Better late than never

As 2025 came to a close, I reflected on my writing style, topic selection and possible improvements for “Ctalk.”

I compare Ctalk with other media-related work in the past, starting with my first column for the election tabloid called “Isyu,” followed by my first radio stint on dwWW-774 (AM). That was followed by a program on the Lopez-owned dzMM (AM radio) that led to a subsequent TV show called “ISYU” where I partnered with Korina Sanchez.

Other TV shows followed, such as “Kamusta Kabayan” on TFC with Cheryl Cosim, “Insider” with Karen Davila and “Straight Talk” on ANC. Last of the TV shows was “Agenda” on Cignal TV.

Among all of it, “Straight Talk” was my favorite and most proud of because it was a show “they” said would not survive the lunch time slot. They laughed even louder when I said I wanted to do what Larry King was doing back then.

We clearly had God in our corner! Five years and one award for Best Talk Show from the Catholic Mass Media Awards, those same people went silent. Until I walked away.

As I recall “Straight Talk,” I wondered if writing positive things about people, places and “good” events would be interesting to readers. Would it be sustainable and how regularly can I do it?

In these days when motive, suspicion and alliances have become the filters rather than truth, inspiration and role models, venturing on that path can be tricky if not risky.

I honestly believe that there is more than the necessary number of good and great people among Filipinos, but it is much harder to write about people in a column than to stick a microphone in front of them and ask a ton of questions.

Like I said, the “Straight Talk” model was all about the guest, unlike today’s digital equivalent that is driven by likes, follow, subscribe and comments. In “Straight Talk,” viewers eventually learned to sit back and enjoy the episode and not critique the characters or content.

The challenge in doing a print version of “Straight Talk” is finding willing interviewees who can get away from their work or sit down for a chat instead of a “publicity” driven interview, do it and then transcribe it to a column.

For those who don’t know, our daily show required a lean and mean and dedicated team of five to six pax on the floor. For a column, it’s one man who writes and about two to four editors to check spelling, grammar, accuracy, libel-free, etc.

At this point of my musings, I succeeded in achieving paralysis of concept. As a result,15 days later, I’m still struggling. I am not totally sure if my quest will take off, but I would rather ride the horse and get somewhere instead of sitting in a rocking chair that goes nowhere.

So, we shall see what we shall see.

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Those who know me, know that I subscribe to the value and principles of loyalty. I am “all in” and unashamed and quite public of who my friends are. They are not mere acquaintances, they are tried, tested and nurtured friends. Few but true.

Aside from loyalty, I often write or comment on things I know of personally, have experienced or is part of general knowledge that requires no degrees, certificates or expertise.

As far as loyal and true friend goes, I almost always automatically think of “RSA” also known as Ramon S. Ang – chairman and president of San Miguel Corporation. I have known the man for 33 years and counting and I have seen enough of him to know that in life, you would not want anyone else to watch your back.

I chose to write about RSA today for several reasons: first and foremost, I want to make sure that I acknowledge people for the good work they do in life and not after life. Our praises and gratitude have no meaning to someone no longer with us.

I write about RSA not to flatter him or to brag that “I know him” but exemplify that we should show appreciation and publicly express gratitude for the good that people, big or small, do for all of us.

I have not had the chance to research or compile enough material for a column but from where I am sitting, a simple but sincere “Thank you, RSA” would probably make him smile more than a material gift. That is something we should do more in the Philippines.

If people were to ask: what is something people should know about RSA? I would probably say how forgiving he can be in spite of having the ability to get even. If he was a vinyl record, he would be “long-playing” or playing the long game.

In business, two phrases keep replaying from the past lessons he taught us: due diligence and “for the boys.” He always believed in knowing all the facts and all the details and he always believed in sharing profits.

From a biblical or spiritual perspective, two things come to mind about RSA’s character. First, “those who refresh others are themselves refreshed by the Lord.” Second, he, like Joseph, went through so many trials so that he also can be used by the Lord to bless the nation.

Happy birthday, RSA! Maraming salamat sa mga ginawa mo para sa bayan!

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