Central Philippine University and the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. with the participation of the Cultural Affairs Office will hold a FREE CONCERT honoring our 2017 Graduates and their parents on May 5, 2017, 5:30 PM, at Rose Memorial Auditorium. Dubbed “PASIDUNGOG” the concert features our alumna MS. KATCHRY JEWEL S. GOLBIN, CPU A.B. English Class 2016 (a.k.a. ALIENETTE COLDFIRE) AND 3RD Place, FRANCE GOT TALENT 2016, showcasing the creations of another alumna MS. AUDRY ROSE DUSARAN ALBASON, CPU  Kinder 1992, Elem. 1998, HS202, BSN 2007, MAN 2010. She is the only Filipino invited in the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection AW 2017 in Paris, France./ CLink

The empty paper is her stage. Pillars of ink pouring out on a white canvass, creating words that paint infinite pictures and superlatives, hope gushes out like a fountain on gasping paper that is finally brought to life – a woman who can create life through ink is powerful.  

Such is the woman behind the byline, Edel Carmela E. Subong-Cscoka.  Growing up in home with a deep appreciation for reading, she learned to love writing at a very early age. “It started with me seeing my mother, who’s a journalist, with her writing jobs and student papers to check on her table when I was barely three.  I would be sitting on the floor next to her desk and doodle something.  I thought imitating her was fun.  Until I was writing unrelated sentences or phrases and eventually had to go to Creative Writing courses during summer. And well, being exposed to books since I was a baby, I think, contributed to why I wanted to write.”

Edel grew up with an eclectic taste when it comes to books, she read any book which she could lay her hands on, but her heart would always go back to the mysteries of Khalil Gibran, magic realism of Nick Joaquin, poetries of Pablo Neruda, and the works of Thomas Hardy, F. Sionil Jose, Michael Connely. And yes, even the cheesy novels of Nicholas Sparks. She read any book which she could lay her hands on.

Seeing her strong interest in literature and her potential in writing, Edel’s mother sent her to writing classes. “We had summers when she would give me a vocabulary and spelling book then check my answers to the exercises on a weekly basis. But it was never a burden. To me, it was all play. So, she actually encouraged the writing interest without pressure.”

In 2001, She eventually took up Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Central Philippine University, Edel shares that it was the stories and testimonies she heard about the Central Spirit that made her choose CPU. “I fell in love with CPU even before I was able to decide what particular degree to pursue.  My mother and her two sisters are also Centralians, most of our relatives are.  I know this sounds too cliché but truly, CPU has that Spirit that one couldn’t just ignore. That kind of Spirit that’s passed on from generation to generation and it just feeds your soul. “

Her stay in the university further honed her as a writer. She became the Editor-in-Chief of the Central Echo, the official student publication of Central Philippine University in her junior year. “There were unexpected turns of events everyday with Central Echo. I will always remember getting to know different personalities that ‘disturb’ your own principles but opened doors for reflection and strengthening your own character, developing friendships among these personalities without even compromising, and the press works which are supposed to be a hassle, but well, we got to have free snacks so what’s more rewarding for a student writer?”

Taking up Mass Communications exposed Edel to different issues and topics, applications of basic and advanced principles of the writing discipline. According to her, their professors were open-minded with class discussions and gave pieces of advice on matters and difficulties related to the course.

When it comes to her fondest memories in CPU, Edel shared her top five all of which she wrote in her journal when she was in college. “I’m sharing five, which are closest to heart: First, are TV and radio production classes at the EMC were always a mix of laughter, cheers, and tears. Second is my DJing stint at the CPU Radio Station was seriously “un-free” of bloopers but definitely enjoyable. Third, are the welcome and send-off parties were a hit. First was the Kantahan sa CPU which gave me the chance to be the Director of the entire show for some episodes. And the last is meeting “new” people at unexpected moments; one day while I was walking to the library and a person asked me if I am Edel Subong. I said ‘yes’ and he said, ‘I thought so. I’ve seen your name all over the borrowers’ cards for the Kahlil Gibran books!”  He recognized me through Central Echo.”

Aside from being a student, Edel had odd jobs which exposed to the realm of the media. She wrote for Cream de la Crème Magazine, Iloilo’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine from 2003 to 2008, she was a Peer Counselor and Program Anchor of the Adolescent Health and Development under the Philippine Family Planning   Office and Commission on Population, and she was the scriptwriter of the Iloilo Dinagyang 2004 VTR under Dr. Ted Reyes. “I was assisting CPU with the Centennial Activities publications and press releases, and the Centralian Link, with Dr. Felnor Importante.  On the side, I wrote for a lifestyle magazine from 2003-2008, which I used to be an intern for when I was in school. “

In 2005, Edel received the first CPU Journalism Award for excelling in the field of Mass Communication.  “I do not think I was conscious that I was the first recipient of that award. As a graduating student then, I was just grateful to reap something out of hard work in keeping my grades alright and joining some extra-curricular activities. I mean, most would tend to prioritize one thing and sacrifice the others. To keep a balance chemistry of grades and worthwhile activities in college is a challenge. The award was a reassurance I did just well.”

After graduation Edel entered the CPU academe as a Part-time lecturer of the College of Arts and Sciences, she also became the Co-advisor of Central Echo from 2006-2007 and worked as a Publishing Assistant of the Centralian Link from 2005-2007. She then became an Assistant Professor of the West Visayas State University College of Communications. From 2008-2012, she was the Chair of the college’s Division of Journalism. “I was thrown into the journalism academe rather, which I embraced with both arms.  I believe being in the academe; I was more helpful, especially to those who were aspiring journalists.”

When asked what is her most fulfilling achievement as a journalist, Edel shares that it is seeing her students excel in their own field. “Honestly, it is seeing kids I taught in my classes or in my lectures for the nongovernment organizations, or those who said they “imitate” me, learning how to write better than me. I love that. I take delight in that kind of fulfillment.”

Edel encourages aspiring journalists to work hard and pursue tasks with discipline. “The students who were under me may have heard these over and over again: First, it is important to know when to use your capital letters and how to use your punctuations. You can learn all the techniques and principles in writing, whether in journalism and creative writing, but these two things are quite tricky. Second, no matter what you’ve achieved, be sensitive, stay grounded.  I’d rather see my students as better persons than good writers without a heart and third, time won’t wait for you.  Set and meet deadlines.”

“Practice and keep on practicing. Even veterans keep on learning and re-learning. Once you’ve started, you just cannot stop and settle with being the writer that you think you are. It becomes a calling, some could not sleep without it.” Edel encourages Centralians to make the most of their stay in the university and pursue exemplary Christian education for life.  “As Centralians, you must not forget what you’re taught in this University.  It isn’t just about helping you excel academically in the field of expertise that you want to pursue, but it is about continuously molding you as Christians who value human dignity and practices humility and justice.”/ Keziah G. Huelar