I still remember the first time I saw my byline in the Manila Bulletin. It was the moment “Night Owl” was born, the column that became my voice, my chronicle, my ever-evolving perspective on the world. I was young, brimming with ideas, eager to share the stories that mattered to me. My first column was about love and patience — the story of my parents, their decades-long journey to marriage, and the lessons they unknowingly passed on to me. Looking back, I realize how much my writing has transformed over the years. As I matured and traversed life, so did my columns.
Being part of the Manila Bulletin — one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in the Philippines — is an immense privilege. To contribute to its 125-year legacy is not just an honor but also a responsibility. This newspaper has been a witness to history, a purveyor of truth, and a beacon for generations of Filipinos. To have my thoughts, my insights, and my reflections published in its pages is something I will always cherish.
Over time, my column evolved as I did. From writing as a student, with youthful idealism and unfiltered ambition, to writing as a daughter, shaped by the wisdom and sacrifices of my parents. Then came the years of service, where I wrote as a government official, navigating policies, infrastructure, and governance, seeking ways to make an impact. Now, I write as a startup founder, an AI expert, a believer in the power of technology to shape the future. My words have changed, my perspectives have deepened, but my commitment to storytelling remains.
It is fascinating to look back at my earliest works, especially that first column about my father. He taught me that waiting for 21 years was worth it. That love is not about fleeting passion but about unwavering commitment. That choosing someone every day, despite the hardships, is the essence of true love. That life does not always unfold in grand gestures but in the small, quiet moments that define who we are.
Through the years, I have come to appreciate that writing is much like love — it is a commitment. It is choosing to show up, to put pen to paper, to weave narratives that resonate with readers. The Manila Bulletin has given me the platform to do this, to share my voice with thousands, perhaps millions, of people who have followed my journey.
This newspaper has stood the test of time, adapting to the changing landscape of journalism while remaining steadfast in its mission. As a columnist, I have seen how stories shape perspectives, influence decisions, and provide clarity in times of uncertainty. Manila Bulletin has been more than a publication — it has been a cornerstone of Philippine media, a trusted source of information and insight.
As I celebrate this milestone with the Manila Bulletin, I reflect on how much my own journey has intertwined with its pages. I am grateful for the editors who have guided me, the readers who have engaged with my words, and the moments when writing has allowed me to make sense of the world around me. I am humbled to be part of this institution’s history, to contribute even a small piece to its enduring legacy.
The future is exciting. Journalism is evolving, just as technology is. AI, digital transformation, and new media platforms are reshaping the way we tell stories. Yet, at its core, the essence of writing remains unchanged — it is about truth, impact, and the human experience. I hope to continue writing, evolving, and sharing stories that matter, just as the Manila Bulletin has done for 125 years.
To be part of this history is a privilege. To have my words imprinted in its pages is an honor I will always carry with me. And as I continue my journey — whether as a startup founder, an AI advocate, or whatever life leads me to next — I will always be, at heart, a writer.
Happy 125th anniversary, Manila Bulletin. Thank you for giving me a home for my words, my stories, and my voice.