Within the complex curves and corners of the automotive industry, where the roles of motoring journalists and brand professionals often intersect but seldom converge, Ricardo "Dong" Magsajo has carved out a unique path.

Having spent eight years as a motoring journalist before transitioning to a prime role with Astara Philippines, he has experienced the industry from both sides of the fence, giving him a unique outlook by which he navigates his career.

His journey, punctuated by stints as a motoring section editor, marketing head, and now as a sales trainer, is not just a career but a vocation.

At its core, Dong Magsajo's story is one of a teacher in disguise, a label he only recently came to embrace but has been living out for years.

Magsajo's academic background in Philosophy laid the foundation for his approach to communication and teaching. Having learned the art of the argument has given him a skill set that has been a cornerstone of his career, allowing him to communicate complex ideas in a straightforward manner.

Whether it's breaking down the nuances of a new car model or crafting a marketing strategy, his ability to argue effectively has served him well.

Between his philosophy studies and his role as Philstar's Motoring Editor, Dong Magsajo's career took formative turns.

He started as a music magazine writer, honing his critical thinking and writing skills. This led to opportunities at The Philippine Star's Starweek magazine, where he focused on human interest stories and profiles.

His talent for storytelling earned him a promotion to one of the youngest editors at the newspaper for the supplement section. And when the motoring section needed a new editor, Magsajo, with his proven track record and interest in cars, was the natural successor.

This series of job changes was a transformative journey that equipped him with the skills to become a unique figure in the automotive industry.

His eight-year tenure as the Motoring Editor of Philstar was a masterclass in communication.

It is here where Magsajo honed his skills in understanding both sides of the industry, seeing both the media's perspective and the brands' viewpoint.

In this role, he was responsible for conveying the goings-on of the automotive world to a broad audience. Not just centered on writing, his editorial role was about educating the public, breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces.

This dual understanding equipped him to transition seamlessly into the role of Marketing Head for the then fledgling Peugeot Philippines of the Columbian Group.

In this capacity, he was responsible for communicating the essence of the brand to the media, a task he undertook with the same rigor and depth he applied to his editorial work.

However, it was his current role as the Head of Sales Training for Astara Philippines, covering both Peugeot and GAC brands, that brought his latent teaching skills to the fore.

Magsajo found himself communicating and training an internal audience, a task that required not just knowledge but also a passion for the subject matter.

As Glenn Dasig, a former president of Peugeot and Magsajo's old boss told him, "You have the knowledge. What you need to do is share that knowledge. It's not just knowledge, it's passion," Magsajo recalls.

The realization that he was, in essence, a teacher came to him gradually but it profoundly impacted his view of his work.

"What I didn't realize before, yes, that I was always a teacher. As an editor, my proudest moments always were when my writers left me because somebody else got them to become editors. And that I built someone into something bigger," Magsajo reflected.

For Magsajo, the essence of his job is not just about selling cars or writing articles; it's about "serving his purpose," as he describes it.

By enabling his students to learn and improve themselves, thereby enriching their own lives, he finds the motivation to continue doing what he loves.

It's a sentiment that resonates deeply with him, especially in an industry often criticized for its materialistic focus. Magsajo sees his role as more than just a job — it's a calling.

"I think I am where I should be," he said, summing up his journey and his current role.

In a world where job titles often define us, Dong Magsajo's story serves as a reminder that it's not the title but the role we play that truly matters.

For him, that role is clear: He is a teacher, a communicator, and a lifelong learner.

And in fulfilling these roles, he not only enriches his own life but also makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those he teaches.

It's a lesson in purpose and passion, taught by someone who has lived it.