Where Learning meets Fun

"If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write"

When you hear the word Journalism especially if you're a Palonian, you may think that it is drab, boring, and hard work. Well, that may be true but, say no more because in preparation for the Area School's Press Conference, the Special Program for Journalism launched the first-ever Journ Camp. This was to educate the young journalists about their categories and to have fun while doing it.

Lectures Galore

The event was split into two days. The first day was more on Lectures. To start off our Journalism Teacher and freelance journalist, Sir Ronald Reyes conveys his knowledge about news writing to us. He showed us different techniques and ways to write a news article. For me, it's probably the simplest because you don't need to put in complicated words or make 5 sentences for one paragraph, just follow the facts and you're done.

The second lecture was from a PhilSci teacher and former PNHS teacher, Sir Jerry Serdena. His lecture was about copyreading and headline writing. For me, his lecture was very entertaining because of the way he delivered it. He also showed us the different symbols used in editing articles and unit counting for headline writing.

Up next was Ma'am Cynthia who taught us how to write a feature article. The sample articles she showed us were really captivating (just as a feature article should be) which makes me want to read the whole thing. She taught us the many different ways of writing a feature article, the way that I was most fond of was the narrative approach because it sounds like a novel.

Fourth was Sir Arvin for photojournalism. He taught us some techniques and tips such as the rule of thirds captioning tips. This lecture was very helpful for me because I am a photojournalist myself and I'm terrible at taking photos, I don't know how or why I even passed (maybe because of the captions?). Anyway, his lecture helped me to improve my craft a little though I still have a long way to go (what if I do radio next year?).

Last but not least, Ma'am Beverly for editorial and opinion. She showed us how to write an editorial (which is basically the opinion of the publication) and opinion writing. The funny part was that she started the session with a dance for the students and luckily I was assigned to cover her lecture so I had an excuse to not dance.

Press Con Loser

The day started again with more lectures. Ma'am Cathe for column writing, Sir Mau for Cartooning, and 2 special visitors, Sir Toyong for sports and sci-tech, and Sir Torreros for Documentaries. After that, it was finally time for the mock press con.

Now some of you may think that it was a bloodbath, but in reality, it was just a friendly competition. We were actually laughing and having fun with each other (at least for the photojournalists, the writing was more serious), trying exaggerated poses just to capture a photo and taking pictures of each other.

The worry-filled part came when it was time to check our outputs. While some were given compliments, I was given the side-eye. I was literally praying that I would at least get fourth place, but on the announcement, my name was not even mentioned. Better luck next time.

Tents for Repair and Food to Share  

 For the camp, we had four teams, DIG-ON, MATIBAKSI, PAGLAUM, and PANANALIMBASOG. All four teams brought four tents. There was this one tent that we played with and with a gust of wind, the tent fell to pieces. I guess we played a little too roughly.

Fast forward to the afternoon, after the Journ Quiz, supper was ready. Line after Line entered the classroom leading to the buffet. The Quadrangle was quickly turned into a park with people setting up mats and eating on the ground as if it were a pick-nick. We talked, laughed, and shared past experiences.

Singing by the Fire    

After the meal came the lighting of the bonfire. So we circled the fire and chatted for a while then after a few minutes, it was time for the performances. First up was PANANALIMBASOG with a song, they sang Yellow by Coldplay (matching their outfit). While they sang, we waved our flashlights in sync with their song. It was truly magical.

After that came a few other performances like dances.

Glad that we Lost

The announcement of winners came and guess what, we're 4th place. Instead of being sad, we decided to make fun of it by recording a video of us saying that we lost while screaming and shouting. We lost but at least we had fun.

After all that fun, it was time to go home. This camp made me realize that you can have fun while learning something new and that it's okay to lose as long as you have fun. I can't wait for the next Journo Camp.