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Currently in her Freshman Year as a BS Development Communication student in University of the Philippines Los Baños, Judica O. Bisnar now aspires to be either a journalist or a lawyer in the future. Originally, she sees herself as a future engineer. She prefers holding a pen, paper, and a calculator and solve a math problem or equation instead of writing essays and articles required in her English class. Ironically, she was provided BSDC as her degree program which is a communication program and requires a lottttt of writing.

While contemplating whether to accept or not her degree program assignment, she realized that taking up challenges outside of her comfort zone will be worthwhile and exciting, and will spark up her college life. She wanted to find things that are new to her and will test her skills so she decided to grab the opportunity.

One factor that affected her in making that decision was her background as a Science writer. Being a grade conscious and an active student in her high school years, she was a member of quite a few school clubs. She became part of their campus newspaper publication. She also joined in inter-school competitions as a Science Writer which provided her set of experiences that benefit her as a media writer. She may not be the best media writer you can see in her class but with hard work and determination, she believes that, at least, she will be able to improve her skills.

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Life was gradually becoming a walkway, wherein the only thing that makes you go is the vivid truth that there is something to walk onto. You have opened eyes but you chose to walk in a blind journey. Roughness and all, it was a journey you try to be worthy of.

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Entering the University of the Philippines was never THE dream but it was the most practical choice at the moment. I’ve lived the last six years of my educational life under Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum but here I come, putting Development Communication as my priority program in UPLB.

I believe life is just a fraction of our choices. We live in a way that we CHOOSE to, and walk on the path that we WANTED to. I spent my summer vacation wandering like a lost soul, pondering on what-ifs, and conditioning myself as firm as I could be to face the intense reality that I would be later living in a foreign world, with a brand new facade of personality.

Communication was never the principal door in my upbringing. I was this timid girl, avoiding glances. I was always the observant, the one with the screaming mind but an inaudible voice. But life has its ways of throwing you the opportunities. My life experiences, my environment, academic institutions and field associations honed me to be the person who can sternly see the lurking truth behind a deceitful scene. I was awakened to have a more profound perspective and critical view on certain issues. I may never be the best at this moment, but I know I am in a learning process. And when you finally get to have a glimpse of the light, you can never go back to the pitch-black vision of being lost. Just when you finally see WHY you are doing this, for WHOM you are striving for, you will never be afraid to speak out and be the medium of change for the unheard.

I am Ma. Rose Fritchelle B. Custodia, with eyes that see, a mouth that speaks, and a mind with thorough understanding.

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UPLB is the battlefield,

BS Development Communication is the battle,

equipment and tools are the weapons.

One cannot simply go to battle without any weapons if they aim to win, right? The same thing applies to BS Development Communication. In my one-month stay so far in UPLB, I’ve been using tools that I find essential to survive the course – to enjoy as well.

First things first. You’re gonna need a laptop.

Laptop. It is where most of your activities will be accomplished. Essays, position papers, reaction papers, posters, pamphlets, news, and the likes. You’re gonna need not just any laptop, it should have a video card and an intel core i5 or higher for better performance when using editing software such as Indesign, Photoshop, Premiere, and Audition – that you will be using a lot in the course.

The second thing you’re gonna need is a smartphone.

Smartphone. You need its audio-recording capabilities, communication capabilities, and photo-capturing capabilities. Since the course will require you to go outside of the campus to conduct interviews for news writing exercises, you’re gonna need a smartphone to record the interview and to document as well.

Note: Preferably, a camera would give off better quality photos. However, with the ever-improving technology, smartphones can already produce quality photos. Either of the two would suffice.

Third, a portable microphone.

Portable Microphone. The course will require you to solicit opinions from the mass as well as from the expert in a specific field. The better the quality of the audio, the easier it is to transcribe. Transcription is a common output in the course so it will be more convenient to have a portable microphone with you when conducting interviews to have clear and crisp audio.

Fourth, storage devices.

External drive and USB OTG. From documents to audio files, a storage device is needed to safe-keep such files needed for the course. An external drive is highly essential despite the unlimited storage provided by the UP System. Not just an external drive but also an OTG that makes the transfer of files from a smartphone to a laptop or vice versa easier.

Note: If you already have an external drive before college, it is better to have a separate one for academic purposes especially when you’re faced with situations wherein you have to lend your external drive for a group project. You don’t want your group mates to see your files, right?

Lastly, you’re gonna need a pen and a notebook.

Any form of paper would do. In BS Development Communication, there will be tons of writing activities. You can make use of a notebook or any paper, in general, to list down any important information deemed valuable for your exercises. I recommend a dotted notebook so that you can make a calendar – wherein you can keep track of the exams, requirements and the likes.

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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.

“Knowledge would bring us to places”

“Not only knowledge can bring us to places, but also our hunger for it”

August 3, 2019. I started my journey as a Development Communication student in University of the Philippines- Los Baños bearing in mind the path I have chosen will be difficult. A labyrinth that may be confusing, where I knew I would be lost half way through. On the other hand, being lost means finding new ways, and having confusing paths may also mean numerous opportunities. So I grabbed the challenge.

August 30, 2019. I felt the same vibes when I started stepping foot on my journey. It is exactly what I expected, I knew being a development communicator would allow me to explore communities, to do field works, to explore and get out of the box. Together with my groupmates Uan and Cyber, we were tasked to gather information at Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños as part of creating a community directory of each barangay in Los Baños. It was challenging since it’s the first time I would do field work in a place which I didn’t even knew about. After minutes of riding a tricycle, paying 10 pesos each; the group “The Paradigm” finally arrives at its destination, Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños. We then gathered the needed information for the activity in which we learnt three things that may be useful for future researchers or the next batch of Development Communication students. (Hi! Devcom peeps Batch 2020, remember there’s a purpose why you were here!)

Here are three things/tips we can share to future devcom peeps;

1. Remember 3P’s (Polite, Patience, Perseverance). We just invented that 3P’s (wala maganda lang kung uniform tingnan na P lahat, kesa naman abbr. na mahihirapan pa kayo mag-isip)
2. If possible, always bring a letter of request or do the gathering in the formal way. (Lalo na sa Barangay Bayog, hinanapan kami ng letter, di kami prepared kaya nagpakumbaba na lang kami at humingi ng pasensya)
3. Bear in mind that not all needed information can be provided by only one source. (Yes po, di po siya parang isang meal sa fast food na may drinks, fries at chicken na sa isang order-an. Ang impormasyon po ay hindi lang limited sa Barangay Bayog o sa mga barangay, pwede po tayong kumuha ng additional infos sa mismong munisipyo ng Los Baños and use your friends/connections/networks.)

P.S. “You don’t read it by accident, just wanted you to know that you can do it because you are precious”

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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, mobile phones 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.

Image Source : Pinterest

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.

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.

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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.   

Image Source: PINTEREST