In Explained, I experienced my firsts

Who would have thought that the scorching heat in Tuguegarao five years ago would ignite a never-ending passion to advocate campus journalism beyond competition?

Well, let me tell you a story based on how I remembered things. The idea of creating a nationwide campus journalism organization was conceived during the centennial edition of the National Schools Press Conference in 2020. It was in Tuguegarao, and I was there together with Archie (Explained’s current EIC), to represent Region III and the division of San Jose Del Monte at the national stage.

I was a feature writer at that time, a nobody who was enjoying his first and last NSPC, while the entire nation was gradually infested by the Covid-19 pandemic. I experienced my first NSPC with the people around me who were already at their fifth, sixth, or maybe seventh NSPC appearances.

At first, it was just a random thought opened up by him inside our billeting area and inside a van, during our trip back to CSJDM — creating an organization that will cater young scribes to help them hone their journalistic skills. Later on, weeks after the NSPC, EXplainED was born.

Yes, it was EXplainED PH at first then it became Explained PH. It means #Empower, #Explain, and #Educate.

Not much of a difference but regardless, the name suits its purpose — giving light to pressing issues that are unknown to many and making uninteresting topics interesting to read.

I wasn't a part of it at first but I followed their page and I witnessed its growth over the years. Just like what our EIC constantly shares, Explained PH just started as a hobby, composed of passionate campus journalists around the country in which most of them are NSPC winners, including its founder Archie.

Aside from that fact, Explained is one of many journalism organizations the pandemic has caused. Several pages arised with almost identical advocacies, but only Explained thrived up to date even though it operates remotely.

Fast forward to July 2020, I almost became one of its pioneers. It was a humid afternoon of July 1st when Archie messaged me, inviting me to join Explained as a feature writer. I can still recall his message and it goes this way:

“Boss Biooo, baka gusto mo sumali samin sa Explained. Feature writer ka heheheHexsz.”

I contemplated, but eventually declined the golden opportunity to work with high calibre campus journalists. I have two reasons for declining: first, my journalism coach when I was in junior high prohibited me from joining. Second, I am not confident in my skills. I got intimidated upon knowing that they were NSPC winners.

A year later, I mustered all the courage needed to join. So I messaged Archie, saying if I can still be a part of it. He said yes, but applications are still close though he instructed me to send my resume in their email and prepare all the needed requirements prior to the interview. I can't remember what happened next, but it's clear that I am not yet a member of Explained in 2021.

My first organization

Two years later, Explained opened their application anew. It was around September of 2023 and this time, I didn't miss the chance to join. I was in my freshman year in college when I applied because I was looking for an organization that will help me improve my skills. And by this time, I also believe in the advocacy of Explained in promoting campus journalism beyond competitions.

So I immediately crafted my resume and sent it to the email provided. I joined three desks: Features and Lifestyle, Photojournalism, and Analytics.

I got accepted, at last. But fear and doubt started to creep into myself. I was like “damn, I forgot they were NSPC qualifiers. I don't even have a camera, why on earth did I choose photos desk?”  

Yes, I can be a feature writer. That's been my forte ever since elementary. But in photojournalism, I can't even take good pictures of plants in my mother's backyard. Analytics? What on earth was that? Does it have something to do with math? Dammit, I hate math!

But those are just my fears and misconceptions. I just shrugged it off and told myself that I have to do this for myself to grow as a good journalist. And it turns out that Explained PH will give me my firsts, and those firsts are unforgettable.

I grew up in a household where going somewhere without my mom and aunt knowing is a mortal sin. But since I joined Explained and became a photojournalist, I can go places — as long as these places are within Metro Manila.

My very first coverage was in Diliman. It was in November 2023 when Juan Jumalon of Calamba Gold FM was shot to death in his home while on air. Later in the evening following his death, media organizations, spearheaded by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) conducted a protest in front of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Diliman, Quezon City seeking accountability, to defend the free press, and to end the culture of impunity. We had a PM class in UP Diliman at that time and after knowing that there will be a mobilization later in the evening, I volunteered myself to cover.

I just used my phone during this coverage since cameras are too pricey, but hey, the first published photo I took turned out to be good. This was the very first time I've seen my name in a byline under the photos desk of Explained PH.

Following my first coverage, I attended major mobilizations after another, still around Metro Manila to cover for Explained PH. The first wildest rally I've ever experienced was the May 1 mobilization for Labor Day celebration. Explained team was in full force, but as the protesters attempted to reach the US Embassy, a clash between them and the police sparked, resulting in total chaos.

That was memorable because prior to its chaotic dispersal, the entire photos desk had a little bond. We ate Siomai rice on the side of the road, with Archie paying all the expenses. After the violent protest, we also took a group photo for keeps.

I attended another coverage that year, this time it was in September for the 52nd anniversary of Martial Law declaration. I was able to work with my fellow photojournalists from the organization and I'm glad to know that we use the same camera brand! Thus, a perfect time to share some tips and knowledge with each other.

Covering for Explained PH made me get out of my comfort zone, and I have no regrets at all for it gives me the chance to learn new lessons as a campus journalist and also, I am happy to meet amazing people who share the same passion and advocacy as mine.

A month after my acceptance, was the publication of my first article. The topic which I pitched to our editor by myself, tackled the elusiveness of passing into dream school for many incoming college students due to limited slots. I had fun writing it and was satisfied with the outcome. Because of that, I was able to humanize my own experience of grief after failing to enter UP — my dream school and my greatest TOTGA.  

While writing this pitch, I met Noriko and JB. They became my case studies for this feature release eventually. I interviewed the two of them. I asked questions, listened to their stories, and write so that the public will know how fucked up our education system is to the point that students are competing with each other just to fit in, just to prove that they belong.

During the proofreading process, I felt flattered when Gianela Zapata, our former Deputy Features and Lifestyle Deputy Editor commended my output, saying that it was well written and well researched (but ironically, I hate researching). I took it personally because upon knowing her, she was one of the Most Outstanding Campus Journalists (MOCJ) in the country. Coming from a MOCJ, I realized that perhaps I'm doing well. That this article of mine is outstanding and deserved to be read.

Going back to the time prior to my first article’s publication, I was struggling in the first few months of being a journalism student in PUP. It wasn't difficult, but several times, I always think that I don't belong to the journalism field. That I don't belong to a big stage like Explained. I struggled looking for a case study for that article. I talked to some friends, asked some strangers but they all declined. And receiving an applause from a MOCJ really means a lot to uplift the dying spirit of journalism in me.

What I want and what I really need in life remains uncertain even today. I love to write, yes. I love to capture photos, I love to tell the untold stories of people around me more than anything. That's certain, but what's unclear is if I would land a job in my chosen profession when time comes.

A lot of things are in question that cannot be answered overnight. Questions that there's only one answer — I love what I'm doing.

Things went really fast during my stay inside the organization. Three months after I got accepted, Rinoa messaged me if I could help her with the articles to be released for the love month. It was January 29, 2024 when she sought my help. Rinoa explained everything I have to do; concepting mood boards, crafting a tracker, pitching the topics to volunteers, creating GCs, and checking the articles if it suits the criteria to be published.

The first month went smoothly. I enjoyed doing the tasks assigned because it was something new to me. It felt like I had something new added in my routine. Little did I know, Rinoa was preparing me to be her successor.

February 2024, Rinoa informed me that she will step down as the desk editor once she enters her 3rd year in college and I was about to be the next deputy editor. But I don't know why I am sitting in her position now. All I can remember is that I was in shock, I thought that it was too soon. I can still remember how cold my hands were when she mentioned that I will be holding an editorial position in Explained. The coldness however, wasn't about fear, but an excitement that is difficult to contain.

I said yes, while doubting myself if I could. See? I'm a multitasker.

After orienting me of other whatnot, Rinoa allowed me to work together with my fellow desk officers, with Ashe as the Deputy Features and Lifestyle Editor, Isaiah as the Lifestyle Area Head, and Geelyn, the ones who approved my first topic before about entering dream school, as the Features Area Head. It went really well. We shared plenty of ideas and plans for the desk. We worked as a team to ensure that the readers will read the finest features and lifestyle articles from our organization.

And from there, I realized that you really don't have to be an NSPC winner to consider yourself as a good journalist, as a good writer. What matters is the hard work and dedication you give to every task assigned to you. At the end of the day, talent and a good work ethic can co-exist.

On January 1, 2025, Rinoa officially stepped down from the editorial board. Through an email, she formally announced that I will be replacing her as the Features and Lifestyle Editor of Explained PH. My hands went cold just like the first time she informed me about this matter.

It took some time before it sinked in. I was like “damn, we're on our own now.” But I realized that things are becoming more serious and I shouldn't let fear consume my full potential. So I took a deep breath and accomplished what I had to do.

And when there are times in my life where I felt tired and wanted to give up, I always remind myself one thing:

I once witnessed how Explained grew as an organization, through my screen, while the world went quite due to the pandemic. I was once cheering silently for their success, for every time they reached new heights. But one day, I became one of them. I became a part of a nationwide community where I share the same advocacy — campus journalism beyond competitions.

From just a random concept under the scorching heat of Tuguegarao five years ago, to making it from where it is right now.

From just a mere idea, to building a community where facts can thrive.

And to anyone who reads this and wondering where to go once NSPC is over, don't look anywhere else. Explained PH awaits your arrival.