Our wholehearted gratitude goes to BP’s donors whose ceaseless support makes it possible for us to keep on dancing. Ballet Philippines is honored to share their stories. May they not only enkindle hope but moreover embolden others to open their hearts and keep ballet alive.
Lala Ventura describes the undeniable perks of her job and the challenges she has faced as a woman in the broadcasting industry.
Lala Ventura is the Channel Head for the Metro Channel. Since launching in April of 2018, the now top-ranking lifestyle network on cable has enjoyed a loyal audience of discerning men and women. Its programs, which cover a wide range of lifestyle topics–from food, travel, home, design and special features–do more than entertain. The Metro Channel has earned its place in the homes of many viewers as it continues to inspire others to seek a life well lived.
In this Success Stories feature, she tells Ballet Philippines how heading a lifestyle channel presented itself unexpectedly. Lala intimates that although she had initially pursued a career in the hospitality industry, her first foray in television worked out rather seamlessly. She is the very picture of the adage: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Join us as we sit down with Metro Channel’s very own superwoman, Lala Ventura.
Did you always know that you would one day lead a lifestyle channel/network?
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine leading a lifestyle channel. However, I’ve always enjoyed dining out and entertaining at home, traveling and discovering new things to do and places to visit. I was always on the look-out for what’s new and lifestyle shows have always been my preference over other genres.
Lala Ventura at the ABS CBN Ball.
I remember watching the LIFESTYLE NETWORK even before I started working for ABS-CBN.
I enjoyed its shows and thought it was a brilliant idea for a cable network to target the Filipino woman, who, back then, I believe was an underserved market.
This was the channel preceding METRO CHANNEL. Who would’ve thought the channel I was once so fond of would one day be assigned to me? Maybe I manifested it in one way or another.
Behind the scenes of The Crawl Italy with Margarita Fores and Matteo Guidicelli.
What brought you to this career path?
While majoring in Broadcast Communication in the College of Mass Communication in UP Diliman, I knew I would one day work for ABS-CBN. Why?
Because it was the best and biggest Broadcast Network back then and as a student, you always dream of working for the best, right?
My career in media started with strategizing promos for ABS-CBN talents and platforms. After a few years, our COO, Cory Vidanes, asked me to join TV Production. I started producing shows one after the other until I eventually became head of Studio 23’s local production department. Soon after that, I was assigned to launch a new cable channel – Jeepney TV. After two years into managing the channel, I transferred to the Lifestyle Network and eventually got promoted as Channel Head of Metro Channel.
Filming Pia's Postcards in Cebu with Pia Wurtzbach and Kenneth Cobonpue
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The travel, the wine and the food, that’s for sure! My work has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines and around the world like Spain, France, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Cambodia, Canada, and many more. I would like to think that our travel shows are at par with international content and I am so proud of the team for being able to capture the unique charm of every destination. Apart from that, I love meeting people and discovering different cultures. It’s a great learning experience and has given me a new appreciation of the world we live in.
Lala in Matera, Italy
5 Enjoying fine French flavors while shooting The Crawl, France
What are the challenges of being a female in your industry?
The media landscape is dynamic and ever-changing. One of the biggest challenges we face as media practitioners is staying relevant to our audience. Being female has actually been a plus for me as I am able to relate and provide context to the emotional needs of our target market. Not discounting the men, I feel a ‘woman’s touch’ and a ‘woman’s intuition’ are valuable insights in creating engaging content that not only provides information but meaning to one’s life.
Lala with Metro Channel hosts, chefs Sandy Daza and Claude Tayag
How has being a woman defined your leadership style?
As a woman, I would describe my leadership style as ‘participative’. I involve the team in the decision-making process but also use my own judgment in making critical decisions.
I value initiative from my team members and try to create an environment where new ideas and concepts thrive. As a woman, I’d like to believe I am goal-oriented but also allow for some flexibility in reaching the goal. Others would say I am a ‘perfectionist’ but I take it as a compliment as I am quite particular with the quality of content we put out there, Metro, being a premium brand.
Lala with Pia Wurtzbach at New York Fashion Week
What are some of your career milestones?
I have been with ABS-CBN for more than two decades now. It was my first real job and I never left! It has been my playground, so to speak and I am grateful for all the learnings, the wonderful experiences as well as the challenges I have encountered along the way. I would consider producing some iconic shows a milestone in my career. I have done different genres such as talk, variety, reality, and drama but the one I am really passionate about is the lifestyle genre which is what I am enjoying now. Coining ‘Jeepney TV’ was amazing and now, having received awards for Metro Channel every year since we launched in 2018 has been so inspiring. This year, one of our flagship shows, EIC ON THE MOVE, with Raul Manzano, was awarded by the 19th Gawad Tanglaw Awards as Best Travel Show and Host. Metro Channel also continues to be the leading lifestyle cable channel in the country.
In Marbella Spain with EIC on the Move host, Raul Manzano
Advice for those who aspire to go on the same path?
My advice to those who would aspire to go on the same path is to challenge oneself and keep an open mind. The broadcast industry can be chaotic and stressful at times but the rewards are worth it. Seeing your ideas come to life and being able to inspire others is more than enough to keep you motivated. I have had my share of painful experiences where I felt undervalued by my peers and bosses but I was lucky enough to have faith in myself and succeed in the end.
What are your goals for 2022?
My goal for 2022 is to produce more innovative shows for Metro Channel, discover what the world has to offer and hopefully have the opportunity to once again be at the forefront of unique and meaningful experiences here and around the world. Apart from increasing our reach and market share on cable, we are committed to maximizing our presence in the digital space. Ultimately, Metro Channel’s goal is to inform, inspire and transform lives. We hope to continue doing exactly that.
Around New York with The Crawl hosts, Margarita Fores and Edu Manzano
