Bernie Anabo Jr. re-elected PPCQM president unopposed

Bernie Anabo Jr., a seasoned journalist and former editor of a daily tabloid, continues to inform Parañaque City and nearby areas through The Morning Standard and the news portal www.morningstandardph.com.

The Press Club, which has over 40 members, gathered in the session hall to elect its new officials for 2025.

Many of the voting members serve in key roles within their respective weekly newspapers, which circulate widely across Metro Manila.

Outgoing president Bernie Anabor Jr. presided over the opening of the voting for the presidency but was once again nominated to return to office. With no challengers or objections raised, the nomination process was promptly closed, and he was declared the winner of the Press Club Quad Media Inc. presidency unopposed.

Also proclaimed as winning officials of PPCQM Inc. were Sonny Ilustre Jr. as Vice President, Archie Gadang as Internal Vice President, Michelle Mendoza as Secretary, Juvyvina Castro as Treasurer, Jane Palon as Auditor, and Jamaica Sonza as Public Relations Officer.

Veteran journalist Vilma Manzo was elected Chairman of the Board, alongside new directors Cynthia Gabinay, Eddie Manilambo, Eric Quiman, Wilson Gojar, and Erwin Gadang.

Following the announcement of the results, the winning officials shared brief but inspiring messages, outlining their vision for the organization and the measures they plan to implement to foster positive change under the newly elected leadership. Here are some of their key remarks:

President Bernie Anabo Jr.: “Thank you very much to all of you for trusting me again. I want to emphasize that your service is not without its flaws. Help me; I also made a mistake. I told you earlier, you tested me during the pandemic, and I didn’t abandon you.

And during those times, if you need anything, just let me know—not only financially—because we’re all working to make a living.” Our professions are the same.

Sometimes, we receive financial assistance when we find ourselves under the protective grace of God. The first thing I will do as president is to replace the uniformed personnel. So, I need the sizes of. T-shirt or polo shirt options need to be considered. What we’re going to do is two things.”

“ ( Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa muli pagtitiwala niyo sa akin . Sinasabi ko nga po sa inyo, ang inyong panglingkod hindi perfectong tao. Tulungan niyo ako, may pagkakamali din ako. Sabi ko nga sa inyo kanina, nasubukan niyo ako nung pandemic, hindi ko kayo pinapabayaan. Tapos nung mga panahon, pag may kailangan kayo sabihin niyo na sa akin, huwag lang financially ah, kasi pare-parehas tayong may naghahanap buhay. Pare-parehas ang ating profesyon. Minsan Financially nakakatulong tayo pag mayroong sombra sa awan ng Diyos. Una kong gagawin bilang presidente, yung uniformed until, papalitan natin. So, kailangan ko yung mga sizes ng mga… T-shirt or polo Polo-shirt and polo. Ang gagawin natin dalawa.)

Vice Pres. Sonny Illustre: “ Thank you for reestablishing our press club, and we hope this time we can do it better. Let’s make it a family.” It feels like we’re family now; we’re not the same as before.

Our meetups are natural; there is no more fighting or sulking. So what’s important is for people outside to see that we are all united.

Let’s help the association gain respect and give us a voice. If we give them a unified organization, they will respect it, and we will avoid criticism.

Because if we are criticized, and they say things like the events at the press club are reckless, then those things will happen.

So that’s what we wanted to tell you; hopefully, we can continue to be together and united. If there was also understanding, it wouldn’t have happened because in a meeting, it’s not here. Thank you.”

( “Salamat at nabuo na naman itong ating press club at inaasaan po natin this time ay mas magiging magsano Gawin natin ito, isang pamilya. Parang pamilya na po tayo, hindi na po tayo yung tulad ng dati. Natural lang namin yung meet up po, Bawal ng away, tampuhan lang. So ang mahalaga po ay makita po ng mga tao sa labas na lahat po tayo ay nagkakaisa. Tulungan natin po ang samahan na ma ay respeto at mabigyan po nila tayo ng boses. Pag nabigyan po nila ang isang samahan na nagkakaisa, ay ikagalang po nila ang samahan na ito at ang respeto at ma iwasan din po natin na mapintasan po tayo kasi kung kapapintasan sa atin, at sabihin, yung mga parangyari sa press club halang kung kaya yung mga yan So yun po na natin sasabihin sa inyo, umari po sana ay patuloy tayo maging magkakasama, magkakaisa. Kung mayroon po din pagkaroon ng unawaan, ay hindi na nangyayari kasi sa isang pagpupulong, hindi na dito talaga. Salamat po.”)

VP Internal Archie Gadang: “Thank you very much for our re-election. We’ve won around three times in local elections. It seems like it’s the last term. But we don’t have anything. No, our pockets are full of holes…And since we haven’t fully connected yet, the best thing we can do is to come together as one, because we are already united in purpose.

He’s right when he says he wishes we were united as one, because if we ever faced an enemy or opposition, we could stand together as a single, strong bundle.”

( “Maraming salamat sa pagkakaloklok na naman natin. Mga 3-3 times na tayo nanalo para sa election ng lokal. Parang last term na yata. Pero wala naman tayo. Wala, puro butas ang mulsa natin… … At hindi pa tayo nakahulugan ng loob, siguro yung pinakamaganda na magiging isuna natin dahil nagkakaisa na tayo. Tama rin yung sinasabi niya na sana isang bukos tayo kasi kung meron tayong kalaban o kaawak o hindi tumay, pang tayo isang bukos tayo.”)

Secretary Michelle Mendoza: “I’m hopeful that the Samahanang Press Club will be okay because some of us, the officials here, especially those who are coughing, have a very low opinion of our Press Club. … He says there is no Paranaque Press Club. So let’s prove to them that the Parañaque Press Club exists and that we uphold dignity and respect toward one another.

Instead of being divided, let’s show the Press Club as an organization with a solid bond. Because we’re just a nuisance anyway… Everyone there can see; just be transparent.

Now, if each of us has time for transactions belonging to us, let’s not get upset if others have been here longer, even before I arrived. Of course, you’re the only one we can give it to—something to be proud of. Let’s not be offended.

If this is what he was given, why did the important person say this? There might be a time transaction that can be established. That’s the only route I took for the Paranaque  Press Club group.” (“I’m hopeful na maging maayos ang Samahanang Press Club kasi ang iba sa atin, ang tingin sa atin ng mga official dito lalo ng ibang mga nakaupo, napakaliit ang tingin sa Press Club natin. … Sinasabi niya walang Paranaque Press Club. So prove it to them na meron tayong Paranaque Press Club na tayo dapat may dignidad sa bawat isa.

Hindi yung nagkaka-watak-watak tayo, ipakita natin ang Samahanang Press Club isang may solid na samahan. Kasi isang kasiraan na rin lang kami yan… Nakikita ng bawat isa doon, be transparent na lang.

Ngayon kung may kanya-kanya time transaction, huwag tayo magdadamdam kung yung iba talaga matagal na rito, wala pa yung noon ako, wala pa sila. Siyempre, ikaw lang natin kung anong mabigyan pa siya ng mga nakaka-taas para sa kanila. Huwag tayo magdadamdam.

Kapag ito ang binigay sa kanya, bakit ganito ang sabi ng importante? May matayong time transaction. Yan lang yung dinaanan ko para sa grupo ng Paranaque  Press Club.”)

Treasurer Juvyvina Castro: “Previously. Now it’s different. There’s already a president. It is solid. When we have a problem, I always say we shouldn’t just talk about it here. We should go straight to Bernie.

If Bernie fails, you’ll go straight to his vice presidents. If you can’t have what, go straight to Vilma. Eh, there’s nothing I can do; you didn’t vote for me. Now I have money. I’ll pay for you. Yes, prepare it. We are five thousand.” (“Yung noon-noon. Yung ngayon iba na. May presidente na. Solid na to. Ngayon kapag may problema tayo, tulad ng sinasabi ko Kapag may problema tayo, tulad ng sinasabi ko, lahat ng usapin at suhestiyon ay idiretso natin kay Bernie. Pag pumalpak si Bernie, diretso niyo naman sa mga vice-presidente niya. Kapag hindi po maaaring magkaroon ng ano, diretso niyo kay Vilma. Eh wala eh, hindi niyo ako binuto eh. Ngayon may pera ako. Bayaran ko na lang kayo. Oo, handahan mo. May limang 5k kami.” )

PRO Jamaica Sonza: “Congratulations to the new officers. I still

support you—before, I was only defending our newspaper, but now I’m defending the entire organization. I am protecting the members’ right to know their duties and responsibilities as set by the municipality. Thank you very much.”

( “Congratulations po sa mga bagong opisyal. Sa inyo pa rin po ako sumusuporta—dati, ang pinagtatanggol ko lang ay ang aming pahayagan, pero ngayon, buong organisasyon na ang itinatanggol ko. Pinangangalagaan ko ang karapatan ng mga miyembro na malaman ang kanilang mga tungkulin at responsibilidad na itinakda ng munisipyo. Maraming salamat po.” “)

Board of Directors Chairman Vilma Manzo: “Good afternoon to you all. I’m glad we’re getting along. That means when there are many of us, our force is strong, and we should agree and stop being so heated. What we should do is monitor ourselves as members and avoid being too strict or harsh, so others will respect us. We’ll just look ridiculous. Let’s respect each other.

We should treat officials well because if we do, they will also respect us in return.”

If they show respect, we should also show esteem; after all, we belong to the same organization. And all of us are better off being respected than just feared. That’s all.

(“Magandang hapon sa inyong lahat. Natutuwa ko at gumawi na tayo Ibig sabihin, pag marami tayo ibig sabihin malakas ang pwersa natin at dapat sana magkasundo-sundunan na tayo wala nang initan. Tapos ang ano natin dapat ipulis natin yung ranggo natin huwag tayong masyadong abusado para Hindi tayo minamaliit ng iba mga parang magiging katawa tawa bigyan natin respeto ang a bawat isa.”

Kasi pag tayo ay maayos sa pakikitungo sa mga opisyal tayo ay respetohin din nila. At pag may respeto sila tayo ay respeto yun din ang asosasyon natin. At lahat tayo mas mabuti yung iginagalang tayo kesa kinatatakutan lang. Yun lang po.” )

Board of Directors Cynthia Gabinay: ” Thank you very much, friends. We also support the officials of Parañaque and our guests. May our unity continue from beginning to end. I hope we don’t have any conflicts and that we don’t lose our concern for each other. Thank you very much.”

( “Maraming salamat, mga kaibigan. Suportado rin natin ang mga opisyal ng Parañaque at ang ating mga bisita. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang ating pagkakaisa mula sa simula hanggang sa huli. Sana ay wala tayong alitan at huwag tayong mawalan ng malasakit sa isa’t isa. Maraming salamat po.”)

Board of Directors Erwin Gadang: “We must be united, together with all our officials. We have only one goal—to unite and help each other in our work. Let’s properly simplify everyone’s duties. Let’s support our president for the benefit of all. Thank you very much.”

(“Mahalaga na tayo’y magkaisa, kasama ang lahat ng ating mga opisyal. Iisa lang ang ating layunin — ang magkaisa at magtulungan sa trabaho. Gampanan natin nang maayos ang tungkulin ng bawat isa. Suportahan natin ang ating Presidente para sa kapakinabangan ng lahat.” Maraming salamat po.”)

Board of Directors Eric Quiman: “Thank you all.” To all the officials, and especially to Fresco Love, let’s give them a round of applause. Let’s unite and help each other, especially when it comes to e-payment because we need to fix this and give it our attention. We don’t need to prolong the process if we can give what needs to be given right away. Let’s not have any misunderstandings or grudges. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to other people. Let’s not allow others to use us for bad purposes. Hopefully, our meetings will not only be for formal purposes but will also pave the way for genuine understanding and unity.

Let’s not just laugh or pass the time; let’s show that we are taking action with a clear purpose—not only for ourselves but for everyone. Let us remember that each of us has an important role to play.

Let’s all help one another and stay united because unity makes everything better and more enjoyable. So I am grateful to all the officials and everyone here. Thank you very much.”

(“Salamat po sa inyong lahat. Sa lahat ng mga opisyal, at lalo na kay Fresco Love, palakpakan natin sila. Magkaisa tayo at magtulungan, lalo na sa usapin ng e-payment, dahil kailangan natin itong ayusin at pagtuunan ng pansin. Hindi na natin kailangang pahabain pa ang proseso kung maibibigay naman agad ang dapat ibigay. Huwag tayong magkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan o sama ng loob. Wala tayong dapat ikumpara sa ibang tao. Huwag nating hayaan na magamit tayo ng iba para sa hindi magandang layunin. Sana, ang pagkikita-kita natin ay hindi lang para sa mga pormal na meeting, kundi maging daan din para sa tunay na pagkakaunawaan at pagkakaisa. Huwag lang tayong basta tumatawa o nagpapalipas oras — ipakita natin na may ginagawa tayo at may layunin tayo, hindi lang para sa sarili kundi para sa lahat. Tandaan natin na bawat isa sa atin ay may mahalagang papel.

Para sa ating lahat, magtulungan tayo at magkaisa dahil mas masarap at mas masaya ang pakiramdam kapag may pagkakaisa. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng opisyal at sa lahat ng narito. Maraming salamat po.”)

Board of Directors Eddie Manilambo: “We don’t have any personal transactions we’re working on here. Our focus is to help—just like in New York, at City Hall—that’s all; we won’t say anything negative. Our officials, including our president and vice president, are doing well.

Boss and Madam Vilma have the voice and the ability. Idol also has a voice. Yes, Boss is really good—a fighter and excellent in transactions and with our newspaper. Let’s unite to support the President, Vice President, and all officials, so that our work and livelihoods can continue, along with prayer. Thank you very, very much to all of you.” ( “Wala tayong personal na tinatrabahong transaksyon dito. Ang focus natin ay makatulong — tulad sa New York, sa City Hall — ganoon lang, walang negatibong sasabihin.

Magaling naman ang ating mga opisyal at ang ating Presidente at Vice President. Si Boss at si Madam Vilma ay may boses at kakayahan. Si Idol, may boses din magaling sila talaga yan — isang fighter at mahusay sa mga transaksyon at sa ating dyaryo.

Kaya magkaisa tayo para suportahan ang Presidente, Vice President, at lahat ng opisyal, upang tuloy-tuloy ang ating mga gawain at kabuhayan, kasama ang panalangin. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”)

PPCQM, founded in 2015 by its current president, Bernie Anabo Jr.,  Parañaque Press Club Quad Media Inc. brings together journalists, editors, and media practitioners from various local publications. The organization, which serves as a platform for promoting press freedom and professional collaboration, has duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under the administration of Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, the group works to ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of vital information to the public. By uniting and fostering cooperation among media personnel who hold key positions in various weekly newspapers, the organization actively supports the city’s programs and activities. (By JCS)