May 15, 2006
I think I might have overreacted when sir Dennis commented, "At long last, your true genius comes out," on my story outline. I misconstrued the meaning of what he said, which I thought was pure sarcasm and filth. I apologize for being myopic at that time.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Sandy's entry: The Humanity
May 13, 2006
Fragment 1#: Upon entering the POEA building, the smell of bureaucracy stank bitingly like tea-colored piss left in an MMDA urinal. When I was researching inside the library with Kristy, I could hear the employers talking about "who was with who," "the new handbag from Quiapo," and well, "someone's new hairdo." Moreover, when I had returned for an attempt to interview an administrator, the secretary gingerly asked me "what the interview was about," and told me to "write a letter of permission for an interview;" because the administrator's schedule was loaded for this week and next week, that she wasn't sure if administrator Dimzon could manage to talk to me, and yadee-yadee-yada. I was really cynical about government offices, and now I was convinced: no wonder the line inside was too long… There were just too many processes to go through. Our government worked things out too slowly like a water buffalo.
Fortunately, I got the statistics, memorandums and report that I surmised would be helpful to my article. I even got to interview another administrator yesterday at the ASEM forum. All I need now was two or three more interviews from my people trail.
Fragment 1#: Upon entering the POEA building, the smell of bureaucracy stank bitingly like tea-colored piss left in an MMDA urinal. When I was researching inside the library with Kristy, I could hear the employers talking about "who was with who," "the new handbag from Quiapo," and well, "someone's new hairdo." Moreover, when I had returned for an attempt to interview an administrator, the secretary gingerly asked me "what the interview was about," and told me to "write a letter of permission for an interview;" because the administrator's schedule was loaded for this week and next week, that she wasn't sure if administrator Dimzon could manage to talk to me, and yadee-yadee-yada. I was really cynical about government offices, and now I was convinced: no wonder the line inside was too long… There were just too many processes to go through. Our government worked things out too slowly like a water buffalo.
Fortunately, I got the statistics, memorandums and report that I surmised would be helpful to my article. I even got to interview another administrator yesterday at the ASEM forum. All I need now was two or three more interviews from my people trail.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
MJ's entry: Amazing! What an offer!
May 15, 2006
OJT never looked this good.
One of the detriments of being a Varsi staffer is how it eats up a LOT of your time. So when i was scouting for a practicum that doesn't have to be that time-consuming so that i could juggle Varsi, my personal time, and an ojt.
Knowing our OJT Adviser, sigurado mababa ang magiging grade ko 'kung sa isang publication lang mako-consume ang buong 200 hours ko. Experience is the key, ika nga. Therefore, i need to budget my time wisely and choose publications where i would learn writing, not being a desk clerk.
I was supposed to start scouting for an ojt as early as March, but since my Features Editor is leaving and no one is there to guide and orient the incoming features staffers, i put aside my ojt for a month to concentrate on Varsi.
A stupid decision? I dunno.
Varsi has been my life, my family, and my love. i cannot just leave my duty as a writer. I didn't enter Varsi because they needed me, but because i wanted to. Kailangang panindigan ko ang pinasukan ko.
The same dilemma now faces me dito sa OJT.
For eight years, i've lived in AL-Ain, UAE. My father's an OFW while my mother had a part-time job inside the school i went to. We lived with a Filipino community of contract workers, Domestic Househelps, and Mall clerks, so when a friend recommended the OFWJC as an ojt, i went ahead and wrote an e-mail to the resident editor, Mr. Dennis Estopace to apply.
I know sir Jere was a former Varsi staffer, so he knows how demanding Varsi can be. However, i believe he won't take Varsi as an excuse for me to complete/do the requirements needed for this ojt.
I need to finish my ojt before the end of May, so that means that i can't just spend all my 200 hrs of my OJT in the OFWJC. I need to apply to a broadsheet that will make ensure me a good grade. Wala na akong CAP to support my studies, so i need to put in extra efforts to get a one-point-something or uno in my practicum. Idadagdag ko pa 'yung content analysis na gagawin namin for our thesis.
bring it on.
OJT never looked this good.
One of the detriments of being a Varsi staffer is how it eats up a LOT of your time. So when i was scouting for a practicum that doesn't have to be that time-consuming so that i could juggle Varsi, my personal time, and an ojt.
Knowing our OJT Adviser, sigurado mababa ang magiging grade ko 'kung sa isang publication lang mako-consume ang buong 200 hours ko. Experience is the key, ika nga. Therefore, i need to budget my time wisely and choose publications where i would learn writing, not being a desk clerk.
I was supposed to start scouting for an ojt as early as March, but since my Features Editor is leaving and no one is there to guide and orient the incoming features staffers, i put aside my ojt for a month to concentrate on Varsi.
A stupid decision? I dunno.
Varsi has been my life, my family, and my love. i cannot just leave my duty as a writer. I didn't enter Varsi because they needed me, but because i wanted to. Kailangang panindigan ko ang pinasukan ko.
The same dilemma now faces me dito sa OJT.
For eight years, i've lived in AL-Ain, UAE. My father's an OFW while my mother had a part-time job inside the school i went to. We lived with a Filipino community of contract workers, Domestic Househelps, and Mall clerks, so when a friend recommended the OFWJC as an ojt, i went ahead and wrote an e-mail to the resident editor, Mr. Dennis Estopace to apply.
I know sir Jere was a former Varsi staffer, so he knows how demanding Varsi can be. However, i believe he won't take Varsi as an excuse for me to complete/do the requirements needed for this ojt.
I need to finish my ojt before the end of May, so that means that i can't just spend all my 200 hrs of my OJT in the OFWJC. I need to apply to a broadsheet that will make ensure me a good grade. Wala na akong CAP to support my studies, so i need to put in extra efforts to get a one-point-something or uno in my practicum. Idadagdag ko pa 'yung content analysis na gagawin namin for our thesis.
bring it on.
MJ's entry: That is so wrong!
May 15, 2006
I was scheduled for an interview with the OFWJC that fateful day of April 21st at 2:30 pm.
But before that, my features editor calle d me up and told me to attend the second story conference for the 12th issue of Varsi. I dressed up (what i thought was) my best.
1:30 na. Hindi pa din tapos ang story con. The EB and writers were still debating what story should be taken to consideration. i excused myself to go. Since hindi pa ako kumakain ng lunch, i invited Aji, a classmate and fellow Varsi staffer na magtake-out ng pagkain sa KFC UST Pay Parking para kainin ko sa fx papauntang OFJC sa Taft.
While waiting in line, i had a sudden attack of nausea. That was expected, it was red flag month, and that day was my first day. Dark spots started to hover in front of me. i wanted to lie on any horizontal surface and curl up like a fetus, hoping the pain would go away somehow. i swaggered towards the UST health service, nauseated to the point of passing out. The lady on the front desk quickly led me to a bed and told me to relax. She gave me a pill, 'to make you sleep for awhile', she said. i told her i can't take the pill, i just need to lie down for some time for the pain to go away, then i'm off to my ojt interview.
Oh no, she said. Take the pill or you won't be able to do anything for the next six hours. The pain will only get worse. She knew me for some time now; i was always a regular in the UST health service whenever i had a dysmennorhea. so i took the pill. Before going into sweet stupor, i instructed Aji, who was eating my lunch with great fervor, to text sir Jere and sir Dennis that i might not be able to make it.
i woke up still in pain, but thankfully subsided somewhat. Thinking i had only slept for an hour, i was shocked to find the clock above the wall showed i had slept for 3 hours straight. i quickly texted sir Jere and Sir Dennis about what happened. Pakshet, was i dead or what. it was really important for me to get this ojt. i had told my dad about it before i e-mailed sir Dennis, and he was excited about it. i didn't want to disappoin him. Make me proud, Joy.
To keep the long story short (and the fact that i need wrap this up because a writer here in the office needs to use the PC), iwas able to make it. It was four hours later, but at least i made it. i took a short exam (which sucked, BTW. i had a mild case of writer's block), and was interviewed by the editors of OFWJC. I passed and got my first assignment.
i went home, filled up a water bag with hot water, curled up on my bed, and went to sleep.
I was scheduled for an interview with the OFWJC that fateful day of April 21st at 2:30 pm.
But before that, my features editor calle d me up and told me to attend the second story conference for the 12th issue of Varsi. I dressed up (what i thought was) my best.
1:30 na. Hindi pa din tapos ang story con. The EB and writers were still debating what story should be taken to consideration. i excused myself to go. Since hindi pa ako kumakain ng lunch, i invited Aji, a classmate and fellow Varsi staffer na magtake-out ng pagkain sa KFC UST Pay Parking para kainin ko sa fx papauntang OFJC sa Taft.
While waiting in line, i had a sudden attack of nausea. That was expected, it was red flag month, and that day was my first day. Dark spots started to hover in front of me. i wanted to lie on any horizontal surface and curl up like a fetus, hoping the pain would go away somehow. i swaggered towards the UST health service, nauseated to the point of passing out. The lady on the front desk quickly led me to a bed and told me to relax. She gave me a pill, 'to make you sleep for awhile', she said. i told her i can't take the pill, i just need to lie down for some time for the pain to go away, then i'm off to my ojt interview.
Oh no, she said. Take the pill or you won't be able to do anything for the next six hours. The pain will only get worse. She knew me for some time now; i was always a regular in the UST health service whenever i had a dysmennorhea. so i took the pill. Before going into sweet stupor, i instructed Aji, who was eating my lunch with great fervor, to text sir Jere and sir Dennis that i might not be able to make it.
i woke up still in pain, but thankfully subsided somewhat. Thinking i had only slept for an hour, i was shocked to find the clock above the wall showed i had slept for 3 hours straight. i quickly texted sir Jere and Sir Dennis about what happened. Pakshet, was i dead or what. it was really important for me to get this ojt. i had told my dad about it before i e-mailed sir Dennis, and he was excited about it. i didn't want to disappoin him. Make me proud, Joy.
To keep the long story short (and the fact that i need wrap this up because a writer here in the office needs to use the PC), iwas able to make it. It was four hours later, but at least i made it. i took a short exam (which sucked, BTW. i had a mild case of writer's block), and was interviewed by the editors of OFWJC. I passed and got my first assignment.
i went home, filled up a water bag with hot water, curled up on my bed, and went to sleep.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Joyce's entry: Cheers!
May 8, 2006
"Leave it alone first. Sleep on it. And then start writing."
These are the words which my mentor told me during those times in the past week that I just can't seem to get my thoughts together and start writing. Facing a blank computer screen proved to be as nerve-wracking as waiting for my grades to be posted on the UST website. But those words provided me some comfort---it helped knowing that I am not alone in experiencing the so-called "writer's block", that even experienced writers like my own mentor has also gone through this "dark period in writing".
I finally finished my feature article on the OFW children (and their families) of our humble town of Naic, Cavite. I am forever grateful for the faith that Sir Jeremaiah Opiniano had in me when he ageed to be my mentor and for being patient when I was so "makulit" (told yah sir that I have a mild case of the obsessive-compulsive syndrome---haha). Being his trainee is not as easy as most of my classmates might mistake take it to be. Because regardless of the fact that he was my professor in UST, he dealth with me professionally. That was what he said when I first found out that he was my mentor: that we treat ourselves as professional. I have learned a lot about professionalism from Sir Jere. And I'm all the more thankful to him for believing in me that much. Diligence has always been one of my traits, though most people are surprised to learn this coz they are easily fooled by my easygoing and fun-loving attitude. DI BA NOH SIR JERE?! hahahahaha
Cheers, Master!
***Now where's that bottle of beer and my cigarette stick?! (^_^)***
"Leave it alone first. Sleep on it. And then start writing."
These are the words which my mentor told me during those times in the past week that I just can't seem to get my thoughts together and start writing. Facing a blank computer screen proved to be as nerve-wracking as waiting for my grades to be posted on the UST website. But those words provided me some comfort---it helped knowing that I am not alone in experiencing the so-called "writer's block", that even experienced writers like my own mentor has also gone through this "dark period in writing".
I finally finished my feature article on the OFW children (and their families) of our humble town of Naic, Cavite. I am forever grateful for the faith that Sir Jeremaiah Opiniano had in me when he ageed to be my mentor and for being patient when I was so "makulit" (told yah sir that I have a mild case of the obsessive-compulsive syndrome---haha). Being his trainee is not as easy as most of my classmates might mistake take it to be. Because regardless of the fact that he was my professor in UST, he dealth with me professionally. That was what he said when I first found out that he was my mentor: that we treat ourselves as professional. I have learned a lot about professionalism from Sir Jere. And I'm all the more thankful to him for believing in me that much. Diligence has always been one of my traits, though most people are surprised to learn this coz they are easily fooled by my easygoing and fun-loving attitude. DI BA NOH SIR JERE?! hahahahaha
Cheers, Master!
***Now where's that bottle of beer and my cigarette stick?! (^_^)***
Joyce's entry: More than just my Starbucks frap
May 8, 2006
APRIL 21, FRIDAY ---- I woke up feeling a bit queasy coz that day was my scheduled interview for the OFW Journalism Consortium. By 10am, I was already dressed and had eaten my breakfast and rode the tricycle to the FX terminal.
Listening to Natalie's "Where is She" in the mp3 of my phone, it was then that I realized that I was already in Vito Cruz from where I took the orange multicab to Taft Ave.
By exactly 12, I was there by the Rizal Sports Auditorium. I realized that I still got a couple of hours, so I decided to pass the time by getting my usual mocha frappuccino at Starbucks. I chose to sit outside to do some "people-watching".
Puffing my usual Marlboro Lights stick, I saw many kids my age dressed formally and carrying a "toga" which they had on a hanger. I then concluded that it was either La Salle or St. Scholastica's graduation.
By 1:30, I took the last puff from my cigarette and walked towards Kassel Condominium. Since my bestfriend used to live in one of the units there where we usually hang-out and have some sleepover parties, I didn't bother to leave my ID and just headed straight to the elevator. Pushing the button with the number "6", my heart returned to its usual nervous thump as the elevator ascended.
As the lift stopped and the door opened, I stepped out feeling more jittery than ever. I looked for the door with the number 602, and when I found it, I took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. Someone from inside said "Sino yan?!", but having been incapable of any physcial movement at that moment, I wasn't able to answer back, much less turn the doorknob and just waited for Sir Villy to open the door.
When Sir Villy peeked behind the half-opened door and said "Yes?". And I asked if this was the office of the Consortium, and that I'm here to report for the interview as a hopeful intern. With that, he let me in.
He asked me to sit down and offered me a drink: coffee, water or tea. To which I politely declined since I'm still pretty brain-freezed from having just finished a grande-sized Starbucks frap. After while, Sir Dennis came in and so it all began.
I was expecting a stern, formally-dressed middle-aged man. Well, he was dressed a little semi-formally (which I later learned is because he will be having an interview that day), but the man himself was another different story. He was all smiles and was cracking jokes, but the biggest surprise of all was when he allowed us to smoke inside the office!
Then the rest of the Consortium staff came in: Mam Julie, Sir Leo and Sir Jere. By that time I was there with my classmates from UST. There were 5 of us: Sandy, Meinard, Kristy, MJ and me.
Everyone was so accomodating, making the intimidation factor lessen. As they briefed us on what was expected of us as interns and in turn, was asked what we expect to get from the internship, time just seem to fly by. It was about 5 when the merienda arrived (courtesy of Siry Villy) --- Jollibee YumBurger: Score!
Around 6, we finally noticed it was getting dark and we were finally dismissed. As I rode that orange multicab back to the FX Terminal to Naic in front of McDonals's in Harrison, I felt that feeling that for once, I'm gonna do something that I really want on the topic that I can totally relate to, as I am an OFW child myself...It just feels right somehow.
Yeah, it was one eventful Friday. And it proved to be worth more than just my usual Starbucks frap. (^_^)
Kristy’s entry: Official on-air debut ^__^
April 22, 2006
“Uh-oh”
Sir Leo told me to meet him at Jollibee Imus at 7AM sharp. I woke up before 5 Am because I know that I’m incredibly, unbelievably slow when it comes to getting ready for school or other appointments. Of course I wouldn’t want to be late. I was done at around 6:50AM. “Good, I thought,” I’d have enough time to get to Jollibee.” The meeting place is just a tricycle ride away from home, but the area is notorious for its early morning traffic jam. Mausok pa, kahit sa umaga. *Yuck*
I was on my way to our meeting place when I checked my mobile phone. “1 missed call.” It was Sir Leo; he called me up because I did not respond to his messages… Note to self: Always check your phone if it’s on silent mode!
Sir Leo told me to meet him at the MRT station instead, and I said OK. (Yeah right, and I didn’t even know where the station was). I hailed the first jeepney to Baclaran and thankfully, there was no traffic buildup. I was in Baclaran in no time.
I knew that there were jeepneys to the station in Baclaran, only thing is that, I didn’t know where it is exactly… So, like I always do, I sat behind the driver and requested him to inform me if we have reached MRT-EDSA. I think he forgot… I thought it was the LRT station, but I wanted to make sure so I had to do hand signals (M and L).
Met up with Sir Leo and he asked me to buy two tickets to Ortigas. Free ride…
We walked a few blocks to Jollibee Center. I was surprised when I found out that it was a high-rise, elegant building, far from what I have imagined. I was expecting a logo… *wink*wink*
30th floor, Buhay Marino…Cozy place. Sir Leo introduced me to some of his colleagues (who were all nice). I introduced myself and told them that I’m a UST journalism student. They asked me about my voice quality and I was puzzled when Chiefmate Sangalang, one of Sir Leo’s co-anchors, said “Pagbasahin natin.” Huh?
At first I felt like the awkward newcomer, trying to bury myself under the three or four dailies that were handed to me by Sir Leo, but I instantly felt comfortable when I met the people in the control room (I think that’s what it’s called). I thought I was only there to observe, maybe even get as much information about OFWS, particularly seamen, for my article. I had a great time chatting with the others, as well as watching Sir Leo and company talk about seamen over DZAR.
I was Buhay Marino’s unofficial intern.
The shocking part was when I was informed that I’d read a news report on air. My knees were trembling, but of course I did a good job trying to act confident. I read two short news reports in Filipino. I stuttered, which is normal for me, and I mixed up a few things.. Normal, but I still can’t forgive myself for jumbling up one of the very important parts of the report. Instead of saying DZAR, I jumbled up the letters a bit. Good thing I managed to make a quick recovery… but I knew I blew it.
I thought they were going to cream me, but they joked about it instead. They told me it was ok, and that I did great for a first timer… That was enough for me to calm down, and I became more comfortable with them. Even the chiefmate and Sir Leo told me it was OK... It was the best feeling of all. Having people around who believe in me is enough motivation for me to do great next time.
Thanks to everyone at the Buhay Marino Radio! ^_^
“Uh-oh”
Sir Leo told me to meet him at Jollibee Imus at 7AM sharp. I woke up before 5 Am because I know that I’m incredibly, unbelievably slow when it comes to getting ready for school or other appointments. Of course I wouldn’t want to be late. I was done at around 6:50AM. “Good, I thought,” I’d have enough time to get to Jollibee.” The meeting place is just a tricycle ride away from home, but the area is notorious for its early morning traffic jam. Mausok pa, kahit sa umaga. *Yuck*
I was on my way to our meeting place when I checked my mobile phone. “1 missed call.” It was Sir Leo; he called me up because I did not respond to his messages… Note to self: Always check your phone if it’s on silent mode!
Sir Leo told me to meet him at the MRT station instead, and I said OK. (Yeah right, and I didn’t even know where the station was). I hailed the first jeepney to Baclaran and thankfully, there was no traffic buildup. I was in Baclaran in no time.
I knew that there were jeepneys to the station in Baclaran, only thing is that, I didn’t know where it is exactly… So, like I always do, I sat behind the driver and requested him to inform me if we have reached MRT-EDSA. I think he forgot… I thought it was the LRT station, but I wanted to make sure so I had to do hand signals (M and L).
Met up with Sir Leo and he asked me to buy two tickets to Ortigas. Free ride…
We walked a few blocks to Jollibee Center. I was surprised when I found out that it was a high-rise, elegant building, far from what I have imagined. I was expecting a logo… *wink*wink*
30th floor, Buhay Marino…Cozy place. Sir Leo introduced me to some of his colleagues (who were all nice). I introduced myself and told them that I’m a UST journalism student. They asked me about my voice quality and I was puzzled when Chiefmate Sangalang, one of Sir Leo’s co-anchors, said “Pagbasahin natin.” Huh?
At first I felt like the awkward newcomer, trying to bury myself under the three or four dailies that were handed to me by Sir Leo, but I instantly felt comfortable when I met the people in the control room (I think that’s what it’s called). I thought I was only there to observe, maybe even get as much information about OFWS, particularly seamen, for my article. I had a great time chatting with the others, as well as watching Sir Leo and company talk about seamen over DZAR.
I was Buhay Marino’s unofficial intern.
The shocking part was when I was informed that I’d read a news report on air. My knees were trembling, but of course I did a good job trying to act confident. I read two short news reports in Filipino. I stuttered, which is normal for me, and I mixed up a few things.. Normal, but I still can’t forgive myself for jumbling up one of the very important parts of the report. Instead of saying DZAR, I jumbled up the letters a bit. Good thing I managed to make a quick recovery… but I knew I blew it.
I thought they were going to cream me, but they joked about it instead. They told me it was ok, and that I did great for a first timer… That was enough for me to calm down, and I became more comfortable with them. Even the chiefmate and Sir Leo told me it was OK... It was the best feeling of all. Having people around who believe in me is enough motivation for me to do great next time.
Thanks to everyone at the Buhay Marino Radio! ^_^
Kristy’s entry: Work-out?
May 2, 2006
Went to POEA with fellow Consortium intern, Sandy Miguel. I had a killer headache because of sinusitis, and I hated the traffic jam that we encountered on our way to the MRT station in EDSA. We met at around 7AM outside their subdivision in Bacoor, Cavite, and from experience, we were confident that we would be there before 8AM.
We had to take a jeepney to Baclaran because the buses that would take us straight to the station were looked like cans of sardines, with the passengers pitted against each other. I’m not that finicky, but I though I would faint inside those buses. Imagine the heat. And we didn’t want to take the bus that would take us straight to Ortigas. Let’s just say that both of us had our share of “traumatizing” experiences.
It was smooth from Baclaran to the MRT station, but it seemed like the line to the ticket booths were endless. After purchasing our tickets, we made our way to the train (rather, I *thought* I was...), but, being the MRT-inexperienced girl that I am, I almost made my way out of the station. Thanks to Sandy, my ticket was saved (^_^). How could I have forgotten that the loading area was a floor below the ticketing area?! Hey, at least I’m learning how to commute! Wee!
Worried that the train would leave without us, we slipped into the first open car that we saw. However, when we realized that we were in the men’s car, which Sandy knew would be jam-packed with people after a few stops, we instinctively ran to the car for women. Good decision.
We got to POEA at around 8:30. We proceeded to the library on the 5th floor and gathered our materials. We have been discouraged from going there because the agency may not have the data we’ve been looking for. True enough, I did not find the statistics of OFWs living in Region IV, particularly in Cavite. What we found were materials for background information.
We proceeded to the 6th floor to have our materials photocopied. We were first in line, because of some (incredibly annoying) circumstances (which I prefer not to mention), I almost blew my top. Good thing I have learned to control my temper a couple of years ago.
Sandy went to Cubao while I decided to go home at around 12NN (got home at around 2). I sat down to continue transcribing the interviews that I recorded in my phone. After a few hours, Sir Leo texted me and asked if I could meet him that night. I said ys, of course. I had data to show him, plus my mom had picked up the questionnaires that I sent to two busy former OFW-friends. Sir Leo and I met at Jollibee Imus at around 6PM.
Tiring day, huh?
After showing him the interview transcripts and the questionnaires, Sir Leo suggested that I interview some government officials, so I told him that I would try to interview the mayor. *gulp*
I’m lucky to be under Sir Leo. He’s really nice and accommodating, and he knows how to deal with interns.
Went to POEA with fellow Consortium intern, Sandy Miguel. I had a killer headache because of sinusitis, and I hated the traffic jam that we encountered on our way to the MRT station in EDSA. We met at around 7AM outside their subdivision in Bacoor, Cavite, and from experience, we were confident that we would be there before 8AM.
We had to take a jeepney to Baclaran because the buses that would take us straight to the station were looked like cans of sardines, with the passengers pitted against each other. I’m not that finicky, but I though I would faint inside those buses. Imagine the heat. And we didn’t want to take the bus that would take us straight to Ortigas. Let’s just say that both of us had our share of “traumatizing” experiences.
It was smooth from Baclaran to the MRT station, but it seemed like the line to the ticket booths were endless. After purchasing our tickets, we made our way to the train (rather, I *thought* I was...), but, being the MRT-inexperienced girl that I am, I almost made my way out of the station. Thanks to Sandy, my ticket was saved (^_^). How could I have forgotten that the loading area was a floor below the ticketing area?! Hey, at least I’m learning how to commute! Wee!
Worried that the train would leave without us, we slipped into the first open car that we saw. However, when we realized that we were in the men’s car, which Sandy knew would be jam-packed with people after a few stops, we instinctively ran to the car for women. Good decision.
We got to POEA at around 8:30. We proceeded to the library on the 5th floor and gathered our materials. We have been discouraged from going there because the agency may not have the data we’ve been looking for. True enough, I did not find the statistics of OFWs living in Region IV, particularly in Cavite. What we found were materials for background information.
We proceeded to the 6th floor to have our materials photocopied. We were first in line, because of some (incredibly annoying) circumstances (which I prefer not to mention), I almost blew my top. Good thing I have learned to control my temper a couple of years ago.
Sandy went to Cubao while I decided to go home at around 12NN (got home at around 2). I sat down to continue transcribing the interviews that I recorded in my phone. After a few hours, Sir Leo texted me and asked if I could meet him that night. I said ys, of course. I had data to show him, plus my mom had picked up the questionnaires that I sent to two busy former OFW-friends. Sir Leo and I met at Jollibee Imus at around 6PM.
Tiring day, huh?
After showing him the interview transcripts and the questionnaires, Sir Leo suggested that I interview some government officials, so I told him that I would try to interview the mayor. *gulp*
I’m lucky to be under Sir Leo. He’s really nice and accommodating, and he knows how to deal with interns.
Kristy’s entry: First tries and punch lines
May 4, 2006
I think I’m evolving.
Before, I couldn’t even make a phone call to a teacher or to government offices, and I used to get overly shy (not to mention scared) when it comes to interviewing people…
I made phone calls to the provincial government in Trece Martires on April 26, hoping to get information on OFWs and government programs. (I called them up first to make sure that they have the data because Trece is a long way from Imus.) I was instructed to go to POEA and to DOLE (Rosario branch) instead.
On April 29, I got to interview two barangay chairmen in Imus, thanks to my uncle who introduced me to them. My uncle’s also a barangay captain, but I decided not to interview him because he is a relative (ethical reasons). I met with my uncle at around 9:30. At my age, it would be weird to go to an interview with a chaperone, but I thought I would need a support system. He was glad to go with me anyway.
I chose to interview former OFWs. I thought that it would take me some time if I try to reach even half of the total number of barangay chairpersons in Imus. There are 97 barangays here... You do the Math, dear reader…
Found out that the barangays are having problems with budget, but I also found out that OFWs rarely seek help of barangay officials. It was also interesting to know their views, both as public servants and former overseas workers,
I did not get the information I was looking for, but they sure gave me the idea on how to proceed with my research.
May 3. I decided to call the Mayor’s office to set an interview with the mayor. I asked them if I needed to write a letter, but they told me to just be there by 9AM.
May 4 – Judgment Day. Scary… Just the thought of going to the municipal hall alone to interview the mayor gave me goosebumps…
I got here before 9AM, because I knew that I had to summon all the courage in me just to ask the secretary if I could go in for the interview. I don’t know what got into me but I suddenly shifted into “bibo” mode when I got there. I can’t believe how confident I was.
I introduced myself to the mayor, but because there were many papers he had to sign and needy citizens to attend to, he asked me if I could wait until he finishes talking to the others. Being a mayor is not an easy task.
The interview went smoothly, though we had to keep it short because he had to officiate a wedding (that’s what the secretary told me the day before). The interview lasted for 14 minutes and 14 seconds. The mayor’s very accommodating.
Thoughts:
1. Don’t be afraid to make phonecalls especially if you really need to. Walang mawawala sa ‘yo kung tatawag ka, pero malaki ang mawawala sa ‘yo kung hindi mo gagawin. (Finally, got that into my head)
2. I was right, people do expect too much from the government, and some people ask too much…and I won’t even elaborate. It’s too shocking…
I think I’m evolving.
Before, I couldn’t even make a phone call to a teacher or to government offices, and I used to get overly shy (not to mention scared) when it comes to interviewing people…
I made phone calls to the provincial government in Trece Martires on April 26, hoping to get information on OFWs and government programs. (I called them up first to make sure that they have the data because Trece is a long way from Imus.) I was instructed to go to POEA and to DOLE (Rosario branch) instead.
On April 29, I got to interview two barangay chairmen in Imus, thanks to my uncle who introduced me to them. My uncle’s also a barangay captain, but I decided not to interview him because he is a relative (ethical reasons). I met with my uncle at around 9:30. At my age, it would be weird to go to an interview with a chaperone, but I thought I would need a support system. He was glad to go with me anyway.
I chose to interview former OFWs. I thought that it would take me some time if I try to reach even half of the total number of barangay chairpersons in Imus. There are 97 barangays here... You do the Math, dear reader…
Found out that the barangays are having problems with budget, but I also found out that OFWs rarely seek help of barangay officials. It was also interesting to know their views, both as public servants and former overseas workers,
I did not get the information I was looking for, but they sure gave me the idea on how to proceed with my research.
May 3. I decided to call the Mayor’s office to set an interview with the mayor. I asked them if I needed to write a letter, but they told me to just be there by 9AM.
May 4 – Judgment Day. Scary… Just the thought of going to the municipal hall alone to interview the mayor gave me goosebumps…
I got here before 9AM, because I knew that I had to summon all the courage in me just to ask the secretary if I could go in for the interview. I don’t know what got into me but I suddenly shifted into “bibo” mode when I got there. I can’t believe how confident I was.
I introduced myself to the mayor, but because there were many papers he had to sign and needy citizens to attend to, he asked me if I could wait until he finishes talking to the others. Being a mayor is not an easy task.
The interview went smoothly, though we had to keep it short because he had to officiate a wedding (that’s what the secretary told me the day before). The interview lasted for 14 minutes and 14 seconds. The mayor’s very accommodating.
Thoughts:
1. Don’t be afraid to make phonecalls especially if you really need to. Walang mawawala sa ‘yo kung tatawag ka, pero malaki ang mawawala sa ‘yo kung hindi mo gagawin. (Finally, got that into my head)
2. I was right, people do expect too much from the government, and some people ask too much…and I won’t even elaborate. It’s too shocking…
Kristy’s entry: Kryptonite
May 7, 2006
This always happens.
I’ve been trying for days, but I still can’t figure out how to start and end my article. I have constructed the body, though I know that it could change drastically once I write the lead.
I know what to write, I just don’t know how. I have the words piled up but I can’t seem to find the most suitable “arrangement.” Writing features has always been my weakness. Call me Superman, and writing features is my kryptonite.
P.S. Just a thought... Why do some people think that OFWs and their families have endless “supplies” of money and PX goods?!
This always happens.
I’ve been trying for days, but I still can’t figure out how to start and end my article. I have constructed the body, though I know that it could change drastically once I write the lead.
I know what to write, I just don’t know how. I have the words piled up but I can’t seem to find the most suitable “arrangement.” Writing features has always been my weakness. Call me Superman, and writing features is my kryptonite.
P.S. Just a thought... Why do some people think that OFWs and their families have endless “supplies” of money and PX goods?!
Kristy’s entry: Yay me!
May 8, 2006
Finally! After days of interviewing, contemplating, and *trying* to write, I finished my article (or should I say, draft) on OFWs who have turned to business (plus the lack of government programs for them). I hope that the connection I established between programs and business would be strong enough for my article. I am looking forward to the criticisms, but of course, I’m also hoping that Sir Leo and the others would like my feature.
*Fingers crossed*
Finally! After days of interviewing, contemplating, and *trying* to write, I finished my article (or should I say, draft) on OFWs who have turned to business (plus the lack of government programs for them). I hope that the connection I established between programs and business would be strong enough for my article. I am looking forward to the criticisms, but of course, I’m also hoping that Sir Leo and the others would like my feature.
*Fingers crossed*
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Instructions: Greetings UST interns
Greetings to our UST interns.
You may start sending me your blog entries. I have already sent you the instructions via your respective emails. As of the moment, I have yet to see entries both for the OFWJC blog site and to this site.
As a general rule, I do not edit the entries for this blog. In the past, however, we encountered an entry that discussed some serious matters regarding the stories that he/she covered. We had deleted the part out.
Happy blogging!
Villy
You may start sending me your blog entries. I have already sent you the instructions via your respective emails. As of the moment, I have yet to see entries both for the OFWJC blog site and to this site.
As a general rule, I do not edit the entries for this blog. In the past, however, we encountered an entry that discussed some serious matters regarding the stories that he/she covered. We had deleted the part out.
Happy blogging!
Villy
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