Carl Balita

Carl Espino Balita was born and raised in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2018 |title=Homage to Mindoro |url=https://mb.com.ph/2018/12/21/homage-to-mindoro/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}} to a working-to-middle class family.{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |author-link=Ricky Lo |date=January 30, 2010 |title=May magandang Balita si Carl |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2010/01/30/544732/may-magandang-balita-si-carl |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} He attended his tertiary years in the University of Santo Tomas where he graduated a nursing degree in 1991.{{Cite web |title=Vote Pilipinas: SENATORIAL CANDIDATE: BALITA, CARL |url=https://votepilipinas.com/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=votepilipinas.com}}

Although Balita could have chosen to work overseas, he decided to pursue higher learning.{{Cite web |last=Red |first=Isah V. |date=January 11, 2019 |title=Dr. Carl Balita's new resort adds glimmer to Calapan's landscape |url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=285060 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=April 10, 2010 |title=Carl shares blessings on birthday |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2010/04/10/564798/carl-shares-blessings-birthday |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} Since then he holds a Master of Arts in Nursing degree from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), an honorary degree from Lorma Colleges in 2007, and also graduated from the Executive Program in International Management of Stanford University-National University of Singapore in 2019.

Balita started his nursing career as a faculty of the Graduate School and College of Nursing of PLM where he also served various administrative and academic positions for six years. He was a clinical preceptor of the Philippine General Hospital, National Center for Mental Health, Philippine Orthopedic Center and San Lazaro Hospital. He was also the dean of Dominican College from 2004 to 2008, when he resigned from his positions at Dominican College and PLM to put up his review center business.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=December 9, 2023 |title=Philanthropist builds legacy of opportunity |url=https://www.manilastandard.net/?p=314397544 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}} He is currently the president of the UST Nursing Alumni Association.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 13, 2021 |title=AAIG 2021 Summit Bionote – Dr. Carl E. Balita |url=https://ustalumniassociation.org/2021/10/13/aaig-2021-carlbalita/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=UST Alumni Association |language=en}}

During the 90s, Balita created advocacy programs for public health workers. Through one of his programs, called the Balik ‘Pinas Entrepinoy Program, he convinced more than 6,000 OFWs from Hong Kong to become entrepreneurs and come back home. The program was featured on the Asian Wall Street Journal and was commended by the Philippine government.

Carl Balita is the Chairman of the CEB Group of Companies, which owns review centers nationwide. He founded the company in 2004.{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2023 |title=LET Review Philippines – Best Centers in the Philippines for 2023 - |url=https://www.southville.edu.ph/news/best-let-review-centers-in-the-philippines-for-2023/,%20https://www.southville.edu.ph/news/best-let-review-centers-in-the-philippines-for-2023/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |language=en-GB}} They own 200 branches across the Philippines and offer over 40 review programs for aspiring nurses, teachers, engineers, law enforcement officers, and more.

In May 2008, he established the Spotlight Artist Center, a performing arts school.{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2009 |title=Spotlight announces workshops |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2009/01/25/434187/spotlight-announces-workshops |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} He served as its director.{{Cite web |title=PROFILE: Carlito "Carl" Balita {{!}} Candidate for Senator - 2022 elections |url=https://ph.rappler.com/elections/2022/candidates/Carlito-Balita |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=PHVOTE |language=en}} In 2018, he put up his own micro theater.{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2018 |title=Carl Balita puts up 'dream theater' |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/07/12/1832630/carl-balita-puts-dream-theater |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} He has owned as many as 12 other businesses in his lifetime.{{Cite web |last=Esguerra |first=Tinnie |date=January 8, 2008 |title=The nurse behind Nars |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2008/01/01/36239/nurse-behind-nars |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}}

Balita is the Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Industry in Quezon City and currently its National Chairman for Human Resource Development. He is also the president of the Asian Academy for Applied Entrepreneurship.

After seeing his success with the Balik ‘Pinas Entrepinoy Program, Peter Musñgi, head of ABS-CBN's Manila Radio Division, invited him to be the guest host of "Radyo Negosyo". He eventually became the full-time host for the next 20 years, first on DZMM then on Teleradyo.{{Cite web |last=Mauricio-Arriola |first=Tessa |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Why Carl Balita is ripe for the Senate {{!}} The Manila Times |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/01/news/national/why-carl-balita-is-ripe-for-the-senate/1820537 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031155803/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/01/news/national/why-carl-balita-is-ripe-for-the-senate/1820537 |archive-date=October 31, 2021 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=The Manila Times}} On the program, he would promote and provide support for those running MSMEs.

In 2022, Balita launched his own television show, "Entrepinoy Revolution" on the SMNI.{{Cite web |last=Balita |first=Dr Carl E. |date=June 1, 2022 |title=Entrepinoy Revolution, now {{!}} Dr. Carl E. Balita |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/06/01/entrepinoy-revolution-now/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=BusinessMirror |language=en-US}}

In 2024, he will host the program "Positibong Balita" on DZXL.{{Cite web |last=Balita |first=Dr Carl E. |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Bad news stronger than good? |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/09/27/opinion/columns/bad-news-stronger-than-good/1974767 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The Manila Times |language=en-US}}

In 2007, Balita produced his first film "Nars" by Adolfo Alix Jr. The film was well-received by the nursing community and enjoyed a favorable run in cinemas. In 2017, he produced the film "Maestra", a film by Lemuel Lorca about teachers. The film won several awards at the Five Continents International Film Festival.{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |author-link=Ricky Lo |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Maestra is not only for teachers |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2017/12/06/1765978/maestra-not-only-teachers |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} In 2023, he produced another film about nurses "'Siglo ng Kalinga", which starred real-life nurses.{{Cite web |last=Bracamonte |first=Earl D. C. |date=April 3, 2023 |title='Siglo ng Kalinga': A film starring nurses, produced by nurses |url=https://www.philstar.com/movies/2023/04/03/2255389/siglo-ng-kalinga-film-starring-nurses-produced-nurses |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}}

Balita is also a music producer. In 2007, he released a compilation album of motivational songs called "iDream" that featured Jamie Rivera, Bituin Escalante, Karylle, Luke Mejares, Raymond Lauchengco, and more.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Music as catalyst for change |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r5Q1AAAAIBAJ&dq=carl+balita&pg=PA13 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=The Manila Times |pages=C1}} In 2023, he produced David Pomeranz's "Coming Home" tour.{{Cite web |last=Salterio |first=Leah C. |title=David Pomeranz does a musical about the Philippines |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/11/24/2313669/david-pomeranz-does-musical-about-philippines |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}}

Balita has written four books and has published 53 reviewers, some of which authored as well. Among the reviewers he has published include the best-selling "The Ultimate Learning Guide to Nursing Review" and "Ultimate Testing Guide to Nursing Review". In 2008, he launched "Theoretical Foundations in Nursing: The Philippine Perspective".{{Cite news |date=June 19, 2008 |title=Carl Balita launches nursing book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZU5aAAAAIBAJ&dq=carl+balita&pg=PA16 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=The Manila Times |pages=C4}} On December 20, 2010, he published his self-help book "Prosperity", which featured a foreword from journalist Karen Davila and an epilogue from businesswoman Socorro Ramos.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2010 |title=Radyo Negosyo's Dr. Carl Balita imparts secrets on wealth-building |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/23581/radyo-negosyos-dr-carl-balita-imparts-secrets-on-wealth-building?s=kin6978c3fk2hch4tohhga8aqj |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Pep.ph}} Another one of his books, "Entrepreneur in 12 Days", was also a best-seller.

From 2021 to 2023, Balita wrote opinion columns for BusinessMirror.{{Cite web |last=Balita |first=Dr Carl E. |title=Dr. Carl E. Balita |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/author/drcarlbalita/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=BusinessMirror |language=en-US}} From 2023 up to the present, he is writing opinion columns for The Manila Times.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=June 10, 2024 |title=Dr. Carl E. Balita {{!}} Author |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/author/dr-carl-e-balita/page/12 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}}

Balita ran for the Senate of the Philippines, under the party and coalition Aksyon Demokratiko, the slate of Isko Moreno during the 2022 elections.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2021 |title=Carl Balita files candidacy for senator under Isko Moreno's party |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/carl-balita-files-candidacy-for-senator/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}} Initially, he was reluctant to run, but was convinced by Moreno after he personally visited Carl's home and asked for his family's blessing to campaign. He was also inspired by the party's founder Raul Roco, an educator, and by Jimmy Galvez-Tan, one of the party's first officers and a health professional as well. His campaign focused on three platforms: Kalusugan (health), Kabuhayan (livelihood) and Karunungan (education). He, however, lost, finishing only on the 30th place, with 3,700,143 votes or 6.70 percent.{{Cite web |title=PARTIAL, UNOFFICIAL: 2022 senatorial election results {{!}} Philippines |url=https://ph.rappler.com/elections/2022/races/senator/results |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=PHVOTE |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Carl Balita concedes defeat in Senate race; says he is 'signing off' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/10/carl-balita-concedes-defeat-in-senate-race-says-he-is-signing-off/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin |date=May 10, 2022 |language=en}}

• 2009 KBP Golden Dove Awards - Best Public Service Host
• 2013 UPLB Gandingan Awards - Gandingan ng Kabuhayan{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2013 |title=DZMM Most Development-Oriented |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/01/29/902178/dzmm-most-development-oriented |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}}
• 2018 NCST Dangal ng Bayan Awards - Media Excellence Award for Radio Broadcasting{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2018 |title=ABS-CBN triumphs at 1st Dangal ng Bayan Media Excellence Awards |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/27012918-abs-cbn-triumphs-at-1st-dangal-ng-bayan-media-excellence-awards-3327 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN Entertainment}}
• 2019 NCST Dangal ng Bayan Awards - Media Excellence Award for Radio Broadcasting{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2019 |title=ABS-CBN programs and anchors honored at NCST Dangal ng Bayan Awards |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2019/1/24/abs-cbn-programs-and-anchors-honored-at-ncst-danga?lang=en |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN Corporate}}

Balita is married to a medical practitioner. Together they have four children and own the Little Lambs Kiddie Spa & Clinic.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2010 |title=Little Lambs bags AsiaSpa award |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2010/12/22/641198/little-lambs-bags-asiaspa-award |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} His eldest daughter Lyca is a lawyer.{{Cite web |last=Balita |first=Carl E. |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Life lessons my kids taught me {{!}} The Manila Times |url=https://web.https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/05/opinion/columns/life-lessons-my-kids-taught-me/1890032 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803064142/https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/05/opinion/columns/life-lessons-my-kids-taught-me/1890032 |archive-date=August 3, 2023 |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=The Manila Times}}

In 2011, Balita lost his van to carnappers, highlighting a series of high-profile carnapping incidents in the country.{{Cite web |last=Villanueva |first=Marichu A. |date=January 21, 2011 |title=What makes car theft in Phl lucrative? |url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2011/01/21/649755/what-makes-car-theft-phl-lucrative |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}}

Balita had his own band, The Retromaniacs, that performed at charity events. The former members of his band included Dr. Minguita Padilla and Larry Gadon, who would both go on to run for senator during the 2022 elections.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2022 |title=From bandmates to seatmates in Senate? Minguita Padilla still friends with Carl Balita, Larry Gadon despite different political views - POLITIKO |url=https://politiko.com.ph/2022/03/14/from-bandmates-to-seatmates-in-senate-minguita-padilla-still-friends-with-carl-balita-larry-gadon-despite-different-political-views/headlines/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=politiko.com.ph |language=en-US}}

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Category:Living people

Category:1970 births

Category:Politicians from Oriental Mindoro

Category:Filipino radio personalities

Category:Aksyon Demokratiko politicians

Category:Filipino film producers

Category:Filipino nurses

Category:21st-century Filipino businesspeople