Linggo, Mayo 26, 2013

Basta Radyo! BOMBO!

I am a product of Bombo

Take a grip. As budding journalist, aim to express, never prioritize to impress. The gist is to learn not to catch attention.
To temper the pain of distance or what I called “homesickness”, I focused to enjoy my stay at the number 1 station in the Philippines-Bombo Radyo and Star FM. The first training was tough; I turned out to love Ilokano language more than mine -Ibaloi. It was interesting though, most especially that I am already aware of some of the Ilokano words which I used in my broadcast articles. I met prominent media personality in the locality (Bombo staffs) and they are all accommodating, sociable and friendly. They set no limitations and boundaries. Thus, I felt the atmosphere welcoming. 
The Vote 2013
The water was cold and as it wet my body, I woke up half conscious. I skipped my breakfast and I hastily reached my room, had my things packed. Before reaching the station, I managed to ride on a taxi to keep things easier. With a short prayer, we left the station and we travelled safe and sound. The group was divided into three; Thelma and I were assigned at Virac Itogon Benguet. I was star struck when I saw people staring at me because I was tagged as a Bombo Radyo reporter. I was even entertained easily by the Deped Supervisors and other BEI’s.  The measure to be entertained by many people, it’s like I am a Hollywood star. (Feeling ak met) 
I hold valor in shooting my first reporting at Virac. My hands are really struggling; my heart is pounding hard like I’m really having asthma attack. Good, I was able to report it right. Afterwards I helped my partner to construct her script. I was still feeling unwell, I’m hungry. But since, it’s my responsibility to report events in a second, in a minute, I ignored my stomach troubling. While ignoring my stomach, I noticed myself enjoying a lot. I would even feel useless if I will miss a report. At least, there was eagerness to report at an immediate time. In my succeeding reports, I used the language Tagalog to make sure it will be used for both frequencies.
The thrilling experience is when I tried, with the news team, to enter the boundaries of Balatoc, in aim to inquire news from the two schools set as polling stations. We tried to talk to the security guards at the sincerest way but we were frustrated, we end up in grieve. Thus, scripting my news regarding the situation, but I never used my emotion while writing. No biases, instead I pointed out the reason behind why they stopped us in entering the vicinity. Before the final proclamation of winners, we waited overnight and I only slept for two hours. My leaders skipped to sleep making sure to give update at the station. I was also given the chance to witness them interview the elected officials. 
I was not really pressured during the cover of election at Itogon instead I was even warmed by the welcoming approach of the Baranggay Captain of Poblacion. My team mates are perfect; I am indulged but not really spoiled. I had a lot of fun, being with them, it’s not a forged bond. But, like prominent media people, I like to be one of them. They represented “power” using their voice and pen. The power is within them because they catch attention, not just among 2 to 3 people, but the mass. 
I am very much thankful for this experience. It is more than just for serving as avenue for improving my skills and or approaching different status of people-professionals or grassroots. The three weeks has opened my eyes to one of the most often overlooked realities in the life of media people.

Thanks to our moderator and group leaders Bombo Cesar, DJ Boi and Bombo Perlas who stretched out their hands to help us during the coverage. To Bombo Jordan and Bombo Jerald who along the way mentored us regardless our attitude. And of course my greatest appreciation to the whole station, most especially to Sir Dextress, Sir Alfred and Ma’am Justin (Floribel), I will always be a product of your station.

Lunes, Mayo 20, 2013


Money in tourism

I give a standing ovation to the award winning eco-tourism destination in the province of Benguet-Itogon. Not because I have roots here, but as an intern student I witnessed the municipality bear fruits for the consecutive years. 
The boosting of small business establishments is unknowingly earning a desirable income giving benefit to the municipality.
As an eco-tourism destination, it is undeniable that the different types of income for a community coming from the wage earnings, share earnings, rates, levies and business income are generating and increasing. Since visitors are flocking the area, there is direct spending giving a positive impact on the business profitability and employment growth. When number of visitors increase, the needs and expectations sprung, thus leading to creation of new business and commercial activities. Because the municipality is still considered as a rural community, employment is still needed by most of the residents, prior to that, raising small business is an opportunity to earn a living.
The 1300 level swimming pool being visited regularly by different people of all walks, from Baguio and even lowland places. Some of them stay for a night or more . Though cottages are offered in the swimming pools, housing services are still needed.
I remember the first time I visited the place, I was 10 then. There were only few store owners and jitneys bound for Itogon to Baguio. Now, there is an increase of community facilities including transportation services. You can reach Poblacion Itogon anytime you want even riding on taxi. A 36 peso fare in a jitney is fair enough for a student like me who seeks adventure. 
There are also sporting activities organized, one of which is the Summer climb  at Mt. Ugo organized internationally in partnership with the Municipal Tourism Office. 
As to preserving the cultural heritage of the municipality, there is a tourist spot in Poblacion which is the Ave Maria. It was believed that the first Christians are solemnized there. When we promote Ave Maria, it means we include the story why is it called by its name. Including Mt. Ugo, it is also from the Ibaloi word “Uguan” meaning to slit in the throat it was later renamed as Ugo after the series of killings by the busol or headhunters. The place is also famous because of the assassination of the Spanish Secretary General Juanchito. 
The community then must raise their awareness and stay proud of their municipality knowing that other people, locally and internationally have visited and praised the place. This considerably boost a community’s collective ego.
That’s why I see tourism in the municipality a tool to enrich its, economic, social and environmental sector. It also supported growth in other sectors like transport, agriculture, retailing and construction; thus, creating an avenue for business development equals to a more progressive Itogon.
 

Sabado, Pebrero 23, 2013

MOVE.BENGUET with Rappler (Letter of Invitation)


Warm greetings!

In response to challenges posed by social issues and to recognize the beauty and responsibility of journalism, the Department of Development Communication of Benguet State University (BSU) specifically the Development Journalism major students in partnership with The Mountain Collegian, the University's Official Student Publication will be conducting an Advanced Development Writing seminar on February 26, 2013 from 7:30 am- 4: 00 pm at the College of Teacher Education Function Hall, BSU.

With the theme “Venturing the other side of the pen, transcending boundaries in conventional writing,” the said event is an academic endeavor which aims at empowering budding journalists, and promoting responsibility and excellence in journalism.  It will highlight topics on citizen journalism, Development Communication and the Social Network, reporting a development stories, among others.

The event will feature prominent media personalities and staff from the Rappler Movement. Rappler is a Philippine online journalism site “where stories inspire community engagement, smart conversations, and action for social change.” It is headed by former CNN Jakarta News Bureau Chief Maria Ressa.




Sabado, Enero 26, 2013

Minutes of Meeting 3


DEVC 124 (Seminar Series)
Minutes of Meeting
Development Journalism Majors BSDC III
January 9, 2012, 11: 48-12:10 pm
AC 204
AGENDA
1.      Updates
2.      Reminders
3.      Contact Numbers/ e-mail accounts

1. Updates
* All letters get from ate Audrey Corce
            Invitation letters for speakers and participants
            Papers for sponsorship and solicitation
*EIC update c/o Cristine
            Ongoing
*Venue update c/o Claire
            Permit should be one week before the activity
*Participants c/o Mary Cris
            List of schools ongoing

  
  

Prepared by:
Mary Cris P. Basilio
Group Secretary

Reden C. Reyes
Group Leader

Minutes of Meeting 2


DEVC 124 (Seminar Series)
Minutes of Meeting
Development Journalism Majors BSDC III
January 8, 2012, 4:50-5:35 pm
AC 309

AGENDA
1.      Tasking
2.      Program Proper
3.      Programme

1. Tasking
A. Committee on Speakers
Head/ Chairman: Reden Reyes
Members: Faith Belingon, Raiza Blaize Pangosban
B. Committee on Solicitation/Sponsorship
Head/Chairman: Janice Agrifino
Members: Faith Belingon, Cristine Aromin, Raiza Blaize Pangosban
C. Committee on Finance
Head/ Chairman: Sonia Pur-ayan
Member: Hermilita Lagmay
D. Committee on Food
Head/ Chairman: Thelma Lomesio
Members: Christine Joy Cabansi, Grail Alicwadey
E. Committee on IEC
Head/ Chairman: Cristine Aromin
Members: Mary Cris Basilio, Maricel Guiniawan
F. Committee on Venue
Head/ Chairman: Mary Claire Luminang
Members: Raiza Blaize Pangosban, Christine Joy Cabansi
G. Committee on Paperwork
Head/ Chairman:Mary Claire Luminang
Members: Audrey Rose Corce, Rossanna Lagula, Christine Joy Cabansi
H. Committee on Participants
Head/ Chairman: Mary Cris Basilio
Members: Monica Abad, Hermilita Lagmay, Mary Claire Luminang
I.Committee on Documentation and Evaluation
Head/ Chairman: Reden Reyes
Members: Nathaniel Nikko Pasking, Audrey Rose Corce

 2. Program Proper
A. Registration Fee
B. Masters of Ceremony
Cristine Aromin
C. Usherettes
Janice Agrifino
Raiza Blaize Pangosban
Rossanna Lagula
Grail Alicwadey
D. Technicalities (sound system, speaker, microphone, etc.,)
Nathaniel Nikko Pasking
Christine Joy Cabansi
E. Food Preparation and Distribution (snacks and lunch)
Rossanna Lagula
Grail Alicwadey
Raiza Blaize Pangosban
Janice Agrifino

3. Programme
Doxology
Opening/ Welcome Remarks
Introduction
Message
            Snacks
Workshop
            Lunch



Prepared by:
Mary Cris P. Basilio
Group Secretary

Reden C. Reyes
Group Leader