Winning the On-The Spot Feature Writing: A Campus Journalism Event

I remember one of the careers that I greatly admire is the field of journalism. The way every journalist observes and describes every single detail is impressive. The way they speak the truth is fearless. They have the gift of written and verbal. They have an astonishing sense of familiarity. But that's not just all. I know every journalist's job is tough and it can be tiresome waking up with pressing issues all the time.

In my previous post, I have shared about our PhotoJourn. This media fest has made us super busy but it was worth it in the end. As usual, this blog comes late again. But anyway, I would still like to share about this event.

A few snaps while we are recording for our TV newscasting. I got the role of a news anchor. The name of our television news is VISION NEWS PHILIPPINES. With a tagline of, your news, our business!

As part of our participation during the 1st Campus Media Fest, we have crafted our own newspaper. For our group campus paper, we have named it LAMDAG BULLETIN NEWS. For the people who don't know the word 'Lamdag,' it comes from the Filipino-Cebuano word which means "enlightenment."

We want to thank Canva for the given templates or else we'll be having a headache over the layout. Our instructor have told us to use Microsoft Publisher but due to the lack of time plus we are not master in using it, we prefer to use Canva. Don't mind the border of our newspaper, we have stapled it then covered it with a thin slice of paper and glued it. There's no issue about it, a student-friendly method to save cost.

These are some of the entries for the photojournalism.

Next, is the presentation of our recorded TV news and I cringe as I watch myself on the screen. But it gives me a 'wow' feeling, like an instant celebrity flashed in a large screen, haha. Our video is well-edited, a hat-tip to our great leader for doing the best she can. But there's just one thing that ruins its quality, it is not audible. We're somehow sad about it but it's not our fault. The problem is on the stage speaker. After presenting all the entries, there's a dance number so the judges and the audience will not be bored.

BEST IN FEATURE WRITING FOR THE ON-THE SPOT WRITING CONTEST

I feel like I want to share this achievement because it means a lot to me. I am not expecting my name to be called on stage. They screamed and cheers when I climbed the stage. It is so euphoric in the feeling when you are recognize for something you truly love. Writing is my first love and will always be the love of my life.

THE BEST DOCUMENTARY FILMS

Kudos to the group of students who have made this beautiful masterpiece! When I watch their films, I am inspired at the same time I am emotional. It is because it picture out the real happenings in the society, which is what the government neglected. The Pamasol documentary film is about the life and struggles of fishermen. The word Pamasol is a Cebuano word which refers to a way of hooking fish. Pakigbisog is also a Cebuano word which refers to the fight amidst struggles and challenges. It features the life of the farmers and the drought that has devastatingly affected their livelihoods.
These documentary films show the agony of the less privileged people in society. It is an eye-opener for the authorities to take some action and help these people in life.

Two of my classmates also won the on-the-spot writing contest. The guy in the middle got the 'Best in Sports Writing,' and that's not something surprising to us. He has been an athlete since High school and has competed in different schools ever since. Not just an athlete but also possess an ability in writing. Sports writing is undeniably his forth, so the crown literally goes to him. The girl wearing a black dress got the 'Best in News Writing,' she can't even believe it. She deserves it. We also took a picture with our instructor who facilitated this big wonderful event.

I know we are quite happy in this photo but actually this is our last photo with our instructor. This is his last semester in the school because he is quitting. It's sad to hear but a lot of opportunities are waiting for him and he deserves it. One thing I will always remember about him is how passionated he is everytime he is teaching in front. It's just sad that not everyone appreciates that. That is worth admiring and he left such beautiful memories in our hearts despite all the misunderstandings before, it will never change the fact that he taught us by heart.

My Final Thoughts
I don't want to make this post lengthy so I'll end it up with a very short reflection. Journalism is beautiful because it allows us to see the things we are not aware of, and to take action, to do something, to help others. It is so beautiful because it helps us see the reality in this world. That's why journalism is tough because it requires truth. This kind of event is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am grateful for winning something I love. I also wish our instructor the best in his next journey, going to another path is not bad. As long as you have picture out where you would be, just like doing journalism.

About the Author Sydney resides in the Philippines and is pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Major in English. An Educator by heart and a blogger by soul. She is deeply passionate about blogging and loves documenting her life in the digitalized world. She loves reading literary pieces and listening to different kinds of music.

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