Pioneering cohorts give a thumbs-up to Awesome Media’s pilot writing and journalism Masterclass
New York – The pilot Masterclass on Writing & Journalism with Dr. Marivir Montebon was well-received by its pioneering nine cohorts from the US and Philippines. It was produced in the auspices of Awesome Media, Ltd. and the nonprofit Women’s Immigration & Communications Café on August 12 and 18, 2026 with participants from California and New York in the US and Cebu, Pampanga, and South Cotabato in the Philippines.
New York-based journalist Montebon is the founder of Awesome Media and WICCAFE and has published 5 books, including ‘In the Belly of the Beast: Stories of Sadness, Stories of Success of Filipinos Trafficked in the US’ published by the University of San Carlos Press.
Dr. Remi Alapo: “Dr. Montebon’s masterclass was engaging, practical, and intellectually enriching.”
“Participating in Dr. Montebon’s masterclass was an engaging, practical, and intellectually enriching experience,” said cohort Dr. Remi Alapo, a college professor at York College of the City University of New York.
Alapo was with cohorts Sean Colaljo from California, Jerry Sibal, Indai Sajor, and Nisha Thapa Magar in New York, and Maria Anabelle Samson, Sue Vergara, Joann Coloma, and Irish Ann Benjamin from the Philippines.
Pioneering cohorts Sean Colaljo from California, Dr. Remi Alapo, Jerry Sibal, Indai Sajor, and Nisha Thapa Magar in New York, and Maria Anabelle Samson, Sue Vergara, Joann Coloma (not in photo), and Irish Ann Benjamin from the Philippines.
In her feedback form, Alapo said:
“Dr. Montebon created a welcoming environment in which participants could develop their writing skills, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Her guidance on profile writing, particularly the importance of description, analysis, contextualization, source attribution, and effective photo captioning, was clear, relevant, and immediately applicable.
The assignment to write a first-person profile of someone who positively influenced our lives encouraged both personal reflection and disciplined storytelling. I especially appreciated the opportunity to receive feedback, revise my work, and engage with a diverse cohort of writers. The reference materials and examples provided further strengthened the learning experience.
Dr. Montebon was generous in sharing her professional knowledge and encouraging each participant to recognize the value of their own voice and experiences.”
Sean Colaljo, a sophomore at University of California, Berkeley and the youngest of the cohorts, said he had a great experience.
“I learned a lot about the history of journalism and how it has been used to serve benevolent (ex: investigate reporting) and malicious (ex: yellow journalism) purposes alike.
I also learned much about the simple, direct, straight-to-the-point style of writing that journalists use and was glad to try it personally with my profile piece. I especially appreciated how our cohort's discussions applied the discipline's foundational emphasis upon ethics to today's context, such as when we discussed AI and accountability vis-à-vis plagiarism.
Our cohort of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences strongly enriched our discussions.”
Prospects
An output of the Masterclass are the cohort’s essays which were published by Awesome Media, Ltd. and their inclusion in a Writer’s Circle.
“I never imagined I would take this path. As a VAWC survivor, sharing what I have gone through is hard, and this written piece represents the best I can share at this stage. While complete vulnerability remains difficult, I hope to publish my book one day. My goal is to leave a meaningful legacy for my daughters so they know my story and can pass it down to future generations,” wrote Maan Samson, a college teacher and case manager for the IMA Foundation, a nonprofit helping abused women in Angeles City, Philippines.
Alapo said that the proposed Writers’ Circle is an excellent continuation of the Masterclass and can provide an important space for collaboration, accountability, mentorship, and future publication.
“I am grateful to have participated in this pioneering cohort and highly recommend the Masterclass to emerging and experienced writers seeking renewed inspiration, practical guidance, and a supportive writing community.”
Colaljo believes that the pioneering masterclass would benefit from 1-2 additional sessions to allow cohort members to receive further instruction and build camaraderie with one another.
The second Masterclass is set towards the end of September 2026. Cohort Sibal is looking forward to enrolling two scholars from his nonprofit FRIENDSOFPHUSA from the Philippines. #
Essays of the pioneering cohorts
https://www.marivirmontebon.com/editorial-and-essays/essay-my-lady-bosss-strength-is-infectious
https://www.marivirmontebon.com/editorial-and-essays/essay-my-moms-grit-shines-through-my-life
