Korina Sanchez Debuts ‘Face to Face: Harapan’ with Real Barangay Community

MANILA, Philippines — TV5’s iconic “Barangay Hall on Air” has returned in full force with its highly anticipated comeback as Face to Face: Harapan. Now hosted by Korina Sanchez-Roxas, a.k.a. Ate Koring, the program kicked off its pilot episode last November 11 with a public viewing held at the barangay covered court in E. Rodriguez Sr., Quezon City, bringing the show closer to the heart of the community.

Ate Koring, together with Donita Nose, and the rebranded “Harapang Tagapayo”—Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Dr. Camille Garcia, and Bro. Jun Banaag (also known as “Dr. Love”)—engaged the barangay audience for a first look at the revamped season. By tackling real-life conflicts and offering guidance, Face to Face: Harapan aims to bridge local issues and provide a platform for Filipinos to voice their concerns.

The pilot episode introduced a compelling blend of drama and humor, with neighbors accusing each other of being a mangkukulam (witch). Ate Koring’s empathetic yet direct approach brought a refreshing mix of analysis and relatability, further amplifying the program’s mission to highlight the voices of ordinary Filipinos.

Adding a lively twist, comedian Donita Nose joins the show as the resident kakampi (ally), offering lighthearted commentary while Ate Koring provides a broader perspective on each episode’s conflicts. Her presence encourages everyone to look at issues from a broader point of view.

Through Face to Face: Harapan, Ate Koring stays true to her commitment to the “masa,” bringing stories that resonate with everyday Filipinos. She expressed her excitement about this unique format, addressing other people’s concern about her branding by saying, “My brand is masa, ang brand ko talaga ay malapit sa ordinaryong tao—kwentong buhay talaga ang aking forte. Eto at live ko na silang maririnig.” She added, “Ito naman talaga ang Korina na kilala ng lahat, yung malapit sa ordinaryong tao.”

Catch Ate Koring as the new host of Face to Face: Harapan on TV5, airing Mondays to Fridays at 4:00 PM, right before WIL TO WIN, with a same-day catch-up at 9:00 PM on One PH.