Regional Schools Press Conference

“♫  Radio de Siete Lagos 94.3 ♫. We are the youth, the voice of the truth.”

Hard work brought us here in Sta. Rosa. After all the tiring practices, sweat and discipline for not eating sweets (oh no!), RSPC is finally here.

The Orange Vest!

A long trip that almost took two hours and nearly lost our way to the school in Sta. Rosa was exciting. Aerrol brought his guitar and we sang altogether so we will not be bored. When we arrived, the 5 days- 4 nights finally began. The heavy bags were unloaded and we climbed the 4- storey building of the school. The teachers organized us; the girls’ room is in the 3^rd floor and the boys’ room is in the 4^th floor. As soon as we were unpacked, we put our orange vests to distinguish the participants from San Pablo City then got ready for the parade.

“We are ready! Ready! Ready! Ready to fight! Ready to write! Ready to voice our rights!”

This is our cheer that we memorized to show the other competitors what we got. The opening program was held at SM Sta. Rosa. There were great performers on stage. Some played the violin and flute. The program would not be completed if the contestants from different cities weren’t called. So we shouted our cheer to acknowledge San Pablo City. When the program has ended, we came back to our designated schools to have some rest.

Let me tell you about RSPC. It stands for Regional Schools Press Conference.  It was held last November 8- 12 2010. We were there to compete for photo journalism, editorial writing, cartooning and of course, radio broadcasting where I belong. I am on the English team with Aerrol, Kenna, Gio, Noelle, Sofia and Jonvi. The last four are from Canossa College and the rest of us are from Dizon High. The Filipino team are Jomar, Recy, Fausto, Angela, JC, Toni and Shara. The last three are from Canossa College too. Despite of having different schools, we made our team bonded with one another so no one is out of place. Our trainer is Miss Luwalhati (or Miss L). She was not with us so Mr. Dennis Lacsam and Mr.Ron turned over for the training.

The Backroom Boys

Our day two and three were almost the same. The competition of photo journalism, editorial writing, cartooning and the Filipino team of radio broadcasting have started. Since we’re not yet competing, we practiced to make it perfect. If we have break time, we would eat and sing along together with someone playing the guitar. We met Ericson, Brenit, Pholl and Evan. They were with Aerrol’s room and they call themselves “The Backroom Boys”. Ericson plays the violin,he is also a cartoonist as well as Brenit and Marvin. They are fun to be with.

On the fourth day, the English team of broadcasters was on board. It was no problem with the script but practicing. We have to make it exactly five minutes. Then the proctor said that we have to pass the script and start our practicing. Good thing that we practiced our lines. I can say that we did a good job. After the competition, we went back to the school to have a rest. Then I learned that they went to plaza to buy souvenirs. So when the Backroom Boys returned, I pleased them to go with me and Kenna. They said that we should approach Mr. Lacsam first. Before we can go out, we must sign to the log book, but it was missing! It’s getting dark so Marvin just got a paper to write our names and we headed to the plaza along with Mr. Lacsam. I bought pins and a t- shirt saying RSPC in front and Radio Broadcaster at the back.

We ran back to the school because the winners for radio broadcasting were going to be announced! And as soon as Kenna and I entered the gate, “Second place is... San Pablo City!” We actually won! So are the Filipino team, and they were in first place! They are going to Butuan. Wow!

After the announcement of winners, we were so noisy because of the bubbles of Brenit and the excitement. The declaration of the cleanest rooms started. The Backroom Boys won first place. We asked for their prizes. They are generous so they shared their blessings with us.

We were so happy, we can’t sleep. We took some pictures for fun. Mr. Lacsam told the cartoonists to sketch him and they showed their mad skills in drawing. I got bored so Recy and I joined the other members of the Backroom Boys singing room to room, as if caroling with style. That was the night that I will never forget. I love being with them laughing, singing, and even playing the guitar. It was almost midnight when I went to our room to get some sleep.

The last day was the worst day of RSPC. After the closing program and announcement of the winners in the other categories, it was time to say goodbye. I just hate farewells. I’ll miss everyone there, even the foods that their giving us. I met new friends. I love being a broadcaster and being a participant of RSPC. When we got back in the jeepney, we said goodbye to them. “Farewell RSPC and everyone!” But behind those goodbyes, I’ll never forget those lasting memories and unforgettable moments.