Ces Drilon, whose full name is Cecilia Victoria Oreña-Drilon, was born on August 7, 1961 in Manila, Philippines. She grew up in a household that valued education, and she went on to earn a bachelor's degree in communications research from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her passion for journalism was ignited during her college years, and she pursued a career in the field shortly after graduating.
In 1985, Drilon landed her first job as a news reporter with Maharlika Broadcasting System. Her exceptional storytelling skills and dedication to uncovering the truth quickly caught the attention of the higher-ups, and she was soon promoted to cover more high-profile stories. Drilon's hard work paid off, and she eventually became a familiar face for ABS-CBN News, one of the largest media networks in the Philippines.
Drilon's career took a harrowing turn in 2008 when she and her crew were abducted by Abu Sayyaf militants, a terrorist group linked with al-Qaeda. The group demanded a ransom for their release, but Drilon and her team remained resolute in the face of danger. Their ordeal lasted for several days, during which they faced numerous challenges and threats to their lives.
A documentary was made to shed light on Drilon's imprisonment, but it was never shown to the public due to ongoing investigations. The incident put a spotlight on the dangers that journalists face in conflict zones, and Drilon's bravery during the ordeal earned her international recognition for her courage.
Outside of her career in journalism, Drilon is a loving mother and wife. She married painter Rock Drilon, and together they have four children named Ory, Miko, Gian, and Andre. Despite the demands of her profession, Drilon always made time for her family and prioritized their well-being above all else. She was even named one of the top seven mothers in Working Mom Magazine, a testament to her dedication to both her career and her family.
Through her work as a journalist, Ces Drilon has inspired countless individuals to pursue truth and justice in their own lives. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to storytelling have cemented her legacy as one of the most respected figures in Philippine media. Drilon's experiences have also served as a cautionary tale about the risks that journalists take to shed light on important issues, and her courage continues to inspire new generations of journalists to speak truth to power.
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