TORONTO – I was encouraged to write a short inspirational article by an associate. I figured what better time than now to write about my own experiences. This way, I can inspire, perhaps, some of our associates in the media. 

My passion as a journalist reporter goes far back to my grade school days, reporting current events, in front of the classroom. I’ve always enjoyed self-expression and fighting for what is right and fair. And, I’ve always been aware that a news reporter is not a lucrative job but this did not deter me from pursuing the truth. In some parts of the world, a reporter can get abducted, tortured or even killed. My old country, the Philippines, during martial law has became unsafe for a news reporter.

My passion took me to unimaginable places, some even risky, but it also opened doors I never expected would open for me. When asked by associates what was the highlight, so far, of my journey as a journalist reporter, I proudly state being in the White House Oval office and in the Philippine mountains during martial law, I was embedded with the rebels or government soldiers during their operations. I get complimented for these. There are lots of veteran reporter who had not experience this.

Being a journalist reporter enhanced my role in the ethnic community. I am a community leader, a businessman, and heavily involved with the three levels of government on politics. Each rôle complements each other, especially in meeting different kinds of people. I remember once being asked at the door of an event where I was invited if I was there as a reporter or a community leader. I respectfully responded that I could be there in whatever capacity they would want me to be.

I don’t see myself as a top notch reporter with similar caliber as the mainstream media but I had the luck of the Irish, so to speak, when I had a chance meeting with the heads of state of the US, Canada and of other countries. A fringe benefit of being with the media is getting into events free and sometimes getting the same rights as other paying guest. Once, while I was in New York City, I watched the Miss Universe pageant. Tickets were sold out. I tried my luck to enter the event using my media pass. Lo and behold, I was able to enter free. I saw and reported on the pageant and enjoyed watching Miss Canada and Miss Philippines. The icing on the cake was the host – my favourite Bob Barker. Later, I rewarded myself with a plate of T- bone steak with all the trimmings.

This is not the only thing I want to  share with our readers and friends. As a reporter, you gain respect and trust. I remember once, a respectable doctor in the community asked me if I could test drive his leased Mercedes Benz. And while doing so he asked me an added favour ie if I could fetch Lea Salonga, a Tony award winner of the original Miss Saigon. To me, this was a moment of great pride being entrusted not only with the car but the responsibility of looking after a distinguished guest.

Having connections in politics, I had the  privilege of being friends with top officials, obtaining free tickets to lunch or dinner worth $750-$1500. It is not the amount of money that counts most; rather, it was that some of the events were state dinners of visiting state heads . And sitting and rubbing elbows with high dignitaries was a once in a lifetime experience for me. It opened doors. I got appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chrétien to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada as board member, listening to refugee claims and determining whether or not said claims were credible. Being there and having done that, I gained multiple awards.

This has been my journey, so far. And I look forward to more events in my life, events that would inspire me and my associates to seek the truth and report it.