Guide to become a successful journalist - from the Father of Philippine Journalism

Guide to become a successful journalist - from the Father of Philippine Journalism

Original title: Are you an aspiring journalist? Take this advice from the Father of Philippine Journalism 

This article is dedicated to the father and pillar of Philippine journalism: Teodoro or "Ka Doroy" Valencia (center). His column Over a Cup of Coffee (print and broadcast) shaped the thinking of his readers, and influenced the actions of leaders in his time. 

Author's Note: With electronic media and personal computers, many people think "virtually everyone, anyone for that matter, is a journalist." It is not true. Journalism is a career, it is a calling, it is a highly respectable profession.  For the budding journalist

take "Ka Doroy's" advice seriously. 

Dr Abe V Rotor*

 Teodoro or "Ka Doroy" Valencia (center) father of Philippine journalism. Ka Doroy influenced me in becoming a journalist and a painter. I was commissioned to paint in situ favorite scenes of his boyhood along Tanauan River, c. 1972. 

Like "Ka Doroy" an aspiring journalist must -
1.        Be inquisitive
2.      Be constant in his purpose
3.      Be fair and balanced
4.      Be genuinely interested in people
5.      Seek the truth
6.      Be resourceful
7.      Have guts
8.      Master his grammar
9.      Know his medium
10.    Read, read and read.

Above all, he must be God-fearing, compassionate, and true to his country and fellowmen. And uphold journalism as a profession and institution.
  
Excerpt from a lecture by Dr Abe V Rotor, journalism professor at the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters

 Teodoro F. Valencia (May 7, 1913 - May 4, 1987)

"Teodoro F. Valencia, better known as "Ka Doroy," was widely regarded as the Dean of Filipino Journalists. His many civic undertakings made him a legend, particularly his knack for raising funds to help the underprivileged and the less fortunate. Known as the "Builder of Rizal Park," Valencia was largely responsible for developing Rizal Park into one of the best parks in Asia.

Ka Doroy was born in Tanauan, Batangas where he finished his elementary and high school education. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1935 and took up Law at the Philippine Law School where he graduated in 1941.

Pursuant to Republic Act 6836 renaming Agrifina Circle to Teodoro F. Valencia Circle and in grateful recognition of his life-long service to the Filipino people, the National Parks Development Committee under the Department of Tourism, dedicates this circle as a living memorial to Teodoro F. Valencia on this 7th day of May 1990. City of Manila" (Internet)