AS Manila Standard celebrates its 35th year in the media industry, the publication also recognizes the loyalty and hard work of its employees behind its success over the years.
2022 Loyalty Awardees:
25 YEARS
Fernando Bautista, Editorial Assistant
‘Boy’ to his colleagues, Fernando Bautista started working for Manila Standard on September 2, 1996.
Manila Standard became an inspiration to Boy. It taught him to be enthusiastic and dedicated in terms of delivering news to the readers.
Boy still vividly remembers how overwhelmed his feelings were when he was called by the managing editor during the car crash of Princess Diana in August 1997. At that time, he was given the task to monitor the Associated Press wire service and asked to get the story from the wire service for use as the newspaper’s banner story.
Another instance when he felt the same way was during the infamous 911 attack that happened in September 2001 in New York as he was one of those asked to redo the newspaper’s first page and add more pages for photos.
After 25 years in the company, he chose to stay with the Manila Standard and its people he considers not just as his co-workers, but as family.
“I have always enjoyed working with the editorial section. I appreciate the friendship we have developed over the years and working with them has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life,” said Boy.
More than an editorial assistant, Boy also became one of the prides of the newspaper as he recently won the top prize in two car shows. Moreover, as he hones his photography skills during the pandemic, he also now contributes his photos to the editorial section.
As Manila Standard enters its 36th year, Boy is looking forward to what’s in store for the company.
“I would also like to extend my warmest greetings on the occasion of our 35th Anniversary. I also want to thank the publisher Mr. Rolando Estabillo and all editors and colleagues, who inspire me to give my best. Lastly, thank you Manila Standard for everything you have done for me all these years,” ended Boy.
Joel Zurbano, News Reporter
When asked what was his most memorable experience with the Manila Standard as an employee, Joel joked: “When I received my first salary.”
But turning serious, Joel said he is proud of his 25-year relationship with the Manila Standard as he had already covered countless events not only in the country, but also abroad. One of these is the Senate Impeachment Trial of the late Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Hired on July 8, 2007, Joel also had the chance to cover the 2010 and 2016 presidential elections during the time of former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, respectively. He also had the opportunity to witness the EDSA People Power 2 and the Makati Oakwood Hotel Mutiny.
Attending and representing the Philippines at the National Day of Taiwan in October 2019 is one of the coverages that he’s proud of.
“I was overjoyed during my coverage there. The people, the hospitality, the food. It was an honor to have a meeting with and shake hands with President Tsai Ing-wen. The conversations there with fellow journalists from different countries were also great,” said Joel.
He is also thankful for the management and the editorial board of the Manila Standard because he learned how to deal with deadlines and the pressures of deadline writing. Joel was also taught how to think out of the box and write news objectively.
“Working as a journalist is not an easy task. Some say journalists are overworked and underpaid, the job [is] sometimes dangerous, unpredictable, and almost always challenging,” he said.
Now that he’s celebrating his 25th year with the Manila Standard, he shared that what makes him stay aside from his love for his job is that he has committed himself working with the broadsheet. Someday, he will proudly tell his grandchildren “that I worked for Manila Standard, one of the best newspapers in the country.”
For the next several years, Joel hopes for Manila Standard to become the country’s top newspaper.
Jesus Belardo, Production Helper
Jess, as called by his peers, started working for the Manila Standard on May 7, 1997, as a KPPI Machine Helper.
When asked what was his most memorable experience with the company, one particular moment stands out.
“It was five years ago. I celebrated my 20th year with Manila Standard. Aside from that, the cash gift had helped me and my family financially, but it is proof and the fruit of my hard work and dedication for the past 20 years,” he replied.
For Jess, working at Manila Standard had helped him become a great provider to his children.
He also shared that Manila Standard knows how to manage and look after the welfare of its employees, which made him continue working for the company.
“As an employee of Manila Standard, I want to extend my appreciation and gratitude to the Manila Standard. It helps me provide all the essential needs for my family, especially in these trying times. I am hoping that Manila Standard continues to serve and deliver news to its readers,” said Jess.
20 YEARS
Javier Ruetas Jr., Junior Provincial Coordinator
Hired on July 16, 2002, Javier Ruetas started as a Junior Provincial Coordinator for the Circulation Department.
15 YEARS
Linda Apalisok, Layout Artist
Hired on September 11, 2006, Linda Apalisok has been in the editorial department ever since. But for her, the moment that she won’t forget was when she was assigned to do the cover page for the first time, considering it as some sort of a milestone in her career. She believes that creating layouts from different sections honed her skills as she started to believe in her capabilities.
In her 15 years, she gained a family in her colleagues. “Not only that I do love my work, I also love the company. I enjoy working with all of them,” she shared.
A bright and promising future is all she could wish for the Manila Standard.
“Cheers to future achievements and past glories. Happy 35th anniversary to our beloved Manila Standard. And more years to come! God Bless!” said Linda.
Rodolfo Buban, Material Management Clerk
Rodolfo Buban or Bodjie as what his friends call him, began working for Manila Standard on January 22, 2007. He started as the Material Management Clerk at KPPI.
Dealers
Jorge Diumampo feels nothing but gratitude for the Manila Standard for recognizing his efforts when it comes to the distribution of the newspaper.
“Thank you is the perfect word to say for this occasion for recognizing me as a loyalty awardee for my service to the Manila Standard Publication as a distributor of the newspaper for the past 25 years or more,” he said.
Jorge would also like to share this recognition with the management and its employees for their consistency in delivering the news daily, through thick and thin.
“Kudos to all of you. Rest assured [that] I will continue to sell your newspaper for as long as you continue to come out with it. Congratulations!” said Jorge.
Manila Standard also wants to extend its gratitude and appreciation to the following distributors who are true to their work and for staying loyal to the newspaper.
• Wilson Pascual
• Danilo Jose
• Dolores Trinidad
• Danilo Mecina
• Honesto Villanueva
• Delfin Santos