it has been almost two months since my program on dwiz, womantalk, was given the bright leaf agriculture journalism award for best radio segment. so it came as a surprise for me when the articles regarding this recognition was published in several newspapers and a reputable magazine of national circulation. the first article was released in business mirror last friday, november 16. i only learned about this from mr. glenn of pep coalition who sent me an sms to congratulate me. then, i learned about the philippine star article from mommy jazz (of my smart parenting egroup). the article on this award came out on monday, november 19. norma bautista (rey langit's secretary) told me that i was also in people's tonight. and today, i saw a full-page article about this recognition in the philippine graphic magazine (november issue). i felt like winning and getting a trophy for the second time!

it is every journalist's dream - to be recognized in a national search for the best and the brightest in the media profession.

philip-morris recently held their first BRIGHT LEAF AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM AWARDS to give due recognition to Filipino journalists in print, tv and radio who have written or discussed on air significant agriculture issues or stories.

in the july 11, 2007 article of the philippine information agency, it reads:

"In what is hoped to be institutionalized as an annual event, the Bright Leaf Awards aims to give recognition to Filipino print, photo, radio and television journalists 18 years old and above, whose works promote awareness of agriculture and sustainable development issues. It shall acknowledge contributions to journalistic excellence and propagation of information on best agriculture practices.

‘Bright Leaf’ is a term used for Virginia Tobacco, which is one of the key ingredients in the manufacture of PMPI cigarette brands such as Marlboro, Philip Morris, Bowling Gold, Stork and Miller."

in this first-ever search for the outstanding agriculture journalists, I WAS FORTUNATELY CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE WINNERS. it is my segment in womantalk (dwiz 882 khz am), particularly my interview with emil keith antonio, a college student from mindanao state university who discovered a cure for lymphocytic leukemia through the gonads of sea urchins, which gave me my BRIGHT LEAF.

the bright leaf trophy was designed and created by ethnic-inspired sculptor REY PAZ CONTRERAS from discarded century-old molave hardwood, with textured stainless steel and other indigenous materials.

the awarding ceremony was held last september 21, 2007 at the hyatt hotel and casino in manila. it was preceded by a bossa nova and samba fiesta courtesy of the guanara band.

i had no idea that i would win in the search when i entered the hotel. i was in a rush and so stressed with the manila traffic that i did not have time to fix myself. i was a complete mess and my son, guile, was the only stability i had. he was acting like my bodyguard with his suit, dark shades and earphones on, and with that, we couldn't contain our laughter while we enter the grand ballroom where the awarding ceremony would take place.

tony velasquez of abs-cbn and hillary of an fm radio station were the hosts of the event. media meter is the bright leaf secretariat and the event coordinator.

we were ushered to a table near the stage. i was still clueless. then, mr. emil mesina of philip morris introduced himself to me and just said: VERY GOOD! i began to panic. guile said i should stop going to the bathroom because i might be called as one of the winners. he was so confident that i would win. but i did not believe him until my name was called!

i wasn't given a chance to do my speech so here goes:

i would like to thank dj mojo jojo of magic 89.9 fm who brought this competition to my attention and who believed in me so much that he would always nag me about submitting my entry.

emil keith antonio, the student inventor, who gave me an amazing story, and dost for giving me his contact number.

kata and the other wonderful people of media meter for accomodating my entry although it was a last-minute submission.

my bosses at dwiz for keeping womantalk on air, probably the oldest-running show in the station.

ate mel estonilo, my friend and former co-host in womantalk and the creator of the program.

my mama and my sisters michelle, len and sol and my brother jude for providing the moral support.

to my son, guile, who was my bodyguard, cameraman and stress-reliever during the ceremony.

to my husband, leo, who encouraged me to go on and try - when i almost gave up after three sleepless nights of preparing my entry. i had to scan all my aired programs from november 2006 to june 2007 to look for the perfect entry for the contest and i had to transcribe the interview as well as translate it in english. so i almost quit when i thought i won't finish it in time for the deadline.

and of course, God, for giving me the inspiration, courage and enlightenment. i wouldn't be able to find the best interviewees and provide the listening public with the best information if not for His guidance.