A representative from the University of Asia and the Pacific accepts the award for Best Newsletter/ Magazine from Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara while Conrad Alvez and Fr. Lito Jopson, Lay Media Coordinator and Priest-minister, respectively look on. Photo by Cristy Evidente

PASIG CITY – Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara personally handed the trophies to what was to be known in the history of the Diocese of Pasig as the first recipients of Pasig Catholic Mass Media Awards during the Mediafest 2013 held at the Pasig Catholic College Aula Minor last May 17, 2013.

“Universitas” of the University of Asia and the Pacific bagged the Best Newsletter / Magazine award while “An Unlikely Lesson on Rights and Liberties” written by Frances Christine Sayson of St. Paul College Pasig was adjudged “Best News, Opinion, or Feature Article”.

The Best Video Documentary or Narrative (Long Film) was awarded to “Ikaw Na!”, produced by Roque Rey Navarro and Nick Tayag of Pasig Catholic College while Sta. Clara de Montefalco’s “Kuwaresma: Pagpapalain ng Pananaliag, Pag-asa at Pag-ibig” bagged the Best News Photo Award.

Special Citations were given to “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay”, a long film documentary produced by Antoinette Jadaone of San Guillermo Parish “for its unique, witty, and intelligent treatment and engaging presentation on the character actress’ slice of life, remarkably weaving both fact and fiction, and for exemplifying the values of perseverance and determination to excel in one’s field and craft”; short film documentary “Palayok, Pangarap, Pag-asa” produced by the Pasig ICC Soup Kitchen “for using the medium of television by giving voice to the voiceless and the inspiring the audience of helping them live humane lives”; and the websites www.pasigiccsoupkitchen.com, www.stmichaelparishhagonoy.weebly.com, and www.uap.asia for excelling in website design, presentation, and access to information in the fields of non-profit organization, parish, and academic institutions.

Earlier in the program, Bishop Mylo gave a Catechesis on Social Networks as “Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization”, highlighting this year’s Message of the Holy Father for the 47th World Communications Day”.

Citing the book “The New Digital Age” written by Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen that “The Internet is the world’s largest ungoverned space”, the Bishop, in quoting Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, asserted that the internet also run the risk of being transformed “into systems aimed at subjecting humanity to agendas dictated by the dominant interests of the day … while claiming to represent reality, it can tend to legitimize or impose distorted models of personal, family, or social life.” (Message on 42nd World Communications Day #2, 2008).

Bishop Mylo challenged the 400 participants to utilize the internet’s information and transcend to deepening in the knowledge of ourselves and others, quoting Pope Emeritus Benedict when he said, “it is not only ideas and information that are shared, but ultimately, our very selves.”

He also enlightened the audience to transcend from communication to communion. “Can social networking be an instrument of deeper communion with others, building communities and enhance my communion with God?” the Bishop asked.

Finally, the Bishop challenged the faithful to transcend from free expression to evangelization, citing the Pope Emeritus, “in their witness, in the way in which they communicate ‘choices, preferences, and judgements that are fully consistent with the Gospel.”

The event was hosted by Leo Felipe and Cathy Caday. TV Maria Philippines assisted in the TV production and will show the event on TV Maria Channel on cable and satellite TV. Clyde Villegas directed the historic event.