By Kean Andrei Bagaipo
Through every hit, every move, and every score, the campus press is always at the forefront of real-time updates, in-depth analysis, and multimedia content that captivate every audience beyond traditional print.
One of the longest running campus publications in the Philippines—the Weekly Sillimanian (tWS)—has taken a significant leap during this year’s week-long All-University Intramurals from Feb. 24 to Mar. 1.
From court to field, tWS leveraged its digital platforms to provide students and alumni instant access to match results, highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights through its Sports Express coverage.
First launched in 2024, the tWS Sports Express became a remarkable revolution in transforming how news inside the campus is formed and delivered by deviating from the conventional norm of campus journalism—digitalizing the newsroom.
Ready, set, post!
Armed with mobile phones and notes, over 20 campus journalists are ready to be deployed to 16 different sports events held in different venues around the campus.
At 10 o’clock in the morning, they are set to weave a narrative that goes beyond mere scores and statistics by painting vivid pictures of every triumph and defeat, of perseverance and teamwork.
As the game unfolds, writers work under tight deadlines, crafting match updates that await to be released at 12 and 5 p.m. With each sentence they make, editors ensure that each fact and information is double-checked and verified—then post!
Inside the online toy department, as we call them, every minute counts. With each sports update the writers make, they strive to convey the emotional depth of the game, making readers feel as if they witnessed it in-person.
Kaela Orcullo, tWS staffer assigned in covering the football match, shared how she was able to face the challenges while enjoying her Intrams deployment.
“I found it fun and exciting, especially that it is one of the few times I get to cover live events in sports. Despite it overlapping with other schedules, I can say that it was thrilling and fulfilling especially when you hit the send button for match updates,” Orcullo said.
Not just to inform, but the campus scribes also write to inspire student-athletes and supporters alike to partake in the roar of the crowd and the rush of sports adrenaline.
Lights, camera, live!
As the lights illuminated the arena of the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex, figures emerged amidst the chaos of cheering fans and players vying for this year’s Intramural basketball championship trophy.
The tWS’ staffers and Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators (KMC) students gear up as courtside reporters. With cameras on standby, they are tasked with capturing the drama, excitement, and human stories that unfold during the championship games.
Alongside an esteemed technical crew, tWS is full-force and ready to go air on its social media platforms for its Sports Express Livestream.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, these amateur media men navigate the sidelines, interviewing coaches and members of the audience, and gathering insights that will bring the game to life for online viewers.
Albeit her first time as the live overall director, tWS’ Digital Manager Mabelline Jal expressed that she took the “big leap” outside of her comfort zone.
“I’d be lying if I said it was easy and went smoothly. Ruminating thoughts of self-doubt and worries were living in my head rent-free. I felt lost, I did not know if I was up for the job but I did it anyway,” Jal stressed.
Working with “competent and purpose-driven people” puts a cherry on top to Jal’s experience despite the taxing job she’s into.
“Tough situations will arise, conflicting views will always be there. But despite all these, a solution will always come out if you embrace the problems and face them head on,” she added.
Eyes here, heads forward
In the fast-paced world of sports journalism, the role of campus press is vital. With the advent of digital platforms, live streaming, and mobile journalism, campus-based sports coverage is evolving to meet the demands of the audience–information that is timely and engaging.
Just like tWS, campus publications and their works are a testament to the power of sports to unite, inspire, and transform lives. With every hit, every move, and every score—now towards digital sports journalism.
