A FIRST TIMER’S TALE

“Bring out your laptops and start layouting.”

I packed my camera and sd card into my bag and stepped out of that room with a
heavy heart. Who knew this could happen. What was written in the memo is a ¼ sheet of
cardboard for the layouting and so nobody in the group bothered to bring a laptop.

Heading back to our quarter unaccomplished made me feel ashamed. I know the
three lady musketeers back in our room are done with their own events. Still, I had no
choice to tell them the truth which I did. After a few moments of explanation to my coach
of the sudden change of rules that have taken place, she accompanied me back to the
venue and eventually convinced me to continue. Though I was still a bit hesitant if I
could finish on time, I pushed through and accomplished the task just in time. I was
thankful in great part to the fellow journalist who was kind enough to lend me his
computer.

At day three, I found myself at the midst of the stage. Before I got a glimpse of
what was I about to receive, I stared at the lady behind the trophies. She nodded and gave
me a gentle laugh. I guessed even she wasn’t expecting the award. Fortunately, I had her
the whole time. I couldn’t have done it without her.

I controlled my hands from shaking and held my certificate with both hands. I was
still in total disbelief so I threw a quick glance to the pair of medals on my neck. It was
then I finally convinced myself, it was indeed real.

I made my way down the stage ecstatic and fulfilled. Quietly, I sat down beside my
companions whom I noticed were having a common facial expression. Right away i knew
why. The three equally talented and beautiful ladies were experiencing drumrolls inside
their chest. I could tell just by the looks of their faces. To my surprise, they were shouting
on top of their lungs when each one’s name got called out. My heart rejoiced even more
for no one’s going back home empty-handed. Everybody’s got their own story to tell.

Besides the awards we were rewarded with, there is a greater price that no one can
ever take away from me. I realized, a comptetition is the perfect example of how life
really is. It is completely unpredictable. No matter how we prepare and train, we can
never know what could happen. What could go wrong will go wrong but, what’s
important is to never lose our grip. Because in the battlefield, the toughest enemy is not
your competitors but yourself. So the next time you join a competition, pack yourself a
bag of faith and determination. Take that from a first timer.

NEW CHM BUILDING INAGURATED

ABEGAIL B. NGIPOL
 To provide additional facilities and accomodate the growing population of
the College of Hospitality Management, an inaguration for the newly constructed
building was conducted at Quirino Sate University - Maddela Campus on January 12,
2018. It was graced by the university’s top officials: Dr. Samel O. Benigno, University
President; Mrs. Angelina Ambojnon, University V-President; and Dr. Hector Caluya,
Campus Director of QSU-Maddela.

The inaguration started with the cutting of ribbon which was led by Dr.
Samuel O. Benigno and Dr. Hector Caluya followed by a mass which the