DONATION TO UST LIBRARY — University of Santo Tomas (UST) Prefect of Libraries Fr. Angel A. Aparicio, O.P. (second from right) and UST Assistant to the Prefect of Libraries Fr. Gaspar Sigaya, O. P. (left) are joined by the sons of the late journalist Nestor Reyes Mata (from left) Raphael Michael, Jose Nestor, and Nestor Francis Jr. as they look over the pile of 846 books and other historical memorabilia that the Mata family donated to the library on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. A portion of the UST Miguel de Benavides Library in Manila will also be named after the elder Mata.
Nestor Mata was a highly influential figure in the world of journalism, particularly known for his work as a prime media journalist. Born on January 16 , 1926, in the Philippines, a renowned Thomasian Filipino journalist whose writing career spanned six decades. He was also known as the lone survivor of the 1957 plane crash that killed the President of the Philippines (Ramon Magsaysay), and 24 others.
Throughout his career, Mata covered a wide range of historical events, including political upheavals, wars, and natural disasters. His photographs have graced the pages of renowned publications such as Time, Newsweek, and Life Magazine, among others. He had a keen eye for capturing raw emotions and telling stories through his lens, providing a unique perspective that connected viewers to the events he documented.
Mata worked with a government radio station before becoming a reporter with the Philippine Herald newspaper and covered the Korean War as a war correspondent.[1] He covered topics that involved politics and foreign affairs. In 1953, he was assigned by his newspaper to cover the then-newly elected President Magsaysay.
Beyond his skills as a journalist, Nestor Mata was also known for his professionalism, dedication, and courage. His contributions to journalism have been widely recognized, earning him numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. Nestor Mata's legacy continues to inspire aspiring photojournalists and journalists worldwide, reminding them of the importance of their role in documenting history and giving a voice to the voiceless.
On March 16, 1957, President Magsaysay, accompanied by several government officials and journalists, flew to Cebu for a speaking engagement. Later that evening, the presidential party took off for the return flight to Manila. Their plane crashed in Mount Manung-gal in Cebu at around 1:16 a.m, March 17, 1957. Mata had been seated near the presidential compartment and was half-asleep at the time of the crash.
He was initially rendered unconscious after the crash and came to a few hours later. Mata later recounted:
I found myself on the side of a steep cliff among dried bushes…. Agonizing with pain, I was completely at a loss what to do. About three meters away from me were parts of the plane. They were still burning. Meanwhile, I heard the distant howling of a dog. It was only then that I felt hopeful of being rescued. Thinking that there were probably people living not far away from where I lay moaning with pain, I made an effort to shout. I noticed that my voice echoed in the nearby mountains.
After that, I began shouting, "Mr. President! Mr. President! Mr. President!" When no answer came, I shouted for Pablo Bautista, the reporter of the Liwayway magazine. "Pabling! Pabling!" Still no answer. It began to dawn on me that there was no other survivor except me.
Mata was rescued by Marcelino Nuya and several other farmers residing near the crash site.He suffered second and third degree burns all over his body and would be hospitalized for the next six
months. It took eighteen hours to transport the injured Mata down the mountain. Upon his arrival at a Cebu City hospital, Mata was able to dictate through a nurse a press dispatch to his newspaper. It began with the sentence "President Magsaysay is dead."
Together with Vicente Villafranca, Mata penned One Came Back (1957), a memoir detailing the last moments of President Magsaysay and his own ordeal after surviving the plane crash.
After surviving the crash, Mata continued writing for the Philippine Herald until it was closed down in 1972 following the declaration of Martial Law by then-President Ferdinand Marcos. He then served with The Daily Express until Marcos' ouster during the People Power Revolution of 1986.
From 1986 to 1999, Mata penned as a regular newspaper column for the Manila Standard and from 1999 until his death wrote for the Malaya. He also acted as a co-executive editor for the magazine Lifestyle Asia from 1986 to 1999.
Nestor Mata passed away on April 12, 2018, but his photographs and the impact of his work live on, continuing to educate, inform, and evoke empathy in people's hearts and minds. He will be remembered as a visionary storyteller and a dedicated journalist who used his talent to shine a light on the world's most pressing issues.
Nestor Mata had a significant connection to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the Philippines. He was an esteemed alumnus of UST, where he pursued his education in journalism. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas where he obtained a degree in philosophy and letter. He has also had masteral studies on foreign affairs
During his time at UST, Nestor Mata honed his skills and developed a deep passion for journalism. He was an active member of various student organizations related to media and communications, which provided him with opportunities to further explore his interests and expand his knowledge in the field.
The education and experiences Mata gained at UST played a crucial role in shaping his career as a journalist. The university provided him with a solid foundation in journalistic principles and ethics.
Furthermore, UST served as a platform for Mata to connect with like-minded individuals who shared his passion for journalism. The university's vibrant campus community fostered an environment of intellectual discourse and creativity, allowing students like Mata to exchange ideas and collaborate with their peers. He taught political science and journalism subjects in the University, Faculty of Arts and Letters.
Throughout his career, Nestor Mata maintained a strong bond with UST, often returning to the university to share his experiences and insights with aspiring journalists. He served as an inspiration and role model for students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and make a difference through their chosen profession.
The connection between Nestor Mata and UST exemplifies the university's commitment to producing graduates who contribute positively to society and excel in their respective fields. Mata's achievements and impact as a photojournalist reflect the values and teachings instilled in him during his time at UST. His legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of UST students as they strive to make their mark in the world of journalism and beyond.
Last September 06, 2019, UST Librarians, namely: Ms. Lady Catherine R. De Leon, Ms. Narcelita Lane T. Olamit, Ms. Rosemary B. Balbin, had the rare chance to visit the residence of the veteran and admirable Thomasian journalist, the late Mr. Nestor Mata, to see the collection that the Mata family would like to donate to the UST Library. It includes books, and news articles which he authored and were mostly about journalism and world history. It was quite an experience to be able to walk through to the unseen and unheard significant place to many, yet definitely, a big part in building our Philippine history. It was where this famous newsman had once upon a time had meetings with his friends, journalists, influential public figures, and noble personalities of the country that shaped our country’s history.
The total number of books donated by Mr. Nestor Mata to the UST Library is 846 volumes. It was turned over January 22, 2020. Some books are housed in the Filipiniana Section for easy access to the students and library patrons. Most of his donated books are about politics, journalism, history, and geography.
The UST Miguel de Benavides Library is very grateful to the family of Mr. Nestor Mata for we are chosen as recipients of his valuable book collection.