Paying it forward

I gave campus journalism training and writing workshop to these guys a few weeks back. So nice to see them again yesterday sharing with me the news that they won in four categories at the recent Philippine Information Agency's basic campus journalism seminar. As a parent myself, it is a joy to see young people living out their gifts the best way they can. 

How to Write a Good Short Story   

by Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan

A short story, simply put, is like a shorter version of a novel. It has the same elements as a novel has:  the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, and the resolution.From my own experience as a writer, though, a short story will require more creativity from the author because given the limitations of the number of words, you have to make sure your readers are satisfied and truly impressed.

Indeed, how do you impress your readers? A short story is a work of fiction or imagination but then again, just like any other stories long or short, you can always get inspirations from the reality around you. What people are looking for usually is how they can relate to the characters, their pains, their fears, their triumphs and their dreams. Look around you and everything, everyone, has a story to tell: the beggar in the street, the lonesome willow tree in the middle of a park, the quarrelling couple in the subway, the strict librarian with very thick eyeglasses. The list is endless. But before you can get your hands in these stories, you have to remember a few important things.

1.  Have you read enough short stories?

Reading will help you sharpen your mind and develop your skill as a short story writer. It doesn’t mean that you will be copying  the idea of others, though. The more short stories you read, the more ready you will become to take on the task because it will build up your excitement and encourage you to actually do it.

2.  Outline your story.

When you’re ready to start writing, you can now take your pen and paper and outline your story. List down the elements I have mentioned above and make notes next to these elements:

The characters: each character has to leave an impression that will make the reader remember them long after they have finished reading your story. Make sure you don’t overwhelm your readers with too many characters. Some short, compelling stories take over the world by just two or three characters.

The setting:  Describe the scene, don’t describe the picture.

The plot: it has to have the element of surprise. Putting a twist somewhere near the end always works.

The conflict: “Human interest” is the aspect of a story that interest people because it resonates with their own experiences. This always keeps the reader riveted to their seats simply because they can relate to what the characters undergo in the story.

The resolution: keep in mind that a good story has an element of justice. It doesn’t have to be a traditional happy-ever-after kind of ending, but make sure you make something right out of the conflict you have presented. Some stories can go on and on, stuck in the conflict of the whole story and it ends badly there.

3.  Strong title, equally strong ending.

Your title must represent your whole story but in a way that will just give a hint to your readers. It is a come on, like teacups placed in the front porch table. But mind you, making a compelling title is as challenging as coming up with an ending just as good. Your ending has to make your story come in full circle.

4.  Stick to your story.

When there is a temptation to stray, to back to your outline and check your elements one by one. It will keep you grounded. 

5. Practice, practice, practice.

Capture your reader’s attention. Imagine, visualize, dream, make it up. Most of all experiment. It is only in trying out new things all the time that the best writers learn and become best sellers.

On to the new chapter

To the sponsors, scholars, volunteers, contributors in any way of Kwaderno Love Can, Inc.:
Greetings!

I am Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan, founder of Kwaderno Love Can, Inc.. When I first conceived and named Kwaderno, it was to offer encouragement to the striving children of a far-flung area in Hinobaan, to the pupils aspiring for a better future yet confined to their reality of poverty. Along with a group of friends and my own family, we campaigned to gather notebooks for those school kids. It was a success.

I acknowledge Richelle Verdeprado as my co-founder, the one I invited to join me in that first ever notebook distribution. With all her efforts in making Kwaderno a SEC registered organization, I salute her. We even made it to the top 12 in the quest for Ten Outstanding Organizations in the Philippines. In a matter of few months, the organization seemed to have bloated with the amount of volunteers and contributions for its growth. From the simple gathering of notebooks, additional programs were initiated like sponsoring a child for Piso-a-day, youth leadership training … and it went on and on.

Somewhere along the way we seemed to have lost track of where we were heading. There were misunderstandings among the core group as I wanted transparency and to ground it to the main purpose of why I started Kwaderno in the first place. I initially kept my silence as I did not intend to cause further damage to the organization I love so much. Some of you would have even noticed my dissociation from the organization. And my silence was misinterpreted. Gossips crept in, malice, lies. Still I kept my silence and waited for my vindication. After months of discernment, I believe this is the time that I have to say my piece, at least to save those who continue to invest their trust in the existing board of Kwaderno.

This letter is intended to inform the public that I am no longer in any way connected with Kwaderno Love Can, Inc. The conflict of interests, values, and principles simply cannot make me stay any more. I have grieved about it, felt like my first born child was taken away from me. I have to be honest, it pains me to see even the logo (which I have personally designed) being changed and replaced with a different one. Yes, it is that personal to me. And I am still grieving. Healing is a process and I just have to let it go. I can only hope that the donors, and all those who support it will be properly informed how their money is being spent.

On a more personal note, I am calling on those who are in my network, to pay attention. Along the time when I was working on Kwaderno, I have already started organizing a group for a little cooperative in another far-flung village in Sipalay. This is where I am heading now. With a new set of members who are more sincere, dedicated and true to the vision of helping the less fortunate, with volunteers who are true to its spirit, with people who would take care of the contributions and will not just lavishly spend it in outings and other not-so-worthwhile activities. It is with assurance that whatever is donated, it will go straight to the ones that you hope to be helped. Furthermore, my core group strongly encourages me to keep on with the notebook distribution, Kwaderno or not, as it is my brainchild and this vision should not be for naught.

But I continue to pray for the best of Kwaderno, that hopefully it will soon fall to the hands that truly care. To be completely honest, I will be happy to see it flourish without me.

Thank you so much for all your contributions, for the experience of walking together, for the encounters that we shared, for those who stood by the truth, for taking time to read this letter. Memories are treasured and lessons are carried from what we have gone through. It is time to move on and follow where my heart leads me. It might not be easy but it is with faith that I continue to believe for better things are being prepared for me and my fellow volunteers. And anything initiated, as long as it grounded in goodness, it will find its fulfillment. God will be our guide.
Sincerely yours,

Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan
Founder, Kwaderno Love Can, Inc.

(All rights are reserved. No part of this letter may be reproduced, shared on social media, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the letter sender. )

Movers and shakers

Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan finished AB-Child Psychology at La Consolation College-Bacolod. She graduated with journalism and IWAG awards as a campus journalist and Ripples editor in chief. Being deeply passionate about social issues, she was elected as the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, Secretary General in the Negros Chapter.

Currently she is a student of Masters in Conflict of Reconciliation Studies at the University of St La Salle as a preparation for her future projects that her organization will spearhead in the adopted communities in the south.

She was an active member of CFC-Singles for Christ having been involved in its social transformation activities and ministries like Gawad Kalinga. As one of the sought after speakers, Anabelle has reached far and wide around the country sharing God’s love and message for the poor.

 At present she is working as the assistant editor for MISYONonline publication of the Missionary Society of St Columbans. She is the founder of Kwaderno and presently the project head of its notebooks distribution program, documentation officer and part of the board member.

I am the Captain of my Soul

Reaching for the stars. 

Kwaderno Goes TAYO

In less than a year, Kwaderno has been creating ripples, affecting change. Being recognized as TAYO finalist is way beyond what we deserve, it is a very humbling experience. From more than 400 groups that joined the contest, we made it the national finals having been included in the top 20. San Miguel Corporation also recognized Kwaderno for its efforts in affecting change in the community and another award was given to our organization as the winner in the GenTAYO Community based selfwe winner.

I take pride in the fact that Kwaderno is my brainchild, something that I have started with the help of some friends who share the same dreams. Our Malacanang moment has not just renewed my vigor as the founder but most importantly inspired me do more, be more, love more. GOD brought us there for the much deserved exposure. Indeed people should be aware that there is so much to be done. And we all have it in ourselves to take part. As President Aquino said in his message, TAYO finalists took it upon themselves to be PART OF THE SOLUTION. This is what Kwaderno stands for, in the midst of what the country has to face, year after year, we do all that we can as citizens of this country.

Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan
Founder, Kwaderno 

Let's take care of our beaches!

As part of Kwaderno's month-long anniversary celebration, Kwaderno was back in Hinobaan to organize a clean up drive in Brgy Asia. Hinobaan's main tourist attraction are it's beautiful beaches and lately some of these shorelines have started accumulating unwanted basura. Under Kwaderno's Environment Protection Program, we have worked hand in hand with the villagers to help us clean their beaches in exchange for eight notebooks for each of their students in the area. On May 17, 2015 we were able to distribute 400 more notebooks to 63 students right after we all did the beach clean-up  and a short discussion about the importance of protecting our environment. It was very fulfilling to see the children's smiling faces, eager to start their new-found mission of protecting the beach where their families depend their livelihood. /Anne Badilla-Gubuan

Journey to Maatop

Reaching far and wide, Kwaderno has literally reached heights as we journeyed up the mountains of Maatop, one of the villages in Brgy Sanke.  The people there do not have electricity so you could imagine how they go about their lives daily. Even dreaming, hoping and believing that there is a better life doesn't even look possible in their eyes. These notebooks speak so much about Kwaderno's desire to show them dreaming and reaching for these dreams can be real. Indeed looking at these children holding their notebooks was assurance enough for us that in our next notebook distribution next year, we would see something more in their eyes. 

To our beloved Kwaderno partners, thank you for helping us make this possible. You are these children's lifeline. This is where your notebooks have reached, this is how your simple gesture of sharing affects those who need to believe that indeed, love can. /Anne badilla gubuan

Movers and shakers

Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan finished AB-Child Psychology in LCC-Bacolod. She graduated with journalism and IWAG awards as a campus journalist and Ripples editor in chief. Being deeply passionate about social issues, she was elected as the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, Secretary General in the Negros Chapter.

Currently a student of Masters in Conflict of Reconciliation Studies at the University of St La Salle as a preparation for her future projects that her organization will spearhead in the adopted communities in the south. She was an active member of CFC-Singles for Christ having been involved in its social transformation activities and ministries like Gawad Kalinga. As one of the sought after speakers,

Anabelle has reached far and wide around the country sharing God’s love and message for the poor. At present she is currently working as the assistant editor for MISYONonline publication of the Missionary Society of St Columbans. She is the founder of Kwaderno and presently the project head of its notebooks distribution program, documentation officer and part of the board member.