NIGHT OWL

Imagine living over a century and being able to tell stories that inspire a community, narrate facts that build a society, and share opinion that help form decisions. Imagine being a vessel of history, the “timeless truths”, and eventually being history itself — that is Manila Bulletin. For 124 years now, the Manila Bulletin has been a constant source of news, information, commentary and stories that have shaped the public opinion and discourse. 

It has been a witness to many of our nation’s defining moments as well as global events—including two world wars — and continues to present these facts to the Filipino people in the most objective way possible.

Over the years, decades, a century, Manila Bulletin was able to weather the changes and challenges that come with being part of the Fourth Estate. In keeping with the times, it has continuously evolved, now keeping pace with the digital needs of the public — particularly that insatiable thirst for information any time of the day, or night — yet never compromising its credibility and integrity, which are very crucial especially in this day and age when false and misleading information masked as news threatens responsible and ethical journalism.

I am proud that Manila Bulletin is weathering these challenges and changes in the media landscape, and has remained a strong pillar of Philippine media.

I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this formidable institution, after all, not everyone can say that they have wrote for or worked with one of the oldest newspapers of the country. 

For over eight years now, the Manila Bulletin has provided me a platform to engage with the public, to share my thoughts and experiences to hopefully inspire Filipinos, especially the youth; to narrate stories of our efforts towards nation-building, whether through my first-hand experience or through the lens of other leaders and public servants who shared their stories with me. 

It is an honor to share the same platform with the broadsheet’s respected editors and many of the country’s influential leaders.

And who would have thought that after a few years, I would be able to immortalize a number of my Night Owl columns into a book? Today, aside from the original English version, “Night Owl: A Nationbuilder’s Manual” has been translated to Tagalog, Bisaya, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, and Bicolano. This is all thanks to Manila Bulletin for their support in my mission to share the beautiful story of Build Build Build to many of our kababayans.

I am truly grateful to Manila Bulletin for these opportunities, especially for the honor to be part of its historic existence.

Happy 124th anniversary, Manila Bulletin!