Author: elyssebejar

Before I entered DevCom, I had little idea of the things I needed to have. I watched countless videos on YouTube, but I was never appeased. On;y experience would really let me know.

So, for you, here are my 5 Keepsakes in DevCom:

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A good, old pair of shoes – to keep you running.

Even sandals would do. Among the shoes that I own, this one’s my fave even though I only had them since eleventh grade. I love the color, the material, and the fact that only my crush and I had the same brand in our batch. *wink*

Since you’re in Elbi, you gotta get around with a comfy pair of footwear.

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Biscuits or any go-to carbs – to keep you living.

I prefer bread over rice, since it doesn’t need both my hands to use while eating. Also, because I move at a gentle pace, so eating big snacks over a meal buys me more time to do other tasks.

Always have snacks with you, because you never know when you’ll find time to really eat.

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Brain dumpster and pen – to keep your thoughts and ideas.

One of the things I don’t like about myself is that when I have an idea, say a song or a story, I don’t write it down unless I have my journal with me. But it’s quite a hassle, so having a notebook that serves the single purpose of containing all that you are thinking about is a really good idea.

Be free and personal with it so that you will never get tired of using it.

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Personal circle – to keep you laughing.

I am an introvert, but that does not mean I’m antisocial. I like knowing new people, and since the beginning of the semester I already set out to find friends.

Given the individualistic lifestyle we have in college, having accountability groups as well as people to humanize with is a great advantage to keep your self. As for my advice, make lots of friends but stay with those whom you think can sharpen you and that you can also uplift.

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Memorabilia – to keep you going.

Last February 4, 2017, I stepped in the campus for the first time and was captivated in wonder. In my heart, I dreamed of studying here and since then, I already declared every time that I would study in UPLB. I am so grateful that God brought me to that day, when He introduced me to a place where He has already gone before me.

I admit that I can barely count the days when I was grateful to be in UPLB because of the stretching things that I’ve experienced. But looking back to that day in 2017, I stand amazed and thankful that I am here, doing the things I am now.

So as you come here, bring something with you that will remind you of why you began in the first place. Always remember that everything has a purpose bigger than life, as we know it.

As a devcom-in-training, part of the initial challenges that we have to get accustomed to is the proper data gathering method. There are three types, mainly the observation, interview, and retrieval. For our task for this week, we applied the interview method to obtain the data we needed.

Here are my take-aways from data gathering using interview:

1. Be very polite. In our case, we did not bring a letter that will allow us to ask for information. Good thing, the secretary of Barangay Maahas was very corteous and accommodating. But it will not always be like that, so I suggest that apart from being prepared, put on your best attitude so that you will be granted with a favorable quest.
2. Be in your most comfortable outfit. In most scenarios, we do not have an entire idea about the place that we will go to, especially if it is not on Google. So just to be sure, wear light clothing and sneakers or sandals. Also, bring an umbrella, some extra coins, and of course, presence of mind.
3. Initiate small talks. It pays to be friends with the locales of a new place, so be have an approachable vibe when you ask for directions from strangers. Talk to the tricycle or jeepney drivers about the general facts of their town, crack a joke or two. Leave a good impression upon them, but don’t push yourself to a point where peace and good nature will be compromised. Just do enough to know about the people in the place you are visiting.

Data gathering is one of the most thrilling part of this job, because you get to be different personalities at a time, and you also get to discover places and people you have never encountered before. Learnings are already a sure win in this experience, so make sure to get the most out of every field work. Also, remember that you are dealing with people, so it will also be great to be careful with the attitude and words that we will leave them with.

5 insights from a freshie’s first month in college

1. Listen well. In discussions or even in casual conversations, you should give your full attention. It’s a great way to practice your sensitivity, and it also keeps you from embarrassment.

“Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.”
Proverbs 18:13 TPT

2. Read your readings. Reading has three phases: scanning, interpretative reading, and background reading. This shows that you have to start on your task ahead of time because these readings are not your regular ones. You have to put more effort in order to understand them and use them to your advantage during discussions or exams.

“Senseless people find no pleasure in acquiring true wisdom, for all they want to do is impress you with what they know.”
Proverbs 18:2 TPT

3. Look for rest. Some say that a week in college is like a month. That can be true most of the times. So it is important to take in-between breaks and leisure times with good-natured people. Personally, I enjoy small talks and walking alone because it gives me space to process the day and relax myself. I also go home to my family every week so that I can still be a holistic person — don’t let ‘school’ be your world.

“The will to live sustains you when you’re sick, but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope.”
Proverbs 18:14 TPT

4. Keep calm and pray. When everything seems to be going in a full-blown chaos, I do my best not to worry or fret because I’m just gonna make things worse. In those times, the best thing to do is to pray. It has worked for me all the time. Saved me from stress and anxiety. *wink*

“The character of God is a tower of strength, for the lovers of God delight to run into his heart and be exalted on high.”
Proverbs 18:10 TPT

5. Make sure to learn. There have been a lot of inputs on my head for this past four weeks. Sometimes, I feel pressured to absorb everything and to do everything that I end up not learning. Keep in mind that to learn is above the grades that you can make. It is more important and that is the privilege that we have in studying in UPLB.

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
Proverbs 18:15 ESV

With Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Twins, Caroline Keene’s Nancy Drew, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Elysse developed a love for reading and writing as a young child. But as it is, falling is easy but staying in love is hard.

High school journalistic practices like press conferences stirred her up, making her feel better about herself each time she bested other writers from different schools from their division. Thinking that she could actually write and be a writer, her intents changed from a pure love for the craft and its stakeholders into selfish motives like fame and authority.

The media industry is a tough and tight arena for intellectuals and critics, and soon she found herself unrecognized and discouraged by her lack of expertise, if it can be called one, so she bid writing farewell and just demoted it as a “past time” rather than passion.

Fortunately, RightNOW, an online platform for young media enthusiasts under the New Media Department of the Far East Broadcasting Philippines, made its way to her life, bringing a new meaning to writing for the masses in whatever style, most particularly, in feature and literary writing.

Her first dream, which was to wear jeans and shirt while doing community work, immersed with people who needs to be reached and acknowledged, being the busy ones in the backstage, was made clearer and possible through the people and connections she has met in RightNOW. And this has also led her to the Development Communications program.

As of now, Elysse is a young writer and life lover. She still loves to read and enjoys writing very much, as well as doing and learning behind-the-scene tasks in church and RightNOW. And most importantly, she aspires to be simplehearted – someone who celebrates and mourns with other people, someone who truthfully and selflessly loves because her heart delights in it, someone with eyes that are for wonder and awe, and who would pursue it just for the love of it, even without the bright lights.

Psalm 116:6 The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me.

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Department of Education (DepEd) Los Baños spearheaded this year’s “KASskwela: Kultura, Awit, Sayaw pampakwela ng mga eskwelahan” to celebrate various cultures in the Bañamos Festival at General Paciano Rizal Park.

Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Allan Hostalero stated that this cultural show served as a culminating activity as part of DepEd’s curriculum in preserving arts, culture, and literature.

“This event [also] intends to exhibit different talents of our students,” Dr. Hostalero added.

The show started with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem and Los Baños hymn by the Los Baños Brass Band. Dr. Hostalero, along with several government officials, then, formally opened the program.

Different talents such as playing rondalla instruments and folk dancing were showcased by participating schools from the municipality.  The schools were as follows along with their respective cultural performances:

• Tuntungin-Putho Integrated National High School – Piliin mo ang Pilipinas
• Bagong Silang Elementary School – La Jota Moncadena
• Bambang ES – Curacha
• Bayog ES – Pandanggo sa Sta. Clara
• B.N. Clara ES – Konan
• Lalakay ES – Sinisiki
• Lopez ES – Gaway-gaway
• Los Baños Central ES – Saguin Saguin
• Maahas ES – Pandanggo Rinconada
• Malinta ES – Malong Malong
• Mayondon ES – Alcamfour
• Paciano Rizal ES – Polkabal
• San Antonio ES – Lapay Bantique
• Tadlac ES – Paseo de Iloilo
• LBNHS Batong Malake – Panderetas
• LBNHS Poblacion – Pandanggo Wasiwas
• Mayondon NHS – Singkil
• B. N. Calara Integrated NHS – Dugso
• Senior High School – Jota Batangueña

Parents also expressed their support to the event by letting their children take part in the cultural presentations of the schools. “Para madevelop ang kultura natin [at] para malaman din nila yun,” Chona Alcana, parent of a performer, explained.

LGUs, MDRRMO, PNP, and DOH together with DepEd systematized the flow of the program and ensured the safety of the attendees of the cultural show.

“Hangga’t nandito ang DepEd, hindi kami lilihis sa pagpromote ng culture and arts,” Dr. Hostalero promised.

In line with their objective, he mentioned that the faculty department will also be displaying Philippine culture in the celebration of the upcoming National Teachers’ Day.

(Kilay on Fleek Girls)(Judica O. Bisnar, Aryandhi A. Almodal, Elysse B. Bejar)

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I felt small. When I read the survey where I had to rate myself, I figured it best to answer it with all honesty. And while doing so, I felt so small. Nanliit ako.

Just to give you a glimpse of the questionnaire that we answered for our blog entry, here are the list of qualities and skills that Development Communicators possess – and my personal ratings to myself:

Qualities of a Media Writer

1. Curious/Inquisitive – 2
2. Intelligent – 3
3. Industrious – 3
4. Resourceful – 2
5. Persevering – 2
6. Imaginative – 3
7. Puts a premium on accuracy and truth – 2
8. Loves to read – 1
9. Interested in and loves people – 1
10. Service-oriented – 1

Skills of a Media Writer

1. Gathering data – 3
2. Validating and clarifying information – 3
3. Organizing information – 4
4. Writing clearly and effectively – 2
5. Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices – 4

Personally, among the listed qualities, I think that I need to work on intelligence the most because honestly, I am not quick-witted. It takes me a lot of personal and meditative time to formulate a decision or idea that will satisfy me and the others around me. It’s quite a blow to me, knowing that I have to work on intelligence. There is a difference between having a lot of knowledge and having the creativity to use those information at hand.

To get over myself and get that 1.00 ratings, I have to be willing to bend and get hurt. I was used to getting things right the first time, but it’s different here in college. There will be a lot of times that I will get corrected, whether lovingly or bashfully, it does not really matter. It takes pain to grow a muscle.

Looking back in junior high school, I have developed a pretty good knack for writing clearly and effectively, thanks to our wonderful school paper and also to my RightNOW Community. I credit the skills that I learned to my mentors who patiently and lovingly encouraged me to practice learning my style, to sit down and listen for my writing voice, and to find my heart beat. To be honest, I am not a journalistic writer, although I can comply if asked. But my heart beats for and leans on the free and creative writing where I can speak, soul to soul.

However, being that kind of writer is a huge responsibility because it surpasses the surface of where one could reach into a person, so it takes a genius to write it – the genius that Elizabeth Gilbert was referring to in her Ted Talk. My creative process requires a moment where I have to be in a sensitive position to receive something to write, something that speaks to me more than it will speak to others. And whenever I fail to grasp it fully, I still try to put it down on paper, however hard it takes me to fully organize my thoughts.

Overall, I think that the biggest responsibility of a writer is to build a well to draw from, whether it is for journalistic or liberal purposes. A writer’s job is to write. And while everybody can write, not everybody an be a writer. Only writers have a well that they draw from: experiences, insights, stories, melodies, and a voice.

I have a long way to go, calling myself a writer – a development writer, that is. As I mentioned earlier, I feel very small in this field, and I gladly accept it. I would rather begin in this position, that to refuse this place because I am already ‘someone’. I would rather be tiny than proud and boastful. Because I was once proud of what I have achieved, but being here now I had my eyes opened that I am but a small town writer. And having nothing to boast about is a great way to begin again, with a better character and intentions.

So, if I would be given a choice, I would rather be empty-handed – if that is the way to receive and to grow more.