Back to basics

At the recent National Campus Journalism Fellowship “Inkblots” organized by the UST Varsitarian, the theme was “Back to Basics” and over 250 students from all over the country converged for the 14th annual staging of the three-day convention which featured lectures on a wide range of topics including ethics, research and school paper management.

“Inkblots” chairperson Luisa Mamaradlo explained the theme’s relevance. “In an era where technology is an integral component of life, where tablets replace your old books and newspapers, where citizen journalism takes over traditional reportage, one must always remember and appreciate the value of things as it is – to go back to basics,” she said. “Knowing the basics of life is a key to success. This year’s edition of ‘Inkblots’ emphasizes the importance of the fundamental rules of accuracy, fairness and objectivity of basic journalism.”

Among the schools represented in the convention were Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Ramon Magsaysay Technological University in San Marcelino, Zambales, Bulacan State University, St. Louis University in Baguio, Aquinas University of Legazpi, Albay, St. Mary’s University of Nueva Vizcaya, Sacred Heart College of Lucena, Philippine Science High School in Cagayan Valley, Angeles University Foundation, University of Northern Philippines and Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, St. Dominic Bacoor, Imus National High School, Bataan State University, University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, Philippine Merchant Marine School in Las Piñas, Mapua, UST, UE in Manila and Caloocan, Angelicum College, Miriam College, Makati Medical College, Polytechnic University in Sta. Mesa, FEU, Tanong High School in Marikina, University of Perpetual Help, Sta. Isabel College, Letran in Calamba and St. Joseph School.

As the speaker on sportswriting, I spoke about the three Rs of journalism – responsible, relevant and redoubtable – and discussed what it takes to excel as a sports journalist and why a vibrant sports section in a campus publication is essential. I also conducted a simulated press conference with guests Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot of the PBA team Petron. Convention participants fired questions during the open forum then wrote stories about the experience. I picked the 10 outstanding write-ups and gave out prizes donated by The Philippine STAR (notepads, pens and two P5,000 Bistro Group gift certificates for each guest), PBA (dual SIM MyPhone, two cellphones, PBA Annuals, T-shirts and basketballs), Sonia Trading (Molten basketballs, volleyballs, two Gosen badminton rackets), Alaska (umbrellas, T-shirts, basketballs), Petron (jackets, shirts, umbrellas) and Accel (T-shirts).

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The 10 winners, with excerpts of their pieces, are:

Christine de Ubago, 19, Miriam College. “Arwind and Alex surprised me. I have always assumed that basketball players are the chick-magnet type who play all day in a sweaty chamber but they proved me wrong. Coming from two different origins and lifestyles, they heartwarmingly shared their personality outside of the court. Alex, who grew up in the US, dreamed of becoming a teacher. Arwind is a very honest co-captain who values his family the most and is sentimental and loyal to his alma mater FEU.”

Cindy Ashley Sy, 20, 4th Year, Elementary Education major in Special Education, FEU. “Victories come from great players.” Juancho Baltazar, 18, Business Administration, Sta. Isabel College. “If you think that Filipinos are being left out in the world of professional basketball, think again. As long as there is spirit and a playing court in every barangay, the basketball legacy in the brown race still lives.”

Banoar Abratique, 19, 4th Year, Accounting, St. Louis University, Baguio. “Fresh from their Sunday night comeback triumph, the two men who set the ball ablaze once more after being extinguished by a losing streak came to UST to share their life, love and a little of their blazing balls.”

Michael Nazario, 18, 3rd Year, Civil Engineering, Mariano Marcos State University, Batac. “Unity of the team despite being star-studded creates the boost for (Santos and Cabagnot) to snatch every win.” John Dave Pido, 16, 2nd Year, Biology, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod. “Both superheroes, amid busy schedules, are normal humans as they still find joy spending quality time with their families and friends. Superheroes, indeed, with extraordinary sports powers.” Byrn Paolo Andrade, 18, Mapua. “It has always been a mystery to me, how a basketball player feels the moment he makes that risky leap for a two-pointer with only two seconds left on the clock or what a marathon runner thinks about the moment he sees himself approaching the finish line even with a twisted foot or how a high jumper feels the moment he pushes against gravity to jump over that pole given that he’s suffering from Yips Syndrome. It’s all about hard work and inspiration. Because with these in hand, nothing will be impossible. Miracles will be just a heartbeat away.”

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Vergel Vergel de Dios Jr., UE Caloocan. His write-up took the form of a segment script for TV with video cues and audio clips quoting a host, Cabagnot and Santos. Dennis Jim Drueco, 17, 2nd Year, Hotel and Restaurant Management, UST. “Arwind told us he never dreamed of becoming a player but just to raise enough money to support his parents. He said that lessons from basketball are continuing to improve to become better and never giving up. He also stated that perseverance, passion and professionalism are key ingredients in basketball success.”

Clarisse Inao, 18, 2nd Year Journalism, Bulacan State University. “Alex and Arwind met at the intersection of their basketball careers and started a love story, not in a romantic way. They are now sharing a love story of struggle and hard work with one goal, to bring into the haven of Petron another championship. The season just started, the power couple is still carving its way through the glory but one thing is for sure, one force will help them reach it – it’s the love for the fans, their families and the sport.”

“Inkblots” lecturers included The Philippine STAR’s associate editor Marichu Villanueva, Civil Aeronautics Board acting secretary and former Varsitarian editor-in-chief Eldric Peredo, Radio Veritas anchor and former Varsitarian sportswriter Fr. Nick Lalog, Ateneo assistant professor Michael Coroza, Associated Press photographer and UST graduate Aaron Favila, Business World research head Felipe Salvosa, Inquirer art and design director Lynette Villariba, Inquirer editorial cartoonist Jess Abrera, GMA News anchor Mariz Umali and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr.