Filipinos have a knack for finding small joys, even amid the storms that batter the archipelago.
When typhoons Crising and Dante unleashed heavy rains and floods across the country, one man managed to bring not just vital updates, but a surprising dose of warmth and kilig to viewers nationwide.
He is Nico Waje, GMA Integrated News reporter whose steady voice and charming presence amid waist-deep floods turned him into an unexpected viral sensation.
Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Read: GMA News' Nico Waje brings kilig vibes with his typhoon updates
EARLY LIFE
Full Name
The local weatherman on the rise bears the full name Nico Joven T. Waje.
Age, Birthday, Zodiac Signs
Born on March 21, 1995, Nico just stepped into his 30s this year—an Aries who embodies the sign’s trademark fire and boldness.
According to the Chinese zodiac, he was born in the year of the Wood Pig, a sign that symbolizes resilience, kindness, and a strong work ethic.
Family
Nico grew up in a tight-knit family of six, anchored by his parents, an older brother, and two younger brothers.
EDUCATION
Nico earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Adamson University.
During his internship, Nico took a detour into ABS-CBN’s human resources department, getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the hustle and drama that fuels the industry.
Armed with a degree and hands-on experience, he graduated in 2015 and was ready to dive into the newsroom.
CAREER
Right after graduation, Nico’s career took off at GMA Network, Inc., and he hasn’t looked back since.
His first gig was as a segment producer from October 2015 to July 2019. Behind the scenes, he cut his teeth producing stories, learning the ins and outs of what makes a news segment tick.
From October 2019 to November 2021, Nico stepped into the spotlight as a news reporter.
Parallel to his reporting duties, he has been working as a TV news producer since May 2015, juggling production work and newsroom management.
Awards and Honors
His dedication to his craft did not go unnoticed.
At the 56th Anvil Awards in March 2018, Nico snagged two silver awards.
One was for a gripping 24 Oras Kapusong Totoo segment about a soldier who lost both legs in the Battle of Marawi, while the other honored his production work on Rebuild Marawi MTV.
Just two years later, in January 2020, he picked up another silver at the 58th Anvil Awards for a segment about the Kapuso bridge in Camarines Sur, which served as a lifeline during Super Typhoon Rolly.
Nico's virality as a weatherman
The recent typhoons Crising and Dante gave Nico an unexpected opportunity to reach millions.
His selfie-style reports from flooded streets and rain-soaked areas combined clear, reliable updates with a friendly, warm presence.
This combination made his videos go viral on TikTok and Facebook.
Fans admire how he handles tough weather conditions with calm professionalism, a smile, and an authentic vibe that makes the disaster zones feel a little less daunting.
Courtside Passion
When Nico isn’t dodging raindrops or wading through floods, he’s courtside reporting on basketball games, mixing his two passions: storytelling and sports.
His Instagram is packed with clips from the courts where his energy and enthusiasm bring each game to life.
It’s clear he’s got game both on and off the field.
PERSONAL LIFE
Hobbies
Nico practices what he preaches about staying active—he occasionally plays basketball.
He is also a self-professed nature lover who enjoys spending time at the beach or in the mountains.
For his 26th birthday, he celebrated on a mountaintop with zero cell signal for a day and a half.
Nico's relationship status
As for the burning question about Nico’s relationship status: he is happily married.
Yes, Nico Waje, the man causing kilig nationwide, is already taken.
His wife is Leniel Waje, a former GMA colleague. They met in the newsroom, grew close amid deadlines and breaking stories, and took their relationship beyond the office.
On October 16, 2021, they tied the knot, sealing their partnership away from the cameras.
Leniel left GMA in 2023 and now works as an executive assistant at J3 Marketing and Productions Inc.
Together, they share a cozy home life with their beloved fur-baby, Pringle.
And while netizens swoon over Nico’s steady gaze in the storm, his heart is already spoken for.
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