I am deeply humbled and thankful to receive the MassKara Legacy Award, presented to me by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. during the MassKara Media Appreciation Night at the SMX Convention Center on October 18.
The award recognizes decades of my writing, editing, teaching, mentorship, news production, and service to journalism — efforts that, as the citation notes, “helped shape the character of reporting in Western Visayas and Negros Island.”
Looking back, I remember committing my professional life to journalism and media education when I applied for a graduate fellowship grant from the Rotary Foundation International.
That grant allowed me to earn my Master of Science in Journalism degree from an American university. I chose to return to the Philippines after my fellowship to help professionalize journalism in this part of the country through pioneering efforts in various newspapers, and to do my share in training future media practitioners.
I am truly blessed that my journalism work led me to both the newsroom and the academe. This path also allowed me to shape the lives of students through citizenship training and the civic engagement activities I introduced in the university.
This is actually the second time I have received an award for my engagement in both professional journalism and media education.
More than 10 years ago, the Negros Press Club presented me with a Media Achievement Award, which highlighted my journalism education activities.
By coincidence, my colleague, Nanette Guadalquiver, accepted both awards on my behalf — the first because I was out of town, and this latest one last week because I was down with the flu.
Here is a portion of my response to the October 18 recognition, which Nanette read for me:
“I am deeply honored to be recognized not only for the stories I have written and edited over about five decades. What makes this citation truly heartwarming is the recognition of my efforts not just as an editor and writer, but also as a researcher and educator who has made a lifetime commitment to helping young people discover the joys and tribulations of newspapering.
“Today, we see the fruits of the labor of reporters, journalists, and editors, many of whom are my former students. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to serve Bacolod and Negros.”
And speaking of former students… another honoree that night was Rodney Mitz Ascalon, who was presented with the Legacy Mover Award. Rodney is the BGFI president and MassKara Festival director.
Rodney was my student in the Mass Communication program at La Salle. He has passionately pursued the performing arts and has elevated the craft to great heights.
Congratulations, Rodney! I pray that you will discover even wider paths to explore as you begin your new journey in the United States.
Again, thank you to BGFI for this recognition, which I share with my family, my colleagues at Negros Weekly and Negros Now Daily, my former students, and everyone whose lives I have touched throughout my career.
Thank you, too, to the DepEd and PIA officials for their continued trust and confidence in what I bring to the journalism discussion table, and to the school paper advisers who are doing their share in furthering young people’s love for journalism.
Thanks as well to Carla, Roming, Adrian, and everyone else for the stories. To all who expressed their congratulations and best wishes, my heart could not be fuller.
Above all, thank you, Lord, for the gift of writing, Your blessings, Your care, and Your grace.
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Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. (Psalm 103:1-4) | NWI
