BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
While they may no longer connected with The Visayan Daily Star, the tender loving care of Ms. Ninfa Ramos Leonardia, who they usually referred to as Madam or Miss L, will remain forever in their hearts, as they say.
Miss L will always be remembered by her staff as the one pushing them hard to strive for excellence.
Here’s how some former editors and reporters of the Visayan Daily Star described her.
Atty. Guillermo “Third” Tejida – Deputy Administrator, Sugar Regulatory Administration
She honed her editors and staff like a mother – gentle but firm. Ms. L had even silently extended some personal financial help to those in need. We would not be where we are now without Ms. L’s guidance. All her editors would certainly miss Ms. L – both a legacy and a legend.
Antonietta “Toks” Lopez – Communication Officer for Negros Panay, San Miguel Brewery
In my 12 years in Daily Star, I entered a neophyte and exited as a full-fledged community journalist with Madam or Miss L, as we call her, in the center of my journalism career that spanned more than 20 years. We used to grumble and complain when our copies would go through several passes from her, extending newsroom hours until you find yourself going beyond reporting and into deep newspaper publishing. I will forever carry her lessons from the newsroom – patience in pursuing stories and sources and credibility of the printed word. My career may have shifted to corporate communication but her teachings have proven valuable in all my life pursuits, and for that I will always be grateful…
Nida Buenafe – President, Negros Now Daily Inc.
Miss L, as most of us in the newsroom called the late Ninfa Leonardia, had always defended our editorial policy against advertising pressures and lobbyists. She makes sure that the reporters verify their data and facts through multi-sources. Press releases, even from advertisers, are not given a “free ride” in our news pages. She had never allowed her failing health and age to get in the way of her editorial duties. Even at her 80s, she would still go to the office and stay late to edit our copies. She was a journalist, a fighter for press freedom and an independent thinker.
Odette Montelibano – Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ms. L was the “mother hen” of the newsroom. She made sure that her chicks were incorruptible. When I told her and CPG, then our managing editor, that I have been invited to dinner by this city investor/contractor she advised me to watch out and expect to be bribed. I remember her words “This is going to be your baptism of fire so be careful.” I didn’t really enjoy that dinner. I was concerned about getting an envelope and rehearsing in my head how to push it back and say no. However, after dinner I returned to VDS feeling proud and shared with her and CPG (Carla P. Gomez) what had transpired, and who else was at this man’s dinner table. I remember how she listened intently, her lips almost breaking into a smile… but it was getting late and we have to put the paper to bed so her next words to me was to finish my stories. As I left her cubicle, I caught what I thought was a twinkle in her eyes. This took place at the old VDS office, next to the NOHS, where a “new” girl in town, fresh out of university was given an opportunity to write news stories. And that she did for more than 10 years. May your legacy for credible journalism continue Ms. L. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Donalyn Guerrero-Lastima – Assistant Professor 2 / Student Services Coordinator, Technological University of the Philippines, Visayas
“Do not stop writing,” Ms. L’s final words as I handed down my resignation letter in October 2007. With a heavy heart, I hug and bade her farewell, thanking her for the last three years of painstakingly editing my reports. The red ink she used to edit my write-ups blotted my ego but humbled my heart. She was kind and gentle, but a warrior on paper. The kind of journalist I would admire, respect, and love. In fact, I never skipped a day without reading “Twinkling”. Thank you, Ms. L, for giving me a taste of being a local journalist, for allowing me to speak up my mind through my write-ups, and for believing that a Psychology major like me could write something that could benefit the community. I will be forever grateful to you, and yes, I will never stop writing, whatever that means. And I will miss you.
Cheryl Cruz – Executive Editor, Negros Now Daily
Thank you so much Ms. L for your care and guidance. You were a bit reserved when we had that first meeting in 2012 when Ms. Carla introduced me to you as a possible desk editor, but you were very kind to say that you think I would fit right in since the other editors are also single, including you and Ms. Ducky. More than my memories of you always coiffed and dressed to the nines were instances of your care, of being thoughtful, especially during the pandemic, when the editorial people had to work off-site. You would check on me and ask if I need anything since you know I live alone. I will always remember your kindness. Thank you for being part of my life.
Adrian P. Nemes III – associate editor, Sunstar Bacolod
Back in 2009 when I first met Miss Ninfa Leonardia, whom we fondly call Miss L, I was a little apprehensive as she was seemingly hard to please but with her motherly demeanor, I felt her sincere concern and care. Miss L taught me not just journalistic skills but even life’s lessons and I could say that wherever I am now, somehow, she is part of it. With a heavy heart, I succumbed to the fact that she is no longer here and had returned to our Creator but her memories for us, who were under her wings as former staff members of the Visayan Daily Star will remain forever.
Shiela Gelera-Braga – News Chief, Radyo Bandera Bacolod Newscenter; Anchor, Girls Talk Program
If not because of your corrections, guidance and a lot of patience when I was still a newbie in the media industry, I wouldn’t have reached this far (almost a decade) in my journalism career. From being an OJT, to one of your reporters at The Visayan Daily Star, you taught me valuable lessons, you showed me how to love writing and journalism more. Thank you, Miss L for honing me and believing in my capacity, for supporting my endeavors and for checking on me. I will forever be grateful to you, my best Editor-in-Chief, Miss Ninfa Leonardia. Rest easy in grace and love.
Marchel Espina – Reporter/Editor at Digicast Negros, Rappler Correspondent
I was the last “Star” baby under her care, as I came to VDS in early 2019. I was at a crossroads at that time, but I feel blessed that the Visayan Daily Star welcomed me with open arms. When I first talked to Miss L., I didn’t feel intimidated – I felt right at home. She was very candid and jolly. She told me that I would enjoy my stay at the paper, and I did. I will always cherish the moments when I hear her tapping her typewriter and the times when she talks about her experiences. She is worth emulating for young and budding journalists.*
