Rappler multimedia reporter Patricia Evangelista was among the speakers invited to deliver a speech during the 2021 torchlight walk for the Nobel peace prize laureates on Friday, December 10.

In her speech, Evangelista said Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov’s recognition meant a celebration for a world “that understands no democracy is possible when people are terrified into silence.”

“Journalism is a tradition, and the line Rappler holds was drawn many years ago by men and women who planted their feet at the barricades and said, ‘This far, no further,'” she said.

“Tomorrow, we will return to our desks, to the field, to the many newsrooms around the world, with the awareness that while we may be afraid, we tell our stories knowing we are not alone,” she added.

Rappler chief executive officer (CEO) and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa shared her momentous victory with the Filipino community in Oslo, Norway, shortly after she received her award.

After Ressa received her award along with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov as Nobel Peace Prize laureates on Friday, December 10, the veteran journalist came to see some Filipinos based in Norway for a quick meetup and interview. During the conversation, Ressa was asked about the importance of personally receiving the award.

“If I had not gotten approval, we would have been the first government since Germany. And then before China, it was Germany, that was the last time…But I’m really good, I’m here ‘di ba? (right?)” Ressa happily told her fellow Filipinos.

Aside from meeting the Filipino community, Ressa also provided key points to help solve the division in society caused by lies and disinformation. 

Read the full story on Rappler.