TRUE to its reputation as the trendsetter among campus papers, the Varsitarian became the first campus paper in the country to release its own style rules in book form, signalling the paper’s foray into book publishing.
The UST Varsitarian Campus Press Stylebook is a manual of style and usage in writing in English for campus writers, editors, reporters, teachers, and students.
Also released was Heaven’s Kitchen, a collection of inspirational articles on self-development, friendship, family, and love. The book collects articles from a popular subsection of the paper’s Witness (Religion) section that started during school year 2000-01.
The Stylebook and Heaven’s Kitchen were launched last Oct. 24, during the Inkblots 2002’s fellowship night as part of the Varsitarian’s Diamond Jubilee celebration.
Fellows who attended the Inkblots 2002, the annual nationwide campus journalism seminar- workshop organized by the Varsitarian, praised the books.
“The stylebook is a big help for students learning the mechanics of campus journalism,” said Lawrence Carbonell of the Institute of Creative Computer Technology, Cainta, Rizal.
“Heaven’s Kitchen presents the struggles of young adults, like us, then helps us look for a solution with guidance from the Lord. It makes us think or feel that he will never let us down and that everything can be solved through him,” said Cristina Lamano, a Faculty of Arts and Letters student.
Published jointly by the Varsitarian and the UST Publishing House, The Varsitarian Campus Press Stylebook is sold at P150, Heaven’s Kitchen at P125. The Varsitarian has earmarked its royalties for a special fund to help the University in its mission, such as the endowment of professorial lecture chairs and the establishment of a scholarship program.
Meanwhile, Dr. Evelyn Songco, assisstant to the Rector for student affairs, commended the Varsitarian for embarking on book publishing.
“Not only is it about being the first to launch the books, but it is about contributing something to campus journalism in the Philippines. And, Heaven’s Kitchen refreshes Thomasian spirituality while allowing students to relate to their fellow students,” Songco said. Jennifer B. Fortuno
