KNN PopDev: Juan-ted

   A year ago, I got an invitation to be part of the Kabataan News Network (KNN) through their Population Development workshop in Manila. The timing was great because within that week, my classmates and I were also scheduled to be in that area for our media tour. Since it involves video production, I took the opportunity, not really aware of how they do things. 

   I remember signing in their application data, putting "producing comedy and short video skits for the Catalyst Youth ministry" in the bureau assignment field. Ate Ros, one of KNN's producers, replied by saying "specify exactly what you do." She needed me to specify my tasks so she can know what I know of doing. So I listed camera handling, conceptualizing and video editing as my skills.

   I had a great time in the workshop, although at the same time it gave me a reality check of how much I don't know regarding video production. After the harsh reality check our class got from visiting the mass communication program of UP-Diliman, what I got from KNN was a heavy one. But necessary, because it made me realize that even though my school is not meeting the expectations I have, God has allowed me to learn from other sources, and professional at that. It was a blessing, although it was hard to get by.

   What helped me cope up was the fact that most of the workshop's participants were Bisdak, and I quickly made a lot of friends. I was also able to make friends with the participants from Luzon, though not all of them. The night outs we had, the great hotel accommodation coupled with a heartwarming breakfast buffet, and the pranks we did to other participants was very memorable. The last night party in our hotel room was a great conclusion to my KNN experience.

   I learned a lot from the workshop. I came out learning a lot, after being somewhat humiliated of my lack of knowledge during our field work. And the video posted below was the result of that. I'm looking forward to doing something with KNN in the future, but I doubt if that will happen again knowing that the Cebu bureau of KNN is dead and that I am already over aged to be a KNN reporter. But wishing wouldn't hurt right?