Veteran journalist Julius Segovia returns to PLM with “EERE TAYO!”

Veteran journalist and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) alumnus Julius Anthony M. Segovia returned to PLM for a journalism forum featuring his new book, “EERE TAYO!” at the University Library on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

The event, entitled “EERE TAYO: A Conversation on Journalism in a Changing Media Landscape,” featured Segovia’s discussion of his first published book, his journalism career, and the challenges of navigating a changing media landscape. 

Segovia graduated from PLM with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication in 2004 and a Master's in Business Administration in 2021. He has worked as an anchor, columnist, and broadcaster for media outlets including GMA Network Inc., Abante Tonite, and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13). He has also taught at multiple universities since 2012 and previously served as a lecturer at PLM.

Vice President of Research and Academic Extension Services (VPRAES), Dr. Dan Michael A. Cortez, delivered the opening remarks and introduced Segovia as the event’s speaker.

According to Segovia, “EERE TAYO!” underwent multiple revisions over six months and was developed through consultations with various experts. The book draws from his 20 years of experience in journalism.

“Lahat ng newsroom experience, lahat ng pagkakamali, lahat ng natutuhan, isiniksik sa workbook na ito. Hindi para sabihin na alamin natin ang lahat, kundi para may maibahagi…” he said.

Segovia collaborated on the workbook with fellow journalists, including Robert Mano of DZRMM and Ma. Cecilia Villarosa, a board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), who are also graduates of the university. 

He also introduced “Aling Barang,” a persona representing everyday, ordinary Filipinos, a personification of the “common Juan.” He reminded future journalists to keep “Aling Barang” in mind, because a mark of a great journalist is their ability to make everyday news easier to understand. 

After the presentation, a Q&A forum was held, where various students and alumni inquired about the media industry, its challenges, and how to overcome them. 

During the discussion, Segovia highlighted the transition from university to the professional field as one of the gaps he sought to address through his book.

“Practical siya, situational din, siyempre kapag nasa labas ka, [when] you're confronted with this situation—What will you do? Kasi as a reporter, [kapag] nasa field ka, decision-maker ka rin,” he stated.

Moreover, Segovia also encouraged the PLM students in the audience to pursue their passion and love for the craft amidst all the challenges they might face in the industry. 

“Pinalaki kayong matitibay. Kung talagang gusto niyo, kung nandoon talaga ang passion niyo, nandoon yung love niyo for the craft, pursue it. At the end of the day, doon masusukat yung pagiging Isko at Iska ninyo…You are most welcome to enter the industry, with open arms, pasok kayo,” he added.

The forum concluded with a giveaway, with five copies distributed to the first five registrants of the event, while four additional copies were won through a trivia game. Another copy was donated to the university library. Segovia signed each copy during a book-signing segment. 

The event culminated with the awarding of certificates by the Acting Chief of the Resource Generation Office (RGO), Dina C. Mendez, and closing remarks by the PLM Alumni Coordinator, Ma. Aurora Lalic.