Editors from the international Adventist magazine, Adventist World, flew in from Maryland, USA, to conduct a writing seminar at the Central Luzon Conference (CLC) in Malabon City last November 11-12, 2009.
Dr. Roy Adams, associate editor, and Pastor Stephen Chavez, managing editor, lectured on writing news and personal profiles, and turning sermons to articles.
Photo: APC
Both pastors also delivered devotional messages to inspire the 117 participants, who represented 22 publications from key Adventist institutions throughout the Philippines.
Why Not?
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) through its Communication dDirector, Dr. Jonathan Catolico, organized the free seminar to encourage Adventist writers to contribute not just to local publications, but also to major, international ones.
"They may have stringent standards, but why not?," said Dr. Catolico. "It is my responsibility and joy to create a pool of Adventist writers."
He Catolico mentioned that preparations for the event has started way back in 2007 through Bill Knot, editor in chief of Adventist World.
Asked what motivated him to come to the Philippines, Dr. Adams said, "there was an invitation and we sensed the need."
DVD resource persons
Pastor Romeo Mangiliman, North Philippine Union Conference (NPUC) Communication director, Pastor Carmelito Galang Jr., CLC president, Pastor Benjamin Casimiro, CLC executive secretary, and Jessie Calera, treasurer, welcomed the delegates to the seminar.
Aside from Dr. Adams and Pastor Chavez, other members of the Adventist World editorial staff also participated in the seminar through a DVD recording of their lectures.
Kimberly Maran, assistant editor, talked about "Writing for Humans-and How to Make It an A+ Effort."
Wilona Karimabadi, editorial and Kids View marketing director, taught participants how to produce "Kid-Centered/Kid-Friendly Publications."
Other DVD resources were: Sandra Blackmer, assistant editor, on feature writing; Carlos Medly, online editor, on writing for the Internet; and the husband-and-wife team of Gerald and Chantal Klingbeil on integrating academic research and writing for publication. Bill Knot also presented possible motivations for Adventists to write.
Encouragement and learning
Beth de Belen-Casel, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Philanthropic Services dDirector, said she was grateful for the encouragement she received from the speakers and from the seminar itself.
"Many people said I am a good speaker. If I can speak, then I can write," Casel explained.
When given the chance to react to the sessions, she Casel said, "I think tomorrow I'll submit my article."
Felino Tan from Pasay Adventist Church (PAC) claimed that the seminar "rekindled in my heart the desire to write."
Not just writing per se
Meanwhile, eight student writers from the Manila Adventist Medical Center and Colleges (MAMC & C) excused themselves from their classes for two days to attend the seminar.
Lilia Florentia Openiano, a fourth-year nursing student and editor in chief of MAC Traces, found the seminar "very good," since it also served as a venue to address their concerns as student journalists.
Nathanlie Baldoza, an editorial assistant of Philippine Publishing House, also appreciated this aspect of the seminar.
"It wasn't just all about writing per se. We were also able to discuss the things that we should and should not write about."
Participants from far away
Nang Do Dal, treasurer of Myanmar Union Mission (MUM), also stayed for the seminar after a meeting at the SSD.
Since he also wrote circulars and reports on church news and events for the MUM, he said the seminar was very helpful to him.
"I like the tips on usage of words. The seminar taught me to be careful in speaking and in writing."
Four delegates from the Southern Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) also came for the seminar.
Matilde Benito, head of the Children's Ministries and Communication departments of Zamboanga Peninsula Mission, said they learned of the event through a circular from the SSD.
Benito said they found the seminar "very productive and informative."
Farewell Gifts
The CLC Media Team headed by Pastor Petronio M. Genebago, Communication director, which helped host and prepare for the event, gave farewell gifts to Dr. Adams, Pastor Chavez, and the rest of the Adventist World editorial staff at the end of the seminar.
Asked about how his assessment of the participants, Pastor Chavez said they were "very engaged and very involved."
He also encouraged every church member to write for the Adventist World or the Adventist Review.
"We'd like to hear from people," he said.
Aside from awarding them a commemorative plaque bearing a poem written by Armon Perez -Tolenetino, the CLC Media Team also gave the guest speakers miniature Philippine symbols like the jeepney.