Reporter urges Thomasian journos to challenge one’s abilities
by Marc dela Paz
A television reporter encouraged Thomasian journalists to challenge one’s abilities to better serve society today.
GMA 7 reporter and i-Witness host Cesar Apolinario pointed out on Friday the importance of competing with oneself rather than competing with other journalists.
“Dapat lagi ‘yung sarili natin. I-compete natin ‘yung sarili natin kasi nandoon ang problema: oras, ‘yung willingness to do it, [at] ‘yung willpower mo para gawin ‘yung isang bagay. So, it’s all about you,” Apolinario said.
Another i-Witness host Jay Taruc emphasized to never underestimate hard work and dedication to fulfill duties as a journalist.
“Hindi kami tatagal dito, like 21 years na akong journalist, if I am not dedicated enough [and] if I am not committed enough kasi kailangan ‘yun eh,” Taruc said.
He also said that discipline with oneself is necessary to implement change in society.
“Don’t just preach. Kung gusto mo ng disiplina, gusto mo ng order sa society, simulan mo sa sarili mo. Pakita mo sa kanila,” Taruc added.
Act of kindness
Apolinario said that the help they give to their subjects is not only limited to the documentary itself.
“Akala nila, kahit sa news, pagkatapos namin ma-interview tapos na ‘yun. Siyempre, kini-casing namin iyan, [ginagawan] namin ng profile kung sino ini-interview namin,” he said.
Apolinario, who was also a graduate of the University’s Communication Arts program, said these simple acts of kindness and charity is like returning all the blessings that they receive in their everyday lives.
“Pinaka-importante kasi doon eh, you just don’t share the knowledge, share your blessings as well. I think ‘yun yung hinuhubog tayo bilang Thomasian na ganoon eh,” he added.
Apolinario emphasized how kindness to people involved in his documentaries becomes his duty and advocacy as a journalist.
“Not just tell the story, but to help the people that I get the story from. Kumbaga, inspiration din kasi ‘yun. Kaunti man ma-inspire ko dahil kaunti lang tayong nakaka-alam, okay lang iyon,”
The i-Witness Docu Fest 2017 is the second part of the UST Media Leadership in the Digital World Lecture series organized by the Office of Public Affairs in partnership with GMA 7.
