Mariz Umali facts for kids

Mariz Umali (born March 4, 1980) is a well-known Filipino journalist and TV news anchor. She is famous for being the main newscaster of Balitanghali Weekend on GMA News TV. Mariz also hosts or appears in other TV shows like i-Witness, Born to Be Wild, and Unang Hirit.

Early Life and Education

Mariz Umali first wanted to become a doctor. She started studying pharmacy at university. However, she later changed her mind and switched to broadcast communications. She studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman and graduated with honors. She was part of a student organization called UP-CMC Broadcast Association.

Mariz Umali's Career in Journalism

Mariz Umali began her career at GMA Network when she was almost 21 years old. She started as a producer and researcher. Her first big assignment was covering the 2001 general elections in the Philippines. Soon after, she became a news reporter. Her very first live report was from a press conference in 2001.

Key Reporting and Hosting Roles

Mariz has covered many important and sometimes dangerous events. She reported on the Manila Peninsula siege and Typhoon Parma (known as Pepeng). She also got an exclusive interview with suspects in a famous murder case, which she considers a big moment in her career.

Besides being a reporter, Mariz is also a newscaster and host. She has worked on many shows for GMA Network and GMA News TV. Some of these include Balitanghali Weekend, News TV Live, and Born to Be Wild. She also used to deliver news updates on GMA Flash Report.

Mariz has received awards for her work. For example, she won an Anak TV Seal award for the public affairs program Hired!. She was also nominated for Best Lifestyle/Travel Show Host for Travel: More Fun In The Philippines. Later, she was nominated for Best Morning Show Host for Kape at Balita.

Notable Interviews and Events

In 2016, during a press conference, a public figure made a comment towards Mariz Umali. Her husband, Raffy Tima, spoke out about the comment, saying it was disrespectful. Mariz herself did not expect an apology. A spokesperson for the public figure later said the comment was meant as a joke.

In 2019, Mariz won the Best Female Field Reporter award at the 17th Gawad Tanglaw Awards. In July of the same year, she became one of the hosts of GMA 7's morning show, Unang Hirit.

More recently, in June 2024, Mariz Umali had a special one-on-one interview. She spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Manila. This was a significant interview during a time when Ukraine is facing a conflict.

Personal Life

Mariz Umali grew up in a Roman Catholic family and is proud of her faith. She used to sing in her church's choir. She is married to fellow journalist Raffy Tima. They got married in 2012, but they had worked together since 2001.