Who can recall the era of Bicol newspapers Balalong and Naga Times? They were all published and edited in the city of Naga for regional consumption. During the tumultuous years of the Martial Law era and beyond, the free press in the region was exemplified by the two publications, as with other struggling tabloids in different parts of southern Luzon.
The Balalong was published by Juan F. TriviƱo and edited by Atty. Alfredo Tria while Naga Times was published by Lily Tolaram with Ramon Tolaram as the editor.
[Revision/Correction: Sept. 22, 2021: Mr. Ramon Tolaram was the publisher and editor of The Naga Times while his wife, Mrs. Lily Tolaram, was the business manager.]
Both were homegrown newspapers which week after week came out with relevant and engaging news stories. Balalong ventured into more controversial, some very relevant political issues and dug into the psyche of the Bicolano readers. Fans of the tabloids can’t wait for the week’s edition of freshly printed news carrying juicy and investigative articles from its contents.
Even local radio stations sourced their headlines from both tabloids. That period was the silver era in the region of tabloid news publications as responsible publishers, editors and reporters shine in their trade.
But what do we find in the scant local newsstands in Naga city are completely different now. The “thin” tabloids mimic the look, mastheads and appearance of national broadsheets to attract enthusiasts. But inside its pages are no more than hashed press release of this and that government agency or business entity. There are more column inches allotted to legal and extra judicial notices, which gives the impression it is the main source of tabloid income and not the circulation sales.
At the town market, a local vendor was saying that the local newsprint is not enough to wrap “tinapa” and dried fish (tuyo or alang na sira) because of its scanty page as compared to the voluminous national broadsheets. What?
Glad to hear from the daughter of the big man of Naga Times. Lucky for one of our colleagues who had him as mentor for sometime in the tabloid which include gathering details, composing the news, and observing the composing of the tabloid at the local press as workers work on the linotype and the offset process. Thank you for the visit and regards.
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Bicol House Journal
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The quaint, little and big town of Siruma lies on the northeastern section of Camarines Sur, much properly on a peninsula jutting out to the sea. Its shores is lapped by the cool waves of the Pacific, while the inland territory is generally of mountainous terrain abundantly sun-basked.
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Here and now, the Bicol river’s name was for the second time used in disgrace, shame and shambles. The unfinished dam will remain the tangible evidence to this for people to see in the years to come. As always, failures leave behind some ugly memorials.
Easily, then, Bicol river is both the queen and mother of all rivers in southern Luzon due to its size and influence. It holds sway and impact on the fertile and floodplains of the provinces, dictating the state of economic well-being and status affecting thousands of lives of people- including farmers, fisherfolks, travellers, etc., around its sphere of natural terrain.
The town of Siruma boasts of white sand beaches almost equal to that of Caramoan’s. But wait, the beaches of Siruma languishes for attention and development. Camarines Sur has invested, time and resources for Caramoan’s development and Siruma is waiting.
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After the May 10, 2010 general elections, the local government of Siruma and its town folks received its first ever and most distinguished visitor of the land, and a surprise yet.
Can the choicest words and the harshest sounds provide power to a people long oppressed under the yoke of feudal and imperialist tyranny? Shall we not cast aside the broken pen that knows all terms and the paper pure prepared for lines? Shall we not transform angry words into […]
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To her native sons and daughters, Calabanga is a beautiful town even if it seems slow in making progress. Many of its sons and daughters have left her to find their fortunes elsewhere or their particular place in the sun, but it is not a final breakaway.
Today we make an easy recall of the days when we were little. What came to mind was the classic and popular folk song of one about “our” small house. Some say the original version was in Tagalog entitled “Bahay Kubo” composed by Felipe de Leon: Bahay kubo kahit munti […]
The banca operator is so experienced he managed to device a system of not going straight ahead after departing from Balongay but instead maneuvers a sharp curved route to curtail the push and shove of the current. Imagine being in a crib on a rocking motion. Just looking at the transport boat, do not expect amenities of comfort for the seat will be a piece of bamboo pole nailed across its rim.
“No, the pen cannot describe the poetry which contains the enthusiasm of a Catholic people who manifests publicly its faith, its confidence, its tenderness and gratitude, towards the enchanting Mother of beautiful love . . .” This was how the public manifestation of faith by the inhabitants of Ciudad de […]
On Monday, we revive The Bicol House Journal on the online pages of Cbanga360. It will follow the same attitude and aspiration in publishing literary content as before. Looking back we republish here the idealism and objective of the BHJ: The Bicol House Journal is a modest attempt at publishing […]
The story of the Bicol martys began with the discovery of the Katipunan secret society. And the message sent by then Manila-based Governor-General Blanco to all civil governors precipitated mass arrests throughout the country.
During the recent commemoration of National Heroes Day, the “historians” in Malacanang had been very selective at naming personalities that figured during the Philippine campaign for independence. Generals Vicente Lukban and Vito Belarmino made it to the cut as the palace announced that a special set of 24 printable trading […]
Easily, then, Bicol river is both the queen and mother of all rivers in southern Luzon due to its size and influence. It holds sway and impact on the fertile and floodplains of the provinces, dictating the state of economic well-being and status affecting thousands of lives of people- including farmers, fisherfolks, travellers, etc., around its sphere of natural terrain.
Semana santa is a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of every CalabangueƱo. The holy event is ever so old and yet always new. The CalabangueƱo reflects in solitude, in sanctity and in seclusion. Deep in his heart finds joy and anticipation of the filial, friendly and Godly devotion renewed and refreshed by the holy week celebration. Thus, it tugs him to go on a yearly exodus he just wouldn’t want to miss.
Great read! My dad’s (Ramon S Tolaram) birthday is today.
Glad to hear from the daughter of the big man of Naga Times. Lucky for one of our colleagues who had him as mentor for sometime in the tabloid which include gathering details, composing the news, and observing the composing of the tabloid at the local press as workers work on the linotype and the offset process. Thank you for the visit and regards.
Happy Bday to Naga Times editor-publisher, Mr. Ramon S. Tolaram.