The Department of Communication and the TSU Communicators’ Guild spearheaded the second day of the Scriptwriting Seminar and Workshop on March 12, 2024, at the Smith Hall CASS Theater Room, Tarlac State University Main Campus. The event continued to inspire creativity and passion among Communication students as they explored the art and impact of scriptwriting.
The day’s session featured Mr. Renato G. Nicdao as guest speaker, who brought with him extensive experience and insight into the field of writing. In his lecture, Mr. Nicdao emphasized the transformative power of writing as a tool for influence and expression in contemporary society. He also discussed the financial opportunities that creativity can bring, encouraging students to produce original content and share it through digital platforms.
During his exchange with Prof. Maria Fermina Joyce C. Nucum, Chairperson of the Department of Communication, Mr. Nicdao proposed the creation of an official YouTube channel for the department to serve as a creative outlet for students—providing them with both exposure and the potential to earn through content creation and audience engagement.
To make the session interactive, participants were tasked with writing a scene inspired by “ASH – A Soliloquy to the Heavens.” The activity allowed students to apply their knowledge of loglines and action lines while developing their storytelling skills. During the exercise, Dr. Aloysius T. Madriaga, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), visited the venue to observe the students’ progress, reflecting the department’s strong support for academic and creative initiatives.
Mr. Nicdao also conducted a practical exercise on characterization and dialogue writing, selecting seven volunteers to perform character-driven scenes. The activity deepened participants’ understanding of authentic dialogue construction and emotional expression. Dramatic monologues featuring themes such as gaylingo and marital rape were also presented, bringing nuance and sensitivity to the discussion.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. Nicdao recounted his experiences from being a teacher in the Philippines to working as a waiter in Dubai, highlighting how journaling helped him rediscover his passion for writing after a 30-year hiatus. His story served as an inspiring testament to resilience and the enduring power of creative expression.
In support of continuous learning, Mr. Nicdao launched a Facebook group titled “TSU Scriptwriting Workshoppers (2024)” to provide a platform for students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and share resources beyond the seminar.
The event concluded with the awarding of a certificate and token of appreciation to Mr. Nicdao, presented by Dr. Madriaga and Prof. Nucum. In her closing remarks, Prof. Nucum commended the TSU Communicators’ Guild officers for their efforts in organizing the two-day seminar and challenged them to initiate more academically driven activities for BA Communication students. She emphasized that the insights gained from the workshop would serve as valuable tools for students’ future academic and professional pursuits.
The seminar concluded with a photo session capturing the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm that marked the success of the two-day scriptwriting event.
