My 2018 with a BANG!

11th of January, CNN Philippines, Nine Media Company (Last Day)

Even though at times you plan what you need to do for the year, there are still things that you can't control. Like the immediate turn-out of events which you'll never expect to happen.

A lot of us has personal stories in relation to this, some has back-up plans, while some like my story need to confront it as it arises.


THINGS ARE GONNA BE OKAY

On the 11th of January, I received a call around 1140 am from an immediate superior, a call that I never answered because I already found the person calling...she was just behind me.

Everything wasn't clear yet because I was just asked to follow her that leads to a closed-door.

The next thing I am fully aware of I was in-front of our Human Resources Manager, along with three Executive Producers and a company Vice President to name a few.

The next words I've been hearing and wouldn't forget...I was told that the company was currently into a so called..."RIGHTSIZING," that it will soon be focusing on "DIGITIZING," and because of this it will only require a few number of employees and that they'll terminating my contract because I was "ONE," of those.

Next seen, I felt I have too much "INFORMATION," the only thing I remembered was the company VP were shaking hands with me. He was saying something but I have blocked out.
I was asked if I still have questions...I just said "NONE," and immediately left the room.


PREPARING FOR SOMETHING

Prior to the so called..."BIG ANNOUNCEMENT, " for "NO REASON," I was cleaning my cabinet files.

I also had  a prior conversation with an officemate about her two co-employees who was asked to end their work as well.

And after a few more hours...I was exactly experiencing the same thing.

Now, my cabinet files I kept for more than 5 years which I'm having a hard time fixing...with the unfolding of the big announcement...I was able to finish it in less than an hour.


PACKAGE OFFERED

I was told about getting a month of my salary in the company times a number of years spent working with them.
Will I say that's BAD...I don't know.
Because in reality, the money that I will be getting will soon be empty if I can't find an immediate work replacement.
But that's how reality works now, I thought the job I had with the company since I am a  REGULAR EMPLOYEE would be somehow "STABLE," but that proves me "VERY WRONG."

The only CLEAR thing that it leaves me..."NO ONE IS INDISPENSABLE!"

CNN Philippines Christmas Decor 2017 entries

Just before the month of December unfolds, outside you see Christmas traditions scattered and seen on the streets, in every houses, inside and outside your favorite malls and of course, inside every offices.
But this year, specifically here in CNN Philippines employees were challenged to put not just Christmas decor in their respective offices but also decorating it the way how Christmas is being celebrated in different parts of the world.

We will begin with "The Television Operating Center," "TOC," who have chosen and unveiled how Christmas is celebrated in "JAPAN."

The TOC team uses space provided going to their office entrance. This was where they placed a miniature of a small town in Japan covered with ice...and to achieved the snowy effect they used cottons.

AND because of this...they won 3rd Place for this year's Christmas Decor 2017 entry.

Another entry came in from the "CURRENT AFFAIRS," department with...should I say embodied "UNIQUENESS."

Unique in such a way that this is the only department that never features how Christmas is celebrated in other countries instead they were all PROUD and HAPPY  and showcased our very own way of celebrating Christmas specifically in the Philippines..."Pasko sa Nayon," or literally translates in english "Christmas in the Village."

Seeing it personally would probably give you a feeling of holiness that blends well with the type of Christmas lights they've used.

The final presentation offered free taste of "Filipino Rice Cakes," and a lot more.

Along with Christmas songs playing as background for a more intense feel of their masterpiece.

The Current Affairs theme won as 2nd Place for this year's Christmas Decor Entry!

I know now, you are so thrilled to find out who amazed our judges and CNN Philippines employees...

our 1st Place goes to..."The Human Resources," team which featured how Christmas is celebrated in BRUSSELS, BELGIUM!

I wouldn't forget my first glance on this...it amazes me.

The "FIREPLACE," looked so real.

The SOFAS were so INVITING.

In short, it allows every spectators to TRAVEL to BELGIUM without living the place.

No wonder, it was CNN Philippines employees' favorite place for taking their selfies...and even my family never let the opportunity to pass.

OTHER ENTRIES CHRISTMAS DECOR ENTRIES...

THE NORTH POLE: NEWS TEAM

HAWAII: THE EDITING TEAM

SWITZERLAND: THE CREATIVES

MEXICO: THE SALES TEAM

GERMANY:  THE MEDIA MANAGEMENT AND NEWS LIBRARY

This only proves that despite the business from work employees of CNN Philippines will make and find time to participate and enjoy this year's Christmas Decor Competition.

Congratulations to all of us!

My first 5K fun run...ACCOMPLISHED!

This is so serious the last time I participated was many years ago.
I don't know after that I think I lost my sense of "Participation," and the idea of being "Engage," in that kind of activity.
But this particular "Fun Run," came in at the right place and at the right time.


HOW DID IT STARTED?

There was an invitation that I have seen on our company e-mail.
What interests me was that...I could avail the membership for "FREE," if I will be among the first 10 employees who will send-in their names.
And LUCKILY...I was at number 10.
So, I believe this was really intended for ME!


PREPARATIONS

The fun run was officiated by the Philippine Red Cross, encouraging individuals, groups, several companies and organizations to participate. Part of the purpose of the event was also to encourage volunteers across the country. And secondary was achieving the "Guinness World Record," for the most number of runners who will participate.

Part of my preparations was to exercise for 5 consecutive days prior to the event. This I believe a very helpful way to at least condition the body and the mind that I will be running for 5K.

I did this because I wanted mainly to finish the run without experiencing muscle cramp or any related injury.
Plus the fact that I really wanted to challenge myself that even though I did it long time ago...my "WILL," will let me push through!


So, I religiously wake up every 6:00 in the morning and jog for 30 minutes or more.


OTHER PREPARATIONS

We were told by the company that there are no more "Singlets," and that we should be responsible on looking for a running outfit we will wear on the day.
I looked around a certain mall for a "red," clothes. Red because the event was officiated by the Philippine Red Cross.
I also bought a pair of socks and some extras like "Knee Pad."
Which I end up choosing not to wear them on the actual run.
Not because I never wanted to wear it. It was because much of my time were taken by looking for a place where to put my things.
Too bad, the organizers did not consider it.


ROUTINES

I normally begin biking for 10 rounds inside the available parking area within the church near to us.
It was a perfect venue for it has high fences, secured and that I will avoid accident from motor vehicles. Only that it serves as a dropping area for students going to school, but I looked at them not "HINDRANCES," but an "OBSTACLE," a perfect training for the actual run where there are many expected participants from different organizations and companies.

Then, after that I will park my bike and will walk also 10 times.
That is indeed my preparation to run now for 10 rounds as well, then will walk again.

I will now move to a certain elevated side and will do 3sets of 12 reps push ups and sit-ups.
But prior to mentioned exercises...stretching before and after is a must.


ACTUAL DAY

I woke up 3:00 in the morning for the assembly time was set at 4.
It was intentional for I have to a lot an hour for commuting.
I am coming from Navotas and the venue was set at Quirino, Grandstand in Manila.

Honestly speaking, I only slept for 3hours but I heard from some that they do not have
enough sleep as well and some never slept at all.

Never needed much stretching prior to the run, because I and the rest of the participants who commuted walked from Rizal Park going to Quirino Grandstand.

I never wanted to go on a fun run without having anything in my stomach...so while walking towards the exact venue, I was eating a sandwich and a banana prepared by my wife at home.

I don't know but gun starts was expected to begin at 5:00 in the morning but it started 30 minutes after.


WORRIES

During the run, I was thinking if I will finish it. What I had in mind was I will be experiencing muscle cramps etc...and it was I don't know raining at the time.

During the time I was thinking all of those worries...I remember what my good friend and Kumare "Iyos," told me. Just keep a certain pace while running and it really helped me!

I actually put a timer during the event. I wanted to keep track of how much time I allotted doing it.
I was amazed that at one point, I was running continuously for 18minutes after that my body and my mind dictates me that I should stop and walk slowly.
I actually stopped running 3 times before I finally conquered the finish line.

I'm thinking now that this is not the last event I will be participating...but this will be the start of many many fun run I will join.
There's a certain feeling of "HAPPINESS," and "FULFILLMENT," because I was able to accomplished something very very good on my health and my whole being.

Now, my goal is a fit body for my birth month...meaning I will keep the fire burning.

See you soon again on the next fun run!

HANDLING GLOBAL NEWSROOM

It's already 3 O'clock...more than the recall that most of us knew or being aware of the "3 O'clock Prayer," for me its a bold sign that "Global Newsroom," is about to air!

The clock is ticking past, everything should be ready and previewed before the program begins.

Courtesy CNN Philippines, CNN Philippines, Global Newsroom Logo

This is now one of the three programs I am currently supervising. Along with regular every 30 minutes CNN Updates from 11:30 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. And wait there's more there's "Breaking News!"

First week of April, I was given an entirely weird schedule of day-off which happens on Friday and Saturday...weird because I have to be working longer hours during Sunday for CNN Weekend Updates from 8:55 in the moring to 5:00 in the afternoon. 

But that also includes supervising "Newsroom Weekend," which airs 6:00pm to 6:30 in the evening.

Which made me adjust all the family day events which normally falls during Sunday to Friday or Saturday. And to free-up my self from laundry and other household chores, everything should be done during weekdays.

Because really it is a must to have a break for "one's self," or a time spent for bonding with my family. To help me put away all the stress brought about by weekdays workloads and other extra-curricular activities. 

  

WORKING WITH THE NEW PROGRAM

Mastery of tasks while dealing with time constraint.

This part is very challenging to learn because sometimes even the time alotted for preview were taken away from me. Eventhough, you have an idea of what news or event happening that day...there are news that are still coming in and you can't really prevent or stop it. When this happens, you have no choice but to immediately address or focus on it.

-Creating an Id

An ID or "Media ID," is very helpful tool use to send edited segments. This is normally done after looking at the code given for downloads.

Every downloaded segments contains upstreams tha has details for locations, video source and even the time stamp. Because not all materials are directly coming from CNN most are coming from social media sites and some are file videos.  

-Creating a folder name designated for every story

To easily identify the type of segments as to VO, PKG, DNT, LKLV, SOT, NATPKG, etc...

-How to download fast

What I was doing before was to patiently wait for every donwloads to finish. This is to secure that everything is succesfully downloaded. But since "Time is of the essence," I have to leave it for the meantime and counter check later.

Recently, encountered segment that's taking longer to downloads...one of the editor recommended to select MP4 instead of the usual MOV during the conversion process. This will at least lessen and speed up conversion which can be done in the editing.  

-Assigning editors what segment to edit

On a piece of paper, I normally write the code along with the name of the editor and the corresponding "media Id," created. On a folder that has name of the program and its date it was an automatic activity for them to check if there are upstreams that are required to be on it.

If there are instructions as to repeat the particular video, remove the extro, blur a sensitive image or even bleep a cursing words uttered, it has to be in the paper. 

Discussing those instructions personally to the editor are even more effective.

DIFFICULTIES:

Some mats changes its code when downloaded, which sometimes confuses the editor. So, instead of focussing on other additional downloads, time will be divided again.

What's good about the show is that you to download all the videos directly on the server. I got overwhelmed on my first week for I have 20 and more downloads assignments that very day.

Aside from that there are time consuming downloads, these are high-definition segments which 

taking longer than the usual 5 minutes or less to 30minutes or more.

And recently encountered downloaded segments that never reflects on the editing. Or when downloads finish the "request is complete," the desired destination where it should be found were not seen on a default folder. 

This now requires me to check every folder created and or path where it usually saved.

Sometimes, which really happens in real life...I have to repeat the downloads again, which taking so much of my time, energy, and adrenaline.

All downloads comes by batches...so you have to keep your patience longer. 

It could only mean that you have to visit the download station not just once, twice, thrice...sometimes even more than that. 

Looking at it on a brighter side, It's like I was given a privilege to do a threadmill or jog at the office while working, one of the best cardiovascular exercise I could ever get.

When breaking news explodes while preparing for Global Newsroom no choice but to juggle with both programs all of the sametime. Normally, it happens before the program goes on air. e.g., The President has an speaking engagement sometimes if we put him "LIVE" on-air the shortest airing time is 20-30minutes...while the 1hour or so was the longest. When this happens, the program will be pre-empted. 

But since this one is unpredictable we have to prepare the whole newscast ready for airing no matter what.

SACRIFICES:

Couldn't go out for Lunch for the program I am supervising requires immediate attention when breaking news explodes. So I normally bring food with me and had lunch on my work area. Or If I don't have pack lunch ready, I always do take out (which is no choice fastfood), all the time.

THE BRIGHTER SIDE:

The producer was very approachable and was open for suggestions made. Even writers were helping as well to resolve concerns in the editing. As to there are downloads that requires more time to be converted before it goes on air.

Global Newsroom last airing was on the 29th of December 2017. This was replaced by Amanpour which started airing 1st of January 3pm and replays at 6:30pm.

------------------

CNN Philippines Global Newsroom is anchored by Pia Hontiveros, weekdays 3pm

CNN Philippines Updates weekdays airs...930am, 11:30am AND 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm

CNN Philippines Weekend Updates airs hourly from 9:00am to 5:00pm

CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend, anchored by Mai Rodriguez airs at 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday

SPORTS DESK: A WHOLE NEW WORLD!

With my SPORTS DESK Family, March 6, 2017

When I thought everything was ready and that our line-up for the day will be too strong to change...something came up, there was an extended breaking news the scheduled 7pm Sports Desk airing got pre-empted. The program resorted to taping "Joe Devance," our guest for tonight.

It's not the idea that I don't bother at all, but this has prevented me from doing my additional video requirements for UAAP right away.
Taping means, the program has extended and recently I was asked to be inside the studio to time as in literally count the total video that will be use for the PBA support.
Well, it has like 2minutes the most and I am speaking for the entire program that videos should not exceed to that.

Earlier, I am facing a close to airing time-coding for the video supports needed for our UAAP that night.
OMG, I need to complete everything at least 15 minutes before the program begins. Because, I need that remaining minutes to preview everything that was in the rundown.
And that means, aside from looking if the support video are all correct, its a must to check if all courtesy was proper, (or else my attention will be called and that certain "penalty," will be given).
And that made me realized that my job as an Associate Producer is not "EASY!"


NEW SCHED  

Almost a month ago, I have an entirely different working schedule...as in I was scheduled to work 8:00 in the morning 'til 5:00 in the afternoon. When suddenly, an announcement was made certain changes that started in the 13th of February...I will come to work at 2:00 in the afternoon and will end my journey an hour before the next day.
As in literally it was a "MAJOR," change. I remember, I was adjusting with the new schedule for 3 "LONG," weeks.
I believe it has to do with the so-called "SEPANX," or "Separation Anxiety," they're calling.

Honestly speaking, I somehow missed my former work schedule, the program I was handling, and the people I am closely working with.
But since this is my faith, I have to go with the flow.


CHALLENGES

Since another genre of news was given to me...I must admit I've been to many challenges and up to now still on that stage.

But just a trivia, before (I just couldn't recall the exact year), I also handled the program for 3 months.
I guess its an advantage to at least have a little idea about the program. But really, now I see that what I have known from the past may not be enough because really there are so much things to learn.

The endorsements given to me by the previous AP was very overwhelming.
From websites we normally get the most help from video and photo supports to lists of scheduled plays daily.

During the first week I had a hard time dealing with PBA's script that was normally ready for editing 10-15minutes before the airing of the show. And that the feeding of the materials also came in also that time. And this took me days to accept the fact that it was really like that.

My 2nd week, finally knowing how to set NBA highlights from their website, game schedules same goes to PBA and UAAP as well.

On the third week, learning how to deal with getting or using PBA connect on Twitter for players game highlights too.

And closer to my 1st month, just learned about volleyball jargons like "LIBERO," "MIDDLE," and "ASSIST."
To some it may appear so funny..."How come I do not know all of this?" but that's the fact I cannot hide and I don't mind at all.
The most important thing is "YOU ARE ALWAYS READY TO LEARN AND ACCEPT CHANGES."
Because that thing is really inevitable.

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!"

CNN Philippines Cebuano News

Courtesy: CNN Philippines Cebuano News

I couldn't exactly recall the time I was assigned to handle Cebuano News.
If my memory still serves me well, this was during the Solar News time.
Back then, it was Menchu Macapagal anchoring the news program.
And at the time, it was broadcast for 30 minutes, but today it was trimmed to 15 minutes along with
CNN Philippines Kapampangan News, with Nicolette Henzon.

SUPERVISING THE PROGRAM

A co-Associate Producer was on-leave for a week very reason why I have to pinch-hit for days.
At first, I need to create a strategy on supervising it.
The situation was, I am handling another program (Cebuano News), and my current news program (Updates), and that I have to consider is when "Breaking News," happens...which normally happens everyday.
Monday was a very pleasant experience. There are timeless news that was already ready for airing.
That's a big minus to my work and that I only have to prioritize what is existing.
But something came up here comes breaking news..."Bato," announcing that they have a suspect to a found bomb near the U.S. Embassy.
The ending the show was pre-empted.

Second day to third day, a structured strategy was formed.
Looking at the line-up most often (just not to miss anything or else), and the most important part is to check from time to time if materials for a particular news items are all present.

Normally, there are images sent by our stringers on our emails sometimes if coming from other sources...must that it should be attributed properly. At most times, especially when the photos or videos are coming from famous social media sites like that of facebook and tweeter.

Our job here as an Associate Producer is to secure everything is perfect for airing not just ready.
Elements like that of its support material in a form of images or videos or graphics should all be properly endorsed to editors accompanied by scripts and on their scripts if they cannot read the whole details you have to highlights or put an emphasis that this was how it should be done.

When everything is sent on our rundown, preview of everything is a must. Before everything put into broadcast it should be review.

STAFF

Not unlike any other programs, Cebuano News only has two active staffs.
The anchor of the program "Jun Tariman,' also writes here.
Another staff is a writer train to produced.
It could be a downside, but these two people are working together perfectly.

One good observation I have seen with their workflow is that they write scripts early.
Giving the editing side enough time to prepare everything.
Now, you'll see here that their downside also happens to be their strength.

'Till we work again...Sir. Jing!

With Sir. Jing Magsaysay

Photo Courtesy: Noel Ojeda (CNN Philippines co-worker)

Photo Courtesy: Noel Ojeda (CNN Philippines co-worker)

Photo courtesy: Jing Magsaysay's Facebook Account

"There's always a good "hello," when you meet someone.
But the exact opposite of it, which is saying "goodbye," is what we all never wanted to do."

Like today, a very good boss is saying farewell to all of us.
I think, everyone will agree on me if I say we're saying goodbye
to the "Pillar," of the station where I am currently working right now...CNN Philippines.

Thus, I am referring to the great...Sir. Jing Magsaysay, our Senior Vice President for News and Current Affairs who just resigned from his post effective today.

How do I know Sir. Jing?
For one, he's an experienced boss in the business of journalism.
No wonder, for Sir. Jing has been in the Media world for a very long time.
The reason why, everybody respects him and honor his every decision.

Secondly, he's very approachable.
To all the boss, I worked with he's one of kind.
Sir. Jing never refuses to talk to anyone whether you're a Production Assistant or just an ordinary people.
And when you reach out to him, you will feel enlightened after.
He never raises his voice.
I never even seen him getting mad, he's very graceful and always never fails to give better solution even in a very tight situation.

And lastly, more than Sir. Jing thinks of himself...he'll always think of his people.
In short a very good leader.
I am one those very lucky to say that I have worked with Sir. Jing.
Just wanted to say thank you for being a great boss, a brother, and somehow a good friend to all of us.
We wish you Sir. Jing, all the happiness in the world.
And may God continue to shower you with his blessings, so that you'll continue to be a good blessing to others.
'Till we work again Sir. Jing!