Multimedia reporter Pia Piquero. SUPPLIED

Pia Piquero, one of Cebu’s youngest yet most formidable journalists, recently shared her insights with the latest batch of Expat Media interns, offering a unique glimpse into the world of journalism and the personal challenges she faces daily. The recent meeting served as an invaluable learning experience for the interns, who are eager to carve their own paths in the competitive media industry. Piquero, a former Expat Media intern who graduated Magna Cum Laude in Journalism from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, has quickly established herself as a prominent figure in Cebu's news and politics scene. Now a multimedia reporter for Cebu Daily News Digital, she covers some of the most intense government and political stories in Cebu. Her day-to-day work involves long hours, rigorous reporting, and a relentless pursuit of the truth, all of which she balances with her roles as president of the Association of City Government Beat Reporters and vice chairperson of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines, Cebu Chapter. During her meeting with the Expat Media interns, Piquero shared not just the highs but also the challenges of being a journalist in the Philippines. She spoke candidly about the fast-paced and demanding nature of the job, emphasizing the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive attitude, especially for the younger generation entering the workforce. Reflecting on her own experiences, Piquero addressed a common misconception about younger workers. "It is very sad how companies, especially older people, see our generation as not knowing how to endure. They often say things like, 'Your generation doesn’t know how to endure, you keep on complaining,'" she remarked. She encouraged the interns to focus on growth, learning, and progress rather than succumbing to negativity. "If you don’t want to be grouped with 'THAT' generation, the one labeled as not knowing how to endure, you need to learn to grasp the growth, the learning, the progress—and don’t complain too much." Piquero’s message resonated deeply with the interns, who had the opportunity to ask her questions about her career and her approach to journalism. She highlighted the importance of being a good team leader and player, the necessity of taking criticisms constructively, and the value of staying focused on personal growth. "Whatever your boss says—criticisms and everything—don’t take it against yourself. Take it constructively because that’s for your own growth," she advised. The session underscored Piquero’s dedication not only to journalism but also to mentoring the next generation of media professionals. Her passion for the truth and her resilience in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on the interns, who are eager to apply the lessons learned to their own careers. As they continue their educational journey, the interns have taken Piquero's words to heart, recognizing the importance of resilience, integrity, and continuous learning in a profession that demands nothing less. FAR/FLE/MKQ/ND/Expat Media ALSO READ: Inside Expat Media, UAE's trusted voice for expats
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