Another score for Inkblots

I always look forward to speaking at the national campus journalism fellowship that the UST Varsitarian organizes every year because it’s my chance to interact with the country’s future leaders in media. I’ve missed being a speaker at the annual workshop/seminar only once in the last 10 years and I’m grateful that the Varsitarian hasn’t tired of my lectures and persistent urging for more students to be involved in sportswriting.

The yearly get-together is called Inkblots. The Varsitarian, which has been around for 86 years, invites student writers from across the country to participate in discussions related to journalism and in bonding activities. This year, the focus was on the world-wide web, a timely topic considering the enormous potential of social media.

About 240 students from 24 schools all over the country signed up for the three-day gathering at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium on the UST campus. The schools were UST, UE, PUP, Letran, Angelicum, Miriam College, San Beda, Perpetual Help, St. Paul Paranaque, Adamson, University of Makati, University of Northern Philippines of Vigan, St. Mary’s University of Nueva Vizcaya, Marcelo H. del Pilar National High School of Malolos, Bulacan State University of San Jose del Monte, Sangley Point National High School of Cavite City, St. Martin Montessori School of Angono, Del Pilar Academy of Imus, Letran Calamba, La Salle Lipa, St. Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School of Bacoor, Bicol University of Legazpi City, West Visayas State University of Iloilo and University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos of Bacolod.

Andre Santiago was this year’s Inkblots chair with Lord Lelay as internal vice chair and Juan Moreno as external vice chair and Joselito Zulueta as publications adviser. Speakers included Mike Enriquez (keynote), John Nery, cartoonist Manix Abrera, author Eros Atalia, Atty. Jose Sison, Fr. Nick Lalog, Sarge Lacuesta, Dennis Sabangan, Nestor Cuartero, Christian Esguerra, Tony Hirro, Joey Villarama, Felipe Salvosa and Willard Cheng.

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In my lecture, I spoke about the importance of relevant, responsible and resonant journalism. Within the three Rs, I discussed the critical elements of being up-to-date, recognizing the temper of the times, writing on issues of consequence, upholding high moral standards, truth, objectivity, no short-cuts, never stop learning, effective communication, correct form and substance and producing works that are inspiring and expressive. I discussed why sports is a vital facet of campus life as a rallying point, teacher of lessons, developer of identity, breeder of heroes, a promoter of self-esteem and a galvanizing force. I also took up what it takes to excel as a sports journalist (passion for writing, love of the game, ability to communicate, commitment to excellence), how to attain credibility as a writer (slim margin of error, work harder than others, let your words speak and stand by your principles), how to gain access to news and why a passionate, hard-working and skilled writer will succeed in today’s multi-media world. I also related stories about sports hero Manny Pacquiao.

As in my previous appearances, I brought along two guests for a mock press conference where the students fired questions in an open forum. The guests were San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria and reigning PBA MVP JunMar Fajardo. The open forum took about an hour to finish with each student limited to just one question. After the press conference, the students were asked to write a piece about the event. The write-ups were in any form – English or Pilipino, news, features, editorial, column but restricted to three paragraphs and 10 sentences. The students were given 15-30 minutes to finish their work then I reviewed each entry and chose the 10 best articles. The 10 winners were given prizes like a Pacman autographed cap, San Miguel Beermen basketballs autographed by every player, PBA Molten basketballs, PBA Tshirts, Accell sport shirts from San Miguel Beer, PBA Annuals, a Brooklyn Nets Tshirt, a Brooklyn Nets handtowel autographed by Deron Williams and more.

A touching scene during the activity was when 20-year-old Sheila Loyola, a third year high school student of Del Pilar Academy, walked up the stage to take pictures with Coach Leo and JunMar. Sheila is afflicted with a physical condition where she is unable to stand up as her legs are permanently folded up. She walks in a squat.

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Here are the 10 winners with excerpts of their write-ups: Jill Magaway of St. Mary’s Academy: “Fajardo playfully said that he is more nervous being interviewed than playing in a game.” Angelli Ojastro of San Beda College: “Everything you need in life needs compatibility just like basketball and as Coach Leo said, ‘Basketball is about chemistry because it’s a team sport.’” Angel Reyes of Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School: “In all honesty, I’m not much of a sports fan, somehow, the reactions from the audience gave me a rush, my blood pumping, my hands clapping … the same feelings I get when I listen to my favorite bands.” Ralph Villanueva of UST: “It is common to have egos battling the team’s chemistry and it takes an excellent coach with a winning tradition to fix it.” Abigail Tabuzo of Bicol University: “JunMar admitted he learned a lot from his experience in Spain, he was greatly challenged by Luis Scola.”

Celine Francisco of La Salle Lipa: “Sports journalism is more than just writing in action, it also instills inspiration, unity and passion.” Emirie Advincula of Del Pilar Academy: “If it were not for their self-confidence, they may not be the sports icons we are inspired by today.” Rafael Bandayrel of UST: “The reigning PBA MVP stayed humble even after receiving the awards and praises, this is how a real MVP is like.” Joseph Orcine of Bulacan State University: “JunMar mentioned he dreams of a simple life after finishing his PBA career.” Jessah Cabunsol of University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos: “Si Coach Leo ay baguhan bilang coach ng San Miguel, binahagi niya na may dalawang uri ang coach, yung natanggal at yung tatanggalin, kaya hindi biro maging coach.”

Congratulations to the UST Varsitarian for another successful Inkblots!