inqsider july 2011

11
By JV Rufino Director, Inquirer Mobile Imagine if you had a newspaper that changes HERE INQUIRER DIGITAL EDITION size as you use it: Shrinking when you’re on the move and don’t want to be bothered by a bulky roll of paper, but expanding to an easier-to-read size when you’re relaxed and at home. Imagine, moreover, a newspaper so compact that you could carry two, even three months’ worth of issues with you. Furthermore, imagine a newspaper that can speak to you, reading out a story you’re interested while you lie down in bed or send a clipping of a funny story to a friend of yours. Imagine no more. That newspaper is here. And it’s the Inquirer. By now, you most likely already have gotten an e-mail announcing the availability of free access to the Inquirer’s Digital Edition to employees in lieu of physical print subscriptions to the paper. The Inquirer Digital Edition is the Inquirer you know and love. Every photo, story, column, and ad. Every column-inch you Inquirer/p.2 HOME PAGE of the Inquirer Digital Edition VOL. XI N0. 2 JULY 2011

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Page 1: Inqsider July 2011

By JV RufinoDirector, Inquirer Mobile

Imagine if you had a newspaper that changes

By JV RufinoHERE

INQUIRER

HEREHEREDIGITAL EDITION IS IS size as you use it: Shrinking when you’re on

the move and don’t want to be bothered by a bulky roll of paper, but expanding to an easier-to-read size when you’re relaxed and at home.

Imagine, moreover, a newspaper so compact that you could carry two, even three months’ worth of issues with you.

Furthermore, imagine a newspaper that can speak to you, reading out a story you’re interested while you lie down in bed or send a clipping of a funny story to a friend of yours.

Imagine no more. That newspaper is here. And it’s the Inquirer.

By now, you most likely already have gotten an e-mail announcing the availability of free access to the Inquirer’s Digital Edition to employees in lieu of physical print subscriptions to the paper.

The Inquirer Digital Edition is the Inquirer you know and love. Every photo, story, column, and ad. Every column-inch you

Inquirer/p.2

HOME PAGE of the Inquirer Digital Edition

A quarterly newsletter of the

Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.

VOL. XI N0. 2 JULY 2011

Page 2: Inqsider July 2011

2

get each morning on paper. Supplements, special sections—the whole package.

But it’s also a lot more. The Digital Edition adds a layer of interactive features to the paper to enhance the reading experience.

Need to look up an article published a month ago? The issue’s right there on your notebook, tablet or mobile phone. The Digital Edition makes it convenient to bring several months’ worth of issues with you on the go.

Want to read a story from end to end and not deal with jumps? Click on a headline and the story appears in a special window that stitches the story together across multiple pages and also lets you enlarge the typeface for easier reading.

Tired of having to juggle breakfast and the paper? The Digital Edition can read stories out lout in a surprisingly natural-sounding voice.

Fond of sending clippings to friends? Share articles from the Digital Edition by e-mail, Twitter or Facebook.

Keeping track of a topic, person or company? Arrange for an e-mail alert and the Digital Edition will notify you when an article matching your chosen topic appears in an issue.

Need to get the paper each day, every day without having to chase down a newsboy or run out to get a copy on the sidewalk? The Inquirer Digital Edition is delivered each morning to your computer or tablet.

Some of you might be asking if the Digital Edition will cannibalize sales of the print edition. It certainly could. And that’s a good thing.

Here’s why: At P18 a copy, every copy of the Inquirer is sold at a loss, a loss recovered only by advertising.

The Inquirer Digital Edition isn’t free to non-employees. It costs nearly a $100 a year. Still cheaper than print, but not free.

The difference is every issue of the Digital Edition is sold at a profit since printing and distribution costs are much lower.

So while we will keep on printing the Inquirer for those who prefer print, we stand to make more money from Digital Edition sales.

Moreover, since the Digital Edition is an exact replica of the paper, it carries all the ads and is counted as part of our circulation. The Inquirer Digital Edition thus boosts our circulation without increasing print and distribution costs. Our advertising rate

base can thus be adjusted upwards without a corresponding increase in costs. A nice situation to be in.

To start using the Digital Edition, go to http://bit.ly/Inquirer-digital on your PC, Mac or tablet. Log in with your e-mail address and the password provided in the e-mail sent to you.

For those with Apple or Android tablets, you can get the mobile apps that let you store issues on your tablet at http://bit.ly/inq-digital-ios and http://bit.ly/inq-digital-android.

For questions, you can reach me on e-mail at [email protected] or Twitter at turgon97.

Joel V. NigosEditor

Annelle S. Tayao / Rima Granali / Jodee Agoncillo Amyleen M. Villena / Denison Rey Dalupang / Maricar B. Brizuela

Staff Writers

Joel S. Paradeza Joel S. Paradeza Genie LagmanEditorial Assistant Graphic Artist

Neyla Espinosa / Divine PinzonCoordinators

Jose PinedaAdviser/Overall Coordinator

Staff Box

A quarterly newsletter of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.

From page 1

INQUIRER Digital Edition interactive features enhance the reading experience

Inquirer Digital . . .

Page 3: Inqsider July 2011

3

By Maricar B. Brizuela

Music has become part of the leisure time of most Filipino families and one of our major pastimes is singing “karaoke” with our friends

and loved ones. It has been a common thinking that our parents infl uence us in our taste in music but some instances reveal that it happens the other way around because of the advent of technology.

Before the celebration of Father’s Day, we asked some PDI employees about the contemporary songs that their fathers listen to. Results revealed that most of our fathers still prefer to listen to old songs like those of the Beatles, Elton John, Eagles, Carpenters, Billy Joel and Air Supply. They have not allowed the contemporary music wave infl uence their original choices of songs. They still enjoy listening to the music of their own generations.

There were a few respondents who said that their fathers enjoy the music of Justin Timberlake, Urbandub, Incubus, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Simple Plan and Secondhand Serenade. Their interest in music shifts with every generation. They can adjust to any changes in their favorite music genres and they relate to the music choices of their children

Based on the forum results, majority of our fathers still love to listen to old songs while some have already been infl uenced by the changing times and they choose to relate to their sons and daughters.

INQSIDER FORUM

Music our fathers loveHere are some of the replies of the respondents:

“We both love the Beatles’ across the universe and everything about them. Surprisingly, he can still manage to listen to Franco, Urbandub, Incubus and Kings of Leon and can even sing with us as if he knows the lyrics.” – Bianca Kasilag, corporate affairs assistant, Corporate Affairs Department

“My father could not appreciate the songs of Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, etc. He always love the songs ‘Hotel California,’ ‘Skyline Pigeon’ by Elton John and his most favorite, the song entitled ‘Honesty,’ which I also don’t know the original singer, but I know it’s the same song revived by Jaya.” – it’s the same song revived by Jaya.” – it’s the same song revived by Jaya.” Alje Lomuntad, general accounting assistant, Accounting Department

“I don’t think he’s fond of contemporary songs. He still prefers old songs.” – songs.” – songs.” Arlene Astapan, general accounting assistant-bank recon/taxation, Accounting Department

ILLUSTRATION ILLUSTRATION BY ALBERT BY ALBERT RODRIGUEZRODRIGUEZ

Page 4: Inqsider July 2011

4 5

more than her album more than her album of celebrity photos, autographsof celebrity photos, autographs

We’ll surely missWe’ll surely miss

more than her album more than her album more than her album more than her album Tita Medy

Manila Chronicle before martial law, spent Manila Chronicle before martial law, spent more than 10 years with Times Journal, more than 10 years with Times Journal, before fi nally joining PDI in March 1986before fi nally joining PDI in March 1986.

“I am happy as a librarian,” she says. “I “I am happy as a librarian,” she says. “I don’t get tired of it.”don’t get tired of it.”

Which makes her retirement—she Which makes her retirement—she turned 65 last May 11turned 65 last May 11—a bittersweet occasion for Tita Medy. She says it is her occasion for Tita Medy. She says it is her colleagues she will miss most when she colleagues she will miss most when she fi nally leaves. fi nally leaves.

“Of course it’s sad, especially for me “Of course it’s sad, especially for me who has worked here for such a long time who has worked here for such a long time already,” she says. “I’ve been with the already,” she says. “I’ve been with the company through almost everything it has company through almost everything it has

gone through—building transfers, parties, natural calamities, etc.”

She is grateful for the company’s trust in her expertise and skills, which has opened opportunities for her to travel in and out of the country.

Her collection of celebrity autographs

and photos, something that has landed her print and TV publicity, is something she also attributes to her stay with the company. She met her favorite star, Gary Valenciano, at an offi ce event.

Her hobby won’t stop with her retirement, of course, and Tita Medy has other plans as well. For one thing, she’s interested in fi nding a good investment for her savings. There’s also an unused multiple entry US visa sitting in her passport, so travel will most likely be in her itinerary, too.

“I want to go with my husband,” she says.

For now, Tita Medy is enjoying what’s left of her stay with the company (though already she’s being invited to future events by colleagues). Because, aside from being happy as a librarian, “Masaya ako sa Inquirer,” she says.

By Annelle S. Tayao

PDI’s next librarian has big shoes to fi ll. He/she is succeeding Medy Gregorio, after all, Library section

head for the past 25 years.But Tita Medy’s advice is simple:

“Take your work seriously. Always have the initiative to perform well—in short, mahalin ang trabaho.”

A Library Science graduate of Far Eastern University and the company’s only licensed librarian, Tita Medy has been working for a newspaper library all her professional life. She started with the

more than her album of celebrity photos, autographs

We’ll surely miss

more than her album Tita Medy Tita Medy

more than her album Tita Medy

more than her album

Manila Chronicle before martial law, spent more than 10 years with Times Journal, before fi nally joining PDI in March 1986

don’t get tired of it.”

turned 65 last May 11occasion for Tita Medy. She says it is her colleagues she will miss most when she fi nally leaves.

who has worked here for such a long time already,” she says. “I’ve been with the company through almost everything it has

Tita Medy’s collection

of celebrity autographs

and photos has landed

her print and TV

publicity

WE’LL /p.5

From page 4

Photos by Genie Lagman

RETIRED Library Section head Medy Gregorio poses at her office with her caricature presented by colleagues

(From top, clockwise) Tita Medy browses and shows her collection and while at work at her office.

Page 5: Inqsider July 2011

By Amyleen M. Villena

TThe Inquirer Camera Club captured the exhilarating view of exhilarating view of

the northernmost part of Bicolandia when it visited Calaguas Island for its photo shoot last summer.

Thirteen employees led by ICC head Gerry Jano joined the activity held from April 2 to 3, 2011. With the theme “Long Exposure Photography,” each member of the club is expected to submit a minimum of 15 photos which will be included in its exhibit in December in time for the Inquirer anniversary.

Edna Garcia, an ICC

‘Mahabang Buhangin’ because it is a 2-km. stretch of white sand beach.”

“After dinner, the members shared their views and suggestions on how the club could improve more and how a group of people who love to take photos can make a difference,” Garcia says.

The group’s next trip is scheduled in July where they will witness the Sandugo Festival in Bohol. They are also planning to conduct another photography workshop.

Jano and Garcia are encouraging PDI employees to join the club and see for themselves why learning about photography as well as exploring the country’s best-kept tourism secrets is not only fun but also a fulfi lling hobby.

All they need to do is to approach any club

‘Learning about photography and exploring the country is

not only fun but also a fulfilling hobby.’

member and sign up for membership. For updates about the club, they can visit its group page on Facebook.

7

Inquirer /p.7

From page 6

member, recounts how the boat ride to Calaguas Island proved to be a challenge.

“We were not able to take so many photos during the so many photos during the two-hour ride because of the big waves which were splashing over the boat. Those who stayed outside had to endure the chilling ride with the c ool sea air blowing over our wet clothes. It was like we were placed inside the freezer,” she shares.

She adds, “At around 4 p.m. and upon reaching our destination, we started looking for spots where we would take our photos. The beach was named

SCENES from one of the country’s best-kept tourism secrets.

The famous jumpshot

The boat used by ICC members docks on

WITH the breathtaking scenery as the backdrop, Edwin Bacasmas poses ala UP Oblation with the other ICC members putting their best foot forward.

Calaguas sunset.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF INQUIRER CAMERA CLUB

Page 6: Inqsider July 2011

8 9

dad(fi rst-time) d(fi rst-time) d

88

By Jodee AgoncilloBy Jodee Agoncillo

IIMAGINE a frequent house-hopper pinned at home—his only routes: house and office. Or a hobbyist, a regular Airsoft player, a car lover launched into another kind of game—the goal: feed a baby and make sure he gets what he wants. How about of game—the goal: feed a baby and make sure he gets what he wants. How about

a heavy drinker and party-goer quitting the usual all-night rounds? Or a lover of good a heavy drinker and party-goer quitting the usual all-night rounds? Or a lover of good things putting into a halt his usual stuff buying?

to be ato be adto be adSo how

does it feel

When two becomes three, these are but a few When two becomes three, these are but a few things guys like them surrender.things guys like them surrender.First-time fathers Luis Anthony “LA” Mistades of First-time fathers Luis Anthony “LA” Mistades of the Arts section, Rodelio “Deo” Roberto of INS, the Arts section, Rodelio “Deo” Roberto of INS, Mark Anthony Lopez of IT, Jose “Jogi” Pineda of Mark Anthony Lopez of IT, Jose “Jogi” Pineda of HR and Marketing’s Julius Ortal, have just learned HR and Marketing’s Julius Ortal, have just learned

a new skill: singing a “Rock a bye” until their a new skill: singing a “Rock a bye” until their babies are put to sleep (again.)babies are put to sleep (again.)

Biggest loser, gainerBiggest loser, gainerAs single, Jogi said he would As single, Jogi said he would

always make sure his weekends always make sure his weekends were filled with fun: gimmick were filled with fun: gimmick with friends and a lot of going with friends and a lot of going out. LA, meanwhile, was fond out. LA, meanwhile, was fond of house hopping: more time of house hopping: more time with friends than his family with friends than his family as Mark would spend his free as Mark would spend his free time in a car club, computer time in a car club, computer

gaming, and drinking. Julius gaming, and drinking. Julius used to be the father of his three used to be the father of his three

siblings when his parents went abroad; siblings when his parents went abroad; now he’s the father of four. Deo, on the now he’s the father of four. Deo, on the other hand, always would then buy other hand, always would then buy shoes and gadget for himself and for shoes and gadget for himself and for her wife Belle, now they are sharing her wife Belle, now they are sharing what they earn with their son.what they earn with their son.

These “sacrifices,” however, These “sacrifices,” however, seemed nothing compared to the joy of seemed nothing compared to the joy of carrying a baby in their arms give.carrying a baby in their arms give.

When I saw my baby, When I saw my baby, “Masaya “Masaya “siyempre. Hindi ko akalaing siyempre. Hindi ko akalaing

makakabuo ako ng tao,” Deo says, recalling how tao,” Deo says, recalling how tao,”he waited for the baby for months. “I visualize what he’ll look like and I’m proud “Maganda ang pagkakagawa,” he says referring to Rodel ang pagkakagawa,” he says referring to Rodel ang pagkakagawa,”Matthew, his now 2-year old son.Matthew, his now 2-year old son.

Like Deo, Jogi also had the same impression Like Deo, Jogi also had the same impression seeing his first born Pio Jose. “I was so happy and seeing his first born Pio Jose. “I was so happy and literally jumping all over when we saw him, he literally jumping all over when we saw him, he shares. “We all wanted the baby.”shares. “We all wanted the baby.”

It was a different experience for LA, however, It was a different experience for LA, however, as his wife Alizza had a complicated child delivery. as his wife Alizza had a complicated child delivery. “I fear of losing my wife and my baby.” But when “I fear of losing my wife and my baby.” But when I saw them safe, I felt blessed.” There was fear, I saw them safe, I felt blessed.” There was fear, he told the Inqsider of how to best deal with his he told the Inqsider of how to best deal with his son Daven Luis, of how to be the best father to son Daven Luis, of how to be the best father to him, and that’s why he would always ask advice him, and that’s why he would always ask advice from his older sisters who have their own families from his older sisters who have their own families already.

“My work as a father ranges from the pettiest “My work as a father ranges from the pettiest worries to the more important ones like choosing worries to the more important ones like choosing the best pediatrician for the baby up to the the best pediatrician for the baby up to the finances,” he says.

For Mark, he admits he misses his old For Mark, he admits he misses his old lifestyle though he has no regret whatsoever.lifestyle though he has no regret whatsoever.

In fact, he’s using his expertise in In fact, he’s using his expertise in information technology in training early his child information technology in training early his child Marius Paul. As early as now, he’s downloading Marius Paul. As early as now, he’s downloading videos to enhance his motor, speech and reading videos to enhance his motor, speech and reading skills. Being more meticulous than his wife, Mark skills. Being more meticulous than his wife, Mark also has researched the best milk and feeding also has researched the best milk and feeding bottle for his baby.

“No matter how hard it is, the gains “No matter how hard it is, the gains are worth it,” Mark adds. Proud, he are worth it,” Mark adds. Proud, he told Inqsider on how it felt when told Inqsider on how it felt when his baby uttered his first word. his baby uttered his first word. He said “Daddy.”

Julius, meanwhile, Julius, meanwhile, had two houses to go to had two houses to go to after his 9 p.m. shift in PDI. after his 9 p.m. shift in PDI. His first stop is his sibling’s His first stop is his sibling’s

house in San Antonio, Makati, where he cooks for his siblings and checks out their needs and then heads to his wife’s house to sleep and be awakened and take care of the baby. It was an additional responsibility and he loves it. He is looking forward to having a bigger family. “I like 10 kids, let’s see.”

A priest and an athleteThree of the men would want their children

to be either a basketball player or a priest.LA, whose father was a famous basketball

player then (and maybe till now had he not given it up for a practical college degree), would also want his child to be a basketball player. “As for me, I want him to be an athlete,” he says, considering the status and high pay a player would have. “But I’ll go for whatever my child wants in the future… if he wants to be an artist like me, go ahead. I don’t want him to do things because I told him so.”

Mark agrees with LA but also would want his child to be a basketball player so he can utilize his height. “But he can also be a priest... or a chef,” says Mark who planned to be a priest himself when he was in high school. He also cooks well. Mark will go for any career his child chooses, “but I want him to be God-fearing, that’s the most important thing,” he says.

Julius also wanted a son who’s a basketball star, but his daughter Amaia Coreen is a female. “Perhaps I would want her to try out volleyball and martial arts,” he says.

“Of course, I want her to be a professional, but anything that would make her happy and enable her to be her best self will do,” he adds.

Jogi, meanwhile, has one dream for his kid Pio: to be successful in anything he does, and “that he does not eat too much and grow as big as “that he does not eat too much and grow as big as me,” he says.

Lessons from papaLessons from papa“Fatherhood for me is the most sincere “Fatherhood for me is the most sincere

commitment; the toughest decision you’ll commitment; the toughest decision you’ll ever take in your whole life,” Deo says as he ever take in your whole life,” Deo says as he emphasized his role as a father should exceed emphasized his role as a father should exceed that of a mere provider. “A father is more than that of a mere provider. “A father is more than that, and that includes disciplining a child, a that, and that includes disciplining a child, a bit of scolding him, but more of telling him the bit of scolding him, but more of telling him the

consequences of his actions,” he says.consequences of his actions,” he says.The children right now are different The children right now are different compared to our generation, Deo says. compared to our generation, Deo says.

“Kung may bisyo kami ngayon, “Kung may bisyo kami ngayon, mas marami sila: at marami mas marami sila: at marami

sa kanila laman ng computer sa kanila laman ng computer shops and malls na,”shops and malls na,” he says.shops and malls na,” he says.shops and malls na,”

LA’s role as a father, LA’s role as a father, meanwhile, is to pass on meanwhile, is to pass on the values his parents have the values his parents have imparted to him. “I have to imparted to him. “I have to teach him value for family, teach him value for family, patience and hard work, and of patience and hard work, and of course, love for God through course, love for God through

teaching by example.” A teaching by example.” A positive reinforcement is positive reinforcement is

more effective, he says, more effective, he says, than instilling fear to than instilling fear to your children. And your children. And based on his experience, based on his experience, LA wantsLA wants his child to

be fearless, bold and be fearless, bold and daring to do things: the daring to do things: the

exact opposite of how he says exact opposite of how he says he has lived. “My life has been he has lived. “My life has been

uneventful, pretty boring, I don’t wish that for my kid,” he says.

Mark certainly would give his kid a reward to complement a job well done as Julius would want his kid to have a positive perspective all the time. “I want him to be happy.”

With these things, would a father expect a pay back? All have one answer. “The kid is already a gift to us so I don’t,” says Mark.

“God knows I’m giving the best I can for my kid. All I want is for him to achieve his dreams, be better than me, that’s it. It’s all up to him, Deo says. And in the first place, “the kid is never indebted to us; let’s just be the best dad for our children.”

“As for me, I am focused to being the best father to my child and the best husband to my wife,” LA adds. “I’ll make sure romance also does not die out,” he says.

JOGI Pineda with his first-born Pio Jose

MARK ANTHONY Lopez with his wife and son Marius Paul

LA Mistades with son Daven Luis or Lego

DEO Roberto with his two-year old son Rodel Matthew

JULIUS Ortal with his wife and daughter Amaia Coreen

Page 7: Inqsider July 2011

10

Despite its name, work at Daydesk does not end when the sun goes down. Reporters are on call 24/7 to deliver the

latest news and witness life-changing moments. And the men and a woman on the desk are just as ready to call reporters at midnight or even at wee hours to assure that the Philippine Daily Inquirer comes first in giving detailed accounts of events to the Filipino people.

On call 24/7

Daydesk chief likes ‘sexy’ leadBy Rima Granali

Smoke wafts around his wrinkled face as he puffs a cigarette while going over manuscripts. From time to time, he goes to his desk to edit in his computer but before he could even warm his seat, he goes out to light another cigarette.

Chief of Daydesk Department Ruben Alabastro edits at the third floor lobby where he can hold a pen with one hand and a cigarette with the other. He buries himself in his work, carefully reading each article and marking every grammatical error. As soon as he submits the edited version, he calls reporters either to praise them for a job well done or scold them for handing a sloppy copy.

“Editors are not janitors,” Alabastro once said in a grumpy tone. “Reporters should always be accurate and responsible,” he says, because the Inquirer has an impact on Filipinos.

Seeing people reading PDI in public transportation such as on buses, the MRT and LRT, and knowing that the newspaper has an effect on them inspire Alabastro to work doubly hard and push reporters to do their best to serve the public.

The septuagenarian, who wears fisherman’s jacket as uniform, usually works from 11 a.m. to midnight. On special occasions, he comes earlier and stays longer.

When it comes to work, he is dead serious. But on slow workdays, Alabastro, who is fondly called Tataben, smiles and laughs as he tells stories about his loving wife, grandchildren and his good old days as a soccer player and wires reporter.

He considers sharing his experiences with reporters as the most fulfilling part of his job.

For reporters and aspiring ones, Alabastro is a mentor who not only gives guidance on news coverage but also tips on how to make the lead “sexy.” He once called a reporter just to tell her that her story’s lead would have been better if she used the word roam with an “o” sound instead of the word travel.

By pointing out mistakes and praising efforts, he aims to spark passion for journalism, and perhaps he’ll continue doing so until his last cigarette butt.

RUBEN ALABASTRO

(Part One)

Page 8: Inqsider July 2011

11

Not a passive observerBy Rima Granali

Having been with the Inquirer for more than 20 years now, senior reporter Christine Avendaño says she’s been a witness to the ups and downs of the country’s No. 1 newspaper as well as its evolution from just a print medium to a multimedia platform.

And she’s not a mere passive observer but an active participant because she gets to be involved, one way or another, to that transformation.

Christine at present covers the Malacañang beat and President Noynoy Aquino’s activities across the nation and abroad. With that, her schedule depends largely on the President’s schedule, she says.

She remembers that back then, her only concern was to submit her stories for the broadsheet. With the evolution of PDI and the expansion of the Inquirer Group, she now not only writes stories for print but also sends breaking news for Inquirer SMS alert and www.inquirer.net. And with Radyo Inquirer, she was once heard reporting live when she covered the President’s state visit in Japan.

Now that the Inquirer reaches not only doorsteps but also airwaves and cyberspace, Christine finds fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of a wider audience through her stories.

She joined PDI fresh from college and just when the newspaper was establishing itself as a broadsheet.

CHRISTINE AVENDAnO

‘Challenging but reassuring’By Amyleen M. Villena

Chief of Reporters Volt Contreras joined the Inquirer at a time when the company had firmly established itself as a leader in the media industry. The Sports desk then was looking for student volunteers from UP and UST to help in the coverage of the 1991 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, and he was among the six Thomasian journalism students who were selected. Shortly after graduation, he again signed up as a student volunteer for the paper’s coverage of the 1992 national elections.

In 1993, he was hired by PDI as a proofreader. From 1994 to 1995, he wrote for the Supplements section, and in 1996 joined the Editorial group as Reporter 1 covering the Metro beat. Gradually exposed to various assignments, he rose from the ranks until he was promoted to Reporter 4 in 2007. He earned his current position in 2008.

Volt finds the Day Desk job challenging but says it is also where “you learn something every day as you work closely with the editors.”

In August 2010, he was temporarily assigned to dzIQ Radyo Inquirer 990 khz to help set up its News desk, train reporters and writers, and facilitate the synergy between the young station and other Inquirer platforms. Aside from preparing materials for the daily newscasts, among his functions at Radyo Inquirer was translating the paper’s editorial to Filipino for AM listeners, translating the station’s Filipino reports for the English daily, and arranging morning interviews with Inquirer columnists, not only those in the Opinion section but also in Sports, Lifestyle, etc. From time to time, he still took assignments to do features for the paper while based at dzIQ.

Volt usually spends his leisure time going out on dates with his wife, surfing the Net, watching old movies on video, or playing pool. Lately, he has revived a high school hobby, painting.

VOLT CONTRERAS

Page 9: Inqsider July 2011

12

‘Being with the No. 1 paper keeps me loyal’Being with the No. 1

paper keeps me loyal’Being with the No. 1

By Amyleen M. Villena

Working as a journalist can be a tough job but gratifying at the same time. This is what Philip Tubeza has proven in his coverages as, he says, “even in a little way, I’m able to help.”

An instance was when he wrote an article about the relatives of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre who sought help from the government.

“On the day when my story came out, President Noynoy Aquino immediately coordinated with the victims. It’s rewarding when you see good results happening out of what you have written,” he shares.

Philip’s affiliation with the company began when he became a PDI scholar in UP Diliman. He was eventually hired as a reporter covering the Eastern Police District, DepEd, and the San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Rizal trial courts beat.

In 2004, Philip was promoted to Reporter 2 but left the company two years later to accept an editor/reporter job for a community newspaper in Hong Kong. But he missed home and its more challenging work environment which made him decide to return to his native land. In 2009, he got back his old job at PDI.

He shares that one of his most challenging assignments so far was the Payatas tragedy. The justice beat is also taxing, he says, as there are times he has to review a 100-page decision before he writes his report.

Philip always takes time to work out in the gym and is into playing billiards, traveling and photography. Being with the leading newspaper keeps Philip loyal to the company. “The Inquirer is a hard-hitting and independent media. It is a cut above the rest,” he says.

PHILIP TUBEZA

‘My job is an adventure’By Rima Granali

“Inquirer or nothing!” This was the mantra of Tarra Quismundo before joining the Inquirer. She recalls dancing and jumping for joy when she received news that she got the Inquirer scholarship.

Getting the scholarship and making it to PDI as a reporter “continues to be one of my life’s top moments,” she says. But even before that, she shares that she has been really aiming to work for the paper.

And she has reasons why.“It’s the newspaper I grew up with,” she says. Tarra recalls that as a grade-schooler,

she would read front-page articles on then President Fidel Ramos, profiles on Sunday Inquirer Magazine, among other human interest stories.

“I remember crying like crazy over a report on the World page about a mom in the US who strapped her two kids inside the car and drove it to the river,” she adds.

Such news made a strong impact on her she eventually took interest in writing, she says.

As a PDI reporter for eight years, Tarra has written feature stories that tugged at the hearts of many. For her, being a reporter is an adventure. “It’s an opportunity to meet new people, tackle a new topic and help readers understand an emerging issue every day.”Tarra left PDI in 2009 but she returned after a six-month “journey to the center of myself.”

“My time away from the Inquirer showed me that I cannot and should not stay away from it. Only here am I able to go back to what I really, really love. Only in PDI do I get opportunities I could only dream about.”

TARRA QUISMUNDO

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Keeping up with PDI’s standardsBy Annelle S. Tayao

Reporter Jocelyn Uy, who covers mainly the Church, health and tourism, started with the company as editorial administrative assistant for the Metro section. A fresh graduate then of St. Scholastica’s College, Jo (also known as MJ) had initially applied for the Advertising department’s advertising production assistant post. “But after taking several exams and undergoing individual and panel interviews, HR referred me to the Editorial department since they said I was more inclined to writing,” she says.

Her two years with the Metro section as an assistant served as good training ground for her duties as reporter. “The job exposed me to what editors would call the ‘Inquirer style’ of writing,” says Jo. “It’s not enough that you list down summaries and receive stories (of reporters).”

A memorable situation with editor in chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc made her realize she needed to always be aware of the news. “She asked me about an issue, and I couldn’t answer her,” Jo recalls. “She asked me, ‘Don’t you read the paper?’ From that day on, I made sure I read the paper every day.”

Jo does her best to keep up with the company’s high standards, making sure to produce well-written stories and continually learn from her editors and mentors. Her colleagues, plus the fulfillment in working for a paper “highly valued by the public” keep her wanting to strive for excellence in her work. She’s now almost in her eighth year with PDI.

JOCELYN UY

KRISTINE ALAVE

Loves to write about social issuesBy Amyleen M. Villena

“Keeping up with what’s happening in all the areas I cover can be physically tiring but I don’t mind because that gives me a chance to write about social issues,” shares Kristine Alave about the challenges she usually face as a reporter.

Kristine or Kaye to colleagues and friends, she began working at PDI in March 2007 as a business reporter covering the trade and investments beat. But she knew she wasn’t cut out for business since her interests was really on social issues and politics. She was eventually assigned in the Metro section as a police reporter.

Kaye shares that her job entails a lot of legwork, so many phone calls and chasing after people or events which can be a good source for her stories. She currently covers the environment, agriculture, agrarian reform and the Pagasa and Phivolcs beats.

Among the most significant events she has covered are the funeral of former President Corazon Aquino in 2009 and the May 2010 presidential elections which incidentally is the country’s first automated.

Kaye makes it a point to read the paper every day so that she’s always informed. Aside from reading, she says she most often spends her free time sleeping so she can recharge her tired body for the tasks ahead.

“I’m learning a lot here in PDI. I also get to meet people and experience new situations which I know I would not be able to if I’m on a different field,” she says.

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PDI bowlfest

panels for this year’s PDI Bowling Tournament.

The tournament rolled off with the usual jubilance from employees who donned navy-blue polo shirts last June 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Bowling Center where 2010 Most Valuable Players Gary Libby and Abel Ulanday manning the ceremonial throw.

PDI bowlfestPDI bowlfestPDI bowlfestPDI bowlfestPDI bowlfestPDI bowlfestcomes off wraps

Jo-Anne Padiernos from the Editorial Systems led the invocation while 2010 Women’s MVP Belinda Good sang the National Anthem.

Stiff opposition was seen in the first game where nine teams, which are now named after mountains, underwent roster facelift via random draws.

Team Katinglad pulled off a shocker as they bannered the monthly rankings with 2,800 in total pinfalls.

Heavily favored Team Mt. Isarog which is bannered by Libby had a so-so showing on opening day, downing only a total of 2,743 pins, landing only third, while Good’s Team Kanlaon landed 7th in the standings.

Team Mt. Mayon chipped in a total of 2,787 to be behind Katinglad while Teams Pulag, Makiling and Banahaw notched the 4th, 5th, and 6th places hoisting 2,699, 2,683,

2,681, respectively; while Halcon registered 2,538 in TPF’s and Apo with 2,414 as they take the bottom 8th and 9th.

For the women’s division, Ning Lalicon of the Team Mt. Makiling leads with a total of 273 pinfalls, averaging 136.50 while Frederick Naisad banners the men’s division with 350 in TPF, registering an average of 175.00.

The tournament is expected to stretch up and come up with results on the first week of August.

PDI bowlfestPDI bowlfest

By Denison Rey Dalupang

It’s that time of the year again when friends and officemates turn into bitter kegler rivals as

nine teams slug it out on wooden

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Photos by Genie Lagman

GARY Libby

NOLI Navarro and Rachel Cucio

Alden Cedo and Delson Tangcora ABEL Ulanday

JOEL Nigos and Beth Andres

PDI bowlers during the opening day GARY Libby and Lita Perez

EDWIN Bacasmas