Article by: Alyanna Ysabelle A. Faustino
Graphics by: Albert Dylan S. David
Showcasing the power of media as the most influential source of knowledge and information, the School of Media Studies (SMS) celebrated National Arts Month through its Media Week 2022 with the theme “Creative Resiliency and Artvocacy” last February 23 to 26.
The three-day event tackled the topics under the media industry umbrella such as multimedia, broadcast media, advertising, digital journalism, and film.
In his opening remarks, SMS Dean Benigno B. Agapito, Jr . highlighted the importance of holding the annual event. "This Media Week gives [us] a clear picture on how to tap in and enhance our students’ abilities to design and communicate effectively across different media platforms,” he stated.
According to Dean Agapito, the fusion of one's ability to construct content and technology's power to carry it has a significant impact in making media communication more powerful and accessible.
Shoot, Design, Animate
Media Week kickstarted its first event through a webinar entitled "Shoot, Design, Animate: How to be a Multimedia Artist: A Multimedia Seminar" last February 23 with guest speakers Dr. Trina Leah Mendoza, a communication specialist, a writer, and video producer from ABS-CBN and MYX, and Reuven Joyce Sumague, a web and graphic designer from Engraphia Philippines – FGSP.
Dr. Mendoza discussed how video production and media convergence ushered in the era of a digital renaissance. Meanwhile, Ms. Sumague shared her take on the basics of web design.
Concluding the event, the winners of the Character Design Poster Making Contest were announced with Anne Gabrielle V. Santos from the University’s Senior High School Department as the grand winner.
Hear Me, Watch Me
The following day, the second webinar delved into basics of radio broadcasting and the workflows of television production with "Hear Me, Watch Me – The Life of a Broadcaster: A Broadcast Media Seminar."
90.7 Love Radio's Adrian "Chris Tsuper" Policena , highlighted the importance of being a good observer towards becoming an effective radio DJ. "A great radio announcer is a great observer of life; they can relate to and connect to their audience, and most importantly, they are willing to pock fun at themselves," he conveyed.
Meanwhile, Jerome Avanzado, a Station Manager from GNN-TV Naga as well as an award-winning producer from CNN Philippines and the GMA Network, stated that one can harness potential through experience. He added that it is important to grab every opportunity to edit, write, or shoot to gain more skills.
Finally, 90.7 Love Radio Disk Jockey Marian "Lala Banderas" Mempin, stressed that the role of broadcasters is "to serve the interest of the people," and how in every problem, there are always solutions presented from different angles.
Gather, Write, Disseminate
To end the week-long festivities on February 26, the third webinar entitled "Gather, Write, Disseminate - A Day in a life of a Journalist: A Digital Journalism Seminar" detailed on how journalists write stories to keep people updated and informed.
Award-winning Senior Reporter and Anchor from GMA News and Public Affairs and GTV Raffy Tima shed light on the core aim of journalists amidst different areas of expertise. He reminded listeners to write and share only verified and credible news. "Ang mahalaga bilang isang journalist, ano man ang iyong path, nagsusulat ka man ng press release, ng mga features, ano man ang iyong kinocover, iisa lang ang ating misyon, iisa lang ang ating aim: to be factual, and to always tell the truth," he remarked.
Subsequently, Senior Reporter, anchor, and host from GMA News and Public Affairs & GTV Mariz Umali inspired others with a talk on how achieving dreams and passions take precedence over a high salary. "… at the end of the day, it's not the money that is going to make you happy, it's the fulfillment from achieving your dreams that will make you happier." she emphasized.
On the same day, Paolo Martin Valconcha, a freelance screenwriter who wrote “Oh Mando, Silly Red Shoes, and Encounter (the Philippine Adaptation)” also held a webinar entitled "Marites 101: O Kung Paano Nagiging Kuwento Sa Pelikula Ang Chika: A Digital Film Webinar”. Here, he stressed how a 'marites-like' nature aids in storytelling. "You get great stories by listening to other people's stories," he shared.
To culminate the event, an awarding ceremony was held for the Sesenta Sine: One Minute Film Making Contest – a competition specifically for Senior High School students. The awards included the Top 8 Finalists, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Special Jury Prize, and Best Film.
Top 8 Finalists:
Cyrus Paulo F. Quiapos, "I Hope I Know Where I'm Going"
Ethan John G. Dela Cruz, "Saudade"
Ma. Analyn Jana R. Llarina, "Voice Message"
Cyrus Paulo F. Quiapos, "The Agony I Feel Nothing"
Cyrus Paulo F. Quiapos, "Nakaraos Din"
Laureen Iris C. Bardillo, "Panag(inip)"
Jan Arrthur V. Delos Reyes, "Papel"
Chyme Fresca M. Colinares, "Free As A Bird"
Best Director: Ethan John G. Dela Cruz, "Saudade"
Best Screenplay: Ethan John G. Dela Cruz & Michaella De Leon, "Saudade"
Best Editing: Ma. Analyn Jana Llarina, "Voice Message"
Best Cinematography: Jericho Dela Paz, "Saudade"
Best Production Design: Cyrus Paulo F. Quiapos, "The Agony I Feel Nothing"
Special Jury Prize: Cyrus Paulo F. Quiapos, "I Hope I Know Where I'm Going"
Best Film: Ethan John G. Dela Cruz, "Saudade"
The School of Media Studies, formerly School of Multimedia and Visual Arts, offers the following undergraduate programs: Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film, Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Media, Bachelor of Arts in Advertising Design, and Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism.