For ten years I battled the stringer life in the northeastern corner of the Iberian peninsula known as Basque Country. Got injured a few times covering riots, threatened several times, had a bull crash into me during the running of the bulls in Pamplona, all kind of guns pointing at me and even an offer from the Spanish secret services to provide them with information, HA! I wouldn't say they were easy times but if I had the chance to repeat every single minute of it I would say yes, again and again, without hesitation!
In 2007 I jumped to the other side of photojournalism and joined to the Global Picture Desk in Singapore, quite a tricky change that turned out very pleasant. Being trusted by the best photographers in the industry was the energy that kept me going to work with a smile on my face. That and the amazing group of dedicated editors, always keen to know more and better.
There is no need to say that none of this would have been possible without the intervention of some incredible people that I had the pleasure of meeting along the way.
Desmond Boylan, none of this would have been possible without the huge amount of trust you put in me all these years. You were not just the best and wildest mentor one can dream of; you are the kindest person I've known, the best teacher, and a true friend. You know you became part of my close family long time ago, my eldest brother from a different mother.
Pedja Kujundzic, your patience and incredible mentoring in my transition to the desk saved me from losing my mind. There is no money that can pay for your lessons, both vital and professional.
Amanda Andersen, you taught me how important it is to be a trusted and reliable picture editor, a friend on the other side taking care of my pictures as if they were your own. Sending my pictures to the London desk when you were still there was bliss, and all those years in Singapore I tried very hard to echo your lessons. I failed miserably at emulating your sweet voice though..
To all the editors in the Singapore desk who had to suffer years of rants, constant cursing and sometimes bad temper; thanks for the great friendship, the late dinners, the laughter and the good times. You are now my extended family and you won’t get rid of me easily! I will only be three hours away from you!
Obviously the list of amazing people I got the chance to meet in those 18 years goes on and on. You all know who you are but if I had to mention each of you, this mail would need to be delivered in installments and I won’t have access to my Reuters email account for that long…From the deepest corner of my heart (this sounds too posh, right? Oh well...) I thank you all for all the great memories, experiences, lessons and most importantly, the friendship!
So yes, what now? Three hours away from Singapore?
Yes, my next chapter will take me to the tiny island of Malapascua, off the coast of Cebu, in the Philippines. I’m joining two local friends there and will be running a dive resort with them, eventually will become a dive instructor and in the process get a proper sun tan. Can’t promise a huge discount but you all know you will be more than welcome. You will find a friend in Divelink Cebu, Malapascua.
But hey! I’m only leaving the company, not family and friends, so let’s please keep in touch!
Good night and good luck!