Throwback to Explained PH’s First On-Ground Coverage

At first, the idea of going from place to place never crossed my mind. When I was tapped to be a member under the Features and Lifestyle desk during the pandemic, our usual setup was pitching topics, writing articles, and crafting quick news features. During those days, I thought writing was enough to fuel my passion for journalism; it was enough to echo the stories that we had. 

But Explained PH and its members are always dreamers. 

  Back then, Kuya Archie had a vision of launching a team that could lead in face-to-face coverages and shift our organizational structure in a way that would not only remain as an online media organization. He dreamt of putting Explained PH beyond the frontlines and the competitions. Thus, he formed a Core Team, and I was lucky to be part of it.

  The post-pandemic era happened, and we decided to cover the Lunar New Year last 2023. I was a bit overwhelmed by the fast-paced scene like the bustling crowds, the blow-by-blow postings, and even the stores that we needed to visit to create a multimedia production. It may be overwhelming, but I felt alive back then. 

This was also followed by our coverage of the EDSA37 with Kuya Archie, Nicole, Reyza, and Kuya Axell, where we wore our Explained PH shirt that we ordered. I remembered how we hung those shirts on the railings in the photo since they were still a bit wet after I washed them the night before the coverage. 

 

I also remembered how I felt the adrenaline rush the moment we stepped into the People Power Monument to document the national event and how numerous journalists, media companies, and student publications gathered to document the annual commemoration. Despite the heat and thirst, we continued to run around just to cover the whole area. 

 

 

After that, numerous coverages were also planned to the point where we got the opportunity to connect with other young journalists, media organizations, and even be invited to speak about our experiences as young media practitioners. 

 

 

During those days, we also dreamed of having a camera solely for the organization so that we can also share these experiences with those who do not have the equipment yet. Thus, we joined a fact-checking competition, and when we won, the first thing that popped into Kuya Archie’s mind was to find a camera for our future coverages.

 

 

Because of these events, I realized that Explained PH was giving us the lessons that we will bring to the “real world” for free and with good company. Our first coverage may look like a challenge for others, but it served as a breather for me. I just have to spot an event or opportunity to cover, fetch some friends within the organization, and we're good to go. Those coverages defined and strengthened our vision for Explained PH — an organization that builds a community where facts can thrive and the youth can grow. 

Looking back, I realized how Explained PH shaped my skills in multimedia and news reporting. I also witnessed how it grew from an initiative of 5–10 people to a whole team of great staffers. 

Now, as we venture towards a new JOURNey with Explained PH, I look forward to the young volunteers who hold the same passion that the organization has. And of course, I look forward to seeing a new team of aspiring media practitioners who will nurture each other like how we did back when we were just a part of the Core Team — I look forward to a new set of dreams from the organization and its members. 

Cheers to more dreams, more achievements, and of course, more chapters to unravel with Explained PH.