Thank you, Cebu

MACASERO

For the past three months, I’ve been tasked to come up with a column that explores media and social media issues from the Cebuano perspective.

And with this column, I end my short stint as a columnist for this beloved community newspaper.

It might be sad news for some of you, but happy for others.

No doubt, social media has redefined our community and society in more ways than anyone could have ever imagined.

By now, it is undeniable that social media was a game changer in the last election and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in Philippine politics.

For better or worse, technology, the internet and social media, will continue to play a role in the lives of Filipinos everywhere.

In my own way, I hope I’ve been able to help readers understand the power of social media to inform and empower but also its power to mislead and silence.

While I don’t know the reach of this column, it’s certainly been a worthwhile endeavor.

I hope that I’ve been able to demystify the inner workings of a newsroom, that while imperfect, it’s not a place where evildoers connive to take down the government.

I hope I’ve been able to share valuable insights to students aspiring to become journalists — that while days for journalism will not get any easier, it is a profession that is crucial for the preservation of democracy and freedom.

I hope my critiques of leadership were taken as constructive and productive.

I subscribe to the belief, though, that constructive criticism is a two-way street, and I read the comments precisely to find the negative feedback. Then there are the trolls. (Eh, whatever)

I’ll miss the weekly commitment of submitting my piece before deadline.

Inside story: One time, I had not realized it was deadline day and had been offline when I realized the editors were looking for me.

They were not amused, and I could feel my editor trying to strangle me through the computer. ( Sorry, Miss Eds!)

Another highlight was when I challenged some of the most influential social media personalities on their understanding of social media, and as expected, their followers came after me online.

One even told the public which barangay I lived in and accused me of ordering P500 coffee!

The end of this month also caps off my time as a resident of Cebu City. Although I might not have grown up here, it didn’t take long for me to feel welcome and accepted by the Cebu community.

The friends I’ve made in the media community and outside are some of the friendliest and most talented people I’ve met anywhere.

For those who are curious of where I am going, I recently accepted a full-time job as managing editor of an online news site based in Manila. (Check my Facebook page to find out which one.)

I am sad to not be living in Cebu full time anymore, but this place will always be home to me.

I am proud to be Cebuano and will take that pride with me wherever I may go in the future.

Thank you, Cebu, and thank you, Cebu Daily News for welcoming me into your family even if it was only for a short amount of time.

I’ll try not to get too emotional because I’ll be back often (whether you like it or not).

But one day, I hope to be back for longer, if not for good.

Thank you all and God bless Cebu.