“Tunay na matapang.”
This was how News5 anchor Gretchen Ho described her colleague, camera operator Mac Ortiz, who delivered a live weather report as formerly Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong), now a typhoon, battered Luzon.
Mac reported from Legazpi City, Albay, on the night of Sunday, November 9, speaking to anchors Gretchen Ho and Ed Lingao, who were in the newsroom monitoring conditions across the country.
Initially formal and straight to the point, Mac was encouraged by Ed to share the story of what he witnessed, including experiences and current conditions, giving viewers a firsthand look at the typhoon’s impact.
“Ganoon lang, para tayong nag-iinuman,” Ed advised.
“First time, first time,” Mac said smiling.
He then narrated his experience as part of the news crew, sharing what he saw and felt. Mac described strong gusts of wind and even witnessed a post being toppled by the storm.
“Mabuhay ka, Mac. Na-e-excite kami sa mga susunod mo na report,” Gretchen told him after he successfully delivered a standupper.
An online user captured the moment and shared it on X (formerly Twitter).
“‘FIRST TIME, FIRST TIME.’ This is so cool. While channel surfing, I saw News5 had their cameraman do a live stand-upper and annotate the latest updates from Albay on Super Typhoon Uwan,” the X user wrote, sharing screengrabs of the moment.
“Ingat and saludo sa mga nasa field ngayon,” he added.
Gretchen reposted the clip and described Mac as a “multi-talented” camera operator.
“Where else do you see a cameraman reporting?! Proud of our multi-talented Mark Andrew Ortiz!” she wrote in response to the online user’s post.
“He can shoot, photograph, fly a drone, edit stories, and also report?! Kasamahan namin ‘to sa West Philippine Sea! Tunay na matapang,” Gretchen added with a salute emoji.
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 🫡 @News5PH https://t.co/wlb5VhinKz
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) November 9, 2025
Mac’s efforts were similarly lauded by Filipinos in the comments section and reposts.
“Kudos sa kanya. Hindi man inaasahan ngunit sumagot sa tawag ng tungkulin na humarap sa camera, kaht siya ay dapat na nasa likod nito,” an online user wrote.
“Thank you for this. You and Ed Lingao were reassuring. May this open new doors in delivering news,” another commented.
“Forever admiring people in media. Salamat po sa serbisyo at ingat po palagi!” a different X user wrote.
“Vloggers who??? It takes great passion and dedication to deliver that kind of service, salamat po!” another Pinoy commented.
In news reports, broadcast journalists usually deliver stand-up reports, while camera operators handle the equipment to support the reporters on location.
Meanwhile, Albay was among the provinces hit hardest by “Uwan” as it crossed Luzon on Sunday,
Reports stated that lahar flows from Mount Mayon caused flooding in several towns due to heavy rains, and a railway was destroyed by the strong currents.
At the time, Albay was under a red rainfall warning, with authorities expecting severe flooding from the torrential rains.
“Uwan” is the 21st tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year and the second in November after Typhoon Kalmaegi (Local name: Tino).
Initial reports indicate that “Uwan” has killed at least two people and displaced thousands across Luzon and Visayas.
READ: 2 dead, 1 million evacuated as ‘Uwan’ slams into the Philippines
