Internship at SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives)

My SOCO Family


It was five years ago when I decided to take mass communication. I know I love my chosen course, because I've always been dreaming to become a broadcaster. But, would you believe that I still don't know the reason why I wanted this career, until I met my SOCO family.

I am Roselle May B. Paraon, 19 years of age. Taking up mass communication in Bulacan State University. It was a requirement for us to have an internship in radio and tv for 300 hours. I look so hard to find a company that can apply. I passed my resume, took a lot of time and money to travel, and it was very frustrating that after almost 2 months of searching, I couldn't find a station. But, God is so good. I cannot imagine that one of the major stations in my country, ABS-CBN accepted me to have my ojt. It was a dream come true. From that, I learned that some things are worth waiting for.


On April 30, 2015 I had my interview with Ms. Keren Matias. She discussed to me my requirements, the date of orientation and when will I'm going to start. I was so happy that time, excited as well to know my program and to start exploring what's in real world. From the orientation that we held, as we watched the video presentation they prepared, Miss Charo Santos speech "You need to be interested in people" leave a mark in my heart. Same day as I knew that my assigned show was SOCO. The happiness I feel grows into the direction of learning.

I used to watch SOCO when I was in high school. There are times that I waited for it and every time I watched the show, there is a mix feeling that I like and do not like. The confusion, fear, dramatic, exciting, and inspiring as well. I can't believe that for a short time I'm going to be part of this show. So many questions in my mind that time, what will going to happen? what kind of people will I'm going to meet? Am I really ready? But one thing is for sure, I know that this is going to be the start of my great journey.

May 19, 2015. The day that I started my internship in SOCO. Mrs. Jocelyn Sambilay a.k.a Ma'am Smile is the Associate Producer of the program. Ms. Smile oriented me about the rules, reminders, and she divided my time in 50 hrs. to become a Production Assistant, Researcher, and Segment producer in 100 hrs. Ma'am Smile also shared her journey about her career and hardwork to become what she is today.

During my PA days, I observe the things that I need to learn. I get to know every people, the staffs, employee, crew inside the SOCO team and also in News and Public Affairs Department. Ma'am Smile taught me to be submissive and treat everyone as my boss.

I met tatay Rick, one of the best people I've ever met. He taught me how to injest the material from card to machine, also to convert. But, the greatest lesson tatay Rick taught me, is to give the best and enjoy everything I do. He appreciate simple efforts I'm doing and sees potential in me.

 Tuesday is reenactment day! It was in Sta. Maria, Bulacan when I joined my first shoot. Sir Rodel was the Segment Producer. He is effecient and motivated, also generous for treating us ice cream during the shoot :) I was amazed by the things I saw and encountered. Direk Jv, the director of SOCO was innovative and commited in his profession. Direk was also funny and very simple man who get to keep company with us.

Wednesday is the day when Sir Gus Abelgas do his spiels. I was excited to watch and meet sir Gus. While we were waiting, direk Jv throw some jokes that made us laugh. What I learned from direk during the days that I worked with him is that I have always to be creative. As the spiels started, I found myself like a kid who's amazed to the things and moments I've seen. I am so blessed to meet Mr. Gus Abelgas. During spiels, he was willing to join selfies, he is approachable, funny, simple man with an appealing voice :)

As I continue my internship days, what I enjoyed the most was doing the audio bes. Perhaps, editing is my weakness so I'm aiming for it to be my strong point. Thanks to Sir Edwin, the first editor who taught me how to do audio bed, an Sir Joms, whom at first was snob :) Never imagine that I will be close to him and learn a lot from him. Everytime I finished my work in the office, or if it's thursday, mastering day, I proceed to the editing room to observe and learn new editing skills.

During my research days, I was with Sir Lito to investigate the case of a girl who was raped and a crime survivor in Maribeles, Bataan. Throughout the research, I met different kind of people. Sir Lito shared with me his experience as a researcher. As I observe him, he was calm, kind, hard working, and patient. I learned that dealing with people is not easy. To be a good communicator, it is not justt being able to speak well but to listen well to people I am dealing with. It was a long day, but the experience I had was better than a 3 days with a book.

There are times that I was tasked to transcribe the interview, do a synopsis of news script, monitoring and reminding the Segment Producer to include the teaser in voice over. Sir Mores, was the one who let me observe how they do the VO of Sir Gus. He is very funny and kind as well :)

Ma'am Nadine let me experience to do the retweet and monitoring the SOCO page. She's not just a pretty face, but with a great mind that as bright as her Mac Pink Lipstick. :) She inspired me to be that classy woman who goes extra mile. I am very thankful to Ma'am Nadine for trusting and believing in me.

During my SP/Coverage days, I am with my co-intern. Ma'am Abby was the Segment Producer together with Sir Melchor, the Cameraman, Sir Joseph and Sir lito. It was a rainy day for us, but the coverage was successful. I met the family of the victim, they prepared food for the team, accomodate us, they are generous and hospitable. I observe and take down notes during the interview of the mother.

My experience I had during my internship in SOCO is one of the things I will value for life. I was very thankful to the opportunity ABS-CBN gave to me, and to my SOCO family I will always be the number one fan of your program. Thank you also to our Executive Producer Sir Ferds, Ma'am Apple our Production coordinator, To the Segment Producers, Ma'am Abby, Ma'am Cha, Sir Mores, Sir Rodel and Sir Deng. To the Researchers Sir Lito, Sir Bryan, Sir Roel, and to PA's Tatay Rick and Don Robert. The cameramen, Sir Melchor, Sir Jhay, and the Graphic Artist Ma'am Nadine. Also, the Editors Sir Edwin and Sir Joms.

Through SOCO, I found purpose why I chose to be here in this field, I want to serve Filipino people and my Country, just like SOCO family aims. Success is achieved not by the accomplishments I attain, but the act I accomplish for others. I will forever be grateful for this life changing experience ABS-CBN SOCO. Thank you and God bless!