READERS’ COMMENTS

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On “Farewell For Now” (Published on July 28, 2022):

Ramon Olano Jr.: It is a very sad news that Bicol Mail, the purveyor of straightforward news, the bearer of truth and real information, the shield of democracy in our region, has to close its doors and remain silent forever. It has become the victim of advancing technology. Also, given the sad truth provincial journalism does not guarantee a livelihood that keep the family stiched together, it is only waiting to breathe its last. Farewell, Bicol Mail! You have served the Bicolanos in the better and the worst of times. You have kept the torch burning for freedom! You have struggled to keep the compass straight and true to its bearings in the many decades of your publication! Indeed, you merit a sacred niche in our Bicol history.

Yen Fortuno: Hi Tito Henry! Reading this farewell brought sadness in my heart . I could not blame any of the circumstances you have mentioned here to cause the demise of your column but I have long admired how well you express your opinion more so this last one, and knowing you , this goodbye did not come easy. Nevertheless it is sad. It seems the written word can only stay if people would appreciate it more. I am grateful my parents have inculcated in me a deep love for reading prose and I would still prefer it over and above any means of communication. I feel the need to say this because with you hanging up your pen ( ) , I would also be decreasing one less writer to watch and learn from.Nevertheless, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all you have done to educate us and here’s hoping that gifted minds such as yours will continually grow in number and make us your readers a more educated people. Best regards Tito , sincerely Yeyen.

On Bicol Mail’s issue of July 28, 2022:

Czarina Imperial: End of an era. Bicol Mail writes 30.

I could write a long essay about how I loved working with Bicol Mail, how press work Wednesdays were some of the best nights of my life, how grateful I am to Sir Nilo Aureus for taking me in without any question back in 2008.

But I’m too sad for more words, too rueful for not writing my column these past pandemic years. It’s a gloomy Sunday and I heard Rainy Days and Mondays by The Carpenters. Hearing it really added to the melancholic mood. How I wish Sir Nilo would agree to continue the digital version so that Bicol Mail will go on.

If not, Bicol Mail will live on in my heart, in our hearts.

Salute to the men and women who have been part of the best, bravest, and most awarded regional newspaper in the Bicol Region. Dios mabalos

Greg Castilla: Nilo, Nakakamundo man ining balita mo maski ngani naiintindihan ko. Gusto ko man magpasalamat sa imo ta tinawan mo akong oportunidad maka contribute sa BM sa laog nin nagkakapirang taon. Gulping tawo an ma-mimiss an orag kan BM na mayong takot na nagiinform sa mga Bikolano kun ano an tama saka an totoo.

Kumusta sa imo saka sa enterong staff kan BM……. Greg

Al Villamora: I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s been my pleasure and an honor to be part of Bicol Mail. It’s hard for me to fathom how a regional newspaper that has been an exponent of progress will cease to provide such service. Being a Bicol Mail columnist has been a great source of pride and inspiration for me. Thank you for being part of my life. How I wish that Bicol Mail will maintain its web presence through a digital version but I’m sure that you have compelling reasons why you’re doing this.

Thank you Nilo for the great opportunity. You’ve been a steadfast and caring publisher. I wish you well in your future endeavors.

I would like to write my final column, if I could, next week.

Faye Natividad: This is very sad po.... Thank you, Bicol Mail and Sir Nilo, for the wonderful journey as a journalist in your acclaimed paper.

Alen Aire: Dai kamo nagdigital?

Jonas Cabiles Soltes: The drama queens in us. But how can we not pour our hearts out.

Bryden Elizan: I’d be happy to consult pano maging mas malawak distribution ng digital version kesa sa dati.

Pedro Camilo Moreno: Reading on line from UAE on regular basis.

Jonas Cabiles Soltes: In 2007, I was a jobless young man who had gone to as far as Baguio City to look for work. It was the time when I was not a college graduate officially. Nobody took my application, not even a stall at the food court of SM City Baguio where I was ready to be a sweeper. So I decided to go home.

Home, Bicol Mail hired me as a correspondent at a time when I was battling quarter-life crisis, at a time when I thought nothing would ever happen to me.

I was a correspondent of Bicol Mail when I had my first opportunity to board an airplane. It was the first time in my life. Our publisher decided to send me as the regional paper’s representative to a media convention in Manila so I had a free plane ride from Naga Airport to NAIA and back. It was also my first time to check in a 4-star hotel in the big city. And, if anyone remembers an earlier Facebook post, it was also during that time when I forced myself to learn to use chopsticks for the first time.

I shall always remember my days at Bicol Mail with a sigh. The pressworks every Wednesday night. The time when our publisher would take us home by himself and would give me as I get off his car my much-needed allowance, which had helped me make both ends meet at a time when I was drifting.

This week Bicol Mail published its last issue and folded its pages for the final time. And, oh, this sadness for the institution that saved me.

Note: Readers’ Comments are copied in toto.