“Kuya Arsen” poses with one of the machines he operates at Mvariety on August 31, 2023.
35 years—a span that might seem like a lifetime to some, but for Arsenio Hembra, it’s been a time of unwavering service as a printing machine operator at MV, and his journey continues.
Hailing from Jaro, Tacloban, Philippines, Hembra is the sixth child of eight siblings, born to hardworking parents who managed a small store alongside their farming duties. His upbringing, though modest, instilled in him a determination to create a better life for himself and to support his family.
In a fateful turn of events, while employed at Rico Puno Publishing and Print Specialist in 1987, Hembra’s friend Tany applied through an agency that facilitated opportunities in Saipan. With a mix of nervousness and optimism, he presented his best self during a meeting with a potential employer in a luxurious 5-star hotel lobby. In his mind, he set a personal promise: if he secured the position, he would dedicate five years of work in Saipan, saving diligently before returning home. Little did he realize that this encounter would mark the beginning of his enduring relationship with his longest-serving employer—a connection that would evolve into one of friendship and kinship.
Hembra vividly recalls the down-to-earth, charismatic, Variety’s Founder, Mr. Abed Younis from that first meeting. His curly hair and affable nature left a lasting impression. Soon after, his determination bore fruit as he was hired and soon departed for Saipan.
“Mr. Younis and his family have been a true source of support and kindness, not only to me but to all employees here. The sense of belonging I feel at Variety is unparalleled,” Hembra shares. His tenure at Variety not only allowed him to assist his ailing parents but also offered him the means to support some of his siblings.
Arsenio Hembra reviews one of the daily papers he prints at Mvariety on August 31, 2023.
When questioned about the challenges of adapting to evolving printing machine technologies, Hembra remarks, “While other technologies, such as phones and computers, progress rapidly, the principles behind operating machines remain relatively constant. Once you grasp the fundamentals, transitioning to new models becomes much smoother.”
According to his co-workers at Variety, “Arsen is humble, down to earth, dedicated and responsible.” They further noted, “For many years of being a press operator, he had mastered his craft, he feels the movement of the machine, and he knows what’s wrong with it.”
Following the passing of Mr. Younis, his children assumed the mantle of leadership at Variety. To this day, Variety boasts of being the leading newspaper since 1972.
Laila Boyer, former Variety President, remarked, “Arsen ensures that all the hard work of the day, from the news stories gathered to the advertisements, as well as print products, are produced with high quality every single day.”
She continued, “His contributions to more than half of the company’s 51 years of existence and the community to which it serves, have definitely shaped it for the better, and we are forever grateful he chose us as his lifetime career. Arsen embodies what we strive to do, which is to serve our community and our home to the best of our abilities, no matter how difficult it may be, with pride and a smile. He loves what he does, and so do we.”
With the passage of time, Hembra stepped into a mentorship role, guiding new operators and showcasing his leadership abilities. When asked about retirement, he responds with resolve, “As long as I remain physically capable, my intention is to continue contributing here.”
Happy 35th year, Kuya Arsen!