Passion for the Game, Faith in the Journey

Juliana Marasigan, a second-year BA Communication student,

joins FEU as its newest correspondent.

Every year, the opening of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season sparks a wave of excitement and anticipation that sweeps students, alumni, viewers, and sports enthusiasts alike. People await to see which teams will rise, carving their names into the league's history. Each game builds up thrill and momentum as it gets closer toward the finals. 

But the excitement doesn’t stop on the court. Another highlight that grabs people’s attention is the announcement of UAAP's new set of courtside reporters. This year, Far Eastern University welcomes Juliana Marasigan, a second year BA in Communication student, as its correspondent. She is ready to bring stories and energy to the forefront of the season.

A Life in Motion

From a young age, Juliana was involved in a variety of activities. She had been a member of the Prima National Artistica dance troupe, where she developed a love for performance and creativity. Meanwhile, her athletic pursuits included basketball where was point guard for her varsity team at the Philippine School of Oman while also playing volleyball during intramurals.

Alongside these sports, she nurtured a passion for vlogging, which began with watching YouTube videos before deciding to have her own personal platform. In college, she grew more invested in vlogging, sharing glimpses of her life as a student and courtside reporter.

Passion for Sports Journalism

Juliana’s early experiences in sports media shaped her growing interest in sports journalism. During Senior High School, she engaged in various media related activities, such as producing magazines and courtside reporting during intramurals. Her unforgettable experience was when she interviewed De La Salle’s Michael Christian Phillips for a news feature, igniting her passion to pursue this career.

At every school she attends, Juliana finds herself crossing paths with athletes from various sports. Apart from gaining more insights from these encounters, she also realized that there is more to an athlete’s journey than just the winning moment but the untold stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and challenges before attaining the spot they have now.

 “What excites me about sports journalism is getting to know the depth of athletes' lives, beyond just the wins and losses,” said Juliana. “It’s about the stories that inspire us.”

Finding Her Voice

Juliana’s breakthrough came when she applied to be a courtside reporter for UAAP. Although she initially felt unsure and anxious, Romans 8:28 of the New King James Version gave her assurance: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This inspired her to take the leap and submit her application.

Becoming FEU’s courtside reporter was both an exciting and challenging experience for Julianna since it involves presences of mind, quick-witted responses, and resourcefulness to push through live reports in spite of unexpected circumstances that may happen along the way.

From her willingness to provide a more effective report, Juliana built genuine connection with the athletes. She began attending their training sessions and team dinners. Over time, she gained the trust of the players, which allowed her to ask more personal questions that went beyond the game itself.

“I learned that to truly connect with them, I needed to understand their journey as [individuals], not just as athletes,” said Juliana.

Objectivity in Reporting

As a courtside reporter, Juliana is also keenly aware of the importance of unbiased reporting. She makes a conscious effort to present stories from a neutral perspective, focusing on the athletes’ motivations, struggles, and experiences rather than her own personal views about the games. She avoids portraying players as favorites or framing stories with bias. Her goal is always to highlight the “why” behind their actions, not just the “what” itself.

Dreams and Purpose

Juliana prepared her script behind the scenes during the thrilling UAAP Game,

showing dedication and passion in every word.

As Juliana continues her journey as a sports correspondent, she has big dreams, both on and off the court. She hopes to grow her presence as a content creator, collaborating with brands and opening doors to new opportunities. However, her deeper purpose lies in using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Through her work, she wants to encourage others to believe in themselves and pursue their passions fearlessly.

“Don’t just try, do it. If you really want it, you’ll find a way. Throughout the process, ask guidance from God,” she said. Juliana also credits her family and friends for their support, and she hopes her journey continues to inspire those around her, proving that with persistence and faith, anything is possible.