A JOURNALIST’S role goes far beyond writing and reporting. It involves seeking truth, verifying facts, and telling stories that inform and inspire the public. To strengthen these core values in today’s fast-changing media landscape, Manila Standard launched its Masterclass Series + Vertical Video Challenge on October 25, 2025, with the theme “Fact to Reels.”
The initiative aims to equip aspiring and professional journalists with essential skills and ethical grounding needed in modern journalism. The sessions focused on the fundamentals of writing news and opinion pieces, the importance of fact-checking, adherence to ethical standards, and adapting storytelling to digital platforms. Through this program, Manila Standard underscored that being a journalist today means more than reporting—it’s about being a responsible truth-teller in the age of reels and rapid information.
The Masterclass gathered students from various universities, including Rizal Technological University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, as well as communication officers and social media heads from different organizations.
The sessions featured discussions led by Ms. Joyce Pañares, who tackled news writing and the importance of fact-checking, and Ms. Adelle Chua, who emphasized the standards and ethics of opinion writing. At the end of the program, participants took part in the Vertical Video Challenge, which tasked them to deliver verified information in under a minute—reflecting the fast-paced and visual nature of modern journalism.
“If you don’t have the passion for this field, go and learn… In journalism, deadlines are everything—you can’t wait for inspiration; you just have to work and submit your story right on the dot. Passion and energy are what keep a journalist going despite all the hardships,” said Mr. Rolando Estabillo, President of Manila Standard, underscoring the importance of passion in journalism.
Journalism is a profession deeply intertwined with passion and purpose. It is not merely about writing, reporting, or attending events—it is about carrying the responsibility of truth. A true journalist approaches every story with dedication, integrity, and empathy, understanding that their words have the power to shape perspectives and influence change.
One participant, Elisha from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, shared, “News writing should be done with credibility and reliability, while opinion writing should be based on facts, verified information, and real-life situations or events.” The reflection echoed the participants’ growing awareness of how responsible reporting plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust and preventing misinformation.
Another participant added that the Masterclass taught them the value of research and fact-checking in today’s digital media environment. “We learned how important it is to make sure that what we post is accurate and verified,” one attendee said. “Through this program, we now know how to find credible sources and deliver our stories clearly so people can truly understand the message we want to share.”
Furthermore, Mr. Estabillo reminded participants of the discipline required in the field: “You will learn to write briefly and clearly—and most importantly, fast. In journalism, deadlines are everything. The journalist doesn’t wait for inspiration. You don’t sit around waiting for the perfect idea to come. Inspiration here means working hard and submitting your article right on the dot. Otherwise, your training will be wasted.”
Through the Fact to Reels Masterclass Series, Manila Standard continues to inspire the next generation of journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, and passion in their work. The event not only strengthened their technical skills but also reminded them of the deeper essence of journalism—to serve the truth and the public, no matter how challenging the path may be.
Ultimately, the Masterclass served as a reminder that in an era dominated by fast-paced content and fleeting trends, the essence of journalism remains unchanged: to inform, to inspire, and to seek the truth. As participants return to their respective schools and organizations, they carry with them not just new skills but a renewed commitment to uphold the values that define true journalism—integrity, credibility, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
The Masterclass Series is an ongoing project of Manila Standard, with another batch of students set to participate in the third week of November at the same venue, Luxent Hotel, continuing the publication’s mission to nurture the next generation of responsible storytellers.
