On 26 April 2024, Saint Louis University participated in the “Pakaistoryaan Author Book Talk” and launch of trauma journalist Patricia Evangelista’s book “Some People Need Killing” (SPNK) held at the UC Theater, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City. Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced, SLU Vice President for Administration, led the third and fourth year BA Communication students, as well as representatives from White and Blue, the official student publication of SLU.
This participation was made possible through the invitation of FYT, a media startup co-founded by Filipino broadcast journalist Atom Araullo and Co-founder & Executive Director of Fyt Media Voltaire Tupaz, to partner with SLU, the University of the Cordilleras and the University of the Philippines for the said book talk.
Setting the tone, Mr. Ray Dean Salvosa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UC, emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of not forgetting the past. In the never-ending journey towards justice and the fight to bring light to the Philippines, he stated that it is important to bring awareness to tragic events that affect the nation.
Immediately after, Ms. Evangelista gave her talk, recounting the stories of the victims that span events during and after the War on Drugs. She then read excerpts from her book, traumatic and heart-wrenching stories of Filipinos who went through grave loss.
Thereafter, a conversation with Ms. Evangelista commenced with Jeff Canoy, Chief of Reporters at ABS-CBN NEWS. They talked about the realities, dangers and limitations of being a journalist, the process of unearthing stories and of building rapport with people, and Ms. Evangelista’s writing process.
During the discourse, the author reminded those present to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the field because in the Philippines it is easy to forget events that have affected the nation’s history. The book, as Ms. Evangelista stated, is a story of those who have lost their lives during the war on drugs. As a journalist, her job is not to be a hero or a friend that will promise a better future, but to be a reporter who tells their stories compellingly and to strive to keep telling these stories.
When asked about a lesson she can share with the next generation of writers and journalists, she answered, “If you really want to be a writer or be a storyteller, find your story— the one that matters to you and then keep a record. I wouldn’t have lasted this long if the story didn’t own me. I didn’t own a story, it owned me. It drove me across years of this. If there’s a story that matters, honor it.”
An open forum then commenced with questions from the representatives of the partner universities: Atty. Jennifer Aquino, faculty member of the Arts and Sciences College, UC; Nadz Aldrin Benico, one of the editors of White and Blue, SLU; and Prof. Orville Tatcho, PhD, CAC Communication Department Chairman of UP Baguio. The audience were also given the opportunity to ask questions, which were then answered by Ms. Evangelista.
Closing the Pakaistoryaan Author Book Talk, Voltaire Tupaz, expressed gratitude to the attendees and for the collaboration of the event partners. He reminded the audience that remembering and telling the story of the people is vital in times of chaos.
Pakaistoryaan ended with a book signing by Patricia Evangelista. Books were available for purchase through Fully Booked. A special book program, “Ituloy ang Kwento” or “Pass the Word” initiative, was spearheaded; by Ms. Evangelista with Fully Booked. People can buy a book with a discount, and will be donated to those who have no means of accessing or purchasing them. These will be delivered for free by Fully Booked.
The participation of SLU in this event supports the advocacy of the University in pursuing justice and peace by fostering a community that is open to the social concerns of the country. Such advocacy is in consonance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), along with the CICM advocacy of Justice and Peace. (Article by Sarah Navalta and Rita Lopez, UIO Interns | Photos by Keen Oviedo and Khryss Arellano, UIO Interns)
“Some People Need Killing”, praised as “a journalistic masterpiece,” is a compelling investigative piece uncovering the narratives of the victims behind the scene and presenting them in different perspectives to get a deeper look at controversial issues. It was longlisted for the inaugural Women’s Prize for Nonfiction, shortlisted for the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award, and included in numerous “Best Book of 2023” lists, such as by The New Yorker, The Economist, and the Chicago Public Library.
