Braving the storm

Last Tuesday, 274 student writers from 30 schools all over the country convened at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium on the UST campus for the 12th National Campus Journalism Fellowship organized by the school paper Varsitarian.

I joined the students that afternoon to deliver a lecture on sports journalism and conduct a mock press conference from where they would base their stories in a blitz writing contest. PBA commissioner Chito Salud donated a brand-new cell phone, PBA T-shirts and PBA annuals as prizes for the contest. The Philippine STAR also gave prizes.

It’s the 10th straight year I’ve been invited to speak at the fellowship which is called “Inkblots” and every edition has been a resounding success. The Varsitarian assembles a cast of speakers each year to share their views and experiences with the students.

This year, the speakers were STAR columnist Atty. Jose Sison, Inquirer’s Christian Esguerra for newswriting, Radio Veritas’ Fr. Nick Lalog for Catholic journalism, Bulletin’s Nestor Cuartero for features writing, Inquirer’s Ernie Sarmiento for photo journalism, Cesar Apolinario for broadcast journalism, Jun Veneracion for investigative journalism, Miriam College’s English department head Rebecca Anonuevo for literary, illustrator Manix Abrera for editorial cartooning, Inquirer’s Ruel de Vera for lifestyle writing, STAR’s Dominador Dumaraos for layouting, Bulletin’s Vim Nadera for opinion and editorial writing, Felipe Salvosa for campus paper management, Eros Atalia for Filipino writing and myself. Because of the raging storm, I thought the audience would thin out on the second day of the three-day conference. I was scheduled to speak at 5 p.m. on the second day. But to my surprise, I walked into a packed auditorium. I asked the Varsitarian staff if the participants knew I would bring along guests for the mock press conference. Maybe that was why the crowd gathered. The staff said the participants weren’t told about the guests so that made me feel good.

The guests were Smart-Gilas national cagers Chris Tiu and Dylan Ababou. I had asked coach Rajko Toroman for permission to allow them to join the conference. I explained to coach Rajko their presence would inspire the student writers. Coach Rajko willingly said yes and even rescheduled the Gilas practice that day to give the players enough time to make it. I asked Chris and Dylan to be in UST by 5:30 p.m. They were there on the dot.

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I began my lecture at 5 p.m. then welcomed Chris and Dylan on stage at 5:40 p.m. for their opening statements before the start of the mock press conference. Students lined up to fire questions in the open forum. To maximize participation, each student was limited to ask just one question without a follow-up. After 45 minutes, we ended the open forum and gave the students an opportunity to take photos with the players and ask for their autographs. The Varsitarian gave Chris and Dylan plaques of appreciation.

Both Chris and Dylan handled the questions more than adequately and spoke from the heart. Someone asked about their love life. Dylan said even as basketball is his priority, he always finds time for his girlfriend because “she’s special” but no late night dates for them. Chris said if you want to be treated like a king, you should treat your girlfriend like a queen. Neither has immediate plans of settling down because at the moment, they’re immersed in their work with the national team.

A student asked Chris about how he takes criticism, like if someone called him the Eddie House of the Philippines, meaning his only ambition is to shoot the ball. Chris said everyone is entitled to an opinion which should be respected.

As for criticism, he said he just goes out there to do his best, work hard and stay disciplined. He said he dreams of playing like his idol Steve Nash.

Dylan spoke about the pressure of living up to expectations as a former UAAP MVP. He said he can never be complacent and said it’s not easy upholding the reputation especially when he eventually enters the PBA where other UAAP MVPs like Jervy Cruz, Rabeh Al Hussaini and Ken Bono are now playing.

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Chris said it’s an honor to be playing with former UAAP rivals in the national team. “It’s a challenge for us to prove ourselves,” he said. “We’re supposed to be the cream of the crop. As players of the national team, we play for flag and country. J. V. Casio has been my rival since grade school. But now, we’re working together. The same with former FEU players Mark Barroca and Mac Baracael. Then, we’ve got very talented Fil-Ams with different backgrounds.”

Dylan said it’s not fair to generalize that athletes aren’t good students. “Look at Chris,” said Dylan. “He’s a fine example of an outstanding student athlete. Not all athletes don’t care about studies. It’s important for athletes to show the effort to pass and learn in class.” Chris said the stereotype of an athlete getting special treatment and not studying is unfair to those who excel in class and on the court.

“We want student athletes to be good role models,” said Chris. “They keep a tight and strict schedule. When they get home from school and practice, they’re exhausted. Next day, they practice again and go to class. Most try to do well in school, knowing they have to prepare for their future. But it’s tough being student athletes because of the demands on their time.”

After the mock press conference, the conferees were given 20 minutes to write their stories – any type, news, features, column – in Pilipino or English in 100 words or less, based on what they heard from Chris and Dylan. I chose the top 10 write-ups and gave prizes from the PBA and STAR.

The 10 winners were, in order, Laira Janelle Contreras, AB Journalism, UST; Patricia Garin, nursing, Makati Medical Center; Mark Lester Castillo, Adamson; Henry Jee Emperador, La Consolacion College (Biñan); Dyanna Canas, La Consolacion College (Biñan); April Anne Dizon, Political Science, UST; Kurt Russell Sosa, Tanza National Comprehensive High School; Jann Marvin Posada, nursing, CSC Statesman, Catanduanes; Ellaine Francisco, Guagua National Colleges, and Regine Ann Manabat, AB Journalism, UST.

Excerpts of the winners’ write-ups will be published in Sunday’s column.