Ace's entry: Lovemaking day

Ace's Entry

LOVEMAKING DAY

28 April 2005 Thursday

TIME: 9:00 – 11:30 AM

EVENT: Maritime Forum

VENUE: Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila

I covered the Maritime Forum which tackled the training needs of
seafarers. The event was organized by no other than the leading
maritime journalist in the Philippines—Mr. Leonillo Santiago. (mentor
ko yan!). Representatives from TESDA, PRC, Training centers, and
shipping companies shared their views and their suggestions about the
maritime industry and curriculum. The topics included the need for a
feedback mechanism to improve the maritime curriculum, the
communication barrier among Filipino seamen, the need for innovative
maritime courses and the need for a body that will take care of
Maritime education and certification.

The discussions were meaty…so meaty that the notebook provided to me
by OFWJC no longer has empty pages. But at least I got several quotes
and perspectives which I think are more than enough to develop my
second OFWJC story (this time, about seafarers' employment). I'm also
sure the presence of several sources can provide Buhay Marino
Newspaper a credible story.

SIDELIGHTS: While I'm here in Pan Pacific, my co-interns, together
with their mentors are in DOLE to cover a press conference about Labor
day.

TIME: About 12:15 – 2:30 PM

EVENT: 3rd Philippine Ports and Shipping Exhibition and Conference 2005

VENUE: Manila Peninsula Hotel

The event was hosted by the Philippine Ports Authority and endorsed by
DOTC. It featured exhibits by different sponsors, each offering
products and services that could benefit the seafarers. Some of these
sponsors include Smart, Globe, Quest, Pisa, Maersk Sealand, Asian
Terminals Incorporated, and P and O ports.

Mr. Santiago and I were able to take a peek at the conference which
discussed matters about cargo ships. Most of the delegates in the
forum were foreigners concerned about the delivery of goods via the
seas. But since we no longer had any seats, my mentor and I
immediately left the hall. My mentor met some of his friends, most of
which are also maritime journalists. They talked about certain
maritime issues and trends. Later on, I helped the Buhay Marino staff
distribute copies of our maritime paper to visitors and delegates who
viewed the exhibits.

SIDELIGHTS:

- Thanks to C/M Rene Sanggalang, (co-anchor of Sir Leo in Buhay
Marino radio program) for the free ride and free lunch. God bless you.

- That afternoon, I told myself I must have copies of press releases
so I can write about these events for Buhay Marino. I then spotted a
brown-skinned lady who serves as a receptionist of the exhibit.

ME: Excuse me, meron po ba kayong press release nito para…

GIRL: I'm sorry, please speak in English… (She's from India! I never
knew it until I saw the round thing in her forehead. Akala ko Pinay.)

No press releases were issued.

TIME: About 3:15 – 6:16 PM

EVENT: Buhay Marino Press Work

VENUE: Buhay Marino Office in Morayta, Manila

I joined the Buhay Marino press work. I wrote my Maritime Forum
article using my notes. After finishing the article, Sir Leo asked me
to report on Saturday in Ortigas so I can read news for DZAR's Buhay
Marino. He advised me to translate my news in Filipino so the
listeners can better understand my message.

That afternoon, Sir Leo forwarded my revised article to Sir Denis, who
will in turn, forward it to the Bangkok-based editor for scrutinizing.

SIDELIGHTS: Sir Leo is one of the best morale boosters I've known.
Every time he introduces me to his friends, he will mention positive
remarks that will make me appear good to these people.

TIME: 6:30 PM

EVENT: Wala lang

VENUE: McDonald's Lepanto

After a long day, I rewarded myself with Chicken Nuggets, Coke,
McFlurry and Cheeseburger. Indeed, eating in a fast food is the best
thing to do before going home. God bless the soul of whoever
conceptualized fast food…

DAY'S SUMMARY:

I might sound offensive…and I'm sorry. But this day is like a
"lovemaking day" for me. Today, I gathered data for a potential OFWJC
story…just like a male and female copulating to give life to a
potential being. (But don't get me wrong! I won't do that until I'm
married! Conservative ako bah!). And I believe that when a journalist
is focused on his legwork, he will eventually come up with a good idea
that will guide the formation and flow of his story…which I shall call
"journalistic orgasm". But one word of advice: This orgasm won't be
reached if the reporter is too lazy to gather facts or too shy to
interview people. No legwork, no journalistic orgasm. Walang sarap
kung walang hirap.