Bayanihan Media Awards National Winner

Journeys, Stories on the NLEX

A Book Review

IT is not so often that I get hold of a coffee table book (CTB) that celebrates a 15th year anniversary. It is usually on the Silver or 25th where one company, private or government, heralds its achievements.

“Journeys, Stories on the NLEX” is a compendium and record of achievements, activities, events, and outreach programs of NLEX. This book by NLEX Corporation is a remarkable documentation that captured not just the company’s history but its contribution to nation building. It even covers the gloomy period when the pandemic had sown gloom not just in the revenue streams of NLEX Corp but also in the country, and even the world.

‘Journeys, Stories on the NLEX’ is a well thought and carefully executed production work that does not only capture the business of running a toll road but the hearts of the people managing it. Visual to text discipline and captivating photos manifest creativity and artistry.

Through well-written articles and vivid photos, the CTB is one of a kind — it exemplifies artistry and creativity and well-thought and carefully executed concept and design.

On many occasions, I have been involved in the production of books, particularly biographies with mentor Bong Lacson as either publisher or editor. I have also laid out and did the page make-up of the 280-page “Pinatubo: Triumph of the Kapampangan Spirit” coffee table book. So, I know the kind of creative juice that one has to squeeze both in text and visuals. 

The producers of Journeys did pour out the exact blend of sap that made them produce just the right visuals to text discipline, well-timed topics, apt graphics, and even the right number of pages.

Creativity was superb. I particularly liked the splurged, full-bleed photos, especially one that contained that burst of a lamppost with streaks of light and the silhouette of mountains. What an artistic shot that required the correct exposure and time of day!

The CTB is worthy of a read and even a re-read as it encapsulates not just the business of running a toll road, but the heart of the people managing and operating it. It is a literary work that represents people from all walks of life who continue to benefit from the road that helps create that intersection of lives, endeavors, and experiences.

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