The Official Publication of UPVCC Mass Communication Freshies '07

1. BEHIND THE FAÇADE OF A
UNIFORM
by: Albe Victoria B. Alimurung
Picture this: A bunch of
girls in white body complement-
ing collar blouses, black neck-
ties, semi-pleated checkered
fuchsia pink-dark purple colored
miniskirts, black knee high socks
and black shoes. What do you
see? Do you picture students
from an international school?
Gee, these students aren’t from
any international school, they’re
from University of the Philip-
pines Cebu College; and yes,
you read it right.
These Japanese chic-
inspired uniforms were designed
by Ms. Mikki Roque for the
freshies of UP Mass Communi-
cations or better called as the
BAMKWAN. February 20, 2007
became a head-turning event for
BAMKWAN as they wore their
batch uniforms for the sole pur-
FROM SCRATCH… TO SOMETHING
pose of endorsing the Mass-
Comm Days. by: Banawe Corvera
Cont.page 12
poses are as Masscomm Freshies. From the mere func-
A program of gender-confused males, ki-
tions of informing, persuading and entertaining, the real
kay-infested females... or so they think. This is
INSIDE THIS ISSUE… thing didn't end there. BAMKWAN has come to know for
after all the Mass Communication field, where
themselves that the influence they hold can make or
glitz and glam is termed to be quot;in.quot; But it's not
News p2-4 even break them.
all play, because while having the makings of
Common misconceptions lead people to think of
the next-big-thing, Mass Communication stu-
Chikiting Patrol
Masscomm students immediately ending up as showbiz
dents also are pillars of democracy and public
Masscomm Days
personalities, TV staffs, news anchors and such. This
enlightenment. No wait, before this gets seri-
Masscomm Exhibit rings true to chances when asked about course prefer-
ous, a little F.Y.I., quot;If you're in for some contro-
NSTP’s Culminating ence, the mere mention of Masscomm would afford an-
versy, get a grip of Bamkwan.quot;
Green Day swers like quot;The next Korina Sanchez!quot; or quot;So you wanna
BAMKWAN, (made-up street slang for BAMC-1) be a Maria Ressa?quot; Well, the highlights of media are
Masscomm Newsbits
playfully named to suit each student’s diversity, is UP fab, enticing per se. In the big picture, being in the field
Visit to Freeman
Cebu's Masscomm Freshies. Equipped with little quot;know- rewards BAMKWAN with a great privilege. But this big
President Roman in UPVCC
howsquot; as they entered their college home, these 31 stu- picture is of no use without the foundation of the littlest
dents of all females but one started nearly from scratch. details, the most important of which is responsibility.
Feature p8-11 Early on during the first semester, they were still just This is the trait expected of BAMKWAN to impart in
quot;unripe fruits of laborquot;. Behind the efforts for socializa- the society. With those who are eyeing the media, what
Tulo-tulo Sa Marso
tion were struggles of homesickness, culture shock and should matter is bringing out each function in service of
On UP SC Elections fitting in. These factors may have caused some to either: the people... a balance between survival (profit) and
Evert B.Lato (1) take academic life loosely up until the end of the day seeking for the truth (service). It is now in these stu-
where Ayala 101's awaits them or (2) fight it off the dents' minds that people ought to have what they want
Crazy Day
soonest possible and just level with UP's standard of and what they deserve to know, in as much fairness as
An Alien?
competitiveness. possible. Skills are there to be nourished, but the great-
Dionne Monsanto
est achievement lies in using these skills for the benefit
The class eventually broke out into clusters of quot;who
20yr-old Freshman
of those who deserve it.
belonged with whom.quot; Forcibly? That's not really the
entire case. After all, it kept the students comfortable Yes, there are more faults to realize and more pas-
Opinion p5-7 with their own skins. Each group represented what these sion to give. Young as they are, BAMKWAN has yet to
students were at ease with, what things they shared in evolve into well-equipped and well-rounded beings.
common, what aspects they wanted to interact with and Three more years may seem long, but at the near end of
Entertainment such. Of course, differences were present and carried the semesters, or day perhaps, teachings will add up to
p12 on every waking day, but then again, it developed some- a better knowledge.
thing beyond imperfections, and that is acceptance. Media are free, and what is left of its diversity will be
But at the course of every week, unlikeness may not a survival of the fittest. Step by step, these young minds
have mattered more than what these students' true pur- will start from scratch...to quot;something.quot;
1

2. OPENING MASS COMM DAYS WITH A BANG
BAMKWAN,
by: Dulce Brenda Salera
successful UP MassComm alumni,
shared their thorough explanation of the
Hello!
The opening program of the annual theme correspondingly.
It is but MassComm days last February 21, 2007 at
awkward to say COMM-UP President, Andrea
the NSMD lobby signaled the start of the
that hello when in fact, this is the very Pineda, explained the activities for the 3-
glorious days for the UP Mass Communi-
time to bid goodbye. This academic day event before Dionne Monsanto,
cators with the theme, “ MassComm
year has just ended and all of us have COMM-UP Treasurer, presented the
been eagerly set to kiss UP goodbye. Graduate: Asa ka padung?”.
nominees for this year’s Gawad Papuri
Goodbye to all fears. Goodbye to all Prepared and hosted by this year’s Awards.
red marks. Goodbye to Math indeed. BAMKWAN, Prof. J. Karl P. Roque, the Hu-
Goodbye to all, temporarily. BAMKWAN also colored the pro-
manities Division Chairperson, properly
gram as Frances Claire Peñalosa and
Perhaps, that introductory opened the program with his opening re-
hello is just an advance greeting for selected self- confessed superior danc-
marks.
the next school year where we’ll be no ers of BAMKWAN offered an unexpected
Then, after Mr. Ian Manticajon gave an
longer dub ourselves as BAMKWAN; song and dance number respectively.
we’ll already be BAMKWAN II. introduction of the guest speakers, Ms. Di-
The program ended as Sir Marx
anne Arnie Nicolas, Ms. May Macapobre and
But before we’ll finally get in Iturralde gave his closing remarks along
Ms. Narsheen Artiaga, who are considered as
touch with that being BAMKWAN the
with the signal of the exhibit’s opening.
second, let’s look back to the good
recollections we shared as fresh
B A M K W A N s . L e t’ s r e ca l l t h e
BAMKWAN’s eternal Hakuna Matatas
BAMKWAN SETS UP MASS COMM EXHIBIT
and bring to mind the green events by: Ana Coritha Desamparado
we’ve experienced.
Friends, here’s our first hum- In accordance with the theme, Mass- retro style as a means of reminiscing the
ble blot, BAMKWAN. Look back, recall Comm Graduate: Asa ka Padung?, the annual past events of UP MassComm Students.
and bring to mind our happy begin- MassComm days’ exhibit, organized by the
nings. Go! Everyone was invited to visit the
BAMKWAN, displayed the MassComm’s fea-
exhibit for the entire duration of the Mass-
ture in the news room, TV lab and radio lab
Comm Days.
last February 21-23, 2007.
Gladly breathing,
The newsroom featured all the news arti- This activity gave way for the dis-
SJanengasca cles published by the BAMC students, the TV lab covery of BAMKWAN’s strength in their
Sarah Jane A. Nengasca showcased the glad pictures of the masscomm first task for MassComm days, as well as
league and photos of the BAMC2 students in their weaknesses.
Associate Editor, BAMKWAN
there photography class and lastly, colored circles
of different sizes filled the radio lab, showing the
CHIKITING PATROL OFF TO KAMPUTHAW
by: January A. Leron
With their Community Extension Program named Chikiting
Patrol, the BAMC-1 block immersed to the community for their Na-
tional Service Training Program last February 11, 2007 in Purok 8,
Brgy. Kamputhaw, Cebu City.
The first year Mass Comm students, headed by their block
leader Grace Guiang, had the orientation program for the kids who will
take part in the “Chikiting Patrol” service at San Isidro Labrador Chapel,
Gymnasium. This service program formed by the block aims the chil-
dren ages 4-8 years old to (1) at least learn the basic concept of Math,
English, Arts and Crafts, and Health, (2) to develop their EQ as a sup-
plement to their IQ development through teachings of good manners
and right conduct and (3) to inculcate the concept of learning while hav-
ing fun.
Fifty children went to the said program. A cheering contest par-
ticipated by the kids and the Bamkwan was done and other games
such as open the basket, dance and singing showdown were also pre- kids. It seemed that the whole block turned into young boy and girls
pared for them. The winners were given prizes and everybody was again.
served with snacks. The program was made enjoyable so that the chil-
Frances Claire Peñaloza, one of the Bamkwan said that she
dren will be more interested in participating the succeeding sessions.
preferred this kind of NSTP––going out to the community rather than
This first exposure of the freshmen was really one of kind. Aside staying and sitting inside the coss nference hall and had some forum
from bringing laughter to those young people, they too enjoyed playing, to listen to. According to her, interacting with children is a lot of fun to
running all over, dancing and singing at the top of their voices with the do.
2

3. A GREENY GREEN DAY by: Candeze Mongaya
BAMKWAN had definitely started a new fad! A fad that
had wittingly moved the UP premises up and down. A fad that
had turned everything into green. It’s the “Greenday”, where
BAMC1 students would wear their green Go Geng shirts or any
green shirts on every eleventh day of the month.
According to Dulce Brenda Salera, co-founder of the Greenday,
this whim had started on the 11th day of September when they’d noticed
that most people in the campus were in green shirts. “They were practi-
cally everywhere! In the Humanities division, library, canteen and even in
the comfort rooms, everyone’s on green!,” she said.
The other pioneering ‘peeps’ of Greenday are Grace Guiang,
Haneka Lava, Sarah Jane Nengasca and Arianne Jenille Manzo.
ABS-CBN Acting
UP Studes, PRES. ROMAN VISITS UP CEBU
Workshop
Mis-communicated?
FOR CENTENNIAL PROJECTS
by: Carmina Agnes Racaza by: Kris Jean Zamora by: Nesreen C. AbdulRauf
Enhancing the other side
Last February 23, famous
of these journalist aspirants,
showbiz personalities flaunted their Despite of the Tuition and Other Fees
some of the BAMKWAN mem-
way through the UP Conference Hall Increases promoted by UP President Emer-
for the 2nd Mis-Communication Pag- linda Roman that led to a number of protests
bers participated the ABS-CBN
eant made possible by the Communi- in the whole University of the Philippines
Acting Workshop last February
cators of UP (CommUP). The imper- system, she visited UP in the Visayas Cebu
23, 2007.
sonation pageant was participated by College for the launching of the UP Cebu
Grace Guiang, Ana
UP students coming from the different Centennial Projects on February 19, 2007.
Coritha Desamparado, Carmina
programs. Competing with 7 other
Agnes Racaza and Sarah Jane
funny-lovely candidates, Ralph Jason
Nengasca were among those Dr. Madrileña de la Cerna gave an over-
Caballes of BSCS-2 a.k.a. Anton Diva
Bamkwan members who joined. view with the audio visual presentation of the
bagged the title of Mis-
projects. Activities started with the ground
The said workshop which
Communication 2007. Our very own
breaking ceremony at the infront of the oblation
was under the Direk Jeny, was
Rachelle Mae Sarmiento a.k.a. Mike
at 10:45 a.m. It followed by an Inauguration of
all about concept of acting, in-
Enriquez and Ana Coritha Desam-
the UP Press Bookstore Cebu, ribbon cutting
parado a.k.a. Kris Aquino placed 2nd
volving voice enrichment.
and launching of the Coffee-Table Book entitled
and 3rd respectively.
The workshop was then “Jose Joya Awards 1977-2006: the Permanent
Organized by Chassy Cortes of colored with those activities like
Collection” compiled by Professor Dennis Mon-
BAMC 3, Mis-Communication was voice drama and instant visuali-
tera in the Ground Floor of Arts and Sciences
held in line with the annual Mass zation.
Building.
Communication Days of UP Cebu last
February 20 – 23, 2007.
UP Cebu Information Technology Incuba-
tion and Train-
ing Facility in
BAMKWAN SLIDES GAWAD PAPURI AWARD the third floor,
left wing of AS
building was
by: Candeze Mongaya
also opened.
awards namely: Butterfly Effect by The program
Crishelyn Abayon, Fahionista
As part of the MassComm was completed
Award by Mikki Roque, Sleeping
day’s celebration, the Masscomm with a lunch
Beauty Award by Rachel Mae Sar-
crowd had its annual Gawad with the media,
miento, Close-Up Smile by Ana
Papuri Award last February 23, faculty, alumni
Coritha Desamparado, and Gawad
2007 along with the Mis- and other se-
Pluma by Sarah Jane Nengasca.
communication pageant. lected guests at
Other awards are the Media the same build-
Personality Award won by Dionne ing.
Surprisingly, the BAMKWAN
Monsanto and the Abra Cadabra
seized most of the
Award by Andrea Pineda.
3

4. NSTP 06-07 OVER: A SUCCESS FOR BAMKWAN by: Lorna Jabuen
“At last!”, Ms. Beryl Anne Ann deadlines, adjustments, makeup classes, so to about compliance.
Manching, First Year Representative, said in speak. “Naa sad mi daghan nahibaw-an ui!”
her opening remarks during the NSTP Culmi- When asked about the most difficult part (Of course, we also learned many things),
nating Activity last March 25, at the UPVCC of the course, Grace Guiang, the block leader Frances Claire Peñalosa said. “One of which
conference hall. kay , we learned how to fully realize the true
said, “Of all the things about that (NSTP), the
After one year of compliance, another thorniest for the block is the unfixed schedule. It’s meaning of service, no matter how small but
batch of freshmen (06’-07’) successfully finished very irritating when Ms. Portia or the SA’s sud- still, can make a smile.”
the NSTP program, despite the challenges that denly announce some changes about the sched- BAMKWAN, with their duty as mass
they have faced. ule of activities.” communicators, aimed high for the betterment
For BAMKWAN (BAMC1), majority of them Within the NSTP sessions, despite of the and enhancement of the community through
chose CWTS which was designed for them to be pressures that almost dragged the entire Block to NSTP.
sensitive to the social issues and conditions in the either INC or 5.0, there still reigned the achieve- In an interview, Sarah J.A. Nengasca,
community. ments that were more than enough as require- a subgroup leader said that, “Along with our
ments to pass.
Despite of some setbacks that took place responsibilities of informing, persuading and
entertaining the community, bilib kaayo ko sa
in the previous sessions, BAMKWAN, with their “Being rewarded with the smiles from the
BAMKWAN kay napadangat gyud nato ang
continuing struggles, made it to the end of the aca- lips of the kids, is considered the most wonderful
demic year. prize ever achieved by the block”, Albe Victoria sakto nga pagpanerbisyo sa katilingban”.
Alimurung, a subgroup leader, said.
From the start until the end of the second
semester, BAMKWAN like any other program also For them (MassComm people), who
underwent challenging pressures like exacting were said to be sociable, NSTP is not just all
BAMKWAN VISITS THE FREEMAN by: Kris Jean Zamora
To have an idea tained the questions raised, especially those which regards the
about the news process, news process.
Bamkwan had their media For the news process, she said that they have assigned
tour at The Freeman beat reporters all over the city of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu
publication last March 23, covering city hall, capitol and police stations and only get an aver-
2 0 0 7 .
age of 25 news stories from the gathered news.
When asked why they kept a copy of the different newspa-
The media tour was
pers both on local and national newspapers, she said that they
for the Journ101 class to be
have to compare their stories to that of the other newspapers.
able to see a typical sce-
nario of a newsroom and “Newspapers mainly have the same new stories but they
analyze the concepts of are only written on different angles” she said.
news process discussed in
the class. The printing process ………………………………………...
Bamkwan was also briefly oriented on the printing process
Accompanied by Mr.
the paper underwent for it to be published. It was said that after
Ian Manticajon, Journ101
lay-outing, the paper will turn into its negative called the “stripper”
instructor, Bamkwan met
and will be put on the machine for printing.
Mr. Jerry Tundag, Free-
Attended by Miss Quennie, who then acted as their tour
man's Editor-in-chief and
guide, showed the printing machines which the whole printing proc-
the paper's News Editor
ess will take place.
Mrs. Quennie Bronce, who
gave them a glimpse of the Miss Quennie said that the technology for the printing is
paper's history and enter- also significant inorder “to keep up with the competition”.
MassCommazing Race: Run for Fun by: Carmina Agnes Racaza
Completing piggy’s body first were the juniors. 2nd and 3rd respectively
Who says running is for health purposes only? Our very own journal- were the sophomore teams A and B, and then followed by BAMKWAN. Since
ists say otherwise. The Communicators of UP (CommUP) held their Mass- not one senior was up for the challenge, the sophomores had to form two
Commazing Race last February 21 as part of the annual Mass Communication groups instead.
Days; this year with the theme: “Mass Comm graduate, asa ka padung?”
“It doesn’t matter if BAMKWAN placed last, what mattered is that we had a
Indeed, the Mass Communicators knew where they were headed for. In a mint of fun and experience” says Bamkwan contestant, Candeze Mongaya.
race to complete piggy’s jigsaw-puzzled body, each year level was represented by
Indeed, the race was a run for fun.
5 students who were assigned to decode the challenging clues and accomplish the
daring tasks which involved a lot of fun running even outside the campus.
4

5. First Step en route for the Fourth Estate by Sarah Jane A. Nengasca
First time experiences went off in a dash as we’ve paced hard to take especially if enough understanding of matters is deficient.
through the threshold of UP- MassComm program. That very first Logic suggests that nothing that is neither ‘first’ nor starting is easy;
time to come across with the MassComm and media people nonetheless logic too suggests that no beginning is that hard to realize.
heaved up our modest esteem as we’re given that frequent chance Proving the contrary of the proverb to be possible is indeed possible.
Our first step shall start at our very selves. We shall recognize where
to talk with them. That recent partaking in the MassComm days’
celebration brilliantly strained us, as necessary roles and tasks and what kind of site we are heading to. We shall be prepared to have
were handed over to us for the first instance. And in that, the ex- that actual sight to perceive the truth, that rational mind to assess con-
hibit making which we’ve tirelessly chipped in, there was the mark fusing matters and that impartial hand to write down what’s factual. Then
from there, we can thus say that our
our very first solidarity.
first step is to the truth just as we know
Here was also our
that the journalism’s first obligation is
first experience to be deeply
to the truth too.
introduced to the certainty
behind Mass Communication. Linking to that proverb above,
We’re brought in to the know- is being true, which we consider as our
first step, really hard? Is it always the
how of the Fourth Estate,
along with Journalism for the hardest? Tellingly, based on our ex-
first time. In due course, we periences before, our answer would be
gained windfall facts about a bold yes. Simple as it may seem and
the present status of this es- effortless as it may be spoken, the
tablished estate. It is just but truth is really hard to bring into play.
strange to notice that as we But looking optimistically, we’re just
keep on taking our first step beginners and have not yet faced that
toward this Fourth Estate, journalistic jeopardy with the truth. The
certain concerns which are to truth may, at times, be our own foe and
be pondered upon, draw us certainly, many have already been de-
feated by the confusion with the truth.
back.
Hence we are challenged to pass the
Journalist killings un-
‘test of truth’. The truth, shall
ceasingly snowed under this by: Rachel Mae Sarmiento
we say then, is fragile and we
estate. Philippines, which dub
are therefore called to handle it with
itself on having the freest me-
great prudence and common sense.
dia in Southeast Asia, has turned out to be one of the world's most
With this first big load we’re starting to carry, let us make obvi-
dangerous places for journalists. The Philippines’ number of kill-
ous that though we’re just new, we can live up to the definition of the
ings in the line of duty was among the highest. Political harassment
word ‘new’-- something that is the result of or is characterized by up-to-
of the mass media started to sprout as the filing of libel suits by
date ideas, techniques, design, and equipment --which means that we
government officials against journalists has increased. Crooked
have this innovative way of advancing and maneuvering things. That
and anomalous acts of few journalists furthermore marred the im-
though we’re new in this field, we can craft a gradual change in the
age of the Fourth Estate. The AC/ DC (Attack-Collect/Defend-
country’s mass media. Our first step may appear so little to take the
Collect) tactic, for one, has worsen such condition of the Philippine
limelight. But what’s significant is that our first step has the worth in to-
news media.
tally moving into the Fourth Estate and that we, the BAMKWAN, have
As first timers, the question is to where shall we take our more the worth in entering and perhaps staying in the Fourth Estate’s
first step or simply what shall be our first step? “The first step is estate always.
always the hardest”-- these are the words of an unknown proverb
writer. Yes, there’s no doubt in saying that first attempts are really
NOT JUST ANOTHER SENSELESS BLABBER by Julie Anne Canonigo
not because they have some secret grudge against us. We might have
“We are all just talk...”
to re-assess ourselves if we are putting on the credibility that is required
We may try to deny it but this is what most people think of
of a MassComm student and be conscious of every word that we are
us at the moment they realize the course that we are taking up. It
about to say or write. We should not take for granted that we are ac-
may be nothing but an ill-conceived generalization to some of us
countable for everything that we put to public. Some of us may not con-
who know better and are through proving otherwise. But to first
sider ourselves journalists just yet. But then when are we supposed to
year students like me who have still so much to prove, it poses as
start building up our credibility? It might already be too late to repair
a challenge that we have to face and surpass.
when we become professionals.
As some of us may have already come to realize in our 1-
It had never occurred to me that taking up Mass Communication
year stay here in U.P., there are banner traits for the students of
would mean not only living up to the duties expected to be fulfilled by a
every program (I don’t intend to enumerate them so as to avoid
journalist but to also face the prejudices that the people have built
errors). Most of them are just characteristics that do not necessar-
around us. Of course, prejudices and expectations are inevitable but in
ily apply to every student in a certain program like the loquacious
the end, it is for us to decide whether to rise above these preconceptions
quality attributed to MassComm students. Although there are really
or sink with them.
students in our program who are quite noisy, which is both a good
thing and a bad thing depending in the situation, it is rather unfair After reading this article, some might think that they don't really
to conclude that we are all just talk. For one thing, we could also care of what other people think as long as they are sure of themselves.
For example, I am not all talk but then the public of which I serve will
write but then that's beyond the point
never come to realize that if I will continue showing them otherwise.
My point is that maybe we have been the ones making
them conclude that we are all just talk through our actions and it's
5

6. EVEN THE ALMIGHTY MEDIA IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW by: Maria Flora S. Abril
Representative Edcel C. Lagman might cle. The privilege of power has since over- accountable to the people. Hence as contribu-
have been indignant to clear the air on the is- shadowed responsibility. While there has tors to democracy, they owe it to their consum-
sue about the overpriced fertilizer scam in the been much protest on the slaying of jour- ers to give information with proper content and
Bicol Region upon uttering these words, yet nalists in the line of duty, it cannot be de- in the best manner possible. Lapses and er-
they are not without basis. nied that there, too, are plenty of instances rors are unavoidable but should never occur
when it is the writer who pulls the trigger. without conscious effort. For even Bernstein
In his privilege speech delivered before the
Biased commentaries, unfounded insinua- himself was able to crack the Watergate scan-
Congress on November 21, 2005, he high-
tions, faulty reports, intentional distortion of dal through thorough research and concise
lighted the “repeated malicious newscasts” of
facts – journalism “kills” by committing reporting.
ABS-CBN and ANC aired on November 17
these acts. All lead to repercussions many
and 18 of the same year. He condemned the Again to quote Lagman: “While we must
consider far worse than death; destroyed
hasty and inaccurate reporting done by the acknowledge and appreciate the overriding
reputations and tarnished dignities.
networks, which falsely implicated his office in role of the media in a democratic setting, we
the aforementioned controversy. Carl Bernstein comments on the fallibil- must not, by any means, suffer the indignities
ity of the media in this manner: “The great- and importunities which media commit against
Since the time English philosopher and
est felony in the news business today is to their publics.”
statesman Edmund Burke dubbed the media
be behind or to miss a big story. So speed
as the Fourth Estate, the power of the pen and May this statement pose as a challenge to
and quantity substitute for thoroughness,
sharp tongue has grown exceedingly through- all of us who foresee a future within the media
quality, accuracy, and context.” While
out the centuries. The media’s duty as the industry, to immerse ourselves as much as
those involved in the business continually
“watchdog” on the three main branches of gov- possible and yet never lose sight of the jour-
struggle to strike a balance between ser-
ernment has, in the process, caused it to be nalistic values inculcated in us as UP students.
vice and profit, the fact that the importance
elevated to their ranks; surpassing them in and Firmness. Consistency. For indeed we can be
of the former far outweighs the latter is
influence. Unfortunately, some practitioners subject to sanction if we do not keep our role
something that should never be over-
have forgotten to take a cue from Spidey’s un- as the Fourth Estate in mind.
looked. The press, first and foremost, is
Don’t you have Journ101? by: Joy Eva A. Bohol
aches of the teachers, I said to myself, situation of our society. The issues
“Sympathy is never enough.”
“Hey, I can do something about this! I can’t wait for too long. That’s some-
I remembered when I was asking
mean, that even if I am still a student and thing we can do to stop being sympa-
permission to the principal of Zapatera
as one who is into Mass Communication, thetic and instead act on those things
Elementary School to conduct our re-
I have a huge door of opportunity in front that need to be seen and realized by
search, which was for Special Education
of me to help them address their needs!” the public.
(SPED) students. She asked us if the
school can benefit from the said re- “Asa ka padulong?” (Where are Knowing all those ethics and
search or it was just a study for mere you going?) was the theme during our journalistic laws, Journ101 taught us
compliance for our course. We told her MassComm days 2007. We asked our- that no matter who you are or where
that it’s both. We saw a stern look in her selves where could I possibly end up or you’re from, you can write! To write ar-
eye with her left eyebrow raised a bit. what would I possibly do after gradua- ticles that inform and persuade.
We knew it for sure that she was not in- tion? Well, why do we have to wait after Though we’re not yet totally to be
favor with it. But later on, she decided to graduation before we do something in called “journalists”, we can start now.
accept our request with a harsh tone in fact, when we can do it now? Would I stay feeling bad for
her voice. In the seminar, “Balik Talent,” the those SPED respondents and then
Sympathy comes when we try to guest speakers discussed about the jobs that’s it? Our research can speak to
feel the same for a person. It is merely that await every MassComm graduate in their needs and through this, perhaps it
an emotion--an emotion that won’t last U.P. and how we can cope up with the will touch people’s hearts to do some-
long and won’t help at all. Sometimes we trend. I believed that most of them were thing and give what they can.
think that being sympathetic is enough to not practicing their profession as made Still wondering where you’re go-
mend a broken puzzle. Reality is that it is mentioned by our professor in Journ101, ing? Well, you can start doing your part
our only way to escape the responsibility Sir Ian Manticajon. Then, where now is as a Mass Communication student of
our sense of compassion in responding
that comes with it. the University of the Philippines. Don’t
the cries of the people we opt to serve?
During our observation and inter- wait for graduation; be compassionate,
view with some teachers, I found that the Writing for Journ101 gave me the act, write, and do your part as the
facilities for SPED students were not effi- idea to write on the things that truly affect fourth estate. I know you see the need
cient and it seemed that the funds for each one of us. If we’d seen the need, as all of us do. So what are you going
their education did not reach where it we can address it. How? By writing arti- to do?
was supposed to be utilized. Seeing all cles that would surely persuade the
those things and hearing all the heart- readers to get involved with the current
6

7. THE BAMKWAN INSIDER by: Darlene Ganub
This semester is about to end. Seniors leave as new faces arrive. And because of the vacant periods in between subjects. It became convenient for students to
the next semester is going to start soon as the cycle goes on. We barely notice have their “extra-curricular activities” in Ayala 101 and consequently miss their classes.
these things happen for, perhaps, every student is preoccupied with so many Unplanned and unnecessary spending destroyed the first years’ budget for allowance.
other priorities in mind like beating deadlines, conquering exams, complying with Social linkages with fellow Mass Comm students didn’t develop that easily since every
requirements, all to get at least a passing grade. member of the batch is of varied and contrasting interests. Island friendship developed
creating social gaps between groups. All of these things hindered the first year Mass
In the Mass Communication program, BAMKWANS are on the same
Comm students from being a totally united making it more difficult for them to do good
mission: to avoid Professor 5.0, to forget Madame 3.0, to get rid of Sir 2.75, to
academically in this school year.
stop getting Miss 2.5, to get not just a mere 2.25, to go beyond the past’s 2.0, to
aim more than my ex- 1.5’s and hopefully to get a hold of that 1.0. The challenge of passing and hopefully do better if not for the best still lies in
every student's attitude towards balancing studies and adjusting. Perhaps by now, the
For every Mass Comm freshie, the challenge is tough for we have to
Mass Comm freshies are learning to efficiently adapt with the new culture and environ-
adapt in a totally new environment. Entering this new world includes discovering
ment. The second semester will finally end soon and I hope we have just learned from
new things along with the struggle to make new friends and fit in the diversity
the first semester’s lessons and expectantly live up to the challenge of becoming aca-
among students.
demically competent Mass Communicators.
It has been hard for the Mass Comm freshies to adjust with the schedule
BAMKWAN
The Other Side of the Wall by: Roviel Villa
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mr. Ian Vincent Manticajon
The life of a transferee has its own ups the new people. I was just contented with my
own little world, and remembering faces was
and downs. ASSOCIATE EDITOR
what mattered most. Establishing links with
Sarah Jane Nengasca
Perhaps the best thing about being one
them (block mates) never entered my mind,
is that you have the “advantage” when it comes
NEWS EDITOR
since I don’t have to worry because of the
to experience in the college level. Since most of
Nesreen AbdulRauf
links I have with my fellow transferees.
your classmates are fresh from high school and
are just starting to move and think as college It’s funny how I always complained to FEATURE EDITOR
students, you have a slight edge at the start of myself then that I’ll never get to understand
Frances Claire Peñalosa
the semester. Of course that “advantage” fades how these freshmen behave. I really desired
LAYOUT EDITOR
to know the people that make up most of the
as the school year ends.
first years more, but I think the way I
Mikki Roque
Another thing will have to be the
branded their actions as immature and too
“maturity” level. Since most transferees are
PHOTOGRAPHY
young are the ones that pushed me to close
more “matured” compared to the new students,
Carmina Racaza
the doors on such possibility. I think it was
they tend to become the ates and the kuyas in
also pride that made me come out to them
their own respective blocks. Most of the transfer-
as someone who is snub and unapproach-
ees either end up being the ones responsible in
able, and too much convincing on my part MEMBERS:
leading their block mates, or they are the ones
that being close to any one of them is impos-
Abril, Ma. Flora
appointed by the professors as honorary assis-
sible, especially when out of the forty stu-
tants.
Alimurung, Albe
dents that make up the first years, only three
Or, they can be uncooperative and un- are males. I also had a hard time accepting
Bohol, Joy Eva
friendly to the younger ones. the fact that most of the people here prefer
Canonigo, Julie Anne
Barbie dolls and kikay kits over racing cars,
Other transferees have the tendency to
computers and virtual fist fights.
be anti-social and to easily give in to the belief
Corvera, Banawe
that they will never fit in with the younger ones. Allow me in this column to humble
Desamparado, Ana
myself and apologize to you young ones for
Those line surely struck me like lightning.
Ganub, Darlene
the way I acted last semester. I acted so in-
My first time here in UP was a hard one.
different and anti-social, it prevented me and
Guiang, Grace
It’s like trying to walk through a burning asphalt
you guys to know each other better. Well
road barefooted after walking through grassy
Jabuen, Lorna
right now, I’m just glad that my system is
lands and cool, paved highways. For the first
slowly adjusting to you guys and starting to
Jacildo, Jecca
time in my life I was in the middle of a “culture
be more cooperative, patient and flexible. My
shock”. The way everything goes in my previous
Leron, January
ego certainly took the better of me, and
school was just so different that I had a hard
hopefully when next year starts, I get to con-
Lim, Erika
time catching up. Good thing I wasn’t alone in
trol myself more.
that struggle however, because I had friends
Mongaya, Candeze
Just one piece of advice, the way an
from high school who were undergoing the
elder brother tells his younger siblings.
Odias, Angelica
same thing. All those problems were swiftly
Please don’t get stuck with your own set of
taken away in a breeze thanks to their company.
Salera, Dulce Brenda
friends or cliques. It will certainly help us
achieve more if we break away from such
Sarmiento, Rachel Mae
But even though their presence was groupings.
Tagudin, Krystal Shane
helpful during my adjustment period, it also
And that is another up for the life of a
brought along problems, which I wasn’t able to
Villa, Roviel
transferee.
foresee. Since I have my own set of friends,
Zamora, Kris Jean
there certainly was no need for me to befriend
7

8. It’s all worth it!!! by: Angelica Odias
Ever think about “fate” getting his hands on you? Are showed off her awesome acting skills which really fascinated her
you familiar with the deodorant commercial on TV about a fellow communicators on the second day of the show at the SM Cin-
gal who was destined to meet her prince charming despite ema on the 3rd of March this year. The whole cast of “Sulog sa
the fact that she was embarrassed with her body odor? Gugma” were members of UPSTAGE and UP-Bathalad
Well, Ma. Shiela Armie Garde ain't got no body odor but be- (Bathalanong Halad sa Dagang) including Ms. Garde.According to
cause of her wits and destiny's mysterious ways, she her, she was happy seeing the Masscomm. freshies, and their pres-
bagged the female lead role “Cecilia” in the play “ Sulog sa ence inspired her and the rest of the cast to offer a very outstanding
Gugma” which is UP-Cebu's entry for “Tulo-tulo sa Marso”. presentation. All her hard work was fairly paid after seeing the audi-
ence getting amazed because of their extraordinary play. Garde
“Tulo-tulo sa Marso is a production put up by UP-Bathalad said she was Aledo’s first choice as Cecilia but she denied the re-
in cooperation with the Central Visayas Studies Center quest because she was hesitant at first especially with her unfamili-
(CVSC) held last March 2-3, 2007 at the Sm Cinema 1. ari ty wi t h the Cebuano di alect and di cti ons.
Other entries included “Tuba ra’y Makatimbang” by the Uni- Later on, the role was given to Ms. Jessa Chrisna Marie Agua, a
versity of San Carlos (USC)” and “Ang Sista” by Saint graduating masscommunication student, but because of her work
Theresa’s College (STC). The three entries were chosen and her class schedule, she has to give up the role.
after the intense screening procedure at the Cebuano Writ- Eventually, Garde got back the role and was trained by Ms. Lilia Tio,
ing Workshop late last year. a faculty member of the humanities division for the play.
Destiny must have chosen Ms. Garde all along, because not only
The play “Sulog sa Gugma” was written and directed by Er- did she enjoy the rough nights of practice including the play, she
mine Aledo, a political science student of the same school also amazed her fellow UPians for her good acting skills. That alone
while Ms. Garde is a 2nd yr. Masscommunication student is an experience worth every effort and sweat!
and both are active members of UP-Bathalad. Ms. Garde
LOSING THE ELECTION BY JUST TWO VOTES by: Ana Coritha J. Desamparado
“Many are called tions. there, there’s a manifestation that
but few are chosen”. my batch mates didn’t want me to be
Grand Rally was the most crucial part
Perhaps, this is the their representative. But it was just 2
of the campaign for me. Here, I had a dire
adage that’s syn- votes. I lost my chance just for two
need to elaborate all those Specific Programs
onymous with the votes. I would just like to make it
of Action compared to room-to-room cam-
words leadership and clear that during my disappointment
paigns. Forums and questions, like that of
service. Leadership is and detachment period, I hold no an-
an interrogation, surged me never. Above
defined in the dic- ger or grudge against anyone.
all, I had delivered my humble speech in
tionary as the act of front of the opposite party and of the entire One of the best things I’ve learned
leading. On the other public. upon reading “Tuesdays with Morrie”
hand, service is the is that you must detach yourself of
The Grand Rally has then ended. And I
act of serving. Combining both, a sub- feelings you know that will not be of
was glad that it was over. What made me
stantial keyword has emerged-- servant good help to your growth and develop-
happier was when they told me I did well.
leader. There are lots of servants and ment as a person. And disappoint-
“Maboang jud ko girl kung dili ka kadaog.
plenty of leaders but few only got the title ment is one. I won’t let disappoint-
You’ve done so well”, as the newly elected
of being a servant leader. ment be my ghost for a long time.
Student Chair, Ralph Sanchez had told me.
Privileged enough, I was one of those Everything happens for a reason and
After all the exhausting days of campaign
few who were given that rare opportunity whatever that reason may be, the
they rewarded me with compliments of do-
to live with the term servant leader. I was most difficult part is really hard to
ing a good job. Remembering the cheers and
to run as one of the candidates for 2nd accept. I might have lost the elections
applause I’ve gained made me realize the
year representative under the flag of Nag- by just a matter of two votes but the
very reason of why I’m here -- to serve. I am
kahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante (NKE). heart for service will continue flam-
so much willing to spend my time serving
I felt so blessed hearing them saying, “It’s ing within me as my life goes on.
others even if it would mean restriction to
hard to look for winnable candidates”. Be- my social life; all for those who believe in “Service is not measured by
cause of the warmth of their company, me. the number of votes gained”, as
their strong principles and the promised quoted by one of my co-candidate.
Just two. Yes, just two votes. Two votes
support my friends and classmates, with- And I know deep within me and those
were just the difference. Two votes are all I
out a doubt, I said a bold YES. people who still believe in me, I’ve won,
need to fulfill my dream of having that full
For almost a week, we had room-to- beyond compare, beyond hesitation,
-service duty to my co-students. Disap-
room campaigns, repeating speeches over beyond the number of votes….beyond
pointed? Yes I am. Whoever who could have
and over again with every repetition aim- that two votes.
been in my position would feel the same, I
ing for improvement; and all the other shall say. It really won’t hurt that much if
preparations needed for the upcoming elec- it was as large as 20-30 votes because in
8

9. UP CEBU ISKA IN PBB
by: Frances Claire Peñalosa
UP Cebu's pride steps up to Big Brother's house, March 9, as she brings
prestige to her co-isko's and iska's to a different angle of excellence; celebrity
scenes.
Dionne Dennia B. Monsanto, 2nd year Mass Communication student of
UP Cebu, is now officially one of the housemates of Big Brother's house. Her
first appearance on March 9 brought excitement to the UP students especially
her Mass Comm family. Being part of the PBB, is according to Dionne, her big-
gest breakthrough in fulfilling her dream of being a famous celebrity.
Dionne has done a number of projects in show business. She was part of the local ABS-CBN teleseryes quot;Bondingquot; and
quot;For Lifequot; and played the lead in both dramas. Before she flew to Manila for the PBB opening night, February 25, she was cur-
rently a VJ/host of RCTV and she used to do sideline modeling projects.
Behind all these achievements, however, is nothing but her one and only goal of helping out her mom with their finan-
cial matters. Dulce Siroy brought Dionne up by herself after Dionne's father left them when Dionne was still a baby. All
throughout Dionne's career, Mrs. Siroy never failed to giver her full support to her daughter. Even Dionne's boyfriend, Arman
Mantilla, never left her side in supporting her with what she loves to do.
According to Maria Nerissa Quiño, Dionne's classmate in UP and also a close friend, whatever is the outcome of PBB,
Dionne would still pursue her studies in UP Cebu as a Mass Communication student. quot;Dream jud ni niya na makaswkelag
UP.quot; (It has always been her dream to study in UP).
Reality TV show PBB continues. And iska Dionne carries through to win the contention of gaining the people's affec-
tion. Day by day, she strives to prove to the whole country what UP students can be capable of; versatility and excellence take
control.
JUST A LITTLE UNDERSTANDING AND A LITTLE CONCERN by: Lim, Hye-in
When I got up from my bed, I was in a new world. Then the problem started from here. Having a difference
Everything was so different from what I used to. Yes, I was not really bad, then what? Difference just caused prob-
became an alien (HEY, NOT FROM ANOTHER lems in a way that we easily misunderstood or generalized
PLANET), and resided in a different place. I was trying something. This is what I, or we, should not do.
to maintain my Korean culture and adapt Filipino cul- You know what? I found some words that were mostly
ture at the same time. I felt like a ‘hyphen’ between the said by Filipinos. Words that Filipinos love to say. First one
two words. Sometimes, I got sick of those annoying mis- is “Tomorrow, tomorrow!” but I knew that it won’t be to-
understandings and wrong perceptions I got from other morrow any more. Second one is “Maybe. I’m not sure”. If
people who surrounded me. I’d been having a hard time I’d ask whether we have any tests on that day, my class-
trying to understand and accept many differences but mates would most likely say, “Maybe”. If I’d ask whether
then at times, I did fail. These failures, however, made our teacher is around or not, again, they would say,
me stronger. Finally, I already knew what I should do as “Maybe”. How funny! In contrast, if you would ask me
well as what I should not. ‘what word do I love to say’, I would answer, “Faster!” It is
Too hot, I habitually spit out. I felt like my body was just for the sake of humor but I think this simply represents
dried up and was already very irritated by the intensive both Korean’s and Filipino’s different characteristics. I be-
heat. It almost caused me to collapse. Perhaps, because lieve that most of the conflicts between Koreans and Filipi-
of this hot weather, Filipinos tend to delay or break nos are from the distinctive characteristics affected by differ-
promises. I had observed that they were very easygoing ent environments.
compared to hot-tempered Koreans who always wanted So all we got to do is to understand each other despite the
to settle things clearly and hastily. The most frustrating differences. When both Koreans and Filipinos really want to
fact was that Filipinos just accepted others’ excuses and help and encourage each other, there shall be no problems
understand their situations swiftly. If we, Koreans, were and we will be happy with being together. Just a little under-
into that case, we would easily get mad about it because standing and a little concern will make us all pleasant. KA-
we valued more public matters than private ones. We SABOT KA?
are somehow uptight, and demanding. Maybe Filipino
people would hate us because of this characteristic. We
would feel the same way with the Filipinos.
9

10. Evert: The Person behind the Personality by: Jecca B. Jacildo
You’ll notice her; that grace and confi- I want to find that purpose. I don’t let
dence in her stance and her outgoing personality people dictate me, but I believe that we
On being a youth leader.
is hard to miss. should always get in touch with our ‘inner
“I don’t see it as an award, although it’s self’---the one that knows what’s right or
You’ll admire her; being hailed as the 2007 an added plus in my resume. For me, it’s just wrong.
Outstanding Cebuano Youth Leader while gain- another challenge.” This was how she de-
ing the position of university and college scholar scribed the feeling of having the title of Out-
is no easy feat. standing Youth Leader of Cebu for 2007. For What are the things you want to be able
But you are going to love this twenty year her, the award was also a way of redeeming her to tell your grandchildren when you’re old
old mass communication student of UP Cebu past failures, and of inspiring youth leaders and gray?That I traveled around the
more when you get to know the person that she world, and worked in an international en-
who come after her.
is. vironmental NGO, specifically the PEM-
With her academic and extra-curricular
SEA (Partnership for the Environmental
activities both on uphill, you wouldn’t think she
Management of the Seas of East Asia).
has any problems managing the two. But she
Profile I’d also encourage them to join organiza-
says that it is a “continued struggle, but I put
tions like Tsinelas (which she’s part of). It
Name: Cris Evert Lato things first. I prioritize being a student, be-
doesn’t have many resources, but they
cause when you look at the words ‘student
Age: 20 years old
manage to give children what they de-
leader’, the word ‘student’ comes first.”
Achievement: 2007 Outstanding Cebuano Youth serve. Most of all, I would tell them that
Leader, Philippines’ representative to China dur- I once dreamed to be a beauty queen.
ing the East Asian seas youth forum,etc. Her Inspiration. Her message.
Self-description: “I can say that I’m a well- Her parents married very young, be- She had experienced how it was
rounded person, and can adjust well to any type cause her mother was only 18 years old when to be degraded because of her course
of personality” she became pregnant. This aspect of her par- choice. There were teachers who immedi-
ents’ former situation, aside from their encour-
Motto: “Everyday, in every way, I’m getting better ately presumed all Mass Communication
agement, drives her to go beyond her limits.
and better” students were not good in math; relatives
ultimately questioned the suitability of
her career choice. But this is what she
The Real Cris Evert.
The things she has to say:
has to say: “We’re not underdogs. In fact,
When asked what people wrongly per- we do not only use our intellectual capac-
ceive about her, she answers that people com- ity, but also the physical. We just don’t
On Mass Communication.
monly see her as strict, perhaps because of her write; we go to the field and write. The
Surprisingly, she never wanted to be a aura or the way she brings herself. But she in- course is not all about glitz and glamour,
Mass Communication student. She wanted to fused that “I am strict, but only when I am in for it entails a lot of sweat, blood and
take up Biology, and her father wanted her to the appropriate position to be one. That does- sleepless nights. Not all of us may be good
take up Accountancy. When the UPCAT results n’t make me a bad person.” She also adds that in math, but that does not mean we’re
came with her name on the list of passers, her people often see her as one who’s very serious not great at all in the other important
father advised her to enroll in UP. Following her about her studies but fact is, “I do go out a aspects of Mass Communication.” She
father’s wishes, she decided to enroll in the lot.” also believes that actions should be taken
school but did not know what course to take.
to upgrade the program, because “there
She reveals that she loves to travel,
Biology was an option, but she felt it was not
are so many great talents and potentials
which is the reason why she despises having a
practical. She then thought that when March
that need to be developed”
corporate job. “I don’t want to sit around all
came and she did not have any course in mind,
day. If I get an 8-5 corporate job, I don’t know
she would take up Mass Communication. And
what would become of me.”
that was how she came to be a blessing in the Now, you won’t just only notice,
program (Thank God for ‘last resorts’). admire and love Ate Evert ; you
SHOULD notice, admire and love her
Her Answers to questions on life and living it.
For her, the coolest thing about being a
more than much.
Mass Communication student is having your If you had a time machine in your hands, at
name printed in newspapers. That was how she what point in your life would you like to go
felt the very first time her name appeared in Su- back to and change? Why?
per Balita at 2004, in August (which was also her
High school. Specifically third year. Those were
birthday). The week after that, Sun Star pub-
disastrous days, because stereotyping was
lished an article of hers. And then her various
prevalent. An instance was, back then I wanted
assignments to write different articles started. It
to become a member in the dance troupe be-
was also the time she realized that the work was
cause I loved to dance. But they did not ac-
“not all glory, for it entails a lot of responsibili-
cept me because I was highly regarded in the
ties”. She further added that another great ex-
academics. There were categories; in my case,
perience of hers as a Masscomm student was the
if you were an honor student, you belong only
‘sudden surge of ideas over snacks with friends’.
to the academics. I chose to be silent on mat-
She relates this to the time when they were
ters that needed to be addressed. I’d like to
tasked to do an advertisement in class. They
change that.
were all exhausted, but the relief of the rush of
ideas at the time when they really needed it was
overwhelming. How do you generally live and view life? How
“The great thing about being a Mass- does this help or hinder you?
comm student in UP is though we don’t have all I live life in the knowledge that I have a pur-
Cris Evert B. Lato
the sophisticated facilities other schools have, pose. That is why I join different organizations;
we produce students of excellent ‘quality’”
10