WHEN we catch a glimpse of Ramon ?Ricky? Carandang, it is usually within the sleek cell of a television screen, sometimes behind a desk, in full reportorial mode. Listening and watching, you find yourself believing whatever he?s reporting on: the stock market, rallies, elections.

By distinguishing himself through piercing and direct reportage, Ricky has evolved into the authoritative and articulate face of analytical TV coverage. He practically crackles with intelligence. Click over to his immersive blog, Ricky Carandang Reporting (www.rickycarandang.com) and be addicted. But the 41-year-old Ricky, who has a background in business and economics, does answer to a higher authority: his mother, noted clinical psychologist Dr. Maria Lourdes ?Honey? Carandang. Ricky, who is an anchor and reporter for ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, is the eldest of three sons of Honey and neurologist Dr. Brigido Carandang.

Pretty much the country?s preeminent family and child psychologist, Honey?s many articles and lectures on parenting are considered the closest thing to gospel truth. Ricky says that he actually had what he considers a normal childhood. ?I suppose I was a normal child, not particularly well-behaved but not too naughty,? he explains. ?I think I gave my parents more sleepless nights than my other brothers, and continue to do so.?

It might actually surprise people to know that Ricky characterizes his upbringing as quite liberal. ?My parents were pretty tolerant, not uptight at all,? he recalls. ?My mom encouraged us to explore things and read, and indulged and disciplined us in a structured way.?

Growing up with a mom considered by everyone else to be an expert on raising children definitely resulted in some unique circumstances. ?Everyone expected me to be a good parent and live a normal and stable life, which of course I did not. I don?t know if my mom had anything to do with it, but I have an aversion to having children,? Ricky reveals. For those who are wondering, Ricky says his mom did indeed practice all that she preached. ?Things would be explained to us in a rational manner like we were adults,? he says. ?If we were being punished or rewarded, we would know why.? While it is obvious that intelligence runs in this family, so does affection. Today, Ricky continues to be close to his parents. ?I enjoy having good long dinners with them full of good food, wine and conversation.?

Carandang apparently bears the resolute gifts of a mother who knows what?s best for her children: ?She taught me to fend for myself but also let me know that if things got too bad, I would always have a place to run to.?