Happy birthday The Freeman

MANILA, Philippines - For the second time this month I will be attending a 93rd birthday celebration. A couple of Saturdays ago, I was at the residence of my wife’s aunt, Mama Tolyang Reyes-Bacus to celebrate her birthday.

Today, it will be the 93rd birthday of The FREEMAN, which has served as my second home and family for the past 23 years.

I haven’t been much of a child for the newspaper although, I believe, I have tried my best to contribute to its growth. 

I would admit that many times I have thought of leaving. In fact, I have some boxes at home filled with mementos that once filled up the different desks that I have used from the various positions that I have held starting as intern to sports correspondent, assistant sports editor, sports editor, advertising and marketing manager, and eventually managing editor.

Like any parent, The FREEMAN and its management have been patient, forgiving, and generous.

Happy 93rd birthday to The FREEMAN! Thank you for the opportunity given to me to grow and become what I am now.

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In my early days at The FREEMAN, we worked in a small office on the ground floor of our old building.

Then, only typewriters were used and when I would be asked to cover the PBA games, I had to strain my ears to listen to the radio broadcast while taking down notes.

The office wasn’t friendly to us non-smokers, but after several debates we eventually prevailed and smoking was only allowed outside.

So much has changed as the years passed. 

In the past, we did not have too many gadgets to use to make our lives as reporters and editors easier, but now we can even work in remote areas as long as there is a cellular phone signal.

The 23 years that I have spent at The FREEMAN were also the most colorful in my life. I got invited to the national judo training pool, got married, had kids, learned new sports, met my sporting idols, traveled around and out of the country, became involved in many sporting organizations, reconnected with classmates, and many more.

I guess that answers the question why I am still here. I am doing something that I enjoy.

Thanks to our Chairman Jose ‘Dodong’ Gullas and our President Miguel Belmonte for helping make that happen. Of course thanks also to the readers, who have made my stay here even more meaningful.

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MILESTONES: Belated happy birthday greetings to Cavalier Nestor Nomtol (July 15) and also to Monday’s celebrants like Mae Duero-Mahinay, Dr. Mila Espina, Cecille Quibod-Castro, and Darah Marie Galicia.

The same goes to those who celebrated yesterday like my uncle Al Mahatani Lebumfacil, Dr. Dinah Saavedra-Pailla, Mae de Pio-Salvador, Charina Cavada-Arreza, Connie Fernandez, and Glenn Yusingco.

Today’s greetings go to Genevieve Capacio-Velasquez.

Congratulations also to some officers, who earned another star and those who earned their first – Maj General Raul Dimatatac, B Gen. Gerardo Jamorabo and B Gen. Romeo Gapuz.

More power to all of you! (FREEMAN)