Fourth-year COMM students spearhead hosting training

Report by Mandie Asejo | Photo by Chino Brendon Tangonan

Fourth-year Communication students from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) supervised and conducted a hosting and public speaking seminar last Monday, February 23, at the Theater Room of the Smith Hall building.

With the theme "OWN THE STAGE: Mastering the Mic, Mastering the Moment," the COMMates discussed various roles, techniques, and perspectives essential to developing expertise in stage hosting and public speaking.

In an interview, one of the presenters, Yuji Abalain, expressed his gratitude to his groupmates for successfully carrying out the seminar despite challenges.

“Alam namin may mga lapses kami. Hindi naman na-perfect ‘yung presentation namin, pero sobrang proud ako sa mga ka-grupo kasi naitawid namin nang sama-sama ‘yung seminar na ito… I’m just proud of them,” he said.

When asked why they chose the hosting segment, Abalain highlighted the growing demand in the hosting industry and emphasized the seminar’s purpose for aspiring hosts.

“Ginawa namin itong seminar para sa mga nag-aaspire na mag-host… [para] magkaroon sila ng knowledge na puwede nilang magamit sa hosting,” he added.

The seminar featured one of Tarlac’s emerging event host personalities, Dandy Tiongco Jr., as the resource speaker. He shared his experiences in the field and offered practical insights into professional hosting.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Tiongco Jr. underscored the importance of such initiatives for Communication students of Tarlac State University (TSU).

“This is very important and essential, as a communication student, para kahit papaano, we know how to do hosting… At least after college, they can use ‘yung hosting skills nila para mapagkakitaan nila at para hindi rin mawala ‘yung importansya ng pinag-aaralan natin sa Communication,” he stated.

He also left a message for aspiring student hosts.

“As long as you have the willingness to learn and interested ka sa craft na ginagawa natin, or sa hosting… you have the skill,” he said.

“I’m still learning. So it’s fine na magkamali tayo sa mga unang beses, [tulad ng] kinakabahan. Along the way, you will master the flow at ‘yung pagiging host,” Tiongco added.

Meanwhile, Communication faculty member Derich Bognot acknowledged the group’s effort and performance despite limited preparation time and minor technical difficulties during the seminar.

“I believe na na-execute naman nang maayos ‘yung seminar at na-follow all throughout ‘yung naging program,” he remarked.

The seminar was headed by AB Communication 4A students Yuji Abalain, Alicia Franco, Francis Lacsina, Jaycie Manuel, and Christine Ronquillo. It was attended by Communication students, college organizations, the publication, and the student council. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of recognition to participants and attendees.