ILIGAN City ― We know that this paper, Mindanao Gold Star Daily was born 33 years ago, in this part of the world where others have failed.
Well, because of that genius in it. I’m talking of Sir Ernesto ‘Toto’ Chu, who else.
During that time when MGSD began, newspapers here were all weekly. That was the most practical way to do it. And these papers were a dime a dozen!
But Toto is different. A gifted one at that. So, he thinks differently, of course. So, instead of going weekly from the start, he decided to go daily.
As in daily. Maybe something was in his curious and analytical mind that others before him could not see.
Maybe, it had helped too that the country was still in euphoric mode. I mean, there was some residual euphoria in the minds of the people brought about by the ouster of a family that had become a “curse” in the peoples’ minds. I’m talking of the Marcos family of course, who else!
And in 1989, Commander Alexander Noble took to the streets of Cagayan de Oro marching from Luzon. With his men in all their military splendor! The people here “ohhed” and “ahhed.”
What did this paper do? It made an exhibition.
It published two editions on that day!
That is what a genius of a mind can do. Just an example. I can go on and on about giving some examples. And the thing is. other newspapers gave different reactions. They were envious, or became critics, or become copycats.
For example, “If Mr. Chu can do it, why can’t I?” Or, “that paper has no right to be here in Iligan City”
And it didn’t help their feelings when the Rotary Club of Manila recognized this paper as “Newspaper of the Year” in 2007. And other accolades thereafter where all other newspapers acknowledged all came from Manila.
Although along the way, challenges occur. Like this Covid-19. Or this looming food crisis, or the petroleum products cost that is punishing us.
We know God will help us. And we’re thankful too that a genius like Sir Ernesto ‘Toto’ Chu had been given to us. Which I think has made some significant difference in our lives.
We thank the clients too. For all the help they gave this paper. And consequently, all those connected with this paper.
I could still remember some things that he said in his pep talks to us who are connected with this paper. “We will need all the help we can get.” Or, “One small victory can lead to another!”
At this point, I remember another genius who discovered the law of gravity. I mean, one comment from a person respectful of the genius that was Sir Isaac Newton. He said: “What if Newton, upon seeing that apple falling from the tree, just ate it instead of wondering why it fell?”
In like manner, we can say: What if there’s no Toto Chu in our midst? Toto had created a counter-trend, for the trend then was to patronize only papers from Manila. For there are interesting news and happenings too in the countryside that needs to be captured!
Email: norasorino2@gmail.com
