Stories, Struggles, Strength and soul

As they say, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

This is how the men and women of the DAILY TRIBUNE, working hand in hand to produce compelling stories daily, have come to celebrate the company’s silver milestone on Monday.

Gathering news is never easy — it demands diligent research, multiple sources, and above all, showing up. But everything becomes possible when everyone works as one.

This is the heartbeat of DAILY TRIBUNE — a work culture powered by team spirit.

Quoting our very supportive president, Willie Fernandez, our decades of fearless, unbiased journalism are not just the product of individuals or one editorial team. They are the result of years of steadfast dedication to providing factual, fair, and fearless information.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, meet some of the people behind every byline who helped shape the DAILY TRIBUNE into what it is today:

RAFFY AYENG, Chief of Reporters

I joined DAILY TRIBUNE in August 2020 — my saving grace after the shipping magazine I worked for shut down due to the pandemic that hit the seafaring industry hard.

TRIBUNE was one of the few media companies still hiring then, despite also reeling from the crisis.

Reporting during those times took extra effort. There were no physical press briefings. But the company gave us everything we needed — including allowances to attend virtual conferences and cover stories remotely.

I pushed through, asking questions from MSMEs to government agencies like the DTI on how they would address the economic impact of the health crisis.

As things improved, I was promoted after writing enterprise stories that made the front page. I also learned to report through video — embracing digital journalism for both print and social media.

Now as Chief of Reporters, I thank management for appreciating hard work and giving value to growth. For the TRIBUNE’s 25th anniversary, I am proud to be part of this journey to becoming one of the country’s most respected news organizations.

Thank you, Boss Willie and Ma’am Chingbee, for the trust.

MARIA BERNADETTE ROMERO, Business Reporter

In journalism, stories are only as strong as the environment where they’re told. A good newsroom — one that values trust and respect — makes all the difference.

Here, deadlines feel like purpose, not pressure. Editors guide, not dictate. Conversations spark ideas instead of shutting them down.

I’ve learned that growing in this field is about more than just chasing scoops. It’s about being surrounded by people—bosses included—who believe in your voice and help you find it.

As we mark another year, I don’t just reflect on our stories. I celebrate the people who helped shape them.

PAT SANTOS, Veteran newsman

I started with the red-colored TRIBUNE in 2011 at our Kalaw office, covering Manila City Hall.

Fourteen years later, I’m very proud to be a part of this paper, which has become family to me.

As I near retirement, I look back with pride and gratitude—for the friends I made and the truths we told.

To Boss Willie and CMF, here’s to 25 more years of fearless journalism. During the pandemic and beyond, “Without Fear, Without Favor.” That’s us. That’s the DAILY TRIBUNE.

ALVIN MURCIA, reporter and National Press Club executive

I joined in 2013, covering the Commission on Elections.

TRIBUNE is my third newspaper, but it was where I felt at home. Now, 12 years later, it feels like a new paper again, with many colleagues having moved on or retired.

For me, this is my sojourn as a veteran journalist. I’m still learning. Still growing. And happy to be here.

JOM GARNER, Senate reporter

Being a news reporter was my childhood dream. I joined TRIBUNE in 2019, less than a year after graduating.

Funny thing—I was working at a news monitoring firm assigned to analyze articles, including those from TRIBUNE. One day, I saw an ad: They’re hiring reporters. I ignored it at first. Then one day I thought—why not apply?

Six years later, I’m still here, still grateful. I may be younger than most, but I’m eager to keep learning.

TRIBUNE took a chance on me. I love it here—and I mean it.

KIMBERLY OJEDA, airport, DMW, CAMANAVA reporter

I entered college in 2020 as a Journalism major with little field experience—just one year in our school paper, no NSPC, and a high school track in Business.

Interning at DAILY TRIBUNE changed everything.

I was sent on real coverages. I edited content, helped with social media, and spoke on podcasts. I wasn’t even a graduate yet, but they trusted me.

Now I’m a full-fledged reporter covering OFW affairs. It’s tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The Tribune taught me to be brave—and that persistence pays off.

PAULINE JOYCE PASCUAL, Life writer

The paper gave me a platform to be the voice of the voiceless. As a lifestyle journalist, I learned that even light stories have weight when told with care.

Whatever your beat—always hold the line. Without Fear. Without Favor.

JASPER DAWANG, Northern Luzon correspondent

Being a DAILY TRIBUNE correspondent has never just been about headlines. It’s about asking better questions, listening deeper, and writing with intent.

Exclusives aren’t just scoops—they’re meant to inform, provoke thought, and spark conversation.

In the end, the byline is secondary. What matters is trust. Journalism isn’t about fame. It’s about responsibility.

PERSEUS ECHEMINADA, Cagayan de Oro correspondent

For the past seven years, I’ve covered historic shifts—national elections, the Sabah dispute, the ICC detention of FPRRD, and the impeachment of VP Sara Duterte.

I covered the rise and fall of Aldub and Masada—the alliances that united and then fractured the Solid North and South.

When I retired from another paper, it was Sir Willie and Ma’am Chingbee who brought me into Tribune, calling me back to duty.

I sit in the front row of history, grateful to be here. More exclusives to come. More power to the DAILY TRIBUNE!

RICHBON QUEVEDO, Malacañang reporter

There’s a difference between being in media and being a journalist.

I started in visual platforms—editing, filmmaking, and social media. But during the pandemic, I realized what I truly wanted: to inform.

2025 marks my first year in print journalism. I now listen more closely to what’s happening on the ground. I chronicle history and policy. It’s a privilege.

Happy 25th to the DAILY TRIBUNE!

GABRIELA BARON, DMW, COMELEC, DOH

More than just reporting, I believe in the causes I write about. That’s why the Health Beat meant so much.

Through Tribune, I joined fellowships and wrote about vaping risks and nutritional labeling—stories that impact real lives.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for public well-being through journalism.

JELENE, Chief of Advertising

I sincerely thank DAILY TRIBUNE for opening doors I never imagined.

I now engage top-tier clients and navigate dynamic environments. This journey continues to surprise and fulfill me.

DAILY TRIBUNE at 25 is not just a newsroom. It’s a family. A training ground. A battleground for truth. Above all, a home for those who believe in journalism with heart.

CHINGKEE MANGCUCANG, Executive Director – Brand Communications

I started with DAILY TRIBUNE as one of its hosts in Gising Na, the digital morning show designed to entertain our people at the height of the pandemic. It was a new kind of fun, more like a self-discovery. You know, discovering that you have a talent that had not been revealed to you.

Then the Brand Communications post was offered. It’s another awakening. What a job! You’ve got to meet people with different colors and different backgrounds from all walks of life. It’s truly fascinating.

The DAILY TRIBUNE gives opportunities. Immerse yourself in challenges that bring out the best in you. I thought I’d been there and done that. I was wrong! DAILY TRIBUNE opens doors for self-discovery and a new, whole brand of self-fulfillment.

May God continue to prosper the DAILY TRIBUNE. Looking forward to more years of success! Congratulations!

CHEENEY M. Eugenio, Vice President – Finance

Happy Silver Anniversary to all the men and women of DAILY TRIBUNE! This extraordinary milestone is proof of our hard work in providing factual information for the betterment of our country and society, embodied by our mantra: Without Fear, Without Favor.

MARK ESCARLOTE, Sportswriter

The DAILY TRIBUNE has allowed me to continue my vocation as a journalist after the unfortunate shutdown of the broadcast station where I previously worked.

Despite the uncertainty during the onset of Covid-19, the publication opened its door for me, as I became a KaTribu with the online team in September 2020.

It has been my home since.

TRIBUNE also allowed me to return to my comfort zone: Sportswriting.

DAILY TRIBUNE reignited my passion for writing and even trusted me with an online hosting gig, a new and challenging territory for this old-timer.

Much gratitude to our gracious bosses and to the dynamic, energetic, and go-getter editors, reporters, and the online and editorial teams for their collective effort to bring the DAILY TRIBUNE to greater heights.

IVAN SUING, Sports’ section ‘wonder boy’

I started with the DAILY TRIBUNE back in 2021 and it has been quite the journey so far. FIBA, SEA Games, UAAP, and NCAA, I got to experience a lot of working for the paper.

Talking to personalities has been surreal as we try to get the latest information on certain issues.

Not everything has been smooth, as your nerves will be tested, but it all works out in the end.

Here’s hoping for more years with the DAILY TRIBUNE and for more stories to tell.