Ace's Entry: The Unofficial First

Ace's Entry
THE UNOFFICIAL FIRST
17 April 2005, Saturday

(UNA PA LANG, ANG HABA NA! I extend my apologies to the readers of this entry. I am quite overwhelmed by this day since I consider this as my first training day. This entry is indeed long. But anyway, I think I have the right to write my sentiments, after all, this is supposed to be my diary. Thanks.)

Whoa! You're reading it right. No typo errors whatsoever. My training was supposed to start Monday, April 19. But my mentor, Mr. Leo Santiago, asked me to visit him in his radio program about the Filipino seafarers, 9:00 AM. Where? Ortigas…and I live in Sampaloc!

Well, anyway, this is an experience, I thought. Now I can go beyond the usual surroundings of our streets or the portals of the Royal Pontifical Catholic University…indeed, an edge! There I was, beginning to feel the media world while the other OFWJC trainees (I supposed) were just at home, waiting for (or maybe nervous about) Monday. And with assignment, I felt like working for three media firms: the OFW Journalism Consortium, Buhay Marino Newspaper and DZAR Buhay Marino! Holistic isn't it? Big time!

Two days before, Mr. Santiago gave me the complete address—Jollibee Center, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas, near Robinson's. But honestly, I am quite anxious…I rarely go to Ortigas, the place stereotyped as the haven of "coòos", the supposed meeting place of elites and trying-to-be-elites and…ehem, home of the almost archetypical mall snake. But as I was in the FX I did not mind the thought of getting lost…or any thought for that matter. How can one think in a space that only lacks tomato sauce to be mistaken for a sardine can? No wonder sardines are cruelly given the title "Isdang Tanga"

So much for the travel. After crossing streets, walking, looking at tall buildings to serve as landmarks (like the typical promdi in Filipino films), and asking three people about Jollibee plaza, (I confess, I was expecting a building with a statue of a red, fat, smiling bee!) I found the building, went to the elevator and pressed button '30.'

The room of the radio station is cold but overall, it was very presentable. There are sofas that face the booth, where radio announcers stay. In the booth I saw Mr. Santiago together with broadcaster Jimmy Mendoza and C/Mate Rene Sangalang. I saw them holding tabloids and broadsheets while giving their views on certain Marine issues. I can't really hear clearly the conversations since there is a glass that separates the booth from the outside. But I am sure I heard something about employment opportunities, some government policies and greetings. Perhaps the most remarkable observation I had is the unconventional yet enthusiastic-filled style of the three announcers. Before they pause for the commercial break, one will say "Magbabalik po ang…" (and they'll shout in unison) BUHAY MARINO! Yeba! That's what I call energy!

During the station break, Mr. Santiago gave me two issues of Buhay Marino newspaper. He introduced me to two Marine Engineering trainees from FEATI. (whose names I cannot recall.) He told me to observe things.

After the usual "hi-I'm-this-and-that" scenario, I had good (well, for me they are good. Just read on to get what I mean) conversations with them. We talked about their subjects, the curriculum, their training, the school facilities, and the importance of writing and language. (See? You're raising eyebrows…I told you. Now you know why I said they're GOOD FOR ME…not necessarily for you). But I felt a little uneasy during the initial parts of our interaction. I was sitting comfortably in the sofa, reading the Buhay Marino while they were looking at my newspaper standing. I asked them "Ayaw niyo bang maupo?" They answered "Bawal, baka pagalitan kami." They added that it is part of their discipline. They must be ready for orders. Okay, fine. So I decided to stand if I am going to speak to them to avoid uneasy feelings. (Silly me! I failed to get their contact numbers. They are potential sources!)

It was 10:15 AM, fifteen minutes before the end of the Buhay Marino program when Mr. Santiago showed me a gesture, as if bidding me to come closer. I was not sure if it was me but when he repeated it, I knew it's for me so I went inside the booth. To my surprise, he said "Pababatiin namin kayo" Hah…What will I say? How? What? When? Where? (Ang OA ko naman! But this reminded me of my kulitan with my now co-trainee Karlo…every time we have nothing to do, we often joke about the nonsense topic "Balang araw ay lilitaw ako sa TV." DZAR of course is not TV but I texted Karlo before I left the station to "brag" about the experience: "Bwahahaha Lumitaw na ako sa Radyo!").

After talking about my father, his position in the ship and his company on air, Mr. Santiago said on air that I will write for Buhay Marino newspaper. Mr. Sanggalang asked me: "Ano ang kurso mo?" I replied: "Journalism po sa University of Santo Tomas. Kasalukuyan po akong trainee ng OFW Journalism Consortium" He then said: "E di magiging kasama ka dito sa Buhay Marino? " I answered: "Opo, magiging bahagi po ako dito" (Naks! Feeling!)

I don't know but after that, I felt I had a boosted morale. I don't know if it's about pride as a Thomasian, or pride as a Journalism student or pride as part of OFWJC. But definitely my spirits were high that morning…

As the program ended, the three anchors said their farewell pieces,culminating on the energy-filled "BUHAY MARINO!" (this time, together with the two trainees who shouted to blend their voices with the three announcers…and fortunately, their strict mentor did not notice it!)

Before I left the building, my mentor and I talked about the possible topics of the story I will write. I came up with tentative topics namely the curriculum of Marine Engineering schools, training of potential seafarers, and the declining enrollment of Marine Engineering students. But again, they are subject to change. Mr. Santiago also reminded me of the event to be held on Monday at OWWA. I shall cover the launching of Halfway Home and IT Center for Buhay marino (and possibly, OFJC.) But I shall not elaborate these projects in this entry anymore. (I bet you are thinking of the words "At last!" or "Hay Salamat"). The details of the next work are clear: 11:00 AM, OWWA Building , Buendia in Pasay City .

P.S. I did not receive any reply from Karlo. I think he is worried about the idea of seeing me in TV after I was heard on radio. Hehehe! Joke! = )