Author: algareunice

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The first wave of devcom exams is now officially over. Here are some tips that helped me prepare and survive the exams. I hope it helps you too!

Schedule your review.
Exams are announced weeks prior to the exact date for you to prepare well and not to cram it just the day before! As much as possible, allot time for it every day or even just every week by doing your reviewers or reading your notes. By doing so, you can be able to retain the information more effectively and therefore prevent your brain from being bombarded with lessons in just one night. Come to think of it, you’ll be able to maximize your time for other requirements that may come, you can study without the feeling of being rushed, and most importantly, eliminate cramming!

Keep in mind not only the terms but also what they mean! 
It is good to memorize all the terminologies but do not neglect their corresponding meanings or explanations! You will never know the type of exam you’re about to face. Whether it may be identification, enumeration, or essay-type, it is best to come prepared with your full understanding of the lessons and not just the surface information. Know that learning isn’t just all about memorizing but being able to put out what it really is based on the references and in your own understanding.

Have enough rest.
I cannot stress out how important it is to have enough rest before an exam. Most of the students choose to sacrifice their sleep in place of an all-nighter review. In such cases, the tendency for memory block to occur is higher and the feeling of sleepiness really hits hard during the examination. Imagine being in this kind of situation, add to it the feeling of nervousness! Know that it is also essential to take breaks and to not force yourself too much; doing so will not enable you to absorb what you’re studying at all.

Manage your time properly during exams.
As soon as you get your papers, browse it and see what parts or questions you can answer quickly and correctly. Prioritize the parts where a big chunk of scores is allotted. Whenever you encounter questions you can’t answer, skip it and just go back to it when you’re done in the whole examination. Doing these things allows you to efficiently use the given time answering and re-checking your paper. Lastly, it can also give you an idea of what your score may be; a heads-up on what to expect. 🙂

Believe in yourself.
All along, what’s important is trusting yourself, whether it may be before, during, or after the examinations. Whatever the outcome may be, it all boils down to how you’ve prepared for it physically and mentally. Learn how to accept any challenges, to conquer your own doubts, and to improve ceaselessly. This is just one of the firsts! Time will pass and you may feel really worn out but what matters is believing that you did your best.

With these, let’s ace the exams that await us!

By Dane Christian Morena, Eunice Dianne Algar, and Mark Vincent Mercene

On the night of September 19, people filled the General Paciano Rizal Park to witness this year’s Bailamos Dance Contest: Make Your Move, one of the features in the week-long annual celebration of the 18^th Bañamos Festival.

10 teams qualified to compete for the championship title, namely: King of Buck, South Style Flava, Hybrid Buck, Next Attraction, Squammies, Street Kings, NGDC Vengeance, Nazty Boys, G7, and Scammaz.

The participants were judged by Jayson Lagrada, a municipal youth development officer; Jocelyn Ann Luna, an adviser of UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company, and Pinch Araneta based on the criteria of overall choreography, synchronization, originality, and audience impact.

Three teams dominated the dance floor and owned the major awards of the competition. Nazty Boys came second and received a cash prize of Php 10,000.00; Scammaz placed first and obtained Php 15,000.00 in cash and was also hailed as dancer of the year. Topping all of them, is G7 who went home with the championship and a reward of Php 20,000.00.

Lemuel Millena, a member of G7, said that unity and faith to the Lord paved way for their award-winning performance.

“Ang Bailamos ay for modern na sayaw for group of friends, mga magkaka mag-anak, magka-klase, na nagsasama, nagbuo para magkaisa na magbigay ng entertainment sa people of Los Baños to celebrate Bañamos 2019”, said Jonathan Natividad, the officer-in-charge of Los Baños Tourism, emphasizing the objective of the program.

The name of the event, Bailamos, is a Spanish word which means “let’s dance”.

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What makes a topic development-oriented?

As I did my research, I’ve encountered an article released in 2017 by Panay News which featured an article by Juan Jamias (2014) entitled “Development Communication and Development Journalism.” Upon further research, I came to know Jamias as one of the pioneers in the field of Development Communication in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. In his article, he defined development journalism in general in not only 3, but 5 characteristics:

• Development Journalism is purposive: conscious attitude to work for a goal or objective.

• Development Journalism is relevant: up-to-date.

• Development Journalism is mass-oriented: cover a wider scope.

• Development Journalism is scientific in outlook: coverage is in-depth.

• Development Journalism is a technical subject matter-oriented: rationally-based information.

As a development communicator in training, here are the top 3 characteristics that I’ve learned in the previous weeks that makes a topic development-oriented:

It has a mission.
A development-oriented news has an underlying purpose which follows certain goals such as the MDGs, SDGs and the 4Es of Development Communication. It doesn’t only stop in presenting certain phenomena; it caters a story that is hinged on achieving concrete targets.

It is for the people’s welfare.
A development-oriented news promotes the betterment of the people. It doesn’t only focus on certain individuals but reaches out to a larger audience on whom development should be aligned. It is able to provide solutions to the problems faced by a certain community or more so by the whole nation.

It is action-oriented.
A development-oriented news should be action-oriented. It should cover concrete measures that should be taken to achieve the idea of development. It presents how the different key players take part in the actualizing progress.

Despite the variety of characteristics that determines the development-orientedness of topics, I believe that it all boils down to one important message: we, development communicators, have the capacity to utilize communication as a tool to facilitate development and therefore, be channels of change.

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It is overwhelming to feel all at once the feeling of certainty and unfamiliarity; the certainty of being here yet the lingering feeling of unfamiliarity. When I was in high school, I’ve always been excited to go to college. Little do I know that such eagerness isn’t enough to bring out the best in me, not enough to fuel me week by week. Being here in this institution after a month made me see that studying here in the first place already speaks for a lot of things, hence, the challenge lies of making the stay here fruitful. Here are the 5 lessons that I’m always reminding myself as I face not only the academic challenges, but also the role of being an Iskolar.

Take things at your own pace.
Nothing’s wrong with taking things at your own pace; true enough, college isn’t a race. The honor student who you used to be in high school may be an average student in the university. Doubts, pressure, and failures are inevitable but you must not let it eat you up. You must not allow yourself to be affected by other people whom you feel is performing better than you; keep in mind that the only competitor you have is no other than yourself – and you being here, is more than enough reason to pick yourself up again.

Always come to class prepared.
Every time you wake up each morning, you don’t have an exact idea of what will happen in your day – just like college! It is a whole new world compared to high school. It is not a place where lessons are spoon fed nor where deadlines and exams are always reminded. Hence, being responsible, attentive, and aware are just some of the skills that you need to sharpen. Doing so can bring out the best in you! Better take things seriously than to regret it at the end.

Learn how to balance.
Academics, family, social life, and mental health: these are just some of the things that needs to be balanced throughout your life. It might sound simple, but apparently, as you grow older, one aspect tends to be more demanding hence leading to a one aspect thet is somehow being overlooked. Time management, therefore, is essential. Knowing which aspect you need to focus on is the key for your success not only in one aspect but generally, in life.

Get out from your comfort zones.
College is like an eye opener to life’s realities. One might be even surprised with how diverse the people are here. Therefore, maximize the time you have while you are here! Learning and meeting people in college doesn’t end with the four corners of your classroom. There are lot of opportunities that you can grab in the university alone. Build strong relationships with your first classmates, attend seminars or film-showings, know different organizations that fits your interest and the likes. Not only it will widen your connections but it will also pave way for your personal growth.

Allot time for yourself.
Last but not the least, find time for yourself. College life is truthfully draining but all the efforts you have given would be meaningless if you let it actually drain you. Don’t forget to take a break whenever you need to; take naps, watch a movie, eat your comfort food, play your sport, breath! Nothing is more important than securing your health, because for whom is this success after all? For you.

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There are just some things in in our life we really cannot live without. May it be your favorite sport, hobby, and the likes. The same goes with Devcom students who in one way or another cannot function at their best without the things listed below.

Smartphone
Do you need to contact a primary source? Are you required to submit actual footage or documentations of an event, or maybe a record of an interview? What about a map to determine where to gather information? Well, here is the answer to such worries – smartphone it is! I cannot emphasize how essential is this as a Devcom student. Truly, good things come in small packages!

Powerbank
Having an extra battery life is a must. What’t the use of your smartphone if it ends up being dead in the middle of an interview? With a powerbank on hand, the life of our handy buddy can be stretched out to address the different needs we have in whatever situation.

Pen and Paper
Ideas literally pop up any time, any where. This classic duo is literally everyone’s buddy when it comes to jotting down lecture notes, random musings, new learning or even information found in streets! Every story starts with these two. As a Devcom student, it is important to be able to craft a story that is timely and worthy. Who knows maybe that one idea that just accidentally crossed your mind is your pot of gold?

Planner
Published stories doesn’t come in an instant. Behind the success of it are the many hours of preparation, research, and data gathering. A planner allows one to effectively maximize time not only doing academics but in also allotting time for events, interview, and visits to different institutions; necessary procedures in coming up with relevant and worth-sharing topics. You wouldn’t want to miss that interview or seminar that you’ve waited for eagerly!

Laptop
At the end of the day, a laptop is a Devcom student’s best friend – a witness to every process that each output undergoes before submission. All the drafting, editing, and research makes this tool a necessity. With its numerous features, it allows one to easily multitask and therefore provides convenience.

Along these things, a Devcom student must also have great amounts of perseverance, patience, and passion. Take note of these and you’re more than good to go!

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Data gathering is inevitable in the lives of Devcom students. It may be through questionnaires, interviews, online resources, and the likes. As such, going to different places in search for information is just the beginning for the pursuit of a story. During these times, the need to converse with new people is necessary – you may either meet approachable people, or sometimes, strict ones. Nevertheless, what matters is your drive and preparedness to communicate with them effectively.

Working in groups, we were tasked to create a community directory by collecting information from different barangays – for us, on Barangay Anos. Certainly, we also wanted to get the bonus point by collecting information from Barangay Bagong Silang, which is relatively far compared with the other barangays. But sometimes, working with new people can surprise you, especially with their bright ideas. One of my group mates thought of going to the municipal hall to collect data of the two barangays all at once. Without any assurance, we pushed through it and we successfully obtained the basic information. To maximize the time, we also went to Barangay Anos to obtain the further bonus details.

In line with this our group, Polaris, came up with some tips that would help the next batch of CDC freshmen shine just like the stars as well.

Be patient and polite always.
Understand that all the people whom you approached in search for information are also busy; they have their own jobs too. Don’t rush them as if you’re the only one whom they need to attend to. Keep in mind that by being polite and patient, you are able to establish a good impression as a Devcom student likewise create a connection. Who knows that you might also meet them again as you search for data in the future years?

Always be prepared: bring your ID, a formal letter for requesting data if necessary, and some conversation skills.
Nothing beats a person who is prepared! As a student, it is important to always have your ID especially when you visit different places; it is the first step to prove your identity and authenticity. Secondly, keep in mind that a formal letter is like a key to a treasure box; through it, you can really be able to gather valuable information while also manifesting professionalism. Lastly, there’s no room for being afraid to communicate! Know that without you talking and explaining, you can’t be able to obtain information at all.

Don’t be scared to ask people for directions and tips. The older Devcom students and jeepney drivers can help you a lot.
Being clueless at first regarding whom to talk to or where to go is normal but you must not settle with that! Nothing’s wrong with seeking for assistance or asking for the basics. Sometimes they really provide answers to the things you’re looking for.

Create a contingency plan. It will help you a lot if your first plan will fail.
Having one plan alone is critical. The importance of knowing the next steps to take when one didn’t work out assures you success no matter the circumstances. Through this, you may be able to make use of your time efficiently!

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Through the years, I am continuously becoming more aware of my capabilities likewise, my weaknesses. Nevertheless, I am a firm believer that there’s always a room for improvements. Learning is a process and certainly, these can’ts that I have right now will turn into cans sooner or later.

Here’s how I rate myself regarding the qualities a media writer should possess:

Curious or inquisitive – 2
Intelligent – 2
Industrious – 1
Resourceful – 1
Persevering – 1
Imaginative – 2
Puts a premium on accuracy and truth – 1
Loves to read – 2
Interested in and loves people – 3
Service-oriented – 2

Among the qualities listed, I need to work on the most with the quality of being interested in and loves people; it is the one which I gave the lowest rating. Knowing myself as an introverted person, I tend to feel uncomfortable whenever I’m around new people. I find myself quiet and reserved during such times which also makes socializing somehow a struggle for me. Hence, I really need to focus on this quality; to not let it be a hindrance in my formation as a development communicator.

Moreover, there were also 6 qualities that I haven’t given a 1.00: curious, intelligent, imaginative, loves to read, interested in and loves people, and service-oriented. I think what hinders me from getting such rating is that I felt that I am still lacking in terms of these qualities. I may embody it but I know, deep down, that I can still improve it. Furthermore, I don’t express or practice these qualities in the best ways that I can. What challenges me indeed is to always live out these qualities in every circumstance, not just when I feel like.

On the other hand, here’s how I rate myself in terms of skills the a media writer must have:

Gathering data – 2
Validating and clarifying information – 2
Organizing information – 1
Writing clearly and effectively – 2
Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices -3

On the other hand, the skills that I have developed the highest competency is in organizing information. I think what contributed in this is firstly, my experience in being the leader most of the time in group works; being the one compiling and organizing our presentation. Secondly, my habit of re-reading for multiple times my work; to see whether the flow of information is clear and understandable, and lastly, my personality of being organized not only in terms of belongings, but in the way I like to understand and see different information all at once.

Among these skills, I need to work on my proficiency in the operation of communication tools / devices. I may be able to come up with a good content but I find it hard to execute it in different ways, especially of those that requires the use of applications, as well as devices. I am not well-equipped with the technicalities of presenting information, hence the need for me to focus on this skill.

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The decision to take a communication course did not actually came easy for her. Way back her junior high days, she was still unsure of what she would like to do for the years to come. After all, she is much of an indecisive person. Nonetheless, realizations poured in towards the start of senior high school. Her love for reading books, her feeling of fulfillment seeing her news articles published in their campus paper, her dedication for leading youth workshops, her satisfaction after successfully speaking in front of a crowd; these things made her see where and who she wanted to be. These are what pushed her to take up Humanities and Social Sciences strand in senior high as an aspiring journalist. Imagine the joy she felt when they visited the studio of “Dito sa Laguna” – a program produced by the UPLB’s very own College of Development Communication, for their one-day exposure trip! By that time, she already imagined herself studying in that exact building.

As a girl who likes everything planed, whether it may be short or long-term goals, she already pictured out herself being honed as a development communicator. Until one day, this plan of hers eventually failed to be in action. It took her one academic year in UPLB before she finally landed to the course her heart truly beats for. Apparently, life didn’t go as planned for the 19-year-old Eunice when she learned that she wasn’t able to achieve the course she had always laid eyes on. “Maybe this is a redirection that would lead me to something better”, “A year later, will I still be aspiring for DevCom?”, “Who knows maybe I’ll learn to appreciate the course I am in?”, are just some of the thoughts she had in mind on the onset of her Iska journey. Nevertheless, here she is now, pursuing BS Development Communication; determined more than ever, heavily fueled by passion, and finally, travelling the road she knows she is set for. Amidst the uncertainties, this is one thing she is certain of.

And now, being in that university and taking up the course she was just once dreaming of, she realized that what she had chosen has a greater picture behind. Truly, it is a privilege, and at the same time, it is a responsibility. Life may have given her an unexpecting turn but what matters is the perseverance to keep chasing a future where she envisioned herself to be. This aspirant is more than willing to be transformed, empowered, and challenged to be better than who she is now. With a pen on one hand and a paper on the other, she is ready to write and to speak up for the betterment of the people; to be an embodiment of a true blooded Iska.