Menk at Cebu broadcast workshop

2005 PBA Most Valuable Player Eric Menk will be the special guest speaker at the Cebu leg of the Bill Velasco Broadcasting and Media Marketing Workshop from May 4 to 5. The 10-time PBA All-Star won his MVP trophy in the middle of his 11-year run with the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Menk entered the pro league in 1999 with the Tanduay Rhum Masters, and suited up for the Gin Kings where he won four championships, and was also a three-time Finals MVP. He then played for the San Miguel Beermen, Globalport Batang Pier and Alaska Aces before retiring in 2016.

Since his retirement, Menk has been a full-time father, and launched a podcast entitled “Staying Major,” in reference to his basketball nickname, “Major Pain”. In it, he discusses several issues revolving around sports in a frank and honest manner, regardless of who is involved. He was also one of the PBA legends interviewed for the documentary on the league’s history. That interview was featured on his podcast. Menk has also become a sought-after speaker and sports broadcaster. His podcast has developed a very strong following in the local sports community. 

The Bill Velasco Broadcasting and Media Marketing Workshops open in Cebu at the Phinma Southwestern University campus on May 4 and 5. Menk will be speaking from his experience at both ends of the camera, as the subject of thousands of interviews, and as an interviewer. He will also share the lessons he learned about the use of digital media and social media. Major Pain will also be at the Metro Manila workshop at the Development Academy of the Philippines on May 11 and 12. Joining him in the Metro Manila leg will be Philippine Olympic Committee Deputy secretary-general Karen Tanchanco Caballero, who will discuss empowering women in sports, one of her strongest advocacies. Karen has been a powerful figure in the world of sepak takraw, and has launched its first-ever commercial league earlier this year. Other speakers will be at both the Cebu and Metro Manila workshops.

In the two-day sessions, we will be tackling and exploring issues in broadcasting, using sports as a big example. What are the main differences between a broadcaster and a broadcast journalist? How does one break into the business? What are the fundamentals of writing for broadcast? All of the building blocks and do’s and don’ts of the industry will be covered on Day 1, including the history of broadcasting, values needed in the industry, how to hone your craft, and how to do proper research. On the lighter side, a lecture on being a fan will be given, along with guidelines on handling encounters with your favorite athletes while maintaining professionalism.

Case studies of famous athletes who have been victims of fake news and smear campaigns will also be explored. We will teach how to identify fake news, and elaborate on the prevalence of biases which – rightly or wrongly- help form public opinion. Participants will be trained how to factually report news stories, steering clear of many pitfalls of broadcasters today. Proper use of both English and Filipino will be taken up, as well as the most common mistakes in broadcasting writing and announcing today.

Participants will also be taught how to dress for on-camera work, proper lighting, and voice technique. Other veteran broadcasters will give lessons on crafting your own look, and finding what style works for you. Those who join will experience a well-rounded, informative, technically sound training. 

On Day 2, the class will experience simulations of live TV coverage and reporting. They will be armed with how to do a pre-interview, and how to ask the right questions. At the end of the workshop, their performances will be recorded and given to them to inspire them to keep working on their craft. Bad habits will be deconstructed, and new ones started.

The Bill Velasco Sports Broadcasting and Media Marketing workshops are supported by Meralco and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). Southwestern University is the venue sponsor for Cebu, and Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort in Mactan is the official residence of the workshop organizers. The project also received assistance from Sen. Sonny Angara. Other sponsors have expressed interest in supporting this writer’s maiden workshops, making it more affordable to the general public. Students will be given a heavily discounted rate. Those interested to participate may contact Pinkie Mariano through 0915-1281407 or 0939-8030379.