Part 5: What a journey it has been...the finale!

The last time, the Team
Maila Santiaguel, JD Del Rosario, Jake Remphsey Dy, Andrew Nacino,
The Manila Times Tevision
Intramuros, Manila. Philippines.
14th of June 2019

It is actually normal for us to plan things.
Whatever it is a trip, what meal to prepare, and even us in the broadcast industry thinks of an angle of the story before pushing for a coverage.
Because there's really a beauty about planning, no doubt it will surely help you achieve what you are aiming for.
But sometimes eventhough you exactly knew what to expect because that is your expertise...a big surprise will come your way.
I know I am now somehow giving you the premise of what would be the gist of my blog today.

With Dante A. Ang (DAA) meeting with The Manila Times Television staff
13th of June 2019

We were all attention that day and supposedly the meeting with DAA will begin around 10:00 in the morning.
So most of us were ready and very much aware of it.
We do not often see DAA because his office was located at the 2nd floor building while the News and Public Affairs team were situated on the lower ground.
And because we do not see him most of the time, the meeting with all of us, set the tone that there will be an important announcement happening that very moment.
But he was never around in the morning and until 3:00 in the afternoon.
DAA came to us past 4:00pm and at the time he opened the door...he was having a very serious tone.

Our VP Clift Daluz was there, I and another Executive Producer Lara Sen from the Public Affairs,  our Desk Editor/Writer Andrew Nacino, JD Del Rosario our reporter, three cameramans, plus two more important people that was part of the company just before we came in.

DAA started to get to know us one by one by asking what was our posts and what company we previously worked for.

But believe me DAA at the time was meticulously asking each staff present in the conference room.

Until he finally breaks the important announcement and told us that we are not ready yet to launch.
Not ready because we do not have content available in our website.
And surprisingly brought out some of DAA's fear (might be a bold truth) about launching and competing with existing television networks now.
And eventually told us that for the meantime he will be suspending the operation and that most of us in the room will no longer come to the office to report for work.
But not closing the windows for possible grouping again but when the proper time comes.

This all disheartened us. It took me and some of us to absorb this.

The sad truth still leaves us all a smile
The Team
The Manila Times Television
14th of June 2019

The following day, some part of the team bids goodbye like Maila Santiaguel, Jedidiah Del Rosario, Jake Remphsey Dy and even the cameramans who was also asked to work as on-calls.
At the time the running show before we came in for Public Affairs were temporarily suspended for were actually working for a new program look.

The following day, there was a turn-over.
And the following week, I and Drew Nacino were the only remaining people in Mr. Clift Daluzes team.
We were asked to stay and that week period we still push through with accomplishing requirements for President Rodrigo Duterte's 4th SONA.
And still continued thinking segments for the News program and other help that we could extend to support other public affairs program like that of "Veronica Files".

And then came in the 29th of June an ordinary day as it seems. But definitely one unforgettable day.
We were actually bothered that our check wasn't released yet, time checked it was already 4:00 in the afternoon.
To cut the long story short our check was given to us around 4:59 pm and the very time we came in to the bank was already 5:00 pm...bank closing time.
We are closing our fingers for if we loose the chance to encash the check...that means we have to do it again by next week.
Too bad for both of us Drew and I who has financial obligations.
But we never left for the bank. We stood at the door outside begging for the bank to be considerate and approved our requests.
I felt there was some sort of rights that was taken away that very moment because the guard became arrogant and got irritated asking us to leave the premise.
But another guard from the bank came out and open the door, asked questions closed the door again.
But a few seconds the bank door opened again and we were allowed to encash our check.
I remember our boss spoke to DAA but he was told that he was about to leave the office.
But 30 minutes before that DAA's daughter came in to our boss office and gave him a letter informing that he already signed our check.

But going home, the remaining team decided not to go back to work again.
There was supposedly meeting that was called for Monday next week but we never attend.
The meeting with DAA summarizes a capitalization that he will be suspending the network's whole operation...and the rest is history.

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The Part 5: What a journey it has been...the finale, was the last part of this blog.
The first 4 parts came-in earlier last July of 2019.

Thank you for coming with me in this roller coaster ride...until the next big adventure!

Part 4: What a journey it has been!

Starting from the left Jake Remphsey Dy (AP/Writer) Jedidiah JD Del Rosario (Reporter), Maila Santiaguel (Communication Staff/EA), Mr Clift Daluz (VP for News and Public Affairs, Andrew Nacino (Desk Editor/Writer), Rodolfo Bong Garabot (Executive Producer)
The Manila Times Television
14th of  June 2019

"A life working in media is a never ending process of writing news and sharing it to the world.
Today, the desire to know about what's happening in the world is like a thirst for water and a hunger for food."

I remember year 2000, after I attained a degree in Bachelor of Arts in A. B. Communication Arts in the University of the East, Caloocan this was the very time that I need to make a decision of what specific strand in the media I will choose to grow a career.
Before it was just a question. But after I was hired and worked at the Philippine's Biggest and Largest Network, ABS-CBN, Channel 2 and worked with Balitang K, a news magazine program hosted and produced then, now an ABS-CBN Chief Correspondent Korina Sanchez...that lead became a clear direction of what career I should be taking.

It was almost going now to two decades having several work experiences that began from being a program researcher, a production assistant, an editing supervisor, a segment producer, an associate producer, and finally a dream come true an Executive Producer now!

How everything got started?
About a year ago, I went back to the academe and started teaching again this time a Senior High School students in Center for Media Arts Senior High School in Kamuning.
It was I believe a destiny for after two semesters...here I am went back on working to media again.

From my previous post, I already shared it to my readers that the invitation I think was a siren call.
But who was the people behind this huge success in my work leverage?
Let me begin by saying it was a former media co-worker from CNN Philippines Maila Santiaguel.

With Maila Santiaguel 

The turn-over ceremony
14th of June 2019

At the time I was told via messenger, they were looking for an Executive Producer but I do not have any experience on the post. My strong background could be traced back as an Associate Producer for almost 6 long years in Nine Media Company, CNN Philippines.

Did I doubt myself on this? Yes.
But there's a strong voice that told me... "You are now strong enough and ready to handle a more bigger responsibility!"

Then came in the time, that I have to meet personally my boss Mr. Clift Daluz who now hold the post of VP for News and Public Affairs at The Manila Times Television.

Clift Daluz with Dante A. Ang
3rd of June 2019

I met my boss during my years of working with ABS-CBN, Channel 2 and we used to work together also in Nine Media Company, CNN Philippines.
But I never had the chance to work with him personally for his former expertise focus on on-line digital marketing of our News website.

Clift Daluz, VP for News and Public Affairs
SONA Coverage ID
22nd of July 2019

What I knew about him was a very pleasant memory of when asking for something Mr. Daluz would politely request you to do it. Eventhough mainly it was part of your job.

Clift Daluz with The Manila Times College
7th of June 2019
The Manila Times Television

Fast forward now 2019, I remember our conversation. Mr. Daluz asked me if I can work as an EP for the news program?
I have butterflies in my stomach but
I said yes. But there's still a very few remaining percentage that I doubt myself and couldn't perform the duty offered.
But Mr. Daluz made me decide on this matter by giving me an assurance that I can handle it.
He was a man of conviction, and I do not want to dissapoint him on my expectations towards me.
He naver gave me any examination but gave me actual work where I can showcase my skills in writing creatively.
I somehow knew before that I possessed such skills but having the best conviction about this...I would say that it was
Mr. Daluz who brought out the best in me as an EP of the news program.

11th of June 2019
The team 

I was given all the time an instruction. He allows me to do it. The challenges began with the news program concept.
It was unbelievable that Mr. Daluz found strength on my proposals and ideas.
The next thing I knew, I was given the very opportunity to present this to Dante A. Ang (DAA).
And it was approved! 🙏😁
And it was the happiest moment of my life!

My daily duties as an EP with the team began with working on our interstitials.
Never had actual experiences making a special segments like this but Mr. Daluz thought me and the team along with Andrew Nacino, JD Del Rosario, Jake Remphsey Dy and Maila Santiaguel on how to properly dealth with it.

With the team JD, Mai, Remphsey and Drew
14th of June 2019
The Manila Times Television

The research and writing was enthrusted on our writers with different topics assigned on them.  When the script and all the ideas are ready, the editorial side of me came in for fact checking, how it was written, missing information, grammar related problems, the graphics involves and the idea on how it will be appealing to the intended target viewers.
Then, the very end part was the presentation or the preview this will be done after all the elements in the editing are all put together.
This is the time where the finish segments will be presented to Mr. Daluz after his approval this will be uploaded on our official Facebook account which includes a short description about the featured story.

With my boss Mr Clift Daluz
14th of June 2019

There's so much happening everyday and every month of course. We also prepare for  the coming of National Elections where I voluntarily wanted to join the coverage to personally assist our reporter during the outdoor coverage.
I was once asked if this was okay for me to join the coverage? Because he was thinking that I am offering something that was beyond my duties.
But I said the idea was very much welcomed.
I also wanted to assist the team going for the proper direction.

The third part of this blog was actually dedicated to my team.
Now, I want this specific part to have a highlight on our boss who gave us all this very wonderful opportunity.

Meeting with The Manila Times College
11th of June 2019

Like any other boss, Mr. Daluz believes and encourage all of us to have an open-door policy.  Meaning if you wish to communicate with him, you can approach him anytime. He is open for suggestions, comments and even some violent reactions.

And where in a world you will find a boss who join his team for lunch and even during merienda.
Mr. Daluz often treat his team a free-lunch and together like an ideal family having a meal on his very office.

18th of June 2019
A lunch with Mr. Clift Daluz at the KFC, Manila

To have found a perfect team to help you lighten up your work load is a plus factor...much more to have found a boss like Mr. Clift Daluz who inspires us all and bring out the best in his team!

As he always say and I quote...
"Kapag hindi dokumentado, bawal ikuwento!"

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Part 4: What a journey it has been!
Is a blog which continues the narration of my beautiful work experiences at The Manila Times Television.

There will be more stories coming...stand by for Part 5!

Thank you for reading please click follow and share if this story somehow inspires you!

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

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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

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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. 

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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! 😊