here is an account of what happened to us, Bulik members, during the Regional Press Conference in Imus, Cavite last Jauary 18-20, 2005....it was meant for the 2nd issue of Bulik SY04-05, kaso wla na 2nd issue? =( ...wla lang, juz posted it...ü though i'd say i had much more experiences in Surigao, i haven't made one for the NSPC....so aun..have fun reading....
RSPC in Imus, Cavite: notable in the extremes
by: mAiCo
‘Twas the last day of the Regional Press Conference. The van, full of students and luggage, rumbled along the landscape of our quarters in Imus, Cavite, and dust swirling from behind. I turned in my seat to get one last glimpse of it, just in time to fathom that we’re already leaving the memorable school. The words on the sign that hung in frontage gleamed: “Bukandala Elementary School”. All the reminiscence of those three prolific days came back, as if I pressed a rewind button somewhere on my head.
Arriving at school early January 18 was a challenge and fortunately, I succeed. The long trip to Imus, Cavite was almost fine, except for some occasions of stomach-lurches. After several times of asking for direction, we arrived late missing the parade, but just in time to witness the opening ceremony of the Regional Press Conference 2004 in the Plaza. An hour later, we’re heading back to Lipa City division quarters in Bukandala Elementary School. My eyes surveyed the vicinity. Profound thoughts came into my mind. There was I. For the first time, I was out of the school, far, far away and honorably representing my Alma Mater. Then, I heard my tummy scream. It was time for lunch. This was one of best things offered to me during my stay. The food was great and really abundant.
After lunch were a few minutes of siesta. Next thing I knew, we were back into the van for another long-enduring trip to Imus Pilot School, where the contest proper shall be held. We arrived just in time for the first category, which is Lay-outing. I buried myself into my notes and reviewers. And before I could even finish the first paragraph, I was already chatting with my co-journalists, Kaycee and Karen, and later strolling through the courtyard for snacks and souvenirs.
The next category was Feature Writing. With the caffeine from the soda I drank already racing through my bloodstream and jitters rattling my knees, I went inside the lecture room with Ryan. Lecture Hall was an enormous place, but the noise, heat and the big number of students inside was suffocating. Thirty minutes later, the lecture ended and we’re struggling to escape the rush of students. As we reached our contest rooms, we did not start immediately for there are some conflicts on the contest mechanics. Later, we were transferred to another room with better ventilation. We again waited for everyone to settle down before we start scribbling. Our proctor provided us with pieces of paper, which contain the topic we will be writing about. I really wanted to have “Tsunami and how it devastated the Asian countries” to be the topic, for I have read a lot about it. But heavens! I was given the topic I least expected! “The rightful place of FPJ in the Philippine culture”. Shock, fluster, anxiety, and hassle mixed up in my veins. How would I write about him in about 1500 words, without being biased? As well, the lecture for News writing English might have been ended by this time. I will not finish the article in time to write for the News!
While my seatmates were whining about the topic, I searched for answers from my heart. Holding the rosary from my pocket, I turned my head to the window and had an in-depth recall of the events that took place, from the chaotic elections to the death of FPJ. But I guess I should go beyond that. I started scribbling my thoughts onto the scratch paper I brought with me. I symbolized FPJ into the hope that Filipinos needed, not only as a leader, but also as a movie idol. I explored into the movie world, politics and charity in which FPJ subsumed himself. He may not have succeeded in his attempt to lead the country, but he has influenced the Filipinos much into a change of belief and a buoyant outlook of life. I ended it with a quote from Vaclow Havel: “Hope is not the conviction that the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out”.
A few minutes later, I handed my paper to the proctor and took a break to get some drinks and inhale fresh air. I took water and headed to the open space again. Cooling off and talking to my co-journalists was good idea. I wasn’t able to write for News English, but I think I had enough for the day. It was really stressful.
We waited for our co-journalist to finish their category before going back to Bukandala. It was time to devour on the delicious dinner. A few minutes later, I washed up and slipped into my sleepwear. Madel bought some snacks, and we laughed at Jun’s stories. We had some chitchats and then jumped into the airbed with Kaycee, Karen, and Ryan.
January 19, we had our morning rituals and poof! We’re back in Imus Pilot School. We were faced with a bunch of categories to take care of. I witnessed the lecture for editorial and attended to it after a while. The topic was “Stardom is good, but education is better”. I built a good argument, but I guess not well enough to stand out among well-experienced and opinionated editors-in-chief.
At noon, we were already finished with our categories and enjoyed an afternoon in SM Bacoor, Cavite. We reached Bukandala in time for dinner, after which will be succeeded by a disco party at the badminton court of the school. We met some friends and danced a little. It was already midnight when we went back to our room10 to doze off.
January 20, I was already missing home and I wondering how’s the fiesta going on. We spent the late morning fixing our things and chatting with each other.
Then again, I turned on my seat. We’re leaving Bayang Luma of Imus, Cavite. “RSPC will always hold a special space in my heart”, I told myself. Then I heard my phone ring. It’s my mom, checking on me. I realized we’re getting nearer to Imus Pilot School. Awarding Ceremony isn’t due yet, and so we went stall hopping for souvenirs. We’re back just in time when the awarding was set off. Bulik Features/Literary page won 10th place. And after several hours, awarding proper for the different categories came. We went to get some drinks for we did not expect any award. I was in the van with the other journalists when my name was called, 2nd place, Feature Wrting English. I was dumbfounded. I heard my friends scream and I screamed with them as well. I was not able to reach the stage in time to claim my medal and certificate, but I was so grateful to the Lord that I did it.
Journalism was like a dream come true. It was like a period of total escape from reality and all of the problems that reality brings with it.
As this writer certainly believes, becoming a journalist has many distinct advantages for a young adult. Working in a good environment with prolific, knowledgeable people in an upbeat atmosphere is definitely a plus for me. Likewise, being given the chance to prove myself in a contest like press conference. As well, newspaper making is a rare learning experience. Being a journalist is very fulfilling, and I’ve learned a lot from it.
Every event or action has a sufficient cause, which brings that event about. If there is one thing that eased me thru Regional Press Conference, it is prayer, with a touch of knowledge and confidence. I couldn’t have made it without my faith in Him, support from my loved ones and my strong belief that I could do so. As the saying goes, “No guts, no glory.”
