Midterm Blog Journal # 4: Sinulog That Was!

       In preparation for the coming Sinulog, the five of us were actually asked by Ms. Chielo last week if we could volunteer for GMA's Sinulog coverage. Of course, we don't have the right to say NO because this is an opportunity for us to showcase of what we have and to render our service as mass communication interns. I know, it's gonna be an exciting Sinulog coverage. Jasmin Vailoces declined the offer because according to her she will be with her mother on that day. So, it will be only be Rechiel, Angela, Malou and I who will be joining the once in a lifetime coverage for Sinulog 2011.

       On the 15th of January, an eve of Fiesta Señor, we had our duty in the station in order to help for the preparation. Angela is appointed as the Production Assistant at the vicinity of Cebu City Sports Center while Malou is the Production Assistant at the station. Rechiel and I are researchers. So it's gonna a tough job ahead for us because we will be researching with the profile of each dancing contingent, higante, puppeteers, and float categories. Together with us were Ademar Ochotorena and Ma. Theresa Niere of Isyu Karon staff. I am nervous and excited because they are expecting a lot from us. I am challenged to do with my responsibility. Prior to the preparation, the moment Rechiel and I knew our task for the coverage, we already did extensive research with the profile of participants on the internet, newspapers and Sinulog Foundation. We went home around 7:00 PM.

       On January 16, we arrived at the Cebu City Sports Center at exactly 4:00 o'clock in the morning. It was a rainy Sinulog actually, a blessing of Snr. Sto. Niño. I have informed Dr. Teoddie through text upon our arrival at the Sports Center regarding our duty in Sinulog 2011 coverage. I have observed that it's not easy to put up a coverage because you have to do these and that. A staff of GMA-7 Manila went to Cebu in order to help the coverage. They carried with them, those heavy equipment to have a much clearer coverage. I supposed those things are expensive ones. We had our breakfast around 7:00 PM. Before the mass started, Rechiel and I went outside the Sports Center to get more information with the contingents that we lacked. It's easy for us to get in and out of the Sports Center because we were provided with media I.D. from the Sinulog Foundation. Although we wore a plastic raincoat, we were partly wet due to unstoppable drizzle and rain. Well, I enjoyed so much of the rain. The good thing was I have brought extra shirt with me. I offered this genuine service of mine to Snr. Sto. Niño.

       It was also privilege on my part to personally meet the much coveted artists from GMA 7. I saw Raymond Guttierez, Cebu's very own and a Josenian Diva Montelaba, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Elmo Magalona, Wyn-Wyn Marquez, Sef Cadayona from the Party Pilipinas, Solenn Heusaff, Ehra Madrigal, John Hall, Aubrey Miles of Survivor Philippines,  and Rhian Ramos. I have missed to see Miss Universe Philippines Maria Venus Raj who was with the Three-Sixty Pharmacy which classmates too late to inform me.

       After all it was my baptism of fire to join a Sinulog coverage. With this,  I deeply thanked the GMA-7 Cebu management and staff as what I've said for giving the four of us, mass communication interns, the portal of opportunity for being part with the success of Sinulog 2011 coverage---two thumbs up and indeed memorable. Proudly Kapuso! Proudly Josenian! Viva Pit Señor!

Midterm Blog Journal # 3: Welcome Archbishop Jose Palma and Thank You Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal

        After 29 years of genuine service, outgoing Archbishop of Cebu His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal is ready to leave the island with all his love and faith and wishing that Cebuanos will accept the new Archbishop Jose Palma wholeheartedly.

        This was the statement of Cardinal Vidal during a press conference last January 10 at the Cardinal's Palace. It was a two-in-one  press conference actually which on the first part there was a signing of the memorandum of agreement with proposed Osmeña Park. This was attended by Mayor Michael Rama, the appointed architects, press people, and Cardinal Vidal himself.

        On the second part, the Archdiocese of Cebu led by Msgr. Marnel Mejia and Msgr. Cris Garcia together with the executive secretary Margarita Matheu and Sis. Amelyne Paglinawan of the Daughters of St. Paul revealed to the media regarding the preparation of the installation of Jose Palma as the new Archbishop of Cebu. In the presscon, Palma will arrive Cebu from Manila via Mactan International Airport around 3:00 PM on January 12, Wednesday. He will be met by representatives from the church, military, and local officials.

     From the airport, a motorcade is set that will tour the streets from Mandaue City to the Archbishop's residence. The motorcade is limited with only three vehicles to those will be joining in order to avoid traffic jam.

     According to Matheu, over 800 visitors will be participating the canonical installation of Palma. Not only Cebuanos but also priests and lay coming from adjacent provinces where Palma has rendered his service.

   These includes 90 priests and 134 lay from Palo, Leyte, 52 priests and 50 lay from Jaro, Iloilo, and 32 priests and 35 lay from Calbayog, Leyte. The 55 bishops of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines will also be witnessing the event. The 83-year old mother of Palma will be heading the delegates of Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo.

  On the day of the installation, a mass will be held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral which Msgr. Mejia discussed the liturgical proceedings. The family of Archbishop Palma, guests, Archdiocese of  Cebu, both local and national media have designated seats inside the Cathedral. The readings of Archbishop Palma will be from St. Paul, Isaiah and St. John. After the installation right, a lunch is set at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City. This day also marked the anniversary of the ordination of Palma as bishop. Around 3:00 PM, he will be meeting the press people for the first time at the Cardinal's Palace.

      Archbishop Palma will be heading the mass on January 15 at Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and expected to join the foot procession in the afternoon. He will also lead the mass at Cebu City Sports Center on January 16 prior to the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras celebration.

Midterm Blog Journal # 2: Looking Forward for 2011

            Happy New Year! Happy 2011! It had been a great 2010 to me and to the country. We were able to survived the challenges we have faced. To God Be The Glory! 

We were able to experience a first automated election last May 2010 which Benigno Simeon Aquino III emerged as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. The yellow color dominated in the political arena which symbolizes hope. Who would forget the saddening story of 2010 which was the hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand and killed foreign lives. It was truly a threat to the tourism industry of the country after the incident happened when other countries released a banning advisory against the Philippines. 

      Amidst that horrible incident. a day after, Maria Venus Raj's major major victory as  Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up truly a breath of fresh air. She was able to give inspiration to all Filipino people in any parts of the globe. Of course, a barangay election pushed through last October 25, 2010 despite of a lot of deprivations.

            After one week and five days of vacation, I was able to rest and find inner peace which I am preparing myself for better opportunities which I'll be inclined to this hopeful 2011.

  Last January 5, 2011, it was my first duty of the year. I was on the field with my co-intern Rechiel Cordova. Our reporter was Mr. Jun Veliganio and Mr. Renante Quiñones as our video journalist. We went to the Cebu Provincial Capitol in order to interview Governor Gwendolyn Garcial regarding the 93-1 issue, which until now still unresolved. But Gov. Garcia had an urgent meeting so it was Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda, Capitol Consultant, granted us the interview.

         

       After that, we went to the Cebu City Police Office in order to follow-up a suicidal case. A 26-year old Elgin Cadilig used the .9mm Norinco pistol of his girlfriend PO1 Jubilee Catan Inquig. Both are natives of Negros Oriental.

Midterm Blog Journal # 1: This is My Moment

December 17, 2010, Friday is a very memorable day of my internship life. I am reporter on this day. Believe it or not. I was with a video journalist Mr. Jun Solon. The moment when Mr. Albert Aballe informed me that I'll be going on the field I was really shocked and truly in a state of disbelief. This is my chance to apply the theories I've learned in school. I am nervous and hesitant. The people in the newsroom were very supportive. Around the 2:00 PM we left the station on our way to the Cebu Provincial Police Office in order to witness the muzzle taping of CPPO Officials' firearms.

           As part of their campaign against indiscriminate firing during the holidays and over 70 police officers had cooperated. No police officer was exempted from having the muzzle of his or her firearm taped. What's even more shocking, CPPO Director Erson Digal asked met to muzzle his .45 pistol and signed it. I was indeed hesitant to accept the favor. But with the confirmation from other media practitioners who were also present and the approval of Sir Solon, I represent the media. By the way, this was an exclusive story for Balitang Bisdak since no shadow of a reporter from TV Patrol Central Visayas. It's an ecstatic feeling mixed with excitement and fear ran through my veins. It was truly an honor for me having chosen by a high rank police official and able to hold and signed his pistol. Things just really come unexpectedly. To God be the Glory!

           Digal then taped and signed the firearms of Supt. Eduardo Saavedra, CPPO deputy director for administration and Supt. Teofilo Siclot, deputy director for operation. Digal urged the public to report any police officer who fires his service or private firearms. He also announced that his constituents will be receiving P850 as Christmas bonus from the funds of the Provincial Office and a half sack of rice from his pocket during their upcoming Christmas party.

December 6-December 10,2010

      December 16-Monday, I was on the field together with Malou as being permitted by Madame Elena with our reporter Sir Jun Veliganio and cameraman Sir Jun Solon. We left the station around 2:00 PM and went to the regional office of Commission on Higher Education. Supposedly we will be conducting an interview with CHED - 7 Vice Chairman Aytona ( Sorry, I forgot his first name) regarding the status of Mandaue City College owned by Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete. But according to the security guard, Mr. Aytona is attending a seminar. After, we immediately went to Mandaue City Hall to get the side of the city government with Dr. Cañete's MCC. We arrived there around 3:00 PM. Mr. Roger Serna, Public Information Officer, accommodated us and negotiated with the lawyers of Mayor Jonas Cortes in order to conduct an interview with them. First, we had interviewed Atty. Francisco Amit who is the legal consultant of the mayor. Right after Atty. Amit, the legal officer of Mandaue City government in person of Atty. Eliseo Ceniza was interviewed next. According to Atty. Ceniza, the city government is not part of the closure order handed by CHED to MCC of Dr. Cañete. Aside from that, another issue was brought up regarding the Association of Barangay Council or ABC election that will kick-off tomorrow morning. In Mandaue City, the slot for presidency is uncontested with only Subangdaku Brgy. Capt. Ernie Manatad is running for the position. According to Manatad, he felt so flattered and honored with the support of his fellow barangay captains from 27 barangays of Mandaue City during the interview. For sure, it's gonna be a win-win victory. On our way back to the station around 4:00 PM, we got the chance to conduct an ambush interview with Vice-Chairman Aytona of CHED - 7 across the road of a hotel in Panagdait, Mabolo, Cebu City. It's really God's glory!

     December 8-Wednesday, it's a special day for the Catholics especially to the devotees of Immaculate Concepcion. This day also marked the birthday of my "kaigzu and kabayet" Pearl Jade Bello. Happy Birthday Pearl! Anyways, good thing we don't have a class for our school because our school is also observing the celebration being a Catholic institution. With that,  I got the chance to have a whole day of duty. Truly a privilege! hehehe..... I am really excited. I know I could learn a lot of things in the field. I was with Sir Alan Domingo and cameraman Sir Joel Bajinting.

    Our first pit stop was the Cebu Provincial Capitol where we conducted an interview with the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Christina B. Giango. The interview was about the numerous cases of typhoid fever in Alegria. According to her, 13 out 16 prospects were already positive of typhoid fever both in barangays Sta. Filomena and Poblacion. The declaration of the outbreak will immediately follow. After the interview, we proceeded to the Provincial Court to foresee a hearing session with Tata Negro's case but it was being canceled and moved to December 16. So we immediately went to Alegria, southern part of Cebu. The more I am getting excited because it's gonna be my baptism of fire to be with a reporter in an out-of-town assignment. Most likely, the travel to Alegria from the city would take four hours. I just kept on peeping into the window seeing the beauty of the southern part of Cebu. I truly appreciated the love of mother of nature and God. The green lavish mountains is still highly visible. The road structure in the South is really hassle-free to the public. 

     Around 1:00 PM, we already arrived in Alegria. Our first location is their gymnasium where people were flocking the area in order to seek for assistance. The common denominator is that parents`who brought their children suffering from fever within 1 to 2 weeks. According to the municipal physician Dr. dela Peña if the fever is within 1 or 2 weeks already would be very alarming and subject to typhoid fever positive. Right afer, we went to their water reservoir which is believed that the water content is contaminated with toxic and harmful materials. It is located in a mountainous barangay which the road is very sloping. It would be hard in going up and gravity is pulling in going down. I love the experience! Now I know how difficult it is to seek for truth.....to seek for what the pubic deserves to know.

            

November 29-December 3, 2010

      November 29-Monday, it's a national holiday as being declared and moved by Malacañang Palace in commemoration of Bonifacio Day which really fall in every November 30. So, I really grabbed the opportunity to have a whole day of duty. I was with Sir Nikko Sereno and cameraman Sir Renante Quiñones. We left the station at 8:00 pm and went to Ibabao, Mandaue City to look for the garage of the 21B jeepneys. It was about 30 minutes to travel and we arrived the place at 8:30 pm. Most of the drivers there were having thier breakfast in a carenderia. But we already asked permission with one of the drivers Mr.Godofredo Salonoy to conduct an interview with him. While waiting Mr. Salonoy to finish his breakfast, we interviewed another driver who chose not to work on this day in person of Mr. Ariel Pador. According to Mr. Pador, the city ordinance is really unfair on their part that it could lessen their daily earnings. Mr. Salonoy said that the traffic citation issued to him last Thursday is the new city ordinance 2214 which it has a bigger amount of violation fee---first offense is P1500, second offense is P2000 and third offense is P5000 plus an impound of the jeepney.

     Our second pit stop is Punta Princesa, Cebu City which we witnessed a turnover of power between the outgoing barangay captain Rodolfo Diorico and the comeback of newly elected barangay captain Jose Navarro. Diorico said he is thankful for serving the people of Punta Princesa for three years. Navarro on his side, he is very eager to serve again the people of Punta Princesa since it has been 35 years of public service. He stressed that he has stored a lot of programs that would surely be benefited by the residents. He even proudly cited that Punta Princes won as Most Outstanding Barangay in the Philippines during his term years ago.

     Our third pit stop is the Cebu City Medical Center in order to get an update of diarrhea cases of the city after it has a bigger turn-out since diarrhea came to the limelight. In Danao City, as of now, has already 80 plus diarrhea cases and  reports said it will still be rapidly growing. According to CCMC's attending pediatrician Dr. Lee James Maratas, the cases of the city had already 19 exceptional to the deaths of the two children. I really pity the condition of diarrhea patients especially most affected ones are the children.

    Our last pit stop is to conduct an interview with CITOM chaiman Mr. Jack Jakosalem at Oh Georg! in Ayala Center Cebu. The interview was about the recent issue which is the implementation of the city ordinance 2214 prohibiting the Mandaue PUJs to enter the juridiction of Jones-Colon area.

   December 1-Wednesday, the four of us got the chance to help during the remote and witnessed the live broadcast of Sir Bobby Nalzaro at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda as the opening of "Pasko sa Sugbo". One of the highlights is the lighting of the 40 inch Christmas Tree. We assisted Sir Jesse Campos who was at the teleprompter. I have observed that every second really counts. They cannot afford to get a single mistake because that would mean a disruption of the live-airing. Thanks to high technology, Mam Chelo and Sir Jesse really got good communication from the station to the remote. 

    December 3-Friday, we decided not to go on field because we have a class in Media Planning. We got the same type of job in the library. We encoded the remaining shotlists record since 2009 of Sir Renante.   

November 22-27, 2010

       This week I got the chance to go on the field though it's not my schedule. Last November 22-Monday, I was with Sir Christian Tafalla and cameraman Sir Tata. We covered the "Capacity Development Expo Cy 2010 and Biyaheng Pinoy Program" launching at the training center of Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Office in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City. I saw my classmates Karen Ceniza, July Antoni Carmel and Junalyn Rufin who are connected with The Freeman. This year's theme is "Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad". Biyaheng Pinoy is the year-long celebration in preparation for the 20th anniversary of local autonomy in the Philippines. The program is initiated by DILG which features plethora of activities by local governance stakeholders all aimed at deepening national and local officials' consciousness on the value of local autonomy and heightening the public's awareness and participation in local governance issues.

     November 24-Wednesday, I was with Sir Christian and the cameraman Sir Joel Bajinting to interview a driver of a 21B route. There is city ordinance 6015 being passed which prohibited the public utility jeepneys bearing 21 and 22 Bs to enter the jurisdiction in the Jones and Colon  area of the city. All those PUJs are taking the Mandaue-Jones-Colon routes. This is the aftermath of the road incident last week between 21B and 21 D jeepneys in M. J. Cuenco Street causing number of passengers injured. With this, the CITOM head Mr. Jack Jakosalem triggered to pass the city ordinance. As what I've remembered, this has been a long issue since the time of the former mayor and now Cebu City South District Representaive Hon. Tomas Osmeña.

     November 26-Friday, I was only in the library and encoding the shotlists record since 2009 of the cameraman Mr. Renante Quiñones. In the afternoon, Malou and I observed the live broadcast of Balitang Bisdak.

     November 27-Saturday, I got the chance to have a duty on this day because we have no class in Media Education. I immediatley went to GMA around 1pm. I truly grabbed this rare opportunity. I was with Sir Nikko Sereno and cameraman Sir Godfrey Rellin. Our first assignment is a forum in SM City Cebu Entertainment Plaza entiled "Dymistifying the Childhood Cancer Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The forum is about promoting awareness in early detection and prevention of leukemia. Especially that children are the common victim in this kind of deadly disease. This is indeed a noble cause of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko.

     At 6pm, we went to Marco Polo Hotel in order to witness the lighting of Christmas Tree of Hope and Christmas Village. My God! It's really my first time in the only five star hotel in Cebu City before it changed its name from Cebu Plaza Hotel. I was amazed and excited. Of course, my first time to mingle with the elites in the society. When we arrived there were already a lot of people around and the guests of the hotel. Marco Polo's General Manager Hans Hauri welcomed the guests with the ever dynamic host from the capital Mr. Johnny Litton also graced the sparkling evening. Lofty foods and desserts would undeniably satisfy your hungry tummy and drinks that truly quenched your thirst. I just don't know how expensive those things then. I can't wait to see actor and politician Senator Tito Sotto  III who was the honored guest of the night with GMA-7 Cebu's Station Manager Ms. Ann Marie Tan. 

      But the important event of the night was the lighting of the Christmas Tree of Hope and Christmas Village which played essential role to the lives of the needy children. The Christmas Village will served as an instrument to help the children who are suffering from cancer through Kythe Foundation, while,  the proceeds of the Christmas Tree of Hope will directly go to the Kapuso Foundation. The donations will be a big help to the less fortunate people who needed most compared to us especially this Christmas season.

     During the event, I saw my classmate Ivan Velasquez, Losyll Villarico and Nelson del Mar who are having their intership in Amazing Cebu which also covered the event as well as Sir Bobby Nalzaro. I even saw my school paper adviser in our school paper "Ang Tanglaw" in Maguikay Elementary School---Mrs. Ruby Marie Basubas. She was with me when I competed in the National Schools Press Conference way back in 2002 in General Santos City, South Cotabato. With her that night is her husband and her cute baby girl. I'm just really happy seeing her again. Of course, she is happy too that I pursued the other side of me. I also met the former Vice-Chairman of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 Atty. Clarence Paul Oaminal which he proudly told that he is also a Josenian. What's really amazing that night is when we interviewed Sen. Sotto face to face. He truly built eye contact when he speak with you and that only meant he is talking from the heart. I could felt the gripped of her right hand when I was shaking my hand to him after the interview.

    Around 8:30pm, we went to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to cover the vigil mass of His Eminence Ricardo Vidal as his protest of passing Reproductive Health Bill into law. He thanked the attendees for showing support and even calling all Catholics to pray that the RH Bill will not be passed into law. I saw my classmate Ryan Christopher Sorote who is connected with The Freeman, Ador Vincent Mayol from Cebu Daily News and Justin Vestil from Sun.Star Cebu who also covered the vigil mass.