Aquil, as his friends and family fondly called him, grew up in General Santos City (formerly Dadiangas) in the southern island of Mindanao. Blessed with an innate desire to fight injustice, he pursued a curriculum focusing on what constitutes good government. He received his political science degree from Mindanao State University in March 1990. His inquisitive nature, knack for writing and talent for reportage has taken him to unprecedented heights in the world of journalism by advocating for press freedom and justice for the oppressed. He cut his professional teeth in journalism as a radio reporter and news writer for DXCP Radio Station (1986-1994) while attending college. Along the way, he was a correspondent and reporter for Sapol News Bulletin, General Santos City (2010-21), The Mindanao Bulletin (2007-21), Philippine Daily Inquirer (1996-2021), Agence France-Presse (2013-2015), The Brunei Times (2011-12), The Edge, Davao (2009-10), SunStar Super Balita, Davao (2005-06), SunStar, GenSan (1998-2004), GenSanToday as city editor and columnist (1995-96).
He was a consummate professional and a meticulous reporter diving deep just to get to the bottom of the story be it murder, mayhem, political assassinations or illegal logging; the juicier the subject matter was the better, according to him. He penned incisive articles like his coverage on Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and the proposed development of a Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission (PBSC) designed to help every aspiring Filipino athlete in boxing and martial arts or MMA.
The Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame honors Mr. Aquiles Zonio for his tremendous contributions to Philippine boxing history.