GMA-7's morning show Unang Hirit has recently welcomed a fresh face to its weather reporting team, and his name is Anjo Pertierra.
Read: GMA Network launches GMA Integrated News Weather Center; introduces new roster of weather presenters
With his multifaceted background and charismatic personality, it's no surprise that Anjo quickly earned himself a solid fan base.
Here are 10 facts to help you get to know Anjo better:
BIRTHDAY
Angelino Jose Pertierra, professionally known as Anjo Pertierra, was born in Pasig City, Metro Manila.
He's a Capricorn who came into the world on January 4, 1996, making him 27 years old at present.
FAMILY
Anjo's roots are diverse, with a Vietnamese mother and a half-Spanish father.
Despite his mixed heritage, he proudly considers himself "Pinoy" and embraces his Filipino identity.
EDUCATION
Anjo obtained his degree in Psychology from Mapua University.
During his college days, he showcased his athletic abilities as a Spiker for the Mapua Cardinals, the official volleyball varsity team that competes in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).
His skills and dedication earned him recognition, and he was even awarded the title of Best Blocker in NCAA Season 92.
Talking to Big Beez Buzz bloggers in 2022, Anjo shared that he actually got into the sport accidentally.
"Actually ang nangyari niyan, may kasabay ako yung best friend ko nung high school.
"Parehas kaming nasa basketball team tapos nakita namin nagte-training yung volleyball team nung high school.
"Tapos in-invite kami nung coach to train, parang cross training lang ganyan.
"Sabi ko kaya ako nag-training dun, gusto ko lang magpataas ng talon, tapos wala na, na-enjoy ko na yung volleyball.
"Tuluy-tuloy na yun na yung mas naging focus ko. Hangang ngayon, mas napamahal ako sa volleyball.
"Di ko alam kung bakit, pero ang sarap laruin ng volleyball."
In 2018, he also bagged the title of Mr. Cardinal ng Mapua, a university pageant.
CAREER
Volleyball athlete
Standing at around 6'3" or 6'4" tall, Anjo pursued a career in professional volleyball as a player for the Cignal HD Spikers in the pro league.
Before the pandemic, their team won a back-to-back championship.
In the same interview with Big Beez Buzz, Anjo also related his strengths and weaknesses as a pro athlete.
"Ang posisyon ko po kasi sa volleyball is middle blocker, so feeling ko ang strength ko is yung blocking," he said.
"Tapos ang weakness ko siguro is service, hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero may mga times na nahihirapan ako mag-serve kahit siya yung pinakamadaling gawin na skill sa volleyball."
Sports analyst
Alongside his volleyball career, Anjo has also ventured into the world of sports analysis.
In 2022, he was named as one of the NCAA Season 97 Women's Volleyball analysts, showcasing his expertise and insights about the games.
On GTV, when asked what he expects to see as he covers the games as an analyst, Anjo answered, "Sobrang laki ng difference no, kasi sa men's [category] sobrang bilis ng base, unlike sa women's [volleyball], mas makakakita kayo ng rallies di ba?
"Kaya mas feeling ko, kaya mas pinapanood ng tao kasi andun yung excitement e. Sa men's kasi, patay agad, e."
Actor
Anjo's talents extend beyond the sports arena. He has ventured into acting and has appeared in various television shows, including Mano Po, Regal Studio Presents and the TV5 comedy-romance drama Kurdapya.
Under his filmography are 13 Feet and Happy Times.
His foray into the entertainment industry adds another dimension to his versatile skill set.
In an interview with GTV in 2022, he expressed, "Ang masasabi ko lang, ang number one na similarity na meron bilang isang student athlete saka pagiging artista is yung discipline, kasi di ba sobrang kailangan natin yun.
"So, yun, so far na-e-enjoy ko naman siya."
Weather reporter
Joining GMA-7 as a weather reporter is a significant career shift for Anjo.
Read: Anjo Pertierra: ang bagong heartthrob weather presenter ng 'Unang Hirit'
Embracing the challenge, he is eager to serve the Filipino audience by providing accurate and informative weather updates.
On going through trainings for the position, he said, "Halos lagpas isang buwan na rin po akong pumapasok araw-araw para sa trainings dahil talagang bago ang lahat ng ito para sa akin.
"Pero gaya po nang nakasanayan ko bilang atleta, kapag nag-commit ka sa isang bagay, ilalaban mo po talaga hanggang magtagumpay ka. Wala pong susuko kumbaga.
"Kulang po ang salitang excited para i-describe ang nararamdaman ko lalo pa’t sa Unang Hirit po ako sasalang.
"Ang Unang Hirit po ang show na kinalakhan ko at pinapanood tuwing umaga bago ako pumasok sa school.
"Ngayon, ako na po ang isa sa mga mapapanood kaya po makaaasa po ang ating mga Kapuso na pagbubutihan ko ang aking mga gagawin."
Model
With his striking looks and tall stature, it's no surprise that Anjo also dabbles in modeling.
His Instagram page showcases glimpses of his runway walks and demonstrates his versatility in front of the camera.
HOBBIES
Gym rat
Like most, if not all athletes, Anjo leads a very active and healthy lifestyle. This is why he is fond of hitting the gym whenever he can.
Being a sports-oriented person pushed him to maintain his and strong for any task he takes on.
BASKETBALL AND Cycling
Taking his fitness enthusiasm to heart, Anjo also enjoys basketball and cycling.
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