What was your first job as a journalist?
Photo Correspondent for Newsbreak Magazine. I often found myself accompanying my editors with their interviews and learned from them.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! Taught me to write my stories first before I typed them on paper.
How is social media changing news?
Helps spread the news (and sometimes stories without any facts). One has to be unique with the things that you share on your accounts.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
| It's a play on words whenever somebody is on a comeback trail
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
via Email. I'm occupied with school and work during the day.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
The basic - Voice recorder, iPad Pro and DSLR; Word and Lightroom.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram. Perfect for me as my early career start was as a photographer and eventually did my writing work. I melded those together.
Why did you become a journalist?
Tell the stories of people and places that eventually become markers of histories.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did. I was a features writer; eventually became EIC in my senior year. Used that as a jumping point for my college degree and my career.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I'm covering the first homegrown Filipino basketball player who's striving to get to the NBA. Everybody is hoping he succeeds.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
It's a long process to get to the top of the game. Be open to learning new things and never be afraid to get back to the your experiences.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Evening via email. My creative juices work best at night. Plus, I've taught all day about what needs to be executed story-wise.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Somebody allowed me to spend the whole day with the person/celebrity just to get an in-depth story.
What's your favorite drink?
Sweet tea.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New Yorker magazine. Great in-depth stories and fascinating features.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
It's a glamorous job. Just because we are near celebrities or famous people, doesn't mean it's easy. You still have to get their stories.
