Feature Article

An essay written based on facts

An article which explores the why and how of an event, phenomena, accident or incident.
A written analysis of a certain topic.
In a feature article, one may include his/her interpretations about a certain even or issue.
Purposes of a feature article:
To entertain
To inform
Characteristics of a feature article:
Based on facts.
Any writing style can be applied. Uniqueness would attract more readers.
The length of the feature article depends on the writer.
Avoids the inverted pyramid structure.
Seen inside the newspaper/magazine.
Has attractive and catchy headlines.
May contain the elements of a short story. ( e.g. character)
Evokes emotional reaction.
Structure of a feature article:
Headline
- Catches the attention of the readers and persuades them in reading the article.
- Contains the main idea of the article.
Introduction
- Creates a relationship between the writer and the reader.
- Usually starts with an unusual statement.
- The writers tone is very evident here.
- The writer takes a side and lets the readers take their side.
An introduction could be a/an:
1. Rhetorical question
2. Startling statement
3. Narrative opening
4. Quoted remarks
5. Old maxim, an aphorism, or a salawikain
6. History or background
7. Problems to be discussed.

Body
- Could be expanded to a number of paragraphs.
- Contains information which supports the authors side.
- Contains personal views, opinions of people involved in the topic,
- May include anecdotes and stories
- May include photographs, graphs and diagrams.
- Brief but straight to the point.
- Must be in chronological order.
Conclusion
- Influences the readers to change or believe in to something.
- Reminds the main idea of the article.
- Suggests an action to be done.
- Leaves a lasting impression to the readers.
Subjects for feature article:
1. Anything that are entertaining and interesting and will catch the attention of the readers.
Writing a feature article:
1. Choose a topic that is interesting and exciting.
2. Research about the chosen topic.
3. Interview the people involved in the topic.
4. Begin the article with a good lead.
a. News summary lead- Summary version of the main article. Answers the 5 Ws and the H.
Example:
Rolando Avante, president and CEO of Philippine Business bank, announced a new partnership between
PBB and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to extend new credit
opportunities to small and medium enterprises around the provincial areas of the country. Under this program,
PBB will financially be of assistance to the underserved market--- the SMEs. Focusing on businesses engaged
in manufacturing, healthcare, energy, construction, tourism, or post-harvest agricultural processing and
agribusiness (except those involving palm oil, citrus or sugar commodities).
(Source: The Philippine Star Features, February 12, 2014)

b. Quotation lead- Uses a quotation which is relevant to the main topic.
Example:
Certainly, there are challenges ahead of us but I believe from the bottom of my heart, that with all our
strength, resources, capabilities and hard work, and not excluding prayers, we will not just overcome these
challenges, but we will, indeed, thrive! Believe me. I was once a salesman.
(Source: The Philippine Star Features February 14, 2014)

c. Short-sentenced lead- A single sentence which already gives the whole summary of the article
Example:
The Philippine STAR is launching a fund-raising campaign for Filipino figure skater Michael Christian
Martinez after his historic stint at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia last Feb. 14.
(Source: http://www.philstar.com/other-sections/news-features)

d. Contrast lead- Two different statements are contrasted to show the main idea of the article.
Example:
That succulent lechon on your noche buena table last Christmas may have benefited a tax evader.
(Source: http://www.philstar.com/other-sections/archive/news-feature?page=1)

e. Analogy lead- Two different statements are compared to show the main idea of the article.
Example:
The drop in temperature at Mount Pulag in Cordillera is attracting more mountain climbers who want to
witness the phenomenal frost at the peak this season.
( Source: http://www.philstar.com/other-sections/archive/news-feature?page=1)

f. Picture lead- A graphic representation of the story.
Example:

(Source: www.philstar.com)

5. Add some visual which could help the readers understand more the article.
e.g. Photographs
6. Construct the body. The body must support the lead with facts which are clear and vivid. If the body is divided
into parts, they must be related to each other.
7. Conclude the article with a good kick which will leave the readers with something in their mind: a rhetorical
question will be a good one. You may also conclude by stating the summary of the article.

Types of feature article
1. News-feature story- It is based from a timely news story.
Example:
MANILA, Philippines - The Axe Apollo Academy declared Crossfit MNL trainer Chino Roque as the first
Filipino astronaut, joining 24 others from all over the world in a trip to space.
Spaceman Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, declared Roque as a winner at the awarding
ceremonies held at the Rocket Garden of the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida.
Roque beat compatriots Evan Ray Datuin and Ramil Santos for the chance to go to space after his performance in
the air combat, G force and assault training rounds of the test.
The three Filipinos flew to the United States to take part in the five-day astronaut training which involved the
same methods and equipment used to train astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Roque joined the competition as a replacement to Air Force Lieutenant Mario Mendoza who had to withdraw
from the competition to serve his duties to the military.
All I have is my drive to surpass my limits. That, I think, is what defines a hero, Roque said in an earlier
interview.

(Source: www.philstar.com)
2. Informative feature story- All information and details are facts which are based on personal interviews, personal
observations etc.
Example:
MANILA, Philippines - Trust a soldier to get things done in a flash, especially if he is his own commander.
This was what Rock Ed Philippines founder Gang Badoy-Capati realized after getting her wish done by a soldier
she had known only as Manny Sundalo from whom she had requested for an airlift for victims of the Florida
bus accident in Mountain Province early this month.
Manny Sundalo would turn out to be Armed Forces chief of staff Manuel Bautista.
In a Tumblr post that has gone viral on the Internet, Badoy-Capati shared yesterday what she called an
embarrassing story about her encounter with Bautista. On her phone book, Bautista was listed as Manny
Sundalo.
I was given a number to call so I can request for airlifts for the critical care survivors during the Florida bus crash
in Bontoc. Someone gave me a number saying ito, sundalo, si Manny - matutulungan ka niyan, kilala mo yan
(this one is a soldier. He can help you. You know him), she narrated.
Badoy-Capati, a writer-at-large for Esquire Philippines and known for her advocacy to promote alternative
education, said she called the number late at night to guarantee that a ride would be provided to the injured
survivors.
I bugged him and was a bit stern and firm, told him, Sir, aasahan ko yang helicopter ha ng 5 am sa Bontoc (Sir,
I expect that helicopter at 5 am in Bontoc). And he was really listo (smart) and said, Yes Maam, I guarantee
it, she said.
Badoy-Capati said she even namedropped AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, saying she would call him if
there was no helicopter. She said Manny Sundalo replied, Ay sige, Maam pero ako rin ang tatawagan ni Colonel
(Ok mam, but I might get a call from colonel anyway) .
The Rock Ed Philippines founder said that when they got to Bontoc, the Air Force was there, available, willing
(and) efficient.
They flew everyone as best they could. Done and done. I was so grateful. So I (messaged) Manny the soldier
again and said thank you, broke the news that Mylo (Cabardo, one of the victims) didnt make it but we were
grateful for the chance to try everything for his family, said Badoy-Capati.
She said Manny called her back and said, At your service, Maam, condolence, sorry about your friends.
Badoy said she was surprised upon learning that she had been dealing with the countrys top soldier all along.
Hindi niya ako inangasan (He was never abrasive) at the time I was in a state of edgy panic and urgency. He
didnt (though he could have) pulled literal rank on me. But he didnt, she said.
Im so grateful hindi niya ako inastahan ng hindi mo ba ako kilala? (He didnt blurt out you dont know who
youre talking to?) Or nag alpha-male-whatever, though he mustve chuckled at how clueless I was when I was
bugging him so late at night, she said.
Badoy-Capati posted a screenshot of her messages to Manny Sundalo after she learned about his true identity.
Buti rin di ko alam na kayo AFP chief kasi baka nerbiyosin ako. Pero salamat talaga, Sir. SALAMAT (Its a
good thing, I didnt know hes the AFP chief. Otherwise, it would have unnerved me. Sir Thank you), she said
followed by, Sir, hero ka namin. :) Bautista simply replied, Hero tayo lahat (Were all heroes).
Badoy-Capati originally referred to Bautista as lieutenant general, but later apologized after one of her followers
pointed out that the AFP chiefs rank is general.
And today I realize hes a General, not a Lt. Gen (anymore) and the hole gets deeper... haha sorry po. Sir sir po
thank you sir po salute, she said in a Twitter post.

(Source: www.philstar.com)
3. Historical feature story- Based from a past or historical event that is related to a timely news.
Example:

Composite photos assembled by Facebook user Judd Romano.
MANILA, Philippines - Images from World War II in 1944 placed side by side with recent photos from Japan's
and the United States' relief mission in the Philippines for super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims, revealing
quaint similarities.
The photo, put together by Facebook user Judd Romano, went viral on the social network with over 9,000 shares
as of Tuesday afternoon.
The 1944 picture of Japanese women bid a kamikaze aircraft goodbye as it departs to attack the Philippines is
contrasted with a November 2013 photo showing troops waving goodbye at a plane headed for the Philippines.
This month, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dispatched 1,000 troops to the Philippines in the largest aid
mission in Japan's military history.
The East Asian nation fought against American troops in Leyte in what would be known as the Battle of Leyte
Gulf, considered as the largest naval combat in World War II.
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It was also on Leyte island that General Douglas MacArthur and his staff landed at Palo Beach on October 20,
1944, symbolizing the end of the war.
"Today, Leyte is the site of both countries' largest relief operations ... Similarly, US Marines wade ashore in
Leyte, not to wage war, but to lend a helping hand, liberating our people from a calamity that even a superpower
cannot handle by itself," Romano, a Filipino working in Hiroshima, wrote.
"The world is different now. What was once enemies are now the strongest of allies," he added. - Camille Diola

(Source: www.philstar.com)
4. Personality sketches- Gives more information about a person. Usually facts that is untold or unknown to the
readers. The facts must be based from the person himself/herself, friends, and family of the person being talked
about.
Example:
MANILA, Philippines - Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago dedicates her victory to the Philippines,
saying the recent calamities that hit the country inspired her to do her best in the beauty tilt.
According to ABS-CBNews.com, the newly crowned Filipina beauty queen said she had the survivors of
Typhoon Yolanda in mind when she wrote the speech she delivered in the competition held at Shinagawa Prince
Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
During the final round of the contest, Santiago and the four remaining contestants were asked to give a speech
on What I will do if I am crowned Miss International.
Santiago said, The whole world saw how my country suffered. One by one, other countries helped. I would like
to thank those who helped my country in our darkest hours. You have opened my heart and eyes on what we can
do to help each other If I become Miss International, I would uphold international camaraderie. I will work to
sustain the spirit of sympathy and spirit of hope. As long as we work together, there is hope.
Santiago wrote her speech before she left for Japan to vie for the Miss International crown.
Before I left, we visited Capiz. It was a life-changing experience for me. I was there, I have seen it. It got into me
(that) my speech should be something about that. Im very passionate about that, so it will show to everyone in
the audience that Im not faking it, everything is real, Santiago said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Santiago also said she still could not believe that she won the Miss International title and that she is grateful for
the support that Filipinos have given to her.
I am confident and Im thankful (that) they are all proud of me and they are happy. I really did it for the
Philippines. I still could not believe it. I am with the crown now and the sash and the plaque, but it is still like a
dream, she added.

(Source: www.philstar.com)
5. Personal Accomplishment story- Tackles about an accomplishment or experience of a person based from an
interview of the person himself.
Example:
TACLOBAN CITY , Philippines Their homes and properties may have been wiped out, but not even
the worst of typhoons could destroy the future of several nursing graduates here.
Despite being battered by Super Typhoon Yolanda last November, 95 percent of the graduates of the Remedios T.
Romualdez Medical Foundation Inc. (RTRMF) here passed the 2013 nursing board exam held last month.
The school was ranked fifth among the top 10 medical colleges with the most board passers, among them Loren
Banario, 20.
When the water subsided, my concern was to find my notice of admission to the board exam, but we could not
locate it. Two days later, we saw it as we tried to clean my room. It was very wet and torn, practically useless. I
was thinking, how could I take the board exam? Banario said.
A resident of Barangay San Jose, Banario said her family decided to remain in their residence even when the
onset of Yolanda had been announced because they never thought the water would reach their bungalow.
Together with her parents and relatives, she survived the storm surge by climbing to the ceiling and holding on to
the rafters.
There was a portion of the roof that was not blown away and we took shelter there, she said.
Banario is thankful that her family emerged safe from typhoon, said to be the strongest to make landfall in history.
She added that the RTRMF also extended some help, allowing her and her classmates to finish their review for
the licensure exam in Cebu.
I feel very happy, overwhelmed and blessed, said Banario, who now works for World Vision as a monitoring
and evaluation officer.
Another board passer is Quintin Bon Jason, who used to reside in Barangay Anibong but transferred to Lolita
Village after Yolanda.
Jason, 21, lost three relatives to the storm surge.
He said five ships rammed their houses in Barangay Anibong during the onslaught of Yolanda and crushed
residents.
But it was also the same ships that shielded their house from the storm surge.
After the typhoon, he decided to stop reviewing and not take the board exam because they were hard up.
But an aunt, Sarah Bato, who is based in the United States, decided to help him.
She came home to assist us and look for my grandfathers body, said Jason, who is now a volunteer for a non-
government organization doing relief work in Tacloban.
He said he was offering his success to his relatives who perished in the floods.
Andre de Veyra, a clinical instructor of the RTRMF, said school authorities were happy to maintain their position
in the top 10 list of nursing schools in the country.
We did not expect to have such a good showing, he said. This is the sixth consecutive year that we are in the
top 10.
De Veyra said most of the graduates suffered great loss and taking the exam was the last thing on their mind.
But the RTRMF administration tried its best to help the graduates, who were accommodated at the Cebu branch
of their review center.
Socorro Gasco, dean of the schools nursing department, also said she pushed their graduates to take the licensure
exam.
I told them to have faith in God. God is good all the time, she said, adding that she urged them to have group
prayers and group rosaries in the course of their review.
Gasco said the traumatic experience left the students shocked, with one of them arriving at the Cebu airport in her
pajamas and not knowing where to go.
It was a good thing that social workers there knew our review center and turned her over to Dr. Medrano, who
heads the Power Development Review Center, she said.
The same student also passed the board.
Gasco said the students often told her they were not motivated, but she would not take no for an answer.
I told them that they needed to try, at the very least, she said. They were rough gems when they began, but
now they are polished diamonds.

(source: http://www.philstar.com/other-sections/archive/news-feature?page=1)
6. Human interest sketches- Tackles about the good side of an event or news.
Example:
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines Nine months pregnant Rose Ann Alberto thought the end was at hand when an
eight-meter-high storm surge destroyed her house in Barangay 37 in Tacloban City at the height of Typhoon
Yolanda last Nov. 8.
The family of the 19-year-old was able to evacuate to a second floor of a neighbors house, but the strong winds
and torrential rains forced the water to rise up quickly to the second floor, trapping all of them on the ceiling.
Her father urged them to pray because if the water continued to rise, they would all drown.
But the strong winds lashed the house for hours starting at 5 a.m., and tore off the roof, forcing Rose Ann and her
parents, siblings and their brown dog Lea to cling on to the roof as it floated on water. There was zero visibility.
I clung on to a broken wooden beam for two hours until our dog, Lea, appeared from nowhere, Rose Ann said
in the Waray dialect.
As the current carried me toward the sea, Lea swam around me as if looking for something to help me with. She
finally managed to get my collar into her mouth and pulled me back toward the shore where I found a large
broken wood beam until papa (father) saw me, she said.
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Her father Ronnie brought her to where her mother Riza and brother Rensy were clinging to debris floating on the
water.
As the onslaught of Yolanda subsided at about 9:30 a.m., Ronnie was still looking for his three missing children
who luckily were able to seek shelter at another house.
After the typhoon, the Alberto family along with other survivors stayed at the city port where Ronnie works as a
helper.
Although his family was already safe, Ronnie was worried about their dog Lea, which had been with them for the
past three years. He could not accept the possibility that their dog was gone.
Ronnie could not help but cry after seeing cadavers floating on the water and his heavily destroyed neighborhood
in the aftermath of the storm.
Luckily, amid the ruins of their town, another survivor told the Alberto family that the dog Lea was seen inside
the chapel of San Roque, patron saint of the community.
As Ronnie arrived at the chapel, he started to call out Lea. To his great joy, the hero dog slowly crawled out of the
chapel, making crying sounds until she found him.
Ronnie carried the dog through the road strewn with debris until they reached his familys temporary shelter at the
city fish port.
Six days later, Ronnie again had to walk through the road from the port to Rizal Street where decomposing
cadavers lay, just to reach the command post of a rescue team because Rose Ann complained of birth pains.
Paramedics brought Rose Ann to the East Visayas Regional Medical Center. The following day she gave birth to
a baby girl.
Rose Ann said she likes the babys name Yolanda.
I thanked God for helping us survive this typhoon but above all for giving back Lea to us, Rose Ann added.
It was a miracle we survived, Ronnie said.

(Source: www.philstar.com)
























Exercise
Choose two topics below and make each topic a feature article about it. Follow the structure of a feature article. Minimum
of 5 paragraphs.

1. Abortion
2. Same-sex marriage
3. Political dynasty
4. Valentines day
5. Spratly Islands
6. 2014 Winter Olympics
7. League of Legends
8. Manny Pacquiao
9. Vhong Navarro
10. Your parents