Bona fide textSharpening of journalistic prowessI never stop learning. I allow myself to learn new things, new techniques and new styles – in writing. I felt lucky every time SJS sends me to seminars especially if its objective is to achieve competence in writing. I considered journalism seminars as venues to hone writing skills and to develop the hidden talent in every amateur writer. Most people would say, “Writers are made, not born." I was a made writer, frankly speaking. I was in my second year high school then, when I first joined journalism seminars. I can still remember that we have to travel from Aklan going to Iloilo on a four-hour-bus-drive just to attend the writeshop conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). It was my baptism of fire and that was the start of my passion in writing. I graduated high school trained by my mentor Ma'am Ruby and all the competent resource speakers from the different seminars I attended. When I was in Central Philippine University taking my college degree, I was hesitant to join the school publication. I had the dream to publish my articles in the paper but I told myself that if I will not allow myself to join, there is no chance for me to fulfill that dream. It was Ma'am GI, my teacher in English I, who motivated me to join the Central Echo, the official student publication of CPU. I can still remember her inspiring words to me, “I know you can make it." Since joining in Central Echo requires a year of residency at the university, after my one-year stay in school, I was qualified. I was the Filipino Editor, then after a year, I became the Managing Editor, until I grabbed the position as the Editor-in-chief in my last year in the publication. We attended journalism seminars also and these seminars molded us to become more competitive journalists and we were able to make it in COPRE sponsored by the PIA. I thought attending journalism seminars would end there. I was wrong. When Mrs. JIG, SJS' school directress, gave me the position as the adviser of The Yellow Bird, SJS official student publication, I cannot say no. Writing is my passion and imparting my knowledge in journalism is the best gift I can offer to the young and eager Josephian writers. Since there was a great opportunity given to me, I embraced with open hands, teaching and training neophyte writers. Now, when I attend journalism seminars of my students, I reminisce my high school and college days. This time I served as their coach and I was so happy seeing them receiving awards and recognition in every contest they participated in. Last August 10-12 we attended the Regional Training of School Paper Advisers and Campus Journalists sponsored by Department of Education – Region VI held at Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City. Congratulations to all our Josephian winners on that said training: For Elementary Department: Blessed Bea Plondaya (1st Place – Editorial Writing & 4th Place – News Writing), Katarina Ysabel Jardiolin (2nd Place – Sportswriting) Jasmine Garet Jardeleza ( 8th Place – both Sports and Editorial Writing) and Adrian Bernard Dofitas (10th Place – Editorial Writing). For High School Department: RJ Lorenzo Marco Parcon (5th Place – Editorial Writing & 8th Place Sports Writing), Patricia Isabel Camarista (5th Place – News Writing) and Anna Dominique Torres (7th Place Sports Writing). For Teacher Category: Teacher Cheza Plondaya (1st Place – News Writing & 2nd Sports Writing), Teacher Helena Golez (1st Place – News Writing & 4th Place Editorial Writing) and yours truly bagged the 7th place in News Writing and 1st Place in Editorial Writing. Congratulations to all Josephians for the job well done! |
