Christian Esguerra and Facts First: Why He Still Inspires Me

There are journalists—and then there are people like Christian Esguerra.

He’s not just one of my favorite public figures. He’s one of the early sparks that lit Morning Coffee Thoughts. Back when I wasn’t even sure what I wanted my blog to become, watching and listening to him gave me a quiet push. I’ve bought his Facts First shirts and wear them proudly. Not because I want people to notice, but because I believe in what he stands for. That shirt isn’t a fashion statement—it’s a statement of belief.

Who Is Christian Esguerra?

Christian V. Esguerra is a Filipino political journalist, educator, and researcher who became one of the most respected voices in our public discourse. And it’s not because he’s flashy or controversial—far from it. He’s steady. Grounded. Serious when he needs to be, but never self-righteous.

He graduated cum laude from UST with a degree in Journalism back in 2000, and even served as editor-in-chief of The Varsitarian. He went further—earning a Master’s degree in Theology, major in Social Pastoral Communication, also from UST. That combination of journalism and theology? It shows. His moral compass, his attention to detail, his sense of fairness—all of it comes through in how he reports and teaches.

Journalism Before Facts First

The Inquirer Years (2000–2015)

Christian started at the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2000 and stayed for 15 years. Those years weren’t just about building his resume. They built his instincts. He became known for his political reporting, his eye for nuance, and his refusal to simplify complex issues just to make headlines.

Along the way, he earned international fellowships—a journalism fellowship at Seoul National University in 2006, and a research fellowship at the University of San Francisco in 2008.

ABS-CBN and the Voice on Air (2015–2022)

In 2015, he transitioned to broadcast journalism, joining ABS-CBN News. He anchored Early Edition on ANC from 2018 to 2021 and eventually hosted After the Fact, a program that quickly became essential viewing for anyone trying to make sense of Philippine politics without the fluff.

He once said:

"If viewers liked and followed ‘Matters of Fact,’ expect the new program to be more comprehensive, incisive, and critical—of course, fair."

But in March 2022, After the Fact ended. Christian announced on Twitter that the program was being discontinued due to the “prevailing political climate.” And just like that, one of the few shows that dared to ask the hard questions was gone. That moment wasn’t just about losing a show—it was a reflection of how hostile things had become for truth-tellers in media.

Facts First: The Podcast That Resisted the Noise

This is where Facts First truly took off.

Originally a side project, the podcast became his full-time platform after leaving ABS-CBN. No corporate gatekeepers, no editorial pressure—just the truth, as clean and unfiltered as he could make it.

He built Facts First on a principle that hits hard:

“Democracy dies in disinformation.”

Each episode begins by laying out the facts—all the facts—before offering commentary. It’s the exact opposite of how content is usually done online today.

A listener review put it best:

"How Sir Christian presents Facts First is precisely why I like listening to it. All the facts of the case laid out first BEFORE anything else."

He’s transparent about where he stands, too:

“I am biased against thieves, plunderers, trapos, and peddlers of disinformation. If you're not, you need to seriously re-evaluate your moral compass.”

In a time where neutrality is often used as a shield for cowardice, that kind of honesty matters.

Format, Reach, and Milestones

• Airs Monday to Friday at 8:30 p.m. Manila time

• Streams on YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

• 757 episodes as of June 2025

• 575,000 YouTube subscribers

• 216 million total views

• Spotify ranks it as the #71 podcast in the Philippines

Guests include major names like:

• Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno

• Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III

• Legal experts, professors, analysts—you name it

And every episode manages to stay true to what it promises: real talk, grounded facts, and none of the online theatrics that dominate today’s feeds.

Academic Work and Mentorship

Christian isn’t just a media man. He’s also a teacher.

He’s an Assistant Professor at UST, teaching political reporting and journalism ethics. He’s also a researcher at UST’s Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities.

His research isn’t theoretical either. He dives into the same systems he reports on. One standout project is:

"Captive Congress: Interest Group Capture in the Philippine House of Representatives"
Funded by DLSU as part of their Democracy Discourse Series.

He’s also published work on:

• The Catholic Church's role in Philippine democracy

• Digital narratives during the pandemic

• Ethical dilemmas in journalism in the age of fake news

And when students talk about him, they don’t just describe a professor. They describe someone who walks the talk.

As one award citation put it:

"He evangelizes his young students by his living witness in the field he teaches: political journalism, media ethics, and social communication."

Recognitions and Awards

Christian’s commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Among his awards:

• 2020 Marshall McLuhan Fellowship

• 2019 Titus Brandsma Award for Emergent Leadership in Journalism

• 2019 Award of Distinction – Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility

• Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela for Excellence in Journalism

As a McLuhan Fellow, he’s given lectures in Canada, Australia, and the Philippines on one big theme:
“Democracy at Stake: How Media Battles Disinformation”

Connection to the #FactsFirstPH Movement

Christian’s Facts First isn’t officially part of the #FactsFirstPH coalition launched in 2022, but the alignment is clear. That initiative brought together over 100 orgs to fight disinformation and amplify truth in the public square. Its core principle—“make truth spread faster than lies”—is exactly what he’s been doing on his own platform, one episode at a time.

A Look Into His Personal Life

Even with everything going on, Christian manages to protect a private life. In July 2021, he married Dr. Naomi Bernardo, a medical professional. It’s a reminder that behind the journalist is a human being who balances public service with personal life.

Why He Still Inspires Me

There’s no drama in Christian Esguerra’s delivery, but there’s clarity. He doesn’t chase trends, but he sets the tone. And most of all, he reminds me that writing, reporting, and teaching can be acts of resistance—especially when done with honesty.

That’s why I wear his shirt. That’s why I keep watching. And that’s why I’ll always look up to him—not as an idol, but as a model of what principled work looks like when done with quiet, consistent courage.

He’s proof that you don’t need to yell to be heard.

You just need to speak the truth—and mean it.

So let this post double as a thank-you.
For holding the line. For choosing facts when it’s easier to look away.
For reminding people like me that there’s still a way to do this right.

Thank you, Christian Esguerra.