A life well written: Award-winning journalist Alden Monzon writes 30

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December 23, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Even after the deadline had passed, Alden Monzon refused to call it a night. While others settled down to the dinner provided during a coverage in BGC held somethime in July 2024, he was still chasing leads, checking in with sources and hunting for exclusives.

This author had the chance to cover that event alongside Monzon, witnessing first hand his relentless drive and competitive spirit.

For him, a story was never complete until every question was asked and every detail uncovered. Such commitment to the truth was the defining mark of a journalist who truly lived and breathed his craft.

It is that same passion and dedication that makes the news of his passing all the more heartbreaking, not only for his family, friends and colleagues, but also for the entire industry.

Den, as he was fondly known to family and close friends, passed away on Dec. 19 due to an acute myocardial infarction, according to the announcement from his family, concluding around 16 years of a devoted career in Philippine journalism. He was 39. He is survived by his mother Ma. Amor and his siblings Adrian, Rea Paula and Angelo.

His remains will lie at San Fernando Funeral Homes and Crematory Inc. in Batangas City from today until Friday, Dec. 26.

“Alden was known for his dedication to economic journalism and his thoughtful presence in EJAP activities. He will be dearly missed by his colleagues in the newsroom and the broader media community,” the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) said in a statement.

Alden earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines–Los Baños in 2009, where he also joined the prestigious Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity in 2004.

He began his career soon after as a researcher and broadcaster at dwAW 999 kHz until November 2009.

He then joined ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. from 2010 to 2011, writing scripts for daily newscasts such as Gising Pilipinas!, Dos Por Dos, and Radyo Patrol Balita Alas Kwatro.

In 2012, he had a brief stint at DZIQ: Radyo Inquirer 990 AM, working as a news writer and anchor for several public affairs programs.

Alden moved to BusinessWorld in 2014, covering a range of beats, including macroeconomy, defense and security, Malacañang Palace and the Senate, over two years.

In 2016, he transferred to Japanese media outlet Kyodo News, reporting on significant events in the Philippines such as the peace process, the West Philippine Sea disputes, foreign policy, defense, business and Manila–Tokyo relations.

Alden later returned to Philippine media, joining the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2022 to cover trade and industry, before moving to The STAR in August 2025, where he reported on agriculture, mining and water until his passing.

Andrea San Juan, Alden’s close friend from BusinessMirror and former beatmate, told this author that Alden consistently asked questions that mattered most during events and coverage.

“He was the one who came armed with so many questions,” she recalled.

Alden was also always on his feet, moving quickly from one place to another to catch sources for interviews.

“I remember my neck getting hurt because I couldn’t stop tilting my head just to see where he was going or if he was already interviewing an official,” San Juan shared.

In 2024, EJAP honored Alden, then with The Inquirer, as Reporter of the Year for his outstanding coverage of trade and industry.

He was also awarded third place in the features category of the Jose G. Burgos Jr. Awards for Biotechnology Journalism, presented by the Department of Agriculture and the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines.

Though his time with The STAR was brief, Alden left behind stories that made a lasting impact on Philippine journalism and resonated deeply with the communities he served.

“I will remember him as a reporter who wrote exceptionally well and who did his best to cover his beat,” The STAR business editor Iris Gonzales said.

“I was particularly impressed with the special report he wrote on ghost farm-to-market roads, titled ‘Ghost projects, real costs: How corruption in farm-to-market roads hikes food prices,’ published on Nov. 28, 2025. He was a good addition to the Business team and will surely be missed.”

Alden’s bylines may one day fade, but the mark he left on journalism and the lives he touched will endure. His time on earth may have been short, yet it was a life well-lived and well-written.