Actress and television host Chariz Solomon looked back on her early days as an on-the-job trainee at the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), saying her refusal to simply settle for routine tasks helped her gain valuable experience and connections that eventually shaped her career in entertainment.
In an interview with veteran host Boy Abunda in the “Check or Chariz” segment of his talk show, Solomon was asked what message she would give her younger self.
Her answer was simple: “Buti na lang, epal ka.”
Solomon explained that her younger self was naturally eager to help and would often approach people to ask if they needed assistance, even when she had no assigned task.
“Mahilig talaga siyang, ‘Hello, wala pa akong ginagawa, may kailangan po kayo?’” Solomon recalled.
She said that attitude allowed her to learn new skills, meet people in the industry and explore opportunities beyond what was originally expected of her.
Solomon recalled that she was an OJT trainee at MBC, where her assigned duties initially involved photocopying and faxing documents.
“OJT po ako nun sa Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC). Ang papel ko lang ay mag-xerox at mag-fax,” she said.
However, Solomon admitted that she quickly became frustrated with the routine.
“Hindi ako makapayag. Sabi ko, ‘I cannot do this all day. Ang boring nito.’”
Rather than remain in the office, Solomon took the initiative to explore other departments. She recalled going outside the office of Mr. Elizalde and making her way to the company’s art department, where she met Santi Elizalde, who had his own office there.
The experience gave Solomon an opportunity to go beyond her assigned OJT duties and become familiar with other areas of the broadcasting business.
She also recalled going down to Yes FM and Love Radio, where she was taught basic editing skills and gained firsthand exposure to radio operations.
Solomon said her willingness to approach people and look for opportunities to learn ultimately allowed her to gain experiences that were not part of her original assignment.
She also recalled that Tito Potato eventually became her manager for singing gigs when she was still young, before she entered show business as an artist.
Looking back, Solomon said she would not have gained those experiences had she simply accepted her original OJT duties without seeking opportunities to learn more.
“Kung tinanggap ko lang na mag-xerox ako at mag-fax, kung hindi ako epal, diba? Buti na lang,” she said.
For Solomon, being “epal” in this context meant being proactive—willing to ask questions, offer help and step outside her comfort zone to learn.
She also acknowledged that she did not finish college, something she said she is not proud of, while emphasizing that she had always wanted to complete her studies. Despite this, she credited her curiosity and initiative for helping her build experiences and relationships that became significant in her eventual career.
Chariz Says She Is Ready for the ‘Next Step’
During the same interview, Abunda also asked Solomon whether she could be the next major female comedy star following the likes of Eugen Domingo, Rufa Mae Quinto and Ai-Ai delas Alas.
Solomon confidently answered “check,” saying she still hopes to reach that level in her career.
“Sana, diba? Sana check. Kasi kailan ba ’yan? Inip na inip na po ako. Tsaka 36 na ako,” Solomon said.
She admitted that she would be disappointed if she herself dismissed the possibility of becoming the next big name in comedy.
“Ang pangit din naman sa younger self ko na tinake away ko ’yun sa sarili ko na kahit man lang yung idea na maging next,” she said.
Abunda, meanwhile, reminded Solomon that success can come at different stages in life, noting that some careers only begin to flourish in their late 30s or 40s.
The veteran host also praised Solomon’s talent and comedic personality, telling her that her talent is enough to make her a star.
Solomon said she is now focused on making the most of the opportunities she already has, particularly by remaining loyal to the shows and projects currently entrusted to her.
“Inuuna ko talaga ’yan lagi. Kasi pag inaalagaan mo yung ngayon, inaalagaan mo kung anong meron ka, yun yung nagdadala sa’yo sa next step,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey this year, Solomon shared a realization that she is finally ready for the next chapter of her career.
“I am ready,” she said.
