THE pandemic wreaks great havoc on every industry and it did not spare the media especially the print, which saw not just a few closing offices and stopping operations.
Sunstar Davao, fortunately, has managed and continues to manage the challenges brought about by the pandemic, and one of those we thank for is our columnists who continue to write even as payments have temporarily stopped.
But what really drives them to write? Let's get to know the reasons of some of Sunstar Davao's columnists who unceasingly give us stories worthy to read especially at this time of pandemic.
Jinggoy Salvador
Lifestyle columnist
The challenge to seek and relay uplifting, and even entertaining, stories is high, especially at this time when lifestyle events and travel opportunities are not happening. To be able to come up with an engaging story without leaving the safety of home can be fulfilling. Personally, it’s a good mental exercise to look at the brighter side of what we are in now.
Janette Huang-Teves
Lifestyle columnist
This year, I am commemorating my 15th year as a SunStar Davao columnist. When I began writing for this paper, I never imagined that I would last this long especially during the pandemic when finding relevant topics can be quite challenging. But I continue to write despite the limitations because it is my creative outlet, and also a welcome break from my daily work routine at the family business and at home. Through SunStar Davao, I have been blessed to learn and grow from the people and stories I have encountered which is indeed priceless. For this, I am truly grateful!
Apple Alvarez
Lifestyle columnist
Sunstar has become a part of my life since I started in 2014. As a mental health advocate, I can reach and touch people's lives through my stories and articles. For the past seven years, it also has become my way of therapeutic expression of my dreams, fears, and coping with life difficulties. It also serves as an opportunity for me to share others' lived experiences about their pains, joys, and breakthroughs that others can relate to and learn. With each word that I write, I hope that it becomes music to the heart of others, curing their tired body and souls. And with this, God, I hope I can contribute to one of the greatest miracles in this world.
Rudolph Alama
Lifestyle Columnist
When I was first invited to write for a Sunstar Davao column in 2006 it wasn’t about the money it was for me that time promoting my advocacy on local entertainment. Sunstar Davao provided me with that platform and it continues to this day.
Stephanie Tujan
Lifestyle columnist
Writing for a leading local newspaper is a privilege and being a newspaper columnist is a work of heart. It gives you the authority to say your piece, to have an opinion on an issue, thoughts, wise ponderings, and suchlike. The largest chunk of that authority comes from the simple fact that your words are printed on the pages of an important publication, along with the perception among readers that the person who penned this story/article is someone whose opinions are worth listening to. There is nothing quite like having people say, “I read your column the other day.”
Writing, which I enjoy best, totally outweighs a job that is only able to fulfill my monetary demands and financial expectations. To sum it up, writing helps me to be creative, passionate, as well as to talk about the stories of people’s lives and give the public information about general products and destinations that in turn enhances my self-confidence, which helps me a lot to stay productive.
Mark Paul Samante
Sports Columnist
Even with the stoppage of any honoraria for us because of the pandemic, I have been continuously writing for Sunstar because of gratitude and the opportunity to give back. Gratitude to Sunstar Davao for the break as Sports Columnist back in 2017 (If I remember this right.) With the break they have given me, it has become an opportunity to reach a wider audience through my column. Continuing to write even with pay suspension is my way of giving back to the newspaper that gave me the opportunity to be heard. Honoraria is the icing on the cake, the real reward for me is the continuing opportunity to reach sports fans with my column and share my thoughts on sports and how it affects our daily lives. My biggest thanks to the Sunstar Davao Family.
Rene Lizada
Opinion Columnist
I do not write for money. I write for the sheer pleasure and torment it gives.
Different reasons, same output: giving the reading public interesting and inspiring stories to veer us away from the gloomy side of this pandemic. And for that, we greatly appreciate your contribution not just to Sunstar Davao but to our community!