BP: High at 5

Written by BPNews Team | 28 October 2011

Whew! What a challenging, exciting experiences we had these past five years. Now, we can shout to the whole world once again.

We made it again. Yes! dear readers, amid threats, sleepless nights, deadline pressures and the suit-laced baptism of fire, we survived the grueling demand and hazard of the trade.

It would then be safe to say that the management and staff of this community newspaper are in a state of euphoria . (Pardon the exaggeration, but in our modest media world, we seriously mean it.)

Already a tradition, a motorcade will be held on October 24, 9:00 a.m. at downtown Virac with some friends in the transport sector joining in our festivities.

And so, as we celebrate our 5th year of existence this month of October, allow us to present to you some significant facts as to how we made it.

For one, the decision of Bossing Ferdz and Madam Jing Gonzales to 'tie the knot' two years ago solidified their commitment to the perpetuation of this precious legacy—The Bicol Peryodiko.

That union, made the financial stability of the publication certain at least for the next five years. And the years to come, of course!

Our mainstay writers---Fr. Orly R. Mendoza, E-Boy V. Vidal , Dr. Alvin R. Ravalo, Buddy V. Isorena, FB, Mr. Tagulipdan and Mr. Rapido Commentario, Mr. HDL ---churned out articles of local and national import with gusto. Having survived the challenges of the five crucial years, the more we are committed to go onwith our crusading efforts for the common good.

Like good loyal soldiers, they kept faith and practiced the avowed principles espoused by our Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Ferdinand M. Brizo (Bossing Ferdz to us.)

Our success would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our contributors and field reporters ---Adem Rubio, Marlon Suplig, S. Pantaleon, Jolly Atole, Joey Brizo and Sammy Panti. We doff our hats to these highly dedicated gentlemen.

Be that as it may, allow us to state what our community newspaper fights and stand for: "We are pro-development, pro-environment, pro-people, and most of all, pro-God. Come what may, we will never renege on these principles.

On our fourth and fifth years of existence, high-caliber writers joined our forces with great enthusiasm---Juan Mercado (Vox Populi), Rey O. Arcilla (Metro Philippines), Jess G. Dureza (Advocacy) and Johnny Nunez (Perspectives). Credit goes to the convincing power of our amiable, approachable publisher.

Juan Mercado is a well-known columnist in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and a very active member/officer of the National Press Club. Rey O. Arcilla is a former ambassador , no wonder his favorite subject is the diplomatic world.

Jess G. Dureza, our latest cream of the crop addition, is a former Press Secretary and negotiator of the highly elusive and sensitive peace process.

Johnny Nunez, a fellow Catandunganon, but is now residing in Pangasinan if we are not mistaken, is on the comeback trail. He used to write with us. His latest column is on 'mining' which he discussed with aplomb.

Of course, we recognize the crucial role of our legal consultants ---Atty. Ramil B. Tamayo and Atty. Posoy Sarmiento. Their services especially that of Atty. Posoy were employed with the initial brush of Bossing Ferdz with the law when he was slapped a libel suit by offended parties.

Although already acquitted, that incident probably convinced him to continue his law course in the mainland Bicol. That decision, though, somehow affected our bonding and journalistic working hours.

He consequently requested for a detail at PhilHealth Region 5 for convenience/practical reasons. That detail totally changed our working arrangement and bonding time. Nevertheless, we have already adjusted our attitude and work to said situation.

Our spiritual advisers---Rev. Fr. Orlando Jr. and Rev. Fr. Butch Buena—is always there. Although assigned in a major seminary in the mainland Bicol, Fr. Mendoza never failed to submit his columns in all these years. A record hard to break in our publication.

We also recognize the contribution of Mar SL. Navarro (Web Designer) ;Paulo Miguel (Lay-out artist); Vilma B. Brizo (Account Executive) and Jesus M. Brizo (Circulation manager).

The last but not the least we owe our rightful and successful existence to the legions of men and women who served in one way or another as advertisers, subscribers/readers. Sainyong lahat maraming , maraming, salamat po.

Ipagpapatuloy natin ang maganda nating samahan at simulain. Happy 5th Anniversary Celebration KA-PERYODIKO.

Mabuhay ang Bicol Peryodiko! Mabuhay ang Catandunganon! Mabuhay ang Islang Kayganda.