BA Comm Updates

April 17, 2023April 19, 2023

Three-peat victory for CNU communicators in 2023 PUP radio festival

For three years in a row, the truth-telling voices of students from Cebu Normal University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies remain unbothered after sealing various acknowledgements in the recent edition of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Radio Festival 2023.

Eyeing to denounce information-trickery affecting communities, this year’s theme is “MANIOBRA: Unveiling the Illusion Behind Public Deception” which is lionized across Philippine regions.

Composed of three categories: 5-minute Radio News Production, Radio Podcasting, and Radio-Jingle Making, it is designed to harness the student’s potency in observing equilibrium when it comes to truth-bias. Relatively, it caters to both the secondary and
collegiate divisions.

Announced as the most-participated year, 223 entries were recorded overall, but only a few were able to rise amidst the heat of the competition.

As the only qualifier from Central Visayas, the representatives from CNU under the banner of CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance’s Sibya Production persisted in bearing honor to the institution.

“Radyo Tatak Totoo” was hailed as the 2nd Best News Production, earning a three-peat victory of the department in the said category. It was anchored by Mary Ann Rose Malaya and Carl John Griño along with Hoehnferdz Gonzaga, Krystal Joy Pepito, Khim Raices Khan Rusiana, Yeza Karyl Mayol, and Charwen Mayor.

The team’s script writer, Mayor, expressed the secret behind achieving the winning streak of the production in the said category for consecutive years.

“I believe the team still won because we are composed of individuals who do well in our respective roles…most of us have proven so much in this field, everyone was still receptive to constructive criticism.”

Radyo Tatak Totoo also bagged minor recognitions, with Malaya being awarded as the Best Female Anchor, Gonzaga as the Best Male News Presenter, and Mayor as Best Editor.

Moreover, Sibya Production’s “Aling, Mari, Chong!” performed by graduating communicators Lourenze Pareja, Armandave Ochia, John Mark Getes, and Kristian Jacob Logarta placed 5th in the Radio-Jingle Making category, conquering more than 40 entries from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Pareja, one of the composers, revealed what he felt after winning a national competition.

“The thought that we made it to the final cut, it’s just a dream come true, for first-timers like us…[We are] beyond thankful to the Great Author of our talents, and that is God.”

The student musicians also received the DZMC – Young Communicators Guild Choice award from the PUP.

Meanwhile, the department’s entry for the Radio Podcasting competition, entitled “T’yak, Comm-i Yan!” comprised of the fairly-caliber communicators Denielle Anne Abatayo, Angelica Lumongsud, Angelie Silabay, Louie Jay Vildosola, and Kent Grant Ylanan were called one of the qualifiers—an indication of the production’s fruitful finish.

Dr. Joseph Elvir C. Tubilan, also the CNU-DCMS Chairman, upheld his service as the representative’s ever-dynamic mentor.

Based on the upshot, CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance, a student-run organization that provides avenues to practice free press, continues to prove its might in the field of broadcasting and leadership both inside and outside the university’s gates.

These recognitions are a testimony that the potential and ability of the communication students transcend various disciplines in bringing meaningful contributions to the university as a transformed Normalite. / Hoehnferdz Z. Gonzaga and Bryan G.
Fernandez II, BA Communication Broadcast Journalism

March 27, 2023March 27, 2023

Normalite tops DILG-7 on-the-spot painting contest

In celebration of World Water Day, Normalite Jason Banono (Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations II) won the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office (RO) 7’s regional on-the-spot painting contest last March 20, 2023.

Different Cebu-based colleges and universities participated in the contest which centered on the theme, “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis.”

In an interview with Ang Suga, Banono shared that representing Cebu Normal University (CNU) was a “healthy pressure” that pushed him to do his best and aim for victory.

“I feel proud representing the name of the university because not everyone can have that opportunity. It is an honor to do so,” he said.

Banono furthered that he was hesitant to accept the offer because the contest proper fell on the day of the midterm examinations.

However, he embraced the challenge and was able to paint a masterpiece in line with the theme within almost four hours.

“My artwork emphasizes that clean water should be accessible by everyone, from highly urban cities to the most far-flung areas that need them equally,” stated Banono.

He added that the water and sanitation crisis is an issue that cannot be fixed temporarily by bandage solutions.

“It sends a message that while we are obliged to help conserve water and not leave a negative impact on the environment, we can only do so much in bringing out real impactful change. A collaborative work between authorities and citizens is a must,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, DILG-7’s Engr. John Arnold Reluya and Josh Almonte from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) bagged second and third place, respectively.

World Water Day is held annually every March 22 to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and tackle the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. §

Words by Jonalyn Infante

Photos grabbed from DILG-7 Facebook page

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March 31, 2022March 31, 2022

CNU Communicators breaths triumph in the 2022 PUP Radio Festival

Accurate and resolute voices from the Department of Communication and Media Studies of Cebu Normal University were amplified and snatched a bucketful of recognition at the recently concluded Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Radio Festival 2022.

Focused on spilling nothing but giving premium to candor and precision, this year’s theme is “Revamp: The Media Blueprint in Reclaiming the Republic.”

It speaks of sketching into light the relevance of defeating misinformation and discussing societal issues that have severely impacted the people of this country.

With over 29 schools hailing from across the country vying for the win, the competition was in a blazing heat.

The festival featured three categories all aiming to brim with the contenders’ inventiveness and ability to deliver the truth without a pinch of bias: Radio-Jingle Making, Radio Podcasting and 5-minute Radio News Production.

Fueled with passion, the delegates from Cebu Normal University were able to qualify for the finals in all categories, clinching a fruitful finish.

“Radyo Tatak Totoo” anchored by Carl John Griño and Mary Ann Rose Malaya teamed with Francheska Roble, Hannabelle Quiño, Khim Raices Khan Satuita, Yeza Karyl Mayol, and Charwen Mayor seized the second place in the Radio News Production, defending the department’s reign in the category.

With the consistent standing of the team, Carl John Griño, who was also part of the assemblage last year, revealed the formula for their stable placement in the said bracket.

“Mental discipline is the main formula for this year’s team. We avoid putting too much pressure on ourselves and instead concentrate on setting achievable goals… Because of the team’s positive attitude and clear vision, we were able to make it to the final cut and bagged the second place for the second time. Indeed, positive thinking coupled with prayer produces positive results” Griño disclosed.

The team also received other minor awards, such as Best Male Anchor, Best Female Anchor, and Best Script in the Collegiate Division.

Moreover, the department’s entry for the Radio Podcasting category, dubbed “I SEE IN U” and structured by Mary Shantal Maupoy, Angelie Silabay, Louie Jay Vildosola, Catherine Ochia, and Kent Grant Ylanan, was called the third best among other entries.

Louie Jay Vildosolo, the scriptwriter of the group, expressed how grateful he was for the results as well as for the dedication of his team for being able to not only complete a worth-the-prize podcast entry but also for having to compete in a competition as grand as the PUP Radio Festival.

“I am confident in the skills of my team and all we do was to continuously trust our abilities as individuals and accumulate those strengthens within us to use it as our edge against other competing schools… Albeit, we are all first timers in the mentioned category, we never used it as discouragement. Bringing the name of CNU to a grand competition is both an honor and a challenge, however, our team is still thankful to all who are part of department because we never felt like we were forced,” according to Vildosolo who’s beyond ecstatic for their prideful achievement.

Meanwhile, Hoenhferdz Gonzaga, with his Radio Jingle entry entitled “Dapat Alam Mo!”, placed sixth overall.

Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan, the chairperson of the department, served as the core mentor to all the delegates.

Furthermore, all the entries were produced under the banner of Sibya Production by the CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance, a student-run organization that aims to provide a safe space for students to exercise free press.

These victories highlight the students’ enduring and formidable talent from Cebu Normal University, an institution adorned in crimson and gold. / Bryan G. Fernandez II, BA Communication Broadcast Journalism

March 23, 2021March 24, 2021

CNU bags awards in PUP Radio Festival 2021

Normalites greeted the week with much pride as the Department of Communication and Media Studies (DCMS) of the Cebu Normal University(CNU) snatched recognitions and awards from the recently-concluded Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Radio Festival 2021, Sunday night, March 14, 2021.

Entries from over 27 participating schools both Senior High and College levels hailed from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and all have pitched to the massive success of the maiden virtual edition.

The week-long competition featured three distinct categories: Radio Jingle, Radio News Production, and Podcasting.

Dubbed “Epiko: Radio in the Eye of the Truth-tellers,” this year’s PUP Radio Festival has embraced full-virtual format for the first time, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Kicking off was a virtual forum that featured practitioners to inspire and motivate aspiring media practitioners from all over the country and ended with a bang via the virtual awarding of the winning entries for the three categories.

Brimming with passion, Cebu Normal University was the only university from Cebu to have made it to the final cut, and eventually named Best Radio Jingle and second Best Radio News Production (RNP), plus special awards as RNP Best Sound Design and RNP Best Infomercial.

Among the 95 qualified entries, only five to six advanced to the final round, following the pre-judging deliberation.

The winning Radio Jingle entry of the department entitled “Piliin ang Totoo” was composed and performed by trio Yv Anya Abugan, Virlie Christine Alfar, and Brigida Gerzon.

Abugan attended the virtual awarding that was livestreamed via Facebook, and delivered the speech after being announced the Best Radio Jingle. “Being appreciated by you guys and even just the opportunity, even if we would have not won, we are much grateful for this and honored,” Abuga said in her speech.

She also emphasized the struggle that the team went through in maximizing available online tools to remotely create a well-mastered piece.

“We did our best though we don’t have enough resources. So everything was quite raw, but the fact that we have able to put things and music together, we (were) still able to (make it).”

Furthermore, the Radio News Production’s “Radyo Cuarenta,” composed of anchors Carl John Griño and Harrel Jade Porrio, alongside news presenters Hoehnferdz Gonzaga and Rhea Ambrad, scriptwriter Melissa Arbuis, Infomercial Specialist Grace Noynay, as well as Technical and Sound Director Kyle Sarona, placed second Best Radio News Production.

Meanwhile, the department’s Podcast entry “Ohhs and Ahhs,” created by Erica Abella, Hannah Cabibil, Trifone Lopez, Maebel Cabañog and Shantall Jane Librando, successfully made it as a qualifier.

Jessa Agua-Ylanan, part-time instructor at CNU and broadcast media practitioner at dyMR Radyo Pilipinas Cebu, and Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan, chairperson of the department served as mentors for the participating teams.

These achievements further cement how Cebu Normal University molds its talented gems: academically-excellent and well-rounded students. /Harold Regodos and Mary Giralyne Manolo, BA Comm Broadcast Journalism

October 4, 2020October 5, 2020

CNU dominates inter-school publication, talent tilts

Despite the physical barriers and connectivity issues, communication students from Cebu Normal University bagged the top awards in the digital publication and Campus Got Talent contests held in connection with the celebration of Cebu Press Freedom Week this year.

“Behalf” magazine, the school’s entry, earned the collective nod of the judges to cop the award for Best Overall Publication, besting the entries from the University of San Carlos (The Trailblazers) and Cebu Technological University (The Vanguard).

Behalf was also adjudged Best in Editorial for “The Light in a Terrifying Reality” and “Arvin and John Dale,” which tackle the need for the media to be more active in pursuing the truth for readers in this time of health crisis and the pandemic’s impacts on students and pupils going through blended and online learning. The accompanying editorial cartoon was also hailed the best among the entries.

The magazine also won Best Feature for “The Day Edita Contracted COVID-19,” which narrates the experiences of veteran nurse Edita Sanchez when she got the virus, and Best in Creative Writing for “The Foreigner,” a story about a mysterious woman from China who kills an entire family in just months, only to be killed by her supposed last victim in the end.

It also emerged as the Best in Graphic Design and won second and fifth places in news writing for “Go digital, media outfits urged” and “Priest to journos: Press freedom is freedom to do good.”

Behalf’s staff was composed of Devey Joy Gaviola, editor-in-chief; Kyle Sarona, associate editor; Danica Ulbata and Loreine Kyra Lebumfacil, news writers; Rhina Mae Tabada and Arcel Macan, feature writers; Jonas Raymond Tatoy and Leonel Quillo, creative writers; Harold Regodos and Hannah Mae Paler, layout artists; Patrisha Cabahug, illustrator and cartoonist; and John Destacamento, publication adviser.

Gaviola said she was happy that despite it being the first time for the team to come up with a magazine in about five days, all the hardwork still paid off in the end.

“I’m elated and still kind of surprised with the outcome. I’m happy that I was able to produce results despite being a newbie with editorials. I’ve only written them twice for a subject requirement, which was why I was really nervous that I might disappoint everyone and tarnish CNU’s straight-A records when it came to journalistic contests,” she said.

Gaviola said the team was thankful to Destacamento, a faculty of the department, for guiding the team all throughout the competition.

Destacamento, who also works as assistant news editor in The Freeman newspaper, attributed the victory to teamwork.

“From the very beginning, our goals were clear. One was to make CNU proud and the other was to make people realize that Cebu is still teeming with young, aspiring journalists who are ready to defend press freedom,” he said.

The contest was judged by Rappler journalist Ryan Macasero, UP Cebu professor Januar Yap, and Cebu Literary Fest organizer Hendri Go.

TALENTED, TOO

Meanwhile, the collaboration between VCLEF and Offbeat bands, composed of CNU communication students, together with fellow Normalite Brigida Gerzon, resulted to the original song “COMMbati,” which won first place in the Campus Got Talent.

Gerzon said they wanted a song that would make the people understand the crucial role of the media during these tough times.

“At a time where transparency is needed the most, duty na nato mga journalist to seek and provide information for the people,” she said.

Another Normalite, Hoehnferdz Gonzaga, also finished second with his original composition and interpretation of “Diyaryo.”

COMPETENCE

Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan, chairman of the CNU Department of Communication and Media Studies, said the recent feats once again showed the competence of CNU students.

“For the last two years, we were the back-to-back champion in broadcasting competition and this time we are the over-all winners in Digital Publication and CFJCS Got Talent. This proves that our students are doing well and competent not just in one specialization, but also in other aspects in the field of journalism plus we have multi-talented students,” Dr. Tubilan said.

“I am so proud and honored for this feat that gives pride and prestige to CNU as one of the State Universities and Colleges. I hope that this will eventually pave the way for CNU BA Communication to become one of the leading journalism and communication programs in the country,” he added. (Leonel B. Quillo, BA Comm. – Journalism – 3)

December 17, 2019June 11, 2020

CNU wins ABS-CBN Bayan Mo, I-patrol Mo’s Digitales

First-year film media students from Cebu Normal University (CNU) brought home the victory as they won 2nd place of Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo (BMPM) Digitales: A Mobile Documentary Contest on October 25, 2019, at ABS-CBN Broadcast Center’s Dolphy Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

Among the 50 entries from the different universities all over the Philippines, their mobile documentary entitled “Kamatuoran Na Sab Ang Dungga” made it to the top finalists, and the only entry coming from Visayas and Mindanao. With the tagline of “Tuklasin, Alamin, Mamulat at Maging Alerto!”, these film students wanted to deliver the truth that will serve as a light for others and combat the disinformation that is timely and relevant to our modern society.

“This mobile documentary contest is part of ABS-CBN’s effort to promote news literacy. It is Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo’s contribution to the war against disinformation. The truth is being attacked especially on social media that is why we must protect it,” Rowena Paraan, Head of Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo said.

Digitales is a mobile documentary contest that aims to combat disinformation online which was created by ABS-CBN’s Integrated News and Current Affairs and in partnership with UNESCO and the Asian Institute of Journalism.

With the theme “Gusto Ko Tama: Fighting Disinformation in Social Media,” the competition aimed to showcase the skills of college students and other universities nationwide in producing a 5-minute documentary with the use of mobile phones only from the pre-production up to the editing.

The produced documentaries would be used for BMPM’s campaign to fight the spread of fakes news and disinformation and promote media literacy among Filipinos. (Lyngil Olivar, BA Comm Film Media 1)

October 8, 2019May 14, 2020

CNU Alumni win Jury Prize at Nabifilmex 7

Cebu Normal University Bachelor of Arts in Communication graduates bagged the Jury Prize award for their film “Naro 626” in the Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition 7 at Cinematheque Centre Nabunturan, Compostela Valley last September 29, 2019.

Nabifilmex is an annual film festival that is geared towards producing new and fresh cinematic works that will depict the culture of its local folks and uncover the talents of local filmmakers not only in Nabunturan but the whole Davao Region. This year, they extended its avenue to other filmmakers nationwide.

For over 200 submitted entries, only 29 films made it to the final cut. There were three chosen films from Cebu: “Usa Ka Libo” by Eli Razo (Santa Fe, Bantayan Island) won Best in Screenplay and Best in Music;“Kwerdas” by Chloe Anne Veloso (Cebu City) nominee of Best in Editing, Best in Production Design and Best Actress;“Naro 626” by Rena Mae Gocotano (Lapu-Lapu City) grabbed Jury Prize and also a nominee of Best in Screenplay.

“Naro 626” was first submitted in the Short Filmmaking Contest organized by Cebu City Office Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) as part of Drug Awareness Month in December 2018 that finished in second place. In February 2019, it was also screened during the Oroquieta Film Festival. The film won second place for Best Picture and Best in Screenplay while Trixie Galaura who played as Rona was hailed as Best Actress.

Gocotano’s team named 50k Productions who were behind the making of ‘Naro 626’ is Clark Jude Suhot (played as Nelson), Trixie Galaura (played as Rona), Lester Kyle Paes (Editor), Nova Leah Carbon (Cinematographer), Joyce Ann Gabutan (Cinematographer) Sheena Faith Muñez (Production Design), Carlo Cantago and Leonel Quillo (played Nelson’s friends). Galaura, Cantago, and Quillo are still enrolled as second year students in Cebu Normal University BA Communication program.

August 30, 2019May 14, 2020

CNU wins back-to-back in ABS-CBN’s Campus Patrol

IT WAS sweeter the second time around.

For the second straight year, students from Cebu Normal University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies (DCMS) outperformed teams from five other schools in Cebu City as they dominated the Campus Patrol, a TV newscasting competition of local network ABS-CBN Central Visayas on August 29, 2019.

The winning team was composed of students Kent Lloyd Torrendon and Mae Ann Rose Malaya as anchors; Rhea May Ambrad, Jonas Raymund Tatoy, Maebel Cabañog, Hanabelle Quiño, and Niño Abanid as reporters; Shiela Altubar as situationer; Kyle Sarona and Wilma Elicano as technical staff. Communication professors Dennis Tanoc and DCMS chairman Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan served as their trainer and coach.

CNU’s victory came unexpected and humbling for the team as they only practiced their act for less than two weeks.

“I cannot say we were a hundred percent ready; maybe 75 percent. We are second year students and we are not good in writing news yet. But thanks to our mentors, we were able to pull this off,” said broadcast journalism student Wilma Elicano, who served as the team’s floor director.

This year, the team focused on both content and delivery. Also part of the strategy was to come up with a script in which the intro and extro would have an impact on viewers and judges.

The BA Communication students of Cebu Nornal University (CNU) together with DCMS Chair Dr. Joseph Elvir C. Tubilan received from ABS-CBN Central Visayas the trophy of the recently concluded 2019 Campus Patrol Live Broadcasting competition. (Contributed photo)

TEAMWORK PAYS OFF

Held annually as part of ABS-CBN’s founding anniversary celebration, Campus Patrol is envisioned to become a stage that discovers the talents of the future faces of Philippine broadcasting landscape.

The contest — judged this year by ABS-CBN’s Carine Asutilla, Ferdinand Mañus, and Jun Niño Nalipay — involves the delivery of a prepared five-minute news broadcast complete with anchors, field reporters, sources, and scripts.

CNU’s newscast presented a hypothetical series of killings in Cebu and related stories — from the local angle on the latest killing to the comments of the Church and the congressional inquiry called by the Senate.

Sought to comment on the performance, Asutilla, desk editor of TV Patrol Central Visayas and chairman of the board of judges, praised CNU’s content and good line-up of stories.

“Scripts were short and all the important details were there, very comprehensive. Cebuano words were used properly in each story, which is very important in newscasting, in a Cebuano newscast,” she said.

Asutilla likewise lauded how the reporters and anchors were very confident on stage and stood up there like professional communicators. She said they also spoke Cebuano fluently and proudly “with proper phrasing and without sing-song tone or over modulation.”

“Third, it was obvious that they competed as a team, in sync. They followed the rules,” she added.

HURDLING CHALLENGES

In a practice session before the competition, Tubilan advised the team to not only work on their delivery but also on the message of their newscast.

He also reminded them to always use simple language that can easily be understood by viewers.

“We’re so happy with this feat because Cebu Normal University is now really on the map when we talk about communication and journalism instruction in Cebu,” Tubilan told SMITE publication.

The chairman likewise vowed to continue strengthening the academic programs of the school related to journalism.

But for some team members, the road to the championship was not a smooth-sailing ride.

Cabañog, one of the field reporters, said that at some point, the team had to make decisions that could somehow hurt members, such as relegating them to being production personnel instead of appearing “on-cam.”

Nevertheless, she said the group managed to rise above these challenges by accepting criticisms constructively and by thinking that everyone has a role to play.

“We made sure that everyone will understand that each one is really a part of the team,” she said.

The team from St. Theresa’s College finished first runner-up, followed by Cebu Technological University (2nd runner-up) and University of San Jose-Recoletos (3rd runner-up). The University of San Carlos and the University of the Visayas also sent their representatives to the contest. (Melissa Arbuis, Trifone Lopez, Marianne Joy Padao, and Danica Ulbata, CNU Comm students)