I have learned the term ‘an experience’ in the discussion from a course/subject I have taken. These words mean, you have received the impact of that something and that entirely affected you.
There’s no hesitation to say that I have experienced such kind of feeling. Maybe what happened is an overview of what to expect for the next exams. Somehow, it’s a kind of motivation to study even more and anticipate the unexpected things that could happen.
Well, to lessen the guilt and finally move on, here are the tips on how to survive at least, the Devcom Exams.
Amidst the gloomy weather, the General Paciano Rizal Park was still jam-packed with people on the night of September 19 at 6:00 in the evening. The people were patiently waiting for the annual Bailamos Dance Contest: Make Your Move, which is one of the most awaited activities in the known Bañamos Festival, in celebration of its 18th year anniversary, held in Los Baños, Laguna.
The main goal of Bailamos is to showcase the different
talents not just of Los Baños locals but also other towns around Laguna as well.
However, this year most of the contestants were from Calamba and Los Baños
only. Top priority of this event said by Mr. Jonathan Natividad, OIC in Los
Banos Tourism, is the safety of the contestants, so as much as possible death
defying stunts are prohibited.
The group should have at most 15 members with the age range of 16 years old and above. Each group should not exceed to five minutes and must showcase street style, hip hop, locking, etc. Dangerous stunts are strictly prohibited. Moreover, dance, steps, body movements, choice of music are signs of morality and good conduct, stated by Mr. Natividad.
This year’s set of judges are Mr. Pinch Araneta, Mr. Jayson Lagrada and Mrs. Jocelyn Ann Luna. Expectations from this year’s contestants are higher as Mrs. Luna said, “Last year judge rin ako dito, so dapat mas level up ang performance nila”, and the contestants did not disappoint.
There are a total of 10 contestants who joined this year’s
competition. But among the groups, only three have met beyond the judges’
expectations, namely: Nazty Boys (2nd runner-up), Scammaz (1st
runner-up), and G7 (Champion).
Having the least number of members, G7 still managed to win
the judges’ heart through strictly following the criteria. Clean dance moves,
safe stunts and facial expressions are what made them stand out. Bringing home 20,000 cash
prize and certificate, half of this will be given to their parents to give back
as being their inspiration, stated by Mark Justine Likayman, one of the members
of G7. Their win was unexpected for they are just newly formed last March and
it was their first time joining the dance battle.
After all the performances, a unity dance was presented showcasing the 10 groups in one dance number. A special award was given to Scammaz, the group who won 1st runner up, as the Dancer of The Year.
In celebration of the 404th founding anniversary of Los Baños Laguna, the annual Bailamos Dance Contest is a great opportunity for the youth to showcase their talents in dancing as stated by Mr. Natividad. The event has highlighted the culture of the people of Los Baños as their supportiveness and loud cheers were evident throughout the evident.
Development Communication links with various development-related issues mostly centered on the marginalized-sector. Buhay Devcom is more about interacting with different kinds of people to know their story, their lives, and their experiences. However, in this field, there are guidelines for choosing a particular development-oriented topic. Not everything applies to development communication.
I have asked some upperclass devcom students about the characteristics of a development-oriented topic.
Community-centered
It should cover something that concerns people. Same with the topic which involves and benefits the people.
Aligned to SD Goals
Since Sustainable Development Goals are the universal guide for global goals set by the United Nations, it highly associated with the intended topic of a devcom student. It should focus on the 17 goals directed for development.
Adheres to the 4 E’s of Devcom
Environmentalism, equity, empowerment, and entrepreneurship must be covered in a particular topic for development.
In addition, the topic is said to be scientific/research-based. According to Ricel Banayos, Devcom ’18, “This is ideal in writing articles especially if you want it to be development-oriented. It must feature an event or whatnot that involves scientific or research progress that will produce further development in its field, better if it provides sustainable development for the people.”
A Development-oriented topic aims for human transformation. As Laurenz Cruz (Devcom ’18) said, “Dapat it aims for human transformation -either cognitive, affective, o psychomotor. May call to action dapat ang development-oriented topics”.
All in all, the purpose of Development Communication in general is to provide a solution for a particular development-oriented problem through maximizing the use of communication. It is centered on reaching the people and the community.
P A B. These are the very first ones used in writing for me. I started
writing when I was three not knowing that up to this point, those ones would
still be efficient. As a Devcom student, I have to write and write and write.
Though gadgets appeared, pen and paper
are still effective most especially during interviews.
P H O. Special thanks to modern science and
technology, mobilephones are now available. These mobile
phone apps let me do all the essential tasks in Devcom such as recording,
taking pictures, editing videos, and a lot more. It is for me, the most
fundamental tool a Development Communication student must-have.
S T O. Since I have to deal with
lots of works in this program, I have to strategize. I need more space in my storage devices for the outputs. I need
to duplicate each file for retrieval purposes.
Some of the most used storage devices for me are external drives and SD
cards. Right now, I mostly use google drive since it is more efficient and safe
compared to using SD cards inserted from different laptops.
L A. Development Communication
students allot most of their time facing their laptops, desktops, tablet computers, and netbooks. These materials
are the types of machinery for producing the product of Devcom students. As a
student, I cannot live without it since paper works are always there. I have to
write different types of outputs which are reflection and reaction papers,
reviews, and articles. I have to do reports. I have to transcribe interviews. I
have to submit all the requirements for this semester and the following years
as a Devcom student. Indeed, this one is essential and a must-have in my bag.
E A R. A series of interviews are coming. Next to that is the transcription of interviews. To be hassle-free, make sure that you have your earphones/headphones with you always. It is to be focused on what you are doing. Aside from that, it is also used to not disturb anyone from what you are doing. It is not just for you but also for the consideration of others.
Pabphostolaear once again.
Difficult to pronounce but easy to remember. These are the must-have tools of Devcom students.
Nothing is supposed to be easy. We are thrilled every day by
an unexpected event, unforeseen disasters, difficult challenges, and
mind-blowing problems. I remembered that each year, I always feel that this
year is the most challenged-year of my life. Little did I know, entering this
university will put too much pressure on me and will challenge my system completely.
One month has passed. To my surprise, I survived. In the
last four weeks, all I felt was pressure and trouble. I questioned my ability.
I doubted my capacity. However, my dream always pushes me to brush all my
fears. And thankfully, I am still here, accomplishing this weekly writes.
UP gave me five words.
Challenge. It was challenging to add “UP” to my status as a student. It tested me not just once, but through several tries. I am not a UPLB passer, to be honest. With that, I have to work extremely to deserve this spot. Without me knowing, it is just the start of the game.
Possible. Everything can happen if you allowed yourself to think that it will happen. I have to think each time that it is given to me because I am capable of it. There is no room for pessimism. I have to keep in mind, ‘I can do all things through Christ.’
Courage. College is the practice of real life. This university helps me establish the bolder and smarter version of myself for the coming years. Here, I am being tested emotionally and mentally. I have to remain courageous to finish my journey in UP.
Sacrifice. The word “sacrifice” has become more meaningful since I entered this college. I have to travel for two hours back and forth. I have to wake up more early. I have to make many adjustments. What keeps me motivated is my dream of graduating from this university and the thinking, “lahat naman mahirap”.
More. UP makes me believe that I can be more. It is now time for me to step out of my comfort zone. It is now for me to explore my capabilities. It is now time for me to be independent. I have now the chance to build my wings. In time, I can be able to fly high and fulfill my dreams.
Before I accept
the admission slip here in UPLB, I researched first what it means to be a
Development Communicator. I was not mistaken for thinking that I would have to
make a lot of adjustments. This field revolves around the people – who they
are, how they are, and what they do. It would be better if I would then start
reconstructing my personality to adapt to my current situation.
I am now feeling
the weight of being one. In contrast to my personality, I have to approach
people to get information from them. It is how Devcom students learn and study
by the way. It is the process of making us establish ourselves by getting
linked with different people.
The first
activity I have encountered is gathering data from a barangay. I partnered with
two different people whom I just met the actual day of the interview. However,
we did not find any difficulty in accomplishing the task though we are not
acquainted with each other. The activity made us connected and initiated the
friendship.
We are not familiar with Barangay Maahas. We strategize by asking the guards in UPLB gate. They suggested riding a tricycle that will direct us to the exact location of the barangay. It was not hard to get along with the people since they are all accommodating. They asked right away what we needed and gave us all the information. The barangay secretary was the one who assisted us most in collecting data. She let us conduct an interview and helped us gather the following information: the barangay officials, contact persons, as well as the different programs and projects of the said barangay.
I have learned
from this activity the following that could help other students in gathering
data.
Do background research. Since different
media platforms are widely available, it could help you locate the place you
are about to go. To add, it will provide you some information you may need when
you go to that place.
Don’t forget the essential tools. It is
necessary to always have the survival kit of a Devcom student. Always think of
unexpected events that you may feature. In this case, you have to bring an
audio recorder, pen, and paper, a phone for pictures, etc. From this activity,
we don’t have any pictures of the interview. Always remember that these are
important for the documentation of any event or task made.
Be patient in gathering and clarifying
information. Since it is your job to collect needed sources, you have to be
willing to adjust with whatever the interviewee will ask you. For example, the
contact person asks you a letter of request for the conduct of an interview,
then, it is your responsibility to provide them such. Try to approach them
nicely. Never force the interviewee to give you a copy of a document. Try to
ask appropriately but do not force.
I am shy. I am scared to say words that no one will hear. Connecting with the paper and pen is my coping mechanism. I write so I can tell.
One’s silence is deafening. Rants and complaints are earsplitting. No matter how I try to voice out my opinions and perspectives, still no one will listen to what I am about to speak. I write so I can be heard.
Freedom of speech. Creative writing. Persuasive articles. Journalistic views. Critical analysis. The reasons why I write.
What makes up a good writer?
“Writing is not about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it is about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It is about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.”
Stephen King
I started writing, being able to
write when I was three. I remembered when I went to school as saling-ketket
because I had no friends left in our place. There, I had learned how letters
make words. The words make sentences and paragraphs and a story. And I began
liking to write. I write to satisfy my needs. However, I am not good enough to
write something with a formal context.
To be able to be a good media writer,
I must possess the following.
Curiosity. Being curious about how something is made, how something works, how something comes into place. Always asking the “why” of everything. At this point, I considered myself as someone who always asks. I am fond of investigating and discovering.
Intelligence. You don’t only write for your own. You write most of all to share what you know to other people. At this one, you should have a logical and analytical mind to process information. As a former Editorial writer, I am adept at looking for facts.
Industriousness and Resourcefulness. Read and read and read. You should be fond of doing research and exhausting all possible sources of information. Also, you should be flexible and innovative in gathering information and facts. Right now, it is not yet a habit for me to read. I have to practice myself enjoying reading.
Persevering. Never give up. A worthy write-up is made from a series of editing. I also need to make adjustments on the idea of “okay na yan”.
Imaginative. It pertains to being imaginative in finding ways of gathering facts. Here, I could say that I am somehow suited for being one.
Puts premium on accuracy and truth. The information to be presented should always come from a credible source. It is important to me that the information I will present has a basis. However, I cannot always identify which information is accurate and credible.
Loves to read. It helps build your own writing style. Right now, it is not yet a habit for me to read. I have to practice myself enjoying reading.
Interested in and loves people. You have to remember your audience each time you write. It helps you identify the type and style of writing you will use. I am interested in interacting with other people and knowing their stories.
Service-oriented. It means being dedicated to this field. I have now this role of making the people informed. With that, I will make sure that I will provide accurate and relevant news stories or articles.
On the other hand, there are skills required for a media writer.
Gathering data.
Validating and clarifying information.
Organizing information.
Writing clearly and effectively.
Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices.
Since I had experienced joining campus journalism during high school, I had the practice of gathering information and data for my articles. However, I still feel the pressure when I write. I could say that I am not skilled enough to be called a media writer. I have to practice writing. I have to make adjustments in this field.
“Take this twice a day.” Getting the title to say that line is my ultimate goal. Dreaming like a child with a cliché line “Someday, I wanted to be”: I dreamt of becoming a physician. That someone in-charge to monitor the patient’s vital signs. That man assigned to run some tests to help identify the health problem. That individual who will check the donors for the transplant. The urgency to discover and give cure never leaves my head. I’m always inspired to treat patients and give them the right and proper medication. Though afraid to see open wounds and to hear suffering noises coming from the ER, I never hesitated to continue dreaming.
Yet,
at the back of my mind, someone has been pushing me to fight for justice. Since
the corruption, extrajudicial killings, controversial buy-bust operations, and human
trafficking seem to be attached in our country, we have to take part in the
solution. After all, I see myself as someone who will uplift the innocents
pleaded guilty. On the other hand, I want the criminal to be imprisoned. Since
under the law, they must be punished anyway. I want to have a part in the due
process that would take place. But all in all, the main objective is only to
serve the people through eradicating social problems and through becoming an
instrument for social justice.
“No further questions, Your Honor.” So
are you. It seems too difficult to be achieved but with eagerness and
determination, everything is possible. Nothing worth having comes easily, by
the way, might as well, put extra effort and hard work in education for a
greater harvest. Just like everybody, to
be that ‘someone you’re always dreaming of’, you have to work hard for it, so
you can be it.
As
of now, destiny leads me to this path. I entered college without a
comprehensive analysis of what program I am taking. BS Development
Communication in my freshman year, 2019-2020. Although I’ve had some
experiences including (1) Campus
Paper (2) School-Based Press Conference (3) Division and Regional Schools Press
Conference, I don’t consider those as an advantage. I only write for a
task required. I never write fiction, never tried writing formal script or
such, never tried to edit videos, however, I do believe that my passion to
serve the people is above all the qualities and skills required, especially with
us, Development Communicators.
Another
is, I was never loud at my rights and I preferred to be quiet – the shy type as
you called. That’s why “the struggle is real” for me right now since I have to get
out of my comfort zone. But regardless of everything, I could say that “No one and nothing could ever stop me from
what I love –to help humanity in any possible way. Whatever path it is, to be a
social tool is the end mark.” The fact that I am inside the college, I have
now the chance to both enhance my skills and live my passion. So when the time
comes, I can stand straight and speak well for the community.
Today,
one thing is for sure, this journey is for the people – just for the people.
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