Revealing the hidden story of a Filipino newspaper vendor today

"Newspapers are part of the media. We need to show and let people know the exact state of our community." – Elmer Rabino

It is the story of Tatay Elmer Rabino from Quezon City. He has four children, and two of them have graduated from college. And they have been together with his wife for more than 23 years.

Before he became a newspaper vendor, he primarily worked as a machine operator at the Sunrise company. He also used to make slippers and sew shoes. And then, he worked on a Jingle publication for five years, which mainly focuses on producing magazines, DepEd books, chord books, etc. Then he also worked for TikTik publication for 25 years in newspapers.

After these publications ceased operation, he decided to sell newspapers. He also takes newspapers from a publishing house in Manila that he will sell and drop off at every outlet he holds in their area.

Each newspaper he sells ranges from 10 to 25 pesos. Among the options he offers are the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Bulatlat, Pilipino Star Ngayon, etc., often seen retailing in the market where people frequently flock.

For more than 12 years, this is what Tatay Elmer has been doing every day - waking up at 3:00 am and then selling from 5:00 am to 11:00 am.

He also described the difference between his income from selling newspapers as compared to his wage in the publication. In selling: one newspaper, the profit is two pesos. And when it comes to publication: one newspaper, the interest is four pesos.

Despite the small wage, it's still the job he chooses every day. Because, first and most importantly, this is where they get their daily food. Second, he’s getting older and can no longer afford to find another job. And finally, with the help of his career, two of his four children graduated from college.

Tatay Elmer will also never forget his good experiences with publication companies. "The publication companies I worked for were caring, well-mannered, well provided benefits, and not too strict with staff."

He also shared his pleasant experience in selling newspapers. "I just make more friends now because by selling these newspapers, I meet different people, and also, I forget my problems and stress."

But in such jobs, it is inevitable not to experience bad things. Aside from the difficulty of commuting, he has also been a victim of robbery several times. "Whether you are outside or inside the office, it is still dangerous."

For Tatay Elmer, there was no difference in the system and how they made a profit from selling newspapers then and now, even during the challenging pandemic.

Tatay Elmer learned to save, budget correctly, and spend minimally because of this job.

"You have to work hard at this job because if you don't, you won't get this job either. And if you don't try, you won't be able to. Do not waste great opportunities. It is not in the state of life that determines how we will progress," he advised.

“Similarly, when it comes to the job, it doesn't have to be current or trendy for other people to enjoy or admire your work. The more others see your effort, the more they will appreciate you,” he added.

Interestingly, there are still people like Tatay Elmer who remain in this profession and never felt that he was left behind for the reason that many people still enjoy reading newspapers, especially those who cannot keep up with the modern mode of reading newspapers through various online platforms.