Korina Sanchez-Roxas is a well-known Filipino broadcast journalist, television host, and media personality. She has spent decades reporting news, presenting public affairs programs, and telling stories about people and communities across the Philippines. Her work on popular programs such as TV Patrol, Bandila, and Rated K helped establish her as a familiar face in Philippine media.
Beyond journalism, Korina is also known for her marriage to former senator Mar Roxas and their journey into parenthood. The couple welcomed twins in 2019 after years of hoping to have children. Her story brings together a long broadcasting career, personal achievements, family life, and a continuing interest in public service.
Quick Information Korina Sanchez-Roxas
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Korina Maria Baluyut Sanchez-Roxas |
| Known As | Korina Sanchez |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Victoria, Hong Kong |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Television Host |
| Education | Maryknoll College; Ateneo de Manila University |
| Husband | Mar Roxas |
| Marriage Date | October 27, 2009 |
| Children | Twins Pepe and Pilar |
| Known Shows | TV Patrol, Bandila, Rated K |
| Major Recognition | 2021 Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award |

Early Life and Family Background
Korina Maria Baluyut Sanchez was born on October 5, 1964, in Victoria, Hong Kong. Although she was born outside the Philippines, she became one of the country’s best-known broadcast journalists. Her early interests included writing, public speaking, performing arts, and other creative activities. These interests helped develop the communication skills that later became important in her professional life.
She attended Saint Theresa’s College in Quezon City before studying Communication Arts at Maryknoll College, now known as Miriam College. Her education gave her a foundation in communication and media. She also continued developing her academic interests later in life, showing that learning remained important even after she had established herself as a successful journalist.
How Korina Sanchez Started Her Journalism Career
Korina began working in broadcasting during the early 1980s. One of her first professional experiences was at MBS Channel 4, where she worked in the newsroom and took on different responsibilities. She started with basic newsroom duties before gaining opportunities as a reporter and television presenter. These early experiences helped her understand the demands of broadcast journalism.
She later joined ABS-CBN and became part of its news and current affairs operations. Her work included reporting, presenting, and covering stories that required research and field experience. Rather than limiting herself to one type of program, she explored different areas of broadcasting. This willingness to take on new responsibilities helped her build a career that lasted for decades.
Her Rise to Fame on Philippine Television
Korina became widely recognized through her work on major Philippine television programs. She appeared on TV Patrol and later became associated with shows such as Balitang K, The World Tonight, and Bandila. These programs gave her opportunities to report important developments and connect with viewers through news and public affairs coverage.
Her television career also expanded beyond traditional news presentation. Through Rated K, she explored human-interest stories, social issues, lifestyle topics, and unusual experiences. The program allowed her to show a different side of journalism by focusing on people and communities. Its popularity helped strengthen her identity as both a news anchor and a magazine-show host.
Korina Sanchez’s Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Korina has received recognition from several Philippine media and broadcasting organizations. Her awards include distinctions connected to the Catholic Mass Media Awards, KBP Golden Dove Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Television, and ANAK TV. These honors reflect her work across news reporting, public affairs, and television hosting.
One important milestone came in 2021 when she received the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. The recognition celebrated her long contribution to Philippine broadcasting. Her career has also included international recognition and a study grant from the United States Embassy for investigative journalism, which supported further professional development.
Her Education and Master’s Degree
Korina’s commitment to education continued even after she became an established media personality. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts at Maryknoll College. Her undergraduate studies provided the academic foundation for a career that would involve writing, reporting, interviewing, and presenting information to large audiences.
In 2016, she completed a Master of Arts in Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University. Her master’s work included research on HIV/AIDS in the Philippines. Balancing graduate studies with a demanding broadcasting career was not easy, but she completed the program and attended her graduation ceremony in June 2016. This achievement demonstrated her interest in continuing to learn and improve her professional knowledge.

Who Is Korina Sanchez’s Husband?
Korina Sanchez is married to Filipino politician Mar Roxas. He is a former senator and has also served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The couple’s relationship attracted considerable public interest because both have established public careers, although in different fields.
Korina and Mar married on October 27, 2009, in Quezon City. Their wedding brought together personalities from media, politics, and other areas of public life. Despite their busy professional schedules, they have built a family together. Their relationship is often discussed in connection with Korina’s personal story, particularly their experience of becoming parents later in life.
Korina Sanchez’s Children: Meet Pepe and Pilar

Korina and Mar became parents to twins in February 2019. Their son is named Pepe, while their daughter is named Pilar. The babies were born on February 12 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Their arrival was an important moment for the couple, who had spoken about their long-held wish to have children.
The twins were born through gestational surrogacy. Korina discussed the experience publicly and described becoming a mother as a deeply meaningful event. She was 54 when the children arrived. Since then, she has occasionally shared family moments and discussed motherhood in interviews. However, she and Mar have generally maintained boundaries around their children’s private lives.
Korina Sanchez’s Work Beyond News Reporting
Korina’s professional interests have extended beyond television news. She has worked in radio, hosted magazine programs, written columns, and explored creative and business projects. Her radio work included programs such as Tambalang Failon at Sanchez and Korina Sa Umaga. These roles allowed her to connect with audiences through conversations and public affairs discussions.
She also returned to news reporting through Bilyonaryo News Channel in 2024, after spending years working on lifestyle and interview programs. Her work on Rated Korina continued her interest in human stories and social topics. This range of projects shows how she has adapted to different formats while remaining connected to journalism and broadcasting.
Her Life Outside the Television Studio
Away from regular news assignments, Korina has spoken about family, creativity, and the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests. Her interviews have highlighted interests in design, home decoration, and business. She has also been involved in social and community-focused initiatives, reflecting an interest in projects beyond traditional television work.
Motherhood has become another important part of her public story. In interviews, she has discussed how becoming a parent changed her priorities and gave her a new perspective on life. Although she continues to maintain a public career, she has also emphasized the importance of spending time with her husband and children. This balance remains a recurring theme in her personal story.
Conclusion
Korina Sanchez-Roxas has built a long career as one of the Philippines’ recognizable broadcast journalists. From her early newsroom work to major programs such as TV Patrol, Bandila, and Rated K, she has explored several areas of television and radio. Her academic achievements and broadcasting awards also reflect her continued commitment to journalism.
Her personal life includes her marriage to Mar Roxas and their twins, Pepe and Pilar, who were born in 2019 through gestational surrogacy. While her professional achievements have kept her in the public eye, family life has become an equally meaningful part of her story. Korina’s journey shows how a career in media can develop alongside changing personal priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Korina Sanchez-Roxas?
She is a Filipino broadcast journalist, television host, and media personality.
When was Korina Sanchez born?
She was born on October 5, 1964, in Victoria, Hong Kong.
Who is Korina Sanchez’s husband?
Her husband is Mar Roxas, a former Philippine senator and government official.
When did Korina Sanchez marry Mar Roxas?
They married on October 27, 2009.
Does Korina Sanchez have children?
Yes. She has twins named Pepe and Pilar with her husband, Mar Roxas.
When were Korina Sanchez’s twins born?
Pepe and Pilar were born on February 12, 2019, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How did Korina Sanchez have her children?
Her twins were born through gestational surrogacy in the United States.
What is Korina Sanchez famous for?
She is known for presenting and reporting on programs such as TV Patrol, Bandila, and Rated K.
What did Korina Sanchez study?
She earned a Communication Arts degree from Maryknoll College and a master’s degree in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University.
Has Korina Sanchez won awards?
Yes. She has received numerous broadcasting honors, including the 2021 Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award.
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