Documentations and Publications (DOCPUB) is a department known for its exemplary articles and breathtaking photographs. It takes pride knowing that they keep everyone in the loop on the happenings of Celadon. Whether it be through colorfully, created articles or DP-worthy event photographs, DOCPUB will make sure that you never miss out. Just as much as they spread the word what’s going on in Celadon, DOCPUB wouldn’t be where it is without its heart, mind and soul. At the helm of DOCPUB, Joshua Cheng, Mark Yu and Robert Cuartero always make sure to spread happiness, knowledge and wisdom.

Joshua Cheng: The Mind of DOCPUB

Nathan Cotoco (NC): Can you kindly introduce yourself and your current position in Celadon?

Joshua Cheng (JC): My name is Joshua Cheng. I’m the VP of DOCPUB. I’ve been doing this kind of work for three years. Initially, I was the Editor-in-chief for Elements Magazine which was also known as the AVP for Communication and Publications. I was also VP for the Publications Department (PUB). This was all before DOCPUB was created.

As a person I am very driven. I find that I need to be passionate about things, in this case the publication. I enjoy writing as a way to alleviate any pent-up emotion. I also prefer poetry and sample a lot of music as a hobby. I swim a lot. People also know me for analyzing personality types.

NC: Can you describe the feeling when you told yourself you wanted to be a part of the EB?

JC: Initially, it was during 1st year that I ran. I assessed the playing field because I knew a lot of active members in Celadon. I felt that I had a lot to contribute. I decided to run for Communications and Publications because of my competence in magazine-related affairs and also because I knew people who could help out in creating the website. Majority were more versed in promotional material and photography, so I felt I had something unique to offer.

In terms of what I felt, I saw that Celadon was a possible place where I can grow. I also saw that I had something to contribute which I could use as a way to experiment theories on management and leadership. You’re actually talking to someone who revises his brain a lot!

NC: How does your unique skill-set help DOCPUB?

JC: I’m a task-oriented person. I take note of the long-term objectives of the department. I want to see how I can achieve the resources necessary such as EB approval or recognition from other aspects of Celadon. I even look into potential managers and the EB in the future.

For mid-range objectives, such as the Elements Magazine, balancing types of articles, I try to mix serious articles and fun articles. In a bigger perspective, you can’t have too much of one or the other.

Short-term, I think of the next news article, the next feature article, the next photo coverage. In terms of that, I try to make it a point that it’s a clean list of events with their respective documentations. When the event is approaching, I make sure that we are prepared. When it comes to the details, I trust my managers and AVPs.

NC: Is there ever a quiet day in DOCPUB?

JC: There was that time, on the day of LFH, that the majority of DOCPUB management were gone. So we closed the department. Yes, that’s actually possible. (P.S. For the record, we released an article on that day.)

NC: What was your defining moment?

JC: My defining moment was when I split Communications and Publications into “Communications” and “Publications”, latter which became DOCPUB. It was quite difficult to pull off. There’s also getting the magazine published. We had zero experience in print production. Some of us had experience editing in a publication during high school but majority of us were learning layouting for the first time or editing in bulk for the first time. It was like leading a bunch of first time troopers into the unknown and behold, we managed to do it after a year’s worth of difficulties.

NC: What was the greatest thing you learned out of failure?

JC: Follow-through and discipline. I’m the type of person who could easily be fired up about a new big idea. The challenge would be communicating it to people and the follow-through to stick to it. There’s also commitment for myself to stick to things when the project needs another person. I see them as the two departments I lacked in. Three years of doing this work boosted that. I mean, I’ve always wants to go after new ideas, doing documentations and publications for three years sounds antithetical to how I naturally work. I’m glad for the experience because I always need follow-through and discipline to refine my craft. They do say that if you don’t stick around to work on your craft then you’re nothing but a one-hit wonder.

NC: What was the first and last thing you gave up for this org?

JC: Well, I failed my course during my AVP term. My sadness didn’t last that long because I knew where I wanted to go which is marketing. That’s the first thing I gave up for the org. Last thing will always be time because three years is a lot of time. It’s an on-going thing for the craft that I dedicated myself to.

NC: Was the Celadon journey all that you expected it to be?

JC: No, because when I was a freshman, I expected a smooth ride. There were so much rough patches on the road. Even then, I’m glad that I found a lot of friends in the managers, EB and staffers along the way which I didn’t expect. For example, I knew people that I didn’t think I’d get along with but I’m very good friends with them. I didn’t expect that I would stay for 3 years to see my vision of a well-run publication happen.

NC: What would you tell your younger self?

JC: You will not die. I mean, the road will be rough, that sort of cliché, as far as you’re concerned. Let’s leave the rest open-ended.

Mark Yu: The Soul of DOCPUB

NC: Can you kindly introduce yourself and your current position in Celadon?

Mark Yu (MY): Hi I’m Mark Yu, AVP for Documentations and Publications. Essentially, I handle the documentation part of DOCPUB. That means I manage the news editors who write articles after every event of Celadon and photo editors who document said events through photography. There are times a collaboration would produce photo essays. I also help out as a Managing Editor for print issues, which include print production while helping Joshua Cheng for art diretion in the coming Elements Magazine.

NC: Can you describe the feeling when you told yourself you wanted to be a part of the EB?

MY: It was during my m2nd year that I really wanted to be active in Celadon. During my 1st year, I still felt very shy and I still felt like it was a very G.I. org. Coming from a Chinese High School, I wanted to separate from that as much as I could. But come 2nd year, I saw na it wasn’t as G.I. as I expected. It was actually trying to modernize our culture within the Ateneo context which I really appreciated. What attracted me and made me want to stay in Celadon was the people. Celadoneans are the friendliest people for me. There’s not one Celadonean that you can’t go to and say hi or can’t stay in the org room and start a conversation with. I don’t think there’s a single one of them that would refuse to wave hello. I really saw the impact through the projects themselves and I really felt like I wanted to contribute more. As for going upward and being and part of the EB, I wanted to be  AVP for Cultural Affairs (CUL) at first. I didn’t ascend to the position because they decided that I wasn’t ready but then DOCPUB opened this role for me so I faced the decision of going for EB or staying as a manager. I felt like I wanted to know the experience of being part of the EB and contributing more to the org.

NC: Describe the experience of being in DOCPUB.

MY: First off, being DOCPUB last year, it wasn’t a very interactive department. It was very introverted. A lot of people were shy and it was mostly like that throughout the year, but I handled the photo pool and I guess it was more open and friendly. People were more outspoken in the photo pool. Under my direction along with Quimbe Dy, I wanted people to be more lively. I think that’s what translated this year and I’m incredibly happy. From last year, there is such a huge improvement. In terms of what a day in DOCPUB is like, we don’t have events so a lot of our work is online. Connection-wise, our chats are always sabaw and lutang. Our chats go on and on and on. It’s very entertaining. A lot of people have a lot of different things to say and you really get to see each other’s perspective. Out of all the departments, I would like to say, in a bias way, that it’s the most random and most weird department. I feel like we have the weirdest conversations there and I guess a big part of the vibe that we got is from our managers.

NC: What was your defining moment?

MY: It’s not a defining moment but I guess it’s my proudest moment. In the first DOCPUB GA, we had a small icebreaker then we started with our presentations. In that small window of time, I saw what DOCPUB could be.  A lot of people were having fun with their jobs. In the second GA, when we discussed the theme of the magazine, people started to really give their ideas. It really made me feel like DOCPUB had a lot to say. They have a lot to contribute to the Chinese culture and to Celadon. Siguro the other moments would be the outings that we had. What defined it is when I see these people bonding and talking, over-all having a good time and sharing ideas. It makes me happy having been a part of it or helping in it or even orchestrating it.

NC: What was the greatest thing you learned out of failure?

MY: A lot of our work is based on communication and sometimes I have trouble remembering all these important dates. You have to find a balance. Yun lang talaga, communication was the key thing I learned from my failure. It’s so incredibly important. You have to talk to other departments, talk to your managers, and to your fellow EB members. You really need to know what’s happening in other departments and you have to let them know as well what you’re doing. Sometimes I close people off and that’s what I really have to improve on. Communicating is not just about communicating with people. It’s also about communicating your mistakes. Communication is key and humility also. As EB and managers, we shared in the loss. In the end, it’s not about us, it’s about the org and what the org does for others. There are times that we carry boxes for Corporate Relations or volunteer for shifts but in the end, it’s all about giving back to the org.

NC: What was the first and last thing you gave up for this org?

MY: I can’t honestly say what the first was but the last, I gave up other orgs. I feel I have to be committed to Celadon because we get to the point that  I ask, what’s the point of doing other orgs if I really only feel passionate about this org? Why will I use my time for other orgs when I feel the advocacy more with this org? Not to say that other orgs don’t have meaningful advocacies. It takes up a lot of your time. Usually, you give up your time.  In the end, you spend that time helping out the org, developing your skills and meeting new friends along the way.

NC: Was the Celadon journey all that you expected it to be?

MY: It wasn’t all that I expected it to be. I expected it to be G.I. and the projects were a bit of a fail. I didn’t expect to be active and I expected to just be a regular member. I told myself that I wasn’t going to be part of the EB. I didn’t expect to be in the position that I am in now. I didn’t expect to have met so much fun and meet creative and weird and intelligent people. I didn’t expect I could have jived with all of them. I didn’t know that I could relate with them. I also didn’t expect the experiences I had with Celadon, the people and the things that I wanted to achieve.

NC: What are your ideas for your position and Celadon in the future?

MY: I guess it would have to be making DOCPUB’s initiative branch out more to people. I would make Elements a platform wherein Ateneans can really interact and learn about Chinese-Filipino culture. A way to do it and something I wanted to do is have members send their own artworks or their own poems and stories so that it could be featured. Photo essays are another alternative. Photos right now are really a big part of DOCPUB. The interaction by far is the most important. I want there to be a platform for people to interact. I guess workshops also and maybe we could bring in speakers. I would want the role to be able to reach out to more people and for everyone to interact.

NC: What would you tell your younger self?

MY: I would say things are going to end up like what you wanted it to but life will surprise you in many, many, many ways and I want you to just go with it, go with it and have fun.

Robert Cuartero: The Heart of DOCPUB

NC: Can you kindly introduce yourself and your current position in Celadon?

Robetr Cuartero (RC): Hi I’m Robert Cuartero. I am the AVP for Documentations and Publications (DOCPUB). My main job is assisting Joshua, the VP, in running DOCPUB. Primarily, I handle the assessment of all feature articles as well as managing the website. I am also in charge of overseeing the Elements Magazine due for publication around April.

NC: Can you describe the feeling when you told yourself you wanted to be a part of the EB?

RC: It’s actually a funny story because I was really hesitant at first. In fact, I thought I was going to lose. I was in JTA when I applied hence my presence was very limited. I may have been a manager but the role I was given didn’t entail me to do much. All these factors could have easily affected the decision but thankfully, I won. It was a really good feeling because I’ve been active since 2nd year and I’d really like to cap off my stay in Celadon by joining theEB.

NC: What was your defining moment?

RC: It was probably making an impact on my managers and staffers. At the end of the day, I learned as AVP is that it’s not just about implementing your plans and making sure everything in your department is sound. It’s also making sure that you get to mentor people properly, that you get to guide them using your experience. I’ve been working for DOCPUB for almost my entire stay in Celadon. In fact, I was one of the very first people Cheng recruited when he wanted to revive the Elements Magazine. All of this knowledge and experience are what I share to my managers and staffers. Despite the notion and stigma of org cliquishness in Celadon, I make sure that my department is a home. Regardless of who you are, your gender, age, ethnicity, talent, you are accepted.

NC: Describe the experience of being an AVP for DocPub.

RC: I usually have to respond to a lot of group chats. It’s actually a little sad, I mean funny, that most of my chats are work-related. I usually check articles and check for deployments. Sometimes the heavy workload requires me to be the one to do the photo job or write an article or piece if none of my staffers or managers are available. It’s actually a good thing for me because I like to be hands on especially when I’m managing a team of writers and photographers. You wouldn’t know how to manage them if you yourself don’t know what your job asks for in the first place. Admittedly, I only learned how to do photography when I got the position. Apparently it’s not only about pushing the button on the camera. There are so much techniques that need to be mastered. It’s also quite physically exhausting having to go around and be a photographer for an event. It’s sad as well because you wouldn’t be able to participate in an event. This is why I don’t want my photographers taking pictures all the time. I want them to also be able to enjoy the event and in that sense, capture it in the photos that they take. Work aside, I like interacting with my managers and staffers. They’re all my friends and I always make sure to check up on them and ask them how they are. It’s not just a one-way relationship with them. I impart my knowledge to them just as much as they impart their knowledge on me.

NC: Describe your relationship with your department.

RC: I’m very meticulous because when things are let unchecked, the consequences could be detrimental. This is why I’m usually quite blunt when I talk to people. Sometimes I feel like I might hurt the writers so I really appreciate when people remind me to ease up a little. I really appreciate it because it taught me compassion and it helped me improve more, not just as an AVP, but also as a person.

NC: What was the greatest thing you learned out of failure?

RC: I make sure to analyze where I went wrong. Not just that, it’s also about accepting that you did something wrong. Failure taught me to be humble. It reminds me that I’m not as good as I think I am. Admittedly, I have quite an ego which makes it harder to swallow but I still push on knowing that this is the best way for me to move forward. With regards to my position, I make sure to consult with my co-managers and co-EB. I’m fairly new with photography but very passionate as well. I always make sure to ask the experts and photo editors. They give me tips and practices on photography and how to take better and more efficient shots which I really appreciate.

NC: What was the first and last thing you gave up for this org?

RC: Time. Being part of the EB is a huge commitment. Attending events and you have sleepless nights checking articles. DocPub has a two week rule that all collaterals must be released upon submission by the staffer. Even if I’m AVP, I always make sure that protocol is followed despite hell weeks because how will my managers and staffers respect the policy if I can’t even hold it myself?

NC: Was the Celadon journey all that you expected it to be?

RC: It was more than that. Celadon was the last org that I wanted to be active in. Other orgs could have given me a better resume but Celadon saw more of my potential. I was shocked because I thought I was going to have a hard time adapting to the group because the people already bonded. Apparently it was quite easy, I found lifelong friends even amongst the younger Celadoneans. The journey was full of surprises. I became a manager for the website even if I clutched the apps. It was really fulfilling to have also gotten the role of AVP but it’s really about the people. They helped me define the person that I am today.

NC: What would you tell your younger self?

RC: Life won’t guarantee happy endings but as long as you do your best, you played fair and you gave it your all then that’s all that matters especially as I go through the tail-end of my college life. You can do everything perfectly but life will always throw a monkey wrench and it won’t guarantee a happy result. It’s easy to complain, easy to say that you got cheated. Life really isn’t fair, and we’re not entitled to have a happy ending. You just have to do the right thing and you’ll get the peace of mind for doing it.

As seen in the interview, their passion for their craft ignites the same fire within their managers and editors. You’ll never fail to see them spread the warmth through their works and their hugs, more so through the stories they weave and the memories they encapsulate, ensuring that Celadon’s growth and milestones remain golden forever.

For other articles on the executive board, check this out:

• Celections 2017: EXT, Making Connections
• Celections 2017: COMM, Getting People Talking (in More Ways Than One)
• Celections 2017: CORREL, Bridging the Gaps
• Celections 2017: FIN, Making Everything Count
• Celections 2017: HR, Making Celadon Home
• Celections 2017: CUL, Traditions in Transition

Written by Nathan Cotoco.

Photos by Tinoley Digital Studio.