Upcoming TV series to feature scenic Silliman campus

A still untitled telenovela produced by ABS-CBN Cebu and scheduled for broadcast in Cebuano-speaking regions next year is being shot as of press time at Silliman University, the more than a century-old campus beside the sea and central attraction of Dumaguete City.

I've been told that the story revolves around an on-campus romance and features a couple of actors who figured in the nationwide artista search, "Star Circle Quest." Since it's a campus romance, I can imagine one scene capturing a very familiar sight on the university grounds-students walking leisurely underneath the canopy of the ubiquitous Acacia trees, laughing and perhaps, holding hands.

With its sprawling topography that has held many a visitor I've encountered enchanted, there's not a campus in Visayas that's any more photogenic or "telegenic" than Silliman University. I say that with confidence not because this is my former alma mater, but because I remember the "campus-based" subjects for our photography class came at us in abundance-from Silliman Hall, the university's oldest structure that cuts a striking picture to anyone aboard an approaching ferry, to the SU Church with its old cathedral design and multihued, stained glass windows. Expect some of these oft-photographed landmarks of the campus, founded by American Presbyterian missionaries in 1901, plus new edifices to be featured in the Cebuanovela.

It should be worth-noting that the campus has lately been a favorite onscreen setting (and rightfully so!), from sitcoms such as GMA 7's Bubble Gang and Lagot Ka Isusumbong Kita to even a movie, Star Cinema's Close To You, which starred the love triangle of John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo and Sam Milby.

Silliman to host Pinoy Media Congress next year

According to Dr. Rose Baseleres, dean of Silliman University's new College of Communication (formerly known as School of Communication), ABS-CBN's Studio 23 in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) will bring the Pinoy Media Congress to the Visayas and Mindanao sometime next year with Silliman University selected as host. (Dr. Baseleres was recently elected vice-president of PACE, an organization of communication arts teachers and institutions offering communication, broadcasting, journalism and advertising degrees.)

This announcement comes on the heels of the successful holding of the 2nd Pinoy Media Congress, a unique interaction between media experts, teachers and students attended by some 900 participants from different universities and colleges nationwide, in Manila last month.

Wait, a postscript: Congratulations to Salve Asis, The FREEMAN entertainment columnist ("Showbiz Dribble" every Sunday), who is also assistant entertainment editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon and entertainment editor of PM for winning (wow!) P100,000 cash and a brand-new N73 cellphone in Eat Bulaga's segment, On The Spot Jackpot, last Saturday.