Know my English at a Competency Seminar

Had a fun time reuniting with former Manila Bulletin colleague and close friend, Shirley Matias-Pizarro, who invited me to speak at an English Competency Seminar held at The Bunker, the provincial capitol in Balanga City, Bataan September 17. 

The Bunker is quite a sight to behold for a government structure. It is a modern, seven-story edifice surrounded by glass walls, the seat of the provincial government. Looking up from the lobby, you see a seemingly endless circular pattern that goes round and round, providing the perfect angle for a photo shoot, so Instagrammable.    

Per Ms. Shirley, I was asked to talk about Technical Writing, News and Feature Writing. The task brought me back to my teaching days, 20 years, at UST’s journalism school, that I now miss. In its place, I now accept invites to speak in seminars on writing, copy editing, English composition, media relations. Anything this old man, who has been there, done that, yet never fully retired in a rocking chair, could do in his spare time, between deadlines and farming, while hoping for the grandchildren to come one day soon.   

Shirley is now based with husband Bong and family in her home province, Bataan, and works as consultant in the Public Information Office of the province headed by Ms. Angel Lara. Bong himself is head of Metropolitan Bataan Development Administration, the equivalent of our own MMDA. 

I had a good time connecting with information officers and assorted LGU workers from all over Bataan as I critiqued their works. Like good sportsmen, they thanked me profusely at the end of the day, unmindful that I had often been too frank or straightforward in my comments.

Then again, that’s the way to go if we have to learn our lessons well. We learned that way, tough- love style, during our mentorship under strict professors, who, in their disgust, nearly tore our copies apart.

Senior editors in newsrooms mangled our submissions in red ink and raped our pride until we could come close to perfecting them after having been broken many times over. It shouldn’t be any different in this troubled, disturbed, distracted time of ours. 

Thank you also to Provincial Board Member Tony Roman, who spearheaded the seminar-workshop in an effort to make Bataan more globally competitive through the proficient use of the English language. Through him, I extended my regards to Rep. Geraldine, his sister.

When in Bataan, don’t forget to bring home Merly’s bibinca, so delicious with its thick, overflowing, melted latik, and Geno’s signature  taro ice cream, one to die for. Jesus Christ! Thanks for these, Shimat.

I swear enjoying these goodies can be enough for anyone to speak, read and write better English.