Inkblots 2010 :)

INKBLOTS 2010. @ the University of Sto. Thomas (UST)

Last October 18-20, The Angelenean Pioneer participated in the annual Inkblots spearheaded by The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Sto. Thomas. This National Seminar-Workshop is now on its 12th year, and this is my first time to join this one.


As early as 5 am in the morning, the Angelenean Pioneer delegates: Ate Cherry Mungcal, Kuya Ryan Marimla, Ate Margaret Maño, Ate Marjorie Maño, Josh Esteban, Xanti Gonzalez and I, met in front of the main campus of AUF and immediately went to UST for us to reach the place early for registration. While we're on our way to the place, we stopped at McDonalds to order and take-out our breakfast.

Kabataang Pinoy. Halatang bagong gising! (Angeline, Xanti, and Josh)

If i'm not mistaken, we reached the place 15 mins. before 7 am. We checked in at Fersal hotel, stayed there for awhile, and went to UST for registration. 

Inside the TARC Auditorium. While waiting for the program to start

For the first day, we had News writing, Feature writing, and Photojournalism lectures. I enjoyed the News writing session by Mr. Christian Esguerra, a political reporter of the Philippine Daily Inquirer covering the senate. I also enjoyed the Photojournalism lecture by Mr. Ernie Sarmiento, chief photographer of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, because he appeared to talk in a natural but humorous way.

Mr. Ernie Sarmiento. Photo during the Hayden Kho-Katrina Halili hearing

Delegates. Angeline, Xanti, Kuya Ryan, Ate Marjorie, Ate Peps, Ate Margaret, and Josh

For the second day, we arrived late for the 1st lecture which was Investigative Journalism by Mr. Jun Veneracion. With that, we had to sit on monoblock chairs because all seats were already taken. I liked the documentary film which was shown that morning. It's about the struggle of the Philippine Military in battling with the separatist groups here in the Philippines. With that documentary film, I realized how hard it is to be a journalist. It was clearly emphasized during Mr. Veneracion's talk that; "No story is worth dying for." If you're a journalist or a media practitioner, never ever dare to risk your life just for the sake of getting a scoop for the public. Above all, your life is more important than your job.

Cesar Apolinario, a reporter of GMA 7, talked about Reporting on the Web. The highlight of his talk was more on the use of Social Networking sites in disseminating information to the public.

After lunch, we had our Parallel Sessions. Ate Cherry, Ate Marjorie, Ate Margaret, Xanti and I chose the Editorial Cartooning session with Mr. Manix Abrera, a cartoonist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He was really funny! I really enjoyed the whole session. His funny yet informative comic strips promoted Philippine culture and traditions that a reader won't forget. Before he started his talk, he told everyone that when we finished the whole lecture, everyone will be able to draw even just a simple cartoon. Yes, I know how to draw one ;)

Picture picture :)

The last day was spent for sessions on Opinion/Editorial Writing (Mr. Vim Nadera), Campus Paper Management (Mr. Felipe Salvosa), and Filipino Writing (Mr. Eros Atalia). Editorial writing and Filipino writing were both fun and informative. I enjoyed Mr. Atalia's discussion about Writing for the Tabloid. He instilled in the minds of the student-participants and even advisers that time, that if we really want to change the future of tabloid, we should penetrate the industry and we, the young journalists of today, should initiate the change that we want to see in the tabloid newspaper.

*All photos from Ate Cherry Anne Mungcal's camera :)