MALATE'S SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Our Lady of Remedies in Malate has always been especially dear to my heart. For one, I was born and raised in Malate, went to school there and served as a reader/commentator too. So when a message reached me on my Messenger with an invitation to join the social communications committee this Saturday, I could not say "no"! I went to the Remedios Jubilee Center's audio-visual room at nine a.m. to find the seminar had started but relieved that I wasn't too late. Familiar faces greeted me: film director Mel Bacani III , technical and internet wiz Ramz Espina , and former co-commentator and friend Joy Jante - Deanon were the leaders/mentors charged with orienting the volunteers for the seminar.

Basically, the seminar was an introduction into photography, video presentation and live streaming. The parish sees the need to increase the number of volunteers who can man , produce and live stream Masses and other liturgical celebrations and events happening at Malate Church that may be significant for online viewers. Let's not forget that we are still in a pandemic. Until thIt was a simple three camera set-up and audio link with a Master's control booth, WiFi connection design for on-line, real time broadcast.

What differentiates a live stream of MALATE church is that the Eucharistic celebration is given emphasis rather than production value. So we decided it would be in the church's best interest to imbue the streaming with a sharper focus and a more solemn quality with less camera movement and more readable graphics. What is more important to the viewers is the message. That sounds so simple but not easy to achieve. So we decided it would be best to make studies that will make camera movement and angling less jarring and conduct more studies so the volunteers can familiarize themselves with the equipment. By noon, we concluded with the seminar with a promise to conduct further exercises. So much to look forward to but Fr. Leo in his closing remarks concludes with a relevant statement that it's worthwhile training youthful volunteers who use their talent in a skill they're passionate about with a goal of service to the Church.e threat is cleared, parishes must bring the Word into the homes of the flock who must listen from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

I'm not new to Church volunteerism. But this seminar reflects a need for the Catholic Church to step up to the technological advancements of the 21st century. The program was a concise primer on Basic Photography with Andrew Mayang; Basic Videography with Mel Bacani III; Live Streaming with Ramz Espina; and Live Streaming Troubleshooting with Sherwin Layoso as mentors. Emmanuel Añago, Rhea delos Santos, Julia Mancera & Lilli Dela Cruz were on-hand to assist with the OBS training. By mid-morning, all the lectures were accomplished and after a short coffee break, all participants were led to the church where they were given a hands-on experience of actual operations of equipment.