By Itchie G. Cabayan
A member of the media industry who is now based in Alaska in the United States, was recently honored by his high school alma mater as the 2026 Most Outstanding Diamond Jubilarian during the 80th Grand Reunion of Arellano High School (formerly Manila North High School). The event celebrated the Diamond Jubilarians of Class 66, of which Morales is a proud member.
Romeo Morales, known in media circles as “Romy,” was a former Senior Correspondent of the Philippine Journalists, Inc, (PJI), publisher of the Journal Group of Publications. The group’s publications included the widely-circulated tabloid People’s Journal and the now-defunct broadsheet Times Journal and magazines such as Women’s Journal and Insider.
Morales was among the journalists who, at a certain period of his career, helped uphold the tradition of responsible and credible journalism that characterized that era.
His recognition as the Most Outstanding Diamond Jubilarian reflects not only his achievements in journalism but also his enduring contributions to his profession, community, and alma mater.
The Alumni Board of Advisers of the Arellano High School, located along Teodora Alonzo Street in the Sta. Cruz district of Manila, cited Morales’ distinguished career in the media industry as one of his notable achievements. This accomplishment was among the key factors that earned him consideration for the prestigious award, selected from among the 643 graduates of the Class of 1966 who went on to pursue diverse careers and life paths after leaving their alma mater.
His extensive experience in journalism, coupled with his professional accomplishments and continued engagement with the alumni community, exemplifies the values and ideals that Arellano High School seeks to recognize through its Most Outstanding Jubilarian Award.
Romy began his journalism career as a photojournalist for PJI. Through diligence and determination, he advanced to become a hard-nosed reporter assigned to cover various government agencies. His journalistic skills and dedication eventually earned him a long-term assignment covering the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Among the highlights of his career was his participation in an international conference in New Delhi, India, where he joined discussion on the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict under a United Nations-sponsored program. The conflict remains one of the most complex and enduring geopolitical issues of modern times.
The issue gained renewed global attention following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than a thousand people, including civilians. The ensuing conflict between Israel and Hamas has generated intense debate within the international community. While many countries and organizations have condemned the violence and called for the protection of civilians on all sides, differing views have emerged regarding the scope and conduct of military operations, humanitarian concerns, and efforts to secure the release of hostages and achieve a lasting peace.
Morales’ exposure to international affairs and his involvement in discussions on critical global issues underscored the breadth of his journalistic experience and his commitment to reporting on matters of national and international significance.
Morales’ peers in the diplomatic media beat recognized his leadership and professionalism by electing him president of the Diplomatic Press Corps, a position he held for two consecutive terms.
His accomplishments did not go unnoticed by the United States Embassy in Manila, which recommended him for a prestigious grant program. Through this opportunity, Morales attended studies on the formulation of U.S. foreign policy at Tufts University in Massachusetts.
His participation in the program coincided with the height of the conflict in Sarajevo and other parts of Bosnia during the 1990s. Exposure to academic discussions and policy analyses during this critical period enabled him to gain deeper insights into the challenges and complexities of international relations, conflict resolution, and foreign policymaking.
In a similar vein, the Chinese government extended to Morales and three other journalists—representing both the print and broadcast media—the honor of participating in a traditional river cruise along the majestic Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world.
At various points along the route, they disembarked to visit picturesque villages nestled along the riverbanks. These stops provided valuable insights into local tradition, daily life, and the enduring cultural heritage of the communities that have flourished along the Yangtze River for generations.
Aside from diligently covering his regular assignments, Morales was also actively involved in the National Press Club (NPC), where he served for several years as a director and, at one point, as the club’s auditor. His leadership and commitment to the journalism profession earned him the respect of his colleagues within the organization.
On one occasion, Morales led a delegation of selected NPC officers on an exchange visit with the journalists in Vietnam. During the trip in the late 1980s, the Vietnamese Press Club welcomed the delegation and invited its members to pay their respects by laying a wreath at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the revered founding leader of modern Vietnam.
The visit also took the group through Hanoi and Saigon—now known as Ho Chi Minh City—two cities whose histories were profoundly shaped by the Vietnam War.
The exchange fostered greater understanding and camaraderie between Filipino and Vietnamese journalists while broadening the participants’ perspectives on regional affairs, history, and international cooperations.
In addition to his work as a Senior Correspondent for the Journal Group of Publications, Morales served for two years as a stringer for the Associated Press stringer and for one year as a Philippine News Agency stringer.
Morales also contributed to a regular column to The Foreign Post, a weekly publication in Manila that catered primarily to the expatriate community. Writing under the pseudonym “Stephanie Joy,” the name of his daughter, he authored the column Diplomatic Immunity, which focused on diplomatic affairs and international developments.
In 1986, he served as editor of the United Nations Walkers Club in Manila, further reflecting his active involvement in organizations engaged in international and diplomatic activities.
Morales’ receipt of his alma mater’s prestigious 2026 Most Outstanding Diamond Jubilarian Award represents the culmination of decades of dedication, perseverance, and professional excellence. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a no-nonsense journalist committed to accuracy, integrity and responsible reporting.
