What has happened

Experts from the region shared their knowledge on different issues to enlighten the fellows on cross-border issues. Mr. Jaques Ferreira of the Asian Development Bank Greater Mekong Region Sub-Unit gave some information on infrastructure, economy and development. Mr. Hans Guttman of the Mekong River Commission shared environmental impacts of projects on the region. Rex Varona of Asian Migrants Center discussed the situation of undocumented migrants in the Mekong. Jeanne Hallacy of AsiaWorks, Bangkok helped the fellows put everything together and guided them in selecting their documentary topics on cross-border issues.

The sharing of past fellows Vannaphone Sitthirath of Laos and Lach Chan Tha of Cambodia was instrumental in the fellows understanding of cross-border issues and the difficulties of production.

Vannaphone shares the fellowship has taught her to look beyond just day-to-day work. She now sees the responsibility media people have in shaping and developing the region. The importance of earning the trust of people you interview, i.e. Lao women trafficked to Thailand, and keeping that trust. She shares that to this day, she checks up on the women who were part of her documentary "Their Corner of the Sky".

Mr. Tha stressed the importance of focusing on cross-border issues in their documentary production. He shared the difficulties he faced when creating his documentary "Children at the Crossing". It was hard for his group to get visas and permits to shoot in the Thailand side but he knew that this was necessary for his story to be complete. He strongly urged them never to give up to despite the limitations their media environment poses. He said that it was his group's passion to help the children that melted that hearts of interviewees.

Experts from the Philippine media industry and academe, who are also recognized internationally, took time out to share their knowledge and experiences with the fellows as well:

• Chay Hofilena of the Konrad Adenauer Center for Journalism gave them a perspective on the the regional and Philippine media situation.
• Doy del Mundo, Chair of De La Salle University Communications department, gave a refresher course on documentary production — opening their eyes to the many styles of docu production.
• Luz Rimban of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism gave eye-opening reports on the power of investigative journalism.
• Cheche Lazaro shared her expertise in interviewing, while Twink Macaraig of Channel News Asia evaluated their interview exercises.
• Luchi Cruz-Valdes of ABS CBN Network shared her talents in writing for video.
• Ditsi Carolino was their guide in videography — giving them tips on how to improve their camerawork and how to get better sound.
• Producer Daphne Tolentino helped them understand the language of editing.