Regarding the title of my column, I wanted to title it “Boosters” because writing was a boost to my career. Outrightly, Dr. Charlie Hamada did not approve. He said that there is no ring to it. It sounded like a rooster’s name.
So, Karen Joy Cawaon came up with “Circumstantially Factual.” Her idea was a stroke of genius. All of us liked it and from thence, it stuck with me like a bee to a honey. And, as they say, the rest is history.
I not only stood as the legal counsel of the Baguio Midland Courier for a number of years. I, too, became very close to the Hamada family, especially the late Dr. Hamada who treated me as family.
He was my son’s godfather and I his. We traveled a lot and shared some late afternoon beers together. He was generous to a fault showering the staff and writers with prizes, rewards and bonuses at the end of each and every year.
Ironically, he had to die so soon. The sad and morose feeling I had when he died is the same feeling I have now that the Baguio Midland Courier is following the same path as his demise. Also, too soon.
Then, there is everyone’s auntie. The strict yet lovable editor, the late auntie Cecile Afable who took me under her fold and mentored me on the rudiments on editorial writing. Though she constantly flattered me by saying that I had the talent, she painfully reminded me that at times, I was rash, impertinent and impulsive.
That I was too excited with my columns resulting in inadequate grammar and wrong sentence composition. She urged me to read and update myself with current events. I did. It improved not only my writing but my outlook in life, as well. Thank you, Ma’am Cecile.
For 29 years I wrote about anything I could think of, missing only a few beats due to illness or conflict of schedule. I wrote about politics, religion, sports, environment, weather and an assortment of other subjects that catered to the desire of Midland’s readers.
My articles were sometimes funny, sad, entertaining or downright senseless. Through it all, my aim was always to make people happy and informed regarding the truth, at least, the way I look at it. If I failed in some aspects, that is my responsibility to take.
I have seen the Baguio Midland Courier evolve from a medium-sized newspaper to the iconic weekly that it is now. I thank the coincidence of time that I was there when it grew to become the leading and most trusted newspaper in the Cordillera. I have felt the influence it exerted in the city. It touched not only the lives of its readers but openly dictated the policies that were best for them.
After 77 years of publication, the paper is as much a part of Baguio City as its pine trees and cool weather. Baguio Midland Courier is Baguio City’s foremost source of its vital and relevant information. No other outfit comes close. Hence, its closure will surely create a void. As to how this will be filled up, only time can tell.
Still, everybody is hopeful that some kind of miracle will happen in the next few days. Maybe, a rich Samaritan may just take the cudgels to continue the Midland. Perhaps, a coalition of moneyed individuals will invest so that they can continue feeding the thirst of the people of Baguio for a fair, fearless, friendly, and free courier. Ah, the thought of a desperate and frustrated man like me.
In the end, Baguio Midland Courier has to call it quits. It is sailing into the sunset and when night time finally descends, it needs to say goodbye. I too have to bid farewell to all the readers of “Circumstantially Factual.”
I appreciate the pat in the back, the criticism, both good and bad, the compliments as well as the threats and insults. These were the reasons why I persevered for 29 years. It was a good and enjoyable ride. I pray that I can continue but I can only do so much. It is no longer within my control.
And so, “Circumstantially Factual” writes finis with this final piece.
