THERE ARE times when we get bored or frustrated even in our work, vocation or profession that we want to exit therefrom and move out due to exasperation and move on to another undertaking.
Writing entails excruciating exercise, mentally and physically. Nothing frustrates the writer than the notion of having no clear idea of what is to be written.
Many writers have passion for writing, though their works may not be appreciated at all.
In my case, I have delved into this vocation for so many years now, starting with Pampanga Newsweek of the San Pedros and ending up with Sun Star.
For so many years now, I have been allotted space for Monday and Friday for my column At Close Range which delves on various issues, personalities and events.
I have gone through several editors-in-chief starting from,the lates Rollie Razon up to the young and enthusiastic Rey G. Navales.
I have learned the different moods and styles of these persons and my only concern is to send my columns regularly on schedule.
This year, I have some reckoning to make: am I still relevant to Sun Star or should I make the decision to go elsewhere.
There are still two other publications locallyL Punto, which is the nearest competitor of Sun Star and the Voice, helmed by Lincoln Baluyut and which has maintained its premier post as the oldest local publication.
This year, again, I have to make the choice of staying with my present paper or to go to the other local paper where my column will be welcomed. I had to make this choice to give me freer space to write and to avoid friction with my editor-in-chief. I have to make this decision to move on and out first.
Still, I appreciate the opportunity given me at Sun Star where I had the privilege of writing along with Ding Cervantes, Max Sangil, Ric Sapnu as well as Jaime V. Cortez and Michelle Catap Lacson, For me, they are the cream of the crop of local writers and I had the privilege of having shared space with them.