Author: tere.ursolino

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During lectures, the terms and concepts may look easy to understand. However, when it comes to the exams, DevCom subjects said “NO”! Based from my first experience of a DevCom exam, I will emphasize that you should really expect the unexpected. It is because these exams do not just require one to memorize. There should be understanding.

Here are some tips that may be helpful in surviving DevCom exams:

1. Pay attention to the lectures. It is important to listen attentively because some of the important points that are being explained were not included in the lecture slides. Take down notes for these may also be helpful when reviewing.
2. Know your most comfortable way of reviewing. We have different styles on how to absorb information easily. You must be able to determine which suits you best so that you will not have a hard time in memorizing the terms and understanding the concepts.
3. Avoid cramming for the exams. Do not expect that you will be able to put all the information in your mind in just one sitting. Manage your time properly. Also avoid reviewing too much hours before the exam because the information tends to be mixed in our heads, and may cause mental block.
4. Focus. This is applicable not just in reviewing before the exam, but also while taking the exam. Focus on the test questions. You may skip some parts and go back later if you cannot figure out the answer. Do not be pressured by your classmates who are already passing their papers.
5. Eat and Sleep. Most importantly, make sure that you are taking care of your body. Eat a proper meal before the exam. You may also opt to eat your comfort food like chocolates. Have enough sleep especially the night before the exam. It is always important to rest your mind after absorbing a lot of information.

The exams that we took were just the firsts of our “ideally” four-year stay in the college. There were a lot more to go and I am sure that the things listed above – the ones that I failed to do for the first exam – will serve as my #LessonLearned in surviving the exams of DevCom subjects.

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The first month as a college student here in UPLB is a whole month of adjustments. It was not my first time being away from my family since I already stayed in a boarding house during Senior High School. However, the experiences were still very different. I have already encountered different challenges but these made me realize the following learnings that will surely help me to easily adjust on the future years.

1. Be open for new knowledge and learnings. Being able to study in a premier state university does not mean that you already know everything. There is a lot more that you have to learn here in UP. Always keep your feet on the ground and be willing to learn something new. You may step out of your comfort zone.
2. Manage your time properly. This includes avoiding procrastination, knowing your priorities and having discipline in yourself. If you can already finish the task as soon as possible, take time to do so. Do not wait for the night before the deadline to cram with everything. You should also learn to balance your time for your acads, orgs and personal life.
3. Take care of your health. It is important to take note of this since the weather here is always changing that’s why we are prone to colds, cough and fever. Always drink a lot of water and eat your meals on time. Avoid too much intake of coffee, softdrinks and energy drinks.
4. Value your support system. Your family and friends are there to support you with everything you do. Talk to them whenever you can and whenever you need to. You might need their words of advice to keep you going especially when you are already feeling down.
5. Have time for yourself. It is alright to take a break sometimes. If you think that you are already feeling exhausted, breathe. Take a nap. Listen to music. Eat your comfort food. These are your rewards for yourself for still trying and for doing a good job.

I know that my college life is still a long way to go. What I am sure is that nothing will hinder me from achieving my goals. I will be an ‘iska’ that is always fighting and I will make sure that I will enjoy and learn from every part of my stay here in my home away from home.

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As development communicators-in-training, there are essential tools and devices that will be very helpful in our everyday life working on papers and field works. Listed below are some of the essentials when you are in this field.

LAPTOP. This is an important tool since most of the requirements will be submitted and uploaded online. There are also applications and softwares that must be installed in one’s laptop which are helpful in creating content.

MOBILE PHONE. It is a must-have since almost everything that you will need can be found in your phone. You may use it as your camera and audio recorder during an interview. You may also use it to keep notes. There are also essential applications that may be installed here like location maps, photo editors, and mobile dictionaries. This is also important in contacting people.

PEN AND PAPER. It is important to always bring a pen and paper with you. This is necessary when writing details and information that you have gathered and observed. Bringing a pen is also essential so that you are ready when you are going to sign a document.

POWER BANK. Having a power bank is essential especially if you are covering an event that lasts for hours. You will not want to have a phone or a camera with an empty battery.

STORAGE DEVICE. Flash drives and external hard drives are important in storing and organizing your files including documents, photos, audios and videos which may still be helpful in future activities and field works.

OTHER ESSENTIALS.

Umbrella and Jacket. Face Towel/Handkerchief. Water Bottle.

Together with my teammates, Kate and Kaye, I went on a journey to the Barangay Hall of Baybayin without knowing the exact location of the place. The three of us came from different towns and we had no idea about the location of the barangays in Los Baños. What we did was search it on Google Maps and we also asked security guards and jeepney drivers on where could we find Brgy. Baybayin.

Upon arriving there, we were warmly welcomed by the officials there headed by Kgwd. Romeo V. Oro, their contact person. He willingly answered our questions and showed us the different documents that we may use in our data gathering.

From this data gathering experience, I have listed three #Tips for effective data gathering.

#KnowWhatToAsk. It is important to know first what are the information that you will need. Through this, it will be easier to ask questions and ask for documents if applicable. This will also help you to avoid just staring blankly when the interviewee asks you on what you need from their office.

#AlwaysKeepNotes. Note-taking is also one of the essential qualities of a media writer. Some of the things that the interviewee is saying may not be found on the documents that they will give. If permitted, it is advised to have an audio recorder to clarify some points in the interview that you have missed. Also take note of the information that can be found on their bulletin boards because they may also be helpful.

#BeFlexible. This means that you should learn how to adapt to the situation. Some of the answers may be vague and so you must clarify these points or rephrase the question if necessary. Follow-up questions are also important to gather all the necessary information.

These are just three of the many tips that is in store for development communicators-in-training. But, most importantly, we should always be polite and respectful in asking questions.

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Among the qualities listed above, I mostly need to work on my love for reading. These days I only read because it is a requirement. I want to develop this quality because I know that this will help me a lot to improve my writing skills, which is a must for a media writer.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

I think it is because of my reading habits. Just like what I have mentioned, I still need to work on this quality. The qualities that I did not give a 1.00 self-rating were the ones I think are related to love for reading.

Among the skills listed above, I developed the highest competency in gathering data, validating, clarifying and organizing information. I think the activities that we have made during Junior and Senior High School like doing our investigatory and research projects contributed to the development of these skills.

Moreover, I think what I need to work on the most is the proficiency in the operation of communication tools and devices. I should have knowledge of troubleshooting since it is needed when something goes wrong in the process of creating content. I should also work on writing clearly and effectively in order to convey the information properly.

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            Maria Thresha Naynes Ursolino, known to many as ‘Tere’, is a simple girl with big dreams. She once wanted to become a nurse. Their clean white outfit fascinated her and made her want to see herself also wearing one someday. But then, she realized that she couldn’t, because even only the sight of blood from afar makes her feel terrified. She also wanted to be an engineer, but her lack of interest in doing maths didn’t want her to be one. After having a lot of ‘buts’ and ‘what ifs’, she is now an aspiring broadcaster with the dream of serving the people deep down inside her. A student of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at University of the Philippines Los Baños, Tere is now another step closer to her dream.

            She is not really into writing before. Only school requirements would make her write. Until in 2015, her teacher recognized her works and encouraged her to join writing competitions. Despite winning several essay writing contests, she is still not confident of her writing skills. It was thanks to her professor in Creative Writing and Creative Non-fiction during Grade 12 who inspired her to continue writing and hone her skills through more practice. Her daily entry on her journal serves as her practice until today. She writes even the most random things that she encountered throughout her day. She also loves writing about the things that she wanted to say but never did. Writing has become her form of escape. Her words may not be as fascinating as others but what she is sure about is that she is writing to express herself and not to impress other people. She thinks that it is still a long way to go before she can call herself a ‘good writer’.

            What lies ahead of her is still uncertain. But, DevCom has made her vision clearer. Her goal now is not just to chase and achieve her biggest dreams, but to have enough courage in her heart to face the reality and the eventualities of life with enthusiasm. She is flawed and imperfect. But, one thing is sure for her: she is always fighting.

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By: Kate Maybelle N. Abulad, Kaye O. Galler and Maria Thresha N. Ursolino (UV-2L)

The candidates of the Mister & Miss Los Banos 2019 have showcased their bests in the Festival of Talents last September 18, 2019 in the General Paciano Rizal Park in line with the celebration of the Bañamos Festival 2019.

The Festival of Talents is an event which exhibits the variety of talents of the representatives in the annual Mister and Miss Los Baños pageant. Twenty-five percent of the total score of the candidates will come from their performance in this event. Among the judges were Mr. JC Austria, Mr. John Robin Ortega, Dr. Arnel Palines, Mr. Basil Malicsi, and Ms. Polly Cabrera.

Out of the 24 initial number of contestants, only 20 of them were able to represent the different barangays of Los Banos. Nine of these contestants are male and eleven are female. These candidates were able to show diversity of talents from dancing and singing to performing spoken word poetry and magic tricks.

Councilor Josephine Evangelista has formally welcomed the program by giving an opening speech for everyone who watched and participated in the said event. She has also expressed her gratitude towards the people and organizations who sponsored the pageant.

The announcement of winners of the Festival of talents took place in the Mister and Miss Los Baños Grand Coronation Night last September 21, 2019