Explained PH gave a platform for my passion beyond the podium

Unlike most published stories from the most prominent names in campus journalism, I did not start my JOURNey as soon as I learned how to read and write, I started mine two years before I graduated from high school. At my very first Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) experience, one of the judges in Online Publishing was Archie Bergosa, Explained PH’s Editor-In-Chief. Fast forward to today, I am now an editor for one of the biggest youth-led journalism organization. 

I always knew that I belonged in the press. I was 9 years old when I started watching the news instead of cartoons on our television as I got ready in the morning for school. 

As eager as I was to join the publication, the school I used to attend did not have an established one. When I moved schools, I had a different set of responsibilities. But when they opened applications during the pandemic, I could not let the opportunity slip anymore.

I knew nothing about news writing. When I walked into my first DSPC, I was a grade eleven student with nothing but two weeks worth of practice and a burning passion for journalism. 

The judges held the press conference, which focused on a journalist’s role in exposing the truth. I vividly remember the question I asked back then, how do we convey information to the people in a country with a low IQ ranking. Kuya Archie talked about how Explained PH does that- by sparking action and knowledge within communities. 

The article I wrote earned me a spot at the middle of the podium. I felt like I was on top of the world. The joy did not last long when luck did not stay by my side during the regionals. I spent a significant amount of time sulking, replaying every single moment as a journalist in my head, and wondering what could have been the reason why I did not win. When I reread the notebook I used for my journalism activities, I saw ‘Explained PH’ written on it.

I looked the name up on Facebook. I was still dreading my loss, but Kuya Archie’s answer to my question during the press conference never left me. I, too, wanted to build bridges between the blur of verity and disinformation. Like it was fate, they were accepting volunteers. I applied out of a whim. Despite my low expectations to get in, the following words greeted me in my email inbox: “Congratulations! We would like to formally welcome you to Explained PH’s dynamic volunteer program”.

The same instance happened in my graduating year, I lost my last chance to get an NSPC ticket. I became afraid to write again. The solace I once found in News Writing became a reminder of my almost and my could have been. But the stars somehow aligned for me, an application for a new Partnerships Head was open. My fear of writing never left me, but the desire to keep serving the media was bigger. I applied despite it being completely different from my previous division. If I learned about news writing from scratch and still managed to win at my first try, how different can handling externals be, right?

That leap of faith is one of the best decisions I have ever made. In a Case Study discussion last October 2023, I met Senator Risa Hontiveros, Atty. Kiko Pangilinan, and Kara David. As I study in UP Los Baños, I become more involved with Explained PH’s partnerships. I got to attend various events and theater plays by other organizations we were partners with. I used to only dream about attending protests and music fests. Now, I got to cover Maskipaps 2024 and FebFair 2025 as the organization’s representative. The organization I wrote about as a first time contestant would bring me to heights I never imagined I would reach.

Throughout my Explained PH journey, I realized that a journalist is not just someone who writes in a newsroom- a journalist is someone who connects with people. Journalism was neither about the medals nor the titles- it was always about standing with your advocacy and being a voice for the voiceless.