Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The DZUP Experience

DZUP Internship (3 weeks)

Working in DZUP for almost a month was a worthwhile experience. At first I thought that it would be better to work in a larger radio station but I was wrong. Working as an intern in DZUP was more that I have expected, it was worth it.

I volunteered to be assigned in the program Kwentuhang Pets atbp. :) because I felt that this program suits me well. While it was not yet airing, I helped out in the pre-production of Simulan Mo.

From all my experiences in DZUP, my favorite is the brainstorming sessions we had with our Executive Producer, Melba Estonilo. I enjoyed it very much. That, for me, is the ideal set-up for concept development. The great thing about a brainstorming session like that is you get to learn your weak and strong points. You get to critique other people’s works and know what you can do to improve yours. In fact, just when we were asked to write scripts for the OBBs, CBBs, and stingers, have I realized that I badly need to improve on my writing skills for radio. Ma’am Mel pointed out the mistakes and suggested ways on how to improve it. It’s great to have that kind of opportunity because I know in the real world, not everyone’s going to critique your work and help you be better.

I also got a great opportunity of producing the OBB I wrote for the program. Since I believe that editing is my forte, I knew I could make it sound good. I even became a little obsessive compulsive about it that I made four versions of the OBB and it was a real bliss for me when my material was chosen by Transparency International. :)

After doing pre-production for Simulan Mo, I already focused on the preparations for the airing of Kwentuhang Pets atbp. It was not really that hard to write scripts and research for the program since I really have the heart for animals. The biggest challenge I had in the program was the task of co-hosting Professor Rara. I never had experience in hosting a radio show and I was a bit worried that I might talk nonsense on air.

My first time in hosting Kwentuhang Pets atbp. was nerve-wracking, there were a lot of dead airs and I said a lot of unnecessary comments. Since it is also Prof Rara’s first time, it took us some time to warm up and sound natural on air. I know we sounded really tensed but we tried our best. As the program progressed we got to manage sounding natural and make the conversation with the guest more fun. Jumping off from an average start, I prepared more for the second episode aiming to make the program sound a lot better. I am definitely learning so much from Professor Rara and our guests. I am able to learn, experience and share my passion for animals at the same time. Because of this, I am planning to volunteer for DZUP for the rest of the next semester. Moreover, it never felt like work to me. Ma’am Mel was right, I should grab the opportunity to serve in DZUP because I wouldn’t receive a training like this in other radio stations.

So magsasama-sama pa rin tayo tuwing Huwebes, ala-una ng hapon sa Kwentuhang Pets Atbp.! Dahil di pa ako aalis dun haha :)

Close to the end (7th week) & The end (8th week)

Kahit konting hours lang ang kinailangan ko for these last two weeks at tatlong araw lang akong pumasok, ito sa akin ang pinakamemorable.

Nothing really changed with the tasks given to me for the 7th and 8th week. I still did my usual routine, I did label tapes, log tapes, deliver scripts to different departments, look for contacts etc. I always tried everything, every help I can offer to make myself busy. That was my rated K life, of service to the crew, to the show, to learn :)

I guess what made these last two weeks memorable was not some change of tasks or some weird event, but the way I looked at the experience. I realized that I was nearly done with internship; a requirement for me to finish college. I'll be done with PA and Researcher work, but they will continue living that life. They will continue with the everyday research, with the stress, with the ups and downs of productions while I will try to make sense of my experience there as I leave.

It was not that big for me. But during the last two weeks, I saw it that it is something, it's something big. What I did? the trivial tasks given to me? were all part of the success of the episodes they had for seven weeks, I was part of it and when I saw it this way, I felt more fulfilled.

Sa mga natutunan ko sa rated K, hindi yung paglabel ng tapes or pag-organize, or pagkakabisado sa shooting guidelines ang 'most cherished' ko. I feel that I can learn those in 2 weeks time. The best things I learned in this internship experience were all VALUES.
Respect.
Teamwork.
Patience.
Hard work.
Dedication.
Courage.


In two years time I might forget what tapes are for what camera, what camera angles were used in rated K, what request forms are for borrowing this/ that, how to log tapes, how editing works, how gfx are developed etc. But I will never forget the values, the things I saw in Rated K that made me decide to shape up and be better now. So that when I enter the industry, I won't be a total newbie. I am prepared, not because I have all the knowledge in production, but because I have the personality and the wit to master everything I need to know for the job.

This was a great experience :)





connections and teamwork (6th week)

6th week- October 4-10,2010

Back to the normal stuff in the office :) This week was the usual (labeling tapes, delivering forms, scripts, transcriptions, shot lists etc). New task was to make a list of locations where they can shoot Korina's interview with Derek Ramsey. It was not that easy looking for one because Korina is very choosy when it comes to locations. Ayaw niya ng nauulit, kapag nakapag-shoot na dun hindi na daw pwede most likely unless 2-3 years ago. The ideal location was around Katipunan, we contacted some hotels and spas but unfortunately we didn't find one. Good thing, one friend of Ate Rose(researcher) suggested a place along Commonwealth, at pwede dun :) I realized that it's very important to maintain connections, especially in the media industry, you'll never you might need their help in the future. Connections can really save you. I also noticed that a great way to make people say yes is to have a good conversation with them. :)

After the hassle of looking for locations, after the shoots, chill na lang lahat sa tao. At pinag-usapan ang sports fest <3. As usual sobrang competitive ng Rated K team. Mararamdaman mo talaga ang teamwork, bago magpunta ng game lahat may food, may drinks, may drums pa at pompoms :) nakakatuwa how they stick up for each other, kung gaano sila kaseryoso sa trabaho, ganun din sila kadedicated when having fun :) Nung nanood ako ng sports fest at nanalo sila, narealize ko, you have to be best at both, hindi pwedeng puro saya lang, at puro work lang.

Here comes the Golden streaks!(5th week)

I love 5th week :)

I guess I haven't shared in my prev posts that in Rated K everything is fast, there's no time for I'm-going-to-think-about-it and I-don't-know kind of answers, you should always give a definite "yes" or "no" whenever you are asked something. And so, when I was asked If I can model for one segment, I immediately said YES haha after that quick Yes, came another, "Pwede si Drea bukas? Para dalawa kayo. 2 pm", without asking for Drea's sched, I said yes too haha This is the second we were asked to act as talents. First one was I guess in y 3rd week, pero ngayon nag level up. Dati nagpapatay lang kami ng lamok (for the dengue wrist bands), ngayon medyo titingin na daw kami sa camera. It was a nice experience really, we didn't expect that blonde highlights were needed to emphasize the golden spray to be put on the hair. It was for free and Jimmy Lu is Korina's stylist, so we thought we'll give it a shot, hindi naman niya siguro kami papapangitin. :D

We got ourselves a free makeover haha. Aside from that we learned a lot from backpack shoots: the importance of giving precise and clear directions, making sure you have everything needed for the shoot, taking a lot of safety shots, and lastly, the importance of following your schedule. We were late for I guess one and a half hour because we had a hard time looking for the salon, the stylist almost thought that the shoot was canceled. And one more thing, charms do work :>. So work on those charms, you'll really need it in some desperate situations.

It was a fun week, finally had some time off the office where we usually just label tapes, organize files and transcribe materials. :)
October Fun!

I was asked to come in the last shoot of FASH (fashion and style hub) at rockwell, it was also my first shoot with FASH, it was really fun, because it was their last season episode.

I was asked to return the hosts' wardrobe to their designers, so I also had the chance to meet the designers themselves.

It was really fun and I will miss the LN family, they are really warm and welcoming.
I really had fun being an intern in Lifestyle. :)
I learned a lot, too. :)

Here are some of the pictures at the set:

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Week 7: Fun, Fun, Fun Day at UKG

I really had a funny experience this day! The segment producer asked me to talk to the UKG hosts, Bernadette Sembrano, Rica Peralejo, and, Ginger Conejero and orient them about the details of one segment (dolls as Christmas gifts). I taught them how to use the props needed for the segment and gave them their scripts.

Later in the afternoon, aother segment producer asked me to accompany her in a meeting with marketing communications officers. I was so excited she chose me to go with her.

Week 6: Meeting the Filipino World Champions

I coordinated and met with the Pinoy Parazzi (entertainment show on Flippish.com) guests who won in the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

I felt lucky meeting them. I was also proud of them as they brought glory and honor to the Philippines. These guests are singers and they are really talented.

Week 6: The GLEEks are So Here!

I coordinated with the guests of the show, the members of Miriam High School Glee Club. I also did assist the sound design head of the show in preparation for the segment of the glee club. Then, I made production arrangements with the crew and staff regarding the musical presentation of the guests.

After the show, I was asked to research about possible topics for the Infotainment division of Umgang Kay Ganda.

Week 5: When the Director Says, Cut!

When the Director Says, Cut!

Director Amado “Dos” Ocampo gave me an editing job. He made me edit the music video behind-the-scenes segment of a different band, Stories of Now.

Providing Production Support

I assisted the guests (interviewees) of the ABS-CBN show, Umagang Kay Ganda. Then, I was asked to do a record of the details about the guests of the segment, Punto por Punto, hosted by Anthony Taberna.

Also, I distributed scripts to graphics coordinators and the hosts. Inside the control room, I provided production support to the technical director and other technical coordinators.

After the airing of the show, I did a transcription of a video material.




Week 4: Inside and Outside the UKG Studio

The star segment for today was the Navy segment wherein I assisted the hosts and the segment producer in preparing their costumes, props, and, scripts.


Afterwards, I did a transcription of an interview (water refilling station business matter) used in one segment of UKG.


I coordinated with my talent for the Circulan advertisement shoot. I shot the advertisement with ABS-CBN Umagang Kay Ganda segment producer.

Week 3: LSS Music Video Shoot

Call time: 11:00 a.m. As the production manager, I had to be in Ortigas at 9:00 a.m. to check if every requirement – document, item, material, equipment was in place already.

The production team arrived in U.P. Diliman, Quezon City. I briefed the first actor, Coco Palabrica, regarding his role together with the director. During the shoot, I was always with Director Dos to learn how he would work on camera movements and angles.

During the night, the production team shot at a bar near Tomas Morato. I coordinated with the other talents, the band, Mortal Fear. I briefed them regarding my on cam-interview with them.

It was already late at night when I was told by the director to host the interview segment. I really enjoyed it because interview went well as the band members cooperated with the whole team.

Afterwards, by 12:00 midnight, Sir Dos asked me to direct a segment of this music video shoot. I directed one of its important features – the dynamic behind-the-scenes segment. I was happy to do the directing stint.


Our music video can now be watched on the “Flippish.com” site. It is on the show, “LSS.”

Week 2: Lights, Camera, Action!

During the afternoon, I was assigned by Ms. Niña de Torres to serve as the production manager for the music video shoot of the metal rock band, Mortal Fear, scheduled tomorrow. This music video shoot will be viewed online on the Flippish.com show, “LSS (Last Song Syndrome).”


While doing my tasks as a production manager, the producer asked me to do another job. She told me to research about hotels in Davao for their trip and coverage of the Cyberzone launch. Then, she asked me to write a business letter addressed to a restaurant-bar owner. I wrote about Flippish.com wishing to negotiate (in terms of x-deals) with said venue for a music video production on 27 July 2010.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Unusual Work Out

Ms. Cathy, one of the supervisors asked me to go to the TEC library where all aired episodes are taped and stored. She wanted me to transcribe the announcement made by Robin Padilla earlier that day in the network’s noon time show. It was regarding the actor’s reason for leaving Pilipinas Win na Win for a while and regarding rumors that he and co-host Kris Aquino are not in good terms because the heartthrob actor could hardly speak because of Kris’ effusiveness. The transcription will be used as a reference for Sir Bong Osorio’s article regarding the issue.

I have no idea where the library is located neither did Ma’am Cathy. So I went to ask the guards around about it. Basing from the guards’ directions it seems that the ABS-CBN has several TEC libraries when in reality there is only one. I think I burned a few more calories for going up and down the basement and first floor for a lot of times. Finally, before my heels broke I found the library, which is surprisingly and at the same time annoyingly just located almost right in front of our building’s exit. It took me seven guards and half an hour to find it. Less than 3 minutes away from the department. I went in and finished the transcription in ten minutes, emailed it to Ma’am Cathy and went back up. I’m pretty sure they thought I spent my time gallivanting.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Why radio internship can be bitterly/overly SWEET: FIFTH WEEK

October 11 – October 17, 2010

The episode for this week was by far the most unplanned one. I was even shocked when Chi told me on the day itself that she could not come to help me host the show. That was why at around 3pm, I was already in DZUP. I asked Ate I if she knew what we were going to do for Gender-ation. She told me she don’t have a clue as well. So Ate Jey suggested that I text Ma’am Jo and ask what are we going to do for the said episode. Ma’am Jo said we were free to choose what topic we would like to talk about but still regarding gender-related issues. For this, Ate I proposed that our topic would be on “INSECURITIES OF WOMEN”.

For the remaining time before on-air, Ate I and I were looking for songs related to the topic. I was researching for the lyrics while Ate I was downloading the songs. And we were doing some last minute reading of write-ups about insecurities. I was really feeling nervous and even on the verge of panicking. Since I honestly felt that I was not ready to go on-air with this episode. Good thing, Ate Jey and Ate I promised me that the both of them would join me to host the program. That was really some kind of relief for my part. And soon enough, as the clock struck 5pm, the three of us were indeed going on-air.

It shocked me that as soon as the mic was on, it felt different. My mind was more at ease. A lot of ideas are slowly creeping in. we had a lot to talk about simple because it’s a fact that insecurities are part of life – they are part of being human, of being not perfect. Everyone really do have to deal with these insecurities at some point in their lives. Funny that I was able to share my insecurities on-air without any hesitations, and I thank you that both Ate Jey and Ate I were so honest enough to share their insecurities too. I enjoyed our session together. We talked and shared many things that afternoon.

And a few lessons that I have learned are: (1) Insecurities must be seen as ways to improve one’s self. (2) Know your strengths and weaknesses. (3) Appreciate and be grateful of what you have and what you don’t have. (4) Have confidence in yourself, remember no one is perfect. And finally accept and love yourself no matter what.
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LAU QUIRIMIT

Why radio internship can be bitterly/overly SWEET: FOURTH WEEK

October 4 – October 10, 2010

For this week, Faye and Glenn would not be staying with us anymore since they already finished their radio internships in DZUP. So Gender-ation was left to Chi and me. And our topic was on “Women Empowerment”. I honestly felt like this topic was not for me. Why? Because as I always tell the others, “I am sexist but not necessarily a feminist.” Plus this topic was so broad and too heavy to discuss. Good thing, Ate I extended her help by looking for songs related to our topic and she even joined us into hosting that episode.

At first, I was kinda lost for words. After all, I am not an advocate of feminism, so women empowerment and the like was not a big deal for me. However, as Chi and Ate I were having an exchange of views, in fairness, I was able to share the same sentiments and perspectives with them. We talked about how discrimination and stereotyping could really affect how women view or position themselves as individuals at home and in the society at large. That was why, we pointed out that a number of notions about women are totally biased if not wrong. Being a woman is not just about pro-creation and being the overly sensitive one or the clingy one. Basically, all of these notions trapped women as to how we see them in our society, as to how they must act in our society. We as hosts therefore tried to break these notions and explained as to why at times women tend to be like this. And that importantly, we must view women as not being a lesser or inferior gender compared to men. That what these men can do, women can do also.

I really think this topic could really open the eyes and minds of those people who still have that conventional thinking of women as weak and inferior species. I, myself was a bit astounded as to the manner of how highly I disapproved on women discrimination even if I’m not a feminist at all. Surely, being open to these kinds of issues and making a stand on them could not hurt at all.
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LAU QUIRIMIT

Why TV internship can be bitterly/overly SWEET: EIGHTH WEEK (FINALE)

September 27 – October 3, 2010

SEPTEMBER 29 - EIGHTEENTH DAY

After my two months or so of being thrown into a number of different programs; Bubble Gang, Mel & Joey, Hole in the Wall, Love ni Mister, Love ni Misis, Party Pilipinas, My Favorite Recipes (QTV) and Asar Talo; I am now at the end of this pretty short trip. Today officially marks my last day as an intern in GMA.
I am glad however that I would be spending it with Pam (my co-intern and friend from UP) and finally with the Comedy Bar crew.

I was allowed to join Pam at the Comedy Bar taping since the program assigned to me was not shooting that afternoon. Though I am very much comfortable and capable of working alone, it made me really happy because I get to share with Pam (through first-hand experience) why she fell in love with this show. I was excited to be introduced to the nicest crew. When we got back to Studio 5, Pam asked permission for me from Ma’am Bangs, the Associate Producer. After which, I got settled and we both waited for something to do making conversations with the people there. And as much as I wanted to do my PI 100 paper due the following day, my mind was not set for that then. I just wanted to be there, experience everything that I could and take with me these lessons as I venture into the next chapter of my life.

Ma’am/Ate Cai arrived not long after and asked me to do the idiot boards. The scripts were long but luckily, there were two of us (Pam and I) to help each other. Pam taught me how they do idiot boards for Fabio’s spiels then went to work. Everyone at the table eventually had to leave but was soon replaced by Sir Josh and Fabio [He was soooo kuliiiiit and so adorable, srsly.]. The Brazilian-Japanese model-host provided us entertainment as he practiced rapping Andrew E’s “Humanap Ka ng Panget” which Sir Josh suggested he do in his introduction later. When we finished writing the idiot boards, Pam then helped me tape together the pieces of Manila paper. We then went to the gazebo to shoot the first VTR under the scorching heat. It was perfect timing for me to join them here as the pole they use to roll the idiot boards on was missing, thus requiring two people to hold up the idiot boards. Though it drizzled a bit, we finished the VTR and rushed off for VTR 2. At the dressing room, location for the second shoot, when everything was in place, we started shooting. At the course of the taping, Fabio must’ve gotten too excited that he tripped over the dumbbell twice and almost hit his head on the full-length glass mirror. We were all stunned with his crazy antics. Fortunately, he didn’t injure himself whatsoever; got all the shots we needed and wrapped up the VTR shoot. After which, Pam and I found our way to the pantry to have merienda.

By this time, most of the things we usually help out in for the production are done. Pam and I went back and forth looking for things to do then. At one point while hanging out just outside the studio, Direk Dominic Zapata happened to see us. He asked Utility to buy him coffee from Starbucks and even offered us coffee too. I was so shocked when Pam told me he was the director. I was amazed at how friendly and down-to-earth the people here are, that even the hosts and bosses do not treat us any differently. The celebrities this evening are no different either. When I had the likes of Allan K, Maui Taylor, Onyok Velasco, Kris Bernal, Bela Padilla and Roxanne Barcelo sign the attendance, they were all very gracious. Some of them even said “thank you” after signing. Bela Padilla of Endless Love and Roxanne Barcelo were two of the celebrities I found to be genuinely nice and sweet.

The things I did today were not any different from what I have been doing the past eight weeks. There also wasn’t anything special with the production today. But that tiny detail of it being my LAST TAPING DAY as an INTERN somehow made some difference. It made me cherish every second I had in the studio with the crew.

As all good things come to an end, so did this. Finally 150 hours down! It felt great indeed. Not only did I learn a lot about production, experienced it first-hand and had the chance to actually help out in some, I did it while making an even greater investment: LIFETIME FRIENDS. ♥♥♥
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LAU QUIRIMIT

Why radio internship can be bitterly/overly SWEET: THIRD WEEK

September 27 – October 3, 2010

This week, the episode of Gender-ation is all about “EXPECTATIONS OF THE SOCIETY”. This episode was so much fun to host since there were 4 of us girls (I, Faye, Chi and Camille) and there was only 1 guy (Glenn). So it was somewhat like 4 versus 1. HAHA. In favor again of girls, of course. Too bad Glenn was totally outnumbered, still in fairness to him he did gave a fair fight. HAHAHA.

So basically, for this episode, we discussed the general expectations of the society from both men and women. We tackled different aspects of these expectations of the society in relation to the self, family, school, community and of course the undying expectations when both sexes are engaged in a romantic relationship. And the topic being somewhat controversial for both sexes resulted to another debate which is of course informational and still gender sensitive, that even though we were debating and justifying our points, we made sure that we were not just lambasting the opposite sex. And both parties acknowledged the shortcomings brought along by these differences too between men and women that was why I still think that the exchange of dialogues among the hosts were not really bordering on biasness (Okay, maybe just a little. HAHA. But that’s what makes it a lil fun, right?). So all in all, I realized that it was really fun and relevant at the same time to talk about this kind of stuff. I shared and really learned a lot from this experience.
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LAU QUIRIMIT

Why radio internship can be bitterly/overly SWEET: SECOND WEEK

September 20 – September 26, 2010

For this week, the topic of the episode of Gender-ation is on “COMING OUT”. Once again, I joined Faye and Glenn host the show. And our guest was no other than JP de Luna. He’s an ASSer and at first sight, he may look somewhat intimidating. But I knew JP before because he was the one who edited my video footage for his Editing class and for my Videography class. He is really very friendly and bubbly. At first, I thought he already forgot that we were acquainted or what, turns out he didn’t forget and even invited me to go to their event, RAVIBE. I was going there even if he didn’t ask me to since I already bought a ticket from Faye. HAHA.

And since everyone was at ease with each other and was in a good mood, the program went on smoothly. And JP being a very witty person really engaged not only the listeners but also us, the hosts. We had a good laugh all throughout the program. The sharing part done by JP was remarkable because he was really giving us factual information about himself and his experiences in life. That’s why as hosts, we can’t help but interchangeably comment also on his answers and to share our own stand on the different issues thrown at JP too.

I really believe there was an interesting exchange of thoughts throughout the program. And this is very important since the program was done primarily not only to give relief and entertainment to the audience but more so to understand gender issues such as homosexuality.
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LAU QUIRIMIT

Why TV internship can be bitterly/overly SWEET: SEVENTH WEEK

September 20 – September 26, 2010

SEPTEMBER 20 - SIXTEENTH DAY

It’s Monday and once again I was assigned to Asar Talo. I felt happy about it since this time I felt like I am becoming more productive as compared to last week’s taping. Since at the very beginning of the taping, I was already busy doing idiot boards for a number of scripts. Plus the crew knew me already that was why they don’t have a hard time asking for my help. They once in a while ask me to do some little errands for them. Of course, I felt happy that I am being of much use to them, I love helping out anyway. Plus the thought that even with these simple things, they remember me. It meant a lot to me.

For instance, Ate Cham, one of the production assistants of the show, every now and then compliments me as to the manner of my work and the way I handle myself with the crew. Most of them would even mistake me as a staff and not as an intern. And the moment they learned that I’m an intern, they would really ask a lot of questions about me and would insist on me to work in GMA especially at the said show as soon as I graduate. Of course, I felt really honored and happy about this. So in return, as a kind of gesture, I make sure that in everything that I do, I always show my enthusiasm.

That internship day was a bittersweet one because it would be my last taping day at Asar Talo. So the crew really made sure that I have a picture of myself in action during the production. They even forced me into it. HAHA. Really funny but I had a great day. And another 7 hours down!

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SEPTEMBER 23 - SEVENTEENTH DAY

Since I don’t have class today, I decided to go to my internship. It’s Thursday, so there’s no particular program that is assigned to me. I was then sent to the taping of Love ni Mister, Love ni Misis. As soon as I arrived, Sir Jake asked me to help him out with the scripts and with the idiot boards. It was already too cold inside the studio but I have no choice but to bear with it. And as soon as I finished the idiot boards, I was asked by the Art Department to help them. Good thing, I was only allowed to cut out the boards, pictures, scripts as well as graphics and paste them all together. I actually thought I was about to do some major artsy stuff and that would tantamount to disaster. HAHA. Seriously, since I am not the type of person who is inclined to art or even has talent for it. Tsktsk.

Soon as I finished my work, the taping was about to start. The first episode was really entertaining. My eyes and my heart were overwhelmed. HAHAHA. Guess what would happen if 2 famous celebrities along with their equally handsome siblings are to entertain you? OMG right?! What a treat really! Though I was initially not a fan of either Aljur Abrenica or Rocco Nacino, after their performances I admit I’M ALREADY A FAN. :”> Plus, both their siblings were talented too and of course good-looking. HAHAHAHA. :D

Meanwhile, the second episode was on couples. The guests include Douglas Kramer along with his beautiful wife Cheska Garcia and Karel Marquez along with her husband. I guess this episode was really interesting, too bad I wasn’t able to finish the taping since it really started out late and as an intern, I was only allowed to stay until 8pm. Oh well, even so I really had a fun and productive internship day. And again 9 hours down, 10 more hours and I’m done.
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LAU QUIRIMIT

Lagot (4th week)

Sept. 13- 17

For this week, I did almost the same things such as label tapes, deliver forms, photocopy, organize files, help find contacts and the like. What's different is the work environment, sobrang busy nila. Everyone was agitated. According to them that's what usually happens when initial plans fail. Almost all the backpack shoots had problems, several interviewees backed out, and some researchers didn't find good case studies for their stories. While everyone was busy making things work for the the coming episode, me and my co-intern Drea tried our bests to do something productive haha. Kahit hindi kami napapansin dun. Para kaming ghosts unless kailangan nila bigla ng something.

Sa linggong ito, napakadaming napagalitan. Sa four days na pagpasok ko, lahat may na-witness akong nasigawan, nasungitan, na-interrogate, napahiya somehow.

"Shape up, tandaan niyo yan", was the unforgettable line I heard from the Executive Producer as he demanded better outputs from some of the new researchers. That phrase sounded like, "better do good or else you're all fired I'm telling you". He was very very strict. Sabagay, hindi ko siya masisisi, siya ang humaharap kay Korina at siya ang nakakasalo ng lahat ng mood swings. Tama lang na magdemand siya ng mas magandang trabaho. What I love about Sir Otep is that he explains what's wrong with the output, he wants a good material, and he knows what he's talking about. He makes you understand your shortcomings and dares you to step up and be better.

Habang stressed lahat at hindi din kami maka-stay sa office ng matagal dahil madaming staff, Cecille(PA) took the initiative to make our experience there worthwhile. She helped us understand the system of the production, she toured us around ABS-CBN, she shared her feelings about work, she became our friend. Kahit napapagalitan din si Cecille, natatanggap niya, at marami kami natutunan sa kanya. Sa pagsama-sama ko kay Cecile, I got to understand the people from Rated K more. I got to appreciate the life in Rated K, the passion in everyone that keeps the show going.