It was a sight to behold.
The view of Anawangin to the southeast and the rest of Zambales to the north from the trail summit was utterly breathtaking. And that special hour alone on top of the mountain was carried up a notch by the long, arduous trek from Pundaquit.
It didn’t take long to plan the whole trip. My friends and I have researched about Anawangin since early 2008. None of us had been there prior to the weekend, but all of us had seen the enchanting pine forests of this secluded cove through photos. We knew so much about the place and how to get there, and we felt that we had to go…soon.
The sun high up in the cloudless sky was no match for the spirit of volunteerism displayed by Headstrong volunteers. Trading their computer screens and keyboards for bricks, buckets and shovels, 40 IT practitioners spent half a day to help in the construction of Zonta Village in Taguig City.
“This site was constructed by student volunteers of Poveda,” Rommel said. “Their parents did not know about this activity but was deeply touched by the heart of their daughters when they took knowledge that they helped in building this community.”
There are a number of misconceptions about research for news development. Many believe that it is a mundane, repetitive and routine component in the process of news writing and reporting. But little do people know that research is an integral part of a news organization—and its undertakings are just as exciting and essential as field reporting.
Kate Pedroso, lead researcher at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, had her own misconception about the company’s research department before taking on the position. Pedroso thought that as a researcher, one would not be able to write or that the job would be loaded with crunching data.
But she learned eventually that being a researcher is just as important as a field reporter—minus the incessant pressure.
“What I like best here is that anytime, even if I have a deadline in 20 minutes, I can step back and look at where things are supposed to go,” Pedroso said. “But when you’re on the run, you can’t do that.”
“I don’t have the skills to rush and do that at the back of my head,” she added.
“Compared to popular belief, it’s more relaxing here than doing field work.”
According to Pedroso, research is essential in enhancing a news story. The output of research adds depth and provides context to the whole story for better understanding on the part of the readers.
In this 3-on-1 interview, we get to hear from Kate Pedroso about the importance of research, particularly in news organizations, and how it can enhance news reporting and writing.
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