Up to now, I can still recall the meticulous job screening process and a numerous interviews I went through. And at the time, a mixed of emotions as to I 'm confident enough that I will pass it and at the same time wondering what if I didn't make it.
Honestly speaking, I don't have any pending application with any competing Network or equivalent. But one thing I'm really sure of...I did my best on the interviews and during the examination.
If my memory still serves me well, I was told by the Station Manager after looking at my credentials that I was even over qualified then for the post I applied for.
And even remember, I was asked if I can do a writing job. But at the time, I was certain that I am more interested for the Associate Producer post.
Challenges and Responsibilities
My journey has officially began supervising "Solar Headlines," a newscast designed to inform and give news updates every 15 minutes.
Aside from understanding the requirement of the program, I am but obliged to know by heart, how ENPS works and the importance of creating media id.
At the time, I have to resolve on-air discrepancies such as incorrect spelling, grammar related problem and make sure if videos sent were not just video locked but also correct.
All of these should be checked before airing and even on it's newscast proper.
If any of these occur, strict measures should be done to prevent on-air lapses from happening again.
The birth of a new program
After four months, I was offered to handle another program named..."Solar Daybreak."
This was anchored by Jing Magsaysay, SVP for News and airs at 6 in the morning weekdays.
Fortunately, I was appointed to be one of it's staff together with another co-AP Noemi Reyes.
One program, I considered very challenging to handle. Reason behind this, was because literally it was my very first time to handle a full newscast with the Associate Producer post.
Everyday is a struggle but after, knowing how the program runs and every elements of it...a struggle became an everyday triumph.
At the time, I remember there was too much tasks to do. And that even made me do some things not part of my job anymore. This was misunderstood and I never knew that there was a Producer complaining about it. But that was one of the many issues I dealt with. Some are staff who insist that they knew more than I am. But it was not all the time raining, later on, I faces sunshine.
A few months after, I was re-assigned to handle a 30-minute afternoon newscast..."Solar Newsday," which was hosted by Mai Rodriguez at the time. Here, I have learned how to move quickly and think wiser.
The challenging part at a newscast done in noon time was to give an advance idea of what's the developing story of the day. As in, most of it is just starting. Though at times, it bothers me what video to use if the event is about to happen, later on, I figured that file is the best solution to tell a story.
Changes and development
I can't imagine that I'm with the station even before it was established as Solar News Channel. It has been so popular with it's "Sports Channel," tag. For those who knew about this, the station is airing at "Talk TV," and eventually became "9TV," when transition took place in the 4th quarter of 2014. But we were all surprised, when the President of the station announced that soon enough we will be known by many as..."CNN Philippines." And so it happened. And that was really a total lift, a super big change happening in the face of Television newscast in the Philippines.
Later on, were seeing new faces, foreigners from the CNN roving around the office, and then giving training and seminars to prefer us all on becoming a CNN news affiliates in the Philippines.
Until finally, together with my co-workers from 9TV, launching took place on the 16th of March 2015.
Personal achievements
I am one of the many, who will agree if I say very lucky to have given the chance to experience working at CNN Philippines. I'm actually overwhelmed with number one, the international standards set by the news organization. Secondly, it is an existing network station that requires no introduction. And lastly, a credible source of news information in any part of the world.
I believe, there are lots of things I will learn from working with the station. And I know, I will meet more interesting people who will help me grow as a journalist.
Actually now, I can't imagine a life without news. I think if that would happen, I will consider myself as an outcast.
The beauty of working with CNN Philippines is like a growing tree, beginning to have strong branches and eventually bearing fruits.
And everyday, I would wish for more learning and productive days.
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