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WRITING THE DESTINY

(The following article is the one I wrote for my major subject Radio and Television Scriptwriting in 2003. First published in Friendster by dayunyor on August 08, 2005)

Like the unsung heroes of our history, there are also people in the Broadcasting Industry who have done important contributions but left unnoticed and unrecognized.

Meet Dermiel “Dong” R. Robles, the person who tried to find his destiny and end up writing it.

I was just about to get my letter signed by my professor at National Broadcasting Network (NBN) Channel 4 when he asked me if I want to interview the person sitting right beside us. At first, I was hesitant to grab the opportunity because he was then working on the computer. But of course, who am I to reject someone who is willing to be interviewed? Forget the seasoned writers for radio and television working in big stations. It comes down, anyway, in knowing the nature of their job and their humble beginnings before reaching their position today.

We went outside the newsroom to begin our conversation. We were both standing while seeing other employees walking in and out of the studio. I showed to him the questionnaire I made. Still, he was kind enough to continue with the interview. I started by asking his name. He took his identification card out of his pocket and handed it to me. He was then the news desk writer for the morning and afternoon edition of Teledyaryo.

Would you believe that he never dreamt of becoming a writer? Neither did he take any course related to his profession. It is his mother who advised him to take Electrical Engineering while thinking of a course he would like to pursue. He was already earning money in college using his knowledge by rewinding motors and installing wirings with his friends. After studying for two years at the Technological University of the Philippines, he graduated and passed the board exam.

Before he penetrated the competitive world of television, he worked as a waiter of a pizza parlor, a busboy of a fast food chain and a bartender of a hotel. While working at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, he took up Hotel and Restaurant Management at the Lyceum of the Philippines. None of these jobs gave him enough satisfaction. He wanted to do something else. He needed a job so badly that he had to develop a skill in order to live. Though not a born writer, he studied to become one. He read newspapers, books and practice writing. It was his participation in a non-government organization that gave him the first-hand experience. He was responsible in the creation of a Labor group’s newspaper, Kilos. He also organized a labor movement.

Dong’s first stint as a television writer began in ABS-CBN. During that time, he sees television to be well managed and organized. But he was culture shocked. He later knew how complicated it was to be behind the scenes. He was designated under the Special Reports, did the research and wrote for Assignment and Headlines. When asked about the atmosphere inside the station, he described it as a “dog eats dog” environment. “Palakasan”, as usual, was present. Just like the reality show Survivor, survival of the fittest principle was applied. Jealousy was in the air. Anyone would feel the discrimination of co-employees specially if new and poses a big threat to them. He quit after four years. He went back again in a non-government organization where he did the documentation of indigenous people in Special Projects for six months. He spent a year in GMA Channel 7. As the segment producer of Imbestigador, he was in charge of coordinating a portion of the show. His work ranges from conceptualizing of the right angle of the story, getting the facts and statistics. He was paid P20,000 a month compared to what he was getting at ABS-CBN and NBN, with P14,000 and P10,000, respectively. However, he claimed that not all could be earned in financial means so he decided to leave.

It’s almost been a year since he left NBN. He comes to the office as early as 4 o’clock in the morning. The producer gives the line-up. It is up to him to come up with a news item. News were obtained from the headlines of newspapers, field reporters, and radio. If necessary, a source will be contacted through phone for clarifications. The news should contain the basic information or the 5W’s. Recurrent failure to submit news item on time means termination. It should be finished three or four hours before the show goes on-air.

Robles emphasized media as influential. He claimed that he has the power to change the image of the company because he is the one who disseminates information. He also mentioned the privilege one can get in the business. Leaving the country would be easy for them. They could make connections with people who are in the position. The only disadvantage of a media practitioner working in a government owned station is the usual delay of their salary. They have no Social Security System or insurance benefits. Press freedom is relatively exercised. They could only write good things about the government. The station has set certain limitations and biases. When it comes to seniority policy, respect and trust should be applied. Reporting at office is important to avoid problems in the operations. The story may be revised or ceased for broadcast. He could suggest, but still, it depends on the decision of the producer.

Last summer, I visited NBN to apply for on-the-job training. I am happy to hear that he already transferred to another station. But I was surprised because I never expected to see him on camera. He made a big shift from being a news desk writer to a field reporter. He is currently in channel 2 (where he was first exposed to broadcasting), as a correspondent of TV Patrol World and Insider covering police beat.

Robles and I almost went in the same situation. We both chose to take a career path we really don’t like but could lead us to a better life despite of hardships. The only difference is I have my own dream. I don’t remember exactly everything he said, but the background he had taught me would be useful if ever I decided to go on television.

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