PNG HAUSBUNG’s emerging journalist, Miss Aseneth Waide took home the prestigious “Best Blog” award for her Movie Reviews at the 2025 PNG Media Awards held over the weekend at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby city.
At just 26 years old, Miss Waide holds a degree from the University of Papua New Guinea, majoring in Creative Arts specifically Theatre Arts and minoring in Literature. She hails from a mixed parentage of Northern and East Sepik provinces.
Expressing her joy in receiving the award, Miss Waide expresses that the award was deeply fulfilling, as it aligned with her genuine love for writing, stating that her passion and love for writing made the recognition especially meaningful.
“I felt satisfied. I like writing reviews and when they gave me that award, I was genuinely glad. The award I received doesn’t necessarily have to do with news. So, it could be something that’s informative but also entertaining and not conventional.”
Her journey began during a news assignment at the Paradise Cinemas, where she attended the premiere of the PNG film Ples Man. Drawing from her university background, she critically evaluated the film and published her first review last year for PNG HAUSBUNG.
Miss Waide’s inspiration dates back to her time as a Grade 7 student at Coronation College in Lae city, where she wrote her first two film reviews. Recognizing her potential early on, she nurtured her talent over the years.
Miss Waide, who is also a poet, released her first book called “Random Thoughts”, published in 2003 and contains around 50 poems. She is also now juggling work and in the process of writing her second book.
“Currently, I’m working on my second book called Quarter Life Crisis and it’s also a poetry book. It’s a struggle to juggle writing and work at the same time, but I’m halfway done.”
Encouraging aspiring writers, Waide advised them to stay true to their unique voice and avoid imitating others.
“Stop trying to copy other people’s writing. Be honest with yourself. It’s good to be inspired but if you know that you are not good at writing fictional stories, don’t write them. Be yourself and don’t try to be someone else and you will grow,” said Miss Waide.