Through the Lens of an Alter Ego

“Jack of all trades, master of none.”

It’s a phrase often thrown around as an insult—something meant to question a person’s focus or expertise. But what many fail to realize is that it comes from a longer, more empowering thought: being skilled in many things can sometimes be better than mastering just one.

Curiosity, after all, has a way of opening unexpected doors.

For some, exploring different fields may seem like a lack of direction. But in reality, it can be a journey of discovery—trying, failing, and trying again until something finally feels right. Sometimes, you don’t find your passion immediately. Sometimes, it finds you along the way.

I never imagined that journalism would be that path for me.

Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a chef. It was a future I held onto for years—until reality stepped in. I realized I couldn’t even cook an egg properly. Ironically, while my skills in the kitchen fell short, my ability to write began to stand out. Encouraged by a teacher who saw potential in my words, I slowly found myself drawn into the world of journalism.

I started with feature writing, captivated by the idea of telling stories in a vivid and creative way. At first, I stayed within that comfort zone, hesitant to take risks beyond what I already knew. But opportunities came—ones I didn’t expect, yet chose to embrace.

It was through our school paper adviser that I was introduced to FPS Media PH, whose invitation opened the door to a year-long training in multimedia and journalism. Where I took the role of secretary and became part of Salin-Lente: Pulilan Film Society, a group that another member and I proudly named. There, I discovered another side of myself. A logo I designed was chosen as the organization’s official emblem, revealing a skill for graphic design I never knew I had.

The learning didn’t stop there.

By attending weekly seminars, I found myself stepping behind the lens—exploring photography and developing skills in camera work. What started as simple curiosity soon became something more. Before I knew it, I was no longer just a writer. I was a storyteller in multiple forms.

Behind these opportunities are people whose dedication made everything possible. Sir Hieri Del Rosario, with unwavering commitment, open-heartedly shared their equipment—especially cameras—with the team, even at times when he wasn’t compensated. More than providing tools, he invested his time and effort to genuinely teach us multimedia skills—knowledge that not only prepares us for the future but also opens more opportunities for us to excel and win in press conferences.

Equally significant is the support of our Vice Mayor, Atty. Imee Cruz, who sponsored our participation and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout the seminar workshops. From making sure we had what we needed to simply reminding us to enjoy the experience, her support allowed us to focus on learning, growing, and making the most out of every opportunity.

Now, I stand as one of the selected individuals set to join the upcoming launch of ToyCon at Okada Manila—an opportunity I once wouldn’t have imagined for myself.

Looking back, maybe I am a “jack of all trades.”

But perhaps that isn’t something to be ashamed of. Perhaps it means being open—willing to grow, to adapt, and to discover new passions along the way. Because while I may not claim mastery over a single craft, the journey has shaped me into something more versatile, more curious, and more driven.

After all, the full quote was "Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one."