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! ^_^
No comments:
Post a Comment