Sunstar Davao Experience

One of my best memories here in Davao City was being able to work for Sunstar Davao, a leading local newspaper. Although I had only a one-year (1997-1998) stint in the paper, it was a very rewarding and enriching experience for me.

Sunstar Davao gave me my first job as a new resident here in the city. I was fortunate to have been hired as a desk editor without having to wait for long after my interview and exam courtesy of Sir Tony Ajero.

While I already had a previous experience in the media industry as a broadcast journalist (back in Iloilo City), I admit I had to learn some more considering it was my first exposure to the print media. Thankfully, Sir Tony, Ik-Ik (Stella Estremera who was managing editor that time), fellow editor Maricar and the other staff including the reporters were very helpful.

Working for Sunstar also helped improve my computer skills. Back in my hometown, we only used the typewriter in writing and editing our reports so I was still groping while using the computer keyboard to do my editing job. Funny it may seem but I had to remind myself to type slowly on the keyboard as I was used to pounding my fingers while using the traditional typewriter.

This year marks the 18th anniversary of Sunstar. It's been more than 15 years since I was there and I realized this only recently when I got invited by writer Marianne to write a testimonial about my stint in the leading local paper. I'm posting here the Sunstar page where past editors and writers shared their unforgettable experience.

 

Starting Out in the City

Once I settled in the city, I wasted no time and started to find work right away. Of course, I spent some special moments with my hubby being just newlyweds but getting a job was also foremost in my mind. I was unemployed for several months before the wedding so I was quite excited to apply for work in a new place.

If I remember right, I submitted applications to only two companies. I landed in SunStar Davao which publishes a local newspaper as a desk editor after passing the exam they gave me. Being a former broadcast journalist in Iloilo City, the job was a perfect match for me and it got me excited to do writing and editing work once again.

The big difference when I started out in SunStar Davao was my exposure to the computer for the first time on a daily basis. We had a computer then while still working for GMA Iloilo but only the management people were allowed to use it while we news reporters were limited to the old typewriter.

Fortunately, I had no difficulty operating the PC as my colleagues were also very helpful. Soon, I found myself enjoying my work with new people in my new home. My job kept me occupied as my partner shortly flew back to the Middle East where he was working at that time.

I was also pregnant while working as desk editor but my condition didn't stop me from doing what I love to do. Admittedly, I felt homesick once in a while but again, my job helped take away the loneliness I felt being away from my family, old friends and my spouse.

Settling in a new place may not be that easy for any individual but if you embrace the place and its people and adjust to them, you'll eventually find yourself at peace with your new environment.