BAGUIO CITY — Three distinguished journalists a veteran in print media, a radio pioneer, and a former broadcaster-turned-publisher—will be the top awardees at the Baguio Tourism Council’s (BTC) Media Awards and Appreciation Day during its general assembly on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The event will be held at the Baguio Convention Center, where the BTC will also propose amendments to the Baguio City tourism code.
BTC Chair Gladys Vergara announced the honorees as Jimmy Lozano, also known as “Lolo Doro,” Felix Eliral Refuerzo, and Rolando Fernandez. In addition, 53 other journalists will be recognized for their years of service in the media industry.
Honoring Legends in Media
Jimmy Lozano (Lolo Doro):
Lozano began his career in 1967 as a paid reporter after joining the Northern Broadcasting Company (NBC) DZWX in 1964. He became acting station manager of DZWX when the station was temporarily shuttered in 1972 following the declaration of Martial Law by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Lozano remained with the station after it was acquired by Dr. Rogelio Florete and rebranded as Bombo Radyo in 1982, eventually retiring in 2011. He later worked with former Bombo Radyo Baguio Station Manager Edong Carta to form Tambalang Tatang and Lolong at Z Radio, serving as Station Manager and Area Manager for Luzon before retiring.
At 77, Lozano shows no signs of slowing down, continuing his passion for media work and community service.
Felix Eliral Refuerzo:
Refuerzo joined NBC-DZWX at the age of 15 in 1966 as a radio production assistant and drama talent, and a year later became a broadcaster. In 1968, he was recognized as the youngest radio announcer and commentator in the Philippines.
Refuerzo later joined the National Media Production Center (NMPC), where he rose to Assistant Director until its closure in 1986.
He also contributed to national dailies such as Manila Times and Journal. In local media, he worked for Gold Ore and the Baguio Midland Courier before founding The Baguio Reporter in 1990, which operated until 2012.
Rolando Fernandez:
Fernandez, described by Frank Cimatu, a former Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent, as having an “illustrious and meritorious career,” worked as a reporter and editor for Daily Express, Manila Chronicle, and Manila Times from the Martial Law years until the early 1990s.
In 1992, he transferred to Baguio to establish the Northern Luzon Bureau of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Following his retirement,
Fernandez and his wife, Babeth Lolarga, continue to edit and write books.
Recognizing Service Milestones
The BTC will also honor media professionals for their long-standing dedication to the industry:
40 Years in Service Awardees:
March Fianza, Victor Loakan, Jaime Bernabe Sr., Joel Arthur Tibaldo, Christopher Bartolo, Malou Laxamana, Aurora Alambra, Richard Valdez, Joseph Esteras, and Primo Agatep.
30 Years in Service Awardees:
Atty. Antonio Pekas, Alfred Dizon, Romeo Gonzales, Joseph Cabanas, Andre Amadeo, Samuel Bautista, Aileen Refuerzo, Gabriel Baban Keith, Thomas Antonio Picaña, Fernando Zapata Jr., Vincent Cabreza, Eladio Landingin, David Leprozo Jr., Edgardo Espiritu, Helen Tibaldo, Joel Arthur Tibaldo, and Joseph Zambrano.
25 Years in Service Awardees:
Jonathan Munar, Jonathan Llanes, Eufeldion Lobien, Ernesto Calinao Jr., Franklin Cimatu, Jimmy Ceralde, Miguelito Velarde Jr., Andrew Pinero, Liza Galao, Dexter See, Joseph Manzano, Mauricio Malanes, Artemio Dumlao Jr., Mauricio Victa, Rizaldy Comanda, Eddie Carta, Dhobie de Guzman, and Harley Palangchao.
20 Years in Service Awardees:
Maria Elena Catajan, Roderick Osis, Jordan Tablac, Jane Cadalig, Rimaliza Opñia, and Alah Sungduan.
15 Years in Service Awardees:
Rose Malekchan and Hanna Laxamana.
The BTC’s Media Awards is an opportunity to recognize the vital role journalists play in promoting tourism and preserving the heritage of Baguio and the Cordillera region.
