In a class of their own

MANILA, Philippines — Any company is only as good as its people. The Philippine STAR is no exception. On this, The STAR’s 38th year, a big part of the celebration is geared toward the newspaper’s loyal employees. As they mark work milestones this year, we asked six members of the editorial staff what it is that keeps them working for the truth, and what they think makes good journalists great.

Here are a few of The Philippine STAR’s 2024 loyalty awardees.

Argie Candare Aguja, Desk editor, News; 10 years with The Philippine STAR

Working for The Philippine STAR has been an instrumental part of my career as a journalist. The corporate culture of The STAR and its uncompromising stance in the pursuit of truth is the culmination of what

I learned when I studied Journalism in college.

The accuracy in its presentation of facts, the fairness and balance in the Opinion pieces, its observance of ethical standards and practice of due diligence in pursuing a story, and above all, the value it places on providing context and analysis in the news stories both in print and online make me proud to be part of the organization.

Good and accurate journalism is needed more than ever. Not all “content” you see are facts, and speed of delivery does not always equate to accuracy.

Those who know the difference have a duty to the public - to present an accurate, well-balanced reporting of the news so that the readers/ audience understand the implications of these events in their daily lives.

Good journalism isn’t just about who reports it first, it’s about who delivers it best, without prejudice or bias - and always within the proper context.

Lawrence Agcaoili, Desk editor, Business; 15 years with The Philippine STAR

I vividly remember my college days when I would commute from UST in España, Manila to The Philippine STAR’s office in Port Area, Manila to have free lunch, courtesy of my parents, and save my allowance. My late parents,

Lawrence and FlorAgcaoili, “Mang Larry” and “AlingFlor” to fellow employees of The STAR, were able to send me and my siblings to college by working for the newspaper. My uncle, the late Frederick “Ricky” Agcaoili, also worked for The STAR as one of its founding editors and a managing editor.

To return the favor, I have served The STAR for 15 years, and I look forward to ending my journalism career here.

A good journalist is consistent with The Philippine STAR’s motto “Truth Shall Prevail.” I always rely on facts and evidence, rather than emotion, when writing a story. With thorough research and fact-checking, I always write news in a balanced and objective manner.

A good journalist is one that is able to tell a story accurately, truthfully, and fairly.

Mayen Alquitran, News reporter; 25 years with The Philippine STAR

I’ve been working with The Philippine STAR since I graduated from college in 1988. That’s more than half of my life. I learned and gained wonderful experiences through the years. I value the friendship with my co-workers and the fact that I have seen how The Philippine STAR grew to become the No. 1 newspaper; and I witnessed that growth.

Good journalism is reporting the news truthfully and without any bias.

Walter Bollozos, Senior photojournalist; 20 years with The Philippine STAR

When I first started shooting on the field in July 1991 as a photo correspondent, everybody I met asked me what my affiliation was. I said I shoot for The Philippine STAR. They would always say, “Wow, we buy The Philippine STAR every morning.” That makes me proud because I’m working with the best and I’m one of the best.

Its slogan, “Truth Shall Prevail,” inspires me. I value working with a newspaper that always stays with the truth. I also treasure having worked with columnists of high reputation, including Max Soliven, Art Borjal, Betty Go-Belmonte, our founder, Ricky Lo, Millet Mananquil, Louie Beltran, Teddy Benigno, and many others.

The Philippine STAR fearlessly stands for only the truth, and nothing but the truth. In this newspaper, there is the desire to inform and provide people with good stories without jeopardizing the ethics of journalism, whether you’re a news writer, a features writer, or a photojournalist.

Romel Lara, Managing editor; 25 years with The Philippine STAR

For most of us who have worked in several publications and media outlets, being hired by a stable company like The Philippine STAR will undoubtedly be the highlight of our career in journalism. The paper has survived and thrived in the face of change and many challenges, including the emergence of alternative news sources, rising production costs and even a pandemic.

I also value the opportunities for growth and development. Starting as a deskman 25 years ago, I have since been entrusted with higher responsibilities. The company recognizes sacrifices made, always rewarding dedication and hard work. For that I am truly grateful.

A good journalist should be determined to pursue and craft quality stories without going beyond the boundaries of ethical news gathering and reporting. Good stories are those that consistently provide relevant information and influence public perception. Striving to earn your readers’ trust as a reliable source of fair and accurate reporting is journalism done right.

Richmond Mercurio, Business reporter; 10 years with The Philippine STAR

Working in The Philippine STAR has given me a platform to share my stories to a wide audience. It has also allowed me to meet and talk to personalities and decision makers in the government and the business community who help shape the country’s economy. Lastly, I also value the opportunity to learn from our editors and senior reporters, whom I consider as among the industry’s best.

Aside from key principles like objectivity, accuracy and adhering to ethical standards, good journalism for me is also about being passionate and enjoying your work. By doing so, it will reflect in the quality of your work.