Contributed photo
In winning the Best Feature Story category, Cebu Daily News senior reporter Ador Vincent Mayol dedicated his victory to Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal during the 39th Catholic Mass Media Awards on Wednesday evening.
Mayol, who made the dedication the night before Vidal’s burial, won for his article “Hope amid pain” that delved into the struggles of cancer-stricken children.
Mayol also won the Best News Coverage award for his write-up on giving second chances for drug addicts while his Sinulog Festival articles were also nominated.
His article “Light at the end of the tunnel for Lia” got a special citation for shedding light on the plight of drug addicts in the community-based rehabilitation program. Mayol also won the Best Feature and Best News Coverage last year.
“My heart is full of gratitude to CDN editor-in-chief, Ma’am Edra and to all our editors. But most of all, I dedicate these awards to God and to Cardinal Vidal, who has been my source of inspiration in my journey as journalist,” Mayol said.
The 31-year old senior reporter confessed that he used to dream of becoming a priest so he can be God’s instrument in healing and uniting people.
“But I realized that I can also share God’s message through the stories I write. This awards don’t make me special because I am only aa good as my last story,” Mayol said.
Mayol said while he was happy with his awards, he also grieved for Vidal whom he credited for inspiring him to become a journalist.
“Even before I became a journalist, I have been a silent follower of His Eminence. I thank the Lord for giving him to us. He brought us closer to the Lord, not just through his words but also through his actions. May he rest in the Lord.”
Mayol, an only child, brought his mother with him in Luzon to receive the awards.
The 39th CMMA was held at the Star Theater in Pasay City. This year’s event carried the theme “Communicating hope and trust in our time.”