“How can you write for the Varsitarian when you don’t know anything about National Artists?”
That was what a member of the selection committee told me during a Zoom panel interview when I applied to join the Varsitarian.
And I spent four years of my career at the V trying to turn what seemed like a weakness during my interviews into my biggest strength.
Joining the V
It was an awkward time to join the V. UST was still fully online and offering limited classes, and activities in-person were just an idea back then. I was in my second year as a journalism student. Wide-eyed. Full of dreams.
I remember when I took my exams, they were through Zoom. I was among the over 100 screen boxes of applicants hoping to fill a small spot at the V. I applied to be a Features writer for the V. As I was writing my heart out, under the watchful eyes of then editorial assistant Jessica Asprer, I couldn’t help but second-guess every word I spilled out, whether it was enough to prove that I’m a writer.
When I got the news that I could move on to the interviews, I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t a “press con” kid, nor was I part of my high school’s student paper. I was a blank slate. No experience. I didn’t know how I could sell myself. But I held on with my grit and integrity.
Entering the video conference call to face the Selection Committee, every answer was a test. Everything was going well until I made the mistake of admitting that I was not well-versed in the biggest names in Philippine culture and notable UST alumni in the arts.
It was then that I realized that to be a features writer, it is not enough to be a good writer. It is knowing what stories are worth telling.
‘Soft Sections’
We often view journalism as being about the hard and the rigorous. Oftentimes, we forget the stories that champion Thomasian artistic and cultural accomplishments. Stories that highlight the beauty of human creation.
During my time at the V as a features and circle writer, eventually becoming Circle (arts and media) editor and managing editor, it wasn’t about proving whether I was equipped to write quickly and gather the most relevant facts. It was about writing stories that remind us of our humanity.
For me, being a journalist was about writing about how love blooms within the four walls of the University. (UST couple’s love story takes page from Taylor Swift’s ‘You Belong With Me’ MV | The Varsitarian) (“UST Couple’s Love Story Takes a Page from Taylor Swift’s ‘You Belong with Me’” – Feb 14, 2024)
Journalism was also about celebrating each individual’s global recognition and achievements. (Thomasian racer’s crazy journey leads her to victory in F1 Academy | The Varsitarian) (“Thomasian Racer’s Crazy Journey Leads Her to Victory in F1 Academy” — May 28, 2023)
Writing was chronicling aesthetics that could define a generation. (Next-generation Thomasian artists celebrated in ‘Distinguished’ exhibit | The Varsitarian) (“Next-Generation Thomasian Artists Celebrated in ‘Distinguisged’ Exhibit” — Nov. 25, 2023)
Journalism was also about keeping the arts in check, pointing out what needed improvement, and shedding light on mistakes to prevent culture from falling into mediocrity. (Debunking some misses in hit film ‘GomBurZa’ | The Varsitarian) (“Debunking Some Missed in Hit Film ‘GomBurZa’” — Feb. 17, 2024)
St. Thomas Aquinas defined beauty in three terms: integritas, proportio or consonantia, and claritas.
Whether it was among my intentions or not, being a culture writer at the V opened my eyes to the meaning of beauty as St. Thomas Aquinas described it. I came to realize that a piece of art must have integrity, all elements must be harmonious with each other, and its inner splendor must be manifested in its materiality.
As I went on to write for the V, I was slowly introduced to Rolando S. Tinio (National Artist for Theater and Literature), Leandro V. Locsin (National Artist for Architecture), National artists for the Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Victorio Edades, and Jeremias Elizalde Navarro, who was the V’s Art Director, Arturo Luz, and more.
Proving that my time at the V was a full circle experience. I entered this place ignorant of what it means to be a journalist in the arts and culture, and I’m leaving with the knowledge that I have taken steps, however tentative, to becoming a bit of an expert on these topics.
That’s the beauty of being a V staffer: you will always come out a better person, a better journalist. I have learned more about writing and journalism at the V than in the four years I spent studying for my journalism degree.
Leadership
Being a V staffer was not just about writing; it was also about leadership.
The V’s extra editorial will test how well you work with a team, how far you can keep respecting authority, and to what extent you are willing to sacrifice for a successful event.
In addition to my editorial duties, I had the pleasure of heading the 26th Inkblots, a campus journalism fellowship that brings together students from across the country to learn about journalism practices and issues from invited professional speakers.
It was a joy to lead the staff in mounting an event of this magnitude. To have witnessed the curiosity and passion of fellow student journalists from different parts of the Philippines. To learn from their own practices and views of journalism.
Of course, my involvement in other extracurricular events of the V, namely the Creative Writing Workshop, UST National Campus Journalism Awards, Gawad Ustetika, and Pautakan, whether as a committee member or as a head, has contributed to making me a leader who focuses on fairness and efficiency.
Utmost gratitude
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to the people who have helped shape me into the journalist I am today:
To Sir Lito, thank you for your frank comments on my writing and pitches throughout the years. It has always encouraged me to become a better writer. It was an honor to have learned how to become a good arts and culture writer from a veteran journalist of your caliber.
To Sir Ipe, thank you for pushing me to pursue roles that helped me become a better leader.
To the EBs who came before me, whom I also consider my friends: Hirro, Edj, Ate Jacq, Logan, and Nyah, thank you for your mentorship and endless patience. It wasn’t easy to work with an inexperienced writer, but your guidance provided me with the opportunity to keep getting better.
To the section editors that trained me and had the pleasure of sitting through hours of story conferences with: Ate Faith, Ate Geli, Ate Sam, Ate Joselle, Kuya Marvs, Kuya Chan, Kuya Jan, Peter, Mabel, Kai, Bjorn, Ralent, Brother Ammiel, Diana, Jenna, Aidan, Jeremy, Carlo, Denzel, Rob, Vince, Billy, Frenchy, Marielle, Chloe S., Amanda and Jed. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you and for providing me with a safe space, knowing that we are all equally nervous to share our pitches.
To the Circle writers, I had the greatest honor of sharing my passion for the arts and culture: Nana, Div, Kobe, Ten, Dave, and Inah. I only hope I was able to provide enough advice to help you nurture the Circle section on your own.
To the ever reliable editorial assistant, Reyza: Without you I would not have been able to survive my demanding role as a managing editor. Thank you for always helping me with the ever complicated administrative work.
To my fellow EBs: Ate Chals and Sofi. I am incredibly grateful to work with an editorial board that unconditionally supports each other. Being in management can sometimes feel isolating, but working with both of you, I never once felt alone. I am so proud of the work we did together. I know that we are destined for greater success, beyond the V.
Arts and culture
It is so easy to dismiss arts and culture as a significant beat in journalism. Why not? It does not deal with life-and-death situations. Its stories are often seen as unessential.
But, in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), chronicling culture has become necessary more than ever.
We need more writers who have an eye for beauty and appreciate human craft, all of which AI can never replace.
To student journalists of UST, as you explore what kind of journalism you want to pursue, I hope you consider writing for the soft part of the profession.
It is here that you will witness beauty amidst the noise. Moments where you will be reminded of the infinite potential we have as human beings, as a society, as a community.
And if you are looking for a place that offers the opportunity to explore this type of writing, I also hope you will consider the V.
I hope you will find a sense of appreciation and love for the arts and culture, just as I did at the V.
