A window back to my real world

The toughest question so far that was asked of me and it was then coming from the OIC on Zoe Broadcasting Network, Inc. Mr. Rene Gonzalez.

I replied back after asking several questions, but I gave a precise answer and that was "yes". It was Friday,  6th of August, realizing that they wanted me to take over as an Executive Producer, Monday, 16th of August.

THE WHOLE STORY

It was 6th of August, while I was waiting for 

one of my students in my online teaching class, I got a call. It was from Zoe Broadcasting whom I forwarded my resume, the night before. 

The truth of the matter was, I only applied as News Desk Editor. I found the notice on one of my reporter in Manila Times Television JD Del Rosario. The next thing, I know, I was with other key people of the company for a zoom final interview.

It was 11th of August, Wednesday, I finally met our reporters, and of course our News Manager. 

Right then and there, I signed for a job order under the "Executive Producer" post. 

In 2019, I worked for the same post at the Manila Times Television. And in March of 2021, I was hired as the head of the News and Current Affairs under Dreamwave  Media Network also situated in Ortigas, Pasig City. 

A NEW HOME! 

The very week, I met also with the writers/segment producers and other people whom I will be working with, to survive our daily newscast. Thus, came after a company orientation of its mission, vision and goal. 

And also, I think the challenging part was understanding the machine where all the content will be written. 

During my previous work with other broadcasting networks like that of ABS-CBN, we are using "electronic newsroom" (ENR) and iNEWS from CNN Philippines. 

But I never came across with "NewsBox" a total stranger for me. 

When it comes to the rundown, it already has a templated one. Like, I need to understand how to memorize popular commands like anchors on cam, back to back sot, upstream, roll vtr, end etc. 

The correct placing of commands are essential in achieving the smooth flow of the newscast. 

Like, I was told about related concerns on the newsbox during their previous airing in the control room. 

If ever, I need to have a final line-up, that I will not move or edit. Because, it will affect our on-air newscast. 

So far, I was able to understand newsbox thoroughly within the span of two weeks. 

UNDERSTANDING THE WORK LOAD

I was up around 6:30 am, for a 9:00 am office call time. This was where I have to see it myself how was rush hour specially during Monday. 

For the first week, we were at the office around 9:00 am, a very early preparation for the 10:30 pm newscast. 

The editorial team did this to fully understand the scope and its work load. 

It was on the 13th of August, when we did a newscast simulation. We were able to gather all fresh content, but there was scarcity  of editors. 

But we pushed through, by getting scripts from 30th of June line-up. 

Though, I and our News Manager felt that the produced content wouldn't be usable, I suggested and we both agreed that the simulation will help us understand the technical side of the newscast.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH AND THE TOUGH GETS GOING

While, I was teaching myself to fully comprehend everything, I noticed that I was too concentrated on looking at my content. 

This, neglected even the time, I will spend for lunch, merienda and even dinner. 

There was a time, I experienced getting dizzy and that I wasn't completely understand what I was writing. 

I even closed my eyes for minutes, for I felt that my eyes were too dry due to the long exposure in front of the computer. 

But, I shaped up, started  bringing meals my wife prepared for me at home. 

On the first week, I resorted to a quick convenience store and fast food chain restaurants for my food to eat. 

But, budget wise and time related concerns, it won't work for me. 

THE GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP

I'd like to begin this by quoting what was once said by our News Manager, Gerry Lirio. 

According to him, 

"The team is survived its daily airing because of its teamwork."

It's not common that you will find people in the industry, whom you will work harmoniously. It happens in real life for each of you has different qualities, but what will give fairness is that all of you has the same skills acquired in the broadcasting.

The way I perceived it, just like in cooking we have all the ingredients ready to come up with the best tasting meal, in broadcast the right amount of news to inform and inspire. 

ABOUT BALITANG A2Z 

Balitang A2Z is a weekday late night news program that delivers comprehensive and credible news alongside community-focused and inspiring stories that are relatable to Filipino free TV viewers to empower them to make decisions in their daily lives and motivates them towards positive change.

You can watch Balitang A2Z with our anchor Barbie Muhlach weekdays, Mondays thru Fridays, 10:30 pm on Zoe Broadcasting Inc., Channel 11.

Its Not Goodbye!

 

They say all good things must come to an end.
But I am looking at it on a different perspective.

Lee's English Center was around when I need a home.
But above all, they gave me a family.
A family members that teach me a very important lesson in life, and that is to share an overflowing learnings to your students, whom you consider also a part of it.

There are so many takeaways, this profession gave me.
It brings out the best in me!
At the end of the day, it wasn't just me who imparted learnings to them, but most of all, I've learned a lot from them also.

My overflowing gratitude to
Mavic Lee, Manager of Lee English Center. ❤️
To Manager Angelyn Ng Hilario, thank you for keeping up with me. 😍
To all my co-teachers who was also my inspiration to do my best and share only nothing but the best, thank you so much! 😍
Shaine Ann Iglopas Juegos Jayssa Marie Almoite Francisco and also to the rest.

To all the parents of the students, whom entrusted us their kids and believed in me.
Chaty Mirasol Cecile Obana Meg A DCruz

And also most of all, to all my bright students, I hope I was able to feed you enough learnings.
-Jace, Daine, Kiko, Andrea, Nicole, Chloe, Julienne and Timothy!

To my family, who witnessed everything that I've gone through. Thank you for believing that I can. Meanne Garabot Althea Garabot Mikayla Ysabelle Garabot Salie Alvarez Garabot Teresita Garabot Oscar Garabot

And to God who gave me his knowledge, wisdom and his blessing everyday to continue with life's journey, whether it was sunny, gloomy or when it rains. 🙏

Again, I have to say that this is not goodbye.
But only checking what else will I learn outside the institution. So, that when the time comes, I can share more!

#PartingWords #ThisIsNotGoodbye #TeacherRod #LeesEnglishCenter

HAPPY TOUGH TIMES

 

I never had the chance to monitor the condition of my father and before it was brought to my attention one of his lungs is full of water. It was shown in the recent X-ray he'd undergone a week ago.

Mang Oscar (69) who is celebrating his birthday was also the time, my siblings rushed him to 10 different hospitals.

Looking at him, he's not in good shape anymore. He was by the way, two weeks having an on and off fever. I also heard a story that he was hallucinating and called his siblings who passed away, many years ago.

Wednesday, August 4, during class my lunch break, I found a way to see him and there he was seated on his bed getting ready to be picked up.

I tapped his left leg and told him soon he will be brought to the hospital to do some necessary procedures to remove and drain the excess water in his lungs.

He uttered words...

"Hindi ninyo kasi ako pina-check."

(You never had me checked for my condition).

And I saw him almost cried.

And believe me, that almost breaks my heart.

With him was my siblings Richel with husband Emman, Rosalie and Ralph.

Their journey to find the hospital who will attend my father's emergency needs started at the Navotas City Hospital.

But they were discouraged because it has no specialist and facilities to do the procedures.

Also, they were not allowed to use the hospital ambulance if they aren't secure a hospital that will admit our father.

They were forced to use a private car from my sibling Richel and they drove all the way to the 2nd hospital in Quezon City, Lung Center of the Philippines. 

But they were not admitting anymore, due to a high numbers of COVID-19 patients. 

At the very near East Avenue Hospital became their 3rd choice.

My sibling Richel told me she saw queued patients in the ER in the wheelchair, stretcher, and even the moving of corpses  that was sealed inside the body bag from the hospital. 

They were told that they can admit my father but he will be with people that was treated for COVID-19. 

This led them to another hospital, the QC Medical Center located at Muñoz, a public hospital that was also full of patients. 

They found themselves in the 5th hospital, the Jose Reyes Hospital. They were informed that two days ago, it was already full. A bold proof was most patients were waiting in the hospital's hallway. 

At the MCU Hospital in Caloocan City was the 6th. It's a private hospital that was also not accepting admission anymore. 

They moved in to the 7th, which was the Chinese General Hospital. Too bad, it has the same scenario. 

They never gave up and pushed for the search. They ended up at the Fatima Hospital in Valenzuela. At this time, they had seen that my father has trouble for breathing. They were told that there's one room that became available but it was taken by someone who was around as early as 6:00 pm. 

Then there's a hospital located at the UN Avenue in Manila. They were promised that the result for the swab test (the first requirement for the admission) will be released in an hour or so. But they stayed there for about 4 hours, they left after they were confronted of the fact that the procedure will required them at least half a million peso. 

My father were swabbed and were given a bed that has an oxygen. Around 7:00 pm they were given a bill amounting to P25, 000. The swab test cost them P11, 000 and the remaining amount goes to other hospital bills. 

My sibling Richel remembered a certain scene where one hospital doctor became so sarcastic and bold on her. At the time, she felt that her status in life got insulted as well. 

After all the goal that they wanted to fulfill, the swab test they were waiting to have that was paid already, were never released. 

The final hospital that accepted my father and has more room for admission was the semi-private Tondo Hospital. 

The decision was all hard for us for my father will be treated with a patient that was positive for COVID-19. 

We wouldn't validate this as a proper decision, but this was the last option we had at the very moment, after all it was a matter of life and death. 

We ask for everyone's prayer and whatever help you can give us on this. 🙏

By the way, he was admitted on his 69th birthday. 😔

#PapaWeLoveYou #GodIsWithUs