It's Chow Time!

by Jiru Nikko Rada, student-producer

Guest: Professor Tony Mabesa

It was Prof. Khrysta Rara’s story about the “Agila” episode of Kwentuhang Pets Atbp. that drove these two hopeful students of BJ101 to produce a noteworthy and special episode of the show. Princess and I were given three weeks to conceptualize for KPA. There were lots of ideas at first, probably most types of animals and animal lovers were mentioned during the brainstorming – from birdwatchers to plain dog owners, from exotic insects to marine animals.

Luckily, Princess knows someone who loves scorpions. On the other hand, I had my eyes set on the Dulaang UP Director who walks with his two Chow Chows around the campus almost everyday. It was very taxing to get these two busy people say yes to our invitation. Princess was able to book her prospect earlier while I have to literally stalk and search for the director for three mornings and two afternoons around the campus.

The famous theater director is Professor Tony Mabesa. He lives a block away from where I board that’s why I usually see him with his dogs. My arteries thickened every time I tried to approach him to guest for the show. His presence is very intimidating because my friends who were able to work with him in a production told me that sir has a loud booming voice.

Fortunately on my third attempt, I was able to talk to sir, join him for a walk with his dogs and finally heard him say yes. That day, there were only three days left before the episode so Princess and I had to do a number of revisions on the script.

On the day before, Prof. Rara informed us that we have to focus on only one topic since we have two contrasting subjects (scorpions and dogs). So we decided that we will focus on Prof. Mabesa’s dogs instead of the scorpions.

It was an episode full of laughter. Professor Mabesa talked about how his two Chow Chows, Chimra and Gabby, changed his life and gave the listeners some tips for those who plan on having a Chow Chow as pet.

Horse Riding for Beginners

by Marisse Gabrielle Panaligan, student-producer

Episode 75, aired on March 15, 2012.
Guest: Mr. Steven Virata, Secretary-General, Equestrian Association of the Philippines

Conceptualizing an episode was no easy task. My partner Trixia wanted to do something on farm animals, while I had my eye on horses ever since I read a short fiction work on rodeos. It was a while since we finally decided on doing horses, since we took into consideration what the listeners of program might want to hear about. After all, horses are not your common household pet, not to mention the fact that they are a lot more expensive compared to domesticated animals such as cats and dogs. However, the uniqueness of the topic held our interest. We later found out from our adviser, Ms. Khrysta Rara, that she has always wanted to do an episode on horses, but so far the topic has not yet been featured in the show.

Initially, we wanted to focus on the hazards of rodeos on the health of horses, but we weren't able to find rodeo groups available for guesting. We then changed our topic to horse riding instead and contacted concerned organizations to invite possible guests. We worked on the script while waiting for replies. We realized that writing the script was a lot easier than ensuring the attendance of guests. It was only the day before the airing of the episode that we finalized the presence of our guest.

On the day of the episode, all our doubts on whether we made the right choice regarding our topic went away. Despite being a hobby of the upper class, the topic proved to be a lot interesting to the listeners. Our guest, Mr. Steven Virata, was not able to answer some of the questions raised by the listeners because we had run out of time. Nevertheless, we learned a lot both about the horses and the sport from the very comprehensive discussion on air. The successful airing of the episode gave us a sense of fulfillment as first-time producers.

You can access the episode on the links below, and we hope you enjoy watching.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPlqOCgGvK8
Part 2: http://youtube.com/watch?v=R6U9_HDp2bk
Part 3: http://youtube.com/watch?v=lCC7kWW9Sis
Part 4: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3gDwN503VdU

Top Ten Breeds of Dogs Best Suited for Indoor Apartment/Condo Lifestyle

Posted By: Fatima Shaneen Bara, Student Episode Producer

Objectives:

To be able to identify the top ten breeds of dogs best suited for an indoor apartment/condo lifestyle that have no backyard to play in. To be able to discuss the different primary considerations of different breeds such as the energy level, exercise requirements and playfulness of every dog. Also, to be able to give tips to current and future dog owners on how to train and maintain such breeds given an indoor lifestyle.


Guest:

Joy Uy, a professional dog trainer who trained at the Academy of Canine Trainers in Canada where she learned different techniques in developing a dog's social skills while instilling discipline. She is the owner of Pawsitive Education, a Canine Behavior Training Facility for social growth which aims to help dogs adjust to the challenges of society.


Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5jjzjuJfwY&feature=youtube_gdata_player - PART 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YHiF3Fyd8&feature=youtube_gdata_player - PART 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5jjzjuJfwY&feature=youtube_gdata_player - PART 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryaXZt_Xny8&feature=youtube_gdata_player - PART 4



According to Ben Williams, "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face".

We both live independently from our families ever since we got to college. It is true that living independently can make you stronger as a person. Yet, there are instances when the perks of independence are too overwhelming that what you need at the end of the day is simple companionship. This is what motivated us to think of an episode that could help people find the right companion for them. We realized that it doesn't necessarily have to be a person but it can also come in the form of a dog. Living alone for the first few years of one's independence means having to stay in a small space. So from this we refined our topic to "Top Ten Breeds of Dogs Best Suited for Indoor Apartment Lifestyle".


When we were able to conceptualize the topic that we wanted, the next challenge was finding the right guest who had the credentials and the experience to help people find the breeds of dogs best suited for an indoor lifestyle. We started reading different articles and from one browser to another we were able to find Pawsitive Education. Luckily, Ma'am Joy Uy was very open to doing the show. We also wanted to invite a veterenarian but due to some last minute glitches, the invited guest backed out. We had to come up with a back-up plan. Ma'am Joy Uy turned out to have really broad knowledge regarding dogs during her training so she was able to answer the questions that were asked during the interview. From this experience, we also learned that we have to be open to different possibilities. A lot of things can come up on the process of production itself. However, if it happens during pre-production, there are still a lot of chances to fix the problem and try to find a solution.


It was good to know that our guest came early. We asked her if she could come at least 30-45 minutes before the show so that we could brief her, get to know her better and make clarifications. Professor Rara who is the host of the show was also able to talk to her to guide her and help her relax. For us, the show went according to plan. While we were listening to the entire show, we were happy that the concept we had was finally coming to life. It was also entertaining because the hosts and the guests were joking around and seemed comfortable with each other. There was good conversation dynamics among them so it wouldn't be a surprise that listeners would tune in until the end of the show. The show also served as a guide for new dog owners who wish to train their dogs and make it adjust to an indoor lifestlye. The guest was able to give tips from how to potty train, how to help the dog exercise to be able to fit its exercise requirements and how to take care of it.


We felt that the show was a success. Too bad Kwentuhang Pets Atbp only had 1 hour air time. After the episode, we learned that keeping a dog takes patience, initiative and love. With that love also comes ensuring the well-being and safety of the pet we are planning to take home with us. As much as we need someone to keep up company, our dogs need us as well. As responsible future or present pet owners this episode serves as a form of research that can broaden our knowledge regarding our dogs :)

PETS AS STRESS BUSTERS

by Vince Alvic Alexis F. Nonato, student-producer

Episode 77, March 29, 2012

Guests:

• Edward Castro, student-producer of this episode


• Angerica "Anj" Hainto, student, University of the Philippines - Diliman


• Renson "Rens" Sioson, student, Technological Institute of the Philippines


• Leng Velasco and her dachshund, Duke

The struggle to get through finals week is an experience that is very familiar to most college students, and such an experience often overtaxes the body due to the stress that it causes. Students who own pets, however, may find themselves at an advantage. Find out how pets help their owners--students and everyone else who feels stress--get through their dilemmas.

This episode was produced by Prof. Khrysta Rara's broadcast journalism students, Edward Castro and Vince Nonato, for their final project, and was actually conceived at the last minute. The original guests unfortunately had to back out the night before airtime, so Edward and Vince had to change topics within twenty hours.

Fortunately, Anj and Rens agreed to share their experiences with their pets despite the short notice! Anj shared her experience living in a dormitory that set her apart from her beloved dog, Donkey, proving that pets and owners can feel the love despite the distance. Rens, meanwhile, shared how his Pomeranian helped him with his studies, an aspect he once neglected after suffering the trauma of losing a beloved childhood pet.

Surprise guest Leng Velasco also related the story of her dog, Duke, a survivor of bone cancer, who would have been euthanized. Duke was even able to grace the show and was receptive to the people around him, despite being blind and lnot being able to close his mouth due to his affliction. Duke and Leng's case is a heartwarming story that proves that even through times of distress, pets and owners can be there for each other.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Qkc0OharI&feature=channel

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc0T7Ncu0m0&feature=youtu.be

Part 3a: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Ub_86FUB4

Part 3b: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xvHtTB5ovo

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCJoeJpPREs

                

                 

        

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