Today, I tell the stories of 10 young journalists I have known since they stepped out of college and into the demanding world of journalism. Once shy, uncertain, and still finding their voice, they have grown into articulate storytellers—confident, curious, and unafraid to ask difficult questions. Their easy laughter now carries the weight of experience; their bylines, the mark of credibility.

You have likely read their work in the print and online pages of the Manila Bulletin. For more than a decade, each has shown a nose for news that goes beyond the call of duty. Some have moved on to other careers, while others have stayed and risen to become senior reporters. They have built networks, earned trust, and sharpened their craft. They are, in every sense, classic reporters—ears to the ground, minds alert, and pens ready.

I tell their stories in the order they joined the Manila Bulletin.

Among the first I met were Cha Echaluce and Betheena Unite, both graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Both were shy when they entered the newsroom, still adjusting to the fast pace and demands of daily reporting. One of Cha’s stories about people needing help got so much attention which was even featured in a local television series.

Cha, however, would eventually find her voice beyond the newsroom. She moved on to become a writer, publishing three books, and a lecturer in feature writing. She has also built a strong presence on social media, influencing a new generation of writers and readers.

Betheena, on the other hand, remained in the field and steadily grew into one of the newsroom’s most reliable reporters.

Today, she covers the Office of the President, after handling major beats including Customs, Infrastructure, the Foreign Affairs, and the police.

“Entering MB fresh out of college was like finally having access to scenarios I had only seen on TV,” she said. “The training was harsh, but it prepared me for bigger responsibilities.”

In 2015 came Argyll Geducos and Martin Sadongdong, both from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Argyll stood out early for his confidence and leadership. Within two years, he was assigned to the Malacañang beat—a rare feat for a young reporter. He has since covered presidents across administrations and traveled extensively.

“My stay has been full of surprises,” he said. “Being at the front row of Philippine politics taught me to value accuracy over speed.”

Martin, on the other hand, was painfully shy. He spoke only when asked. When his probationary period ended, he quietly disappeared, assuming he had failed. I had to call him back—to tell him he was hired.

Assigned to the police beat during the height of Operation Tokhang, he wrote difficult stories about lives lost in the drug war. Today, he covers the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Manila Bulletin fulfilled my childhood dream,” he said. “And I still feel there is so much to learn.”

Jel Santos, who also joined in 2015, began as an editorial assistant. Reserved and often anxious about his work, he found his voice in the police beat.

His reporting on the killing of Kian delos Santos helped spark public outrage and a Senate inquiry into anti-drug operations.

“The challenges, including libel cases, strengthened my resilience,” he said. Today, he is a senior reporter covering national news after assignments in agencies such as DENR, DOH, DOST, and DICT.

That same year, Vanne Elaine Terrazola joined as a reporter after graduating from PUP. She covered the police and transport beats before moving on to Congress, where she distinguished herself with sharp, human-centered reporting.

“Beyond the adrenaline of breaking stories, what stayed with me were the quiet moments—when people trusted me with their stories,” she said. “Those reminded me that journalism is always about people.”

She stayed with the Manila Bulletin until 2021.

Analou de Vera joined in February 2016 from Lyceum of the Philippines University. She covered several beats but made her mark at the Department of Health, especially during the pandemic.

She never declined an assignment and often stayed on the ground as stories unfolded late into the night.

“Every person carries a story worth telling,” she said.

She has since left to pursue a second degree in Nursing.

In 2017 came Dhel Nazario of PLM and Alexandria Dennise San Juan of PUP. They quickly formed a partnership, supporting each other through the challenges of early reporting.

Dhel, now covering the Senate, admits the journey surprised him.

“I used to avoid things outside my comfort zone,” he said. “But journalism teaches you to adapt—and to keep up.”

Alexandria, meanwhile, covered various beats including the police, transport, and tourism. She was later assigned to the Office of the President before leaving the Manila Bulletin in 2022.

She eventually moved to the Department of Agriculture, carrying with her the values she learned in the newsroom.

“Every byline is a promise to uphold the truth,” she said, a lesson she now shares with young campus journalists.

Joseph Pedrajas came in 2019. A graduate of BA Journalism from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, he was assigned to the police beat and later to various assignments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs. One of his stories drew national attention and led to his being called by the NBI for questioning after it was said to have divulged sensitive information.

He now covers the House of Representatives and the DFA.

“My years-long experience covering crime, politics, and geopolitics for Manila Bulletin has shaped me to become more eager to seek answers from those answerable to the people; to press those who have enjoyed the comfort of power; and to search for the truth so you can fight for what is right,” he said.

Ten young people. Ten different journeys. One shared calling.

They have covered wars of words and wars on drugs, disasters and daily governance, triumphs and tragedies. They have grown into journalists whose work informs, questions, and sometimes even changes the course of events.

And here is what I have not said until now: I trained them.

I saw them when they were unsure, hesitant, still finding their voice. I pushed them, corrected them, and, at times, believed in them more than they believed in themselves.

Today, they no longer need that push.

They have found their voice—and they are using it well. (Email: [email protected])