Writer: Maybe I won't change your mind, but let me try to tell you about the Maria Ressa I know

As the attacks against Maria Ressa are all over the place lately, a more personal side of the story surfaced after a writer shared his experience with the Rappler CEO based on his firsthand encounter.


In his Facebook post, the writer gave a version of Ressa that is unknown to many.

Person of the Year

It was only recently when the TIME Magazine released its Person of the Year. To the surprise of many, one of them was the Rappler Chief Executive Officer, Maria Ressa along with other media men who were allegedly persecuted in their respective countries. The narrative that the beleaguered CEO seem to portray.

Rule of law

Contrary to the 'media persecution' narrative, the move by the government against the news site seems to be only rightful and deemed valid due to the violations it committed against the law.

A rough year for Rappler

Following the tax evasion cases filed against her by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Pasig court released a warrant of arrest to Maria Ressa, to which the latter immediately posted bail for as soon as she arrived in the country on December 3.

It was early this year, January, when Rappler's license to operate had been revoked by the SEC or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This, after the said government agency claimed to have found out that Rappler "sold control to foreigners".

The Ressa we don't know

Meanwhile, Ryan G Macasero, a writer who claims to have worked with Maria Ressa before, narrated how the CEO is in person: someone whom one would think is unworthy of 'online attacks' and 'court cases'.


"This woman in Time Magazine Maria Ressa lives each day facing threats, online attacks, court cases, and trying to make sure the company is running smoothly, while doing her best guiding an entire team through difficult times.", Macasero started.

"I see tons of posts around here villifying her, even people I know in real life.", he added.

Without shoving down his point of view on other people's throat, the writer said "Maybe I won't change your mind, but let me try to tell you about the Maria Ressa I know", prior he recounted his stint with Ressa.

"When I was with Rappler, regardless of how busy she was, not once did she not make time -- or try her best to make time -- to hear me out. And not once did she make me feel like the things that I struggled with were inconsequential compared to her problems.", he stated.

In addition, he mentioned how the female leader treated people around her.

"And this is not just how she treats me, this is how she treats everyone. Like they matter, and they are important. And that's what I appreciate about Maria the most. No matter how much we all look up to her, she never thinks of herself above anyone. And the Maria you see in front of the camera is the same Maria when she's off camera.", Macasero said.

Read the complete Facebok post of Ryan G Macasero below:

This woman in Time Magazine Maria Ressa lives each day facing threats, online attacks, court cases, and trying to make sure the company is running smoothly, while doing her best guiding an entire team through difficult times.

I see tons of posts around here villifying her, even people I know in real life.


Maybe I won't change your mind, but let me try to tell you about the Maria Ressa I know: When I was with Rappler, regardless of how busy she was, not once did she not make time -- or try her best to make time -- to hear me out. And not once did she make me feel like the things that I struggled with were inconsequential compared to her problems.

And this is not just how she treats me, this is how she treats everyone. Like they matter, and they are important. And that's what I appreciate about Maria the most. No matter how much we all look up to her, she never thinks of herself above anyone. And the Maria you see in front of the camera is the same Maria when she's off camera.

I feel so lucky to have learned so much from the women and men of Rappler, and to have been a part of Rappler's story. And every day I carry these lessons in my core.

#HoldTheLine

Source: Ryan G Macasero

Love this article? Sharing is caring!