An effective training ground

OVER the past 18 years, multi-awarded Sun.Star Davao has become a venue for budding journalists to hone their craft and learn the ropes of daily newspapering.

Even people "behind the scene" like graphic artists also start their career with the publishing company where they grow and become the best in their field.

Having been with the paper since 1997 has given me the opportunity to work with most of them.

It's a sweet road down memory lane, recalling the good old days when daily demands of beating deadline or meeting quota of news stories would often leave us sharing a meal together, eating durian at Magsaysay Park, going to movies at downtown malls as others would be hitting the bars for a few drinks to unwind. It's also interesting to note how these newsroom men and women always find a time to crack jokes even in the midst of "pressure". Yes, all work is boring that's why we find time to play, to talk, to listen, to laugh, to cry and to journey together as one, big happy family.

But just like any family, not everyone gets to stay. Others have sought other opportunities while some have explored into a new world.

In this year's edition of the anniversary supplement, we revisit our former colleagues as we take a peek of their lives now.

Leah Bugtay, former part-time desk editor (April to December 2002), is a voluntary service overseas volunteer as communications and resource mobilization adviser for Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya.

She assists the organization in strengthening the capacity of staff in communication and mobilizing resources, including financial resources.

"Aside from honing my writing skills, Sun.Star helped me develop the nose for news and what is important amidst the sea of information, quick thinking and healthy skepticism," Leah said.

She couldn't forget the boodle fights and laying the paper to bed with the production team.

Teresa S. Te, a former desk editor from 1997 to 1998, is a home-based content writer/virtual assistant who writes and edits plus managing blogs & social media sites.

She said, "Sun.Star exposed me to the print media industry and further honed my writing/editing/computer skills. It also helped me build new friendships with media and non-people here in Davao City (being a new kid on the block from Iloilo City that time)."

Her unforgettable experience? "Working with and learning from the veterans like Sir Tony, Ik-Ik and Daddy Ram and budding writers, getting around the city on my own when tasked to pitch in for a reporter to gather news and seeing up-close a tough Mayor Rody reprimanding a young kidnap suspect."

Aurea Gerundio Dizon, a former reporter assigned in police then political beat for three years, currently works as a reporter at Island Times Newspaper in the Republic of Palau.

"My experience as a reporter at Sun.Star helped me get my current job. Sun.Star had been a very good training ground for me. I had great editors/mentors and great colleagues," Aurea said.

She couldn't forget the time when told to cover the bombing incident at the waiting shed at Sasa wharf.

She recalled, "It was gruesome! It was my first time to see up close severed cadavers at the DMC morgue."

Ben Jason O. Tesiorna, former senior reporter from 2000 to 2010, is a correspondent at Solar News Channel while managing his own BOT Consultancy.

Ben said, "Sun.Star has widened my connections and honed my writing skills which I am effectively using now in my present work." He continues to write for the paper as a correspondent.

Jenny Grace Molbog-Mendoza was a former business reporter and entertainment writer from August 2004 to September 2005.

She is now with the Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region where she manages the information unit of DTI-Davao including media relations, prepares news stories and photo releases, speeches, presentation materials and some info materials. She is also a member of the internal quality audit team of DTI-Davao.

She shared, "With Sun.Star, I learned that despite the pressure and time constraints, the qualities of stories must never suffer. With Sun.Star, I was able to build my network and that's how I got my current job."

Jenny said that everything with Sun.Star Davao is unforgettable that's why she returned as entertainment columnist since last year.

Jenny's husband, Luis "Sonny Boy" Mendoza, Jr., also spent a year with Sun.Star Davao from 1997 to 1998 as a reporter who covered business, justice and general beats.

Sonny Boy is now connected with USAid's Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement Project in Davao City working on communications, advocacy and outreach.

He said being a reporter taught him the value of discipline, adding: "Being under the weather is not a valid excuse not to report for work. Rain or shine, you have to pound your beat and make sure that you come up with high quality stories."

He also said that Sun.Star Davao instilled in him self-discipline and improved his writing skills.

Former lay-out artist Celina Villagonzalo worked with Sun.Star Davao from 1999 to 2005. She joined Aurea at the Island Times newspaper as lay-out artist.

Celina said Sun.Star Davao helped her learn gain experience and learn more ideas especially in the technical and layout department.

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