Looking back, looking forward

By Mariano Santos, PINOY Publisher/Editor

PINOY mission statement on the editorial page of our premier edition in Feruary 2000 is reprinted on page 5.  It is the basis of our evaluation of what this publication has contributed to the Filipino American community in this part of the United States.

PINOY has done a pretty good job of showcasing  the best in us as a people.  Looking back on the 120 issues we put out, they are a colorful testament that the Filipino has had a lot of positive contributions to the greater community—both collectively and individually.

Our coverage on the struggle to bring benefits to the disenfranchised Filipino American heroes of World War II is extensive and sustained by journalistic advocacy surpassed only by our paper’s voluminous coverage of the inception, growth and challenges of the Gawad Kalinga movement.

Great happenings like the opening of the P38-million Philippine Wild Reef exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium, the climbing of Mt. Everest by a Philippine expedition team, the crowning of a Filipina teacher as Miss America or even the successful dancing exploits of Filipina American ballroom dancer, Cheryl Burke, and  of the young American Idol hopefuls  and not to forget the glorious victories of Manny Pacquiao—were all faithfully chronicled in the pages of PINOY –for our readers to enjoy and to share the glory if only vicariously.

Then there are the heroic achievements worthy of emulations.  Antonio Meloto relentlessly advocating  to help the poor of our homeland– so we can look forward to a transformed Philippines which would save us from shame of being poor and corrupt. And the selfless example from him being harnessed by the youth as in Efren Penaflorida who became CNN Hero of the year or by seasoned politicians like Mar Roxas who subordinated his political ambition by relegating himself into second slot to Noynoy Aquino in their quest for the highest office of the Philippines.

PINOY made sure all these good tidings are brought forth to our readers in a responsible and exciting manner. The many challenges of the last decade saw print in PINOY which editorialized always on the side of the oppressed and on those that seek fairness and justice. Cover stories were not only for GK and the veterans but also for those who struggle to eradicate racism, discrimination and exploitation. Then there are the immigration marches,  charitable work to fund the needs of victims of natural  and man-made disasters—be it in Payatas or Ground Zero.  PINOY helps highlights the causes  and effects of the abuse of power, corruption and fraud—whether it was electoral fraud or plunder back home or an  unjust war in Iraq or the holocaust.

PINOY has had wide coverages of our cultural heritage—from the impressive dance troupe of Bauan, Batangas to world-famous Bayanihan; from community talents to famous performers like Lea Salonga; from artistic film triumphs like “Magnifico” to Mel Gibson’s blockbuster “Passion of Christ.” PINOY has devoted  articles to topic like the forgotten Philippine-American  War and analyses of the works and ideals of Jose Rizal.  Many pages were also set aside for the topic of religion.

Thanks to our Ka Jovy Salonga, PINOY became the outlet for outstanding commentaries of Amado Dornila, Conrad de Quiros, Randy David, Ambeth Ocampo, Michael Tan, Johnny Mercado, Rina Jimenez-David and other brilliant writes from the leading newspaper back home, The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Locally, PINOY is blessed with devoted  writers like Jon Melegrito, Dr. Philip Chua, Frank de Leon, Fr. Tirso Villaverde, Rev. Frendell Reyes; and enthusiastic staffers led by Weng Cosico, Camelia Rodriguez, Grace Garcia and Lourdes Lori.

Publishing PINOY is a collective effort.  The staffers are grateful for the trust of our advertisers who carefully studied the benefits they get from advertising their businesses and services in  our newsmagazine. PINOY consistently provided them the circulation which is one of the highest in the area for an ethnic publication.  They also know that PINOY is READ and kept for a longer time because of its valuable and engaging articles.

There are about eight publications in the Chicago area but PINOY  continues to be the favorite outlet of advertisers because it delivers—not only in term of its many distribution outlets but it delivers result because advertisements run side by side with well-thought of articles.  Just check our food or obit section.

Parenthetically,  we want to share the news that PINOY is part of a group of notable ethnic publications in the Chicago area that were selected by the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University to work on stories on the 2010 US Census and its impact their respective communities.  The NU student who worked with PINOY is Zoe Jennings.  Part one of her article appears on page 10.  Concluding part will be in the March edition. Obviously we feel honored.

PINOY is committed to making itself to be a publication that helps meaningful and positive changes to our community. PINOY will remain a vehicle of balance and substantive news and  opinion  that will produce  readers who are selfless citizens endeavoring to make a productive and responsible society. These and more, PINOY is committed to. That is why we constantly remind ourselves of our mission. Newspapering is public trust.

Now we look forward to serving you in the coming years.
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FILM recommendation:  “Invictus” a film by Clint Eastwood had a short stint in the cinema houses. When it comes out in DVD, don’t miss it. It is based on true story of how Nelson Mandela overcame the bitterness of being a victim of racism and how he brought South Africa to a reconciliation.  It is about servant-leadership and the transforming power of forgiveness.  Morgan Freeman who played Mandela and Matt Damon who played a rugby coach are both commendable. The film gives valauable lessons on governance and on developing personal character.•

(Photos are property of PINOY.)