Luminaries in politics, business and media graced the launching of “The Road Never Ends,” the autobiography of lawyer, journalist and longtime Manila Standard columnist Emil Jurado, held Thursday, January 30, at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City.
The VIPs were led by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Vice President Jejomar Binay.
Jurado, 92, is also chairman emeritus of the Manila Standard editorial board. He has been a practicing journalist for almost 70 years.
House Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of the first district of Leyte, said their family, especially his late father, had a close relationship with Jurado—whom he fondly calls “Manong Emil”—“since their 365 Club days.”
Jurado has acknowledged Romualdez for his help in publishing the book.
“We feel he deserves all the support in the undertaking of his autobiography,” the lawmaker said.
Other personalities in attendance were Senators Nancy Binay and Francis Tolentino, Dennis Valdes, George Yang, Tessie Sy-Coson, Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas, Rachel Arenas, Eric Canoy, Edgard Cabangon Chua, Felipe Gozon, F. Sionil Jose, Fr. Rocky Evangelista, Reli German, Tony Lopez, General Joe Almonte, former Rep. Rene Diaz, and former Sandiganbayan Justice Roland Jurado.
“(This book) has been long overdue,” said PR guru German, adding that it is “a chronicle of history from the eyes of a veteran journalist.” German was Jurado’s student when the former was still in high school at Ateneo de Manila University.
Lawyer and corporate executive Mike Toledo hosted the event.
In a heartfelt speech, Jurado thanked friends, family, and all who attended the launch. “I’m very happy a lot of them came, and I thank all of them, I am honored by their presence,” said Jurado.
“I did not expect too many people, and this makes this moment special to me.”
According to Jurado, journalism is a calling rather than a profession, a path where one cannot aspire to be a multi-billionaire. The satisfaction at knowing that one makes a difference, however, is priceless and cannot be found in other careers.
“We take comfort in the fact that we are not after money. We want to advocate change,” he said.
