I DOCUMENTED A PLATINUM BIRTHDAY AND GOT A MUSCLE FATIGUE IN MY FEET: A JOURNALISM DIARY🌸✍️

Right after our recruitment video shoot, we headed immediately back to the office to relax our wearied bodies. We were very tired from the documentation that morning, so we had to rest in the office as we waited for the next coverage in the following hours. If you’ve read my previous blog, you would know it was our school president's platinum birthday celebration, and a ton of things happened during the program.

For the concluding event, after students paraded for ice cream, the teachers prepared a memorable program for the celebrant and requested us to be the official media team. I was already tired from the morning and lunch activities but still said yes, because my love for the work is greater than the exhaustion it gives me.

We had a light dinner in the office, and right after finishing, the program started.

We immediately descended to the venue so we wouldn’t miss a single moment. Everyone was seated, and the emcees waited for the signal to serenade the president with party poppers and laughter.

Soon, he made his joyous entrance—a rare moment to see him smile. Colorful confetti flew around him, and I captured a good shot, not perfect but still worth keeping.

Onstage, the president sat like a man of wisdom, surrounded by people whose lives he helped build. Many messages were coated with deep gratitude, as most of them lived more comfortably because of his generosity.

A funny moment followed with the raffle draw. Everyone’s names were included, and each time the emcee pulled a paper, the crowd held their breath. The winners rushed excitedly to the stage when they heard prizes like “Free ticket to Cebu Safari,” “Channel,” and “Louis Vuitton”—only to be humorously tricked. The Cebu Safari ticket was just a cracker called “Safari,” “Channel” turned out to be “tsinelas” (slippers), and “Vuitton” was simply “buttons.” While photographing, I couldn’t help but laugh secretly but loudly.

The games continued, and the teachers played “Bring Me to Jerusalem” with odd requests like taking a selfie with the president or finding a GCash account with no less than 5,000 pesos.

Afterward, dinner was served. The line was long, showing just how many joined the party—teachers, student officers, journalists, faculty, guests, and working scholars. The food was delicious, especially the iconic Cebuano lechon, which truly completed the feast. That night, our diets were completely deactivated.

Then it was back to work. I took photos of the invited band, which included one of my closest friends—also a Hive user. We stood in the center for five hours straight, with dinner as our only break. I was so tired I wanted to cry and go home, but duty called, and as adults, we must show up. Luckily, my closest co-journalist was with me for emotional support when things got overwhelming.

Different departments showcased their talents—singing, dancing, acting, and band performances. They were lively enough to capture the reason for the celebration and entertain the president.

During the unity dance, I even joined in while clicking the camera. It was chaotic photography but fun and memorable. Everyone laughed and danced with their silly sides revealed.

The night ended with the giving of gifts to the president, symbolizing his kindness and impact. A balloon drop concluded the program, releasing green balloons that filled every corner of the venue.

Afterward, we were supposed to clean the files, but performers and guests asked for exclusive photos, so we had no choice but to give them what they wanted. From 10 in the morning until 10 at night, we stood and worked as student journalists.

Eventually, my feet ached from muscle fatigue, and I was sobbing in pain when I got home.

It was one of the most tiring days of our journalism experience, but the satisfaction gently embraced the exhaustion. We always complain about how tiring the work is, yet we still do it again and again—because we love it too much to trade for anything else.

It was indeed a long duty in journalism, and I gained another fresh experience of what life truly is. That’s all for this blog, dearest readers, and I deeply appreciate your time reading. May your life be as joyful as the event I shared, and may you continue chasing the happy moments waiting around the corner.

This is Whosee, and this is my Journalism Diary.