Atom Araullo gifts autographed book to guard in QC mall

Atom Araullo gave an autographed copy of his book, "A View From the Ground," to a security guard he regularly encounters at Trinoma.

In a Facebook post, the Kapuso journalist recounted how the guard, whom he identified as SG Anecito, would consistently greet him and mention his wish to own a copy of the book whenever they cross paths.

"Noong una, akala ko chika lang. Pero sa pangalawa, pangatlo, pang-apat na beses, 'yun pa rin ang bukambibig niya. Kaya nung isang araw, nang makita ko ulit ang nakangiting SG, inabutan ko na siya ng libro," Atom wrote in the caption.

For him, it was a "personal" gesture.

"Dahil sa totoo lang, para talaga sa mga tulad ni Anecito ang aklat—mga taong nagsisikap, kumakayod para sa pamilya, lumalaban nang patas, at hindi nagpapakasasa sa kickback mula sa flood control projects (naisingit pa talaga. Gigil lang ng very light). Sana magustuhan ni Anecito ang libro," he said.

Atom launched "A View From The Ground" in September.

The book contains his first collection of narrative journalism and includes photos taken by Atom himself. It is available through the UP Press website.

Apart from being an award-winning journalist, Atom is also a Palanca award-winning writer. He won the first prize in the essay category in 2022 for his piece "Letter from Tawi-Tawi," which was first published on GMA News Online.

—Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News