Finding Magic in the Unexpected: Trusting God's Plan
When Ninoy Aquino Day was moved from Wednesday to Friday, I was so determined to make the most out of this rare four-day weekend. I begged my mom to book a trip as I wanted to go diving in Anilao, Batangas. Unfortunately, every option was either unavailable or overpriced, leaving me utterly devastated. My weekend was now completely ruined!
On the night of August 19, however, an opportunity to still have a fun, productive weekend presented itself when I was allowed to join a journalism competition. With just four days to go, I registered and became an official participant in the 22nd Word Cup and Seventh Journalism Masterclass, held in Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel from August 24 to 25. My mom, eager to support me despite the late notice, even ended up overpaying for the booking. Thus began the story of my first-ever journalism competition, where I participated as both a photojournalist and a mobile journalist.
After a three-hour Saturday morning drive from Manila to Zambales, we arrived at the hotel right in time for the opening program. We were a group of nine students (another one joined us later that night) and two teachers who promptly took their participant IDs, kits, and seats to join the orientation. After the schedule of the workshops and competitions was laid out for us, everyone headed off to their own separate sessions. That evening, I found myself scrambling to submit my photo entries for the Photojournalism competition before the 7 PM deadline. A range of shots—landscapes, portraits, group photos, and action shots—had to be captured during the press conference and the Pamulaklakin trail hike that we joined that afternoon. Thankfully, my friend and News Writing participant, Jaden Concepcion, volunteered to help design my slides. Together, we crafted a layout we were both proud of, submitted our final product, and shared a surge of excitement for the upcoming awards happening the next day.
As a way of tempering our growing anticipation, we again partnered in editing my video entry for the Mobile Journalism competition, due at 8 AM the next day. Our task was to create a striking video for YouTube, but because I was juggling both workshops, I didn’t catch that it had to be a news report. That’s one way to keep things interesting! Jaden and I got to work on his laptop using CapCut—it was my first time using the software as I usually work with Adobe Premiere Pro on my PC.
The next morning, I had set multiple alarms for 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise, but somehow, I managed to sleep through all of them. When I finally woke up, the clock glared a big 6:50 AM in my face, and panic was starting to set in as the submission deadline approached. One of the other participants with me, Senior High School student and Daloy Editor Bianca Sy, offered helpful feedback and assistance that significantly improved the quality of the final output. By 7:55 AM, my friend and I were still rendering the video. With only seconds to spare, we finally exported the file and submitted it–right on time.
With a sense of relief, I took a break while the others went to other workshops like Science Writing as well as Copyreading and Headline Writing. After a delicious lunch, the awarding ceremony finally started, and we were all on edge, barely keeping it together while waiting for the results. I watched many members of our delegation go up the stage and receive awards in their respective categories. As time passed, I grew more anxious over whether I might secure a win. By God’s grace, I was called to receive a bronze in Mobile Journalism even though I had submitted an AVP travel video rather than the required news report. I was also thrilled to win two silver medals in the Photojournalism competition, where I featured the trail and conference held on the first day.
Still flabbergasted by my wins on our drive home, I realized that sometimes, the plans we make for ourselves don’t always work, and instead, we find that what God has planned leads us to unexpected yet more fulfilling paths. This adventure taught me not to be too rigid with my own plans and to remain open to other opportunities. I didn't intend to join this competition at first (or at all, to be honest), but when I did, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Just like what my friend and fellow participant Samuel Wang said in the van, “It’s not about the destination, but the journey.” By taking this step into the unknown, I understood how God's plan always works for our good, even if it leads us in a different direction from where we intended to go. I may have gotten tons of mosquito bites—eight, to be exact!—but still, the entire experience was exhilarating. This journey was insightful and filled with valuable takeaways; winning a few medals was just the icing on the cake.
I hope my story will inspire you during times you feel uninspired. Sometimes, the best experiences come when we let go and trust the journey that’s been set before us.