I REMEMBER a column my late father wrote which was entitled, ‘Where have all the statesmen gone?’ A veteran journalist and political commentator, he lamented the absence of government officials who were genuine public servants and used their positions to uplift the lives of their constituents.
My dad, who described himself as a ‘centrist,’ wrote columns that were fair and balanced, showing both sides of the issue. He didn’t ram his beliefs down people’s throats. However, in that particular column which he wrote, he was furious at politicians who were masquerading as the people’s saviors but who lacked the moral ascendancy to do so.
I would like to honor my dad and that column which inspired me to pick up the pen and become a journalist. I would also like to pay tribute to the senior members of Davao media – past and present – who, through their example, not only helped me hone my craft but instilled in me the values of a journalist.
The late Tony Ajero, whom my wife fondly called “Daddy Cool,” was the editor-in-chief of SunStar Davao when I joined the paper almost 30 years ago as a cub reporter. Behind his stocky frame and deep baritone voice was a fatherly demeanor that endeared him to everyone in the newsroom.
I rarely heard Sir Tony raise his voice in the newsroom. But it was clear that he was in command. He was the opposite of how editors are known for who, without hesitation, threw first drafts in the trash can. He would patiently explain to you the weaknesses of your article and suggest ways on how to improve them. He was a mentor in the truest sense.
When he became my boss at Edge Davao, he candidly told me: “Sonny, you’ll have a full plate here.” And true enough, that is exactly what happened. When he critiqued my work as an editor, he did it in such a way that inspired me to do better. My key takeaways from him was to be clear, concise and direct. He reminded us that we were journalists, not literary writers.
The late Ram Maxey was the senior ‘heartthrob’ of the SunStar newsroom. With his mestizo good looks and casual get up – polo shirt, white shorts and rubber shoes – one could mistake him for a senior citizen who was out for a tennis game with his buddies. But as editor of the paper’s sports page, he was all business. His pen was as sharp as his mind.
Whenever I looked at Sir Ram, I told myself that this was how I wanted to look when I grow old. I may not have the ‘tisoy’ looks that he had but perhaps, I could still move as nimbly and remain as fit as he was. His son, Charles Maxey, followed in his father’s footsteps and would become one of SunStar Davao’s best political beat reporters. Like father, like son.
The late Gil Abarico was perhaps one of the best opinion columnists Davao had produced. Writing for the Mindanao Daily Mirror, his political commentaries were incisive, informative and hit like a punch. He was the definition of a ‘fiscalizer’ who held civil officials accountable for their actions. He was not afraid to call out anyone who betrayed the public’s trust.
During the conversations I had with Sir Gil, I could sense a passion which was usually found in younger journalists. Clearly, the fire was still burning in his belly, as he carried out his duty as a member of the fourth estate. Until his final days, he was dishing out columns, which showed his dedication to his craft and the media profession.
The late Carmelito ‘CQ’ Francisco was one of the most hard-working journalists I had ever known. While filing stories as a senior correspondent of Business World (and later on with the Philippine Daily Inquirer), he was also the managing editor of Mindanao Times. He was also the former editor-in-chief of SunStar General Santos.
Manong CQ was among the most prolific local journalists. While covering events, I would watch as he churned out one news story after another. What I found most remarkable was his ability to make his fingers glide across the keyboard as he looked directly at the person he was talking to. On average, it took him about 15 to 20 minutes to write a full-length news report.
Among the senior members of the media at that time, he was the only one who I referred to as Manong. It was not only because of his outstanding work ethic but the way he treated me like family. During one of my most difficult moments, he took me under his wing for almost a month. He fed, mentored and lifted me up. He was the elder brother I wished I had.
I mourned his passing, as I knew that we would no longer have those one-on-one pep talks and interesting conversations over coffee. But the lessons he shared with me – hard work, dedication, and a sense of purpose – will live on in my heart and writing. Manong CQ, as well as Sirs Tony, Gil and Ram, will always be my mentors --- and heroes.