Journalism Online Training (JOT) JOT is a free, online, quality journalism training blog for campus journalists managed by Engr. Herman Lagon of Ateneo de Iloilo. For inquiries, suggestions, and tutorials, please email Sir H at jotwithsirh@yahoo.com. Do not hesitate to post your comments also at the end of every lesson. Good riddance.‘FIRST-AID KIT’ IN JOURNALISM

WHAT IS JOURNALISM?

JOURNALISM is the art of writing for publication in newspapers and other media, embracing all thoughts and actions that have significance and interest to the readers. In this kit, we will only concentrate on print journalism.

* * *WHAT IS NEWS?News is an oral or written report of an event that happened, is happening, will happen in the North, East, West, or South that is of interest to the reader and which should be reported.

But what is interesting to one is not always interesting to another.

* * *Elements of the News

1. Conflict2. Immediacy or Timeliness3. Proximity or Nearness4. Prominence5. Significance6. Names7. Drama8. Oddity and Unusualness9. Romance and Adventure10. Sex11. Progress12. Animals13. Number14. Emotion

* * *BASIC RULE IN WRITING: ACCURACY, BREVITY, CLARITY. ABC.* * *NEWS WRITING EXERCISE

Identify the elements involved on the following headlines. There may be more than one answer.

1. Principal issues new school policy2. Dog saves master’s life by attacking robbers3. Cure for AIDS discovered

4. Man becomes pregnant5. Icebergs appear in Northern Luzon6. Senator injured in a car accident7. Two solons lambaste each other, then end in a fist fight8. Woman permitted to celebrate holy mass9. Filipino wins Miss World title10. 10 killed in shootout * * *Different forms of writing an incident

Situation: A fire broke out and four persons made their separate essays on what happened.

For a 10-year-old grade school pupil,

“I saw a fire. It was a big red fire. It burned a house. There were many people around. Some men put water on the fire.”

For a romantic high school student,

“Fearful scarlet tongues arose to the star-studded heaven and licked greedily at the doomed edifice while the stout-hearted firefighters risked their all to quench the terrible conflagration.”

For a lady bystander,

“You know, Mare, there was a fire in our community. I think it cost the owner a great deal of money. The date was August 8. August is the eighth month. So I bet in the lottery, 8-16-24-32-40-48.”

For a campus paper writer,

“A fire of undetermined origin razed to the ground a two-storey apartment owned by lawyer Herman Lagon of 80 Lopez Jaena St., Jaro Iloilo City, last night. Four trucks from the Jaro Fire Station subdued the fire within an hour. The damage estimated by the police at P500,000 was covered by insurance.”

The combination of simple, vivid and dignified articles produces a copy simple enough for Mr. Average Reader to understand. We call it news article.

* * *Narrative vs News(Example: Dog hero story) Narrative: Pyramid (from less important to climax)News: Inverted Pyramid (from climax to less important)

* * *Sample News

Headline (ulo ng balita)

Dog dies saving blind master

Lead (pamatnubay)– Most important factsA FOUR-YEAR-OLD dog saved the life of his blind master, Thursday night, but the canine’s loyalty cost the trusty animal his life.

Bridge—Elaboration of leadIn serious condition today in Doctor’s Hospital is Erland Escobanez, 71, a street sweeper. Escobanez of SSS Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City was found early this morning unconscious on a sidewalk near the Aglipayan Church in the Iloilo Terminal Market.

Less important factsPolice theorized that Escobanez was knocked unconscious when he fell, his head hitting a stone. Potpot, his dog, apparently tried to shield its master from the cold and the rain by draping itself over the fallen man.

When discovered this morning by the Police Patrol, Escobanez was still out cold. The dog lay near, dead.

Relatives of Escobanez who is still a bachelor, told authorities that he always took nightly strolls at about 11 p.m. with his dog.

Minor factsAccording to doctors, only the warmth from the dog’s body saved Escobanez from certain death.

Escobanez told police that he remembers nothing of the incident. A wallet containing P500 was still in his pocket leading the authorities to rule out robbery.* * *Types of news storiesA. Scope or origina. Local newsb. Foreign newsc. Dateline news

B. Chronology or sequencea. Advanced or anticipated (dope or prognostication)b. Spot news (reporter an eyewitness of the event)c. Coverage news (beat)d. Follow-up news

C. Treatmenta. Fact story (plain exposition)b. Action story (narrative of actions)c. Speech or quote story

D. Contenta. Routine storyb. Police reportsc. Science newsd. Development communication

e. Sports news

E. Structurea. Straight newsb. News featureb.1 Single-feature structureb.2 Several-feature structure

F. Advanced newsa. Investigativeb. Interpretativec. Depthnews

G. Minora. News briefb. News bulletin (gist of the news)c. News-featurette (quirks in the news)d. Sidebar (side by side with the mother story)e. Flash (boxed message)* * *HOW TO WRITE A LEAD?

LeadIt is a single word, a phrase, a clause, a brief sentence, an entire paragraph or a series of paragraphs. The main function of the lead, aside from introducing the news story, are to tell the story in capsule form and to answer right away the questions the reader would naturally ask.A good lead answers all the important questions of the reader, indicates the facts if they are all important, and arouses the readers’ interest to continue reading the story.* * *Kinds of leadA. Conventional or summary leadB. Grammatical beginning leadC. Novelty lead* * *Conventional or summary lead

This kind of lead used in straight news, answers right away all or any of the 5 W’s and/or the H. It may be one of the following:

1. WHO leadPRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addressed, April 20, the PMA graduates in Baguio City.

2. WHAT leadAN ENTRANCE examination will be given Nov. 24 to all graduating high school students desiring to enroll in the four-year college course.

3. WHERE leadTRAPICHE, Oton, Iloilo will be the site of the next International Film Festival.

4. WHEN leadTODAY, almost to the hour, the Revolutionary Government was proclaimed by former President Corazon Aquino.

5. WHY leadBECAUSE of poverty, around a hundred students dropped from school last year. This was learned from Iloilo Scholastic Academy principal Juan dela Cruz.

6. HOW lead

BY APPEALING to the school board, the University of Iloilo was able to construct a 30-storey, concrete building.* * *Grammatical-beginning lead

1. Prepositional-phrase leadWITH BROOMS and other cleaning equipment, boy scouts from the Iloilo public high schools cleaned the city markets in consonance with the city mayor’s Clean and Beautiful Drive.

2. Infinitive-phrase leadTO ENCOURAGE tourism, balikbayans are given a warm welcome by their fellow Filipinos.

3. Participial-phrase leadHOPING to cop first place, the ISA woodpushers honed up for the chess championship games. (present participle)

DRESSED like priests, robbers were able to enter the bank. (past participle)

4. Gerundial-phrase leadWINNING the developmental communications trophy during the national press conference was Iloilo Scholastic Academy’s best achievement of the year.

5. Clause leadBECAUSE Sept. 9 was Osmena Day, all lessons in class dealt with the life of the late President Sergio Osmena Sr. (subordinate, adverbial)* * *Novelty lead

1. Astonisher leadCHAMPION of Division of Iloilo City!BETTER look your best this week!

2. Contrast leadFOUR MONTHS before the Green Drive, Zone 3 of Brgy. Bo. Obrero, Iloilo City was the dirtiest community. Three months after the campaign, it won first place in the cleanliness contest sponsored by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

3. EpigramLIKE father, like son. Herman Lagon Jr. graduated first honor this year. Twenty years ago, his father, Engr. Herman Lagon Sr. also topped his class and delivered his valedictory address on the same rostrum where the young Lagon gave his.

4. Picture leadTHE NEW principal, Ms. Arianne Agnes Ciao, although only in her early thirties, is already silver-haired. She seldom talks, but when she does, she talks with sense.

5. Background leadTHE CPU campus was turned into a miniature carnival ground Sept. 1 during the 89th Foundation Day celebration of the school. Decorated with buntings and multicolored lights, the University quadrangle was a grand setting for a barrio fiesta.

6. Descriptive leadDRESSED in white polo barong, and with diplomas in their hands, 109 graduates marched down the stage to the tune of Hail Alma Mater.

7. Parody leadWATER, water everywhere, but no water to drink. This was what the flood victims found to their dismay.

8. Punch leadVICTORY Day!Bonifacio High School celebrated March 18 its fifth victory in the city-wide journalism contest.

9. One-word leadMARCH!Thus ordered Chess Club president Pol Buenconsejo to start the “Walk to Win” fund-raising drive.

10. Quotation lead“THE YOUTH sucks,” thus said Association of Dimwits president Don Pepot in a seminar-workshop yesterday in Brgy. Walang Kwenta, Siete Pecados, Guimaras.

11. Question leadWHO WILL reign as Miss Intramurals this year?This will be known Aug. 8 after the final screening to be held at the WVSU gym.* * *NEWS WRITING EXERCISEIdentify what kind of lead is used in the following:

1. He used to be a mechanic. Now, he is president of a college.

2. Dressed in caps and gowns, and with diplomas in their hands, the graduates sang their farewell song to their alma mater.

3. There was food and fun galore! The student body of Lally Jane Cabanilla High School held an excursion in Villa beach last Sunday.

4. Supt. Rasan Trompeta was the guest speaker during the investiture of boy scouts held Jan. 15 at Jaz Tandug High School.* * *News leads are not always one sentence in length, but because of the frequent paragraphing in journalistic writing, a one-sentence lead (of at most 25-35 words) is the most common. Whatever the arrangement, the lead answers some or all of the 5 W’s and 1 H. The shorter, more complete and clearer the lead, the better it is.* * *NEWS WRITING EXERCISE

Find the 5 W’s and 1 H

1. On Saturday, April 30, the moon will pass directly in front of the sun causing a total eclipse for half an hour.

2. Aboard an airplane flying 30,000 feet above the ground was born a fat plump baby boy this morning to a 60-year-old woman.

3. At least 100 young surfers, who are members of the Surfing Association of Brgy. Ortiz will go to Siargao on Nov. 22-26 to view the Annual Championship Competition.* * *NEWS WRITING EXERCISE

Write a summary lead using the data below:• reforestation drive• held at the foot of Mt. Makunat in Lambunao• last April 10• local boy scouts participated in the three planting activities• they were headed by Scout Master Joven Kidlat

Write a summary lead using the data below:• seminar on population education• third of a series• being currently held this year in Laklak High School• reason: in observance of World Population Year• held March 31 at the school social hall* * *Do’s and Don’ts in writing a news story1. Write the story immediately.2. Play up the dominant points.3. Be accurate and truthful.4. Avoid opinions called editorializing.5. Use adjectives sparingly.6. Avoid libelous, seditious and rebellious matters, prejudice and bad taste.7. Give source (attribution) of the news.8. Write names in full when these are mentioned for the first time.

9. Identify the names mentioned.10. Avoid redundancy.11. Watch out for errors in fact, grammar, structure, and style.12. Observe the guidelines for clear effective writing (unity, coherence, emphasis, brevity, clarity, etc.)13. Adopt a paper stylesheet or stylebook for consistency and professionalism (in Ripples, we officially adopt the Daily Inquirer Stylebook)

* * *Guidelines in writing a news story1. Give your lead sentence a “punch” to catch the interest of the readers.2. Starts with the most important event or idea.3. Use the rule or proximity and explain how the news affects the people in the locality or the students in school.4. If your story has something unusual or novel to tell, bank on that for the lead. It’s hot copy.5. Make your sentences concise and clear so that they could be easily understood. Long tedious sentences will likely “kill” the readers’ interest. Besides, they usually “lose” the readers along the way. News stories are not “luxury” or ”pleasure” reading. They have the basic function to inform.6. Use simple words. Using highfalutin words does not prove anything but pedantry and literary pretentions. Even literary writers try as much as possible to use simple words.7. Never be afraid of breaking the rules if it will prove helpful in making a good copy.* * *NEWS WRITING EXERCISEMake a four-paragraph news report of Ripples Phase 1 Basic Journalism Course. The article shall be published tomorrow, April 12. Supply the headline.* * *SAMPLES:

Failed bank heist ends with 1 dead

AN ALLEGED bank robber was shot dead by a security guard in a robbery hold-up at Equitable Bank, Quezon St., Iloilo City noontime yesterday.

Police Supt. Bakleng Bading of Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) identified the fatality as Garin Farm thru a Comelec identification card, while the security guard was identified as Neil Andrew Tupaz y Falayfay, 42, of 17 Gen. Blanco St., Iloilo City.

Police reports revealed that at 10:45 a.m. Monday, the suspect entered the said bank to encash a check with a companion waiting outside. The suspect demanded money from the teller, Ethel Booba Sya, but the latter refused prompting Farm to grab the guard’s shotgun. In the commotion, the guard fired the gun, hitting the victim in the abdomen.

A certain Mr. Pelongsya informed the police thru a phone call about the incident.

The companion of the suspect evaded arrest and is still being hunted by the authorities. No amount was reportedly lost.

6 killed in attacks vs cops

THE PHILIPPINE National Police has blamed the New People's Army rebels for the two ambush attacks yesterday, April 10 that killed five policemen and a security guard.

Three policemen were responding to a call about an alleged bomb in Silang town, Cavite when they were shot dead on Thursday afternoon, a police report said.

Two hours later, unidentified men sprayed a police checkpoint in Olongapo City with bullets, killing two policemen and a security guard. Two other police officers were seriously wounded.

Authorities said they have launched an investigation of the attacks that could be the work of the NPA.

PNP chief Director General Edgardo Aglipay said the communists were known to step up their attacks just ahead of their anniversaries.

The Communist Party of the Philippines marks its 36th anniversary on December 26.

Aglipay also noted that the communists announced in October that they would step up their attacks.

Sanggol, binigti at itinapon ng ina

IMUS, Cavite– Upang maitago ang kanyang pagbubuntis at panganganak, isang 17-anyos na babae ang dinakip ng mga awtoridad matapos na patayin ang kanyang sariling sanggol na kapapanganak pa lamang kamakalawa ng hapon sa Bacoor, Cavite.

Kasalukuyang nakakulong si Monica Merca, tubong-San Mariano, Isabela at stay-in maid sa Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City habang pansamantalang inilibing ang sanggol na si Baby Merca sa Public Cemetery sa Bacoor, Cavite.

Ayon kay SPO3 Rodolfo Arboleda, alas-2:30 ng hapon nang matagpuan ang isang patay na sanggol na nakalagay sa itim na plastic bag na nakalagay sa basurahan.

Tinungo ng mga pulis ang lugar at nakita nila na nakabigti ng panty ang leeg ng sanggol at nakabalot ng t-shirt na puti.

Isang sobre din ang nakuha ng mga pulis sa nakabalot sa sanggol na mula sa San Beda College at nakapangalan sa mag-asawang Alvin Domingo ng Alabang Hills Village, ng nasabing lungsod.

Hindi nag-aksaya ng oras ang mga awtoridad at agad na nagtungo sa bahay ng mga Domingo kung saan nakita nila si Merca na namumutla at kasalukuyan pa ring dinudugo.

Dito inamin ni Merca na mag-isa niyang ipinanganak ang kanyang sanggol noong Miyerkules ng gabi at siya na rin ang nagputol ng pusod nito.

At sa takot na malaman ng kanyang mga magulang sa probinsiya ang kanyang pagbubuntis, ipinasya na lamang niyang patayin ang sanggol.

Ayon naman sa amo ng suspek natatakot ito sa kanyang mga magulang dahil madalas umano itong sinasabihan na sagabal ang pagbubuntis sa kanyang trabaho. (Ulat ni Herman Landi)

* * *WHAT IS A FEATURE ARTICLE?(LATHALAIN)

Itis hard to define a feature article because it can take so many forms and can cover so many subjects. However, a reader may easily distinguish feature stories from news stories through its different characteristics.

A feature article is an essay based on fact. It’s a virtual drop bag. It is never fictitious. This makes it different from ordinary essay you study in your literature class.

Like an editorial, a feature article is hung on a newspeg.

Feature stories, like news stories, are written to inform but they enlarge news in a leisurely and entertaining way. They are written to add life to the paper and therefore their style lends more to the creativity of a writer.

The main objective of news is to inform while that of a feature article is to entertain. But feature articles may also instruct, advise, influence, inform, and entertain at the same time.

The matrix below compares and contrasts news, feature and editorial articles.

COMPARISON NEWS EDITORIAL FEATURE1. Definition Report an eventInterpretation of an event/issueAn essay based on facts2. Main Purpose To inform To interpret To entertain using present human interest stories3. Timeliness Timely Timely Timely4. Length Short Around 300 words (2000 computer characters) Depends upon the needs5. Use of words Simple precise, concrete Simple, forceful, direct May be descriptive, flowery, colorful6. Use of sentences Short, simple, 15-25 words average May be longer May be longer7. Paragraph No topic sentence, one idea, one paragraph With topic sentence, longer With topic sentence, longer8. Use of literary devices Journalistic, direct to the point, no idioms, figures of speech

Journalistic, direct to the point, may use idioms, figures of speech if properly handledLiterary, can be journalistic; idioms, figures of speech used freely

9. Use of adjectives/opinion Uses adjectives sparingly; opinion, never Adjectives used freely; primarily opinion As much as desired

10. Parts Lead, (Bridge), Body Introduction (newspeg, reaction), body, conclusion (clincher)Introduction, body, ending

11. Style Follows style-sheet newspaper style Follows style-sheet, newspaper styleComposition style or newspaper style

12. Structure Inverted pyramid Hypothesis, arguments/stand on issue, conclusionSuspended interest or pyramid structure

13. Title/Headline Short (subject-verb; telegraphic sentence form) Shorter (at most three words)Any length as long as it is appealing to the reader/topic

14. Kinds (Refer to the syllabus)Note: Sports News is not included since this special news article combines News, Feature and Editorial precepts.

* * *Additional point

Short words are words of mightBy Gelett Burgess

This is a plea for the use of more short words in out talk and in what we write. Through the lack of them our speech is apt to grow stale and weak, and, it may be, hold more sham than true thought. For long words at times tend to hide or blur what one says.

What I mean is this: If we use long words too much, we are apt to talk in ruts and use the same old, worn ways of speech. But if we use short words, we have to say real things, things we know, and say them in a fresh way. We find it hard to hint or dodge or hide or half say things.

For short words are bold. They say just what they mean. They do not leave you in doubt. They are clear and sharp, like signs cut in a rock.

* * *IMAGINE THIS…

You are a reporter of a newspaper covering a beat in the Iloilo Port Terminal. While going home for work, you notice an old man ferrying people across a narrow waterway that divides the passenger bancas from the wharf.

You have passed by him hundreds of times before without a second thought, but suddenly you get off your motorcycle press and grab your notepad. You have just spotted a feature story.

You take a candid shot of the old man and start asking him questions about himself, his family, his job, his odd experience with the endless stream of humanity that he ferries daily across the small brook.

At home, you sit down and focus your thoughts on the old gnarled ferryman and study the odds and ends about him on your notepad. You organize your material and determine your focus of interest. Then, you begin to write your story:

REGIE Zabalacheng has the loneliest job in town.

Each day, he ferries hundreds of people across the Iloilo stream, but no one bothers to say “hello,” or even give a friendly wave.

Sabalacheng, 68, of 70 Lopez Jaena Street, Iloilo City, has been at his job for 40 solitary years.

“Nobody ever pays attention to me except to give me the two peso-fare after I get them safely across the river. I know them all by face because I see them every day but I don’t know their names,” Zabalacheng said with a cynical grin, “I guess they don’t know mine either.”

“It’s not a bad job, but it sure gets lonely.”

The story continues with more quotes from Zabalacheng, a description of his appearance and mannerisms, anecdotes from his 40-year career, and his family.

You’ve got a feature story.* * *The Wall Street Journal Formula

Here is a structure for features that the Wall Street Journal has used successfully for many years.

Beginning (introduction)—Start with an anecdote or an illustration of the theme (1st to 2nd paragraphs).Theme—Shortly after the beginning, state the point of the piece (3rd to 6th paragraphs).Body—Provide details that elaborate on that theme. Tell the reader what is happening and why and what’s being done about the situation. This serves rather than conclude on a secondary piece of information as to most news stories, a feature may have what is called a kicker, a punch at the end that drives home the theme and that the reader must always remember. (5th to 7th paragraphs)* * *Topics for Feature Stories1. Personalities2. Experience and adventure3. Description4. Narratives5. Backgrounders6. Developmental feature articles7. “What to do” and “How to” articles

* * *How to introduce (begin) the Feature articleUnlike straight news, a feature article may begin in any form and in any style. It depends on the topic or purpose of the writer. Most features, however, may be introduced by any of the following:

1. Rhetorical questionWHO says that age is an obstacle to education?

Take it from Procopio Dimakulangan of San Miguel, Iloilo who stopped going to school 50 years ago after finishing the elementary grades. This year, he enrolled as a first year evening student at Andres Bonifacio High, Iloilo Scholastic Academy’s adopted school.

2. Startling statement“HINDI pa kami laos!”

Ito ang pahayag ng mga “young once”—mga guro, pinuno ng paaralan at mga magulang—nang kanilang ipinagdiwang ang Araw ng Ateneo, Agosto 17, at lumahok sila sa iba’t ibang palatuntunan at paligsahan upang bigyang-buhay at kasanayan ang pagdiriwang.

3. Narrative statementMRS. NELLY Marie Pradas, a fourth year evening student sends herself and her six children to school, acting as mother and father at the same time.

Every day, Mrs. Pradas takes her tentative place between the half-time tindera tending her sarisari store during the day and the half-time student studying at night.

4. Quoted remarks“I EARN while I learn.” He smiled at me as the interview reeled off. “How can you work, have a part-time job as an exotic dancer, and at the same time go to school?” I asked.

“Well, it is easy, she explained. “I don’t do all of these at the same time.”

5. An old maxim, an aphorism or a “salawikain“TUBIG, tubig sa lahat ng dako, ngunit kahit isang patak ay walang maiinom.” Itong siniping sabi ni Samuel Coleridge sa tulang “The Ancient Mariner” na wala nang bisa ngayon. Kahit na tubig na galing sa baha ay maiinom na. Paano? Ganito ang paraan.

6. History or background of the subjectISLAMS throughout the world, including our Filipino Muslim brothers observe the holy month of Ramadan, starting Sept. 17. Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Muslim calendar. It is observed by Muslims as the Lenten Season is commemorated by Christians.

7. Problems to be discussed in the article of fact to be establishedTHIS IS the answer to the rising cost of vegetables: raise your own.

* * *Ending the Feature article

1. A summary of the whole articleMAKINIG ka sa dalubhasa: ang paninigarilyo ay lubhang masama sa kalusugan. Maaring maturingan kang tunay na lalaki dahil sa paninigarilyo mo, subalit hindi tatagal ang buhay mo upang mapatunayan mo ang iyong pagkalalaki.

2. An announcement of the main point for the first timeTHEREFORE, a major part of the development communications effort should be directed at strengthening the character of the people and developing in them moral values, particularly by self-discipline, self-reliance, strength of character, and fortitude.

3. A question left in the reader’s mind

ANG KAMAY ng makabagong Pilipino ay handang marumihan. Pinaiikoit niya ang gulong ng pangkaunlaran. Iwina-wagayway niya ang bandila ng kalayaan—kalayaan laban sa paghihikahos, at kalayaan sa kamangmangan.

4. Suggested results or significanceLET US conserve our forests now if we want to save the future of our country and of our children.

5. A forecast or prophecyIN SIX-AND-A-HALF centuries from now, if population explosion would not be checked, there would be one person standing on every square foot of land on earth. By that time, people would be devouring one another for there would be no more space for plants to grow.

6. A repetition of the introductionASKED if he had formal training in photography, Lovely Sepe finally answered, “Ah, it is now the reverse. It is here where I learn as I earn, not earn as I learn.” (the lead of the feature article is, “I learn while I earn).

7. A repetition of a sentence or slogan, or a reference to the titleAFTER four years of working as a houseboy, working during the day and going to school at night, Jose Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor student.

Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to education?

(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a hindrance.”)

8. An appropriate quotationNESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked why he gave his last centavo to the old man, he answered:

“Not what we give, but what we shareFor the gift, without the giver is bare,Who gives himself with his alms feeds threeHimself, his hungering neighbor and me.”

* * *A good feature writer should possess the following:1. a keen observation2. an intellectual curiosity3. ability to find features in everyday happenings4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all senses)and everyday idioms5. the skill to weave words into interesting sentences and paragraphs6. the ability to write effectively7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to “show (suggest), not tell, things”

* * *FEATURE WRITING EXERCISES

Describe vividly your seatmate in a two-sentence paragraph.

Write a short (at most five paragraphs) feature article about abortion. It doesn’t matter if you are for or against it. What is important is you remain factual yet entertaining, convincing and informative. Provide your own title. Show your work to your group mates.

You are the feature editor of your school paper. This morning while you were on your way to school, you saw a Grade 4 pupil helping an old woman cross the street. Fourth year boys, who were playing nearby saw the old woman but did not care to help her.

You interviewed the young boy. Now write a feature story on the boy or on the incident. Supply the facts you gathered from the interview. Remember, you are not writing an editorial. Note also that like an editorial, a feature article is hung on a natural or artificial newspeg. Give an interesting and entertaining title.* * *Feature Examples

Topic: Abortion

COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t when you killed me.

Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The excruciating pain that consumed my helpless body? You inflicted that, remember?

Look at my body, now a mass of rotting flesh and coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny human body. A body that was soft with a tiny head matted with a sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny heart that pulsated in time with yours. These were my fingers and ohh!... Here’s my thumb which I sucked while snugly tucked inside you.

You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive mouth was just like yours. And here are my ears that heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid.

I could have been a wonderful child if you’ve let me live.

I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A strong, healthy and bubbly bundle in your arms. My hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you.

Daddy? Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am the shooter. I could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of me coz I’m gonna join contests.

Mama, see I was alive but not anymore. So, please let baby brother live. He could also be as wonderful as me. His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.

Topic: Abortion

LISTEN TO the cry of the unborn.

Listen carefully and see. He is there—frail, delicate, heart beating with the glorious thump of life. Blood running in his anemic veins, smooth hands, dainty feet, pink flesh, unseeing eyes all in the protective shell of his mother’s womb. His soul’s voice cries out in joy as he looks forward to the bountiful harvest he will reap in life. A fresh breath of life; a new creation carefully molded by the hands of God.

But listen. He is there. Crying out in excruciating pain. He feels the sharp tingle of needles tearing his flesh. His unseeing eyes roll up. In confusion and rage. His once joyful soul now crying for the need of life. But no one heard him. No one heeded his call as he plunged into the world of nullity. His last breath reeked of revenge. The unborn was silent.

Listen to the cry of the unborn.

They stare at you and contemplate their sweet revenge.

Look around you. The guilt-ridden eyes of women carrying this burden state back at you. They know their child will not be able to feel its parts during the first recital. They know she will not be able to play Chinese garter or beat up the boys next door because she is gone. They are gone. Millions of unborn children are presented with the gift of life only to be taken away by selfish ambitions.

The burden they carry is their revenge. The guilt that is locked in their hearts is their revenge—the revenge of the unborn.

Listen to the cry of the unborn.

Their chances in life were selfishly taken away. Their rights as human beings were unjustly abused. Their hearts and souls yanked out and were swallowed up in a cloud as dark as ebony. They lust for death as revenge but they have no voice. They cannot scream.

Listen to the cry of the unborn. They need you.

* * *TomorrowBy Pamela Joy Go, AdI-SMCS• 700 words in 1 hour• First Prize masterpiece, DSPC 2002• Theme: Environmental Problems• No. of participating schools: 25

HEAL the world,Make if a better placeFor you and for meAnd the entire human raceThere are people dying,If you care enough for the livingMake a better placeFor you and for me

I could only stare at the third-grade pupils as they interpret this Michael Jackson classic for their presentation during the flag ceremony. They seem to be so full of life, so vibrant. Nothing in this world could seem to break the unbeatable character they have glowing brightly inside them.

I sigh as my thoughts fall on the degrading society that we are having now. How long will these naïve tots have the overwhelming spirit in them? How will they manage to smile?

Look around you, human. What do you see? The pressing issues concerning the destruction of Mother Earth is too real…too hard to ignore.

The huge forest fires that terrorize countless of species both here and abroad. The perennial garbage problem that embraces the government like a cold pack of harsh ice. The dwindling population of all sorts of mammals and reptiles…the endangered species. The red list is getting longer and longer. Soon, I doubt if we’ll ever be able to keep track of all the creatures that have disappeared from the face of the earth forever.

Yes, we want to escape from these enigmas. We really want to. But listen. It’s also we who are keeping ourselves chained to the enslaving powers of material riches. We are blinded by the glitter of gold every time we cut down trees.

However, there are better realities in this issue our ancient mentality should just think about. The contemporary ambience of people all over the world getting more humane, more environment-friendly, more real is embracing us. Any maybe, just maybe, we could start from here.

A year ago, I came across this Reader’s Digest article that suggested a different view of this dilemma. While countless others would rather stick to the old, hopeless sense of presenting these inevitable facts, the article examined the optimism that, surprisingly, never left us.

We still have a chance. At least, that’s what the article said. People are becoming civilized. We are no longer a heartless breed of warm bodies out for nothing but earthly wealth. Through time, we have evolved to be persons with some sense. And Mother Earth is pretty much depending on it. Her whole life, her whole existence is actually relying on this so-called sensitivity that we are starting to acquire.

These are not made-up facts, ladies and gentlemen. No, this isn’t escapism. We are not merely creating this news for the sake of lessening the parables that grasp us by the throat. This is reality.

And this is where we could start. Instead of being a wet blanket, why not take a positive paradigm shift? This maybe is the breakthrough we have been waiting for. And this could take us somewhere in renovating our home, to say the least.

Yes, the predicaments around us are more than enough to last us a lifetime. There’s no way they’ll be solved the moment we put our acts together. They may not even be solved in the entire life of this generation. They may not even be solved at all. But let us begin. Let us start now.

In John F. Kennedy’s words, “United there’s little we cannot do. Divided, there’s little we can do.” If we hold hands now, if we open our hearts to one another and disregard those barriers that keep us from being who we truly are, then maybe we could still hang on to life.

As I watch the children hold hands and dance about the stage, I recognize in their eyes what we almost lost—hope. The smiles pasted on their innocent faces spell a promise that there will be a tomorrow. And that tomorrow will surely be better.

Tomorrow, the world will be healed.Tomorrow, the world will be a better place.For you and for me and the entire human race.

* * *Lathalaing naglalarawan (Description)

Pagdalaw sa Lawa ng BulusanNi Perlegio PaderesMataas na Paaralan ng SamarUnang Gantimpala, NSPC 1993

KUNG sinasabing ang pluma ay higit ha pakapangyarihan kaysa anumang snadata, sa pluma man ay may higit pang makapangyarihan. Ito ang ganda ng kalikasan.

Kahanga-hanga, makapitlag-puso, makalangit, kapita-pitagan at walang pinag-iwan sa isang tunay na paraiso. Ito ang Lawa ng Bulusan, lawa para sa sinumang nilalang na ibig mapag-isa upang lasapin ang biyaya ng tunay na katahimikan sa buhay o dili naman kaya’y upang lunasan ang hapdi ng puso sa pamamagitan ng walang sawang pagmasid sa mapang-aliw at masaganang kagandahan ng buong pusong inihain ng kalikasan.

Sa aking nasaksihan sa una kong pagdalaw sa lawang ito na matatagpuan sa dakong timog silangan ng lalawigang Sorsogon na may apatnapu’t limang kilometro mula sa punong bayan ay ang mga sumusunod:

Isang likas na daan o pilapil na maaring mapagdaanan na tuloy-tuloy sa buong paligid. Sa pampang naman ito ay nakapalibot ang malilin na punong-kahoy na pawing nangayuko at animo’y nahihiyang nagbubulungan.

Sa paligid pa rin ay ang mgaburol na siyang nagsisilbing muog sa sinuman o anumang ibig magsamantala sa walang batik na kagandahan nito. Sa libis naman ng burol ay para-parang inihasik and naglalakihan at nag-papaligsahang mga magagandang bulaklak.

Tunay na kawili-wili at kahanga-hanga. Ang malamig na simoy nghangin ay nakapagpapadama na waring ang buhay ay walang katapusan. Ito ang mga pangunahing katangian ng lawa ng Bulusan na may labing anim na hektarya ang lawak at may tatlumpu’t dalawang metro ang lalim. Ang lawa ay tatlong daan at animnapu’t limang taong gulang na. Ito’y maaaring marating sa pamamagitan ng bus o anumang sasakyang pangkalsada sa loob ng may humigit-kumulang sa dalawa at kalahating oras.

Ibig ba ninyong dumalaw doon? Kayo’y malugod na inaanyayahan at buong pusong tatanggapin ng mapang-akit na lawang nakahimlay sa tuktok ng higanteng bulkan.

* * *

Human Interest Feature Article

George, he’s a hero!By Emilyn Martinez

IT IS “natural” for women to be lavanderas if that is the best thing that they can do for a living, but have you heard of a guy who does laundry to support his family? Well, there is such an unusual guy in our school.

George Francis, a 17-year-old junior, has taken on the difficult responsibility of providing for his little sister and brother. He is father and mother to them, since both his parents are deceased. His three other sisters have their own families. Fortunately, his youngest brother is cared for by an aunt.

To be able to feed his siblings and send them to school, George does the laundry of a family in Moriones. Saturdays he washes their week’s laundry and Sundays, he irons them, a back-breaking job that assures him P400 a week. And for schooldays, at 5 p.m., when his classes are over, he cleans the house of his amo for a monthly wage of P500. In one month, he earns a total of P2,100 which he says is enough for their food, daily baon and monthly rent of P300.

“I’ve been doing this for three years now,” he says. “Mahirap, pero nasanay na ako (It’s hard but I’m already used to it).” Despite his work, he manages to get good grades. And although he has so much to do, he does his share of the housework because he doesn’t want to tire out his brother and sister “I want them to concentrate on their studies,” he says.

George Francis is only one of our many students who must struggle daily in order to survive. If Rhona Mahilom, the girl from Negros who saved her younger sisters and brothers when their house caught fire, is a hero, George is a hero for saving his sister and brother from starvation, for giving them a home and family to afford them the security they badly need in their formative years.

George’s touching story serves as an inspiration to us. We give you, George, a big round of applause. We are proud of you and may your tribe increase. * * *WRITING EDITORIALSEditorial

Itis the official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue. It is a concerted commentary written by any member of the editorial staff who comments or gives the newspaper’s or staff’s opinion on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public.

The editorial is considered the soul of the newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers to action; it influence and molds public opinion. It is usually written in formal language, expressing the stand of the paper on controversial issues of the day. It has no byline.

It is the expression of the people’s conscience, cause, and convictions.—Joseph Pulitzer* * *Content of the editorial section1. Folio2. Masthead

3. Editorial proper4. Editorial column5. Editorial cartoon6. Editorial liner7. Letter to the editor* * *Characteristics of a good editorial1. Must have clearness of style2. Moral purpose3. Sound reasoning4. The power to influence public opinion5. Lead logically to a conclusion6. Present only one idea7. Avoid wordiness8. Present facts not mere opinion9. Concise, around 250-300 words or 2,000-2,500 computer characters (at most 6 paragraphs)10. Must be decisive and bias

* * *Types of editorial1. Editorial of information2. Editorial of interpretation3. Editorial of criticism4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute5. Editorial of argumentation6. Editorial of entertainment7. Mood editorial8. Pooled editorial

* * *How to write an editorial?

In writing editorial, select only one specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic is of interest to the reader.

Organize your editorial in three parts:

1. IntroductionContains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph. (A newspeg is a brief statement about the news event upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue that needs to be solved right away)

2. BodyIt may take two to four short paragraphs that support or justify the reaction. Cite reasons, statistics, interviews, or figures.

3. Ending

The ending, sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand. It must be crispy and difficult to forget.

* * *Example of an introduction(reaction is italicized; newspeg is in regular font)

The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the literary while they wait for the next period is both timely and wise.

It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to come out second in the NSAT regionwide.

Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s welfare. They will donate labor and materials to improve the school gym.

* * *The editorial has also a head or title which should be brief (preferably less than four words), forceful and interesting.

* * *Pointers in writing editorial1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body of the editorial.3. Have a purpose well in mind that should be accomplished with sufficient data.4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument leading up to the conclusion.5. Peg the lead sentence on recent, relevant news for its impact value.6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely understood analogy or with an illustration that makes for easier understanding.7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.8. Article must be simple, direct, clear, and forceful.9. No double meanings.10. It must reflect clear, logical thinking.11. Subject matter must be significant to the readers.12. Sentences and paragraphs must be comparatively short.

* * *Do’s and Don’ts in writing an editorial1. Win the reader’s interest with an impelling lead paragraph.2. Avoid generalities by using plenty of facts and by telling what these facts mean.3. Keep your editorials short; around 300 words (2,500 computer characters) only.4. Do not preach, scold or moralize.5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of the reader.6. Avoid the first person, “I.” Use the editorial “We.”7. Write simply.8. Develop editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body.

9. Sentences and paragraphs should be relatively short.10. Accomplish your purpose * * *Editorial beginnings

An editorial may start with:1. A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to be discussed.2. A question that calls attention to, give an idea about the problem or point out the logical development of the topic.3. A striking statement that jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of the reader.4. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion.5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.* * *EDITORIAL WRITING EXERCISES:

Across the street from the school are computer stations where students flock during their off-periods. They spend their snack money on computer rentals and stay there playing until the bell rings for their next periods. Write an editorial on these facts.

Lack of study habit is again rampant in school. What should be done about it? Write an editorial using any of the Editorial types you have learned.* * *SAMPLES:

Vandals

ATENEO de La Salle’s walls have a new coat of paint and are presently clean. Whether they retain their present state of cleanliness depends almost entirely on the students.

The first spots appeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and scraping the soles of their shoes on them. Some students have also taken a peculiar delight in making long pencil scrawls on the walls as they go to classes.

According to an observant parent, Atesallians, more than any other group of students, abuse their buildings. This report, whether true or otherwise, should serve as a challenge.

Will the walls remain clean?* * *

(Editorial of criticism)Respect flag rites

A FLAG ceremony whether it be a flag raising or a flag retreat is sacred. Therefore, it should be observed with all the solemnity and sacredness a Filipino citizen can muster.

The National Anthem (Pambansang Awit) like the national flag should be treated with ceremonial respect.

On this, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in Kawit in 1898, it is perhaps timely to remind all and sundry to behave during flag ceremonies.

Sad to say, many students, during the Monday morning flag-raising ceremonies, instead of standing at attention while singing the National Anthem, and while reciting the Patriotic Pledge (Panatang Makabayan), move around, play, and make fun, completely disregarding what is going on.

It is for this reason that we are calling the attention of all teachers, especially the social studies teachers to give more emphasis on educational values, love of country, respect for the flag, veneration of heroes, and proper behavior during flag ceremonies.

If flag ceremonies cannot be held properly, why then do we hold them at all?

- The Newsette, Manila* * *Editorial of Tribute (Nagpaparangal)Ka Doroy

Si G. Bobby Zabalate, lalong kilala sa pangalang “Ka Doroy,” ay nagiwan ng isang legado na mahirap mapantayan ng kanyang mga kapanahon sa pamamahayag.

Nang siya’y nabubuhay pa, kanyang ibinuhos ang kanyang panahon sa walang sawang pagtulong sa mga nahihirap lalo na sa mga kabataang mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng pagkaloob ng mga iskolarship.

Isa sa kanyang mga proyekto ay ang pag-ilak ng pondo para sa ampunan, pagamutan at paaralan. Kanya ring iayos ang Plaza Libertad na nagging isang pandaigdig na palatandaan ot landmark. Pinangungunahan din niya ang pagpalabas ng mga libreng pangkulturang pagtatanghal at ang pagpapaganda ng mga liwasan sa Lungsod ng Iloilo.

Sa sariling pagsisikap at angking talino, siya’y nagging matagumpay hanggang siya’y inangkin bilang isang huwarang anak ng lalawigang Iloilo.

Yumao na si Ka Doroy, subalit siya’s mananatiling buhay sa puso ng bawat Ilonggo.

* * *WHAT IS SPORTS WRITING?Sports writing has become one of the most popular forms of modern journalistic writing. More and more readers are now turning to the sports section before looking at the more prosaic news of the day.

But while may talk about sports, there are only few who can write a sports story. Even experienced beat reporters get lost covering games and writing about them because it takes more than just answering the 5 W’s and 1 H to be able to come up with a comprehensive sports news story. * * *Example of a sports article(NSPC Winning Piece)

ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante Carreon and Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out a close 60-59 win in an exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday.

Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial part of the game including the winning free throw.

The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the lead.

The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales displayed a big heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53.

Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to go.

Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59.

Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring.

“Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game.

INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2, Cabanlong 2, Ong 0, Lim 0, Gumaru 0.

RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0, Limbauan 0, Galapon 0.* * *Aside from having the “nose for news,” a sports writer should also:1. have interest in all sports event2. know the rules and regulations of the event or game he is writing about, and3. have a working knowledge of the language and jargon of sports writing usually referred to as the sports lingo.* * *Types of Sports stories

1. Advance story (dope or prognostication)a. straight news storyb. background storyc. prediction story2. Coverage story3. Advance coverage storyL* * *ike any other news story, a sports story has a lead and a body. The sports lead is the attention-getter and the body is the news in a-nut-shell.

The classic 5 W’s and 1 H appear in the sports lead as: 1. Who won? 2. How did they win? 3. Against whom? 4. By what score? 5. Where? and 6. When?

The Torres High School Quintet (1) poured 10 baskets in the last three minutes (2) to edge out the Osmenians (3) 65-63 (4) at the opponents homeground (5) yesterday afternoon (6).

This kind of summary lead may vary.* * *The lead can also highlight other elements like:

1. The key playLAKANDULA, Iloilo—The visiting Soliman High School sluggers bombed the Lakandula batters with six runs in the third inning to subdue a nerve-frazzling Lakandula rally, 14-12, as they clinched the invitational game here, in connection with the celebration of the school’s Foundation Day.

2. The outstanding playerEDWARD Ong of Ateneo de Iloilo, after almost four hours of battle over the chessboard, copped the most coveted YMCA trophy after outwitting Philippine Science High School chesser William Santos in 27 moves of a Sicilian defense.

3. Analytical approachRIDING high on sizzling spikes and tricky placing, the spitfire Ateneo Blue Dragons blasted the Ateneo Blue Eagles killers in the crucial third set to won 15-10, 11-15, 15-7 in the Jesuit Athletics Meet (JAM), Sept. 21, at the Sacred Heart School in Cebu yesterday* * *The body

After the lead, the other elements follow in descending order. These will include:

1. Team and/or individual standing2. Decisive plays3. Best scores for the day4. Play-by-play5. Quotations* * *Elements that make up a good sports article:

1. Personalities2. Play-by-play description3. Statistics and comparisons4. Quotes by players5. Quotes by trainers and coaches6. Background stuff on players7. The importance or significance of the event8. Background of the game9. Weather conditions10. Crowd and celebration* * *Lingos and Slanguages

Basketball (basketbol)

Quintet, goal (gol o buslo), dribble (dribol), pivot, rally, rebound (rebaun), technical foul, 15-foot line, hook shot, zone defense, first half (unang kalahati), tip-in, full court, press, box out, slam dunk, man-to-man, trey, full-court press, hook shot, goaltending, baseline, board, layup (leyap), out-of-bounds, dominated the paint

Baseball or Softball (beisbol at sopbol)Diamond, pitcher (pitser), catcher (katser), back stop, hit a homerun, rolling ball, short stop, southpaw, pegged at third, fast ball, playoff (n, adj), play off (v.), slugger, wild pitch, bullpen

Boxing (boksing)Southpaw, slugger, rabbit punch, kidney punch, referee stopped contest (RSC), technical knockout, featherweight

ChessCheckmate, rook, queenside, Sicilian opening, Ruy Lopez defense, Queen’s gambit, knight, white, black, fast pawn, en passé, castle, pin, open check, blunder, Philidor’s defenseVolleyballSpike (spaik), placing (pleysing), change court, kill (kil), Chinese kill, block, net ball, wallop (wallop), jump serve, spiker (spay-ker), server (serber)

Soccer or FootballSoccerites, goalie, corner kick, penalty kick, full back, defenders, booters, kick off (v.), kickoff (adj)

TrackPass on the baton, breasted the tape, clock a new record, photo finish, distance runner, century run

Tennis and BadmintonBest of three matches, love set, backhand, drive, doubles, racket, forehand, smash cut

SwimmingTanker, aquabelle, breast stroke, plunge, springboard, tank, dive, summersault* * *Aids (crutches) that may be useful in covering the game:1. Basketball—FG (field goal), FT (free throw), PF (personal foul), TP (total points), js (jumpshot) etc.2. Baseball and softball—ab (at bat), h (hit), rbi (runs batted in), e (error), etc.3. Volleyball—p (placing), bs (booming service), s (spiker), bb (block ball), etc.* * *Salitang magkasingkahuluganNagwagi – namituin, bumandila, namayani, nagnunaNatalo – nagapi, nagahisMagtutuos – magsasagupaan, magkakasubukan, magpapaligsahanKalaban – katunggaliPinatumba – ginupo, nilampaso, pinulbos, tinambakan, pinayukod, pinakain ng alikabok* * *SPORTS WRITING EXERCISEMake a four-paragraph news article with hypothetical story about a basketball exhibition game where the Filipinos won against the best players in the NBA.

* * *SAMPLES:

Gin Kings bag PBA crown

BARANGAY Ginebra broke the game wide open late in the third period behind Mark Caguioa and finished off Red Bull Barako, 103-86, Wednesday night to capture the Gran Matador Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference crown at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Caguioa presided over Ginebra's uprising in the third quarter with 15 of his team-high 26 points, firing three triples that broke the backs of the Barakos and handed the Gin Kings their first title in the post-Sonny Jaworski era.

Caguioa's exploits electrified a jampacked crowd of 16,468, majority of them Ginebra diehards who compounded the misery of the jittery Barakos with their non-stop chants and jeers.

Romel Adducul, Eric Menk, Torraye Braggs and Andy Seigle then took over from Caguioa and the Gin Kings went in for the kill by building a solid 16-point spread, 86-70, that launched Ginebra to its first crown in seven years.

Lacking their usual spunk, the Barakos simply folded up as the Gin Kings ended the best-of-five series at 3-1.

Ginebra last tasted victory during the 1997 Commissioner's Cup title as Gordon's Gin with Jaworski as playing coach.

Overall, the La Tondeña franchise snared its fifth PBA crown and matched sister team San Miguel Beer's feat as the lowest seed in the playoffs to win a championship. The Gin Kings were ranked sixth prior to the quarterfinals.

"We competed and worked as a team. We had mistakes in the past but we've learned from them. All the hard work paid off," said a teary-eyed Barangay Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Tanquingcen, who replaced Allan Caidic as chief bench tactician in the middle of the conference, became the fourth rookie coach to achieve the feat after Joel Banal of Talk 'N Text, Purefoods' Ryan Gregorio and Coca-Cola's Chot Reyes.

Aside from these achievements, the Gin Kings also owned the distinction of becoming the first team to hand the Barakos their first defeat in three PBA Finals.

The Gin Kings also gave import Torraye Braggs his first taste of a championship ring in his entire professional career.

Eric Menk, who was named Finals MVP, finished with 22 points to complement the fine work of Caguioa and Braggs, who also had 22 markers on top of 15 rebounds.

Jimwell Torion, who was suspended in Game 3, started for the Barakos but was immediately pulled out of the game after hurting his right hand during a loose-ball scuffle midway in the first quarter.

Despite Torion's absence for most of the first half, the Barakos were able to sustain their offensive through the outside snipings of Victor Thomas and Homer Se's incursions.

A three-pointer by Thomas, named Best Import of the conference, gave the Barakos an early 17-10 lead and although the Gin Kings cut down the deficit to 30-27 at the end of the first quarter, Red Bull held its ground until Braggs began throwing his weight around in the paint.

Scores:

GINEBRA 103 -- Caguioa 26, Braggs 22, Menk 20, Adducul 13, Seigle 13, Dimaunahan 5, Calpito 2, Helterbrand 2, Salvacion 0, Santos 0.

RED BULL 86 -- Thomas 32, Se 19, Valenzuela 15, Tugade 10, Pennisi 3, Baguio 2, Villanueva 2, Harp 2, Ordonio 1, Robinson 0, Asaytono 0, Torion 0.

Quarters: 27-30, 52-48, 78-68, 103-86.

* * *COPYREADINGopyreading is much like the work of a communication arts teacher correcting compositions, except that he uses different symbols.

A copy may be a news item, an editorial, a feature story or any literary article.* * *Duties of a copyreader:1. Straighten out ungrammatical construction.2. Shorten sentences and tighten paragraphs.3. See that the paper’s style requirements are strictly followed. Check names, addresses, title, designations, identifications, figures, etc.4. Rewrite the story completely if it is poorly written.5. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper with the facts unless he is sure of his corrections.6. Delete all opinion, speculations and statements on news which are without attribution or sources.7. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.8. Watch for libelous statements.9. Recheck figures and totals.10. Cross-out adjectives in news which tend to make a story sound over-written.11. Cut a story to size or to the required length if necessary.12. Check attributions and see to it that they are properly identified.13. Challenge facts, claims, or reports when they sound anomalous, illogical and incredible.14. Check sluglines and paging sequences15. Write headlines

* * *What to copyread1. Errors in fact

2. Errors in grammar3. Errors in structure4. Errors in style 5. Libelous and derogatory statements6. Seditious and rebellious matter7. Expressions contrary to law and good taste8. Opinion and editorializing statements9. Verbal deadwood, redundancy10. Technical terms, slang, jargons

* * *Copyreading Symbols

1. Punctuation Marks

Symbols Meaning Outcome

The Bionic Woman Emphasize quotes “The Bionic Woman”Dr Arthur Cruz Jr Emphasize periods Dr. Arthur Cruz Jr.said “I must go.” Emphasize comma said, “I must go.”

2. Numbers and Abbreviations

in Nov. Spell out in NovemberDoctor Arthur Cruz Abbreviate Dr. Arthur Cruztwenty boys Use numeral 20 boys2 girls were… Spell out Two girls were…3. Special form of type

Manila, philippines Capitalize MANILA, Philippines

4. Letter and word changes

meet on Saturday Bridge over meet Saturdaythose b oys Close up space those boysFe Cruz Principal Transpose Principal Fe Cruzrecieve Transpose receivepamplet Insert letter pamphletwent market Insert word went to marketManila pAper Lower case Manila paperreceived free gifts Delete word received giftsjudgement Delete letter within judgmentdevelope iskill Delete before/after word develop skillthe most talented and Kill the principalenthusiastic principalAllright we have time Insert space All right we have timeWe were indeed very Run in copy We were indeed veryhappy because happy because…

5. Others

Paco, Manila… Indent for paragraph Paco, Manila…Today he will… Today he will…Welfrido Cruz Spell as written Welfrido KruzOne boy came Restore text; disregard On boy camecorrectionElected prexy Center subhead Elected prexythe un Syllabicate the un-finished task finished taskThe gong Set in boldface the gongShe read Les Miserables Set in italics She read Les Miserables30 or # Story is finishedmore or ) Story is unfinished(…2) Next page# - folio copy See copy as writtenNote: To arrange paragraphs just place the number (e.g. #1, #3) of the corresponding paragraphs in the left portion of the copy.* * *SAMPLE COPYREADING MATERIALHeadline: _____________________________________No. of units: ____________

The PNU elementary school launch the anual cleanliness & beatification contest September 16 at the school social hole.

In a mating with Presidents and vice-presidents of each class from Grade III to Gr. Six, Mrs. Alegria Flora Principal explain the procedures to folow.

According to the principal, its class class will be given an areas to cleaned. Ones a week, school officials will vissit the area and chose the cleanest amongst them.

Prices will be awarded to the class who’s area will be pick the cleanest for 3 times. Th

This will give insentives to the students explained Mrs. Flores.

The handsome and intelligent Mr. Garcia Ramon, vocation al teacher who facilitated the meeting told the studes that thru the contest cooperation will be developed

while order and cleanliness be maintained.

Congrattulations Mrs. Garcia.* * *COPYREADING EXERCISE

Check the corresponding number of the correctly spelled word:

1. ocasion2. all-right3. embarassment4. inspite of5. harrassment6. privileges7. commitee8. diphtheria9. dessimenate10. tommorow* * *COPYREADING EXERCISEVerbal deadwoodColumn A Column B¬¬¬_______ 1. for the reason that a. died¬¬¬_______ 2. a larger proportion b. believes¬¬¬_______ 3. at the present time c. although¬¬¬_______ 4. succumbed to injuries d. now¬¬¬_______ 5. at an early date e. remind¬¬¬_______ 6. is of the opinion f. many¬¬¬_______ 7. in the neighborhood g. near¬¬¬_______ 8. in the event of h. soon¬¬¬_______ 9. in spite of the fact i. because¬¬¬_______ 10. draw the attention of j. if* * *COPYREADING EXERCISERedundancy

1. The final conclusion revealed that the dead corpse was a victim of a fatal murder.2. The other alternative is to get some new recruits.3. It was definitely decided to give free gifts to the underprivileged poor on Christmas.* * *COPYREADING EXERCISEBrevity1. The play will be shown in the month of December.2. The meeting lasted for a period of two hours.3. These children are the ones who are influenced by indecent films.4. The building closed its door at five o’clock p.m. in the afternoon.* * *COPYREADING EXERCISEOpinion and editorializing news articles

1. Mr. Amador Cabansag, a very energetic teacher of electricity in the famous Osmena High School, held a very successful demonstration lesson.2. The most efficient and knowledgeable principal represented the school in the well-known national press conference.* * *COPYREADING EXERCISE

Correct Usage, Grammar, etc

1. The sick man was (taken, brought) to the hospital.2. Where is the other (pair, mate) of this shoe?3. It is (unhealthy, unhealthful) to stay (in, under) the hot sun.4. The article (shaded, shed) light on the whole subject.5. The cadets are marching (on, in, at) the campus.6. Come to work (in, on) time or you will be (fired, fired out).7. Put all your (bedding, beddings) away and (take, bring) your (baggage, baggages) (in, on) the

corner of the room.8. Our main concern (is, are) reference books which (is, are) very dear nowadays.9. Five and six (is, are) eleven.10. My friend and teacher (wants, want) me to visit her.11. I (was, have been, had been) absent yesterday.12. The criminal was (hang, hung, hanged) by the mob.13. The owl unlike most birds is awake at night.14. Claro m. Recto wrote “Abajo los cocoteros” and “Shadow and Solitude.”15. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor (Dec. 1941; December, 1941; December 1941)16. The birthday (celebrant, celebrator) received many gifts.17. Mother is often tired from the (everyday, every day) chores.18. Peter tried to (reason, reason out) to his father about his low grades.19. The jeep (collided, crashed) against the wall of the school.20. The old (is, are) richer in expertise than the young. It* * *HEADLINE WRITINGis easy to write the news headline. Just look at the first paragraph called the lead which contains the gist, Just write the gist of that lead.* * *Do’s and don’ts in writing traditional headlines1. Make your headline answer as many W’s as possible.2. The headline should summarize the news story, but must avoid using all the words used in the

lead. It should contain nothing that is not found in the story.3. Positive heads are preferable to negative ones. School physician allays flu fear is better than Flu

epidemic not rampant in city.4. Out a verb expressed or implied in every deck.5. Omit articles like a, an, and the, and all forms of the verb to be (is, are, be, etc.), unless needed

to make the meaning clear.6. Use the strongest word in the first line as much as possible.7. The active verb is better than the passive verb in headlines (Food production drive intensified;

RP’s lost image abroad regained)8. Use the present tense for past stories and the infinitive form for future stories (Archbishop Sin

bats for national reconciliation; Lantern parade to cap Xmas affairs).9. Write numbers in figures or spell them out depending upon your needs for your unit counts.10. Avoid heads that carry double meaning.11. Use only common abbreviations.* * *Punctuating a headline

1. Use a comma in place of the conjuction and2. Two related thoughts should be separated with a semicolon.3. The dash may be used in smaller decks but not for headlines in large types.4. The single quotation marks are used in headlines.5. Follow the other rules of punctuations.* * *Unit counting in headline½ unit - jiltf and all punctuations except the em dash (--), and the question mark (?)1 unit - the question mark, space, all figures, capital JILTF, all lower case letters except jiltf1 ½ units - the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except capital M and W and JILTF2 units - capital M, W

* * *Headline vocabulary1. Faculty club strengthened (beefed up)2. Enrolment decreases (dips)3. Science examinations announced (quiz bared)4. Contests highlight Animal Week (cap)5. Santos urges cooperation (bats for, calls for)6. DepEd disapproves tuition fee increase (bucks, nixes, axes)7. Ateneo wins 12 medals in press contest (bags, romp away with; tilt, parley)8. Principal praises editors humility (lauds, extols)9. Local staff dominates press tilt (rules, lords over)10. Local basketball players retain championship (sluggers; crown)11. US attacks Russ nuclear test (hits)12. Laurel ends diplomatic tour (winds up)13. Cops ended syndicate (busted)14. Slay suspect questioned (grilled, probed)15. RP sees import hike (eyes)16. 456 pass bar exams (hurdle)17. Lim dismisses 5 cops (fires)18. RP-Malaysia dispute solved (row)19. Fiscal dismiss rape charge (dismiss; rap)20. Import talk delayed (snagged) * * *Mga halimbawa

Huwag gumamit ng pangalan maliban kung kilala itoMali—Jaime Diaz, nahalal na panguloTama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nahalal na pangulo ng samahan

Maging tiyak (specific)Mali—Mag-aaral, nagwagi sa paligsahanTama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nagwagi sa pagsulat ng balita

Iwasan ang opinyon sa balitaMali—Paaralang Datu Puti, lumaro ng kahanga-hanga

Tama—Paaralang Datu Puti, nanalo ng 3 sa 4 na laban

Lagyan ng pandiwa ang bawat uloMali—Limang guro sa seminarTama—Limang guro, dadalo sa seminar

Iwasan ang paggamit ng negatibong pandiwaMali—Paligsahan sa talumpatian, hindi matutuloyTama—Paligsahan sat al;umpatian, pinagpaliban

Gumamit ng makakatawag-pansing pandiwaMahina—Tinalo ng UST ang St. Joseph, 50-36Malakas—Pinataob ng UST ang St. Joseph, 50-36

Gamitin ang maikli at kilalang salitaMasalita—Bayang Pilipinas, sasali sa pandaigdig na palaroMaikli—RP, sasali sa olimpiyada

Iwasan ang paggamit ng pantukoy at ng pandiwang pantulong nahango sa verb to beMali—Si Japhet Burgos ay ang napiling punong patnugot ng RipplesTama—Japhet Burgos, napiling punong patnugot ng Ripples* * *HEADLINING EXERCISES

Draft a one-line headlineGARNERING 185 points, the Manila Science High School athletes retained for the third time the much coveted District Athletic Meet Championship Crown.

Draft a two-line headline (at most 25 unit counts per line)THE PNU Laboratory School was awarded a gold trophy. Its Model Platoon copped first place in the District CAT Competition. Enrico Joaquin, Model Platoon Commander, was named Best Platoon Leader.

Draft a one-line headline all caps with at most 25 unit countsA MAKATI woman who lived and died in relative obscurity despite great wealth has left P10 million to the University of the Philippines.* * *ItEDITORIAL CARTOONING

is an editorial page illustration expressing opinion and interpretation (a column or opinion in cartoon form). The word cartoon is derived from two words: caricature and lampoon.

A caricature is an exaggerated description, generally by sketching. It is a pictorial representation of a person or thing in which a defect or peculiarity is exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous effect.

A lampoon, on the other hand, is a piece of malicious writing, a personal-written satire that attacks and ridicules.

A good cartoon appeals to the reader’s sense of humor in order to persuade him/her to accept an opinion.* * *How to conceptualize1. Read/listen—research your facts well.2. Decide on your point of view or angle of your chosen issue.3. Make your comment on the issue.4. Translate your comment into coordinating, representative graphic symbols (e.g. crocodile for corrupt officials and typewriter for press)5. Take into consideration the paper’s target readers.6. Sketch/make doodles.7. Draw your final cartoon.

* * *Ways to present your view1. Take the issue to a ridiculous situation.2. Exaggerate the effect of an issue.3. Use cliché or something contemporary or “in.”4. Juxtapose or put together two events, even unrelated ones.5. Take quotes literally. Play with words.6. Consider the occasion.7. Make an interesting artwork.8. Caricature a political figure and add a punch line * * *10 drawing techniques1. Use the acronym “see” for the basic ingredients for an effective cartoon drawing.a. SIMPLEEven basic shapes positioned properly in relation to each other would be enough.b. EXPRESSIONEyes are the most expressive part of our anatomy. Next, comes the mouth. Third, are the hands.c. EXAGGERATEOveremphasize a feature or several features to make your cartoon funny.

2. In drawing caricatures, exaggerate the prominent features of the subject.

3. Take advantage of your medium.a. Pen and in, brush and ink, charcoal or dark pencil.b. Contrast the black and white.c. Dark areas tend to catch the focus of the eyes.

4. Properly place your shadows. Simplify your light source. Have only one light source.5. Read and draw left to right.6. Use less words. Less is more difficult, but the better. Instead, use symbols a lot, especially

familiar ones (e.g. crocodile for corruption).7. Don’t overwork your drawing (using too much props, background, details, etc.)8. Keep your message clear to the intended reader, not only to yourself. Ask the opinion of others.9. If you can, apply Balance and Composition; Depth and Perspective.

10. Be funny, except in tragic situations.* * *Tips for cartooning1. Limit the use of words and labels.2. Use universal symbols, those which can be understood at once by your intended reader.3. Have your own style. Do not copy or plagiarize.4. If your cartoon is about the editorial for the day, it must reinforce the stand stated in the piece.5. Choose a most interesting issue and express your comment in an arresting way.6. Do not clutter your cartoon with unnecessary details or complicate your drawing with artistic

touches. These will just distract from the impact of the cartoon. Minimal is better.7. Cover your cartoon with a frame or border. 8. Use shading to make your article more convincing.

* * *Steps in Editorial CartooningDr. Net Billones, one of the country’s top cartoonists, suggests the following steps:1. List down the subjects to choose from.2. Once the subject is chosen, ask what is the issue? What is the paper’sopinion about the issue?Example: Issue—Press freedomOpinion—The government is going back to the martial law days as far as press freedom is concerned.3. Decide the symbols to be usedExample: Government—GMAPress freedom—bird (dove) flying, typewriter, school paperRepression—chain, scissors, slingshot, bar4. Draw the cartoon.* * *EDITORIAL CARTOONING EXERCISE: Make a sketch (not trace) of at least one of the following editorial cartoons of your choice:

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* * *

PHOTOJOURNALISM

It is the art and science of making news, opinions or features in photograph form.

* * *Things to know1. The photo will not be reproduced as clearly as it was in its original form. Details are lost in processing, accounting for smudges.2. The photographer should be asked not to use a screen as intended for better photos like the ones used in magazines.3. Flat, smudgy, grayish pictures or soft print that melts into the background should not be used.4. If the picture is great, it deserves to be played big; if the picture is ordinary, it needs to be played big.

5. Action pictures are better than the “firing line” or “firing squad” and pose pictures.6. Get glossy prints, not matte.7. Get big prints for reduction.8. Don’t put pictures back to back.9. Pictures have moments of truth such as the punch of Filipino boxer Many Pacquiao that knocked out Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico.10. If you have to use group pictures, use it big to allow recognition of people in it, unless it is a crowd scene where the crowd is more important than the expression of the faces.11. Even crash scene looks dead with only the plane shown or the train wreck pictured. People running away from it or people rushing to it for rescue would make it lively.12. Small pictures are ineffectual. Details and impact are lost.13. A one-column long picture can be very attractive. So can a shallow but wide picture as outstretched hands dropping coins in a hat being passed around for the earthquake victims in Indonesia.

SAMPLE PICTURES

* * *Cropping is the process of cutting off or marking out unwanted parts of a photograph or an illustration.

* * *Writing captions (cultines)1. All rules in news writing apply to caption writing.2. Captions should be written in short, pithy sentences, say an average of 15 words for a sentence.3. The basic questions every caption must tell of its picture are: 5 W’s and 1 H.4. Give the full Christian names or first names to identify everyone in the picture. Be accurate. When you name people in the caption, make clear who is who. Of course, this can’t be done in crowd pictures.5. A gay picture should have a gay caption.6. A caption is conversational. It should exploit the picture’s potential interest, e.g., Queen Elizabeth wearing a special order while Prince Philip, her husband, the uniform of an admiral. These should be mentioned in the caption.7. A caption should supplement what is seen.8. The caption should not contradict the picture.9. Don’t begin a caption with “Photo shows…” This is totally unnecessary.10. When a picture accompanies a news story, explain the picture in the caption.11. Don’t rewrite the news story as a caption.12. Captions should be indented, font must be different.* * *Examples:

BOMBS AWAY. A mish-mash of evidence allegedly recovered from the Mandaluyong hideout of the two suspects in the Valentine’s Day bombing is presented by the police to the media on the day of the raid late last month.

MIGHT. A soldier displays a recoilless rifle which he used during an assault on an Abu Sayyaf camp in Indanan, Sulu. The camp was taken over by government forces in a continuing offensive against the group that has links with the terror network al-Quida.

WANTED CAGER. Coach Chot Reyes eyes three Filipino collegiate players in the US to join the much publicized, Asian Games-bound RP Philippine Team.

* * *PICTURE CAPTIONING EXERCISE:Make a caption for the three of the above pictures of your choice:* * *GLOSSARYBank: one section of headline; often called deck.Banner: a headline extending across the top of the page; streamerBlack propaganda: The dissemination of scurrilous attack, concentrated on negative aspects whether true or false.Bleed: cuts or pictures are “bled” when they are displayed up to the edge of a page or column—a technique used chiefly in magazine layout.Box: story enclosed by rules or other border; heads are also sometimes boxedByline: the author’s name appearing above or below an article or news story.Caption: text accompanying photos (cuts) and other art; also called cutline.Center spread: the facing pages in the center fold of a newspaper.Column: a vertical division of a page set off by rules. Most tabloids are five columns wide.Copy: manuscript prepared by the reporter for publication.Crop: to remove a part or parts of a photo or an illustration to be reproduced.Dateline: the line at the beginning of a story giving the town and the date.Dummy: a rough layout of a page, showing approximate location of all copy, heads, and cuts.Ears: boxes either ruled or unruled, at the upper corners of the front page, giving weather news, name of edition, short announcements, emblem, etc.Filler: an extra illustration or piece of copy, kept on hand to fill space on a page or column.Flag: the heading, usually in a corner of the editorial page, that gives the name of the publisher, editors, staff, moderators, subscription rates and other information about the paper; also called the masthead.Folios: the heading at the top of all pages but the first, giving the paper’s name, date, and page; the page number.Font: complete assortment of type of one size and face.Head: headlineJump: to continue a story to another page is to jump it.Jump head: the head of the continuation.Kill: to destroy a story or part of one before it is published.Libel: a malicious untruth published in paper.Plagiarism: the use of another’s writings or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.Sidebar: a separate story, related to the main piece, and displayed in a neighboring column. Human interest stories on major event are displayed in sidebars.Slant: to emphasize a particular point in a story.Tombstone: heads or pictures of the same size and type placed side by side, or at the same level. Best avoided.White propaganda: when a person ir thing is painted in glowing colors.Yellow journalism: sensational journalism. * * *PAGE LAYOUTP

ackaging the school paper is important. It gives the paper its visual appeal and personality. In addition to good planning and adequate coverage, attractive packaging it layout is essential to producing an effective school paper.

Newspaper packaging is the science of arranging headlines, stories, pictures and cutlines for the newspaper page. Two reasons why the four components of layout should be planned and arranged.

1. To display all stories, pictures, articles and cutlines according to their importance and to achieve correct pay-up; and 2. To make the pages attractive.* * *In layout, especially the front page, the grading of the news is made obvious:1. By the length of the story—length of the news story is one indication of its importance.2. Position of headlines—the most important news is placed either at the top columns or at the top under the banner. Important news should never be placed on the lower half of the page.3. The size of headlines is one indication of the importance of the news. Large heads are used for important stories.* * *Principles of Layout1. Harmony – To achieve harmony, every page should blend with the headlines complementing each other. The four components of layout should blend without one component overshadowing the other components.2. Balance – This principle operates by putting the larger unit nearer the center of the page. This is to avoid the page looking left or right heavy. Balance is also achieved by not putting all heavy materials like the nameplate, big headlines and big pictures all on the top or bottom of the page. This will make the paper look top or bottom heavy.3. Emphasis – This is done by displaying the news according to its importance. The significance of the news is determined by its position or page, size and number of columns of the headlines. News stories that are placed above the fold are more important than those placed below the fold.4. Proportion – Headline, size of pictures and length of articles should be proportional with the size of the paper. Longer text needs bigger headlines and should be laid out on two or more columns.5. Contrast – The four components – text, headline, pictures and cutlines – should be contrasted through their sizes. Contrasting headlines (italics and Roman) help to emphasize which story is more important. A two-column picture on the top page can be contrasted by placing a three-column cut below the page. Contrast is achieved by using italic or light face on dark areas. Gray area should be broken by headlines. Contrast is achieved through variation in the shape and size of pictures, text, headlines and cutlines.* * *Do’s and Dont’s in Layout1. Avoid the tombstone look – Don’t place two or more headlines of the same typeface side by side, lest they look like tombs.2. Break tombstone by using pictures of boxes.3. Avoid jump stories.4. Avoid jumping stories to the top of columns. The top column should be used for headline or cut.5. Avoid wide spacing between words in headlines. To improve appearance and readability, provide a space of one unit between words and one and one half on larger size.6. Break longer text by using subheads to avoid grayness.7. Don’t put a cut on the fold of the paper.8. Start arranging the page from top to bottom.

9. Use just one typeface in a page. Vary the effect by using medium light.10. Use the S-pattern in displaying stories. Place the most important news at the top and the least at the tail of the pattern.11. Put related stories and pictures together.12. Use caps and lower case in headline construction.13. Don’t anchor the picture, that is, avoid surrounding a cut with text.14. Avoid making the paper look top or bottom heavy by distributing equally larger pictures and text in the page.15. Be discriminating in the use of pictures. Posed pictures, mug shots or firing squad pictures are not suitable for publication.16. Better application for lay-outing is Microsoft Publisher and Adobe PageMaker.* * *Types of Layout

1. Perfect or Symmetrical Layout 2. Brace or Focus 3. Contrast and Balance or Occult 4. Horizontal or Modular * * *The Front PageThe front page is the show window of the newspaper. It projects the newspaper’s personality. To create good-looking front page, one that is vigorous, authoritative and classy, the lay-out artist should plan how to effectively present the text, pictures, caption and headlines.High school papers are advised to minimize the use of jump stories. Use the ears for announcements, teasers or late breaking news.* * *The Importance of Pictures for a Good LayoutAn important component of layout is the use of pictures or cuts. Interesting cuts make the page attractive. There are guidelines in the use of cuts:1. A cut may be used at the top of a column to provide contrast between two headlines.2. If two cuts are related to the same story, they may be placed next to each other or one above the other.3. A cut may be used under the shoulder of a multi-column head.4. A cut should never be separated from the related story.5. The cut is the focal point of the page. Take pains to have arresting cuts that will serve this purpose.6. Don’t use a cut that is not related to the story.7. Avoid bunching cuts at the bottom of the front page when the top page carries only light headlines and no cuts.8. Don’t surround cut with body type or text.9. A cut should denote action, tell a story or elicit emotion.10. Use the present tense to describe action in a cutline.11. Use pictures using good taste. Pictures to consider are those showing nudity, photos of human birth, suicides, youth offenders, deaths and gory or violent scenes.12. Generally, vertical pictures are better than horizontal or square ones.13. Always put a caption in the picture.* * *SCIENCE REPORTING

Science Writing is the latest form of Philippine journalism. In this area of fast-moving discoveries, inventions, and technical development, science reporting has become a must.

Science is not the private domain of scientists. Even the layman is interested in science because it affects his daily life. He thirsts for scientific literature, one of course which he understands.

The science writer, therefore, should be able to communicate clearly and effectively so that he can popularize and translate scientific reports into stories which Mr. Average Reader, or the layman, understands.

Logically, the science reporter should understand science. He should understand science. He should equip himself with modern science books, encyclopedia, and a dictionary. If he masters translating technical jargon into simple terms understood by the layman, then he succeeds as a science writer.

The science news reporter, above all, should remember that the rules in writing the news story and the guidelines in clear and effective writing should also be observed in writing science news stories.* * *BIBLIOGRAPHYALKUNIO, Gelly Alegio, Campus Journalism in the New Generation, RFM Printing Corp., 2006ALKUNIO, Gelly Alegio, Pampaaralang Pamahayagan sa Bagong Generasyon, 2004GENOVE, Maria Cecilia, Feature Writing for Filipinos, New Day Publishers, 2004CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Pamahayagang Pangkampus, Rex Book Store, Inc., 2003KING, Jenny, Success in Writing School Papers, World Link Books, 2002BRIONES-SANTOS, Sanayang Aklat sa Pamahayagan, Evangeline, Joer Printing Services, 2002DERIADA, Leoncio, Little Lessons, Little Critiques, Seguiban Printers and Publishing House, 2002KING, Jenny, Success in Writing School Papers, WorldLink Books, 2002DERIADA, Leoncio, Little Lessons, Little Lectures, Seguiban Printers and Publishing House, 2001CARLOS PALANCA FOUNDATION, An Anthology of Winning Works, Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc.2000MILLER, Carol Rawlings, Writing Lessons that Work, Scholastic Professional Books, 1999PALANCA, VANTOMME, JACOB, GLORIOSO, Campus Journalism Theory and Practice, 1999CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Basic Campus Journalism, Rex Book Store, Inc., 1997CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Advanced Campus Journalism, Rex Book Store, Inc., 1997CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Campus Journalism and School Paper Advising, Rex Book Store, 1997CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Sanayang Aklat sa Pagsulat ng Balita at ng Balitang Isports, Rex Book Store, Inc. 1995CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Workbook in Copyreading and Headline Writing, 1995HADFIELD, Charles, HATFIELD, Jill, Writing Games, Longman Publishing, Inc, 1995CECILIANO-JOSE CRUZ, Workbook in News Writing and Sports Writing, Rex Book Store, 1993JOWIT and NNAMONU, Common Errors in English, Merriam & Webster, Inc., 1985CONSTANTINO-PANGILINAN, Estelita, Journalism Handbook, 1988YAMBOT and PANTOJA-HIDALGO, The Daily Inquirer Stylebook, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc., 1993VALLEROS, Florentino and RAMOS, Maximo, Reading and Writing the Essay, Phoenix Publishing House, Inc, 1980SOHN, David Pictures for Writing, Pathfinder, Inc, 1969

OTHER REFERENCES

THE JOURNALISM CREED, Walter WilmanLAWS ON JOURNALISM, Philippine Press InstituteCAMPUS JOURNALISM ACTJEMUEL HARDER Lecture Outline for Cartooning and PhotojournalismENGR. HERMAN LAGON lecture materialsUP DILIMAN VCD documentary on photojournalismWORLD WIDE WEBPIA NOTES on Basic Journalism for Campus Paper WritersDEPED NSPC Souvenir ProgramRIPPLES CONSTITUTION and STYLEBOOK 2006Lecture Materials of photojournalists MR. HARTWELL CAPISTRANO and CHRIS FERNANDEZ and seasoned writer MS. HAZEL VILLAYOUNGBLOOD 1 and 2, The Daily Inquirer Prepared:Engr. HERMAN M. LAGON

February 25 is last day of application in Ateneo de Iloilo High

THE ONLY Jesuit secondary school in Western Visayas, the Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School High School Department (AdI-SMCS), is having this Saturday, February 25, as the last day of regular application for students who hope to join the Ateneo community (especially incoming first year) for the school year 2012-2013.

The entrance tests and individual interviews started late last year. The last entrance test schedule, set February 25, is expected to exceed from the likely number of applicants in the year. The test is slated at the AdI-SMCS High School Department at Pison Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Application form is still available for P280 in the Office of the Psychometrician at the Ateneo Grade School Campus in Gen. Blanco, Iloilo City. Also required are two (2) 1x1 pictures, two (2) clear photocopies of Birth Certificate authenticated by the NSO, and certified photocopy of the latest report card of the applicant. Applicants must submit the said requirements three days before the scheduled entrance tests.

The local phone lines (trunk line: 337-5531) of the offices of the Registrar and the school Psychometrician are still open to parents, guardians or students for clarifications or inquiries.

Meanwhile, the AdI-SMCS High School Department is in need of Christian Living Education, Computer, Social Studies, English, Physical Education, Filipino, Physics, Chemistry, and Integrated Science Teachers for the next school year as part of its expansion program. The school, to note, is adding two more sections in their third year level and will do the same in the succeeding school year for its senior class.

Interested parties may pass their application letter, resume, transcript of records, LET result, and marriage certificate (if necessary), to The Principal, Ateneo de Iloilo High School Department, Pison Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. (Dr. Herman M. Lagon)

7 OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 9 YRS

Ateneo de Iloilo High bagsGolden Pen crown anewBy Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.CONSISTENCY.This has been the strong message of the budding writers of Ateneo de Iloilo High School Department after clinching for the seventh time in nine years the Overall Championship in the annual Golden Pen Awards and Regional Cluster Seminar-Workshop held July 31-August 1 at the Sun Yat Sen High School in Mapa Street, Iloilo City.The blue-and-white team bested 23 other private high schools with more than 1300 students from the city and province of Iloilo. They earned accumulated points of 265 while the next two schools Assumption Iloilo, and Iloilo Central Commercial High School, got 177 and 145, respectively.Two seniors from AdI-SMCS were declared Golden Pen Awardee, Alyssa Marie Naranjo and Kristiana Claire Yray. On the other hand, three Ateneans were named Most Promising Campus Paper Journalists of Western Visyas, namely Psyche Mae Lagon, Nizza Ann Regalado, and Anya Isabela Cordero. They were chosen based on the number of awards they have received in the six different journalism categories (writing news, editorial, sports, feature; copy-reading and headline writing; and cartooning) under two levels (first-second year and third-fourth year levels) and two languages (English and Filipino).Champions were Cordero and Regalado (news-English), Hannah Elgaran (news-Filipino); Danielle Molina, Regalado, and Patrice Gabito (sports-English); Danielle Molina (sports-Filipino); Berl Dutosme and Lagon (feature-Filipino); Naranjo and Yray (editorial-English). 17 students also made second and third place finishes in the different categories. This is on top of the 129 runner-up awards that were also raked by the Atenean squad in the two-day event.To note, since 2002, Ateneo de Iloilo High School has already collected seven championship trophies in the annual Golden Pen Awards. It has produced about 50 Golden Pen and Most Promising Campus Journalist awardees, 210 top three finishers, and more than 1,300 runner-up recipients.Meanwhile, defending champion Ateneo de Iloilo Grade School grabbed the second runner up trophy in the elementary category. Their seminar-workshop was held at the Iloilo Central Elementary School in Luna Street, Iloilo City in the same weekend. (Written by Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.) Ang Mapangmatang Inglisero (The Conceited English-Speaking Dude)Ang Mapangmatang Inglisero (The Conceited English-Speaking Dude) LOOKING EAST | CARLO OSIPosted at 09/17/2011 1:41 AM | Updated as of 09/18/2011 1:45 PMWASHINGTON DC, United States – Raging condemnation rained on James Soriano, the elitist college student who published an inflammatory anti-Filipino language column on the Manila Bulletin website on August 24, 2011. His column has since been taken down and the firestorm he ignited has been quieting in the last week. But his stirring and revolting perspective, choice of words and blatant honesty will be felt for some time. It’s not because of the tone; it’s because of the arrogant, uninformed and insensitive substance of the column.James Soriano, after the internet firestorm, tried to recast his honest yet brute statements by portraying himself merely as a “Filipino disconnected to his own language”.He is certainly disconnected. Clear as day.But he isn’t just disconnected for he has relegated the Filipino language as “below” or “beneath” educated or learned people like him. His article wasn’t merely about his disconnect. It was mostly a denouncement or rebuke of the language itself.Curiously, Azkal football team standouts like the British-born Younghusband brothers are learning Filipino and speaking a few sentences as much as they can. That may not be much in the eyes of some but it’s a good thing to see. British-slanged Filipino conversation is much better than none at all. It’s

better than someone conceited enough to believe that English is for the learned and for learning, while Filipino is only for the uneducated and unfit for scholarship.English is Superior, Filipino is Very InferiorJames Soriano’s initial thoughts are about the superiority of the English language. But he also adamantly asserts the uselessness of the Filipino language except to interact with the manongs and katulongs, and he likewise imparts a stern judgment on the supposedly lower caste-type of people who speak Filipino. There’s truth in the first point; the second and third are disconcerting.His tone is condescending. The column’s content and substance are downright elitist and reeks of insecurity.If there is racial profiling in the states, his thoughts are pure and simple language profiling and status prejudice. It’s a form of bigotry. It’s labeling.His column was a pure denigration of the Filipino language as “the language of the streets” while pontificating English to the highest pulpit. There’s no problem with showering accolades on English as a (or the) professional, business and academic language. Maybe even the science-related language. But downgrading Filipino to street-level is really something else.Read the James Soriano piece and you’d want to throw up. It’s like reading one of those century-old articles or court decisions belittling Filipinos as indolent natives from a degenerate race. You’d certainly want to understand him due to his elite upbringing but it doesn’t add up.Very, very few academic and economic elites think that way. Certainly not many Ateneans (I think a very, very small minority) think of the Filipino language/Tagalog that foolishly. Rich people generally do not look down on their own mother tongue. But a few do.Maling PananawAt dahil katatapos lang ng Buwan ng Wika, sisikapin ng sanaysay na ito (bahagi 1 at 2) na intindihin ang pananaw–kahit mali–ni James Soriano at himayin ang mga ideyang kanyang nilathala. Susubukan rin nating alamin kung bakit mayroong ganitong perspektibo ang ilang sektor ng ating pamayanan. Layunin nating irespeto ang kanyang pananaw subali’t dapat din nating ihayag ang mga makabuluhang pagpuna sa kanyang isinulat.Hindi maaaring palampasin ang ganitong baluktot at di makatuwirang pagtingin sa wikang Filipino. Hinding hindi. Ang pananahimik sa ganitong mahalagang usapin ay simbolo ng pagpapabaya, pagtanggap o pagtangkilik sa maling pag-iisip.Gayunpaman, dahil ang mga mambabasa ng sanaysay na ito ay mga Pilipino at mga banyaga sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas, itutuloy natin ito sa wikang Ingles. Hindi dahil ang wikang Ingles ay ang linguahe ng marunong at aral, gaya ng sinasabi ni James Soriano. Ito ay dahil ang Ingles ang may higit na malawak ang sakop at isang pandaigdigang wika. Bahagi ng ating layunin ay mapabatid ang ating mensahe di lamang sa mga Pilipino sa loob ng bansa at mga OFW sa labas, kung di pati na rin sa mga banyagang asawa ng mga OFW, kanilang mga anak at iba pang mga taong may halong-lahi.James Soriano’s Exact WordsIn his August 24, 2011 Manila Bulletin column (has since been removed) entitled “Language, Learning, Identity, Privilege”, he categorically stated that: • “Filipino was a chore, like washing the dishes”. • Filipino “was not the language of learning. It was the language we used to speak to the people who washed our dishes."• "Filipino was the language of the world outside the classroom. It was the language of the streets”.• It “was how you spoke to the tindera”. • It was how “you used to tell your katulong that you had an utos”. • It was “how you texted manong when you needed sundo na.”• “… we are forced to relate with the tinderas and the manongs and the katulongs of this world”.

• “If we wanted to communicate to these people — or otherwise avoid being mugged on the jeepney — we needed to learn Filipino." • “English is the language of learning.” • “My mother made home conducive to learning English.” • “Filipino … was always the ‘other’ subject”.• “Filipino was the language I used to speak with my cousins and uncles and grandparents in the province”. • “I spoke Filipino, but only when I was in a different world like the streets or the province”.• “I do, in fact, smell worse than a malansang isda. My own language is foreign to me”. • “I am a split-level Filipino” but “this is not so bad in a society of rotten beef and stinking fish.”• “…while Filipino may be the language of identity, it is the language of the streets. It might have the capacity to be the language of learning, but it is not the language of the learned.”• “It is neither the language of the classroom and the laboratory”.• “It is not the language of the privilege.” • “I may be disconnected from my being Filipino, but with a tongue of privilege I will always have my connections.”Now tell me, how can you not be offended by these?What Did He Mean By These WordsBy writing these words, certain things can be said about the author, James Soriano:First, he does not respect the Filipino or Tagalog language. It seems he’s bothered that he has to speak it at certain points to certain people. Second, not only does he fail to respect the national language but he has an utter disdain for it, almost like a hatred for it.Third, he emphatically looks down on the people who speak Filipino. If he looks down on the Filipino-speaking population, he certainly looks down on people who speak other local dialects such as Ilokano, Cebuano, Pampagueno, Hiligaynon and others.Fourth, he is too proud of his rich, comfortable and elitist upbringing.Fifth, he is segregating people from the streets from the folks like himself who live in large houses, go to expensive private schools, ride in chauffeured cars, and who can afford most luxuries in life. He, in fact, wrote that he only speaks Filipino whenever he’s in a different world like the streets or the province. That means his so-called “real world” is the Ateneo campus, high-end shopping districts, expensive restaurants, for-the-rich Catholic Churches, his rich friends’ mansions, and exclusive or gated communities – all of which are in Metro Manila.Sixth, he reveals by his words that he is an uninformed, overly sheltered, misguided, insecure and unconcerned individual. Seven, although he never says it out loud, he is equating the use of Filipino with poverty and the use of English with wealth, prestige and education.He obviously lacks real-life experiences. He would not even have the gall to think that way had he been more informed. Hindi siya mulat. Lubhang pikit ang kanyang mata sa katotohanan.Even if he is accomplished in school, such attainments do not justify his belittling of Filipino.By publishing those incendiary words through a newspaper’s website (not just writing them), he had the audacity to trash the language of his own country in front of the world. He visibly does not find anything wrong with his anti-Filipino language perspective. No apology is forthcoming.That’s conceit. That’s unmistakably conceit.Hindi mo alam kung maaawa ka James Soriano o magagalit o parehong maaawa at magagalit. It’s hard to decide whether you’ll take pity on James Soriano for having an extremely myopic and discriminatory outlook, or if you’ll be angered by his words, or both.Not too long ago, on August 24, 2011, James Soriano, a senior college student from the Ateneo de Manila University, published an anti-Filipino language column entitled “Language, Learning, Identity, Privilege” through the Manila Bulletin website.

He views the Filipino language as not the language of the learned, the rich or the privileged, and neither is it adequate for learning. For him, it is the language only of–and reserved for–the drivers, maids, househelpers, dishwashers, muggers and other street dwellers. It is also the language he uses when he goes to the province to visit his relatives.Many people were understandably infuriated by these comments. He offers no apology or explanation for them. He even says that he did not expect people to react that way. That makes matters worse because that’s reflective of his ignorance.His pseudo-explanation was that he designed the tone of the column to be that way: thought-provoking. It’s not only the tone which is questionable, it’s the substance of the piece. It’s not only thought-provoking, it’s scorn-provoking.“Sundo Na” and Sheltered Upbringing“Sundo na” is how he texts his driver whenever he wants to be picked up from school or elsewhere. Texting connotes abbreviations, shorthand and condensed sentences. But why can’t he text his driver the more polite “Paki sundo na po” or “Sunduin nyo na ho ako”. These are short sentences but polite and appropriate. “Sundo na” sounds like a barking order. Just saying.James Soriano’s kind of thinking could only be the result of an elitist, sheltered upbringing. If his upbringing and lifestyle consist of: (a) delegating all house chores to maids who are at his beck and call; (b) having a driver to “make him hatid and sundo” whenever and wherever he pleases; (c) maintaining a very comfortable spending power; (d) displaying little, if any, concern about the lives and struggles of the less fortunate; and (e) having only his prestigious education to be concerned about, then he will most likely have that kind of thinking.There is also a possibility that his friends and some family members think the same way, that some of his classmates are of the same elite upbringing, and that he socializes only with the same sheltered-type of rich people.I spent 11 great years in La Salle, from elementary to high school, and have personally been exposed to privileged, high-end education. I went to La Salle by old rickety school bus on school days and by public bus on weekends, but I’ve seen many school kids with chauffeurs and maids in tow. I’ve seen how rich kids behave and think. I’ve seen rich kids perform extremely well in school and I’ve also seen other wealthy students perform very badly and repeat a school year–perhaps because they lack the incentive to achieve. I’ve seen the excesses of privilege and the results of sheltered upbringing, though my own rearing was neither sheltered nor privileged.But in all those years, I did not see, hear or read of anyone there directly and unashamedly criminalizing Filipino/Tagalog as the language only of the drivers, maids and other so-called lowly people. In fact, many of the very rich students I had the opportunity of studying with spoke Filipino very, very often. They never looked down on it. They were never ashamed of it.So understanding what a sheltered upbringing is and having long realized what others’ wealth and privilege are about, I am quite amazed at the audacity of James Soriano in publishing his work. He should have first shown his work to an academic advisor or several editors and sought advice whether or not the content was inflammatory. He should have then edited it and, most importantly, fixed the way he thinks.Questioning His Perverse Appreciation of the National LanguageThis does not mean that James Soriano is a person lacking in values or substance. It only means that he has a perverse appreciation of the Filipino language. Mapangmata ang pagtingin niya sa wikang Filipino at lalo na sa mga nagwiwika o gumagamit nito.Taking a look at James Soriano the student, he actually has a lot of talents and skills.He was best speaker in the National High School Debate Championship, a preeminent high school debater, 4A honors section student in high school, and past president of the Ateneo High School student

council. In 2007, he was ranked 31st of 156 world-class debaters from 35 countries by the World Schools Debating Championships.As a current senior college student at the Ateneo, he is pursuing a Management-Honors course and is an editor of a school paper. He maintains a QPI of 3.76 amid all these and notwithstanding family health issues.He seems to have achieved a lot academically and in extracurricular activities. He even writes a column for the Manila Bulletin. He is a student leader and academic-focused. But with these achievements, he is all the more not excused from belittling and maligning the national tongue.In fact, I can identify with his background: I was a 4A honors student in La Salle, was student council president in high school, school paper columnist, participated in debate, won awards in extemporaneous speaking and other competitions, reaped numerous medals, and organized dozens of very large school activities. I enrolled at U.P. thereafter. But my family was never rich as his (as he portrayed it). More importantly, I don’t disparage Filipino and speak it every day.Below Him?Read the comments in many of the James Soriano-related articles and two themes emerge: a condemnatory perspective (very understandable and expected) and a somewhat understanding perspective (that James Soriano speaks a certain truth; in part, at least).James Soriano did not sugarcoat his words when he described the Filipino language. He could have but he did not. He could have said it in a less or non-offensive manner and his essay would have escaped public ridicule. He was bold enough to indirectly admit that he derides it and only uses it whenever convenient (during provincial trips, to issue orders to maids, to get the driver to fetch him, and to prevent being mugged in Philippine jeepneys).By doing so, however, he revealed his and his family’s socio-economic status, proudly displaying his continuing elitist upbringing. His disdain for people “below” him and the language they use are undeniable.Paragraph by ParagraphHis purported realization while in college that Filipino was more than just street lingo (see paragraphs 9, 10 and 11 of his column) is very doubtful because he rebukes the native tongue in paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13. The “realization paragraphs” are sandwiched between the “discriminatory paragraphs”.He tried to explain in paragraph 11 that “he begun to grasp Filipino as the language of identity”. But he then says in paragraph 12 that Filipino “is the language of the streets” and “is not the language of the learned.” So no true realization actually occurred.He closes by stating in paragraph 13 that it “is not the language of the privilege. I may be disconnected from my being Filipino, but with a tongue of privilege I will always have my connections.”Too Proud, Too Honest or Too Brute?All of the above. But honesty about one’s opinion does not mean that opinion is correct. His opinion about the Filipino language being merely the language of the drivers, vendors and other creatures of the street is dead wrong. What he wrote was improper and politically incorrect.James Soriano, sad to say, lives in a bubble. That bubble will one day be pricked and he will then truly realize how precious the country’s language and local dialects are. Perhaps with the onslaught of negative comments, that bubble may have already been pricked somewhat.It must be remembered that Filipino and other local dialects are treasures of the Philippine people wherever they are, whatever status they enjoy, and whatever university they graduated from. You cannot force a language but you should at least respect it.What the James Sorianos of the Philippines Ought To DoThe James Sorianos of the Philippines and of the world should respect Filipino and other Philippine dialects as the languages of the people wherever they may be found.

They are not simply the languages of the poor, uneducated and street dwellers. Moreover, James Soriano and his ilk should try their best to learn the language because they want to, not because it will be useful in case of low-IQ muggers in the streets. They need to realize that language is a big part of culture and should not be insulted or mocked.Challenge to Parents, Schools and Fil-AmsOn a brighter note, this issue is a definite eye-opener. It’s a challenge to parents to continuously guide their children to respect and adopt Philippine culture as a whole and not piecemeal.It also points to a defect in Philippine education, especially in top elitist schools, in overemphasizing written and spoken English above all languages. I know this for a fact. This issue is a red flag and symbolic of the need for educational reforms in the country.This issue is reflective of the struggles many Fil-Ams and other half-Filipinos around the globe are facing, some of whom think that speaking Filipino is cheap, un-cool and pointless. That’s why TFC (ABS-CBN) has a show called “Filipino Ka, Sabihin Mo!”, a program intended for Fil-Ams, other half-Filipinos and foreign-born ones to learn and appreciate the Filipino language.A few might take the side of James Soriano as a truth-bearer instead of a mapangmatang inglisero. But that is what he is presently. However, there is room for improvement.James, there’s a wide room and plenty of opportunity to realize, change and improve. ___________________________ This column’s author, Carlo Osi, is a lawyer & writer based in Washington, D.C. and educated by Georgetown Law, the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton (Cert.Bus.), Kyushu University, and UP. carlo.osi@gmail.com or http://look-to-the-east.blogspot.com.

NEWSWRITING“Any event, idea, or opinion that is timely, that interests and affects a large number of persons in the community, and that is capable of being understood by them.”“News is an oral or written report of an event that happened, is happening, will happen in the North, East, West, or South that is of interest to the reader and which should be reported.”But what is interesting to one is not always interesting to another.Elements of the NewsConflict, Immediacy or Timeliness, Proximity or Nearness, Prominence, Significance, Names, Drama, Oddity and Unusualness, Romance and Adventure, Sex, Progress, Animals, Number, Emotion

Basic Rule (ABC) in Writing News: ACCURACY, BREVITY, CLARITY.Different forms of writing an incidentSituation: A fire broke out and four persons made their separate essays on what happened.For a 10-year-old grade school pupil,“I saw a fire. It was a big red fire. It burned a house. There were many people around. Some men put water on the fire.”For a romantic high school student,“Fearful scarlet tongues arose to the star-studded heaven and licked greedily at the doomed edifice while the stout-hearted firefighters risked their all to quench the terrible conflagration.”For a lady bystander,“You know, Mare, there was a fire in our community. I think it cost the owner a great deal of money. The date was August 8. August is the eighth month. So I bet in the lottery, 8-16-24-32-40-48.”For a news writer,

“A fire of undetermined origin razed to the ground a two-storey apartment owned by lawyer Herman Lagon of 80 Lopez Jaena St., Jaro Iloilo City, last night. Four trucks from the Jaro Fire Station subdued the fire within an hour. The damage estimated by the police at PhP 500,000.00 was covered by insurance.”(Here, note the 5W’s and 1H in the lead)The combination of simple, vivid and dignified articles produces a copy simple enough for Mr. Average Reader to understand. We call it news article.Structure of news:Inverted Pyramid (from climax to less important)Sample NewsHeadline (ulo ng balita)

Dog dies saving blind masterLead (pamatnubay)– Most important facts

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD dog saved the life of his blind master, Thursday night, but the canine’s loyalty cost the trusty animal his life.Bridge—Elaboration of lead

In serious condition today in Doctor’s Hospital is Erland Escobanez, 71, a street sweeper. Escobanez of SSS Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City was found early this morning unconscious on a sidewalk near the Aglipayan Church in the Iloilo Terminal Market.Less important facts

Police theorized that Escobanez was knocked unconscious when he fell, his head hitting a stone. Potpot, his dog, apparently tried to shield its master from the cold and the rain by draping itself over the fallen man.

When discovered this morning by the Police Patrol, Escobanez was still out cold. The dog lay near, dead.

Relatives of Escobanez who is still a bachelor, told authorities that he always took nightly strolls at about 11 p.m. with his dog.Minor facts

According to doctors, only the warmth from the dog’s body saved Escobanez from certain death.Escobanez told police that he remembers nothing of the incident. A wallet containing PhP 500.00 was still in his pocket leading the authorities to rule out robbery.How to write a lead?LeadIt is a single word, a phrase, a clause, a brief sentence, an entire paragraph or a series of paragraphs. The main function of the lead, aside from introducing the news story, are to tell the story in capsule form and to answer right away the questions the reader would naturally ask.A good lead answers all the important questions of the reader, indicates thefacts if they are all important, and arouses the readers’ interest to continue reading the story. In Filipino news, a good lead starts with a verb like “Nilamon ng…”Conventional or summary lead

This kind of lead used in straight news, answers right away all or any of the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and/or the H (How). It may be one of the following:1. WHO leadPRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addressed, April 20, the PMA graduates in Baguio City.2. WHAT leadAN ENTRANCE examination will be given Nov. 24 to all graduating high school students desiring to enroll in the four-year college course.3. WHERE lead

TRAPICHE, Oton, Iloilo will be the site of the next International Film Festival.4. WHEN leadTODAY, almost to the hour, the Revolutionary Government was proclaimed by former President Corazon Aquino.5. WHY leadBECAUSE of poverty, around a hundred students dropped from school last year. This was learned from Ateneo de Iloilo principal Aurora dela Cruz.6. HOW leadBY APPEALING to the school board, the University of Iloilo was able to construct a 30-storey, concrete building.Do’s and Don’ts in writing a news story

1. Write the story immediately.2. Play up the dominant points.3. Be accurate and truthful.4. Avoid opinions called editorializing.5. Use adjectives sparingly.6. Avoid libelous, seditious and rebellious matters, prejudice and bad taste.7. Give source (attribution) of the news. Use quotes!8. Write names in full when these are mentioned for the first time.9. Identify the names mentioned.10. Avoid redundancy.11. Watch out for errors in fact, grammar, structure, and style.12. Observe the guidelines for clear effective writing (unity, coherence, emphasis, brevity, clarity, etc.)13. Adopt a paper stylesheet or stylebook for consistency and professionalism (in Ripples, we officially

adopt the Daily Inquirer Stylebook)

Guidelines in writing a news story1. Give your lead sentence a “punch” to catch the interest of the readers.2. Starts with the most important event or idea.3. Use the rule or proximity and explain how the news affects the people in the locality or the students

in school.4. If your story has something unusual or novel to tell, bank on that for the lead. It’s hot copy.5. Make your sentences concise and clear so that they could be easily understood. Long tedious

sentences will likely “kill” the readers’ interest. Besides, they usually “lose” the readers along the way. News stories are not “luxury” or ”pleasure” reading. They have the basic function to inform.

6. Use simple words. Using highfalutin words does not prove anything but pedantry and literary pretentions. Even literary writers try as much as possible to use simple words.

7. Never be afraid of breaking the rules if it will prove helpful in making a good copy.FEATURE WRITINGWhat is a feature article (lathalain)?It is hard to define a feature article because it can take so many forms and can cover so many subjects. However, a reader may easily distinguish feature stories from news stories through its different characteristics.A feature article is an essay based on fact. It’s a virtual drop bag. It is never fictitious. This makes it different from ordinary essay you study in your literature class.Like an editorial, a feature article is hung on a newspeg.

Feature stories, like news stories, are written to inform but they enlarge news in a leisurely and entertaining way. They are written to add life to the paper and therefore their style lends more to the creativity of a writer.The main objective of news is to inform while that of a feature article is toentertain. But feature articles may also instruct, advise, influence, inform, and entertain at the same time.

The matrix below compares and contrasts news, feature and editorial articles.COMPARISON NEWS EDITORIAL FEATURE1. Definition Report an event Interpretation of an

event/issueAn essay based on facts

2. Main Purpose To inform To interpret To entertain using present human interest stories

3. Timeliness Timely Timely Timely4. Length Short Around 300 words

(2000 computer characters)

Depends upon the needs

5. Use of words Simple precise, concrete

Simple, forceful, direct

May be descriptive, flowery, colorful

6. Use of sentences Short, simple, 15-25 words average

May be longer May be longer

7. Paragraph No topic sentence, one idea, one paragraph

With topic sentence, longer

With topic sentence, longer

8. Use of literary devices

Journalistic, direct to the point, no idioms, figures of speech

Journalistic, direct to the point, may use idioms, figures of speech if properly handled

Literary, can be journalistic; idioms, figures of speech used freely

9. Use of adjectives/opinion

Uses adjectives sparingly; opinion, never

Adjectives used freely; primarily opinion

As much as desired

10. Parts Lead, (Bridge), Body Introduction (newspeg, reaction), body, conclusion (clincher)

Introduction, body, ending

11. Style Follows style-sheet newspaper style

Follows style-sheet, newspaper style

Composition style or newspaper style

12. Structure Inverted pyramid Hypothesis, arguments/stand on issue, conclusion

Suspended interest or pyramid structure

13. Title/Headline Short (subject-verb; telegraphic sentence form)

Shorter (at most three words)

Any length as long as it is appealing to the reader/topic

14. Kinds (Refer to the syllabus)Note: Sports News is not included since this special news article combines News, Feature and Editorial precepts.

Imagine this …

You are a reporter of a newspaper covering a beat in the Iloilo Port Terminal. While going home for work, you notice an old man ferrying people across a narrow waterway that divides the passenger bancas from the wharf.You have passed by him hundreds of times before without a second thought, but suddenly you get off your motorcycle press and grab your notepad. You have just spotted a feature story.You take a candid shot of the old man and start asking him questions about himself, his family, his job, his odd experience with the endless stream of humanity that he ferries daily across the small brook.At home, you sit down and focus your thoughts on the old gnarled ferryman and study the odds and ends about him on your notepad. You organize your material and determine your focus of interest. Then, you begin to write your story:REGIE Zabalacheng has the loneliest job in town.Each day, he ferries hundreds of people across the Iloilo stream, but no one bothers to say “hello,” or even give a friendly wave.Sabalacheng, 68, of 70 Lopez Jaena Street, Iloilo City, has been at his job for 40 solitary years.“Nobody ever pays attention to me except to give me the two peso-fare after I get them safely across the river. I know them all by face because I see them every day but I don’t know their names,” Zabalacheng said with a cynical grin, “I guess they don’t know mine either.”“It’s not a bad job, but it sure gets lonely.”The story continues with more quotes from Zabalacheng, a description of his appearance and mannerisms, anecdotes from his 40-year career, and his family.You’ve got a feature story.The Wall Street Journal FormulaHere is a structure for features that the Wall Street Journal has used successfully for many years.Beginning (introduction)—Start with an anecdote or an illustration of the theme (1st to 2nd paragraphs).Theme—Shortly after the beginning, state the point of the piece (3rd to 6thparagraphs).Body—Provide details that elaborate on that theme. Tell the reader what is happening and why and

what’s being done about the situation. This serves rather than conclude on a secondary piece of information as to most news stories, a feature may have what is called a kicker, a punch at the end that drives home the theme and that the reader must always remember. (5th to 7th paragraphs)

Topics for Feature Stories

1. Personalities2. Experience and adventure3. Description4. Narratives5. Backgrounders6. Developmental feature articles7. “What to do” and “How to” articles

How to introduce (begin) the Feature article?Unlike straight news, a feature article may begin in any form and in any style. It depends on the topic or purpose of the writer. Most features, however, may be introduced by any of the following:

1. Rhetorical questionWHO says that age is an obstacle to education?

Take it from Procopio Dimakulangan of San Miguel, Iloilo who stopped going to school 50 years ago after finishing the elementary grades. This year, he enrolled as a first year evening student at Andres Bonifacio High, Ateneo de Iloilo’s adopted school.2. Startling statement“HINDI pa kami laos!”Ito ang pahayag ng mga “young once”—mga guro, pinuno ng paaralan at mga magulang—nang kanilang ipinagdiwang ang Araw ng Ateneo, Agosto 17, at lumahok sila sa iba’t ibang palatuntunan at paligsahan upang bigyang-buhay at kasanayan ang pagdiriwang.3. Narrative statementMRS. NELIA Marie Pradas, a fourth year evening student sends herself and her six children to school, acting as mother and father at the same time.Every day, Mrs. Pradas takes her tentative place between the half-time tinderatending her sarisari store during the day and the half-time student studying at night.4. Quoted remarks“I EARN while I learn.” He smiled at me as the interview reeled off. “How can you work, have a part-time job as an exotic dancer, and at the same time go to school?” I asked.“Well, it is easy, she explained. “I don’t do all of these at the same time.”5. An old maxim, an aphorism or a “salawikain“TUBIG, tubig sa lahat ng dako, ngunit kahit isang patak ay walang maiinom.” Itong siniping sabi ni Samuel Coleridge sa tulang “The Ancient Mariner” na wala nang bisa ngayon. Kahit na tubig na galing sa baha ay maiinom na. Paano? Ganito ang paraan.6. History or background of the subjectISLAMS throughout the world, including our Filipino Muslim brothers observe the holy month of Ramadan, starting Sept. 17. Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Muslim calendar. It is observed by Muslims as the Lenten Season is commemorated by Christians.7. Problems to be discussed in the article of fact to be establishedTHIS IS the answer to the rising cost of vegetables: raise your own.

Ending the Feature article1. A summary of the whole articleMAKINIG ka sa dalubhasa: ang paninigarilyo ay lubhang masama sa kalusugan. Maaring maturingan kang tunay na lalaki dahil sa paninigarilyo mo, subalit hindi tatagal ang buhay mo upang mapatunayan mo ang iyong pagkalalaki.2. An announcement of the main point for the first timeTHEREFORE, a major part of the development communications effort should be directed at strengthening the character of the people and developing in them moral values, particularly by self-discipline, self-reliance, strength of character, and fortitude.3. A question left in the reader’s mindANG KAMAY ng makabagong Pilipino ay handang marumihan. Pinaiikoit niya ang gulong ng pangkaunlaran. Iwina-wagayway niya ang bandila ng kalayaan—kalayaan laban sa paghihikahos, at kalayaan sa kamangmangan.4. Suggested results or significanceLET US conserve our forests now if we want to save the future of our country and of our children.5. A forecast or prophecyIN SIX-AND-A-HALF centuries from now, if population explosion would not be checked, there would be one person standing on every square foot of land on earth. By that time, people would be devouring one another for there would be no more space for plants to grow.6. A repetition of the introduction

ASKED if he had formal training in photography, Lovely Sepe finally answered, “Ah, it is now the reverse. It is here where I learn as I earn, not earn as I learn.” (the lead of the feature article is, “I learn while I earn).7. A repetition of a sentence or slogan, or a reference to the titleAFTER four years of working as a houseboy, working during the day and going to school at night, Jose Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor student.Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to education?(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a hindrance.”)8. An appropriate quotationNESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked why he gave his last centavo to the old man, he answered:“It is not what we give, but what we shareFor the gift, without the giver is bare,Who gives himself with his alms feeds threeHimself, his hungering neighbor and me.”

A good feature writer should possess the following:

1. a keen observation2. an intellectual curiosity3. ability to find features in everyday happenings4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all senses)and everyday idioms5. the skill to weave words into interesting sentences and paragraphs6. the ability to write effectively7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to “show (suggest), not tell, things”

Feature ExampleTopic: Abortion

COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t when you killed me.Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The excruciating pain that consumed my helpless body? You inflicted that, remember?

Look at my body, now a mass of rotting flesh and coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny human body. A body that was soft with a tiny head matted with a sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny heart that pulsated in time with yours. These were my fingers and ohh!... Here’s my thumb which I sucked while snugly tucked inside you.

You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive mouth was just like yours. And here are my ears that heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid.

I could have been a wonderful child if you’ve let me live.I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A strong, healthy and bubbly bundle in

your arms. My hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you.Daddy? Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am

the shooter. I could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of me coz I’m gonna join contests.Mama, see I was alive but not anymore. So, please let baby brother live. He could also be as

wonderful as me. His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.EDITORIAL WRITINGWhat is an Editorial?

It is the official stand of the publication on a relevant development or issue. It is a concerted commentary written by any member of the editorial staff who comments or gives the newspaper’s or staff’s opinion on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public.The editorial is considered the soul of the newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers to action; it influence and molds public opinion. It is usually written in formal language, expressing the stand of the paper on controversial issues of the day. It has no byline.It is the expression of the people’s conscience, cause, and convictions.—Joseph PulitzerCharacteristics of a good editorial

1. Must have clearness of style2. Moral purpose3. Sound reasoning4. The power to influence public opinion5. Lead logically to a conclusion6. Present only one idea7. Avoid wordiness8. Present facts not mere opinion9. Concise, around 250-300 words or 2,000-2,500 computer characters (at most 6 paragraphs)10. Must be decisive and bias

Types of editorial

1. Editorial of information2. Editorial of interpretation3. Editorial of criticism4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute5. Editorial of argumentation6. Editorial of entertainment7. Mood editorial8. Pooled editorial

How to write an editorial?In writing editorial, select only one specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic is of interest to the reader.Organize your editorial in three parts:1. IntroductionContains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph.(A newspeg is a brief statement about the news event upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue that needs to be solved right away)2. BodyIt may take two to four short paragraphs that support or justify the reaction. Cite reasons, statistics, interviews, or figures.3. EndingThe ending, sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand. It must be crispy and difficult to forget.Example of an introduction(reaction is italicized; newspeg is in regular font)The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the literary while they wait for the next period is both timely and wise.

It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to come out second in the NSAT regionwide.Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s welfare. They will donate labor and materials to improve the school gym.TitlesLike in feature articles, the editorial has also a head or title which should be brief (preferably less than four words), forceful and interesting. In writing editorials, there is no room for “balimbings.” Though the writer must present both sides, he/she must, in the end, take a concrete stand on the issue. To perfect this, one must keep on toes on the different issues swarming the society from the most complicated to the most mundane topics.Pointers in writing editorial

1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body of the

editorial.3. Have a purpose well in mind that should be accomplished with sufficient data.4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument leading up to the conclusion.5. Peg the lead sentence on recent, relevant news for its impact value.6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely understood analogy or with an

illustration that makes for easier understanding.7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.8. Article must be simple, direct, clear, and forceful.9. No double meanings.10. It must reflect clear, logical thinking.11. Subject matter must be significant to the readers.12. Sentences and paragraphs must be comparatively short.

Do’s and Don’ts in writing an editorial

1. Win the reader’s interest with an impelling lead paragraph.2. Avoid generalities by using plenty of facts and by telling what these facts mean.3. Keep your editorials short; around 300 words (2,500 computer characters) only.4. Do not preach, scold or moralize.5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of the reader.6. Avoid the first person, “I.” Use the editorial “We.”7. Write simply.8. Develop editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the

body.9. Sentences and paragraphs should be relatively short.10. Accomplish your purpose.

Editorial beginningsAn editorial may start with:1. A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to be discussed.2. A question that calls attention to, give an idea about the problem or point out the logical

development of the topic.3. A striking statement that jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of the reader.4. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion.

5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.Example:Vandals

ATENEO de Iloilo’s walls have a new coat of paint and are presently clean. Whether they retain their present state of cleanliness depends almost entirely on the students.The first spots appeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and scraping the soles of their shoes on them. Some students have also taken a peculiar delight in making long pencil scrawls on the walls as they go to classes.According to an observant parent, Ateneans, more than any other group of students, abuse their buildings. This report, whether true or otherwise, should serve as a challenge.Will the walls remain clean?SPORTS WRITINGWhat is Sports Reporting?Sports writing has become one of the most popular forms of modern journalistic writing. More and more Atenean readers are now turning to the sports section before looking at the more prosaic news of the time.But while may talk about sports, there are only few who can write a sports story. Even experienced reporters get lost covering games and writing about them because it takes more than just answering the 5 W’s and 1 H to be able to come up with a comprehensive sports news story.Example

ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante Carreon and Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out a close 60-59 win in an exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday.Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial part of the game including the winning free throw.The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the lead.The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales displayed a big heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53.Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to go.Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59.Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring.“Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game.Box scores:

INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2, Cabanlong 2, Ong 0, Lim 0, Gumaru 0.RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0, Limbauan 0, Galapon 0.Sports News StructureLike any other news story, a sports story has a lead and a body. The sports lead is the attention-getter and the body is the news in a-nut-shell.The classic 5 W’s and 1 H appear in the sports lead as: 1. Who won? 2. How did they win? 3. Against whom? 4. By what score? 5. Where? and 6. When?The Torres High School Quintet (1) poured 10 baskets in the last three minutes (2) to edge out the Osmenians (3) 65-63 (4) at the opponents homeground (5) yesterday afternoon (6).This kind of summary lead may vary.The lead can also highlight other elements like:

1. The key play

LAKANDULA, Iloilo—The visiting Soliman High School sluggers bombed the Lakandula batters with six runs in the third inning to subdue a nerve-frazzling Lakandula rally, 14-12, as they clinched the invitational game here, in connection with the celebration of the school’s Foundation Day.

2. The outstanding playerEDWARD Ong of Ateneo de Iloilo, after almost four hours of battle over the chessboard, copped the most coveted YMCA trophy after outwitting Philippine Science High School chesser William Santos in 27 moves of a Sicilian defense.

3. Analytical approachRIDING high on sizzling spikes and tricky placing, the spitfire Ateneo Blue Dragons blasted the Ateneo Blue Eagles killers in the crucial third set to won 15-10, 11-15, 15-7 in the Jesuit Athletics Meet (JAM), Sept. 21, at the Sacred HeartSchool in Cebu yesterdayThe bodyAfter the lead, the other elements follow in descending order. These will include:

1. Team and/or individual standing2. Decisive plays3. Best scores for the day4. Play-by-play5. Quotations

Elements that make up a good sports article:

1. Personalities2. Play-by-play description3. Statistics and comparisons4. Quotes by players5. Quotes by trainers and coaches6. Background stuff on players7. The importance or significance of the event8. Background of the game9. Weather conditions10. Crowd and celebration

Lingos and Slanguages

Basketball (basketbol)Quintet, goal (gol o buslo), dribble (dribol), pivot, rally, rebound (rebaun), technical foul, 15-foot line, hook shot, zone defense, first half (unang kalahati), tip-in, full court, press, box out, slam dunk, man-to-man, trey, full-court press, hook shot, goaltending, baseline, board, layup (leyap), out-of-bounds, dominated the paintBaseball or Softball (beisbol at sopbol)Diamond, pitcher (pitser), catcher (katser), back stop, hit a homerun, rolling ball, short stop, southpaw, pegged at third, fast ball, playoff (n, adj), play off (v.), slugger, wild pitch, bullpenBoxing (boksing)Southpaw, slugger, rabbit punch, kidney punch, referee stopped contest (RSC), technical knockout, featherweight,Chess

Checkmate, rook, queenside, Sicilian opening, Ruy Lopez defense, Queen’s gambit, knight, white, black, fast pawn, en passé, castle, pin, open check, blunder, Philidor’s defenseVolleyballSpike (spaik), placing (pleysing), change court, kill (kil), Chinese kill, block, net ball, wallop (wallop), jump serve, spiker (spay-ker), server (serber)Soccer or FootballSoccerites, goalie, corner kick, penalty kick, full back, defenders, booters, kick off (v.), kickoff (adj)TrackPass on the baton, breasted the tape, clock a new record, photo finish, distance runner, century runTennis and BadmintonBest of three matches, love set, backhand, drive, doubles, racket, forehand, smash cutSwimmingTanker, aquabelle, breast stroke, plunge, springboard, tank, dive, summersault

‘COPY READING AND HEADLINE WRITINGCopyreading is much like the work of a communication arts teacher correcting compositions, except that he uses different symbols.A copy may be a news item, an editorial, a feature story or any literary article.Duties of a copyreader:

1. Straighten out ungrammatical construction.2. Shorten sentences and tighten paragraphs.3. See that the paper’s style requirements are strictly followed. Check names, addresses, title,

designations, identifications, figures, etc.4. Rewrite the story completely if it is poorly written.5. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper with the

facts unless he is sure of his corrections.6. Delete all opinion, speculations and statements on news which are without attribution or sources.7. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.8. Watch for libelous statements.9. Recheck figures and totals.10. Cross-out adjectives in news which tend to make a story sound over-written.11. Cut a story to size or to the required length if necessary.12. Check attributions and see to it that they are properly identified.13. Challenge facts, claims, or reports when they sound anomalous, illogical and incredible.14. Check sluglines and paging sequences15. Write headlines

What to copyread?

1. Errors in fact2. Errors in grammar3. Errors in structure4. Errors in style5. Libelous and derogatory statements6. Seditious and rebellious matter7. Expressions contrary to law and good taste

8. Opinion and editorializing statements9. Verbal deadwood, redundancy10. Technical terms, slang, jargons

Copy-reading symbolsPunctuation MarksSymbols Meaning OutcomeThe Bionic Woman Emphasize quotes “The Bionic Woman”Dr Arthur Cruz Jr Emphasize periods Dr. Arthur Cruz Jr.said “I must go.” Emphasize comma said, “I must go.”Numbers and Abbreviationsin Nov. Spell out in NovemberDoctor Arthur Cruz Abbreviate Dr. Arthur Cruztwenty boys Use numeral 20 boys2 girls were… Spell out Two girls were…Special form of typeManila, philippines Capitalize MANILA, PhilippinesLetter and word changesmeet on Saturday Bridge over meet Saturdaythose b oys Close up space those boysFe Cruz Principal Transpose Principal Fe Cruzrecieve Transpose receivepamplet Insert letter pamphletwent market Insert word went to marketManila pAper Lower case Manila paperreceived free gifts Delete word received giftsjudgement Delete letter within judgmentdevelope iskill Delete before/after develop skillthe most talented and Kill the principalenthusiastic principalAllright wehave time Insert space All right we have timeWe were indeed very Run in copy We were indeed veryhappy because happy because…OthersPaco, Manila… Indent for paragraph Paco, Manila…Today he will… Today he will…Welfrido Cruz Spell as written Welfrido KruzOne boy came Restore text; disregard On boy camecorrectionElected prexy Center subhead Elected prexythe un - Syllabicate the un-finished task finished taskThe gong Set in boldface the gong She read Les Miserables Set in italics She read Les Miserables30 or # Story is finished more or ) Story is unfinishedSeminar Text continued on the(…2) Next page

# - folio copy See copy as writtenNote: To arrange paragraphs just place the number (e.g. #1, #3) of the corresponding paragraphs in the left portion of the copy.SAMPLE COPY TESTSlug line: ________________________Headline: _____________________________ No. of units: ____________The PNU elementary school launch the anual cleanliness & beatification contest September 16 at the school social hole.In a mating with Presidents and vice-presidents of each class from Grade III to Gr. Six, Mrs. Alegria Flora Principal explain the prosedures to folow.According to the principal, its class class will be given an areas to cleaned. Ones a week, school officials will vissit the area and chose the cleanest amongst them.Prices will be awarded to the class who’s area will be pick the cleanest for 3 times. ThThis will give insentives to the students explained Mrs. Flores.The handsome and intelligent Mr. Garcia Ramon, vocation al teacher who facilitated the meeting told the studes that thru the contest cooperation will be developedwhile order and cleanliness be maintained.Congrattulations Mrs. GarciaHeadliningIt is easy to write the news headline. Just look at the first paragraph called the lead which contains the gist, Just write the gist of that lead.Do’s and don’t’s in writing traditional headlines

1. Make your headline answer as many W’s as possible.2. The headline should summarize the news story, but must avoid using all the words used in the

lead. It should contain nothing that is not found in the story.3. Positive heads are preferable to negative ones. School physician allays flu fear is better than Flu

epidemic not rampant in city.4. Out a verb expressed or implied in every deck.5. Omit articles like a, an, and the, and all forms of the verb to be (is, are, be, etc.), unless needed to

make the meaning clear.6. Use the strongest word in the first line as much as possible.7. The active verb is better than the passive verb in headlines (Food production drive intensified;

RP’s lost image abroad regained)8. Use the present tense for past stories and the infinitive form for future stories (Archbishop Sin

bats for national reconciliation; Lantern parade to cap Xmas affairs).9. Write numbers in figures or spell them out depending upon your needs for your unit counts.10. Avoid heads that carry double meaning.11. Use only common abbreviations.

Punctuating a headline1. Use a comma in place of the conjuction and2. Two related thoughts should be separated with a semicolon.3. The dash may be used in smaller decks but not for headlines in large types.4. The single quotation marks are used in headlines.5. Follow the other rules of punctuations.

Unit counting in headline½ unit - jiltf and all punctuations except the em dash (--), and the question mark (?)

1 unit - the question mark, space, all figures, capital JILTF, all lower case letters except jiltf1 ½ units - the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except capital M and W and JILTF2 units - capital M, W

Headline vocabulary (Formula: subject-verb-object ala text message)

1. Faculty club strengthened (beefed up)2. Enrolment decreases (dips)3. Science examinations announced (quiz bared)4. Contests highlight Animal Week (cap)5. Santos urges cooperation (bats for, calls for)6. DepEd disapproves tuition fee increase (bucks, nixes, axes)7. Ateneo wins 12 medals in press contest (bags, romp away with; tilt, parley)8. Principal praises editors humility (lauds, extols)9. Local staff dominates press tilt (rules, lords over)10. Local basketball players retain championship (sluggers; crown)11. US attacks Russ nuclear test (hits)12. Laurel ends diplomatic tour (winds up)13. Cops ended syndicate (busted)14. Slay suspect questioned (grilled, probed)15. RP sees import hike (eyes)16. 456 pass bar exams (hurdle)17. Lim dismisses 5 cops (fires)18. RP-Malaysia dispute solved (row)19. Fiscal dismiss rape charge (dismiss; rap)20. Import talk delayed (snagged)

Mga halimbawa

Huwag gumamit ng pangalan maliban kung kilala itoMali—Jaime Diaz, nahalal na panguloTama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nahalal na pangulo ng samahanMaging tiyak (specific)Mali—Mag-aaral, nagwagi sa paligsahanTama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nagwagi sa pagsulat ng balitaIwasan ang opinyon sa balitaMali—Paaralang Datu Puti, lumaro ng kahanga-hangaTama—Paaralang Datu Puti, nanalo ng 3 sa 4 na labanLagyan ng pandiwa ang bawat uloMali—Limang guro sa seminarTama—Limang guro, dadalo sa seminarIwasan ang paggamit ng negatibong pandiwaMali—Paligsahan sa talumpatian, hindi matutuloyTama—Paligsahan sat al;umpatian, pinagpalibanGumamit ng makakatawag-pansing pandiwaMahina—Tinato ng Ateneo ang St. Joseph, 50-36Malakas—Pinataob ng Ateneo ang St. Joseph, 50-36Gamitin ang maikli at kilalang salitaMasalita—Bayang Pilipinas, sasali sa pandaigdig na palaro

Maikli—RP, sasali sa olimpiyadaIwasan ang paggamit ng pantukoy at ng pandiwang pantulong nahango saverb to beMali—Si Japhet Burgos ay ang napiling punong patnugot ng RipplesTama—Japhet Burgos, napiling punong patnugot ng Ripples

EDITORIAL CARTOONINGIt is an editorial page illustration expressing opinion and interpretation (a column or opinion in cartoon form). The word cartoon is derived from two words: caricature and lampoon.A caricature is an exaggerated description, generally by sketching. It is a pictorial representation of a person or thing in which a defect or peculiarity is exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous effect.A lampoon, on the other hand, is a piece of malicious writing, a personal-written satire that attacks and ridicules.A good cartoon appeals to the reader’s sense of humor in order to persuade him/her to accept an opinion.How to conceptualize?

1. Read/listen—research your facts well.2. Decide on your point of view or angle of your chosen issue.3. Make your comment on the issue.4. Translate your comment into coordinating, representative graphic symbols (e.g. crocodile for corrupt

officials and typewriter for press)5. Take into consideration the paper’s target readers.6. Sketch/make doodles.7. Draw your final cartoon.

Ways to present your view

1. Take the issue to a ridiculous situation.2. Exaggerate the effect of an issue.3. Use cliché or something contemporary or “in.”4. Juxtapose or put together two events, even unrelated ones.5. Take quotes literally. Play with words.6. Consider the occasion.7. Make an interesting artwork.8. Caricature a political figure and add a punch line.

Tips for cartooning1. Limit the use of words and labels.2. Use universal symbols, those which can be understood at once by your intended reader.3. Have your own style. Do not copy or plagiarize.4. If your cartoon is about the editorial for the day, it must reinforce the stand stated in the piece.5. Choose a most interesting issue and express your comment in an arresting way.6. Do not clutter your cartoon with unnecessary details or complicate your drawing with artistic touches.

These will just distract from the impact of the cartoon. Minimal is better.7. Cover your cartoon with a frame or border.8. Use shading to make your article more convincing.Steps in Editorial CartooningDr. Net Billones, one of the country’s top cartoonists, suggests the following steps:

1. List down the subjects to choose from.2. Once the subject is chosen, ask what is the issue? What is the paper’sopinion about the issue?Example:Issue—Press freedomOpinion—The government is going back to the martial law days as far as press freedom is concerned.3. Decide the symbols to be usedExample:Government—GMAPress freedom—bird (dove) flying, typewriter, school paperRepression—chain, scissors, slingshot, bar4. Draw the cartoon.

Examples:

Prepared by:Engr. HERMAN M. LAGON, Ph.D.

Subject Area Coordinator, Physics TeacherMost Outstanding HS Campus Paper Adviser of the Philippines 2005 (DepEd) and

Hall-of-Famer, Most Outstanding Campus Paper Adviser in Region VI (PIA)0920-2294759; h_lagon@yahoo.com; jotwithsirh.blogspot.com

GOLDEN PEN AWARDS 2011July 1-2, 2012; Iloilo National High School and Robinsons’ Place Iloilo, Iloilo City

CRASH COURSE IN JOURNALISMfor students of ATENEO DE ILOILO

RATIONALEThe items, advices, and articles below are made as a Crash Guide in joining the Golden Pen Awards. It is aimed to equip the busy Ateneo students with the basic journalism skills necessary for school and contests, in particular, and for life, in general. Likewise, the tailor-made paper is conceptualized to provide students the most user friendly and time-tested tool to joust competitively among other students and schools in competitions and in workshops.

GENERAL “GOLDEN PEN” GUIDELINES· ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY. The seminar area is an extension of the school. Hence, all school rules (e.g.

cutting classes, PDA, cursing, using gadgets and cell phones during seminar, littering, loitering, howling, shouting, disrespect, insubordination, “not speaking in English,” etc.) and its corresponding sanctions hold. Assigned teachers and deputized students per year level shall be the persons of authority. They may issue sanction slips to erring students, if necessary.

· REPLY SLIP IS A MUST. No student will be allowed to join the seminar without a Reply Slip with signature of their parents as a matter of procedure. Deadline for the Reply Slip and the Php200 Payment shall be Friday, June 30. It must be surrendered to either Ma’am Xia or Ma’am Jane.

· STRICTLY PACKED LUNCH. No student shall be allowed to take his or her lunch outside the seminar venue. As clearly stated in the letter to parents, students should pack their lunch and eat in the workshop area. Nonetheless, proper disposal of food container and refuse must be done accordingly.

· BE PUNCTUAL. Students are expected to be on time not just in attending the seminar but also in the passing of contest articles. On Saturday, they are expected to report at 7:30 a.m. in the Iloilo National High School covered gym. Earliest birds will have a chance to get the best seats in the house.

· STAY PUT. No one is allowed to go out of the seminar area without the permission of the teachers in charge. They should stay in their seats all the time unless it is necessary for them to go at the sides like during

the contest proper. Students will be arranged per year level for security and order. If, for emergency reason, one is allowed to go out of the venue, one must make sure to be with a buddy to accompany him or her on his way out and back.

· PROPER DECORUM. Every participant must be a model of a true Atenean student. Hence, they are expected to carry themselves with grace and humility. They must be clean, neat, serious, focused, friendly, and respectful to all and at all times.

· EAT, TALK IN MODERATION. The people around come to listen to the lecturers and facilitators, not to others tattletales. Also, eat but never produce sound nor do it as if it is the end of the world. Drink but never spill it up. Everything has to do with breeding and prudence.

· OBSERVE CLEANLINESS. Do this excellently in all instances: during times of lunch, snacks, lecture, contest, workshop, and recess. Avoid littering (and even loitering), unless one is uncultured or, worse, barbaric.

· BE A SCOUT. Always be ready. Anything can happen in the two-day journalism course. You must not be caught with your pants down. Hence, bring your journalism crash course copy, dictionary, thesaurus, kit, scratch paper, bond paper, ballpoint pen, pencil, camera, umbrella, hat, intermediate paper, drinking container, dining utensils, and packed lunch, at all times. Also be ready for icebreakers and stuff. Anyone may be asked to facilitate it.

· NEVER SHOW OFF. Be on guard of one’s things. The school and the organizers will not be liable, in any way, for any loss of articles (cell phones, jewelry, gadgets etc.) owned by any participant during the seminar. One must also make sure to stay low profile like the typical Atenean who is not “hambog,” noisy, or showy.

· BE MR. AND MS. CONGENIALITY. Aside from honing one’s journalistic skill, one objective in this event is also to gain friends. So be gracious (not boastful, bossy or pa “as if”) enough to get acquainted with students from other year levels and from other schools. This will hone one’s social skills more.

· MULTI-TASK. Challenge one self. There will be jam-packed contests that are in store for everyone. Hence, in order to garner more points for the school and get the highest possible probability to win, every student is hereby encouraged to join in as many contests as possible. To stress more, joining in Filipino-based categories is a wise choice as the degree of winning is higher when gauged based on the number of participants.

· WEAR ATENEO SHIRT. All must wear Ateneo shirt in the two-day affair. This is a must with regard to security and order. It can also help other Ateneans recognize their fellow Ateneans that may lead to new acquaintances in the process.

· CRASH COURSE KIT. In battles, preparation is half the war won. Hence, in order to be more prepared in the Golden Pen contests, a Crash Course in campus journalism was designed by Engr. Herman Lagon, Ph.D. for students to refer to and study on. Such is tailor-made to suit the needs of a busy yet dedicated Atenean who would like to win contests through tips that are based on 10-years of Golden pen experience. This Crash Course paper is available at PhP20 in the school’s Photocopying Stall.

· CONTACT NUMBERS. For rants and raves, contact the following teachers: Ms. Jane Panes (0917-9499084), Ms. Sharon Bibliotica (0916-3112574), Mr. Marvin Donne Bernadas (0910-9106630), and Mr. John Anthony Estolloso (0916-2842948).WHAT’S INSIDE?

۞ NEWSWRITING ۞ FEATURE WRITING ۞EDITORIAL WRITING۞ SPORTS WRITING ۞ COPYREADING AND HEADLINE WRITING۞ EDITORIAL CARTOONING ۞

NEWSWRITING“Any event, idea, or opinion that is timely, that interests and affects a large number of persons in the community, and that is capable of being understood by them.”“News is an oral or written report of an event that happened, is happening, will happen in the North, East, West, or South that is of interest to the reader and which should be reported.”

But what is interesting to one is not always interesting to another.Elements of the NewsConflict, Immediacy or Timeliness, Proximity or Nearness, Prominence, Significance, Names, Drama, Oddity and Unusualness, Romance and Adventure, Sex, Progress, Animals, Number, Emotion

Basic Rule (ABC) in Writing News: ACCURACY, BREVITY, CLARITY.Different forms of writing an incidentSituation: A fire broke out and four persons made their separate essays on what happened.For a 10-year-old grade school pupil,“I saw a fire. It was a big red fire. It burned a house. There were many people around. Some men put water on the fire.”For a romantic high school student,“Fearful scarlet tongues arose to the star-studded heaven and licked greedily at the doomed edifice while the stout-hearted firefighters risked their all to quench the terrible conflagration.”For a lady bystander,“You know, Mare, there was a fire in our community. I think it cost the owner a great deal of money. The date was August 8. August is the eighth month. So I bet in the lottery, 8-16-24-32-40-48.”For a news writer,“A fire of undetermined origin razed to the ground a two-storey apartment owned by lawyer Herman Lagon of 80 Lopez Jaena St., Jaro Iloilo City, last night. Four trucks from the Jaro Fire Station subdued the fire within an hour. The damage estimated by the police at PhP 500,000.00 was covered by insurance.”(Here, note the 5W’s and 1H in the lead)The combination of simple, vivid and dignified articles produces a copy simple enough for Mr. Average Reader to understand. We call it news article.Structure of news:Inverted Pyramid (from climax to less important)Sample NewsHeadline (ulo ng balita)

Dog dies saving blind masterLead (pamatnubay)– Most important facts

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD dog saved the life of his blind master, Thursday night, but the canine’s loyalty cost the trusty animal his life.Bridge—Elaboration of lead

In serious condition today in Doctor’s Hospital is Erland Escobanez, 71, a street sweeper. Escobanez of SSS Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City was found early this morning unconscious on a sidewalk near the Aglipayan Church in the Iloilo Terminal Market.Less important facts

Police theorized that Escobanez was knocked unconscious when he fell, his head hitting a stone. Potpot, his dog, apparently tried to shield its master from the cold and the rain by draping itself over the fallen man.

When discovered this morning by the Police Patrol, Escobanez was still out cold. The dog lay near, dead.

Relatives of Escobanez who is still a bachelor, told authorities that he always took nightly strolls at about 11 p.m. with his dog.Minor facts

According to doctors, only the warmth from the dog’s body saved Escobanez from certain death.Escobanez told police that he remembers nothing of the incident. A wallet containing PhP 500.00 was still in his pocket leading the authorities to rule out robbery.

How to write a lead?LeadIt is a single word, a phrase, a clause, a brief sentence, an entire paragraph or a series of paragraphs. The main function of the lead, aside from introducing the news story, are to tell the story in capsule form and to answer right away the questions the reader would naturally ask.A good lead answers all the important questions of the reader, indicates thefacts if they are all important, and arouses the readers’ interest to continue reading the story. In Filipino news, a good lead starts with a verb like “Nilamon ng…”Conventional or summary lead

This kind of lead used in straight news, answers right away all or any of the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and/or the H (How). It may be one of the following:1. WHO leadPRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addressed, April 20, the PMA graduates in Baguio City.2. WHAT leadAN ENTRANCE examination will be given Nov. 24 to all graduating high school students desiring to enroll in the four-year college course.3. WHERE leadTRAPICHE, Oton, Iloilo will be the site of the next International Film Festival.4. WHEN leadTODAY, almost to the hour, the Revolutionary Government was proclaimed by former President Corazon Aquino.5. WHY leadBECAUSE of poverty, around a hundred students dropped from school last year. This was learned from Ateneo de Iloilo principal Aurora dela Cruz.6. HOW leadBY APPEALING to the school board, the University of Iloilo was able to construct a 30-storey, concrete building.Do’s and Don’ts in writing a news story

1. Write the story immediately.2. Play up the dominant points.3. Be accurate and truthful.4. Avoid opinions called editorializing.5. Use adjectives sparingly.6. Avoid libelous, seditious and rebellious matters, prejudice and bad taste.7. Give source (attribution) of the news. Use quotes!8. Write names in full when these are mentioned for the first time.9. Identify the names mentioned.10. Avoid redundancy.11. Watch out for errors in fact, grammar, structure, and style.12. Observe the guidelines for clear effective writing (unity, coherence, emphasis, brevity, clarity, etc.)13. Adopt a paper stylesheet or stylebook for consistency and professionalism (in Ripples, we officially

adopt the Daily Inquirer Stylebook)

Guidelines in writing a news story1. Give your lead sentence a “punch” to catch the interest of the readers.2. Starts with the most important event or idea.

3. Use the rule or proximity and explain how the news affects the people in the locality or the students in school.

4. If your story has something unusual or novel to tell, bank on that for the lead. It’s hot copy.5. Make your sentences concise and clear so that they could be easily understood. Long tedious

sentences will likely “kill” the readers’ interest. Besides, they usually “lose” the readers along the way. News stories are not “luxury” or ”pleasure” reading. They have the basic function to inform.

6. Use simple words. Using highfalutin words does not prove anything but pedantry and literary pretentions. Even literary writers try as much as possible to use simple words.

7. Never be afraid of breaking the rules if it will prove helpful in making a good copy.FEATURE WRITINGWhat is a feature article (lathalain)?It is hard to define a feature article because it can take so many forms and can cover so many subjects. However, a reader may easily distinguish feature stories from news stories through its different characteristics.A feature article is an essay based on fact. It’s a virtual drop bag. It is never fictitious. This makes it different from ordinary essay you study in your literature class.Like an editorial, a feature article is hung on a newspeg.Feature stories, like news stories, are written to inform but they enlarge news in a leisurely and entertaining way. They are written to add life to the paper and therefore their style lends more to the creativity of a writer.The main objective of news is to inform while that of a feature article is toentertain. But feature articles may also instruct, advise, influence, inform, and entertain at the same time.The matrix below compares and contrasts news, feature and editorial articles.

Imagine this …You are a reporter of a newspaper covering a beat in the Iloilo Port Terminal. While going home for work, you notice an old man ferrying people across a narrow waterway that divides the passenger bancas from the wharf.

COMPARISON NEWS EDITORIAL FEATURE1. Definition Report an event Interpretation of an

event/issueAn essay based on facts

2. Main Purpose To inform To interpret To entertain using present human interest stories

3. Timeliness Timely Timely Timely4. Length Short Around 300 words

(2000 computer characters)

Depends upon the needs

5. Use of words Simple precise, concrete

Simple, forceful, direct

May be descriptive, flowery, colorful

6. Use of sentences Short, simple, 15-25 words average

May be longer May be longer

7. Paragraph No topic sentence, one idea, one paragraph

With topic sentence, longer

With topic sentence, longer

8. Use of literary devices

Journalistic, direct to the point, no idioms, figures of speech

Journalistic, direct to the point, may use idioms, figures of speech if properly handled

Literary, can be journalistic; idioms, figures of speech used freely

9. Use of adjectives/opinion

Uses adjectives sparingly; opinion, never

Adjectives used freely; primarily opinion

As much as desired

10. Parts Lead, (Bridge), Body Introduction (newspeg, reaction), body, conclusion (clincher)

Introduction, body, ending

11. Style Follows style-sheet newspaper style

Follows style-sheet, newspaper style

Composition style or newspaper style

12. Structure Inverted pyramid Hypothesis, arguments/stand on issue, conclusion

Suspended interest or pyramid structure

13. Title/Headline Short (subject-verb; telegraphic sentence form)

Shorter (at most three words)

Any length as long as it is appealing to the reader/topic

14. Kinds (Refer to the syllabus)Note: Sports News is not included since this special news article combines News, Feature and Editorial precepts.

You have passed by him hundreds of times before without a second thought, but suddenly you get off your motorcycle press and grab your notepad. You have just spotted a feature story.You take a candid shot of the old man and start asking him questions about himself, his family, his job, his odd experience with the endless stream of humanity that he ferries daily across the small brook.At home, you sit down and focus your thoughts on the old gnarled ferryman and study the odds and ends about him on your notepad. You organize your material and determine your focus of interest. Then, you begin to write your story:REGIE Zabalacheng has the loneliest job in town.Each day, he ferries hundreds of people across the Iloilo stream, but no one bothers to say “hello,” or even give a friendly wave.Sabalacheng, 68, of 70 Lopez Jaena Street, Iloilo City, has been at his job for 40 solitary years.“Nobody ever pays attention to me except to give me the two peso-fare after I get them safely across the river. I know them all by face because I see them every day but I don’t know their names,” Zabalacheng said with a cynical grin, “I guess they don’t know mine either.”“It’s not a bad job, but it sure gets lonely.”The story continues with more quotes from Zabalacheng, a description of his appearance and mannerisms, anecdotes from his 40-year career, and his family.You’ve got a feature story.The Wall Street Journal FormulaHere is a structure for features that the Wall Street Journal has used successfully for many years.Beginning (introduction)—Start with an anecdote or an illustration of the theme (1st to 2nd paragraphs).Theme—Shortly after the beginning, state the point of the piece (3rd to 6thparagraphs).Body—Provide details that elaborate on that theme. Tell the reader what is happening and why and

what’s being done about the situation. This serves rather than conclude on a secondary piece of information as to most news stories, a feature may have what is called a kicker, a punch at the end that drives home the theme and that the reader must always remember. (5th to 7th paragraphs)

Topics for Feature Stories

1. Personalities2. Experience and adventure3. Description4. Narratives5. Backgrounders6. Developmental feature articles7. “What to do” and “How to” articles

How to introduce (begin) the Feature article?Unlike straight news, a feature article may begin in any form and in any style. It depends on the topic or purpose of the writer. Most features, however, may be introduced by any of the following:

1. Rhetorical questionWHO says that age is an obstacle to education?Take it from Procopio Dimakulangan of San Miguel, Iloilo who stopped going to school 50 years ago after finishing the elementary grades. This year, he enrolled as a first year evening student at Andres Bonifacio High, Ateneo de Iloilo’s adopted school.2. Startling statement“HINDI pa kami laos!”

Ito ang pahayag ng mga “young once”—mga guro, pinuno ng paaralan at mga magulang—nang kanilang ipinagdiwang ang Araw ng Ateneo, Agosto 17, at lumahok sila sa iba’t ibang palatuntunan at paligsahan upang bigyang-buhay at kasanayan ang pagdiriwang.3. Narrative statementMRS. NELIA Marie Pradas, a fourth year evening student sends herself and her six children to school, acting as mother and father at the same time.Every day, Mrs. Pradas takes her tentative place between the half-time tinderatending her sarisari store during the day and the half-time student studying at night.4. Quoted remarks“I EARN while I learn.” He smiled at me as the interview reeled off. “How can you work, have a part-time job as an exotic dancer, and at the same time go to school?” I asked.“Well, it is easy, she explained. “I don’t do all of these at the same time.”5. An old maxim, an aphorism or a “salawikain“TUBIG, tubig sa lahat ng dako, ngunit kahit isang patak ay walang maiinom.” Itong siniping sabi ni Samuel Coleridge sa tulang “The Ancient Mariner” na wala nang bisa ngayon. Kahit na tubig na galing sa baha ay maiinom na. Paano? Ganito ang paraan.6. History or background of the subjectISLAMS throughout the world, including our Filipino Muslim brothers observe the holy month of Ramadan, starting Sept. 17. Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Muslim calendar. It is observed by Muslims as the Lenten Season is commemorated by Christians.7. Problems to be discussed in the article of fact to be establishedTHIS IS the answer to the rising cost of vegetables: raise your own.

Ending the Feature article1. A summary of the whole articleMAKINIG ka sa dalubhasa: ang paninigarilyo ay lubhang masama sa kalusugan. Maaring maturingan kang tunay na lalaki dahil sa paninigarilyo mo, subalit hindi tatagal ang buhay mo upang mapatunayan mo ang iyong pagkalalaki.2. An announcement of the main point for the first timeTHEREFORE, a major part of the development communications effort should be directed at strengthening the character of the people and developing in them moral values, particularly by self-discipline, self-reliance, strength of character, and fortitude.3. A question left in the reader’s mindANG KAMAY ng makabagong Pilipino ay handang marumihan. Pinaiikoit niya ang gulong ng pangkaunlaran. Iwina-wagayway niya ang bandila ng kalayaan—kalayaan laban sa paghihikahos, at kalayaan sa kamangmangan.4. Suggested results or significanceLET US conserve our forests now if we want to save the future of our country and of our children.5. A forecast or prophecyIN SIX-AND-A-HALF centuries from now, if population explosion would not be checked, there would be one person standing on every square foot of land on earth. By that time, people would be devouring one another for there would be no more space for plants to grow.6. A repetition of the introductionASKED if he had formal training in photography, Lovely Sepe finally answered, “Ah, it is now the reverse. It is here where I learn as I earn, not earn as I learn.” (the lead of the feature article is, “I learn while I earn).7. A repetition of a sentence or slogan, or a reference to the title

AFTER four years of working as a houseboy, working during the day and going to school at night, Jose Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor student.Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to education?(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a hindrance.”)8. An appropriate quotationNESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked why he gave his last centavo to the old man, he answered:“It is not what we give, but what we shareFor the gift, without the giver is bare,Who gives himself with his alms feeds threeHimself, his hungering neighbor and me.”

A good feature writer should possess the following:

1. a keen observation2. an intellectual curiosity3. ability to find features in everyday happenings4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all senses)and everyday idioms5. the skill to weave words into interesting sentences and paragraphs6. the ability to write effectively7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to “show (suggest), not tell, things”

Feature ExampleTopic: Abortion

COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t when you killed me.Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The excruciating pain that consumed my helpless body? You inflicted that, remember?

Look at my body, now a mass of rotting flesh and coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny human body. A body that was soft with a tiny head matted with a sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny heart that pulsated in time with yours. These were my fingers and ohh!... Here’s my thumb which I sucked while snugly tucked inside you.

You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive mouth was just like yours. And here are my ears that heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid.

I could have been a wonderful child if you’ve let me live.I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A strong, healthy and bubbly bundle in

your arms. My hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you.Daddy? Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am

the shooter. I could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of me coz I’m gonna join contests.Mama, see I was alive but not anymore. So, please let baby brother live. He could also be as

wonderful as me. His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.EDITORIAL WRITINGWhat is an Editorial?It is the official stand of the publication on a relevant development or issue. It is a concerted commentary written by any member of the editorial staff who comments or gives the newspaper’s or staff’s opinion on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public.

The editorial is considered the soul of the newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers to action; it influence and molds public opinion. It is usually written in formal language, expressing the stand of the paper on controversial issues of the day. It has no byline.It is the expression of the people’s conscience, cause, and convictions.—Joseph PulitzerCharacteristics of a good editorial

1. Must have clearness of style2. Moral purpose3. Sound reasoning4. The power to influence public opinion5. Lead logically to a conclusion6. Present only one idea7. Avoid wordiness8. Present facts not mere opinion9. Concise, around 250-300 words or 2,000-2,500 computer characters (at most 6 paragraphs)10. Must be decisive and bias

Types of editorial

1. Editorial of information2. Editorial of interpretation3. Editorial of criticism4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute5. Editorial of argumentation6. Editorial of entertainment7. Mood editorial8. Pooled editorial

How to write an editorial?In writing editorial, select only one specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic is of interest to the reader.Organize your editorial in three parts:1. IntroductionContains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph.(A newspeg is a brief statement about the news event upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue that needs to be solved right away)2. BodyIt may take two to four short paragraphs that support or justify the reaction. Cite reasons, statistics, interviews, or figures.3. EndingThe ending, sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand. It must be crispy and difficult to forget.Example of an introduction(reaction is italicized; newspeg is in regular font)The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the literary while they wait for the next period is both timely and wise.It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to come out second in the NSAT regionwide.Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s welfare. They will donate labor and materials to improve the school gym.

TitlesLike in feature articles, the editorial has also a head or title which should be brief (preferably less than four words), forceful and interesting. In writing editorials, there is no room for “balimbings.” Though the writer must present both sides, he/she must, in the end, take a concrete stand on the issue. To perfect this, one must keep on toes on the different issues swarming the society from the most complicated to the most mundane topics.

Pointers in writing editorial

1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body of the

editorial.3. Have a purpose well in mind that should be accomplished with sufficient data.4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument leading up to the conclusion.5. Peg the lead sentence on recent, relevant news for its impact value.6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely understood analogy or with an

illustration that makes for easier understanding.7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.8. Article must be simple, direct, clear, and forceful.9. No double meanings.10. It must reflect clear, logical thinking.11. Subject matter must be significant to the readers.12. Sentences and paragraphs must be comparatively short.

Do’s and Don’ts in writing an editorial

1. Win the reader’s interest with an impelling lead paragraph.2. Avoid generalities by using plenty of facts and by telling what these facts mean.3. Keep your editorials short; around 300 words (2,500 computer characters) only.4. Do not preach, scold or moralize.5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of the reader.6. Avoid the first person, “I.” Use the editorial “We.”7. Write simply.8. Develop editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the

body.9. Sentences and paragraphs should be relatively short.10. Accomplish your purpose.

Editorial beginningsAn editorial may start with:1. A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to be discussed.2. A question that calls attention to, give an idea about the problem or point out the logical

development of the topic.3. A striking statement that jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of the reader.4. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion.5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.Example:

VandalsATENEO de Iloilo’s walls have a new coat of paint and are presently clean. Whether they retain

their present state of cleanliness depends almost entirely on the students.The first spots appeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and scraping the soles of their shoes on them. Some students have also taken a peculiar delight in making long pencil scrawls on the walls as they go to classes.According to an observant parent, Ateneans, more than any other group of students, abuse their buildings. This report, whether true or otherwise, should serve as a challenge.Will the walls remain clean?SPORTS WRITINGWhat is Sports Reporting?Sports writing has become one of the most popular forms of modern journalistic writing. More and more Atenean readers are now turning to the sports section before looking at the more prosaic news of the time.But while may talk about sports, there are only few who can write a sports story. Even experienced reporters get lost covering games and writing about them because it takes more than just answering the 5 W’s and 1 H to be able to come up with a comprehensive sports news story.Example

ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante Carreon and Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out a close 60-59 win in an exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday.Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial part of the game including the winning free throw.The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the lead.The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales displayed a big heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53.Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to go.Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59.Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring.“Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game.Box scores:

INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2, Cabanlong 2, Ong 0, Lim 0, Gumaru 0.RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0, Limbauan 0, Galapon 0.Sports News StructureLike any other news story, a sports story has a lead and a body. The sports lead is the attention-getter and the body is the news in a-nut-shell.The classic 5 W’s and 1 H appear in the sports lead as: 1. Who won? 2. How did they win? 3. Against whom? 4. By what score? 5. Where? and 6. When?The Torres High School Quintet (1) poured 10 baskets in the last three minutes (2) to edge out the Osmenians (3) 65-63 (4) at the opponents homeground (5) yesterday afternoon (6).This kind of summary lead may vary.The lead can also highlight other elements like:

1. The key playLAKANDULA, Iloilo—The visiting Soliman High School sluggers bombed the Lakandula batters with six runs in the third inning to subdue a nerve-frazzling Lakandula rally, 14-12, as they clinched the invitational game here, in connection with the celebration of the school’s Foundation Day.

2. The outstanding playerEDWARD Ong of Ateneo de Iloilo, after almost four hours of battle over the chessboard, copped the most coveted YMCA trophy after outwitting Philippine Science High School chesser William Santos in 27 moves of a Sicilian defense.

3. Analytical approachRIDING high on sizzling spikes and tricky placing, the spitfire Ateneo Blue Dragons blasted the Ateneo Blue Eagles killers in the crucial third set to won 15-10, 11-15, 15-7 in the Jesuit Athletics Meet (JAM), Sept. 21, at the Sacred HeartSchool in Cebu yesterdayThe bodyAfter the lead, the other elements follow in descending order. These will include:

1. Team and/or individual standing2. Decisive plays3. Best scores for the day4. Play-by-play5. Quotations

Elements that make up a good sports article:

1. Personalities2. Play-by-play description3. Statistics and comparisons4. Quotes by players5. Quotes by trainers and coaches6. Background stuff on players7. The importance or significance of the event8. Background of the game9. Weather conditions10. Crowd and celebration

Lingos and Slanguages

Basketball (basketbol)Quintet, goal (gol o buslo), dribble (dribol), pivot, rally, rebound (rebaun), technical foul, 15-foot line, hook shot, zone defense, first half (unang kalahati), tip-in, full court, press, box out, slam dunk, man-to-man, trey, full-court press, hook shot, goaltending, baseline, board, layup (leyap), out-of-bounds, dominated the paintBaseball or Softball (beisbol at sopbol)Diamond, pitcher (pitser), catcher (katser), back stop, hit a homerun, rolling ball, short stop, southpaw, pegged at third, fast ball, playoff (n, adj), play off (v.), slugger, wild pitch, bullpenBoxing (boksing)Southpaw, slugger, rabbit punch, kidney punch, referee stopped contest (RSC), technical knockout, featherweight,ChessCheckmate, rook, queenside, Sicilian opening, Ruy Lopez defense, Queen’s gambit, knight, white, black, fast pawn, en passé, castle, pin, open check, blunder, Philidor’s defenseVolleyball

Spike (spaik), placing (pleysing), change court, kill (kil), Chinese kill, block, net ball, wallop (wallop), jump serve, spiker (spay-ker), server (serber)Soccer or FootballSoccerites, goalie, corner kick, penalty kick, full back, defenders, booters, kick off (v.), kickoff (adj)TrackPass on the baton, breasted the tape, clock a new record, photo finish, distance runner, century runTennis and BadmintonBest of three matches, love set, backhand, drive, doubles, racket, forehand, smash cutSwimmingTanker, aquabelle, breast stroke, plunge, springboard, tank, dive, summersault

‘COPY READING AND HEADLINE WRITINGCopyreading is much like the work of a communication arts teacher correcting compositions, except that he uses different symbols.A copy may be a news item, an editorial, a feature story or any literary article.Duties of a copyreader:

1. Straighten out ungrammatical construction.2. Shorten sentences and tighten paragraphs.3. See that the paper’s style requirements are strictly followed. Check names, addresses, title,

designations, identifications, figures, etc.4. Rewrite the story completely if it is poorly written.5. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper with the

facts unless he is sure of his corrections.6. Delete all opinion, speculations and statements on news which are without attribution or sources.7. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.8. Watch for libelous statements.9. Recheck figures and totals.10. Cross-out adjectives in news which tend to make a story sound over-written.11. Cut a story to size or to the required length if necessary.12. Check attributions and see to it that they are properly identified.13. Challenge facts, claims, or reports when they sound anomalous, illogical and incredible.14. Check sluglines and paging sequences15. Write headlines

What to copyread?

1. Errors in fact2. Errors in grammar3. Errors in structure4. Errors in style5. Libelous and derogatory statements6. Seditious and rebellious matter7. Expressions contrary to law and good taste8. Opinion and editorializing statements9. Verbal deadwood, redundancy10. Technical terms, slang, jargons

Copy-reading symbolsPunctuation MarksSymbols Meaning OutcomeThe Bionic Woman Emphasize quotes “The Bionic Woman”Dr Arthur Cruz Jr Emphasize periods Dr. Arthur Cruz Jr.said “I must go.” Emphasize comma said, “I must go.”Numbers and Abbreviationsin Nov. Spell out in NovemberDoctor Arthur Cruz Abbreviate Dr. Arthur Cruztwenty boys Use numeral 20 boys2 girls were… Spell out Two girls were…Special form of typeManila, philippines Capitalize MANILA, PhilippinesLetter and word changesmeet on Saturday Bridge over meet Saturdaythose b oys Close up space those boysFe Cruz Principal Transpose Principal Fe Cruzrecieve Transpose receivepamplet Insert letter pamphletwent market Insert word went to marketManila pAper Lower case Manila paperreceived free gifts Delete word received giftsjudgement Delete letter within judgmentdevelope iskill Delete before/after develop skillthe most talented and Kill the principalenthusiastic principalAllright wehave time Insert space All right we have timeWe were indeed very Run in copy We were indeed veryhappy because happy because…OthersPaco, Manila… Indent for paragraph Paco, Manila…Today he will… Today he will…Welfrido Cruz Spell as written Welfrido KruzOne boy came Restore text; disregard On boy camecorrectionElected prexy Center subhead Elected prexythe un - Syllabicate the un-finished task finished taskThe gong Set in boldface the gong She read Les Miserables Set in italics She read Les Miserables30 or # Story is finished more or ) Story is unfinishedSeminar Text continued on the(…2) Next page# - folio copy See copy as writtenNote: To arrange paragraphs just place the number (e.g. #1, #3) of the corresponding paragraphs in the left portion of the copy.

SAMPLE COPY TESTSlug line: ________________________Headline: _____________________________ No. of units: ____________The PNU elementary school launch the anual cleanliness & beatification contest September 16 at the school social hole.In a mating with Presidents and vice-presidents of each class from Grade III to Gr. Six, Mrs. Alegria Flora Principal explain the prosedures to folow.According to the principal, its class class will be given an areas to cleaned. Ones a week, school officials will vissit the area and chose the cleanest amongst them.Prices will be awarded to the class who’s area will be pick the cleanest for 3 times. ThThis will give insentives to the students explained Mrs. Flores.The handsome and intelligent Mr. Garcia Ramon, vocation al teacher who facilitated the meeting told the studes that thru the contest cooperation will be developedwhile order and cleanliness be maintained.Congrattulations Mrs. GarciaHeadliningIt is easy to write the news headline. Just look at the first paragraph called the lead which contains the gist, Just write the gist of that lead.Do’s and don’t’s in writing traditional headlines

1. Make your headline answer as many W’s as possible.2. The headline should summarize the news story, but must avoid using all the words used in the

lead. It should contain nothing that is not found in the story.3. Positive heads are preferable to negative ones. School physician allays flu fear is better than Flu

epidemic not rampant in city.4. Out a verb expressed or implied in every deck.5. Omit articles like a, an, and the, and all forms of the verb to be (is, are, be, etc.), unless needed to

make the meaning clear.6. Use the strongest word in the first line as much as possible.7. The active verb is better than the passive verb in headlines (Food production drive intensified;

RP’s lost image abroad regained)8. Use the present tense for past stories and the infinitive form for future stories (Archbishop Sin

bats for national reconciliation; Lantern parade to cap Xmas affairs).9. Write numbers in figures or spell them out depending upon your needs for your unit counts.10. Avoid heads that carry double meaning.11. Use only common abbreviations.

Punctuating a headline1. Use a comma in place of the conjuction and2. Two related thoughts should be separated with a semicolon.3. The dash may be used in smaller decks but not for headlines in large types.4. The single quotation marks are used in headlines.5. Follow the other rules of punctuations.

Unit counting in headline½ unit - jiltf and all punctuations except the em dash (--), and the question mark (?)1 unit - the question mark, space, all figures, capital JILTF, all lower case letters except jiltf1 ½ units - the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except capital M and W and JILTF2 units - capital M, W

Headline vocabulary (Formula: subject-verb-object ala text message)

1. Faculty club strengthened (beefed up)2. Enrolment decreases (dips)3. Science examinations announced (quiz bared)4. Contests highlight Animal Week (cap)5. Santos urges cooperation (bats for, calls for)6. DepEd disapproves tuition fee increase (bucks, nixes, axes)7. Ateneo wins 12 medals in press contest (bags, romp away with; tilt, parley)8. Principal praises editors humility (lauds, extols)9. Local staff dominates press tilt (rules, lords over)10. Local basketball players retain championship (sluggers; crown)11. US attacks Russ nuclear test (hits)12. Laurel ends diplomatic tour (winds up)13. Cops ended syndicate (busted)14. Slay suspect questioned (grilled, probed)15. RP sees import hike (eyes)16. 456 pass bar exams (hurdle)17. Lim dismisses 5 cops (fires)18. RP-Malaysia dispute solved (row)19. Fiscal dismiss rape charge (dismiss; rap)20. Import talk delayed (snagged)

Mga halimbawa

Huwag gumamit ng pangalan maliban kung kilala itoMali—Jaime Diaz, nahalal na panguloTama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nahalal na pangulo ng samahanMaging tiyak (specific)Mali—Mag-aaral, nagwagi sa paligsahanTama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nagwagi sa pagsulat ng balitaIwasan ang opinyon sa balitaMali—Paaralang Datu Puti, lumaro ng kahanga-hangaTama—Paaralang Datu Puti, nanalo ng 3 sa 4 na labanLagyan ng pandiwa ang bawat uloMali—Limang guro sa seminarTama—Limang guro, dadalo sa seminarIwasan ang paggamit ng negatibong pandiwaMali—Paligsahan sa talumpatian, hindi matutuloyTama—Paligsahan sat al;umpatian, pinagpalibanGumamit ng makakatawag-pansing pandiwaMahina—Tinato ng Ateneo ang St. Joseph, 50-36Malakas—Pinataob ng Ateneo ang St. Joseph, 50-36Gamitin ang maikli at kilalang salitaMasalita—Bayang Pilipinas, sasali sa pandaigdig na palaroMaikli—RP, sasali sa olimpiyadaIwasan ang paggamit ng pantukoy at ng pandiwang pantulong nahango saverb to beMali—Si Japhet Burgos ay ang napiling punong patnugot ng Ripples

Tama—Japhet Burgos, napiling punong patnugot ng Ripples

EDITORIAL CARTOONINGIt is an editorial page illustration expressing opinion and interpretation (a column or opinion in cartoon form). The word cartoon is derived from two words: caricature and lampoon.A caricature is an exaggerated description, generally by sketching. It is a pictorial representation of a person or thing in which a defect or peculiarity is exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous effect.A lampoon, on the other hand, is a piece of malicious writing, a personal-written satire that attacks and ridicules.A good cartoon appeals to the reader’s sense of humor in order to persuade him/her to accept an opinion.How to conceptualize?

1. Read/listen—research your facts well.2. Decide on your point of view or angle of your chosen issue.3. Make your comment on the issue.4. Translate your comment into coordinating, representative graphic symbols (e.g. crocodile for corrupt

officials and typewriter for press)5. Take into consideration the paper’s target readers.6. Sketch/make doodles.7. Draw your final cartoon.

Ways to present your view

1. Take the issue to a ridiculous situation.2. Exaggerate the effect of an issue.3. Use cliché or something contemporary or “in.”4. Juxtapose or put together two events, even unrelated ones.5. Take quotes literally. Play with words.6. Consider the occasion.7. Make an interesting artwork.8. Caricature a political figure and add a punch line.

Tips for cartooning1. Limit the use of words and labels.2. Use universal symbols, those which can be understood at once by your intended reader.3. Have your own style. Do not copy or plagiarize.4. If your cartoon is about the editorial for the day, it must reinforce the stand stated in the piece.5. Choose a most interesting issue and express your comment in an arresting way.6. Do not clutter your cartoon with unnecessary details or complicate your drawing with artistic touches.

These will just distract from the impact of the cartoon. Minimal is better.7. Cover your cartoon with a frame or border.8. Use shading to make your article more convincing.Steps in Editorial CartooningDr. Net Billones, one of the country’s top cartoonists, suggests the following steps:

1. List down the subjects to choose from.2. Once the subject is chosen, ask what is the issue? What is the paper’sopinion about the issue?

Example:Issue—Press freedomOpinion—The government is going back to the martial law days as far as press freedom is concerned.3. Decide the symbols to be usedExample:Government—GMAPress freedom—bird (dove) flying, typewriter, school paperRepression—chain, scissors, slingshot, bar4. Draw the cartoon.

Examples:

Prepared by:Engr. HERMAN M. LAGON, Ph.D.

Subject Area Coordinator, Physics TeacherMost Outstanding HS Campus Paper Adviser of the Philippines 2005 (DepEd) and

Hall-of-Famer, Most Outstanding Campus Paper Adviser in Region VI (PIA)0920-2294759; h_lagon@yahoo.com; jotwithsirh.blogspot.com

Ateneo does mission with the lumadsAteneo does mission with the lumadsBy Parvane Mae Lagon“We tutored incoming freshmen, distributed school supplies, had a short but meaningful retreat, cooked our own food, lived and learned with the lumads way of life.”Thus said Primo Escobanez, one of the four Atenean faculty and staff who went for an outreach expedition in Brgy. Miarayon, Kalakag, Bukidnon, last April 29-May 8, 2011.The weeklong undertaking was aimed to deliver 13 large boxes of school uniforms, notebooks, books, and the like which mostly came from grade school and high school graduates of Ateneo de Iloilo. Likewise, it was intended to “get the feel” of the possibility for similar AdI-SMCS mission in Mindanao in the near future.Aside from subject area coordinator and former outreach program head Escobanez, the virtual ‘advance party’ was also joined by Herman Lagon, also a subject area coordinator, grade school staff Bob Selomenio, and Campus Minister Agnes Gatpatan.“I feel so blessed in joining the Bukidnon mission,” Lagon said, adding, “It is so enlightening and revealing to visit a cool place that virtually has a centuries-old history of Jesuit mission.”

“Staying in the place and immersing with the lumads' way of life is like putting into flesh what Jesuit mission work is all about."Lagon and Selomenio left Iloilo with the boxes of donation April 29 and met with Escobanez and Gatpatan May 1 in Cagayan de Oro City. The day after, the four paid a visit to sister school Ateneo de Cagayan also known as Xavier University and visited the Jesuit Retreat House in Malaybalay City where they met a number of residing Jesuits which includes former AdI-SMCS teacher Bro. Noel Bava, SJ, iconic Mindanao Peace Initiative Bishop Honesto Pacana, SJ, and the legendary spiritual director Matt Sanchez, SJ. In that same day, Fr. Matt accompanied the AdI-SMCS mission team to a bumpy, mountainous four-hour ride to Miarayon, one of the three mission areas of the Jesuits in Bukidnon province. There they settled in a two-floor wooden Jesuit house and became visiting tutors in math and values subjects to 70 incoming freshmen for two days, turned over boxes of donated items, distributed school supplies to 100 young kids in two barangays, attended masses, visited and talked to local officials and residents, trekked

the nearby barangays (including small vegetable farms), did a half-day retreat (with Fr. Matt), bought and cooked food, among others. Since the area is about 1500 meters above sea level, they had to wear sweaters even during noon time to bear with the Baguio-like atmosphere. The team took the boat in CDO May 6, passed by Cebu May 7, and returned to Iloilo May 8.Gatpatan, for her part, said: "I wish we can go back to the place again with more volunteers. It is a great place for a personal retreat, mission work, and outreach initiative. The lumads are great people to be with and learn from. Indeed, a ‘Bukidnon Mission Part 2’ is worth contemplating upon.”###ARE WE NATS?Column Name: Impulses Column Title: Are we NATs?By Engr. Herman Lagon(Note: This article was published two years ago in relation to the popularly perceived rampant cheating in the National Achievement Test of the Department of Education. It is hereby reprinted due to the snowballing revelations of public school teachers, parents and students regarding the similar and as repulsive conduct of the Regional Achievement Test and the Division Achievement Test. As they say, the truth can never be hidden forever; it will always come out in due time.—Engr. Lagon)Very recently, the Division of Iloilo City was declared as a “high performing schools division” in the country due to its mind-boggling feat in the National Achievement Test (NAT) for Grade Six pupils. No less than the division superintendent, boasted this in the papers and in some of his speaking sorties. But does this claim have statistical, logical, and moral ascendancy? Is the assertion of our local DepEd and our “pleased” local officials well-founded?If the raw scores are to be believed, it says that the 1st up to the 39th placers in the NAT are all from public elementary schools in the metropolis. The private schools, popularly considered to be the blue chip educational hubs in the city, ranked way below that of the DepEd-managed institutions. Some of them are Iloilo Scholastic Academy (47th), Ateneo de Iloilo (49th), St. Joseph School (50th), Assumption School (52nd), Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus (53rd), Iloilo Central Commercial High School (56th), Angelicum School (57th), and Westbridge School for Boys (59th). What does this mean? Out of 70 participating grade schools, 53 from public and 17 from private institutions, the first 39 best performing schools are all from public schools?! Not even one private school got into the top 39? This is inconceivable! This is a statistical improbability! The odds of this kind of overrated and enormously dubious achievement is 1 is to goggleplex! Who in his right mind will believe this? I asked my PhD in Science Education Major in Math classmates at West Visayas State University (WVSU) and all of them—and I mean all—are one in saying that this result, considering the context of Iloilo City, is beyond possibility! One of them even retorted: “They (DepEd) might be joking. The Ilonggos are not that dumb to believe this baloney!”Are we nuts enough to believe this statistical joke hook, line and sinker? Are we that naïve, apathetic, or mathematically ill-equipped to just eat this big chunk of tall tale, a big lie, as it is? DepEd’s numbers want us to believe that no private school in town can match the first 39 public schools in the areas of Filipino, English, Science, Math, and HEKASI. No one, not even the excellent Language programs of Ateneo and Assumption, or the first-rate math instructions of ISA and ICCHS, or the finest scientific pedagogies of Ateneo and Westbridge School can prevail over or just equal the exploits of these 39 public schools in the city? If the present NAT result is really true, why is it that in other city inter-school contests or academic tests—may that be in journalism, public speaking, mathematics, science and technology, history, and the like—it is most of the time, if not always, the private school students that excel? Where’s the logic here?

A number of people in the city would like to enroll and are working hard to enroll their kids in some of the well-known private schools in town. And three of the main raison d'êtres are quality education, more modest hi-tech facilities, and creditable formation program. But the point of view of the latest NAT result suggests otherwise. I am saying this with all due respect to the very many competent teachers and administrators in public schools. But we have to admit, their brilliant teaching skills will never be enough if these are not complemented by reliable and error-free books, learning-friendly classrooms, complete laboratory facilities, healthy and highly parent-supported students, clean school environment, updated instructional and teaching tools and strategies, undistorted administrative concepts of evaluation and assessment, longer and authentic class hours, well-oiled faculty formation system, judicious and apt salaries, and consistently values-oriented culture of excellence. Yes, there are public elementary schools that continuously and consistently live to their vision and mission for academic excellence. But are we suppose to believe that there are 39 of them who are more academically excellent in the context of Grade Six instruction as against some of the private schools in town? That not even one of these private schools can get into the 39th place? In contrast, the NAT result for second year high school students in Iloilo City revealed that there are roughly 6 or 7 public schools (mainly special science schools) that went into the top 20 spot while the other 14 come from the private schools. What makes this result more believable is that those public schools that went into the top spots are Philippine Science High School, SPED-ISEC, UP Visayas, and WVSU—all considered schools with good academic reputation. To solidify the validity of the result, same popularly known outstanding private schools also shared the top spots, namely, Assumption, Ateneo, ISA and Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus. Almost identical to this is the result of the recent National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) for fourth year students. To note, some private elementary schools just received their NAT results a month ago. Curiously, only the achievement result of the private schools were given to them; no mention of the result of the public schools to compare with. Why separate it? On the extreme end, NAT-Second Year gave these same private schools the complete top 55 ranking of the high schools (private and public schools combined) in the city. Why can’t NAT-Grade 6 results be distributed in the same way? Where is this coming from? My rage to this statistically ridiculous and logically unbelievable performance of the division of Iloilo City stems from the undeniable fact that this can only be possible if different forms of cheating happened in the conduct of the NAT in the grade school. And in my simple personal one-on-one interviews and surveys to some public school students, teachers and administrators, I have realized that cheating in NAT, more specifically in some city schools, is already common knowledge! How do some schools cheat? What are these shocking strategies? 1. Tell better students to give their answers while instruct not-so-good students to get answers from the former. In this case, the good ones are assigned in strategic places so “division of tasks” is ensured. In short, they tell students to cheat, nothing less. If these instructions are coming from teachers, what kind of values are we modeling or offering to our young kids? This is so demonic that I consider this the antithesis of education! 2. Proctors, teachers and even administrators give and announce the answers to the pupils taking the test. This is terribly immoral, to say the least. This highly decadent act must never even be thought of or dealt with in a school with very young learners under their formative state of development.3. Intellectually-challenged students are encouraged, if not forced, not to attend and take the NAT. Students who are asked to be absent are directly told that they are “no good” at all or asked to lie and say that they are “sick” during NAT day. This is one of the worst ways to kill a pupil’s self esteem and self-respect, the values that we are supposed to boost and improve in them.

4. Months are used exclusively for NAT reviews, setting aside the usual curricular demands of the school. This approach defeats the purpose of an achievement test. The result would be invalid and unreliable because class instruction is not normal anymore and is tampered with dubious variables and inconsistencies. 5. Some good students from other grade level take the test for another person. This act of misrepresentation and forgery is a counterculture. It fosters dishonesty and deceit. That is why these are called crimes (and the ones who do it are criminals) in the legal parlance. 6. Answers are checked and verified by school officials, proctors, and teachers. This is not part of the standard procedure in NAT taking. Here, the venue for cheating is pregnant. Therefore, test results may end up invalid, highly questionable and moot.I am a product of a public elementary school. And I am proud of it. That is why it pains me to see that the kind of school that we had in the past—a school full of love and self-respect; a school that nurtures honesty, integrity, and veritable excellence but abhors cheating, lying and stealing—is not the same anymore as we have at present. Yes, there are still public schools out there that deserve in the top 39. These are elementary schools who took the NAT the way it should be done. But from the looks of it, it seems that some guys in DepEd have not just cheated their way to get high NAT scores, but more alarmingly, have cheated the pupils—the supposed hope of our fatherland. They are the ones who have killed these young kids’ self respect. They are the ones who have taught students that cheating is justified. They are the ones who have shown to kids how to dupe and swindle. They are the ones who have paraded to these young tots the normalcy of stealing one’s answer and the habit of lying to people. These are the ones who teach these children to act like them, animals: value-less, greedy, unprincipled, monsters, and cheat. What is the price of all these deceptions? High ranking in the NAT result matrix? Nice nod and smile from the supervisors or from the city mayor? Unfounded pride one can get from this lie? The measly perks? The intoxicating pleasure of fame? All crap! This is a plain mockery of the country’s educational system! What is more alarming is that this educational treachery may even be possibly happening in other parts of our already sorry nation. Something must be done. Something must be stopped. Something must be learned. Nonetheless, whoever are the culprits can already dethrone Satan in hell!# ***Engr. Lagon is a physics teacher. He is presently a candidate for the PhD in Science Education Major in Math degree at West Visayas State University. Saturday, May 17, 2008Lecture 10: What is Sports Writing?

ports writing has become one of the most popular forms of modern journalistic writing. More and more readers are now turning to the sports section before looking at the more prosaic news of the day.But while may talk about sports, there are only few who can write a sports story. Even experienced beat reporters get lost covering games and writing about them because it takes more than just answering the 5 W’s and 1 H to be able to come up with a comprehensive sports news story.

* * *Example of a sports article(NSPC Winning Piece)

ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante Carreon and Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out a close 60-59 win in an exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday.Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial part of the game including the winning free throw.

S

The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the lead.

The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales displayed a big heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53.

Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to go.

Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59.Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring. “Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game.INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2,

Cabanlong 2, Ong 0, Lim 0, Gumaru 0.RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0,

Limbauan 0, Galapon 0.* * *

Aside from having the “nose for news,” a sports writer should also:1. have interest in all sports event2. know the rules and regulations of the event or game he is writing about, and3. have a working knowledge of the language and jargon of sports writing usually referred to as the

sports lingo.* * *

Types of Sports stories1. 1. Advance story (dope or prognostication)

a. straight news storyb. background storyc. prediction story

2. Coverage story3. Advance coverage story

L* * *

ike any other news story, a sports story has a lead and a body. The sports lead is the attention-getter and the body is the news in a-nut-shell.The classic 5 W’s and 1 H appear in the sports lead as: 1. Who won? 2. How did they win? 3. Against whom? 4. By what score? 5. Where? and 6. When?The Torres High School Quintet (1) poured 10 baskets in the last three minutes (2) to edge out the Osmenians (3) 65-63 (4) at the opponents homeground (5) yesterday afternoon (6).This kind of summary lead may vary.

* * *The lead can also highlight other elements like:

1. 1. The key playLAKANDULA, Iloilo—The visiting Soliman High School sluggers bombed the Lakandula batters with six runs in the third inning to subdue a nerve-frazzling Lakandula rally, 14-12, as they clinched the invitational game here, in connection with the celebration of the school’s Foundation Day.

2. The outstanding playerEDWARD Ong of Ateneo de Iloilo, after almost four hours of battle over the chessboard, copped the most coveted YMCA trophy after outwitting Philippine Science High School chesser William Santos in 27 moves of a Sicilian defense.

3. Analytical approach

RIDING high on sizzling spikes and tricky placing, the spitfire Ateneo Blue Dragons blasted the Ateneo Blue Eagles killers in the crucial third set to won 15-10, 11-15, 15-7 in the Jesuit Athletics Meet (JAM), Sept. 21, at the Sacred Heart School in Cebu yesterday

* * *The bodyAfter the lead, the other elements follow in descending order. These will include:

1. 1. Team and/or individual standing2. Decisive plays3. Best scores for the day4. Play-by-play5. Quotations

* * *Elements that make up a good sports article:

1. 1. Personalities2. Play-by-play description3. Statistics and comparisons4. Quotes by players5. Quotes by trainers and coaches6. Background stuff on players7. The importance or significance of the event8. Background of the game9. Weather conditions10. Crowd and celebration

* * *Lingos and SlanguagesBasketball (basketbol)Quintet, goal (gol o buslo), dribble (dribol), pivot, rally, rebound (rebaun), technical foul, 15-foot line, hook shot, zone defense, first half (unang kalahati), tip-in, full court, press, box out, slam dunk, man-to-man, trey, full-court press, hook shot, goaltending, baseline, board, layup (leyap), out-of-bounds, dominated the paintBaseball or Softball (beisbol at sopbol)Diamond, pitcher (pitser), catcher (katser), back stop, hit a homerun, rolling ball, short stop, southpaw, pegged at third, fast ball, playoff (n, adj), play off (v.), slugger, wild pitch, bullpenBoxing (boksing)Southpaw, slugger, rabbit punch, kidney punch, referee stopped contest (RSC), technical knockout, featherweightChessCheckmate, rook, queenside, Sicilian opening, Ruy Lopez defense, Queen’s gambit, knight, white, black, fast pawn, en passé, castle, pin, open check, blunder, Philidor’s defenseVolleyballSpike (spaik), placing (pleysing), change court, kill (kil), Chinese kill, block, net ball, wallop (wallop), jump serve, spiker (spay-ker), server (serber)Soccer or FootballSoccerites, goalie, corner kick, penalty kick, full back, defenders, booters, kick off (v.), kickoff (adj)TrackPass on the baton, breasted the tape, clock a new record, photo finish, distance runner, century runTennis and BadmintonBest of three matches, love set, backhand, drive, doubles, racket, forehand, smash cut

SwimmingTanker, aquabelle, breast stroke, plunge, springboard, tank, dive, summersault

* * *Aids (crutches) that may be useful in covering the game:

1. Basketball—FG (field goal), FT (free throw), PF (personal foul), TP (total points), js (jumpshot) etc.2. Baseball and softball—ab (at bat), h (hit), rbi (runs batted in), e (error), etc.3. Volleyball—p (placing), bs (booming service), s (spiker), bb (block ball), etc.

* * *Salitang magkasingkahuluganNagwagi – namituin, bumandila, namayani, nagnunaNatalo – nagapi, nagahisMagtutuos – magsasagupaan, magkakasubukan, magpapaligsahanKalaban – katunggaliPinatumba – ginupo, nilampaso, pinulbos, tinambakan, pinayukod, pinakain ng alikabok

* * *SPORTS WRITING EXERCISEMake a four-paragraph news article with hypothetical story about a basketball exhibition game where the Filipinos won against the best players in the NBA.

* * *SAMPLES:Gin Kings bag PBA crown

BARANGAY Ginebra broke the game wide open late in the third period behind Mark Caguioa and finished off Red Bull Barako, 103-86, Wednesday night to capture the Gran Matador Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference crown at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Caguioa presided over Ginebra's uprising in the third quarter with 15 of his team-high 26 points, firing three triples that broke the backs of the Barakos and handed the Gin Kings their first title in the post-Sonny Jaworski era.

Caguioa's exploits electrified a jampacked crowd of 16,468, majority of them Ginebra diehards who compounded the misery of the jittery Barakos with their non-stop chants and jeers.

Romel Adducul, Eric Menk, Torraye Braggs and Andy Seigle then took over from Caguioa and the Gin Kings went in for the kill by building a solid 16-point spread, 86-70, that launched Ginebra to its first crown in seven years.

Lacking their usual spunk, the Barakos simply folded up as the Gin Kings ended the best-of-five series at 3-1.

Ginebra last tasted victory during the 1997 Commissioner's Cup title as Gordon's Gin with Jaworski as playing coach.

Overall, the La Tondeña franchise snared its fifth PBA crown and matched sister team San Miguel Beer's feat as the lowest seed in the playoffs to win a championship. The Gin Kings were ranked sixth prior to the quarterfinals.

"We competed and worked as a team. We had mistakes in the past but we've learned from them. All the hard work paid off," said a teary-eyed Barangay Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Tanquingcen, who replaced Allan Caidic as chief bench tactician in the middle of the conference, became the fourth rookie coach to achieve the feat after Joel Banal of Talk 'N Text, Purefoods' Ryan Gregorio and Coca-Cola's Chot Reyes.

Aside from these achievements, the Gin Kings also owned the distinction of becoming the first team to hand the Barakos their first defeat in three PBA Finals.

The Gin Kings also gave import Torraye Braggs his first taste of a championship ring in his entire professional career.

Eric Menk, who was named Finals MVP, finished with 22 points to complement the fine work of Caguioa and Braggs, who also had 22 markers on top of 15 rebounds.

Jimwell Torion, who was suspended in Game 3, started for the Barakos but was immediately pulled out of the game after hurting his right hand during a loose-ball scuffle midway in the first quarter.

Despite Torion's absence for most of the first half, the Barakos were able to sustain their offensive through the outside snipings of Victor Thomas and Homer Se's incursions.

A three-pointer by Thomas, named Best Import of the conference, gave the Barakos an early 17-10 lead and although the Gin Kings cut down the deficit to 30-27 at the end of the first quarter, Red Bull held its ground until Braggs began throwing his weight around in the paint.

Scores:

GINEBRA 103 -- Caguioa 26, Braggs 22, Menk 20, Adducul 13, Seigle 13, Dimaunahan 5, Calpito 2, Helterbrand 2, Salvacion 0, Santos 0.

RED BULL 86 -- Thomas 32, Se 19, Valenzuela 15, Tugade 10, Pennisi 3, Baguio 2, Villanueva 2, Harp 2, Ordonio 1, Robinson 0, Asaytono 0, Torion 0.

Quarters: 27-30, 52-48, 78-68, 103-86.

COLUMN ARTICLE ON DIVORCEDivorce, why not?By Engr. Herman M. LagonThe Philippines is one of the only four countries in the world that sees divorce as a ticket to the fiery hell. And to think that the other three countries—The Vatican City, Malta, and Andorra—if combined represent only a land area smaller than Guimaras and a population not even half of Iloilo, one tend to wonder why is it that the rest of the world will surely to go to hell in the eyes of our apparently self-righteous Filipino moralists.Contrary to the allegations of the hoity-toity divorce cynics, re-filed House Bill 1799 or the Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines, was carefully crafted by progressive party-list groups to take into consideration Philippine values and traditions that give utmost importance to the way Filipinos appreciate the family as an institution. It will not allow couples to get married today and get divorced tomorrow, Law Vegas style. But it will not also allow marriages that are abusive, violent, hypocritical, deceitful, phony, and repugnant.The bill strongly opposes a “no-fault divorce.” Instead, it will allow married couples in irreparable marriages another legal remedy—a lawful choice—that they can resort to in addition to the country’s existing laws on legal separation and annulment. In fact, it proposes that divorce may only be granted to those who have been separated for at least five years, those already legally separated for two years, or those who are psychologically incapacitated, or those who fail to comply with essential marriage obligations, or those having irreconcilable differences causing irreparable breakdown of the marriage.A great number of those who strongly oppose divorce use The Bible as their frontier of defense. I will not take it against them even if it is also clear that divorce was fairly customary during the Old Testament times. But in the context of argumentation, a point that is solely hiding in the crib of the Scripture is insufficient. And I am saying this in the context of the science of reason, and with all due respect to the good men and women of faith. Even so, the passages must be carefully interpreted. As the exegits of the Church demand, any biblical interpretation must be context-based and should not be

taken literally or as any Fr. Damaso understands it. One thing is for sure, God never said you shall honor your spouse even if he or she abuses you.Some say that the Filipinos are not yet ready with this so-called “necessary evil.” Fact is, before the Spanish colonial rule in the 16th century, scores of ancestral tribes from the Bila-ans of Mindanao to the Igorots of the Cordilleras had widely practiced divorce. We used to have a divorce law in the Philippines before August 30, 1950. Former Vice President Arturo Tolentino was among the recipients of it. At present, this remedy is also available for those under the Muslim law. Only non-Muslim Filipinos can’t avail of it, even if their lives—literally or figuratively—are already at stake.Divorce also peeks in the present Family Code. Hiding from the cloak of annulment of marriage under Article 36, “divorce” can be appealed if there is enough psychological ground for it. With this, the logic of the anti-divorce people saying that it is unconstitutional is quite out of sync. They may be misinformed, to say the least. Clearly, there is no prohibition in the Constitution against the legalization of divorce. In the first place, the state law should not discriminate and prefer one religious or any sectarian belief against another. Sometimes one is tempted to ask, why is it that the rest of the world churches are just so cool and tolerant with divorce but ours are not?Some may argue that the existence of annulment and legal separation makes divorce unnecessary. I beg to disagree. In the Philippines, the psychological ground for annulment is lesser and costlier than divorce. It's easier to get a divorce in other countries where the rules are more relaxed than the present law. In effect we have “semi-divorce,” but, sad to say, only the rich can afford to have it in the guise of annulment. In fact, a fraternity brother of mine who is now a lawyer has told me that it takes PhP 200,000.00 minimum just for a case to reach the high courts. Poor couples in droves instead resort to adultery or bigamy, or worse, they live beyond legal, yet socially accepted, marital standards. Not even their own holier-than-thou churches can stop, retard, or punish them from “sinning.”Thus again I say that divorce is a logical option and likely potion for incorrigible marital relationships and to solve social anomalies. Many want, more so, need it. Surprisingly a great number (most of them even have not read House Bill 1799 yet) despise it, hence to believe that we are a nation of confused, presumptuous “intellectuals” is an understatement.Why prolong the agony of a couple if they find married life hellish? Why continue the marital paroxysm if their union has become tantamount to a life sentence? Surely, a perfect, married life is everyone’s dream. Just as much, it is always a feel-nice trance if one finds comfort under the strait-laced anti-divorce position. But we have to accept the fact that there are marriages that are irreparable, like in cases of domestic abuse. If there's no way for a married couple to get along, it's an injustice if they are still considered married in the eyes of the people under the law. Why will one force a long warring couple to live together? It will have a more negative impact on the children as they grow. Kids need not live in an atmosphere of hate and deceit. Isn't it logical to give them a chance, a way out? Isn’t it better to come from a broken home than to live in one?Ultra-moralists say that people must exert effort to save their marriage. I extremely agree with that. But then again, what if the marriage is without doubt irreparable? What if no amount of prayer sessions, psychiatry counseling, or spiritual directions can fix it anymore? Surely, the ones who are married—not the ones who just over assume that they know what marriage is—can empathize and decide better on what to do next.Borrowing it from one happily married intellectual Perfecto Yasay, I ask: “Why should we be more pious than The Pontiff?” Why must we act like modern day Pharisees?It is a choice to accept reality. It is a choice to embrace change. It is a choice to move forward. We have enough reasons to deny the old-fashioned, backward, and slavish anti-divorce advocacy. Like Spartacus, the chain of ignorance and pretenses must be smashed for good at once. Enough is enough. Give divorce a chance.

* * * Engr. Herman Lagon, who “facebookly” describes himself as a “social scientist” and a “professional student,” may be reached through h_lagon@yahoo.com.

***ATENEO DE ILOILO STUDENTS FACE E’QUAKE AS PLANNED

SIX HUNDRED high school students and teachers of Ateneo de Iloilo cope with the noontime (February 6) earthquake with ease and presence of mind as they charge through the nearby open space in less than five minutes. All classes were called off thereafter.

To note, a 6.8 earthquake hit the central Philippines, killing at least one person and causing panic in cities where buildings shook, authorities said. The quake hit 70 kilometers (44 miles) north of the city of Dumaguete on Negros Island at 11:49 am (0349 GMT) at a depth of 46 kilometers, the US Geological Survey said. Iloilo City has a 5.2 scale reading.

Following the school’s earthquake protocol, the Ateneans stayed in the secured front lawn and rotunda of the school premises for about 25 minutes until they were told to call their parents and guardians to be fetched up.

Teachers and staff of the school then managed to get all the bags of the students in the building and distributed it to their owners thereafter. No students were allowed anymore to enter the school structures (main building and the school gymnasium) that are presently being checked by the school engineer as a matter of protocol.

In the initial checkup of the school physical plant supervisor, no major cracks or fissures were seen in the building that is structurally designed to apparently withstand even a 7.5 quake.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) measured the quake as 6.9 at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers, centered off the heavily populated central island province of Negros and Cebu.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — a belt around the Pacific Ocean where friction between shifting tectonic plates causes frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. (Dr. Herman Lagon)

Top 20 Things to do When an Earthquake Strikes

Earthquakes are possibly one of the most common and, sometimes, one of the most devastating of all natural disasters. They mostly strike without warning. There have been many high magnitude earthquakes lately, the most destructive ones being those that hit Haiti, Baja California and Chile. They left hundreds of people dead, thousands injured, and many more homeless. The property damage was estimated to be millions of dollars. Are there ways by which this devastation could be minimized?

Top 20 things to do when an earthquake strikes

You may not be able to control when or where an earthquake strikes, but you can be ready for it, especially if you live in a region that is prone to frequent tremors. There are some things that you should take care of to try and minimize damage during an earthquake.

General tips to follow when an earthquake strikes

Be calm and do not panic. This could be the most important thing to keep in mind as panicking might make you irrational and cause you to hurt yourself or those around you in confusion.Have an evacuation plan in mind for you and your family as this will help you act quickly and avoid harm.Important documents should be stored in a fire-proof safe to avoid any damage to them during a disaster.Make a list of things that you would need while evacuating, like non-perishable food, torchlights, water, etc.Make sure that there are no leaky pipes carrying water or gas, or faulty electrical wires around the house that could cause or add to the damage.If you are indoors:

Anchor all heavy objects in the house to the wall or store them on lower shelves.Stay away from all glass objects as well as objects that may break or fall.Crouch under a sturdy table or bed and cover your head and face with a pillow or with your hands. You could also take shelter in a doorway if it is strong enough.Do not try to change your position or move out of the building unless you are absolutely sure that the tremors have stopped completely and there is no falling debris.Do not use the elevators as that may be risky, even after the earthquake.If you are outdoors:

Stay out if you are already outdoors. Once you find a safe open space, stay there till the tremors stop completely.Try to get to a open place, like a playground or a park.Stay away from buildings and other structures as they might fall and cause injury. Keep distance from wires and pipes. If they snap, they might cause serious injuries or even fatality.If you are in a vehicle:

Stop at the side of the road if you suspect a tremor. Do not stop immediately if you are on a freeway but gradually come to a stop at the side of the road, especially if there are other vehicles still moving.Do not halt near shops, buildings or other structures with windows that might break or fall and injure you.Do not start driving till you are sure that the tremors have stopped and it is safe to drive.Avoid bridges and other elevated structures after a quake as they might have been damaged and may pose a risk.If you get stuck under debris (despite taking all these measures)

Do not panic and stay calm.Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth. It is advisable to stay still and not talk or shout as this might tire you out and cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.Help rescuers find you by tapping on pipes or other metal objects.

If you can keep these simple pointers in mind, you will be ready in the face of a natural disaster. Even though you may not be able to control these calamities, you might be able to save yourself and your loved ones from injury or fatality. That would be a big step towards minimizing damage caused due to these natural calamities and feeling safe.FOR THE 4TH TIME IN 7 YEARSAnother Atenista is Rotary’s Girl City Mayor

By Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.FOR SEVEN days beginning Monday, September 26, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will be working side by side with senior Atenean Kristiana Claire Yray who was chosen by the Rotary Club of Iloilo City as this year’s Boys and Girls Week Celebration City Mayor.Yray, together with 49 other outstanding students from about 45 high schools in the metropolis, will be filling in the shoes of their public-servant counterparts as part of the yearly project of the Rotary Club which aims to instill social awareness to the young leaders of the city under the lens of local governance.Aside from Yray, another Atenean, Enna Faye Tolentino, will also be joining the fold as city councilor. This year’s girl vice mayor is Alera maristel Lapascua of Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus while the first city councilor is Marie Ailee Siaotong of Central Philippine University. Also city councilors are Thea Angela Silayro (Philippine Science High School-WV), Inaj Mae Abalajon (UP High School in Iloilo), Ma. Selina Lopez (Iloilo City National High School), Renz Ayongao (Westbridge), Ascrina Baladjay (Iloilo National High School-Special Science Class), Junnifer Lhynne Sunaz (Western Visayas College of Science and Technology), Michael Andre Treyes (West Visayas State University), Anna Monica Uygongco (Assumption-Iloilo), Gloria Mar Sayson (UP), Julianne Ngirngir (Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus), Marc Adrian Philippe Justiniane (Children’s Integrated School), and Jea Belle Jinon (WVSU).The 50 boy and girl officials for this year were chosen from two sets of qualifying rounds. First, two representatives per school or about 90 students went through a two-topic essay and a pocket of multiple-choice test late last month. The top performers then were invited to face off in a panel interview that was held Saturday, September 17, at Sarabia Manor Hotel. Judges primarily come from the press, the academe, the business, and the political worlds.It is worthy to note that, this is the fourth time in seven years that Ateneo de Iloilo has produced another City Mayor. Before Yray, it had Jose Ryan Pelongco (2005), Thomas Michael Measures (2006), and Tyronne Anthony Bretana (2009). From 2004 up to the present, AdI-SMCS has already produced 29 city officials, which includes four city mayors, one city vice mayor, three first city councilors, 19 other city councilors, and two city department officials—a feat considered by many to be the most consistent and the best performance record by a high school so far.#Column Name: Impulses Column Title: Walk the Talk By Engr. Herman LagonColumn Name: ImpulsesColumn Title: Walk the TalkBy Engr. Herman Lagon

MOST politicians often promise us that they will help eradicate poverty, promote development, and build sustainable peace, etcetera. However, the Filipino youth and students (even parents, teachers and school administrators included) can’t help but wonder where all these promises will lead to.

Lest we forget, these are the same politicians, pretending to be public servants who at the zenith of uprisings and elections, recited a litany of promises and guaranteed to defend and advance the genuine interest of the people, especially of the youth. And yet, these promises, much more the pledge of assurance from some of our often-dishonorable politicians, are still waiting to be fulfilled.

Note that I did not say all politicians, but most, if not nearly all of them. Years under them, the Filipino youth and students are uneducated, indebted and hungry.

Proof of this is the dismal state of our educational system and the other sad but vital facts about the country and the youth, the undisputed future of the land.

According to Ibon Facts and Figures, PulseAsia and the National Statistics Office, as of now: 1 in 10 Filipinos has never gone to school (6.8 million), 1 in 6 Filipinos is not functionally literate (9.6 million), 4.1 million are illiterate, 11.6 million youth are out-of-school, More than half (51 percent) of Filipinos had at most elementary education, Out of 1000 Grade 1 pupils, only 688 will finish their elementary education and only 7 will acquire

the required competency skills, Of 100 students that enroll in Grade 1, only 9 will finish college; and only three of them will land a

job, decent or otherwise, The Philippines has one of the most crowded classrooms in Asia with a class size of 60 students

per class, Room shortage is more than 44,000 despite government’s recent pronouncement that there are

no classroom shortages, Textbook shortage is pegged at 25 million and counting, Public school teacher shortage is close to 60,000, 15 percent of schoolchildren are malnourished, The country is 41st and 42nd out of 45 countries in performance in Math and Science, respectively, Only 1 out of 4 public school teachers are confident and competent enough to teach English, Many of the 1.8 M illiterate children with ages at least 10 years old are street children, child

laborers and victims of armed conflict, In a study conducted in 2004, there are 2.75 M young smokers and 5.7 M drinkers, Children 13-18 years old are found to be the most susceptible victims of sexual abuse, It was reported that there are 4.7 M working children.

Let’s have some facts of general feel: The country has the most corrupt government according to hundreds of PERC-interviewed foreign

and well-placed domestic businesspersons. More than half of the Filipinos believe that they are poor and they have experienced hunger, One person (usually politically critical to Malacañang) in every three days die due to extrajudicial

killings, The country is the second worst place for journalists in the world, Top 10% of Pinoys take 37% of the total income in the country, while the lowest 20% receive only

5%, Land remains monopolized by a rich few, and underemployment is over 20%, More than a third of the population live below the poverty line (despite the distorted Palace’s

definition of what poverty is), with nearly half of the 88 million population living less than P100 a day.

No society is perfect in the abovementioned concerns, but the one that we call the Pearl of the Orient is usually and sadly at the bottom end of the scale.

This is the real situation of the Filipino youth, a rough glimpse of the future. This is what traditional politicians are not talking about in their blissful offices and election sorties.

This is the problem yearly being drowned in empty promises, hollow rhetoric and orchestrated standing ovations. This is the crisis our government, including some of those in the local government, religious and education arena, is refusing to admit and address.

Without a doubt, this year’s election campaign will be like all previous elections: rich in theatrics and promises. Nothing more, nothing less.But we are not like them, right? We don’t want to be like them and we will never be like them.

Hence, I urge you (the Filipino youth and those sectors concerned with your welfare, the parents, teachers, administrators), I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to safeguard and press forward our genuine right to quality, relevant and accessible education. On top of all these, let us forge our commitment to social justice and moral recovery!

Beginning today, let us give others a taste of what they can expect from the vigilant youth and its allies come election time. In a time when turncoatism and hopelessness seem to define this particular juncture of our history, we will remain watchful, aggressive and unwavering in our responsibility to help build a better future.

For yes, we must accept disappointments, but never should we lose hope.Lesson is, we must neither just give up our future to just anybody nor give up our future to just any statistics presented to us. If we want change, immediate, organized and well-thought-of action must come from us.

Let this column be the test of our commitment. A testament for our thirst for more creative and solid alternatives.

No silly promises anymore. It’s time to walk our talk.

ON K12 EDUCATION

Column Name: ImpulsesColumn Title: K12 is okBy Herman M. LagonP-Noy’s government gives full support to the K-12 Education Plan. As part of his Educational Reform Program, the administration believes that adding more years to basic education in the Philippines could help solve the problem of unemployment, keep up with global standards, and help Filipino students to have more time to choose the career that best suits their skills.K-12 Education specifically means adding two more years in the secondary level plus kindergarten in pre-school. Such plan is not that easy for it also concerns the financial capacity of parents, the number of schools and classrooms, the number of teachers, and even the availability of books and other school supplies.If this ambitious multi-billion-peso plan becomes successful, then the Philippine education system can become more competitive among other countries around the world. It is worthy to note that only the Philippines and one country in Africa or in South Asia I believe have 10-year basic education cycle. Most countries have 12 years before their students take any college course. Some more progressive countries even have 14 years for pre-college education.However, it won't work if the needed elements to make it work aren't present.Such elements, as stated above, include the adequate supply of schools, classrooms, chairs, manpower (teachers, administrators, and staff), books, laboratory equipment, instructional aids, utilities, community support, curriculum approaches, etc. If the government could allot a bigger budget to educational needs, then we could be one-step ahead towards the success of the K-12 program.Furthermore, parents (especially those who belong in the poor sector) should be properly informed and motivated of the advantages of the K-12 Education Plan. This is very important since parents play a major role in providing the child's school allowances, supplies, and fees for other school projects and activities. Add to that the support of parents towards their children in terms of guidance and teaching.

Once this succeeds, it is best hoped that Filipino students would be more literate, skilled, and competitive to be able to find jobs more easily and contribute to the country's pride as well as the country's economy.To note more, the K12 Basic Education Program is the Standard Education Program throughout the world. This has already been implemented on most countries and nations, especially on those which are economically progressive and has high values for human skills and efficiency. As an educator, I fully understand the government’s desire to raise the quality of education here in the Philippines. Each year, the need for highly competitive graduates continues to grow as the demand for high paying jobs spread across the globe. Each year, ironically, our school produce is becoming more incompetent, unskilled, and illiterate. Sadly, this is proven by the different educational and labor surveys, diagnostic and achievement tests.While this proposed K-12 education program may help us achieve that (which obviously could take many years), there are concerns in the education sector that need the more immediate response and attention of the government. Some say that extending the number of years in school will not directly affect nor influence the quality of education because it would only mean adding more budget for more teachers and classrooms. After all, we’re for quality and not quantity, they say. I am not sure if they are correct. What I am sure of is that the present 10-year system does not work and we need to do something about it; that K12 aims for a quality and relevant education; that good education defines good citizenship and national progress.So, until the critics have a more concrete and not a motherhood-statement alternative, I will peg my hope to the K12 plan and support it in any way possible. Besides, the P-Noy government is serious in fulfilling it. What’s more, 98% of the world’s population says K12 works. Numbers and evidences don’t lie.* * *Engr. Herman Lagon, Ph.D., teaches physics in a private catholic school in Iloilo City. He may be reached through h_lagon@yahoo.com.

7 signs your honey may cheatBy Dr. Gilda Carle, Ph.D.

Most of us — even the not-so-jealous types — know that feeling of, “Is my sweetheart really working late… or could this person be two-timing me?” I’ve counseled many individuals dealing with this concern, so let me share my knowledge with you about the signs that someone is cheating (or seriously contemplating it). Use this information and insight — and either stop worrying or have a serious talk with your partner!

Sign #1: Your sweetie keeps you a secret from his/her family and friendsCheaters keep you in the dark while they play in the light. Your relationship won’t work if you’re getting what I call the Shadow Treatment. The Shadow Treatment means that you are often kept waiting in the wings while your mate is out socializing. Think about it: Are there gatherings of friends, family reunions or workplace parties that you are not invited to? Do you only meet some of your honey’s network of friends? If you are kept on the sidelines, there’s probably a good reason. Maybe your sweetie is on the prowl for someone else. Or perhaps there is already someone else and so your role in his or her life can’t be made public. Anytime you are kept on the fringes once you believe you are an exclusive couple, be

suspicious. And know that the only way to end Shadow Treatment is to stop accepting it. Once you challenge it, you will either be fully accepted in your sweetheart’s life… or know it’s time to leave.Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!I am a: Seeking a: Near: Sign #2: Your sweetie is emotionally absentCheaters conceal their emotional whereabouts so they can be evasive about their physical whereabouts. Love is exhausting when you have to pry the truth out of a partner.

Consider this story: After enjoying a platonic friendship for a decade, Margaret and Roy began dating. Roy was a traveling sales manager. While he was on the road, Margaret heard from him only occasionally. But he continued to say he wanted to spend more time with her — which he never did. Margaret was obviously a low priority for him. She was shocked to learn he had another girlfriend across the country.

An emotionally absent partner may say what you want to hear, but will not change his or her actions — unless he or she wants to. Saying the right thing and doing the right thing are very different. If your honey talks a good game about spending more time with you and paying more attention to you but never delivers — look out! This person may be juggling multiple relationships.

Sign #3: Your sweetie says he or she wants a no-strings-attached romanceIf someone says, “I don’t want a commitment,” take the sucker at his or her word. Don’t fall into that “I’ll be the one to change all that!” trap. Cheaters rebel against control and might even have an affair to spite a partner who wants to rein him or her in.

Too often, people ignore the clear message a potential date sends. If someone tells you, “I’m not into serious relationships,” “I won’t give up my freedom,” “I’m not ready to settle down,” or anything resembling that, take a giant step back! He or she is clearly telling you, “I want to play the field.” If you pursue the person anyway, hoping for an exclusive relationship, you may find yourself two-timed and brokenhearted. Never push a person into a situation he or she doesn’t want to be in. Never pursue a committed relationship with someone who tells you he or she doesn’t want one.

Sign # 4: Your sweetie admits to cheating on exes — and justifies the betrayalsCheaters rationalize their behavior to let themselves off the hook. The way they justify their actions tells much about their character.

Listen to the excuses for past cheating your sweetie uses. Here are a couple I’ve heard from clients in my therapy practice over the years:“My ex was abusive, so I deserved to see someone kinder on the side.”“My father cheated on my mom, so cheating on my girlfriend is how I’m working through my past.”Everyone has a tale to tell. But are these excuses — or any rationalizations — acceptable to you? A person who admits to infidelities in the past and explains them away has a good chance of straying again. He or she has not taken responsibility for past actions, nor worked through the issues involved.

Sign #5: Your sweetie has never been without a mateCheaters won’t ride solo... ever! Leaving one romance and hopping into a new one — or having simultaneous affairs at once — doesn’t leave time for assessing whatever went wrong. They don’t bother with introspection; their focus is squarely set on pulling new people into their orbit. If you are dating a person who shares a romantic history that always involves finding a new partner before

breaking up with the current partner, take heed. This person may think of his or her mate only as a void-filler. Filling a void is never going to be the basis for a lasting love.

Sign #6: Your sweetie tells lies about little thingsCheaters lie about everything, which leads you to question what is truth and what is fiction in their lives. When the need to embroider overshadows the desire to be honest, the relationship becomes a sham.

Craig’s friend set him up on a blind date with a divorcée, Alice, who was a top attorney in town with no children. Each time they were together, Alice described her interesting caseload. Craig was fascinated — and falling hard. He was so caught up in her charismatic personality that he chose not to focus on the fact that some of her stories contradicted themselves, and that Alice seemed to change certain details as she got further into sharing her stories. One day, the local newspaper featured someone who had been indicted for impersonating an attorney. Craig was shocked to find that it was Alice — and that she was a wife and mother as well! Alice had lied to both Craig and his matchmaking friend.

If you are dating someone who seems to be untruthful about mundane topics — where he or she had lunch, what he or she is doing on Sunday morning — take note. The lies probably run deep. As my Gilda-Gram warns, “Without truth, there is no love.”

Sign #7: Your sweetie brags about his or her ability to attract othersCheaters are insecure and need to be given constant attention on the side. They flaunt their popularity in attempts to boost their own low self-esteem. Let me give you an example: Marilyn met a “hot guy” on a singles cruise, and the pair became inseparable for the week. When they returned home, they spoke to each other constantly. He sent her a plane ticket to visit him. While together, Hot Guy boasted that he was his town’s “go-to” date for all the lonely women. Instead of Marilyn reading that as a sign to stay away, she interpreted his description of himself as “cute.”

Visiting her two weeks later, he said he was available throughout the week — except for a lunch date he had with a woman he had just met. Marilyn found that peculiar, but said nothing. After a dinner party, he detailed how many women had made passes at him. Marilyn began feeling disrespected and put down by this kind of talk. Finally, after crying herself to sleep, she told Hot Guy he was too hot for her.

If a partner boasts how in demand he or she is by the opposite sex, recognize how insecure your date really is — and steer clear. A person like this probably needs more ego-stroking than any one person can provide... and will look anywhere in order to find it.

So now you know the signs that indicate that maybe your “sweetie” isn’t really such a sweetie after all. Life and love are all about learning. Remember this Gilda-Gram: “Everyone who touches you, teaches you.” Instead of getting bummed out about a cheater who stole your heart, think of what you learned, and how your experience helped you to grow. Your new insight will arm you to attract someone more trustworthy in the future.

Relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle (www.DrGilda.com) has a private practice, and is a motivational speaker and associate professor of business, psychology, and communications at New York’s Mercy College. Her best-selling books include Don’t Bet on the Prince! How to Have the Man You Want by Betting On Yourself. Her E-Book, “How to WIN When Your Mate Cheats,” is immediately downloadable at her website.Principles of Good Teaching

Principles of Good Teaching1. It's not about you; It's about them.- Some teachers think they are the only experts whose role is to impart their knowledge to students.2. Study your students.- Knowing the content of the lesson is not sufficient.3. Students take risks when teachers create safe environment.- For students to learn, they need to let themselves be vulnerable.4. Great teachers exude passion as well as purpose.- The difference between a good and great teacher is not really expertise. It is true passion - for the students, for the content,for the art of teching itself.5. Students learn when teachers show them how much they need to learn.6. Keep it clear even if you can't keep it simple.- A good teacher can make a complex idea understandable. An essential ingredient of teaching and learning is good communication.7. Practice vulnerability without sacrificing credibility.- A good teacher is not afraid of saying, "I do not know".8. Teach from the heart.- The best teaching isn't formulaic; its personal.9. Repeat the important points.- The first time you say something, it is heard. The second time, it is recognized, the third time, it is learned.10. Good teachers ask good questions.- Learning is exploring unknown territory, and what better way to explore than to have the courage to ask questions.