KZ Galvan

The pandemic may have halted bustling newsrooms and highly anticipated press conferences, but it could not waver one’s desire to hone the craft of journalism. In 2022, I never imagined that year would mark my transition from a campus journalist to someone serving the community from a national perspective through the power of storytelling.



It all started when I joined Explained PH’s first Online Press Conference (OPC), with the hope of not only relearning from the best but also unlearning the misconceptions that cloud newsrooms. Of all the sessions, fact-checking instilled in me a greater calling, a mission, something that went beyond words on paper. Explained PH aims to bring journalism “from newsroom to fingertips,” and it resonated within me. 

What had started as a brush-up on old skills became a watershed moment — I placed second in Copyreading and Headline Writing, reaffirming my passion for journalism. But more than this accolade, it dawned on me that real journalism is what we can do after press conferences, what we can do with the skills we have in storytelling, and how we uphold the core of journalism beyond the byline — a mission to serve.

That victory door of opportunity opened, and I entered Explained PH as a staff member. I immersed myself in various roles: a writer in science and technology, a crafter for visuals, and a copyreader polishing articles. Stepping into this new room was much more than turning a page for me. Doubts set in, the room widened for more improvement, and mistakes were made. There were times I thought I was not worthy of the recruitment. Yet journalism was not meant to be comfortable every time. Rather, it was meant to test the spirit, to remind one of a mission, whereby we serve something greater than ourselves — a mission of resilience.

 I chose to stay, embracing the discomfort because I know I was growing, and the pain of discomfort is nothing but the pain of regret later on for not trying. Journalism does not demand being automatically perfect. This nonstop JOURNey taught me to continue molding, specifically in the digital sense, to picture stories, turn immensely complicated scientific breakthroughs into easily digestible narratives, and ensure the clarity and correctness of every article published. To uphold such craft became more than just a task to me — a mission to uphold ethical journalism.

After a year, I was later entrusted to be one of the editors, the Head copyeditor, which meant shared honors and challenges for me. It was rewarding for me, knowing that it was my first time joining a nationwide publication, but I obtained a great role within a year. Such an editorial position is intimidating, but it enlightened me that passion and dedication are as crucial as experience. You don’t have to be a seasoned journalist to make a contribution — just the willingness to learn, strong dedication, and bravery to take the initiative are what you need.

With the position came a greater accountability, overseeing fact-checking, article refinement, and ensuring that every article published upholds truth and readability. Being a copyeditor is kind of like a worker behind the scenes for a grand show: while we are not always center stage, we do ensure that the show goes on flawlessly so audiences are entertained and informed. Our task is more than merely editing words; it involves protecting the integrity of the stories that reach the community. We ensure that journalism is not just consumed but comprehended. That the candle of truth stays alight for all to see — a mission of community journalism.

Today, the media, in many ways, has been turned into a battlefield. The very thing that distorts narratives, misinforms the public, and induces biases threatens the core of truthful reporting. But journalism should not fight against itself; it should stand for truth. Nevertheless, Explained PH has been forging the path of serving responsible journalism for the masses, from hard into informative news, trivia down to advocacy-driven content, and providing a platform for young journalists for journalistic training. This commitment is something I felt not just as Head Copyeditor but from the very first day I became a staffer — a mission to empower.

Looking back, Explained PH both helped build my skills and provide insights into what it really means to be in the information battleground; it shaped my “why.” It aided me in creating the discipline, the passion, and the courage to pursue this mission. And as long as there are stories to tell, as long as there is truth to uphold, this fire will not fade. Because journalism is not just a profession — it is a mission. And mine, thanks to Explained PH, continues — one story, one truth at a time.

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In celebration of Explained PH's anniversary this April, we are publishing a series of essays that commemorates our half a decade of impact.