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.

In the nick of time

This is true..."things are happening for a reason/s.
The last time I remember I was at the academe last school appearance was 18th of  March 2019.
Back then I was thinking now what to do at the time the 2nd semester was over.
Never got lucky with the attempts I've done in going back to one station I started my journey as journalist way back June of 2000.
I think  my path was really going to teaching so I started thinking to really take this seriously and attend series of studying during weekends for 6 months.
I started gathering  several requirements to finally prepare myself as to...TOR, diploma, Birth Certificate, and many more.
But as I prepared for this...something very unusual things happened.
Like my honorarium for two months teaching was unfortunately put into hold. 😔
My bread and butter that time and this burden really disheartened me.
I have a family to feed and a monthly obligations to deal with.
Back then, I kept on asking myself why?
Why God you're giving me so much difficulties.
But sometimes at the very beginning when things happens as it happens, you will not discern and completely do not understand why.
What I have in mind at that very moment was God again was testing my faith on Him.

Until the very night of 10th of April a long time co-worker from the broadcast industry Mai sent me a message via a messenger.
And to cut the long story short, there was a work invitation for me and asking me to made a visit the following day.
And that was then one great news! 📰

10th of April 2019 a message via messenger

The following day, I went to attend a job interview to a place I never thought of seeing my self working...in Manila!

Suprised as well because I will be working with the "nicest" boss in the world Sir Clift Daluz.
A former co-employee in the two media firm I was with before ABS-CBN, Channel 2 and CNN Philippines!

Mr. Clift Daluz was the appointed VP for News and Public Affairs of The Manila Times Television by the owner himself Mr. Dante A. Ang (DAA).

It was a very overwhelming post a leverage from my previous work which is now an Executive Producer and for "News" specifically.

My boss and I had me again for an interview a week after the "Holy Week" and after some arrangements with the salary I'm asking we finally have a deal. 🤝

I just said I am after more of the experience and a challenge that I will be facing in the new station.

A very good boss, with a beautiful "team" with Drew Nacino our News Desk Editor/Writer, Jedidiah Del Rosario, Reporter, Jake Remphsey, Associate Producer/Writer and Mai Santiaguel our Communication Staff/EA.

The amazing team with Sir Clift Daluz (in violet), starting from left Rempsey, JD, Mai, and Drew

A highly spirited team of The Manila Times Television.

On our very first month, we presented an idea of a "tagalog" newscast designed for digital TV using a platform of a social media via Facebook.

As we prepare for the lauching...we did several interstitial stories related mainly for the national election happening on the 13th of May.

And some interesting thematic yearly celebrations like that of "Labor Day"
"Father's Day Celebration" to name a few.

Part also of our preparations was our testing of scripts for weekdays airing and several auditions and hiring of qualified employees for the following vacant posts.

But the most unforgettable moment was  meeting and presenting for the very first time the boss that I do not completely knew and met Mr. Dante Ang.

Mr. Daluz was not available at that very moment. And the presentation was entrusted to me. I was really shaking inside but the only thing I have in mind was to represent the team and present it.

We actually prepared a 14minute video newscast presentation, but was asked to alter it for 3minutes only.
Mainly because DAA never wanted to see a very long presentation.

In DAA's office,  along with my laptop whom I prayed please bare with me.
I showed the presentation the headlines, the teaser and some selected stories that has main news item, sports and entertainment news.

I was then reminded of some important things and then asked to rewind it again from the very beginning then said a word... "OKAY."
At first, I do not make any movement so DAA said it again..."OKAY!"
And that actually means that the presentation was approved!

I began sharing the news to Mr. Daluz and he said I need to expound my text to him. And so I did.

25th of April exchange of text messages

Congratulatory remarks from my boss

More messages of Congratulations!

There's a lot more to do but the beginning was just right and in perfect timing.
Now I know, why I suffered previously before the victory came in!

BALITAAN SA CNN PHILIPPINES!

Courtesy: Balitaan, CNN Philippines
Pinky Webb, Program Anchor

Batid ng karamihan na ang CNN Philippines ay gumagamit ng wikang ingles sa pagsusulat at pagbabalita.

Ngunit sa kagustuhan nga nito na makuha pa ang ibang manonood...ipinanganak at sumahimpapawid ang "Balitaan," kasama si Pinky Webb sa CNN Philippines sa wikang sariling atin naman.

Bagama't hindi ito ang naunang balita na tagalog ang wika, naroon pa rin ang pagaasam nito na mauna sa pagbibigay ng pinakasariwang balita dito at maging sa iba pang bahagi ng mundo.

Nagkaroon po ng pagkakataon ang inyong lingkod na higit na makilala pa ang programa ngayong araw kung saan may isang Co-Associate Producer na lumiban upang bigyan naman ang sarili ng panahon na maipagdiwang rin ang kapaskuhan.  

MGA NAKATUTUWANG BAGAY SA PROGRAMA

Maaga ang paglalagay ng mga istorya.

Dalawang oras pa lang bago sumahimpapawid ito, makikita mo na agad na may laman na ang 

rundown nito.

Kapansin-pansin rin na isang oras naman bago ito umere ay gawa na ang "Headlines."

Bagay na nakakapanibago, pero malaking tulong sa programa.

Ito kasi ay nilalakapan pa ng boses ng Anchor ng programa, lalagyan din ng musika at ilalapat higit sa lahat ang mga nakalap na magagandang bidyo upang bigyan ng paunang silip ang mga manonood kung ano ang mga dapat nilang abangan sa kabuuan nito.

Binabanggit ang mga kailangan ng Programa.

Mahalaga ang bahaging ito, upang mabatid din namin ng maaga bilang mga Associate Producer ng programa ang mga dapat naming higit na bigyan ng pansin.

Kung may kailangang anunsyo na pagagawan ng graphics, ano ang pambungad na gustong mangyari.

Gaya halimbawa ng kung gagawan ba ito "Whip Around," may kailangang kunin na reaksyon ng ating mga netizens sa isang social media, may kailangang i-download na bidyo sa ating mga news source. Lahat ng mga nabanggit ay mahalaga.

Pagbibigay diin din na mahalagang naguusap ang "Producer," at ang AP nito.

Para kung anumang nasa isip ng Producer nababatid ng AP, at nakikita ng higit sa lahat ng mga masugid nating mga manonood.

Hindi ginagalaw ang laman ng balita.

Bagama't alam natin na ang balita o ang eksaktong magaganap na balita ay hindi mo mahuhulaan, mahalagang kinokonsidera rin ng mga "Producer," na dapat hindi maya-maya ay binabago ang laman ng rundown.

O kung sa mga 'di inaasahang pagkakataon na talagang kailangang baguhin ito, dapat ay may antisipasyon na o "back-up," kung ano ang pwedeng ipalit kapag

 hindi umobra ang orihinal na plano.

Bagama't ang pinsalang dulot ng bagyong si "Nina," ang naging ulo ng mga iniulat ngayon, nanatiling matibay ang desisyon ng producer na hindi palitan o baguhin ang mga ito.

Siguro marahil ay malaking tulong na wala namang dumarating na bagong balita na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin.

Bakit kailangang tumutok sa Balitaan...mga mahahalagang dahilan.

May mga maaagang programa rin sa ibang istasyon na naghahatid ng balita dito at sa labas ng ating bansa kasama na nga rin ng mga programa natin dito sa CNN Philippines.

Ganunpaman, ang Balitaan ay nagbibigay ng bintana sa mga balita na maaaring maganap pa lamang.

Hindi nga ba napakahalagang bagay na alam mo na ang balita bago pa man ito mangyari?

Kinukuha rin nito ang panig ng mga mahahalagang personalidad upang tanungin ng direkta sa mga isyu na patok sa kasalukuyan.

Hihimayin upang masagot ang mga tanong na gustong marinig ng karamihan upang sila'y maliwanagan. 

"Mahalaga ang balita, ito'y bahagi na ng buhay ng bawat mamamayan. 

Mamimili ka lang sa dalawa...

walang alam?

o may alam?"

Kaya gawin na nating bahagi ng ating buhay ang makibalita at piliin ang programang tutugon sa araw-araw ninyong pangangailangan...ang "Balitaan!"