Many years ago, I wasn’t an editor of the showbiz section of The Standard, I had a vision to organize writers not affiliated with existing entertainment writers’ organization, not to compete, but to build collegial bond among each other. It nearly happened but was swiftly abandoned, the reason for which was nothing extraordinary. Everyone, I talked to about the planned group just didn’t have time for the nittygritty of organizing a group.
Five years passed, the idea had been totally abandoned. For me it was just a shot in the dark, an idea that would remain in the back of my head. I have also been appointed editor of the entertainment section of this paper, and the thought of an editors’ group might even be impossible.
And then this new breed of female editors from other newspapers – Tessa Mauricio-Arreola (The Manila Times), Gie Trillana (Business Insight Malaya), Ian Fariñas (People’s Tonight) toyed around with the idea of gathering the editors into a social group. It was during a press conference at the Kapamilya network and there, as the girls were wrestling with the idea, were Eugene Asis (People’s) and Nestor Cuartero (Tempo) who told them about the first group that I wanted to form. The girls agreed to revive it, this time with just the editors of dailies (broadsheets and tabloids). Then came Dondon Sermino (Abante), Dindo Balares (Balita), Dinah Ventura (The Tribune), Salve Asis (Pilipino Star and PM), and Janice Navida (Bulgar), and Ervin Santiago (Bandera) who all agreed to be part of the new group. Those who came in later were Maricris Nicaso (Hataw) and Rohn Romulo (People’s Balita) who said they could leave the group they were associated with and join the new group.
Eugene Asis suggested the name Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors or SPEED for short that everyone gave two thumbs up.
That was the new beginning of the editors’ group. In that meeting within a press conference, everyone who was there elected or rather appointed the officers of the new group. Eugene Asis was assigned to be vice president, Fariñas as secretary with Trillana as assistant; Salve Asis was the treasurer with Nicasio assisting her. Balares became the auditor. We also invited Jojo Panaligan (Manila Bulletin), Jerry Olea (Abante Tonight) and Gerard Ramos (Business Mirror) to the group. Theywere then busy when the group was formed.
Meanwhile, the members said I should be president of the group, which I refused initially as I am also the most senior in the group. I would have loved to see anyone in the younger batch steer the group to something that should become an organization the industry respects and considers its partner in its continuing evolution.
But, everyone was adamant I should be in that position. So, since the clamor was unanimous, and no one else wanted to wear the hat, so to speak, I accepted it if only to get things going.
I am happy that these new breed of editors showed dedication and a strong commitment to make the group become firm in its desire to stamp a mark in the entertainment industry. They met and agreed that as part of the group’s low key coming out, we should have a small Christmas party.
And ¡le voila! as the French would say, it happened on Dec. 17 at B Hotel on Scout Rallos in Quezon City.
A million thanks to Mr. Ryan Chan COO of B Hotel who was our godfather allowing SPEED use of its ballroom and letting the members and their guests partake of the hotel’s delicious holiday food. We’d like to extend our gratitude, too, to B Hotel Manager Carlo Librea for the very warm reception he and his staff extended to the members and their guests. Also big hugs go to Suzette Morelos for facilitating things between SPEED and B Hotel. Also big thanks to our assistants – Nickie Wang (The Standard), Euden Valdez (The Manila Times) and Kat Llemit (The Tribune) – for helping the group as part of the reception committee.
Ethel Ramos, considered in the entertainment writing circle as la doyenne of showbiz writing came to support the group the members of which, at least most of them, started writing as her “discoveries.”
Mons Romulo, an aspiring congressman in next year’s elections, also dropped by to bond with the group. Edd Fuentes and NJ Torres also braved the traffic that night to be with the group.
Pinky Fernando of D’ Fernando’s Bake Shop brought her signature letter cakes and cupcakes for the guests. So did writer-turned-baker Benj Agustin of Manila Bulletin.
The members in their holiday best entertained the guests and with other performers courtesy of friends like Chris Cahilig, Arnold Reyes, Jobert Sucaldito, Jojo Gabinete, Chuck Gomez, and Ernie Duque.
Musical numbers entertained the guests and among those who took the small stage in the ballroom were the groups 1:4:3 and JBK, singers Edward Benosa, Michael Pangilinan and the magician Migz Ala Kim. Humorist Michael Angelo greeted everyone and so did actor Rafael Rosell, currently starring in GMA 7’s Because of You.
Jonalyn Viray and Dessa also performed for the members and guests.
Among the guests were the head of the two networks’ Corporate Communications/ Affairs – Kane Choa of ABS-CBN and Angel Javier Cruz of GMA Network. Media XChange’s Peachy V. Guioguio who handles TV5’s public relations also came with her new associate Jhops Cruz.
The party lasted till about midnight. It was the first event of SPEED, but based on how it was, there would be more.
The group would like to thank the individuals and companies that supported the group’s first ever event. If I’d list them down individually, the entire newspaper would be compelled to have additional pages. So, you know who you are and there’ll be another occasion to thank you.
A million thanks to everyone and cheers to a Happy and Prosperous New Year!