short. Let’s make the most out of it. We should not be afraid to take risks. It’s better to try and fail rather than regret the things you haven’t done. In the end, mistakes don't count only lessons learned. And never waste an opportunity to touch lives and make others happy even through simple ways.

What's your definition of beauty?
"The standard of beauty is not definite, we define it." - Shamcey Supsup
For me, beauty is radiance. Like a ray of light, it catches the eye and warms the heart.

What's your beauty regimen/secret?
A good rest, positive outlook or optimism that radiates, and here’s the ultimate secret: always wear a smile.


What's your favorite travel destination?
Madami! ☺ But my favorite travel destination so far is Singapore! Talagang super happy ako sa mga amusement parks and rides doon. I wanna bring my loved ones there. Of course, there's The Flyer where you get a perfect view of the entire island especially at night. I love to watch city lights. But my greatest dream is to travel and ride on a taxi boat in Venice, Italy. I find it so romantic. In the Philippines, I would love to visit Vigan.

What's your favorite food?
Simple lang din ang gusto ko na pagkain. Tinolang isda… I love fish. I love the combination of salt and konting anghang. Lalo na pag mainit na mainit ang sabaw. I also love grilled tuna, pork and chicken barbeque. I love chocolate mousse and leche flan.

What's your favorite find?
Shoes, Dresses and accessories ☺ I confess! I’m a shopaholic. When I travel, I travel lite. So when I go to places, I look for dresses or shirts that would not only suit me but also define the place I visited. Most of the time though, I come home with a new pair of footwear. Mas madalas, yon ang nauuwi ko kesa dresses and accessories. Every time I look at them they would remind me of the places I’ve been to.

. . . . .

Thank you for answering my questions, Cherry! Wishing you the fulfillment of all your dreams! More power to you!