OPEN TO WORK

 

Good day! 

I am Rodolfo Garabot, aka "Rod,"  an experienced Broadcast Journalist for two decades now.

I graduated Bachelor of Arts, A. B. Communication Arts at the University of the East in Caloocan, in 2000.

I began my professional career when I started working as Program Researcher for Balitang K, a news magazine program in ABS-CBN, Channel 2.

Then occupied positions such as Editing Supervisor in The Filipino Channel (TFC). 

After 8 to 9 years of working with the Network, I moved to GMA 7, and worked as Segment Producer for "Good News, Kasama si Vicky Morales," in GMA News TV in 2011 to 2012.

Another opportunity came in when I became an Associate Producer for Solar News, 9TV, and now popularly known as CNN Philippines for 6 years, under Nine Media Company in Mandaluyong City. 

A hunger for career growth, and financial stability pushed me to find another work which led me from becoming an Executive Producer at The Manila Times Television in April 2009. 

Another very recent opportunity was spotted and given to me when I was hired for Dreamwave Media Network as News and Current Affairs Head. 

Now, I am open to work for another company and willing to share my expertise in the broadcasting network or any related field.

Through the years, I developed a philosophy in life which a strongly believe... 

"Dream, 

Work Hard, 

Triumph." 

Thank you and more power! 

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Rodolfo A. Garabot

Interested Applicant

Undestanding News Presented On The Online Digital Platform

I have been working in the broadcasting world for almost 2 long decades now. 

Back then, I learned from the traditional media like that of TV, Radio, Newspaper and Magazines on different types of news, entertainment and many more. 

The profound use of the internet dictates people from this era to shift from the traditional to new media. 

But why is this happening? 

The power of the world wide web, plus the advancement of technology like the use of our personal mobile phones will give us access remotely in any parts of the world, away from our homes. 

I remember, when I was part of CNN Philippines' rightsizing...I noticed that most of the job offerings were from the digital or online related work. 

The realization that there's a huge market to sell the news for example has a higher demand now. 

TNN, The Return! 

It was on the 6th of September 2020,  Sunday...surprisingly I received messages from one social media platform and another one from my personal mobile number. 

It was just a plain greeting. But honestly speaking, I was reluctant to receive a message from the person whom I previously have had worked before. 

Looking back, I was hired in January with the same company. But back then, I assumed a post of a writer/content specialist. 

The very first time I worked with a digital online news portal that uses at the beginning two social media platforms...Facebook and YouTube. 

But as of today, it also tapped more social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and has its own website now that recently monitizing now. 

A 6 days in a week job, which requires me to stay from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. 

The duty requires writing news from different genres using two different language Filipino/English. 

Additional task was working on your own graphics layout using canva.

But before the very month of January 2020 ends, I along with 7-8 employees were asked to vacate the post. 

I was told that some investors backed out. 

I was then thinking that because it was a job that I found so fast,  (a common friend referral), I just accepted the very fact, that it will also end the same way.

OVERWHELMED WITH THE TASKS

On the 7th of September, I gave TNN my commitment for the offered job. 

Specifically, I will be working as News Writer/ News Presenter. 

Writing is something I wasn't born yesterday. 

But, performing the task that is outside my comfort zone as 'News Presenter,' was really a tough call for me. 

THE FIRST WEEK

I started working from TNN short for "Tony News Network," on the 10th of September.

At the time, I proposed for the following stories one was from Pres. Duterte's call to look for the most affordable vaccine to cure COVID-19. 

And another story was about Growling Tiger  Coach Aldin Ayo's resignation that was brought about by the 'bubble training' controversy in Sorsogon. But angled on the indefinite suspension sanctioned by the UAAP. 

The agreement here was from Mondays thru Thursdays...one voice-over story and one story that has on-cam intro and extro spiels. 

The report must run at least 3 to 5 minutes. 

And during Friday, I am required to do a news recap that has national, international, sports, police, showbiz, and feature stories to name a few. 

Anything that made a headline prior to the recapping. 

Looking at the requirements of the job, the procedure on working on all of these are just the same with broadcast TV where the elements present also posses the audio-visual elements. 

But the major twist is that it uses the internet or the online news portal. 

PROBLEMS/TRIALS/SOLUTIONS

Since the set up is a "Work from Home" (WFH), major adjustments was done to commit with a new found job. 

I have a pretty small home and looking for a place where I can do the spiel was a great challenge for me at the very beginning. 

I remember, I tried going to one of my sibling's home to look for a place where I can record my spiel. But it never worked out. 

I went back home, and pushed myself exploring possible ways on how I can pull this thing through. 

I even bothered my family, my wife and my eldest who personally pushed for the record button of my cellphone and hold the laptop to help me read for the spiel. 

We also had a hard time on achieving the aesthetic side of taping the newscast. 

At home, we only used our regular bulb as lighting source. 

We do not even have a microphone to enhance the audio of the spiel. 

And there was so much that appears on the background like seeing the fridge, the dining table, the curtain and other appliances which we had a hard time, hiding. 

I even stayed longer in the morning for recording the spiel. 

Aside from the fact that I spent 4 to 5 hours on weaving all the stories together to establish a newscast that will run for 9-15 minutes. 

The very first week, I think I was able to empty all the stored energy I kept during the quarantine period of having no work at home. 

MORE CHALLENGES

Sometimes choosing the best story for the day is a never ending challenge. 

Why? 

Because more than the information you'll be getting from the internet through different social media platforms sources, one must consideration is the availability of the audio-visual elements. 

Comparable to the traditional form of media like that of Television, an online digital news platform also offers these two important elements to achieve the effective way of story-telling. 

Like for example, I previously had a story about the 75th UN General Assembly and that I angled the story on President Donald Trump's speech on giving penalty to China who spreads the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Any writer would need a proof of sound byte from this very issue to support the writing. 

The recording source of like for example the    Facebook link has to be found. 

More than that, listening through a recorded event for the sound byte is also the very hard part of putting all the story together. 

Like I for one, had a hard time looking for the time code. Working on a cellphone is even more harder than using one's personal computer. 

Like previewing the video to move forward and backward. Using one's finger will move you further or go back at the very beginning. 

Transcribing also the interviews for the sound byte will also be asking you to devote more time. 

But learning from this line of work, ask google for available transcription. 

This will help you see clearly the points raised in a recorded assembly or meeting for instance and will save you more time. 

Weaving the story is just one of the many elements present. 

The audio element do not just limit the sound byte needed to tell a story. 

A recorded voice-over is also another element missing here. 

During the first week, I have been adjusting for the voice-over. Primarily because I think at some time, my voice was weak. 

I remember I was once told having no breakfast for sending a voice-over that lack voice power. 

Taking good care of your voice is a must too. Like getting enough sleep to restore the power to modulate and articulate the voice. 

Like what I've learned recently, voicing is acting too. 

You have to feel what you are voicing to express it properly. 

Other problems encountered during voice-overs was some noise barriers coming from a neighbor listening on a  radio, uncontrollable noises from outside. 

Too bad, I do not have a noise-proof wall. 

And even some noise purposely or accidentally made inside your home during the recording proper. 

Every story has a required voice needed. 

The recording of voice-over will depend on the story. 

The key to achieve the close to perfect recording is to act it out. 

And to hear your voice properly during the recording, use your hand to cover the other side of your ear. 

I think I remember seeing this style, on one my former boss Korina Sanchez when I assisted her before during one of her voice recordings.

Eventhough, its a "Work From Home" set-up because of the pandemic...sometimes adding elements like a "Man-on-the-street, " interviews is one sure recipe to bring your story to another level. 

Like for instance, when I submitted my very first story on Pres. Dutertes' suggestions to prioritized looking at a more affordable vaccine available in the market...thinking of incorporating sound bytes from the said MOTS will help the story-telling more powerful. 

Meaning to say, from time to time during Mondays thru Fridays, you will see me going out and adding some of these elements including spiels to complete the selected story. 

A very tough performing duty, thinking that there's a pandemic right now. 

But always thinking of not forgetting about some health safety protocols during the coverage. 

I have too because I value life, I even care and love my family. This big responsibility must start from me. 

THE GREAT REWARD

Being a journalist requires responsibility. 

For one, you have to inform and educate people. Being the very first to know the story. 

You look for sources, you interview people. 

Now, you became the bearer of the story. 

Being the first to know is a great reward for every journalists. 

Secondly, the byline or the people started to recognize you. This is where you build your credibility. 

When more and more people starting to recognize you as the bearer of the news and the author itself, any wrong information  you will tell or send them will result to you as less credible one. 

As the saying goes, "great powers, comes great responsibility." 

More than lookingbat yourself as the next door friendly neighborhood like spiderman, you are the bearer of the important information. 

And lastly, the amazing power it posses that reaches anyone in just one click. 

Today, more and more people are clamouring for the need to be inform. 

Aside from an interesting story, any online news portal like TNN must know how to share any of these stories uniquely. 

The job also requires you to think of the best way (an angle), you will tell the people your story. 

Some maybe has a natural talent on this. 

But for some, its still a quest to understand how you can be effective on this. 

The bottomline is, get all the sources sides as hard as you can and your good to go! 

STORIES PRESENTED FOR TONY NEWS NETWORK

From September 10 to 25, 2020 stories presented for Tony News Network reaches a total of 24 plus 2 News recap. 

See lists below:

▶️Duterte Murang Bakuna

▶️Coach Ayo Indifinite Ban In UAAP

▶️Former GMA at ABS-CBN Newsmen Nasa Canadian TV na

▶️Bagong Distancing Protocol Pinatupad ng DOTr

▶️Lady Gaga Wins 1st Tricon at the VMAs

▶️Conor McGregor Attempted Sexual Assault

▶️Jeepney Protocol sa Pagbiyahe

▶️First Filipina Mayor in England

▶️Cascolan on Bawas Oras Duty sa mga Pulis

▶️Hashtag Cancel Korea

▶️Online Delivery Scam

▶️Naglalabang Nanay sa labas huli dahil walang Face Mask

▶️Fish kill sa Baseco dahil sa Dolomite? 

▶️Hashtag Manila Bay Challenge

▶️Tagaytay is back to business

▶️Mayor Vico nakipagtunggali sa isang negosyante

▶️Pulis na pinatay sapul sa CCTV

▶️Julia buntis kay Gerald Totoo o Fake News

▶️Robredo to Duterte Hindi sapat ang pagtugon sa COVID-19? 

▶️Soberano ipapagahasa dahil nagreklamo sa mabagal na internet service

▶️Trump parusahan ang China na nagkalat ng virus

▶️Walastik na Robot at Prototyped Flying Car, Ibinida sa Japan

▶️Archbishop Arguelles Kinontra ang Safety Health Protocols ng Gobyerno

▶️News Recap September 11, 2020

▶️News Recap September 18, 2020

To God Be the glory! 

I am Rodolfo A. Garabot, A digital Presentation!

I have been working since 2000, after I graduated from College. But right now, I am actively looking for a new job that will suit my qualifications. ⬇️

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-rodolfo-garabot-4573332a_maybe-theres-someone-out-there-looking-for-activity-6637731363816599552-jVEa

#DigitalPresentation #WorkExperiences

Forty and wonderful!

This very day is the coming of age.
19 years ago I turned 21.
But another age added is the realization that now I reaches my full maturity.
A lot of things happened and is continuously happening.

-----

A little history

Not so many years ago, a name Rodolfo Garabot was born in Tondo Hospital, Navotas. The eldest among 4 siblings of Oscar and Teresita.
Back then Bong was bullied.
The deeper meaning of this do not come to his senses not until he found out what causes the act.
Bong never knew that his very will to help his Mother particularly in handling home laundry job will give cues to his playmates to think that he was gay.
When I was young I never knew how big my responsibilities were...I was always answerable for so many things. Number one role was taking good care of my siblings.
I cooked for them.
I bathed them.
I cleaned the house.
Some of the responsibilities I shouldered when I was so young.
But looking at it today, those experiences prepared Bong to be ready on whatever struggles in life he will confront in the future.

-----

Bong the explorer

When Bong was still a child, he never waste time to enjoy his childhood. He played every game a child wishes to do. Bong played patentero, luksong baka, text, marbles, hide and seek, football, volleyball, pingpong and many many more.
But one obvious observation brought out by one childhood friend...Bong knew how to lead and practiced leadership when he was still a child.
A strong character that defines him today.

-----

Bong and his talents

One time, Bong remembered he used to compete singing with a childhood playmate. The motivation at the time to win was a pot of money orchestrated by his late Godfather who made fun of listening to his very young voice who sang songs from the bottom of his heart.
But Bong said finding a love in singing influenced by a good friend Teresa who love to sing a song.
The very first song he revealed he memorized every lyrics was Shery Cruz's..."Sabi ko na nga ba, " it was one of the many memorable hits along with "Mr. Dreamboy" when it was released year 1989.
Meaning to say, Bong found out about this wonderful talent when he was still 10 years old.
Bong also knew how to dance but never pursued it. He was actively dancing and joined school program during his elementary days.

-----

Bong and his dreams

Like any other kids who has a very young mind but has limited imaginations...Bong wanted to become everyone's favorite profession a doctor.
But also dreamt of becoming an astronaut.
A very high expectations but when the truth and the reality confronted him after high school he followed a footsteps of becoming a famous journalist of one of his idol back then...kabayan Noli De Castro!
But because Bong lacks the guts he choses to be a journalist who's working behind the camera.

Bong and his other careers in life

At one point of his life Bong wanted to study more and pursued his masteral in UP Diliman, Masters in Brodcast Communication.
This opened the door for an invitation to share his learning in Tertiary, and Secondary Education.
But Bong never knew that there will be one more, one great love in putting up his own business by pursuing a family entrepreneurial side in Pastry.

Bong as husband and a father

A father of two beautiful and talented girls, eldest is Althea at 10, and his youngest Mikayla is now 4.
Married Mary Anne at the age of 29.
A protective and a caring father.
A very good and loving husband to his wife.
Bong wanted to pursue a never ending dream of alleviating his family to poverty.
Never feared working hard before but now developed an attitude of working smart for his family to meet not just daily needs but also to secure their wonderful future.

-----

Bong as fitness enthusiast

Number one wish is a bill of good health.
Bong loves the idea that giving much value to his health is far more important than any material thing in this world.
He wishes to have a fit body, with a well-defined midsection.
The very reason why Bong recently went back to exercising to develop a habit out of it.
That is why he is always driven, consistent, and his last option is not to give up.

-----

Bong and his faith

When God closes the door, he opens a window.
Bong felt the hands of God by giving him a lot of struggles.
For one, in his career.
Secondly, Bong's financial needs to support his family.
And lastly, his faith in God.
But a realization just came in, that one strong man has to have faith in God.
Bong thought before that believing he can handle everything in his own hands was all that he needs.
But the struggles that the family and him went through made his faith in God in more stronger!

Part 3: What a journey it has been!

I together with the team of Sir Chief were very busy that in those weeks we never noticed that we will now be all reaping the fruit of our labors.
Just kidding because we really marked that particular date. 😊
And I am talking to the reward day the very first time that we are all getting our salary and what excites us all...because what were getting was our first 3 weeks, and you know what I mean! 😁💕
Just because I was so honored with the formed team...I gave them a simple treat!

With the team Jake Remhsey Dy, Andrew Nacino, Maila Santiaguel, JD De Rosario (Went home earlier)
Starbucks, Intramuros Manila
16th of May 2019

Different flavors of our favorite drinks
Starbucks

I remember the team decided to give something to the academe and some people whom we are working with.

A special Ube Cake from Max's

Of course, a special coffee with our editor Genel Caibal and hot brewed coffee and a yummy ensaymada for our boss Sir Clift Daluz.

Figaro Frappucino and Brewed Coffee

The following week we all get back to work after a very enjoyable weekend with our beloved families.
This time the team was part of helping the current affairs team who will be airing that very Monday.
Early in the morning the crew were around in the studio and we replaced the old program tarpaulin with an approved one.
Everyone was there giving all their very share to make the program ready just before the airing time around 2:00pm.

Actual placing of the New approved Face Off logo
for the studio with the team
20th of May 2019

With the News and Public Affairs Team
The Manila Times Television

The set proper 

Getting ready for the show

Our humble set up of table and chairs

Mario Garcia with our guests

War room prior to our airing

Mario Garcia on our screen monitor during airing

Maila Santiaguel suffering from payment distributions on our on-call staff

The hardest part removing the tarp after airing

With the team after our succesful airing
20th of May 2019, Monday

The best part was gathering together after our airing. Post mortem of course came in after...its a never ending process.

The following day was a scheduled pull-out of JD De Rosario's crew for gathering of some important sitners vital for daily airing.

JD De Rosario (Reporter) with his crew
The Manila Times Television
21st of May 2019

With Mai Santiaguel on her second attempt for photo opportunity with the iconic The Manila Times Newspaper statue (News paper boy) 

The team most specially our cameramans occasionally helping The Manila Times for some interviews normally done in the studio.
The interview airs live on our Facebook account and trimmed written interviews plus photos will be seen the following day on our non-traditional media platform.

The Manila Times interview with Klink Ang and guests
22nd May 2019

 

At the war room 

When you found a perfect place to work, sometimes you'll get lucky also to find few talented people who will help you get things done easily.

With Andrew Nacino, JD Del Rosario, Remphsey Dy and Mai Santiaguel
The team insert Sir Chief
22nd of May 2019

---------

Part 3: What a journey it has been!
was a continuation of my blog during my previous worked experience with The Manila Times Television.
The two first part came out few days before this very part.
Thank you for reading more to come! 😁

Part 2: What a journey it has been!

Palacio Del Gobernador with JD Del Rosario (Reporter) along with Ruel Del Prado and Errol Capacete (Cameraman)
8th of May, 2019

Manila City, Philippines

The very best thing about this location is that you will enjoy a scenic view mainly a manmade construction of a historical walled city of "Intramuros" during the spanish era that was built 1521 that serves as their military base in Asia. 

A perfect walk exercise routine after I was alighted the LRT1 commute. This is the best opportunity for me to get enough Vitamin C which I can directly get from walking in the morning. Along with the sweat which I do not mind at all. 

I was also doing the same thing when going home but always choosing a commute via train to save more time. 

2nd of May, 2019 at the studio
The Manila Times Television

With Chal Lontoc, anchor auditionee

Chal Lontoc Del Rosario at the Manila Times Television studio

Add caption

Add caption

Our VP for News and Public Affairs Clift Daluz with Chal Lontoc
2nd of May 2019

The audition continues having met for the first time Chal Lontoc del Rosario, the famous "Coke" endorser which involves hand gestures and singing while making such act. The song lines goes something like... "Ito ang beat sabay-sabay, ito ang beat bawal sablay." 

Which up to now I can still recall and I believe some would probably identify as well. 

  With JD Del Rosario (Reporter) working on his spiel

As part of my duties and responsibilities was to train reporters on the field. The correct posture, the delivery, and other important matter during live in the field or on location. 

Our search for the anchor continues and this time it was Angela Lagunzad of an anchor for UNTV joined us for audition. 

Angela being compared to the first two anchors who auditioned were really trained in doing daily news anchoring. The voice phasing was great almost perfect and of course the camera loves her too. 

And from what I felt that time I and the rest of the people in the broadcast can easily work with, also same thing with Sel Guevarra and Chal Lontoc. 

But the decision or the final say will be with the station owner and our VP too. 

Angela Lagunzad, Anchor auditionee
16th of May 2019

 The studio lights ready

There were also reporters who auditioned from The Manila Times Television, these two were from Central Luzon Television (CLTV), the female reporter was Angelica Marie Simpao with Reiniel Pawid of course our very own Jedediah Del Rosario who were supposed to be our beat reporter for the Malacanang Palace.

Definitely it was a very big day, so much work we finished that day...and we end up having our lunch around 2:00pm or 3:00 in the afternoon.

But the team were all happy and contented. 

The next big thing will be scheduled the following day. 

---------

Part 2: What a journey it has been is a continuation of published blog of Part 1: What a journey it has been.

More exciting stories as Part 3: What a journey it has been continues next week.

Thank you for reading! 😊

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!