A Story to Remember

December 6 -10, 2010

This is one of the most unforgettable week that happened in my four weeks of duty at GMA-7. It was December 8 when we went to Sitio Buli, Brgy. Mayana in Naga to cover the landslide that has affected twelve families. I was with Sir Albert Aballe, video journalist Sir Marlon Melgazo and co-intern Jasmin. Barangay Mayana is a mountain barangay that is two kilometers away from the main road of Manipis. Only motorcycles for hire and four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used to go to the place. The road to Sitio Buli was very tough. It was almost impossible to pass because the road was so wet, slidy and rocky. Thanks God we reached the area safe and sound.

The landslide buried 12 houses and affected about 100 residents. Residents said that they felt a tremor around 10 p.m. It had been raining all day. The landslide occurred around 2 p.m. when they noticed that loose soil were falling on their roof. The local government has immediately deployed its resources to help the victims. The victims were temporarily housed in the barangay hall of Mayana. The other victims were seeking temporary shelter in the homes of their relatives.

It was a tragic event for the twelve families who lose their belongings and homes. But, they were still thankful because none of them got hurt during the landslide. I realized that being a journalist or reporter is not that easy. Sometimes its a little bit risky on their part to go to places they are not familiar with and not knowing what lies ahead. But its their prerogative. Afterall, no news is worth dying for.

..Truly an Experience.........

November 29 - December 3, 2010

This week I had the chance again to be on-field with the two of the best reporters in GMA-7. November 29, I was with Sir Monching Auxtero and video journalist Sir Joel Pantino. We went to Central Command and interviewed Maj. Darren E. Comia, the Director for the Office of Cadette Admission. We asked him about the increasing number of applicants for PMA in Central Visayas, their qualifications and the trainings that applicants will underwent. Maj. Comia invited me to  join the Philippine Military Academy but I told him that I will just think it over. Sir Monching and Sir Joel  told me that I should give it a try but I just smiled. I'm  still undecided. Anyways, we went to Fuente Osmena Circle after that. We interviewed the representatives of Bayan Muna, KMU, and Anakpawis. They were having a rally. They brought with them their placards that contain their dissatisfaction to the present administration.The rally ended at Colon Street. There  I saw my classmates Nova and Aldwin who were also having their internship in Superbalita and DYAB respectively.

December 1, I was on-field with Sir Alan Domingo and video journalist Sir Joel Bajenting. We visited Ate Shonie Sumampong who is living beside the road for almost eight years with her seven children. Yes! Almost eight years. They didn't have a house and they were just using blankets that serve as their bed. We surprised her and her children. We brought with us goods, clothes, foods and bed. They were very happy upon receiving the gifts. At least, we helped them in our small and little ways. I realized a lot of things when I entered and have my internship with this station. I was exposed to many things that I did not learn from the academe. I experienced what it is to be a reporter and how tough the job is. Indeed, experience is the best teacher. 

I remember thinking that I am who I am because I have faith in myself and it has always been the possibility of emotionally rewarding the experiences that has encouraged me to gamble on myself. Those experiences have made all that I do worthwhile.

For the First Time

November 22-26, 2010

For the first time, I got the chance to be on-field with another reporter from Bisdak Sir Christian Tafalla with my co-intern Malou. First time that we were permitted by Madam Elena to go on-field with two interns for one reporter. First assignment? We went to RTC Branch 10 to cover the trial of Ruben Ecleo's parricide case. I met Ador Vincent Mayol, the correspondent of Cebu Daily News. He was a simple and polite man. Anyway, Ecleo was not there during the trial because according to his lawyer, he was advised by his doctor to take a rest. Unfortunate though it was, we stayed in the court and listened to Alexander Bacolod, the defense witness. Afterwhich, we went to Consolacion. There was a report that a male Badjao was killed after being hit by a Ceres bus. We went to a police station but what we got was just the Ceres bus whose front side was broken. The arresting officer was not there. We went to another police station and good thing, we were able to interview the driver who hit the victim. We also went to Mandaue City Police Office to interview the operator of the bus but unfortunately, he already left. The blood of the victim was still there when we went to the vicinity to see it.

From that painful incident, I realized that life is indeed a very precious gift from God that we should handle it with so much care. It can easily be taken away from us in ways we don't expect them to happen. As Elisabeth Kubler-Ross puts it, "It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

On-field with Bisdak Reporters

November 15-19, 2010

This has been a memorable week for me. I was able to go on-field with Sir Alan Domingo and Sir Monching Auxtero. November 15, I was with Sir Alan and video journalist Sir Tata during the relief operations of GMA Kapuso Foundation in Pagsabungan, Mandaue together with my co-interns Malou and Angela. Sir Alan had his live report there. I was very excited because it's my first time to go on-field. While we're on our way to the area, Sir Alan taught us of the possible questions that we will going to ask to the Barangay Captain. He was very helpful to us and they're very accommodating. When we reached the area, we immediately find the Brgy. Captain and interviewed him. We also interviewed some of the residents who were greatly affected by the fire incident. Twenty-six houses were burned and the affected families were only using candles to give light and warm to their dark and cold night. After the interview, we helped in the distribution of relief goods. These goods include noodles, canned goods, clothes, plates, glasses, and a kilo of rice. I realized that media is indeed a very great help to the people not just for information dissemination but also during this time of predicament. The people there badly needed help and it's good to think that media is there to extend its help to this unfortunate people.

November 16, I had the chance to be on-field with Sir Monching Auxtero and video journalist Sir Joel Pantino. We went to different police stations in Mandaue. We went to Mandaue City Police Office for the follow-up report on Tawason crime. After which, we went to Subangdaku Police Station to interview one of the suspects. We also went to Cebu City Police Office where Sir Monching had his stand-upper. There I saw my classmates Vinci, Vanessa, and Maluna. After that, we went to PRO-7 and interviewed S/Supt. Erson Digal about the issue of giving  cash gifts to police officials this Christmas. We went back to the station around two o'clock in the afternoon. I was a little bit tired and hungry. My hands were shaking. I immediately went to the canteen to eat my lunch. But despite of not eating my lunch on time, I enjoyed the experience. It was all worth it. The experience was great and I had fun. I realized I have to adjust myself to the new environment I am currently into and to the things that I am not used to. Afterall, there's a lot of things to be learned in this unpredictable world. 

November 17, I was on-field with Ms. Ana Desamparado, the new reporter of Balitang Bisdak and video journalist Sir Tata. We went to the office of Vice-Governor Greg Sanchez and interviewed him about the issue between him and DILG-7 Director Pedro Noval. We also interviewed him about the  issue of being charged for dereliction of duty if he continues to refuse to assume as acting governor since the governor was out-of-the country. I'm so happy because it's my first time to see him face to face and to be on his office. I never expected that I will meet him. Indeed, the saying "Expect the unexpected" truly speaks to the event.

This week also, I had the opportunity to meet the disc jockeys behind the FM programs of DYRT. Together with my co-interns Malou, Jasmin and Angela, Ma'am Sandra tour us to the FM booth of the station. We met Papa Joe, Papa Marco, Litoy and many others. Sorry, I forgot some of them. Anyway, we had fun. We had the chance to watch and listen to them live on their program. Truly, this has been a fun-filled week for me worth remembering.

My First Week at GMA-7

November 10-12, 2010 

It was a hot Wednesday when I went to GMA-7 to pass the requirements for my internship. I was in a hurry to pass it because there's only one slot left. I went there together with Edmund because I'm not too familiar with the place. Thanks God I arrived there twenty minutes before 1:00 o'clock. I immediately went to the station and asked the security guard if Sir Jerome was there. Unfortunately, he was having his lunch at that time so I waited. Edmund and Malou accompanied me. After a few minutes of waiting, I was able to hand in  my requirements to him and I was accepted. I was very happy. 

This week, I had the chance to observe the news program of GMA-7's Balitang Bisdak together with my co-interns Malou, Angela, Jasmin, and Edmund. The staff and employees were very friendly and accommodating. We really feel we are welcomed. Madam Elena assigned us to Ms. Sandra Mari Arriola, the chief librarian. Take note! The library that I am talking about is not the typical library that you're thinking. It's not a library of books but a library of tapes, CD'S and DVD's. We helped her in encoding the shot list made by the video journalists.

I'm still adjusting to the new environment I am currently into. I know it takes time to know the  real personalities of the people there but I am not scared. I'm up to the challenge. I am just hoping that I can build friendship and ties with them.