CAMPUS JOURNALISTS RISE: MASTERCLASS 2025 UNFOLDS TWO DAYS OF BRILLIANCE AND BREAKTHROUGHS

Justine Mae Berceles Carino

Baguio City, BENGUET–Against the highland chill of Session Road and beneath the storied arches of the University of the Cordilleras (UC), the ink bled brighter, and the voices rang sharper as the Campus Journalism Masterclass 2025 kicked off on May 28–29. The two-day event, hosted at UC’s BRS Building, Room U401, was more than a seminar—it was a declaration that student journalism is alive and thriving

Organized by The Alternative, UC’s official student publication, the masterclass provided a crucial platform for aspiring campus journalists to refine their craft under the theme “Ask. Learn. Tell. Empower.” Representatives from various college publications—Sleuth (CCJE), PSS Manifesto (CAS), Eureka (CBA), Les Aconter (COA), and more—came together in pursuit of sharpening their reportage skills and strengthening journalistic integrity within the institution.

A Gathering of Minds

The event commenced with welcome remarks from Ms. Jennifer Malayo, SDW Officer, followed by technical briefings led by The Alternative’s dedicated adviser, Mr. Jefferson Delmendo. Setting the tone for the masterclass, the lineup of lectures tackled a broad spectrum of journalism fields, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive learning experience.

Day One focused on editorial depth and technical prowess. Heavyweights in the UC journalism scene, including Lehjane Krisel Layagan and Zheann Angelada, unraveled the art of opinion writing in both English and Filipino. Feature writing, development communication, and news writing found their champions in Precious Sanchez, Rasbemae Sapitula, and Kinu Cabading, while Jennylyn Carbonell infused sports and literary writing with vigor and purpose.

Day Two was a celebration of creativity, spotlighting the artistic side of journalism. Marcela Sofia Solis led an engaging session on editorial cartooning, followed by Maria Orcullo and Nicole Juliane Aboy, who explored the intricate world of comic strip and literary graphics illustration. Juryvee Sison and Krhianne Dale Velasquez broke down the nuances of layouting, culminating in a powerful discourse on photojournalism led by Chantal Vega.

A Stage for Talent: Workshops and Competitions

Mid-afternoon of Day Two marked the transition from theory to execution as participants engaged in simultaneous workshops, putting their newfound skills to the test. The resulting outputs were nothing short of remarkable—artful, analytical, and impactful. Judges deliberated on the pieces, recognizing the standout talents across various journalism categories.

Top 5 Winners: Mastering the Craft

News Writing: Aidalyn S. Umaming (Les Aconter, COA) led with her sharp, well-grounded reporting, with notable performances by Julius Caesar T. Calias (Sleuth, CCJE), Kastledale T. Mabutas (PSS Manifesto, CAS), and Monday M. Cortez (Eureka, CBA).

Editorial & Column Writing: CAS’s Jimrose S. Gramaje topped the category, with impressive contributions from Arfiele Zhairome L. Ramiscal (Les Aconter, COA) and Zander Lex S. Panelo (Sleuth, CCJE).

Editorial Cartooning: Samia M. Wadwadan (Sleuth, CCJE) claimed victory, with creative entries from John Paul M. Elizarde (PSS Manifesto, CAS) and Justine Mae B. Cariño (Eureka, CBA).

Feature Writing: PSS Manifesto, CAS’s Jameelah G. Sison excelled, followed closely by Deseerich Micah B. Catalan (Les Aconter, COA), Jesse Manuel A. Pimentel (Sleuth, CCJE), and Justine Mae B. Cariño (Eureka, CBA).

Poetry Writing (English): Excelling within the English Category, Justine Mae B. Cariño (Eureka, CBA) usurps the strongest tongue of literacy, followed by Chirish Mae E. Coltong (Sleuth, CCJE), Jameelah G. Sison (PSS Manifesto, CAS), Mark Vincent G. Vidad (Les Aconter, COA) and Dwayne Kendall L. Bartolome (CTE), each offering their own poetic truths.

Poetry Writing (Filipino): With poetic finesse in the Filipino Category, Julius Caesar T. Calias (Sleuth, CCJE) emerged as the champion, followed next by Zander Lex S. Panelo (Sleuth, CCJE), Jesse Manuel A. Pimentel (Sleuth, CCJE), Rodancel G. Gudchar Jr. (Eureka, CBA), and Nichole P. Antonio (Eureka, CBA) solidifying their prowess in verse and language.

Celebrating Excellence: Individual and Collective Triumphs

Earning the highest individual points was none other than Justine Mae B. Cariño (Eureka, CBA), proving her versatility across multiple categories. Close behind was Jameelah G. Sison (PSS Manifesto, CAS) and Zander Lex S. Panelo (Sleuth, CCJE), whose contributions resonated deeply across editorial and poetry contests.

Judges—including Ave Joie Malidom, Jiro Maeda Dela Cruz, Anthony Cedric Navalta, Precious Sanchez, Rasbemae Sapitula, and Avedrick Valencia—commended the ingenuity and growth showcased throughout the masterclass.

Finding Confidence in the Spotlight: Reflections Celebrating Excellence: Individual and Collective Triumphs

Earning the highest individual points was none other than Justine Mae B. Cariño (Eureka, CBA), proving her versatility across multiple categories. Close behind were Jameelah G. Sison (PSS Manifesto, CAS) and Zander Lex S. Panelo (Sleuth, CCJE), whose contributions resonated deeply across editorial and poetry contests.

Meanwhile, the College of Criminal Justice Education secured its place as the top-performing college, followed by the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Accountancy, each represented by remarkable student journalists who exhibited exceptional skills.
Judges—including Ave Joie Malidom, Jiro Maeda Dela Cruz, Anthony Cedric Navalta, Precious Sanchez, Rasbemae Sapitula, and Avedrick Valencia—commended the ingenuity and growth showcased throughout the masterclass.

Finding Confidence in the Spotlight: Reflections

For Kinu Cabading, an Alternative feature writer, hosting for the first time meant managing the entire program under immense pressure. “I was unsure how to handle it at first, having only worked on technical aspects before. But I’m incredibly happy that I pulled through,” he shared, grateful for the opportunity to join the platform and gain the chance to amplify voices within the student journalism sphere.

Similarly, Marcela Sofia Solis, another Alternative officer for layout and editorial cartooning, saw hosting as an avenue for self-growth. “I’m very introverted, so I wanted to challenge myself—almost like exposure therapy. At first, I struggled, but eventually, I got used to it,” she reflected, appreciating the opportunity to meet and connect with new people within the program.

Meanwhile, Justine Carino, one of the five representatives from Eureka Publication (CBA), arrived with a simple goal to fulfill a course requirement. However, the event quickly became an eye-opening experience. “I didn’t come here to be the best—I came here to learn. The exercises challenged what I thought I already knew, and that anxiety turned into something meaningful,” she said. Unexpected awards reinforced the value of experimentation and growth, shifting her focus toward what comes next.

A Celebration of The Pen Living On

As cameras clicked and farewells were exchanged, the Campus Journalism Masterclass 2025 ended on a high note—participants left with enriched perspectives, sharpened skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. Workshops concluded and awards were presented, thus The Alternative reaffirmed its commitment to fostering journalistic excellence. The event was not merely a lesson in reporting and writing; it was a movement, a declaration that truth-telling and empowerment belong in the hands of the youth.

Through ink-stained notebooks and glowing computer screens, from Sleuth’s investigative edge to Eureka’s prose, from Manifesto’s fearless narratives to Les Aconter’s poetic reflections—the masterclass proved that student journalism is not just about telling stories. It is about telling them Well. Thus, from in-depth reporting to creative storytelling, the Campus Journalism Masterclass 2025 became a testament to student journalists’ power in shaping narratives and amplifying voices.