Elementary days, I was one of the delegates of Mercedes in the DSPC for I won news writing in the District Elimination. I forgot whether English or Filipino but I was certain of my Coach, the one and only mam Airene Airine N Flores

Happy as a bee, I celebrated until they told me that there is still a next level of competition the Division which was held at Sta. Elena? My knees trembled I am not a travel enthusiast.

There is one time my parents called when I was travelling to DSPC. They ask my whereabouts, I tried my best to look at any signages I told them, “ma at pa di ko na Po kaya ang byahe, nasa Pangasinan na Po ako”. They laughed hard and at the same time worried about their Unica ija. I want to go home.

Motion sickness strikes, that time I was only at Talobatib Crossing and the signage is just “J. Panganiban not Pangasinan”. During the contest, I never dreamt of winning, my thoughts run from how can I go home without feeling the same agony. I don’t wanna feel dizzy, exhausted, and wasted. Never to journalism again.

High school, my former adviser now my Ninang mam Maria Teresa Ricerra approached me. She planned of rekindling “The Mabinian” making me the EIC. I lied, I said I know nothing about journalism. Never to journalism again.

College, mam Tess still encouraged me to join the Sublime, as an escape I focus on leadership, I became college of education president the same strategy I did when I was in high school. Never to journalism again.

Unfortunately, being an English Teacher will not give you leeway to avoid journalism. I become an SPA. 6 SPAs from each districts were chosen to participate in the Division Seminar workshop on Campus Journalism District Teams for 3 days. After each talk time- pressured outputs must be submitted. Fortunately this time no next level of competition, no anxieties, no inhibitions, I just write.

Awarding day, I shut down my laptop, packed the printer and grabbed my bag. I am just enjoying the remaining time, I laugh and chitchat together with my co-SPAs. Then I was called.

🥇1ST PLACE COLUMN WRITING ENGLISH, TALOBATIB HIGH SCHOOL, Christine Ann C. Alegre. I cannot contain my happiness and excitement. I did it. I can write. 🥲 Bonus pa ung kinamayan ako mga idol ko sa journalism 🫠

I also unlocked my Lay-outing prowess in group events (but I know I still have lots to learn) dugay pa akong maray.

Collaborative Publishing

🥇1st in Lay-outing

🥈2nd place in news page

🥈2nd place in sports page

🥈2nd place in editorial page

🥉3rd place feature page

🥈Over all 2nd place in collaborative publishing

🙏And Labo East was awarded as top performing district, 4th runner up.

Thank you Po mam Lourdes B. Mesa- EPS, mam Melissa Barbosa- PSDS, Doc Christian and Mam Marimyn Olga Carillo-Magistrado district Journalism coordinators for opportunity. And to my ever supportive principal who loves me a lot mam Dang Gayanilo , your push keeps me moving forward.

To my peakers staff you inspired me to be better.

Is it really journalism that I fear or the idea of travelling? I guess I will just enjoy this moment. Thank you Lord.