As we celebrate our 15th year of print through turbulence and rocky times, we would like to close out the year by giving you a closer look at the team that brings you the Chronicle every week without fail these days. We’ve undergone plenty of changes, but we’re here for the long haul – now it’s time we introduced ourselves.
Claire Dangalan Cachuela, Editor-in-Chief
As the editor-in-chief of the Baguio Chronicle, Claire already has well-honed storytelling skills (thanks to her cousins, kids, nephews, and niece she was able to experiment on early in her life). She’s also an advocate focused on family, community, and the causes closest to her soul.
At the heart of her daily grind are her children, her love for animals, and her passion for protecting the environment. These are not just inspirations but the driving forces behind her resilience and commitment to tackling life’s challenges.
Food holds a special place in Claire’s world, not only as a source of comfort but also as a bridge to cherished memories. Lumpiang ubod and her late mother’s home-cooked classics—kare-kare, embutido, leche flan, ube halaya, and asadong Kapampangan—transport her to a time of familial warmth.
A self-professed workaholic living the gig life, Claire juggles her responsibilities with grace but admits the struggle of not finding enough time to recharge. Her weekends are often consumed by the many hats she wears (and the many cats and dogs she cares for), yet her self-awareness fuels her desire to eventually reclaim balance and sanity through her love for running and hiking.
With a grounded belief that “everything happens for a reason,” Claire navigates her multifaceted life with purpose and faith, confident in knowing that every role she plays matters in the bigger picture of her existence.
Lucita “Manang Lucy” Monsanto-Exconde
Chair – Board of Directors | Podcast Co-host
Known affectionately as Manang Lucy, Lucita Monsanto-Exconde wears many hats at the Baguio Chronicle, from steering the Board of Directors to co-hosting the paper’s growing podcast lineup.
Her mantra, “God is always in control,” serves as her anchor through life’s ups and downs, reminding her that everything—including big and small challenges—come with a purpose.
Manang Lucy finds daily inspiration in witnessing God’s miracles, big and small, and draws strength from her mother, whose resilience and kindness taught her the value of service to others.
A standout achievement in her Baguio Chronicle journey has been launching several podcasts, often with minimal resources. For her, stepping out of her comfort zone to explore new mediums like podcasting was both a challenge and a rewarding learning experience.
One of her dreams is to visit the Holy Land, a trip she hopes will deepen her faith and connection to the stories she holds dear. In every role she takes on, Manang Lucy exemplifies grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to the Baguio Chronicle’s mission.
Angel U. Castillo, Head of Newsdesk
As head of the Baguio Chronicle’s newsdesk, Angel brings a unique philosophy to his work and life: the value of play. But don’t mistake his playful ethos for frivolity—it’s actually a reflection of his belief in humanity’s higher capabilities. For Angel, even tackling the rigors of journalism can embody a form of “play” when approached with creativity and curiosity.
When he’s not immersed in newsroom deadlines, Angel gravitates toward hobbies that mirror his meticulous nature. He spends weekends building and painting miniature armies for tabletop wargaming, a passion that blends art, strategy, and community. “It’s not the cheapest hobby on a journalist’s salary… paints, tools, putty, and the plastic miniatures aren’t all that cheap,” he says, “but it’s worth every peso for the joy it brings.”
Angel’s love for storytelling extends beyond the newsroom. A long-held dream of writing a novel stems from his childhood fascination with fiction. Although his career in journalism leaves little room for creative pursuits, he’s proud of having published a short story in a local anthology—a small but meaningful milestone that affirms his talent and highlights his potential for growth as a writer.
Food, for Angel, carries a sense of nostalgia. His ultimate comfort dish? A homemade “non-restaurant-quality pork sinigang.”
“It reminds me of simpler times,” he says, though he’s quick to mention his fleeting culinary obsessions, from Cajun boudin to Ling Nam’s fried dumplings.
Guided by a deep appreciation for “surviving hardship against the odds,” Angel finds solace in music that reflects this theme. Songs like Tragedy + Time by Rise Against resonate with him deeply as someone enduring life’s struggles.
Joyce P. Navarro, Computer Layout Artist
Joyce has been with the Baguio Chronicle since its inception in 2009 and continues to play a key role in shaping the paper’s visual identity. Described by colleagues as cheerful and hardworking, she balances her dedication to work with being a doting grandmother, drawing strength and purpose from her family.
Her resilience has been profoundly tested in the past year. The loss of her 24-year-old son in 2023 marked a turning point in her life, but she continues to find inspiration in the love of her family and the simple act of moving forward, even in small steps. “Healing and growth can come from even the hardest moments,” she reflects.
Her go-to comfort duo—camote and coffee—reflects her appreciation for life’s simple joys. “There’s something about their warmth that calms me,” she says, describing how the pair has become a grounding ritual for her. On weekends, Joyce finds solace in routine: laundry, church, and a meal at her favorite restaurant, all offering moments of peace and reflection.
If given the chance, she would spend an afternoon with her late son. “I’d ask him if there’s anything I can do to ease the pain I carry every day and tell him just how deeply I love him.” In these words, Joyce reveals her profound love as a mother and her commitment to cherishing every memory.
For Joyce, every page she lays out for the Baguio Chronicle is more than just work. It’s a channel for her creativity and resilience, with every issue helping her in taking small steps forward in her healing journey.
Floradel Padua-Piza, Administrative Officer
Balancing work and motherhood is no small feat, but Floradel Padua-Piza manages it with optimism and energy. A first-time mom at 40, Floradel treasures her daughter, Yzabel Aria, calling her the greatest blessing of her life. Bringing Aria to work isn’t just a necessity at times; it’s a mark of Floradel’s commitment to both her family and her role at the Baguio Chronicle.
A natural multi-tasker, Floradel is the person everyone can rely on, whether it’s managing administrative tasks, feeding the office’s resident cat, Baggie, or simply brightening the room with her can-do attitude. “Being part of the Baguio Chronicle family has taught me to connect with people from all walks of life,” she shares. “It’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t think possible.”
Floradel’s faith is her anchor, shaped by the teachings of her senior pastor. “He reminds me that life’s most important aspect is spiritual. Everything else fades, but faith endures,” she says. This perspective fuels her gratitude and positivity, even amidst life’s challenges.
The Baguio Chronicle is more than a workplace, according to Floradel. She considers it her second home where her contributions matter. She takes pride in being part of a team that delivers meaningful stories to the community, ensuring that people’s right to know is upheld with integrity.
John Carlo Caalim, Videographer | Video Editor
As the youngest member of the Baguio Chronicle team, John Carlo (JC) Caalim brings fresh energy and a thoughtful perspective to his work as a videographer and video editor. With plans to balance his role at the paper with his college education, JC’s quiet dedication and eagerness to learn have already made him an invaluable part of the crew.
For JC, life’s fleeting nature is what drives him. “Death inspires me to do the most out of my day-to-day life,” he reflects, seeing mortality as a reminder to embrace life fully and stay grateful for every moment. To him, tomorrow is not guaranteed but a hope worth striving for.
This philosophy aligns with the lessons he’s drawn from the song “Cleopatra” by The Lumineers, a piece of music that deeply resonates with him. The song’s narrative of missed opportunities and the courage to take risks serves as a powerful reminder for JC to live boldly and embrace life’s uncertainties. “To live is to risk it all,” he says, quoting a favorite line from the animated American sitcom Rick and Morty.
JC’s mantra—“pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice”—guides him through life’s challenges. By accepting life’s hardships without allowing them to dictate his happiness, he’s learned to choose his battles wisely and grow stronger with each experience.
As JC continues to hone his craft at the Baguio Chronicle, he’s contributing to the team’s success while embracing every moment as an opportunity to live courageously and meaningfully.
Atty. Emily A. Balungay, Columnist | Podcast Host
Known as “The Singing Lawyer,” Atty. Emily Balungay seamlessly blends her passions for law, music, and service. A columnist and podcast host for The Law Will Get You Through, she is committed to breaking down complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge for readers and listeners alike.
Her journey with the Baguio Chronicle is an extension of her broader mission: to empower individuals through law and journalism while staying rooted in her Christian faith.
“I see a deep connection between law and journalism—they’re both acts of public service,” Emily shares. Her work is guided by her motto, “No God, no glory,” and the belief that service to others is service to God.
With an impressive career spanning roles such as director and hearing officer at the Civil Service Commission and as a law professor at the University of the Cordilleras, Emily brings a wealth of experience to her writing. She views the Baguio Chronicle as a vital platform for promoting integrity and community connection amidst a constantly changing media landscape.
Her guiding scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” reminds her to rely on God’s strength in the face of challenges.
For Atty. Balungay, every article and podcast episode is an opportunity to equip others with knowledge and hope, staying true to her dual calling as a legal professional and a servant of faith.
Judge Edilberto “Del” Claravall, Columnist (Grassroots)
A retired Regional Trial Court judge and former barangay captain, Judge Edilberto Claravalls life has always been defined by service. Whether serving as executive judge, city councilor, or columnist, he has earned recognition for his integrity and performance, even being named an Outstanding Citizen of Baguio.
For Judge Del, his mother, Paula Tualla Claravall, is his lifelong inspiration. Her deeply ingrained values of patience, kindness, and humility helped shape his view of the world and grounded him against the temptations of power. These principles have been his moral compass in both his public and private life.
Judge Del’s days start with his decades-long breakfast ritual of lemon water, muesli, almond milk, and Greek yogurt—a combination he credits for his energy and focus.
While he has a treasure trove of favorite books, songs, and films, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” resonates deeply, as it reflects his steadfast approach to life. Through his column Grassroots, Judge Del continues to inspire readers with his reflections on justice, governance, and community.
Rocky Ngalob, Columnist (The Broken Native)
Rocky Ngalob channels his passion for indigenous peoples’ rights into every word he writes for The Broken Native. For him, the Baguio Chronicle isn’t just a platform for sharing his insights, experiences and opinions. It allows him to connect with his roots and provides a way to amplify the voices of his community. He often draws inspiration from the resilience of his ancestors and the enduring wisdom of indigenous values like “inayan,” “lawa,” and “ayew,” which guide him daily.
Rocky’s advocacy took a transformative turn during his visits to Kabugao, Apayao, where he witnessed the Isneg people’s fight against mega dam projects. These experiences fortified his commitment to defending ancestral lands, even at the cost of friendships and professional ties.
In 2022, Rocky received the Professional Services Award from the Regional Development Council-Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR), a validation of his tireless efforts despite criticism from his own agency and local politicians.
Today, weekends are a balance of family time with his wife and newborn and some occasional paralegal work for IP communities. His guiding principle? Uphold “inayan,” a code that keeps him grounded and ensures he follows a path that honors his heritage.
Nonnette C. Bennett, Lifestyle Contributor
Nonnette Bennett lives for new experiences, especially when it comes to food and travel.
A self-proclaimed foodie, she has an adventurous palate but draws the line at sabeng (aka safeng, known for being a foul-smelling traditional fermented drink) from Talubin, Bontoc. Her comfort food is Swiss steak, a dish her father taught her to make and one she fondly remembers being prepared daily by her uncle during her high school years.
Travel is another passion for Nonnette, who finds beauty in the places she visits and the stories they tell. From the majestic sunrises at Mt. Pulag to the serene tea plantations of Taiwan’s Alishan Mountain Range, her adventures highlight a world of breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural practices. She admires the honesty of Alishan’s tea-selling communities and the awe-inspiring cleanliness of Hunan, China’s caves and stone formations.
Through her lifestyle columns, Nonnette shares these vivid experiences, taking readers on a journey beyond the confines of words. Her ability to capture the essence of a moment makes her stories resonate, as they offer readers a glimpse into the extraordinary beauty of the world.
And lastly, while the following were unable to provide comprehensive information like the rest of the Baguio Chronicle team, we shouldn’t forget our other valuable contributors and staff members:
- Hector Pineda, Editorial Cartoonist
- March Fianza, Columnist (Rooster’s Tales)
- Gary Paul Abela, Columnist (Between the Lines)
- Mau Victa, Photographer | Account Executive
We thank you for your support and we hope to continue serving you as we move forward, refreshed and energized for a new age of changing media landscapes and industry challenges.
Because you have the right to know!
