Cameraman-Turned-Reporter Mac Ortiz Goes Live on Super Typhoon Uwan and Wins Hearts Online
For the first time ever, TV5 cameraman Mac Ortiz took the mic and delivered live updates from Albay during Super Typhoon Uwan, earning cheers from colleagues and social media.
Mac Ortiz, usually behind the camera, became the talk of social media on Sunday evening after he delivered a live report on Super Typhoon “Uwan” from Albay, Bicol.
For his first-ever standup, Ortiz read from his phone while waiting for questions from TV5 anchors Ed Lingao and Gretchen Ho at the Manila studio.
“First time, first time,” Ortiz admitted with a nervous smile. Lingao, a veteran broadcast and investigative journalist, encouraged him to speak as if they were just casually chatting over a beer. That reassurance helped Ortiz relax and confidently deliver the report.
Praise from Colleagues
Ortiz’s courage didn’t go unnoticed. Ho celebrated him on Facebook, writing:
"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."
Lingao also applauded Ortiz for stepping into a role he usually just observes:
"Sobrang tapang at handang sumugod sa kahit saan na hindi nara-rattle para magshoot, video edit, palipad ng drone, and mag-setup ng livepoint. Pero first time ni Mack-Mack mag-actual live report! Ilan kaya sa atin ang kaya iyan?"
Even reporters from other networks took notice. GMA-7’s Bernadette Reyes, herself no stranger to flood reporting, said Ortiz’s performance was commendable:
"Ang galing ni Cameraman Mac Ortiz! Si Mac ay cameraman ng TV5 pero naglakas loob na mag report, live! Bilang isang reporter, hindi po madali mag-report lalo first time then live pa, walang take 2. Maiisip mo ‘yung mga tao na nanonood, kakabahan ka, matatakot na baka may maling masabi pero ang galing lang, na overcome nya lahat sa ngalan ng pagbabalita."
A Moment That Went Viral
Ortiz’s live standup reminded viewers why frontline reporting isn’t easy, especially when live, with no second takes. The courage of stepping in for the first time while keeping calm and professional captured the hearts of colleagues and audiences alike, turning a behind-the-scenes cameraman into a viral moment.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here