(2017) XXX thoughts
Long Story Short for Manila Standard
published 12 February 2017
THIS newspaper turned 30 yesterday.
The theme of the celebration, as we know from the anniversary supplement that came out Friday, was Triple X: How we write 30 in Roman numerals, but also a celebration of experience, excellence and excitement.
X is for experience. This newspaper began in 1987, just as a new chapter in Philippine history was beginning. At that time, there were high hopes and fresh ideas. The decades that followed showed us that history is made up of remarkable days and an aggregate of unremarkable ones. This newspaper saw many changes, and highs and lows. There are good days and bad. We are still here.
The second X is for excellence. One cannot be brilliant all the time, of course. It suffices that every day, its people strive to deliver the kind of journalism that should be, instead of that which just is. There are many constraints and many gray areas, and every day is an opportunity to learn, but in the end, everybody is aware of what he or she is here for.
Finally, excitement. We look forward to the years ahead. Oh, we are not certain what will happen. No matter how much we plan, or anticipate the things that may come, nobody can tell what will be next. We thrive in this uncertainty; in a way, this is what makes the job so exhilarating. What we are sure of, however, is our commitment to keep doing what we do, and improve just a little every day.
But let me pay tribute to the men and women that make this newspaper what it is.
Manila Standard is the bylines and the names on the staff box that its readers see. But it is also those who are not named but no less deserve recognition.
These are the people who show up for work with smiles on their faces, even on weekdays and holidays. They who do not have qualms staying up late or pulling all-nighters just to get the job done.
In movies, media work is often glamorized and idealized. In real life, however, employees of news organizations are just like everybody else. They use public transportation and get bogged down when these break down.
They talk to and report about prominent people, top corporations, but they are themselves simple folk—just another face in the crowd.
They deal with text about and photos of disaster-stricken communities while they themselves are vulnerable to disasters. Despite this, they brave typhoons and flood and haul their bodies to the office anyway to meet their deadlines. No excuses.
They work on stories about health, working still even as they themselves feel just a little sick, or do not have the wherewithal to pay their own family member’s hospital bill.
They talk about social inequity and other ills while dealing with their own realities, balancing practical concerns with their principles and pushing themselves to do more despite their exhaustion.
These are the people who have been around for years and who will gladly stay for more despite the difficulties.
As in any workplace, there are occasional irritants and a bit of friction here and there. But there is none of the brutal politics or vicious backstabbing that characterize other places. Instead there is appreciation of the contribution and commitment of others. There is inherent love for what we do. The propensity to make mistakes, yes, but also to correct them and learn something new every day. There is humor—okay, sometimes awfully corny jokes.
And yes, there is food.
I feel honored and humbled to be among my colleagues. I’ve been here nearly 11 years, but most of them have been around even longer. The newer ones seem bent on staying put, too. It’s not the easiest place to be in, but it’s a happy place where we thrive even as we feel we barely survive, sometimes.
