Now that you’ve learned better, work to be the best

(Re) Evaluation of the Qualities and Skills of a Media Writer

After a long, tiring yet worth-it semester at the College of Development Communication, I have been introduced to different circumstances, different skills assessments and various life lessons that I can always apply to my journey most especially to my life after college. One of these skills is my capability in writing. And I am very happy to share that my major subjects in Development Communication helped me improve in various ways possible.

Therefore, if I will be rating myself from 1 as the highest and 4 as the lowest when it comes to different categories under the QUALITIES of a media writer, this will be my self-assessment:

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

Some aspects may remain the same, but I can attest to you that the first semester enables me to improve my curiosity, my eagerness to put premium care to the accuracy and truthfulness of my story and mostly my interest in people and their stories as well as to being service-oriented.

If we will go back to my recent self, I was very unaware of the importance of these aspects, but when I entered DevCom, I realized how vital these categories are in making content and relaying media messages to our intended audiences. These categories that I have improved. My point of view changed that having that 1 is a motivation to make myself better and to always question my capabilities to strive harder to be the best version of me with the best outputs to share. 

The list of skills a media writer must have:

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

When it comes to the skill, I can say that I tried to improve in most everything except for the data gathering part which I have experience of doing ever since my junior high school days. My term will be ‘tried’  because I can never assure that my effort is enough to make the output the best there is, but I always put my hundred percent into making my papers no matter how hard it is for me to construct my sentences and organize my ideas. Yet the writing clearly and effectively had challenged me to try and practice, and while I practice, I somehow learn, and I must never stop trying to perfect my ways if I want to succeed.

So, now that I am taught, my professors had given and wasted their time for me, who am I to reject the challenge of aiming uno at these categories, just like how my title goes, now that I’ve learned better, it is the time to work to be my best.

Days of Future Past

Dear Gen,

I know we haven’t had a long conversation since the day you moved here in UPLB. Ever since then, you have been burning your eyebrows day and night, which is quite so unlike you. You’ve changed, not only in the way you look but also in the way you think. That’s good because it means that you’re maturing into an adult. It’s been quite a roller coaster since the day you got separated from your comfort zone. A lot of questions bamboozled your mind, a lot of problems came by and snapped you so many times until you shatter. But I am very proud that you put yourself back together into something more. After four months of hardships, struggles, and a lot of academic work, here you are on the first precipice of the mountain. I have to admit, you’ve made some blunders along the way. But that’s alright because no one is perfect. I know the past doesn’t matter, but everyone needs time to reflect. Here’s what I’m going to tell you:

A Mona Lisa Smile Won’t Hurt Nobody

I know that you’re a little bit introverted, but still, you could’ve made a lot of people like you by just a simple smile. I’ve been observing you in the past months, and I think a person or two thought you were lowkey by just looking bland. Try the Mona Lisa smile, if you don’t have a lot of words to say. It should generate a positive vibe that should make more people like you, just a little bit. Remember, you got to make more social connections, or else, you’ll end up being a loner again.

Do you even lift, bruh?

I know that delicacies here in UP Los Baños are so tasty but have seen your feet lately? Of course, you can’t! Because you’ve been gaining weight recently. It’s quite a shame that you stopped planking after doing the 30-day Plank Challenge in HK-11. You should have laid off the stress eating habit. If you’re stressing out, eat your homework and do a five-minute exercise, as you did once before in Senior High School. I’m going to miss your six-pack abs, even though you looked so undernourished.

Be calm, and practice gratitude.

I told you to remind yourself of Master Oogway’s quotes every time you feel in a bad mood. You can’t get enough of the worries in life, come on! You are too concerned about what was and what will be. Nothing good comes from worrying too much. Always remember this, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift.”

Reward yourself from time to time.

You should’ve been more conscious of your health. Every time you finished something academic, you immediately try to solve another one. It’s nice to finish your homework first, but please, you should’ve some time to relax for a bit. It’s not that you’re giving up or procrastinating. Resting doesn’t mean that you’re quitting to do something.

The Subtle Art of Saying ‘NO’

Honestly, you could’ve saved a lot of things by just saying no to yourself. Think of the peaceful and well-slept nights you could have if you just said no to going to hangovers. You could also have saved a lot of money if you haven’t been peer-pressured by a lot of people when they’re inviting you for expensive foods.

CDC holds its first college-wide CDCiklaban

Devcom students and professor showcased their athletic ability in CDCiklaban 2019.

In line with the College of Development Communication’s goal to hone the holistic aspect of the students, CDCiklaban was held at Baker Hall last Nov 9 and 16, 2019. Students and Professors were highly encourgaed to join in the sports category they desire by signing up an online form. This event also aims to develop sportsmanship among the students and givethem an opportunity to unwind from the stress of acads.

The CDC Student Council, in the leadership of Aaron Paul Landicho, organized this annual sports event to cater the ability of the students in the field of sports. The winners of CDCiklaban will have the chance to compete in the University-wide Sports Competition called Palarong UPLB.

In Checkers or Dama, the third place was bagged by Mark Vincent Mercene, Aaron James as the second placer and Erica Silang as the champion.

Verbs, Pronouns, Adjectives… Devcom Students play hard at Scrabble in CDCiklaban 2019.

Rainielle Kyle Guison and Ruben Piomena was hailed as the champion in Scrabble.

In the physical sports category, Mikaela Marie Dumaraga, Kay Justin Laayaka, Justin Be-et, Jason Rodriguez, Julius Villaray, Darla Penaflor and Mark Angelo Bakay championed the Tamaang tao contest.

In the Men’s Badminton, Reinier Gaspar got second place while Prof. Edward Centeno got the first place. Reyes and Penaflor got the second and first place in the Women’s Badminton respectively.

In the men’s volleyball category, the group of William Esund won as the champion. Dane Christian Morena was awarded as the Best Server, Reinier Gaspar as the Best Blocker, Mark Baccay as the Best Spiker, Aaron Landicho as the Best Rigger and Gabriel Dolot as the Best Setter.

The group of Claudine Batimana and Ryzza Accuzar won as the champion in the women’s volleyball category.

CDCiklaban fostered the unity of the college and paved way to a healthy and friendly competition among peers.

Mr. and Ms. CDCIKLABAN 2019

The College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), held its first coronation of Ginoo and Binibining CDCiklaban 2019 on Saturday, November 16.

The event, held at the UPLB Baker Hall, featured four males and females competing for the crown for 2019.

Devcom Candidates never go out of style at CDCiklaban Pageant 2019.

Female Contestants:

KRISZIA PROLOGO, Batch 2019

QUINZHY JIMENEZ, Batch 2019

GLORIA EUSEBIO, Batch 2019

NEISEL LYCA PETIZA, Batch 2018

Male Contestants:

DAVID CLEMENTE ALCALA, Batch 2018

DALE JOHN CABALLERO, Batch 2019

MARK ANGELO BACCAY, Batch 2018

RUDY PAREL JR., Batch 2019

The judges for the pageant included the Binibining Los Baños 2019. (pa-insert name ng judges)

During the pageant, contestants competed in a production number, sports attire, casual wear, and question and answer segment. 

The winners and awards for Ginoo and Binibining CDCiklaban 2019 were voted upon by the CDC students and the panel of judges.

Mr. and Ms. Photogenic were won by David Alcala and Kriszia Prologo, respectively.  The People’s Choice Award was won by Mark Baccay and Neisel Petiza. This award was voted on by the CDC students before the pageant.

Mark Baccay and Kriszia Prologo were again awarded Best in Production Number. Best in Sports Attire was awarded to Rudy Parel and Neisel Petiza. Once again, Rudy Parel and Kriszia Prologo were awarded Best in Casual Wear of CDCiklaban 2019.

The third runner-up went to Dale Caballero and Quinzhy Jimenez, and the second runner-up went to David Alcala and Neisel Petiza. The first runner-up went to Mark Baccay and Gloria Eusebio.

Winners of the CDCiklaban Pageant 2019 – Kriszia Mae Prologo & Rudy Parel Jr.

Rudy Parel and Kriszia Prologo were crowned Ginoo and Binibini CDCiklaban 2019.


Group (BINHI):

Kate Abulad
Marian Illinon
Louisse Parado
Shann Elyse Pasion
Mark Genesis Topinio
Maria Thresha Ursolino

18: Night-mode Friendly: Week 18 Finale

We’ve reached the end. Let’s get right down to it.

Improvements all across the board.

Obviously, no skill has degraded during my first semester in Development Communication, and I’ve been surprised by my own improvements in the more technical aspects of the course. Admittedly, some of my behavior haven’t changed, but when I see how resourceful I was at the beginning of the course and how resourceful I am now I see that some things really have improved. Definitely, there’s still some more room for improvement, but that’s always going to be the case, isn’t it?

The pattern remains, although somewhat less so.

Not much to say here other than the data speaks for itself. I remember my Lab Professor complimenting me on my writing abilities, something which I think about fondly. Still, I am well aware of my other shortcomings. I am able to write good articles, I believe, however I tend to half-ass information gathering when I don’t have time. That… will definitely need fixing.

Moving on from that, let’s talk about the things I still need to improve on further. So far, I’ve been further reminded of the importance of not procrastinating. I also learned that I need to level up my technological expertise, as I very obviously lag behind my peers in that department. Speaking of, I still need to sharpen my friend making skills, but that’ll come in time.

Adios Development Communication 11 and thank you Professor. It’s been a very tiresome journey, but I’m sure I’ll look back on it content and accomplished.

It’s Christmas in UPLB!

It’s Christmas in UPLB! The lighting of the university’s giant Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations tells us that it’s already Christmas in UPLB! The theme of this year’s installation is Paskuhan sa Barrio, featuring a life-sized Belen and a mini park with fountain. The lighting ceremony was held on the evening of November 19 with a program entitled Pasko sa Elbi: Isang Pasasalamat. It was attended by Chancellor Sanchez, university vice chancellors, faculty members, staffs, students and Los Baños residents. Part of the event were performances from UPLB Choral Ensemble, Dr. Antonio Jesus, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company, and the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe. Also, a mini bazaar was opened at the parking lot of the University Housing Office. Setting up these ornaments at the UPLB main gate started thirteen years ago in 2006. This marks the beginning of holiday season and the coming end of the First Semester. Here is a video prepared by Group Binhi showcasing the highlights of UPLB’s annual treat for the community.

Knowledge on Wheels

The Department of Science and Technology- Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) nuLab visited Los Baños last November 11-15, 2019. This educational bus was launched to serve Senior High School students nationwide by teaching STEM classes following their first educational bus, Science Explorer that caters elementary and Junior High School students. Their aim is to encourage the young people of the Philippines to pursue Science and Technology professions in helping the nation-building. Their visit to Los Baños was attended by high school and elementary students within the town. One of the speakers is the UPLB’s pride, Astrophysicist Dr. Rogel Mari Sese. The following modules discussed were about Entomology, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, Women in the field of Science and Science Communication.

It’s Christmas in UPLB!

The lighting of the university’s giant Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations tells us that it’s already Christmas in UPLB!

The theme of this year’s installation is Paskuhan sa Barrio, featuring a life-sized Belen and a mini park with fountain. The lighting ceremony was held on the evening of November 19 with a program entitled Pasko sa Elbi: Isang Pasasalamat. It was attended by Chancellor Sanchez, university vice chancellors, faculty members, staffs, students and Los Baños residents. Part of the event were performances from UPLB Choral Ensemble, Dr. Antonio Jesus Quilloy, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company, and the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe. Also, a mini bazaar was opened at the parking lot of the University Housing Office.

Setting up these ornaments at the UPLB main gate started thirteen years ago in 2006. This marks the beginning of holiday season and the coming end of the First Semester.

Here is a video prepared by Group Binhi showcasing the highlights of UPLB’s annual treat for the community.

Group (BINHI):

Kate Abulad
Marian Illinon
Louisse Parado
Shann Elyse Pasion
Mark Genesis Topinio
Maria Thresha Ursolino

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