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.