MTRCB Chair Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares talks about her job

S0 HOW IS NEW MTRCB Chair Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares coping with the rigors of her job? “It’s a big challenge but very fulfilling when there’s instant accomplishment,” she says. “Like when something objectionable goes on TV or when there’s a report that a theatre showed something not allowed and you act right away to correct it. Ang problema lang is kulang kami talaga sa tao. There are hundreds of theatres all over the country and there are 798 cable providers. It’s impossible to monitor all them, that’s why we ask the public to write us if they’d see something wrong. They can email me directly at mtrcb.gov.ph.”

Being the daughter of the king and queen of local films, Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces, she’s happy to be of service to the industry. “I’ve worked with our own film company and I saw kung paano naghihirap ang parents ko sa pagbuo ng isang movie. Most of the people I meet now, I met them while I was growing up so I’m glad to be of help to them now.”

Is there any complaints from her family? “My husband is very supportive, but he doesn’t want to accompany me when I attend showbiz functions. Nahihiya siya. My two older kids also understand me, but my youngest daughter, who’s 6, is asking me why am I always so busy. Kasi I get home at 7pm and sometimes, I had to attend functions pa, so late na ko nakakauwi. I told her it’s because I’m helping Pres. Noynoy and the people in the industry.”

Is it true her eldest son, Brian, 18, now with ABS-CBN? “No, he just attended an affair with Star Magic and some people siguro thought he’s joining showbiz na. But he’s currently a political science sophomore at the Ateneo.”

Their family lived in Virginia, USA for so many years and returned home after Da King passed away. Any regrets about coming home? “None as this is the country of my birth, my roots are here. I really enjoy doing public service.”