Between Pages and Principles

Shades of Memories

Between Pages and Principles
By Dex Amoroso

Dex settled into the Editor-in-Chief's chair, orchestrating the inaugural issue of Palette and Prose. As the VP for Research and Innovation, Dex could feel the excitement in crafting this premier edition, from the written word to publishing intricacies.

"This first issue reached 74 pages," Dex murmured, scrutinizing details. "Solely distributed online with a suggested minimum price of 17 USD. But life isn't just about the destination; it's about the human connections within the journey."

In quiet moments, Dex's mind drifted to the past, to Star Publishing Group—a professional home for three transformative years. The dynamics of advertising revenue and team management played like a nostalgic melody.

"We had a lot of employees—maybe a hundred?" Dex reflected, memories of high-end outings funded by advertisers bringing a genuine smile. Yet, shadows lingered. Dishonest practices among drivers, old magazines sold to junk shops, and manipulated fuel cards cast a disquieting shadow.

One poignant recollection stood out—a scene with a driver, old magazines, and a visit to a junk shop. Dex could almost smell the musty paper, feel ethical dilemmas, and see the Manila sunset casting long shadows.

As Dex delved into the details, the moral tightrope became evident. The driver, a desperate soul resorting to selling old magazines to make ends meet, pleaded with Dex to overlook the transgressions. The choices loomed large—turning a blind eye for the sake of camaraderie or upholding the company's integrity.

"Furtive glances, clinking coins, and a Manila sunset," Dex thought, torn between empathy and the responsibility of leadership. The negative encounter involving manipulated fuel cards became the tipping point. "I had to part ways with Star Publishing Company, leaving behind the shadows that haunted the corridors of integrity."

The transition to Palette and Prose marked a turning point. Guided by a mission to foster creativity, Dex emphasized the importance of relationships. "It wasn't just about the work," Dex said, voice softening, "but the connections made along the way."

"In the inaugural issue," Dex revealed, the weight of challenges infusing the words, "the editorial team conducted an experimentation, leveraging lessons from the past."

As Dex led the team into the Springtime Edition with the theme 'Here Comes the Sun,' the journey from Star Publishing Group to Palette and Prose became a testament to growth and resilience.

Reflecting on the odyssey, Dex mused, "When I get worked up, it's because I'm resisting the journey, wanting only the destination." The pace slowed, and Dex continued, "But the beauty is always in the unfolding, and in every step, it's the connections formed—professional and personal—that define the richness of the narrative." The shades of memories painted a vivid picture of Dex's professional and personal evolution.