The Ultimate Gathering of Future Media Giants: 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention 2025 Unveiled!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention 2025, organized by TRAC PHILIPPINES (Transforming Advocates and Champions, Inc.), is taking place today, from March 9 to 11, 2025, at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Manila. This three-day event aims to empower student journalists by emphasizing the critical role of upholding human rights in a democratic society.

Event Overview

Theme: Empowering Journalists' Voices: Upholding Human Rights in Democratic Society

Dates: March 9, 2025 (11:00 AM) – March 11, 2025 (12:00 NN)

Venue: Manila Grand Opera Hotel, City of Manila, National Capital Region

Participants: The convention expects to host between 300 to 350 participants, including college and senior & junior high student journalists, student affairs practitioners, student organization advisers, and club moderators from approximately 75 to 100 schools, colleges, and universities across the Philippines.

Organizational Background

Established in 2018, TRAC PHILIPPINES is a non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Youth Commission's Youth Organization Registration Program (NYC-YORP). The organization specializes in comprehensive development training, focusing on transformational and purpose-driven leadership. One of its core tenets is the promotion of Republic Act No. 7079, known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which underscores the importance of campus journalism in fostering freedom of expression and information dissemination.

Convention Highlights

The convention features a robust program designed to enrich the skills and perspectives of budding journalists:

Plenary Sessions: Esteemed speakers from the Philippine media landscape will address participants, sharing insights and experiences relevant to the convention's theme.

Competitions: Student journalists will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in various categories, including editorial writing, news writing, feature writing, sports news writing, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, documentary vlogging, and best student publication paper (digital).

Workshops: Interactive sessions, such as photography workshops, will provide hands-on experience, allowing participants to hone their craft under the guidance of industry professionals.

Solidarity Night: A cultural evening designed to foster camaraderie and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of the participants, strengthening the community of campus journalists.

Significance in the Current Global Context

The convention's focus on empowering journalists and upholding human rights is particularly pertinent given recent global events:

Global Advocacy for Press Freedom: Organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and PEN America continue to champion the rights of journalists worldwide. RSF, for instance, works tirelessly to defend freedom of information, providing daily briefings on threats to media freedom and publishing the annual World Press Freedom Index, which assesses the state of media freedom in 180 countries. 

Similarly, PEN America's Free Expression programs defend writers and journalists, focusing on issues such as fraudulent news and media literacy, and advocating for free speech in educational institutions. 

Challenges in Authoritarian Regimes: In countries like Azerbaijan, there has been an intensification of repression against journalists and human rights defenders. Ahead of hosting the U.N. climate conference COP29, Azerbaijan faced accusations of escalating its crackdown on freedom of speech, with multiple journalists and activists detained under dubious charges. 

Such incidents highlight the ongoing struggles faced by journalists in authoritarian regimes.

Sanctuaries for Exiled Journalists: Initiatives like the House of Critical Voices in Schmerwitz, Germany, provide safe havens for exiled journalists, photographers, and social media activists from various countries. This project underscores the vital need to protect press freedom and support threatened journalists in their efforts to report on human rights abuses. 

Conclusion

The 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention 2025 serves as a pivotal platform for nurturing the next generation of journalists in the Philippines. By focusing on the intersection of journalism and human rights, the convention not only equips participants with essential skills but also instills a deep appreciation for the role of a free press in sustaining democratic societies. In a world where press freedoms are continually challenged, such initiatives are crucial in empowering journalists to uphold truth and justice.

Here is the schedule of activities for the 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention 2025:

March 9, 2025 | Sunday

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration of Participants

Opening Ceremony

1:00 – 1:30 PM

National Anthem

Ecumenical Prayer

TRAC AVP

1:30 – 1:40 PM

Opening Production

1:40 – 3:00 PM

Welcome Message

Opening Remarks

Introduction of Delegates

3:00 – 4:00 PM

Plenary Session 1: Keynote Speaker

Ms. Ging Reyes (Former Head of Integrated News and Current Affairs, ABS-CBN)

4:00 – 4:30 PM

Awarding and Photo Op

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Check-In

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Student Competitions:

Editorial Writing

News Writing

Feature Writing

Sports News Writing

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Dinner

March 10, 2025 | Monday

6:00 – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 – 8:30 AM

Recap of First Day

Animation

8:30 – 10:30 AM

Student Competitions:

Editorial Cartooning

Photojournalism

Documentary Vlog

Best Student Publication Paper (Digital)

10:30 – 12:00 NN

Parallel Session 1: Photography Workshop

Resource Speaker 1:

DJ Jhaiho (Radio DJ and Television Host)

12:00 – 1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 – 1:30 PM

Gathering of Participants

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Resource Speaker 2:

Ms. Jing Castañeda (Broadcaster | Advocate | Storyteller)

Topic: "Tradigital Journalism (Traditional & Digital)"

2:30 – 2:45 PM

Forum

2:45 – 3:45 PM

Resource Speaker 3:

Mr. Paolo Del Rosario (Filipino Sports Broadcaster and Host)

Topic: "Content with a Purpose: Nation-Building through Sports"

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Forum

4:00 – 4:45 PM

Resource Speaker 4:

Ms. Jacque Manabat (Independent Journalist | Investigative & Data Reporter | Content Creator)

Topic: "Storytelling for Social Media"

4:45 – 5:00 PM

Forum

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Preparation for Solidarity/Cultural Night

6:30 – 7:00 PM

Dinner

7:00 – 10:00 PM

Solidarity Night 2025

Deadline of Judging Entries

March 11, 2025 | Tuesday

6:00 – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 – 8:30 AM

Animation

8:30 – 9:15 AM

Closing Message:

CJ Maria Lourdes Sereno (Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines)

9:15 – 11:00 AM

Awarding and Closing Ceremony:

Participating Schools

Judges

Student Competitions Winners

Editorial Writing

News Writing

Feature Writing

Sports News Writing

Editorial Cartooning

Photojournalism

Documentary Vlog

Best Student Publication Paper

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Synthesis of the Convention

11:30 – 12:00 NN

Evaluation and Photo-Op

12:00 NN

Home Sweet Home

This schedule ensures a well-rounded learning experience for participants, combining expert discussions, hands-on competitions, and cultural engagements.

Fleeing the Inevitable? Duterte Father-Daughter Duo Mysteriously Exit PH Amid ICC Arrest Rumors!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In recent developments, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, have reportedly left the country for Hong Kong amidst escalating legal challenges and political shifts. Their departures coincide with increasing speculation about potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte's administration.

Rodrigo Duterte's Departure

On March 6, 2025, Rodrigo Duterte departed from Davao City to Manila aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR-2829, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 approximately two hours later. The following morning, March 7, he boarded flight PR 300 to Hong Kong, departing at 8:42 AM. This sequence of events has fueled discussions about his intentions and the timing of his travel.

Sara Duterte's Subsequent Exit

Following her father's departure, Vice President Sara Duterte left the Philippines on March 8, 2025. She took Philippine Airlines flight PR 318 from NAIA Terminal 1 at around 10:00 AM, also heading to Hong Kong. The back-to-back exits of the Duterte father-daughter duo have intensified public interest and speculation regarding their motives.

ICC Investigation and Potential Arrest Warrants

The backdrop to these departures is the ongoing investigation by the ICC into alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte's aggressive anti-drug campaign during his presidency. The campaign, which began in 2016, has been criticized for widespread extrajudicial killings. While official reports cite approximately 6,200 deaths, human rights organizations argue that the actual number could be significantly higher. 

In a notable shift, the current Philippine administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the ICC's proceedings. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated that discussions with the ICC could commence soon, marking a departure from the previous administration's stance of non-cooperation. 

Sara Duterte's Legal Challenges

Vice President Sara Duterte is also under scrutiny. Former police officer and self-proclaimed member of the Davao Death Squad, Arturo Lascañas, has implicated her in orchestrating widespread killings in Davao City during her tenure as mayor. These allegations have contributed to the Articles of Impeachment filed against her by the House of Representatives, with a Senate trial scheduled for July 2025.

Political Ramifications and the Duterte Dynasty

The Duterte family's political stronghold appears to be waning. Once a dominant force in Philippine politics, they now face multiple legal battles that threaten their legacy and influence. Allies of the Dutertes, such as televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, have also been implicated in serious crimes, including sex trafficking, further tarnishing their reputation. 

Adding to their challenges, the Marcos administration, initially aligned with the Dutertes, has shown signs of distancing itself. President Marcos Jr. has indicated that the government would comply with any international arrest warrants issued by the ICC concerning the drug war. 

Conclusion

The simultaneous departures of Rodrigo and Sara Duterte to Hong Kong come at a critical juncture, as both face mounting legal pressures domestically and internationally. The evolving political landscape in the Philippines suggests a potential decline of the Duterte dynasty, with forthcoming legal proceedings poised to shape the nation's future trajectory.

*Images from Ano'ng Meron of Tagapagmulat

Manila International Airport Authority’s New Logo: A Comprehensive Look at the Design, the Reactions, and a Proposed Redesign

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) recently marked its 43rd anniversary by unveiling a new logo and visual identity. The design, showcased on the MIAA’s official social media accounts, aims to represent the country’s aviation sector with an eagle motif integrated with elements of the Philippine flag. As with many government rebranding efforts, the reveal sparked mixed reactions—from admiration and national pride to criticism and suggestions for improvement. Here’s a deep dive into what happened, what people are saying, and how a proposed redesign offers a fresh perspective on MIAA’s visual branding.

Old Logo

New Logo

1. The Official Unveiling and Immediate Reactions

When MIAA launched its new logo, it did so with the intent to symbolize flight, progress, and national identity. The eagle, widely regarded as a symbol of strength, was merged with the sun and colors of the Philippine flag (blue, red, yellow, and white). Official statements from MIAA emphasized the logo’s patriotic elements and its alignment with the agency’s commitment to providing world-class airport services.

Public Feedback

Patriotic Appeal: Some praised the new identity for reflecting Filipino pride, highlighting the eagle and flag-inspired color palette.

Visual Concerns: Others criticized the design for overlapping colors that might pose challenges in certain print applications and monochrome conversions.

Overuse of the Eagle Motif: A number of commenters pointed out that many Philippine government agencies have recently opted for eagle or bird imagery in their logos, leading to a sense of repetition and confusion.

2. Why Some Prefer the Old “MNL” Logo

Before this rebrand, some individuals had grown fond of the simpler “MNL” design used in certain airport materials. They argue that the old concept was already sleek, memorable, and instantly recognizable—especially for international travelers used to IATA airport codes.

“Angas pa din yung dati nila na MNL for me,”

one commenter shared, emphasizing that the older look felt modern and was already serving its purpose.

Additionally, some critics lament that changing an already functional design could be an unnecessary expense for the agency. They suggest that if MIAA truly wanted a fresh direction, they might have explored more distinct concepts (like incorporating an airplane silhouette) instead of returning to the ubiquitous eagle motif.

3. Critiques of the New Logo’s Execution

Beyond general opinions, design professionals and enthusiasts have shared specific technical feedback:

Color Overload

Using more than three colors in a logo can make it visually busy. The official design includes green, blue, red, and yellow in certain renderings, which some argue breaks a widely accepted best practice in logo creation.

Overlapping Elements

The eagle’s wings overlap with the sun, leading to potential issues in printing, especially in monochrome or grayscale formats. The overlapping colors may also clash visually.

Readability of Text

The official design places “Manila International Airport Authority” around or near the emblem, resulting in a lengthy text that can be hard to incorporate neatly in smaller applications. Critics suggest separating the text from the main icon to maintain clarity.

Use of Stock Imagery

Some observers suspect the eagle illustration may have originated from a stock image. While there is nothing inherently wrong with licensed art, detractors point out that a government agency’s logo should ideally be a unique symbol crafted from scratch—emphasizing authenticity, originality, and brand identity.

4. A Proposed Redesign: Familiar Elements, Refined Execution

Amid the buzz, a design professional (referred to here as “RGB Designs”) shared a proposed rework of the MIAA logo. This version retains the eagle and Philippine flag elements but arranges them with cleaner lines, more balanced proportions, and a text layout that is easier to read. The aim is to showcase how small changes in execution can make a big difference in clarity and impact.

Key Features of the Proposed Redesign

Streamlined Color Palette

By using the same flag colors more strategically, the redesign minimizes potential clashes.

Clear Separation of Symbol and Text

The eagle-and-sun emblem is distinct from the “Manila International Airport Authority” text, ensuring both elements remain legible.

No Overlapping Elements

This approach addresses criticisms about print issues and visual clutter.

Original Artwork

The designer emphasizes originality, steering away from stock imagery to create a more unique identity.

5. Design Subjectivity vs. Best Practices

It’s important to acknowledge that logo design—like all art—is subjective. What resonates with one audience may not appeal to another. However, there are common best practices in branding:

Simplicity and Versatility: A logo should look good in various sizes and across different mediums, from large-scale billboards to small digital icons.

Distinctiveness: It must stand out from other logos in the market, especially among government agencies that often share similar themes.

Memorability: A strong brand mark leaves a lasting impression, connecting easily with the organization’s name and purpose.

Appropriateness: The imagery should relate to the organization’s function—in this case, aviation.

While the official MIAA logo meets some of these criteria, the public discourse highlights areas for potential refinement, such as reducing color complexity, ensuring uniqueness, and avoiding overlapping elements.

6. Comparisons to Other Government Rebrands

Some commenters have compared MIAA’s new logo to other recent government rebranding efforts—most notably, the controversial Pagcor redesign. Many argue that the MIAA update is more cohesive and visually appealing, but the recurring bird/eagle motif among different agencies can be confusing when viewed together.

“To be fair, the official one isn’t as bad as the Pagcor design. Mas firm sa shape and form yung official.”

7. Moving Forward: Embracing Feedback and Future Adjustments

Rebranding can be a lengthy process, often involving multiple revisions based on stakeholder input. Whether MIAA decides to stick with its newly unveiled emblem or refine it further, it’s clear that public interest is high. The discussion around originality, practicality, and aesthetics underscores how important design choices are—especially for an agency that welcomes millions of passengers each year.

Could the “MNL” Mark Be Retained?

Some stakeholders still advocate for integrating “MNL,” seeing it as both iconic and functional. MIAA might explore combining the new eagle-and-sun motif with the well-known airport code, ensuring the best of both worlds: national pride and international recognizability.

8. Conclusion

The Manila International Airport Authority’s new logo has ignited a spirited conversation about design principles, brand identity, and the fine line between national symbolism and visual redundancy. While the official version symbolizes patriotism and modernity, critiques from netizens and design professionals highlight concerns about color usage, overlapping elements, and the reliance on an eagle motif that many find overused in government branding.

A proposed redesign demonstrates how retaining key elements can still yield a cleaner, more cohesive result. Ultimately, the MIAA’s next steps—whether they embrace the new logo as is, integrate public feedback for revisions, or reintroduce the “MNL” code—will be closely watched. In the world of branding, few things are more valuable than a clear, memorable mark that unites function and aesthetic. For an international airport authority representing the Philippines on a global stage, it’s a conversation well worth having.