Crystal E Hermenegildus on Muck Rack

Crystal E Hermenegildus

(She/Her)
Sabah
Covers:  I'm a journalist based in Sabah, Malaysia, covering general topics in national news. From politics to culture and social issues, my work aims to bring clarity and insight to readers across the country
Doesn't Cover: nothing for now

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

writing an article about Sabahan working in korea

Have you ever used a typewriter?

no but I love too

How is social media changing news?

everything is fast but not always the truth

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

I dont have fictional journalist

What does it mean to be a journalist?

Being a journalist means being part of something bigger, constantly working to bring truth, clarity, and insight to others—an incredibly rewarding path for someone passionate about impact and communication.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

maybe SNL

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

I prefer to be pitched on stories through a concise email that clearly outlines the main angle, relevance, and any key details.

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

Google Translate, Chatgpt and Turboscribe

What's your favorite social network?

My favorite social network is probably X (formerly Twitter). It's where news breaks in real time, and as a journalist, that immediacy is invaluable. It allows me to stay updated, engage with other journalists and readers, and spot emerging trends and stories.

Who do you wish followed you?

Taylor Swift

Why did you become a journalist?

it is because I have a genuine drive to tell stories that matter, inform the public, and shed light on issues impacting your community.

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

no, but I joined the media club. We were in charge of taking pictures for the whole school and covering school events.

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

my upcoming article..keep on reading

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

Master the Basics: Strong writing, research, and interviewing skills are your foundation. Focus on accuracy and clarity in everything you report.Stay Curious: Always be open to learning and asking questions. Curiosity leads you to stories others may overlook.Develop a Specialty: While general knowledge is valuable, having expertise in a specific area (like politics, health, or culture) can make you a go-to resource.Adapt to Change: Journalism is evolving rapidly with technology. Stay current with digital tools, social media trends, and new storytelling formats.Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism helps you improve. Editors, peers, and even your audience offer insights to refine your work.Build a Network: Connections in journalism and your area of focus can open doors to sources, advice, and career opportunities.

When's the best time to pitch you?

anytime

What's the best pitch you ever got?

the one...

What's the worst pitch you ever got?

I dont know

What's your favorite drink?

coffee

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

writing a poetry book and traveling around the place or being with my family

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

my co workers publication

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

One of the most common misperceptions about covering general news is that it’s easy or surface-level work because it doesn't specialize in one area. In reality, general reporting demands a broad understanding of multiple fields—politics, economics, social issues, culture, and more. It requires quick adaptability and the ability to grasp complex topics on tight deadlines.

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