𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗮ñ𝗴𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗛
Starting out in the field of journalism made me feel like a rabbit going out to explore the world for the first time—scared, uncertain, but most of all, curiosity-driven. Explained PH was an online publication I used to read articles back in the day. It served as my hand-in-hand buddy throughout my journalism journey. It was one of the sparks that ignited my love for writing. To me, it's not just another online publication, it was the one who served as my guiderope throughout most of my journalism journey.
I first came across the page about four years ago. I was a Grade 7 student, barely aware of what journalism really meant. But reading their articles—opinion pieces, feature essays, and sports coverage—I felt an instant connection. Their content didn’t feel manufactured or forced. It felt raw, personal, and intentional. Every article made me think. It wasn’t about reporting for the sake of it; it was about creating something that helped others understand. That kind of writing? That’s what I wanted to do.
Unlike most youth publications that echo the same headlines or aim for viral reach, Explained PH stood out because it valued truth over trends. Their platform was grounded in fact-checking, public interest, and fearless commentary. While others chased clout, they stayed committed to clarity and context. It made me realize that journalism isn’t just about writing well—it’s about writing responsibly. That lesson hit me early, and it changed the way I approached every single article I’ve written since.
One thing that truly inspired me was their bravery. In an era where press freedom in the Philippines continues to slowly erode, Explained PH never played it safe. They called out disinformation, tackled political issues head-on, and gave space to stories that usually get ignored. They didn’t just empower their audience; they empowered young journalists like me to be bolder with our voice. Seeing them do what they do reminded me that I don’t need to wait until I’m older or “qualified” to start taking a stand.
There were times in my campus journalism journey when I felt restricted, by people who didn’t take us seriously, or by fear of getting it wrong. But reading Explained PH reminded me that journalism, at its core, is a form of advocacy. It’s a way to resist, to respond, and to reshape. I began to understand that our job as writers isn’t to please, but to tell the truth, no matter how inconvenient. That’s a mindset I’ve carried ever since.
Explained PH didn’t just report on issues, they cared about them. And that care reflected in the way they told stories. Whether it was about mental health, student rights, gender, or politics, they always made sure to explain with empathy and precision. That kind of storytelling, which was compassionate and firm, taught me that journalism doesn’t have to be distant or detached. It can be personal, powerful, and deeply human.
It also shifted the way I saw my role as a writer. I stopped seeing journalism as a task, and started seeing it as a responsibility. I began writing not just to inform, but to serve. I wanted to write about things that mattered: the overlooked, the misunderstood, the silenced. And that drive—to amplify and advocate—stemmed from how Explained PH approached their work.
Now, I look at most media platforms and see a race for attention. Quick headlines, surface-level coverage, viral graphics. But Explained PH reminded me that substance will always matter more than speed. And as a campus journalist, I try to follow that example, even if it means being the unpopular opinion in the room.
To this day, I credit Explained PH not just for inspiring me to write, but for helping me realize that my voice has weight. They planted the idea in my head that being a journalist also means being an advocate for truth, for people, for change. That kind of impact stays with you. It certainly stayed with me.
And so, as I continue this journey in campus journalism, I carry that spark with me—the spark Explained PH lit years ago. It’s more than admiration. It’s a sense of duty. To write not just with skill, but with purpose. For me, it set ablaze a burning passion. Until now, while I'm amidst my campus journalism journey, that passion still persists like an eternal flame—because it was ignited in the values that Explained PH holds dear: to never forget that behind every word is the potential to spark thought, stir action, and shape the way others see the world.
