The 9th child of a pioneer homesteader in the island province of Mindoro, Philippines. Studied elementary and intermediate at the then Pinamalayan Farm School, now the Juan Morente Ama Elementary School, secondary at the town’s catholic school and college degrees at the Lyceum of the Philippines in Manila. Worked as public information officer of the Tour of Luzon, deskman in the pre-martial law Pilipino Star Publication, the Philippine Daily Express Publication during martial law then back of the Philippine Star Publication after martial law. Made rounds in most Manila tabloids as managing editor. Worked with the team that converted the Borneo Bulletin into a daily in the Sultanate of Bru