𝘣𝘺 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘔. 𝘉𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰

Dan Lester Estavillo and Vera Jewel Lacerna of The Torch North Luzonian, the official student publication of Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNUNL), emerged as champions in the Sports and Feature Writing competition, respectively, as they participated in the first virtual TRAC: Unleashing Resilient Leaders, a campus journalism convention via Zoom Video Conference, held on April 28-30.

“The victory of Dan and Vera serves as proof that Torchees are competent student journalists and that we can keep up with the national stage. This humbling moment ignites the aspirations of The Torch North Luzonian to eagerly sharpen our quill and to continuously fill our flowing ink to fulfill our role as the fourth state in the university,” said Erenio Baltazar Jr., the Torch NL’s Editor-in-Chief.

“This is our first time to join the Campus Journalism Convention 2023 of TRAC and the publication is willing to attend more workshops that will enhance our journalistic capabilities,” he added.

Moreover, the convention themed “Forging a Just and Humane Society Through Campus Journalism,” featured a remarkable roster of speakers who shared their expertise with delegates from various universities and discussed the important role of journalism in promoting human rights and social justice during the convention’s first day.

Among them were Joe Torres, an experienced journalist who has covered major events across Asia; Jing Castaneda, an award-winning journalist who has been covering the news for over two decades; Abner P. Mercado, a seasoned broadcast journalist with a wealth of experience in the field; Kara David, a multi-awarded documentary filmmaker who has been recognized for her outstanding work in the industry, and Atty. Chel Diokno, a human rights lawyer and advocate.

Furthermore, in a heartfelt statement, Lacerna and Estavillo expressed their sentiments on their preparations and reactions upon hearing their names announced as winners.

“Bilang preparasyon, nagbalik-aral ako sa mga dati kong karanasan at mga natutunan sa pagsusulat. Isinaalang-alang ko rin yung mga naging diskusyon ng mga resource speakers sa kaganapan para mas mapabuti pa yung aking estilo ng pagsusulat,” Lacerna stated.

[As a preparation, I reviewed my previous experiences and learnings in writing. I also took into consideration the discussions made by the resource speakers during the event to further enhance my writing style]

“Ni hindi ko inexpect na mapapasali nga ako sa top 3 kasi nagduda ako sa percentage ng mga hard facts na ilalagay since personal experience ko naman yung naging tuon ng aking akda, pero nung narinig ko na yung pangalan ko, ayun, nag-uumapaw na yung galak at pasasalamat sa aking nakuha,” she added.

[I did not expect to be included in the top 3 because I had doubts about the percentage of hard facts to be presented, given that my piece primarily focused on personal experience. However, upon hearing my name, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for having been selected]

“My preparation for the CJC stint is the same thing I did in the past press cons. I read current sports events, refresh my sports idioms compartment, and review article structuring. But the CJC writing stint is different. I assumed that a sports game video or a fact sheet will be given during the competition but the contest topic is different,” Estavillo said.

“I am happy that I won for there are participants from known universities, especially journos from the metro. I never know their training and experiences and that gives me more anxiety during the contest proper. I am just happy that I made it,” he added.

Furthermore, the forthcoming TRAC is scheduled to take place in April 2024 in Baguio, Philippines.