A Veteran Editor in the Digital Age
22 November 2025, 8:35 AM – Starbucks, Marriott Hotel, Resort World Manila
I recently spent nearly ₱8,000 to repair my ACER V15 laptop. It had been freezing whenever the LCD screen was moved. At first, I suspected the hinges or the flex cable. But when the technician examined it, he discovered the real culprit: incompatible RAM.
The computer store had “upgraded” my unit by adding a free 8GB RAM to make it 16GB. Unfortunately, they installed a weak, generic brand instead of the original. It’s disheartening to realize that even in big malls, scams like this still exist.
The technician was surprised by the strength of my machine—1TB of storage, now fitted with a proper single-slot 16GB RAM, and a GeForce 4050 video card. He asked if I used it for gaming. I said no; I only compose video clips for posting on social media. He then asked if I was into bitcoin mining. I laughed and told him no again. Mining requires far more powerful systems, and besides, I see it as a form of gambling—and I don’t gamble.
He seemed puzzled: why would someone like me need such strong specs?
The answer lies in my profession. I am a veteran editor, with nearly four decades in mainstream media. I remain active today, writing a daily opinion column for the Philippines’ leading tabloid, Bulgar Newspaper.
What troubles me deeply is the collapse of street sales for newspapers—a trend not only here but worldwide. The digital age has reshaped everything, and now artificial intelligence, particularly agentic AI, looms over the industry. Few truly understand it, and fewer still use it. The majority remain digitally or AI-illiterate, both in the Philippines and across the globe.
Years ago, I opened this blog. Today, I feel compelled to revive it—to document the struggle of merging traditional journalism with modern practices, and to imagine the scenarios that will define journalism in the decades ahead.
At 67, I find myself among the very few veteran journalists who still strive to keep pace with modernization. Communication has expanded beyond recognition, and I believe it is my responsibility to adapt, even to lead, so that the younger generation—students and aspiring journalists—can follow a path that is both grounded and forward-looking.
