my rhepc experience

7/28/2019 My RHEPC Experience

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Chris Cesar Lagrio

I-account, Lucban

As a campus journalist, I always look forward to the RHEPC not only to showcase myjournalistic skills but also to make new friends and to enjoy the change of scenery

(and change of routine) for free (lol).

My RHEPC experience in Batis Aramin Resort in Lucban Quezon was very

memorable for me. I am now sharing with you some of my (mis)adventures during

the three-day affair.

Into the Homestretch!

Our departure time from FAITH was supposed to be at exactly 12 noon. It was

delayed by my late arrival, much to the dismay of Sir Carlo. Now knowing which vanwe were supposed to ride, I simply chose to approach the one that doesnt look

familiar to me. My hunch was proven right when the driver of the van opened the

rear door for me to load my bag. We left hurriedly, hoping to arrive at Lucban as

early as possible. What my colleagues dont know that I paid dearly for my late

arrivalI only had a donut for lunch.

Educational Trip?

Our trip to Tiaong turned into a rolling class. Sir Carlo checked and corrected the

modules he gave us in preparation for the conference. He also gave some lectures

where we got tips that we can apply in the events we will join. As a surprise, he toldus that whoever gets the highest score in the Copy reading module will receive a

prize from him. I didnt win the prize.

Lost.

I am not talking about the hit television series. We spent a lot of time in finding our

rooms, which turned out to be the one nearest the dining hall. We occupied two

rooms, one for the male and the other for the females, both located in the second

floor of a bungalow-type structure.

Upon entering the room, we were surprised to find out that the power is off. We

later learned that we have to insert the keychain (a big key-shaped plastic) in a

special slot in order to turn on the power. A little bit techie, but it is a great circuit-

breaker as well.

In your places!


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After unloading our bags, we decided to choose our sleeping arrangement. I chose

the mattress on the floor for three reasons: I move a lot during sleep; I can sleep

facing the door and it is near to an electrical outlet.

We also chose the towels were going to use. Its a good thing the hangers came in

different colors so there will be no mix-up. With everything in place, we left to go tothe dining hall for our snack.

Wheres Bro?

Upon arrival to the dining hall, we notice a pair of participant who was browsing the

net on their laptop. James, Arviee and Nelle were excited about the idea of free WI-

Fi (I wont be benefitted since my laptop is not WI-FI capable). It turned out that

they were using a USB Modem, so we lost all our hopes of being online during the

activity.

How I wished I brought my own USB modem

Mistaken Identity

I decided to wear the black 9th Foundation Anniversary shirt that day, in contrast to

my colleagues smart casual attire (except Raynell, who wore his Orgshirt). It was

funny that when I went to the registration booth to inquire about something, the

organizer addressed me as sir. I then realized that he took me for a school paper

adviser, due to the inscription of the schools name on the left chest of the poloshirt.

Or should we say that I really look older than my age? Ouch!

No extensions.

I planned to bring an extension cord to be used in the Desktop Publishing contest.

This plan was brought by my experience on the previous press conference wherein

we failed to bring one. Due to limited power outlet, a participant in Desktop

Publishing is allowed to use one.

It turned out that the same rule on power outlets will be implemented on the Digital

Photography. After a frantic search in my bag, I found out that I failed to place the

plastic bag having the cord in my bag. I cant place it earlier than the last minute

since I am using it in my room.

As a result, I blamed myself on making such a big blunder. I was expressing my

disgust over the matter until Sir Carlo told me to stop thinking about what

happened; I cant do anything about it anyway.

We were able to use an extension cord anyway. It turned out that there was one in

our room! Ironically, I was the one to use it first to recharge my cellphone, yet I

failed to think about it when I was ranting about an extension cord.


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The Price is Right!

I was thinking of bringing some snacks that I can eat during and in between

contests. On the last minute, I decided not to because it will occupy space in my

bag. I regretted the decision.

When I came to the resort-hotels store to buy a bag of potato chips, I was surprised

by the fact that everything is priced 50-100% more than its actual price outside.

Since there is no grocery within the locality of the resort-hotel, I have no choice but

to make do with the expensive items. I consoled myself by thinking that we are at a

hotel where everything is supposed to be pricey.

Bottomless

Since coffee is tagged at an exorbitant rate, we were thinking that all we can

depend on is the coffee provided by the food service. However, I, a coffeeenthusiast, decided that it is not enough. It turned out that Sir Carlo has the same

idea.

My solution? I brought the water heater to the dining hall every breakfast to fill it

with coffee from the food service. Nobody complained nor reprimanded me, so I was

able to get a lot of coffee and creamer as well. Sometimes you just have to use your

initiative in times like that hehehe.

Rationing

My biggest disappointment in the entire press conference was the food service. I

dont know if they have not experienced handling a big number of people like us or

they just didnt have enough supplies. Afraid of the idea that there might not be

enough food for everybody, they resorted to rationing everything including rice. I

was so irritated by the idea that I said, Paano na ang karapatan naming mga

magana kumain?

The problem is we have to make do with the rationing for the rest of the event.

Having no choice, I accepted the fact that Ill just have a cup of rice per meal for the

entire occasion. I was still able to write this personal account so that means I was

able to survive the ordeal.

Resourcefulness is a journalists trait

During the desktop publishing contest, we have to make do with the materials given

to us by the judge. Aside from suffering from headaches from editing the articles

which were intentionally full of errors, we also have to find a way of getting a

picture of Manny Pacquiao that we have to use on the sports page.


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I suddenly remember that I have a slideshow, allegedly a biography of the peoples

champ, actually meant as a big joke, in my laptop. Since we are allowed to use only

one computer unit for the entire duration of the contest, I have to leave the contest

area to transfer the slideshow to my flashdisk before we can use the file. I have

never thought that something good can come out of a thing like that.

Kobe Bryant graced the event?

One of my favorite pastime in between contests and while waiting for the food is to

look at the people around me and try to think of someone know to our group who is

somewhat resembled by the person Im looking at.

One of them stuck my fancy. He is a guy actually. Sporting a very short haircut and

a well-shaved beard, he actually resembles Kobe Bryant. I pointed him to my fellow

Lighthouse staffers and they have a good laugh.

Its just too bad that I was not able to take a picture of this guy. I will look like a

stalker if I do, right?

Tree-huggers, have mercy on us!

The last day of the event falls on a Friday so I am already dreading the idea. The

reason behind this is that I experienced being stuck in the traffic on the way home

two consecutive Fridays before the press conference.

The expected traffic occurred on the way back to school. There was a peaceful

demonstration of environment-oriented groups, some students and NGOs inSariaya. We have to wait until the activists passed on the other side of the road

before we can go on with our journey home.

This years press conference was a learning experience for me. I may not have won

any individual event but I know that I got something more important than the trip to

Laoag for the Luzonwide Press Conference. I am prepping myself for the next RHEPC

and this time, Ill make sure do better.

my rhepc experience

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