By TIMOTHY DEO LIBRES
Doing my senior internship in Manila was not my first choice. I initially planned to intern in my hometown, a decision driven by practical and personal reasons. Staying local would have significantly reduced my expenses—food, board, and lodging would be scratched off the list, making the whole experience much more affordable.
Beyond the financial reasons, I also wanted to spend more time with my parents during the summer. After living away from them for three years, I was eager to make up for lost time, and be close to them again.
But life has its way of pushing you out of your comfort zone, often through the people who know you best.
In my case, it was my supportive uncle who encouraged me to take a leap into the unknown.
He believed that interning in Manila, despite the challenges it posed, would help me grow, and set me up for the world.
His words nudged me to step into uncharted territories, leading me to the bustling, fast-paced environment of the country’s capital city.
And so I found myself interning in Manila, a decision that has since altered my mind, and which would ultimately shape my professional journey in ways I never thought.
A taste of everything
Throughout my 200-hour internship, I wasn’t just stuck in one department of the media office. Sure, my main work was in the Video Production and Advertorial departments, but I ended up doing work for other areas, too, like producing social media content.
This cross-departmental experience gave me a broader understanding of how everything comes together in a media company.
Getting involved in different departments helped me see just how collaborative media production really is. Every department plays a crucial role, and by working with different people, I got a well-rounded perspective on how content is created and delivered.
This experience also taught me to be more versatile and adaptable, skills that are super valuable in the media industry.
From scripts to socmed posts
When it came to writing, my skills were really put to the test. I had to switch gears depending on what I was working on. One of the toughest but most rewarding tasks was writing documentary scripts in Tagalog.
As someone who hardly speaks Tagalog, I had to rewire my mind, and probably asked for help from Rizal and Bonifacio.
Translating complex ideas into another language is one thing, but making sure it stays engaging and relevant? That’s a whole different ball game. I had to think about local expressions, idiomatic phrases, and cultural references to ensure the scripts connected with the audience.
I also got to write scripts and articles for social media. This was a whole new challenge—every platform has its own vibe, and I had to learn how to tailor content to fit each one.
Whether it was crafting catchy headlines, or making sure the information was presented in a way that was both clear and visually appealing, this experience really honed my writing skills.
Writing takes time
If there’s one thing I learned about writing during my internship, it’s the fact that writing is a process that requires a lot of time and effort.
I used to think writing was just about churning out words on paper or on the screen, but I quickly realized it’s so much more than that. Effective writing involves brainstorming, drafting, editing, revising—and each stage is important. Compromising one stage could be disastrous.
Giving myself enough time for each part of the process was crucial in producing content that resonated with the audience. I also learned that writing under tight deadlines requires serious time management and focus.
Taking breaks
Media production work is fast-paced and stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to meet deadlines and deliverables.
At first, I thought that powering through without taking breaks was the best way to stay on top of my work, but I quickly realized that this approach only led to burnout, and decreased productivity.
Taking power breaks, even for about 20 minutes, could spell a huge difference. Whether it was a quick walk, grabbing a snack, or simply stepping away from my computer, these moments of rest allowed me to recharge.
And when I returned to my tasks, I felt more energized, and had a clearer perspective, which helped me stay focused and creative.
Taking care of my overall well-being wasn’t just about managing stress, but it was about sustaining my productivity, and maintaining the quality of my work.
By intentionally making time for breaks, I was able to keep up with the demands of the job without sacrificing my mental and physical health.
Respecting boundaries
Lastly, one of the most important lessons I learned during my internship was the need for understanding and respecting boundaries.
This wasn’t just about sticking to working hours—though that was definitely part of it—but also about knowing the limits of my role as an intern.
Respecting work hours was key to maintaining a professional attitude, and ensuring I was fully present during my time at the company.
Managing my workload effectively was also crucial. I learned to set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and communicate with my supervisors when I needed help.
And knowing when not to overstep was just as important. By recognizing the limits of my responsibilities, I was able to contribute positively without interfering with the workflow.
Was it worth it?
Looking back, I often ask myself: Was it worth it? Was stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving behind the familiarity of home, and diving into the chaotic energy of Manila the right choice?
The answer isn’t simple, but this I can say: It was an experience that truly bent and stretched me, pushing me to become better at my craft in ways I never imagined.
Interning in Manila tested my limits, both professionally and personally. It wasn’t just about learning new skills or gaining exposure; it was about growth—often uncomfortable, sometimes overwhelming, but always life-changing.
I found myself in situations that demanded more than just technical know-how; they required resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to fail, and learn from those failures.
And through it all, I discovered a deeper passion for my work, and a new-found confidence in my abilities.
So was it worth it? Absolutely. The challenges were real, but so were the rewards.
If you as students have the means to go to Manila for your internship, I urge you to take that leap of faith. It won’t be easy—that’s for sure — and it might even scare you a little, but it will also open doors you never knew existed, and shape you in ways you never thought possible.
Simply trust the process, embrace the discomfort, and watch yourself grow into a better version of yourself.
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Tim Libres is a Masscom senior and a dedicated student leader with a strong record of academic excellence. As the former vice president of the SU Student Government, he has championed major initiatives that have a lasting impact in campus. He also served as member of the SU Corps of Campus Ambassadors. A consistent honor student throughout his academic journey, he recently completed an internship program at RepublicAsia Media Inc., further honing his skills in the media industry.
Author’s email: [email protected]
