Exploring Sagada, Mountain Province (Day 1)

           We had an educational trip for our Photojournalism class last January 30-February 2. From the moment my feet touched the lands of Sagada, I knew this will be the start of my journey.

            This was one of the most dangerously amazing trips I ever had.

           Sagada, Mountain Province is located north of Baguio City, and it took us a day to get there.
We rode on a bus going to Baguio first, which took us 9 hours. It was very tiring, just by sitting for many hours. And the problem is, I can't sleep, no matter how much I tried. My classmates and I just took pictures to let go of boredom.

       When we arrived in Baguio City at 1:30 am, and we have to wait for three hours to get a jeepney to another bus station that will lead us to Sagada. It was too cold already in the station, but my friends and I bought ice cream. All the people were looking at us oddly, eating cold food in a cold place. Not for long, we ate our cup noodles, too. Our professor shared his stories to us while we eat. We slumped on the chairs, unable to sleep, as we listen to him.

   
       After a while, we decided to explore outside the bus station. It's the middle of the night, but it's fine with us. We walked from the station to SM Baguio, then down to Session Road. We got back to the station at 4 and we started to get ready.

     
                               
           We rode a jeepney on the way to the next bus station. The driver charged us with 20 pesos and got disappointed when we found out that the station is just near, and took us less than 30 minutes to get there. That's too much for 20 pesos. Anyway, when we arrived, it was freezing cold, which reminds me that the temperature in Baguio City has dropped to 8 degrees. I tried creating friction with my hands, hoping to get heat, unfortunately, nothing happened. I'm already wearing my extra thick jacket, but the cold air still gets in. So I decided to wear my sweater then my jacket. Again, it was useless to gain heat. Now all I need is a bonfire in front of our block to give us heat.

          The line of people buying for tickets is too long, which made them look like a human snake. The ticket booth is located at the corner of the station. A cafeteria found on its left, while on its right, one could see the parked buses. And beside those buses, there's another cafeteria. Two of my classmates bought our tickets, and we were wondering why it took them so long in buying it. We waited outside the cafeteria beside the buses for an hour or so, taking pictures and talking non-stop.

Look down.

Look right.

Look left.

Smile!

            I am so afraid that I'm just one step away from hypothermia. Then that's the time I decided to get inside the cafeteria. I invited my other friends to have coffee or hot chocolate. It was small, and we sat on a table for four. The guy serving tables gave us a menu, but we told him we just need a cup of coffee and hot chocolate. When I finally took a sip, I felt better. My other friends were creating friction after they took a sip, while I stir my cup of hot choco. We exchanged stories and looked at the lone view of the big letter 'M' of McDonalds behind a building. Being away in Manila for a day felt like forever. Suddenly, we want to eat at McDonalds, but we don't know how far it is.  So we just sighed and continued drinking our coffees and hot chocos.

           Some of our classmates were sitting outside, guarding our bags, others went to the other cafeteria to eat. The food in that cafeteria is expensive so I didn't get in there. My two other classmates were still stuck in the human snake line. My friends and I went out to join the others, while the others get inside the cafeteria. As I was out I knew I'll be cold again and I sighed because the cold bothered me anyway.

         The sun has already shone in the horizon and it was still freezing cold. Great. We took more pictures, and we talked more.

          Suddenly, I heard my stomach rumble. It's time for breakfast already, and I need food to have energy. Finally, I decided to eat at the other cafeteria, of which I mentioned as an expensive cafeteria. My professor came along with our group and we ate while we talk about our trip to Sagada. By the time we were done, we got our tickets and got on our bus. By the way, that was 7 am.

        We only rode on an ordinary bus, because the cold air is way more than the air conditioner at school. It's totally freezing. I was grateful that I took a long walk earlier that morning with my friends on Session Road, because I finally dozed off to sleep. I woke up after an hour or so, and the view of houses and other establishments were gone, and was replaced by trees, mountains, and greens. There's no civilization in here being far away from the city, I thought. The view was magnificent and incredible, but don't look down. I think we're more than a hundred feet from below, but I feel scared and excited at the same time. Jeez. It was really beautiful outside, so I brought out my cam and took pictures. Here are some of my shots.
       

           We had our first stopover in a little souvenir shop, complete with lavatories. Yep, you heard it right, a stopover over a hundred feet. There was also a gasoline station beside it. I'm still getting this severe coldness even if I had my gloves on. It was 8 in the morning and the sun is shining brightly in the sky, but it's still cold. All of us went out to pee, then took pictures again. After that,  we're off to the road again. 

This is our first stopover. Saying hello to that Petron gas station over there. 

Yours truly. :) 

         All I can say is, the road to Sagada has created whorls in my eyes. It is full of big turns that are only made for drifting cars, not buses. But if you're riding on a bus, you'd better have a driver that can deal with such roads. Filipino drivers are one of the best, really. The road to Sagada would've made a perfect racetrack for Gran Prix. This place is too high! It's too high that I felt like I was standing on top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. And if I were Percy Jackson, I'll think of this as Mount Olympus already. Anyway,

the road is too narrow that one cannot overtake. Unfortunately, I saw a vehicle pass by our bus. Okay, I got scared for that fella. 

        Just like I said, I think we're more than a hundred feet from the city below, and we're going farther up. From what I see now, the cliffs were very rocky and there's NO WAY someone will ever survive if they'll fall off, unless you're a demigod. There are few houses here, and they're 20 kilometers apart I think. I was wondering how do they get food here. 

       On this view, I am starting to think on how are we gonna get down to the city again. I'll never forget this view, and I can sing 'top of the world' now.

It's already 9 am, and the sunshine is still not helping. The air sent chills on my spine and it just got colder. My breath is not helping, either--it's as cold as the air already. So much for the cold never bothered my anyway. I've tried everything to keep myself warm, but there's no success. Even if I stay under the sun for hours, it won't make me warm, but it will only make me darker.

       Along the way, I saw this Daycare Center surrounded by houses, and.. is that a school on its left?

       According to my professor, we will be having another stopover. So how far is our hotel then?! Maybe it's located on the stratosphere. Hahaha. Everyone's quiet, so I thought my classmates were asleep. I looked at them and found them all looking at the stunning and dangerously attractive view outside. At this point, there's no signal, and no internet connection, which means we are all by ourselves now. It's just us, our luggage and our cameras. My thoughts are perturbed by this long and winding road, I should say. And I'm starting to get dizzy and sleepy from this road.

     On our second stopover, I felt lazy to get down on the bus, so I stayed inside and looked at the road. It's still far and I don't know exactly when will we arrive at Sagada. 

    These colorful lines that I saw in the ceiling of the bus caught my attention, so I just took pictures of it. 

       After a few more hours, the long wait is finally over. We arrived in Sagada by 2 pm, and walked our way to our hotel. We went to this hotel called Canaway Rest House. My professor greeted the girl on the desk happily, which I found out that they were friends. We stayed outside, because the space is not big enough for all of us. It was beautiful inside, the wood is polished, clean tiles and everything is organized. Not for long, the girl went outside and motioned us to follow her. I thought we're going to stay there. But then, she led us to a house near the fields. There were other houses too, and it seems that the lone house that we're staying at is the only house with no one living in it. 

This is the house where we stayed at. There is a big field on the other side. 

         The girl opened the house and we got in, greeting the house. Before we explore the house, we went straight upstairs to put down our luggage. There were three bedrooms and there's a big space enough in the middle to put three beds. Our professor took the first room, while my friends and I took the second one, and my other classmates took the third one. I noticed that our room has letters and pictures of people. The shots must've taken a long time ago, like 1970s or something. It was old-fashioned. There was also a poster of Mother Mary at the back of the door. When we finally took a rest for a while, I explored the house, 

and my friends came with me. 

      When I was going down the stairs, I noticed a door facing me. It's beside the main door. It was opened ajar, and I didn't look inside. It's enough that I knew that it was ajar. I stepped on the wood flooring and checked the room. There were three wooden sofas that filled the room. There were three beds that lay in there, too, complete with pillows. I stood at the entryway of the room, and I saw another door at the end of the room.  Adjacent to that door, is another door. This house is full of doors. There were also old pictures in the house, and there were many of them, different from the ones in our room. Some of my friends were in the kitchen, others went in the living room, too. I decided to take shots of every part of our house for a souvenir, but I thought better of it. I felt scared, so I didn't continue it. 

     Not for long, we grabbed our wallets as our professor told us that we're going to eat outside. We ate on this restaurant for our lunch. We took pictures while waiting for our orders. 

       After we eat, our professor gave us a choice, and said that we can go back to our house, or go shopping. Five of us went back, because nature has been calling us and we want to rest for awhile. After 30 minutes or so, our classmates were back, saying they want to have a rest too, and decided that they'll go shopping in the afternoon. I was about to sleep when I heard my classmates laughing and joking. I didn't get to sleep anymore because I was laughing too, and I get to join them. 

       During the afternoon, we went outside with our cameras to explore the neighborhood and the town proper. While we explore, my other classmates went off to the market to buy our food for tonight. Others went shopping already. We promised that we will wash the dishes tonight, so we get to explore all afternoon. When we got home, I found my classmates already preparing the food for dinner.

       I helped in other matters in our house. While we were washing the dishes, my other classmates were cleaning the table, some were waiting in line in front of the lavatory, while the others stayed in the living room with our professor. 

       I didn't hear much while we're washing the dishes. But all I know is that my professor was talking about the house we're staying at. Probably, it was something scary. Glad I wasn't there at the living room and made the right choice of washing the dishes with my friends. It got even scarier when my classmates screamed when the lights went out. I got afraid too because of their screams, then I felt better when they laughed eventually. I looked outside by the window in front of me and found out that the other houses don't have lights, too. When the lights went back after a while, one of my classmates went in the kitchen and told us what made them scream that much. He said our professor told them something about the family who owned the house then suddenly the lights went out. And he was laughing because our professor laughed at their faces when the lights went back. I smiled at him but I was a bit scared at that moment. Even if it was a joke or not, I started praying to myself every day and every night. 

      Some of us took a bath at night, because we know that it's hard to take a bath in the morning. While waiting, we went to our respective rooms and fixed our luggage for us to fit in such a small room. We talked happily and looked at our pictures. The boys were joking outside and on the other room, we can hear laughter and jokes. All in all, we're all very noisy in the house. 

       It was time for the next batch who will take a bath. My classmate went out of the lavatory freezing, and told me that she didn't use the heater because there were sparks whenever she tried to put it in the socket. Okay. I didn't the use the heater also. And the water is like melted ice. The cold bothers me, and I'm not Elsa, okay? 

While I was drying my hair, I joined my friends in the big space in the middle part of the 2nd floor. 

       When everyone is done, we went up and joined the others who were conversing happily. At first, we wanted the guys to sleep downstairs, but decided that they stay in the large part of the room in the middle. After an hour or so, we went to sleep in our rooms and started to get ready for tomorrow's big

adventure. :) 

OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA PARISH. :))

                I know it's already late, but I really want to share this to all of you. Will you read this then share it for me? :) Thank you!

                Misa de Gallo, or Simbang Gabi, is a tradition among Filipinos which is celebrated every December. Simbang Gabi starts on the 16th of December until the 24th. The mass begins on 8:00 pm on some churches, while others begin at 9:00 pm. The mass also begins at dawn, which starts from 3:30 am or 4:00 am. It's funny to look at people if they go to mass at dawn. Some doze off to sleep while waiting for the mass start. Some looked like they got up from bed, without eating any breakfast yet. :) It would be an achievement if one has completed the 9 nine days of Simbang Gabi. :)

                I've started my Simbang Gabi with my mom in my hometown wherein the mass begins at 9:00 pm. The church is often crowded and extra chairs were needed so that people can sit outside. It was fun every night, as the priests deliver the homily lively.
              After the mass, we buy bibingka or puto-bumbong which we have almost every night. These are two of the most famous delicacies every Simbang Gabi.
              I didn't get to finish my Simbang Gabi in our hometown since we went off to Cavite to celebrate Christmas there. I was really serious about completing the 9 days, so I continued the Simbang Gabi in Cavite. I wake up every 3:00 am to get to this nearby church with my mom.
           

             This is the Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish. I've been in this church before, where I only had one night of Simbang Gabi. On my 7th day of Simbang Gabi, as I was listening to the commentator's announcements, he mentioned that the fund for reconstruction of the church was P915.00. My mom and I suddenly felt sad. Finally, during the last day of Simbang Gabi, I asked for permission to the caretaker of this church if I could take pictures. The priest was in a hurry so I didn't get to ask him any question.

             I told them that I'll post the pictures in my blog so that it can be viewed by everyone, and if someone is willing and interested to help.

        The caretaker was an old woman, and she was really happy when I told her about my idea. I can still remember her exact words, "Sige, salamat! Salamat! Tulungan mo ang simbahan natin ha?" (Sure, thank you! Thank you! Help our church, okay?") I thought I was going to cry. Thankfully, I've seen some of my friends in the choir, and took a picture of them so I can stop the tears. :)

        I know this extension wasn't here before. I am happy that this was created, but I think it's not enough. I was happy to see these people smiling and with high spirits. I am inspired by the positive aura this church has. The priests gave the homily lively, that sent people laughing and leaving no one sleeping, and the people who give their smiles on everyone. Everyone is just happy and the atmosphere of the church is really good. On the second to the last day of the Simbang Gabi, I found teenagers at the gate selling Christmas balls for P50.00, in addition to help the reconstruction of the church.

       

           I wish I have a huge amount of money in my hands to help them, unfortunately, I'm just one of them. They even invited me to become part of the choir, but I told them that I can't promise them that since I only stayed in Cavite every vacation. This was the best I can do for them and for the church.



 If you would like to help the Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish, you could comment below and I'll acknowledge you. :) Let's join hands in helping the reconstrution of this church. :) This parish is located at Sabang, Dasmarinas, Cavite. :) Thank you and God bless! :)

UNLEASH THE BOOKWORM. :)

                    Time to unleash the bookworm. :)

                     I like that introduction. :)) Oh yes, the Bookworm Me, and my addiction to books began way back when I was in the first grade. 

                     My brother gave me a gift that Christmas, which is the first book of the Harry Potter series. I started reading it the following day, and it only took me two or three days (I can't remember) to finish it. Then I clamor for the second and third and fourth and so on. But I didn't get to complete that series, as I got too busy with school works. Next thing I know, my brother started on a next series which is the Artemis Fowl, and he began collecting it, too. Soon, it was passed to me, since my brother was totally busy with his work. 

                     And so, until now, I still collect books and my dad gave me a bookshelf, which I call my "Mini-Library". Here it is:

                   Yeah, this is the evolution of my bookshelf. LOL. This was photo was taken last year, and it's not updated. I have new books this year, which consists of:

                                   My brother and I bought these at Fully Booked. We were given free comics, and we got four. 

                        It took a while before I got The Last Olympian. I took the chance to buy the Diary ng Panget 1 because it was the last one on the stock! Glad to have it. :D

                        I got Let It Snow from my friends, a gift for me on my 18th birthday. :) My brother bought the Diary ng Panget 3. :)

                        And of course, my newest collection of books (from Ghostgirl to Chico and Delamar's) fresh from the Manila International Book Fair. 

                       As of now, I still have a list of books that I need to save up money for. I am seriously having a hard time to choose what to buy first, since not all my series are complete. 

                       It's really nice to look at my mini-library and look at my collection, then I just find myself staring at them. Just by looking at all these books, I find it very relaxing and pleased from what I was looking. :)

The Manila Book Fair experience. :)

                         "When I read a book, I am sent to a different dimension."
   
                    True story. Creative minds and wild imagination starts to gear up when people read books. And with the inspiration brought by books, they, too can begin writing their own stories.
                    As for me, books are everything, so I grabbed the chance to take part in The 34th Manila International Book Fair. 

                     The 34th Manila International Book Fair is a five-day event, with the partnership of many bookstores and publishers all throughout the country. This book fair is very popular because of the big discounts on all books, from 20% down to 80%. I enjoyed touring around the book fair with my friend, and all throughout the day, I bought seven books. And, I can say that I'll be going back in that book fair next year. 

                   People crowded the fair, composed of children, teens and adults. The line of people in the cashier won't diminish, and it just gets longer and longer every minute. It was hard for me touring around since I chose the book fair to be my event coverage for our midterms in our Broadcast Journalism subject. Our professor would have graded it by this time, and I was wondering what grade I got.

                 It was also fun since I got a book sign from one of Wattpad's popular authors today, Ate Denny, on her book Diary ng Panget 4. :D 

                  You know, I can give you tips before you indulge yourself in the fair. :)

1.) Bring eco-bags.

               --Of course you need to bring bags for your books. I can assure you that you can buy many books! While I was there, two eco-bags weighed down on my shoulders. But it was worth it! :D

2.) Create a list of books that you will buy.
               --A list would be very helpful in buying books, and it will save time, money, and energy. But sometimes, there are books that gets your attention that aren't in your list so you have to decide quickly. :)

3.) You have to save money!
              --That is a must for events like these! The entrance to the fair is only 15 pesos for students and senior citizens, while 20 pesos for a regular entrance. 

4.) Be on time.
              --As much as possible, you must arrive in the fair on its opening time so you'll have a lot of time to explore and buy the books you like. There are some books that gets out of stock easily, so you must be on time!

5.) Wear comfortable clothing.
             --You should wear the clothes wherein you feel comfortable and free to move. (I'd recommend t-shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes.) 

There you go! :D It was my first time in that fair, and I swore to myself that I'll go back next time! :D

To get an overview of the fair, you can watch my video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW5qe0yBmg4

Thank you! :D

The Optimist Messenger. :)

        Perhaps you were wondering why I chose 'The Optimist Messenger' to be my blog address. Here's the story why.

                I will begin with the word 'optimist'. Just as I have described my blog, an optimist is someone who thinks positively. 'I was once a pessimist', I said. That is true, especially during my high school days. Paranoia engulfs me every time I committed a mistake. I can still remember that day when I failed a Math quiz. I wasn't talking to any of my friends that day, and I keep telling myself that I am so stupid and reckless and whatever. They keep on telling me that it was just a quiz, but that won't sink in, so they just leave me there. There are times when they get mad at me for being so paranoid and all. Everyday, I try my best to think positively but nothing happens. Today I go positive, the following day, there I go again negating all the thoughts that are supposed to be positive.
         
                As time passed by, I've graduated from high school and I'm entering into a new world again. This new world is what we call college. I told myself I need to change my ways because that would be embarrassing if I'll do same steps I did before. I'll seriously be a loner if I don't change that attitude. 

                I admit I went paranoid all over again during that Math preliminary exams on my first year (refer to 'Expect the Unexpected'). But I tried my best not to show my classmates my downed face. I can't let them see that.

               After the meet-and-greet and get-to-know-you first semester, we have moved on to the next phase of our first year. During the second semester, our professor required us to create our own blog. The first word that came to mind was the word 'optimist', remembering the words in the movie "The Secret". So I came up with the title, 'Optimist at Work'. 

               It took a while before I opened my blog again, because of all the busy stuff we're having. I just had the time today during our semestral break, and I miss blogging all the way. :)

               Now, for the blog address, I thought that it would be better if I'll add the profession that I've chosen. At first I wanted it to be 'The Optimist Journalist', but I don't want to be direct that I've chosen Journalism as my profession. I keep on thinking what are the other possible words that I could connect with the word 'journalist'. 

               Then I got it.

         I was writing an article about the forum we had just attended in school. It's all about the U.S.-RP Relations. Of course, it is our job to take down notes, and while I was doing my article, my notebook is open beside me. After an hour or so, I got tired, closed my notebook, and decided to take a break. I opened my blog to check on it. I noticed that my blog address is my email address, and I think that it should be changed to something different. Then I thought about the word 'journalist' again. I was looking around my room to find the right word, though I have no idea why I'm looking in my room. But scanning helped me find just the right word.

               The word I got was 'messenger', the one written on the cover of my notebook.

                          

             I got this notebook during at AIMS Makati, where we attended the Jaime V. Ongpin Seminar for Journalism. My friends and I liked the message on the cover (DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER), so we took a photo with it.

       I created my blog with the most positive features. Inspiration is the main concept of my blog. In every thing that I post, I want everyone who opens my blog to be inspired to achieve their dreams. My profession, Journalism, is never easy. One can lay their life on the line to fight for the truth. Despite this fact, I still pursue my dream to become one, because I chose this path, and I really wanted to be a professional journalist someday. 

            A journalist should have a positive-thinking mind, despite the hardships that may come his/her way. Everything will be fine if you know what you say is right and true.  

           Truth prevails, I say. If journalists find the truth about you, please don't shoot the messenger.

           Whatever profession you choose, things can get ugly, but don't lose hope. Don't think negatively, problems can be solved. Find ways on how you will get the right answers.

           You should bear in mind that you must always be The Optimist Messenger. :)

Truth Prevails. :)

               Hi! I have just finished creating my first short story. I entitled it "Truth Prevails", because the truth must always be told, even if it hurts. 

I hope you enjoy my work :) 

                Truth Prevails
                By Nicole Manano

                I was there when it happened. I know why he was wounded on his right shoulder. I know why he was furiously running after that girl. I know why that girl's smile is beyond reach. I know her story. I know why. 

                It was late afternoon that day when this happened. I was walking home from the store, where I bought a pack of sweets. On my way home, I passed by a street scattered with broken window glass and two delivery guys blaming each other about who broke it. 
               
               I carefully walked on the other side of the street. I picked one jelly bean and began humming when I saw a girl running with a fierce look on her face. She bumped onto me, and my sweets scattered on the road. She didn't stop to apologize, but continued running instead. Not for long, a guy followed suit, with anger that washed over his face. I know him. He was never good.

                The distance between him and the girl was not that far. They were like kids playing tag in the outskirts of town. I secretly followed them because I can't hold my curiosity. I heard the guy shout the girl's name, but the girl did not respond. I stood behind a car, and to my surprise, the girl held my arm and told me to be quiet. She was not afraid of that guy who was never good. I know the reason why. They were friends once, and the guy liked her but she denied him. I didn't understand her story.  But we transferred to another place, and hid behind a wall. She wasn't speaking at all, but she knew me. 

                We were back on the street with the shattered glass. The delivery guys were gone. 

                I heard footsteps stepping on candies nearby. My sweets. We just made a roundabout. I heard the guy coming. He was catching his breath, desperately looking for the girl again. She covered my mouth, and walked backward, inch by inch. I was walking back, when I accidentally stepped on the broken glass. She gave me her phone, and told me to call the police. I did what she said. But everything was fast. She picked the glass and made a run for the corner.Just in time, the guy appeared, and stabbed him with the glass deep in his skin. The guy howled in pain. The girl was so furious that the glass went through his right shoulder, and fell on his knees. I stood there in shock, and I dropped her phone. 

              Just in time, the police came and arrested the guy and didn't even questioned the girl and placed handcuffs on the delinquent. I looked around and saw that people have gathered to see what was happening. 

              Some were shocked and some were not. Some were scared and some were not. They know who this guy was.

              The guy fainted, but medics came to give him first aid, but he'll live, they say. But the police.. they must have known everything. The girl must have told them the complaints. 

              She began walking, leaving the blood-spattered broken glass on the gutter. She looked satisfied and contented that they guy was arrested. The smile on her face reminded me her story. 

              She told me once before,  "He was never good. This society doesn't approve his presence here either. I'm his only friend, but I think he'll lose me soon. I know now why they are against him. I was wrong for not believing in them in the first place." 

              He was new in town. I know they were friends before. People were telling her to stay away from that close-minded guy. She doesn't know why he's called that way.
              Some girls said he won't stop bugging their lives, and they are frustrated of that person. She never listened, she knows he was nice. But one day, she tried observing him, and found out the truth. She was one of those girls. Now she knows why he keeps on telling her that many people are after him; outraged boyfriends, furious friends and angry mothers. 

              After that, she spread the word about his identity, showing no signs of fear.

              I am the only one whom she entrusts me with her story, that is why I know every detail. 

             Today, his victim, is a girl with no lover. But she was able to save herself. While I was scanning the crowd, I saw those girls, and they are amazed by what she did. 

             She walked away, and my gaze followed her, and I saw her buy a pack of sweets again, with a big smile on her face. 

....

             I was there when it happened. I know why he was wounded on his right shoulder because I created that wound. I know why he was furiously running at me, because I told everyone about him, about his deepest secret, but I'm not afraid, because that is the truth. The truth needs to be told. The smile on my face won't fade away while I went home eating my jelly beans. 

I just know what I have to do.

I know and I need to stand up for what is right. 

The truth must always prevail. 

A VISIT TO THE RADYO NG BAYAN, DZRB =))

               Opportunity comes only once.

               

               But opportunity will knock again if it is destined for you.

                

               Alas-singko imedia ng umaga. Naririnig ko na yung alarm ko, pero pakiramdam ko nananaginip lang ako. Eh hindi pala, oras na talaga para gumising kasi pupunta kami ngayon ng mga kaklase ko sa isang radio station. =)) Ginising ko na din si Kuya kasi ihahatid niya ako, baka daw kasi maligaw ako, di ko pa naman gamay ang Quezon City. Umalis kaagad kami ni Kuya dahil ang appointment namin kay Sir Alan ay 7:00 am. Sa sobrang pagmamadali, di na kami kumain, kaya pagkababa namin somewhere, nag-Jollibee muna kami. Nabusog talaga ako ng sobra. Nakarating kami doon ng 6:45. Proud na proud ako dahil dumating ako 20 minutes before the time. Dapat ganun talaga ang mga journalist, dapat on time.  :D Pinapasok naman kami agad nung guard at naghintay kami doon sa lobby. Dumating naman yung isang kaklase ko ng sakto 7:00, at hinintay naming yung iba hanggang 7:30. Umalis na din si Kuya kasi may pupuntahan siya at may tatlo na rin akong kasama.

                Umakyat na din kami, at nakita kami ng professor namin na bo-broadcast na. Hello po Sir Alan Allanigue! :D Tinawag niya kami sa loob at pinapanood naming siya na mag-on air, LIVE. Nakaagaw pansin sa akin yung malaking tarpaulin sa likod ni Sir, nakalagay, “RADYO NG BAYAN”. Nakakatuwa kasi nakita namin kung ano ang ginagawa sa loob ng isang radio station. Mga last 1 minute na ata nun nung pinasulat sa amin ni Sir yung mga pangalan namin at na-broadcast pa kami sa radio. Tuwang-tuwa kami at kanya-kanya kaming text sa mga nanay at tatay namin na na-broadcast kami sa radio.

                Pagkatapos ng newscast ni Sir, kumain muna kami nila Sir at nagkwentuhan. Enjoy na enjoy ako feeling ko nakikita ko na ang future ko. Pangarap ko kasi talaga ang maging broadcast journalist, gaya ni Sir. Kaya naman pagkatapos kumain, dinala naman niya kami sa Master Control at masaya kaming nag-observe doon. 
               

Ang nasa console na noon ay si Mr. Sel Baysa, isang miyembro ng Radyo Patrol team ng ABS-CBN. Iniwan kami doon ni Sir Alan, at kinabahan kaming lahat dahil pagkaalis niya, sabi ni Mr. Sel na iinterbyuhin niya daw kami. Isa-isa. Nagulat kaming lima at kanya-kanya kaming, ‘hala…’ pero naeexcite kami ng sobra! :D

                Ako. Kami. Iinterbyuhin. LIVE. ON AIR. Naririnig ako sa buong Pilipinas. HELLO, PHILPPINES!

                Dapat talaga maayos ang mga sagot namin dahil nationwide ito! Iisa lang naman ang tinanong niya sa amin kung ano mas pipiliin namin: maging broadcaster o writer. Halos lahat sila sabi writer, pero dalawa lang kami ng kaklase ko na nagsabi maging broadcaster.

                Nung tinanong ako, sabi ko, ‘para po magamit ko ang boses ko’. HAHAHAHA! Nakakahiya! Okay, bat di ko natandaan na naririnig ako ng buong sambayanang Pilipino! HAHAHA =)) Exposure sa boses ko. Tapos yung kaklase ko, ang sagot niya, ‘..para po maipahayag ko sa ating mga kababayan..’ di ko na alam e, napakahaba ng sinagot niya. Natawa na lang ako. HAHAHA =))

                Habang iniinterbyu ang ibang mga kasama ko, lumilipad na naman yung utak ko. Naiimagine ko, balang araw, ako na rin ang magiinterbyu sa mga susunod sa yapak namin.. na minsan akong umupo sa silyang ito.. tapos biglang sisingit sa utak ko na, “Finals week ngayon.” Okay. Tama na muna ang daydream. Pagkatapos noon, nagpapicture muna kaming lahat, kasama ang susunod na broadcaster.

                Dumiretso kami sa office ni Sir Alan noon, at binalita ang lahat ng nangyari. Bahagya siyang natawa dahil narinig niya daw kaming lahat. HAHAHA! Medyo namamasa pa yung kamay ko mula noong nainterbyu ako.

                MAY NAREALIZE AKO. Nainterbyu na din pala ako ng GMA News, ni Ms. Tricia Zafra noong papasok ako sa school. Akala ko hindi fresh ang itsura ko dahil napakainit talaga noon. Nagpaload ako nun sa isang stall at pawis na pawis na ako. Tinanong ako nung tindera ano daw tinanong sa akin. Basta!

                Narealize ko lang na nainterbyu na ko sa TV, nainterbyu na din ako sa radio. EPIC! :D Exposure na talaga ito. HAHAHA =))

                Anyway, pagkatapos nun, nagsiuwian na kami at kanya-kanya kaming GM at kanya-kanyang palit ng cover photo at profile picture sa FB. And, of course, super duper maraming salamat kay Mr. Alan Allanigue na binigyan kami ng pagkakataon na makapunta doon :D

                Para sa akin, sobrang nainspire talaga ako, kaya I’ll do my best! :D Pero ngayon, back to reality muna at focus sa finals! :D

                Kaya natin ‘to! :D