CAMPUS Journalists and School Publications from around the nation showcased their literary prowess at Ating Tahanan, Baguio City, for a weekend filled with learning, competition, and celebration of student journalism. The 24th Journalism World Cup was a platform for budding student journalists to hone their skills and demonstrate their aptitude in their respective journalistic fields. 

     Spanning two days, the event guides the campus journalists through a series of workshops and contests led by seasoned industry professionals, providing them with a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience in journalism and its various facets.

Welcoming the Young Truth-seekers

     After the opening and briefing to prime the participants for the events ahead, campus journalists for sports, photojournalism, and mobile journalism headed to the Philippine Sports Commission to witness and cover a goodwill exhibition match between Philippine National Boxing Team members.

     Simultaneously, the respective workshops and contests for News, Features, and Science & Technology Writing took off. 

     Day 2 of the cup was reserved for Copywriting and Headline Writing, its workshop, and the following contest. At 10:00 AM, the final outputs were submitted, which made way for the much-anticipated awarding ceremony, where campus journalists and institutions were honored for their excellence and recognized for their exemplary work in Campus Journalism.

The Bedan Herald brings their A-game

     Among the distinguished participants were the delegates from THE BEDAN HERALD and publication adviser Prof. Estrella Torres, who bagged awards from the various categories.

     Guided by their publication adviser and coach, THE BEDAN HERALD’s contingent of eight student journalists namely Em Endo (IV-BACMS), Juan Miguel Diaz (III-BSLM), Liamm Eridani (III-BSBA MM), Edwin Romero (III-BSBA MM), Antionette Ballesteros (IV-BSBA MM), Maristella Magdangal (II-BSP), Dan Arsen Abainza (II-BSLM), and Chloe Nicole Quintela (I-BSLM) earned themselves six golds, two silvers, four honorable mentions, and two special citations in total —a historic showing for the publication while representing pride and excellence as Alabang Red Lions. 

     For Em Endo (IV-BACMS), the Editor-In-Chief of The Bedan Herald and a graduating student, it was an exhilarating and fulfilling experience that allowed her and her fellow delegates to see what they can do on a national level. Endo admitted the anxiety she felt because they lacked extensive training, and yet, despite the challenges, the team could step up and bring their A-game to the competition. She expressed her overwhelming pride for the team and what they had accomplished, even against the odds.

     “Being able to represent not just the publication but San Beda as well in the Nationals is an honor and a privilege. We competed while manifesting our “Fearless 30th” commitment to this Volume, which I believe was the fuel that motivated us.’ she stated.

     This speaks volumes not only because of the accolades they’ve earned but also because of their commitment and integrity to their initiative as the tertiary school’s student publication of SBCA. 

Championing Campus Journalism

     The 24th Word Cup isn’t simply a yearly event now considered routine by the Word Cup Associated Editors; rather, it is a celebration of campus journalism that would give these aspiring students a national platform to amplify their voices instead of silencing them.

     And now, with their pens ever sharper, the next generation of journalists is empowered and ready to write the stories that will help shape the future.