Chynna Ortaleza fondly recalls being stranded in Batanes as a young reporter
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Chynna expresses gratitude to '5 and Up' in her latest Instagram post.
Chynna Ortaleza took a trip down memory lane by posting a teaser article dating back to her 5 and Up days.
The newspaper clipping has a pen mark that reads “Mla. Standard” for Manila Standard and the dates “6/5/96.”
5 and Up was a children's informative TV show produced by Che Che Lazaro's Probe Productions.
The program ran from 1992 to 2002 and was first aired on ABC-5 before moving to GMA-7.
In her Instagram post, Chynna, who was a junior reporter for the show, recounted the story behind the picture.
“Imagine exploring Batanes & getting stranded due to a storm!” wrote Chynna.
“I survived on Iced Gems & enjoyed doing laundry. While Atom, Ian, and I chased after Jolly with Soda Bottles.”
She continued, “All the more I am grateful for my life & the experiences I have been given. Ever grateful to '5 & Up.'”
Chynna was joined in the picture by fellow young reporters Atom Araullo, Ian Tugas, and Jolly Estaris.
Chynna's followers quickly jumped on the post and started telling how the defunct TV show means to them.
“I remember you guys got stranded for almost a week yata,” one follower wrote.
“Yes! It was awesome,” Chynna replied.
Other comments were, “My brothers and I never missed an episode! Itong show ninyo ang nakapagbukas ng diwa namin sa travel and culture. Excited every Saturdays because of 5 & Up!'” and “Graveeeehhhh… brings back memories.”
Pre-social media days
5 and Up had a total of 51 young reporters throughout its 11-year run.
The program, which came before the internet and social media boom, became a source of information for many children at the time.
Some of the show's reporters like Chynna, Maxene Magalona, and Rayver and Rodjun Cruz, went on to pursue successful showbiz careers.
Atom would become a multi-awarded media personality as a broadcast journalist.
Chynna has nothing but fond memories of her stint with the program.
She credits the show for not just opening doors of opportunities for her, but for also broadening her knowledge beyond books and television.
"I wish for children to have this kind of program today,” Chynna wrote on Instagram in August 2019.
“'5 & Up' was an amazing show. I feel so proud when people come up to me & say that they learned so much from the show.
“Children deserve this kind of program! My kids NEED this.
“I don't think I'll be the same Chynna without this blessing in my life.”
