Ces Drilon facts for kids

Cecilia "Ces" Victoria Oreña-Drilon (born July 8, 1961) is a famous Filipino broadcast journalist. This means she reports the news and hosts shows about important topics. She worked for ABS-CBN Corporation from 1989 to 2020. Now, she hosts a public service show called Basta Promdi, Lodi on RMN-DZXL.

Ces Oreña-Drilon's Journey in Journalism

Ces Oreña-Drilon started her TV career in 1985. She joined Maharlika Broadcasting System as a news reporter. Her excellent reporting caught the eye of ABS-CBN Network. They hired her in 1989 to cover the Philippine Senate. She often appeared on The World Tonight. There, she reported on business news.

Hosting News and Public Affairs Shows

Ces also hosted Usapang Business with Cathy Yap-Yang. This was a weekly show about business. Later, she hosted other news programs for ABS-CBN. These included Pipol and The Correspondents. Since the 2000s, Ces was a co-anchor for Bandila. She also sometimes anchored TV Patrol, which is a main news program.

Challenging Times as a Reporter

In 2007, Ces Oreña-Drilon was reporting on a big event in Manila. She and other journalists were briefly held by the military. This happened after a short uprising was stopped.

A year later, in June 2008, Ces faced a very difficult situation. She and her team were taken by a group in Sulu. This group was called the Abu Sayyaf. They were held for nine days. Luckily, they were all released safely later on.

In July 2020, Ces left ABS-CBN. This happened because the network's broadcast permit was not renewed. Many people, including Ces, lost their jobs. After this, she went back to farming for a while.

Returning to Broadcasting

In 2021, Ces Oreña-Drilon joined Radio Mindanao Network-DZXL. She started hosting Basta Promdi, Lodi. This is a public service program. In December 2022, she returned to television. She joined CNN Philippines to host Usapang Bilyonaryo. When CNN Philippines closed in 2024, her show moved to Bilyonaryo News Channel. On September 21, 2024, she also appeared on Eat Bulaga! on TV5 and RPTV.

The Kidnapping Incident

In June 2008, Ces Oreña-Drilon and her news cameramen were taken in Sulu. They were held by the Abu Sayyaf group. They were held for nine days. A professor who invited them was also taken.

During their time held captive, they were fed and allowed to move around. Many people worked hard to get them released. The kidnappers asked for money.

Release and Return

One of her companions was released first. Then, after many talks, Ces and her other companions were set free. This happened on June 17, 2008. They were picked up in Sulu.

After being held for nine days, they were very happy to be free. They flew to Zamboanga City and then to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. They held a short press conference and had a medical checkup. Many people, including Senator Loren Legarda, helped in the negotiations for their release. Ces later said she felt she was betrayed by someone. She also said the kidnappers threatened them.

Ces Oreña-Drilon's Family Life

Ces Drilon is married to a painter named Rock Drilon. He is the nephew of Senator Franklin Drilon. They have four children together. Ces studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She earned a degree in communication research.