The Wandering Savant

Captivating Britania Islands

2018-04-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

An awesome view of the jetty and the islets of Britania in the back ground

After my short but fruitful tour of Cantilan, I moved to my next destination, Britania Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Britania is a group of islands famed for its white sands, sand bar, and island hopping activities.

I reached Britania at around 12 PM. My contact person picked me up and brought me to the house where I would stay for the night. My guide, Romnick, is a highly recommended boatman, habal-habal driver and tour guide who was easy to deal with. He recommended the place where I would be staying and it turned out to be just the perfect place. We left my stuff at the hostel and went to O's Landing Beach Resort where I had my lunch.

Our first stop is Boslon Island. There were already picknickers numbering by the hundreds when we arrived. A lot of them were enjoying the some water sports activities. Still others contented themselves with just dipping into the cool waters of Britania.

Boslon Island

We didn't linger much longer and moved to our next destinations. Britania is such an awesome place that it came to a point when all I really wanted to do was absorb and mind-meld with my surroundings. Words prove insufficient as to give justice to the place itself.

I call them the four sisters

Hagonoy Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. One can't help but just get soaked in this whole experience.

Hagonoy Island from a distance

Naked Island so named due to the absence of vegetation

Naked Island from afar

A view of Hagonoy Island from Naked Island

This is the boat of which I am the lone passenger

The Jetty

Please refer to the table below for the costs and contact person. Total cost is Php 2200.00. You can coordinate with Romnick for a reliable and safe tour of the islands.

Britania is accessible through a number of entry points. There are regular buses plying the Butuan-Davao, Surigao-Davao, and Tandag-Davao routes that pass through Britania, San Agustin. Just tell the conductor to drop you off at the Britania.

For more information, feel free to leave a comment and I would be more than happy to address provide in-depth information that may not have been addressed by this post.

A Slice of Cantilan: Libtong, Rock Gem and Ayoke

2018-04-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

(This is part one of my Mindanao Tour that had me covered over 1000 kms. of the Pan-Philippine Highway System.)

I just had a sudden affection for solo travel. It brought in me a certain kind of excitement-not knowing what to expect and doing things alone. My goal is to explore some of the least explored places in the country and to let other people know that there are packets of gems in every corner of the country waiting to be uncovered. This purpose brought me to Cantilan, a small and laid back town in the eastern seaboard of Mindandao. Several miles east of Cantilan is the island of Siargao.

I landed in Surigao City at 8 AM. I wasted no time and boarded a cab from the airport going to the Surigao Bus Terminal. I boarded a van going to Tandag. I told the driver to drop me off in Cantilan.

I arrived in Cantilan at around 12 noon. A part of CARCANMADCARLAN, one of the oldest settlements in Mindanao, Cantilan has been in existence since 1709.

My contact, a very fine Cantilan local, gave me a bit of a tour of their town plaza while waiting for the boat that would take me to Libtong, Rock Gem, and Ayoke. Sir Brendo is a reliable contact person who made sure that I'd be able to make the most of my stay in Cantilan. He gave out bits and pieces of their local history. I found out that he also teaches surfing to youngsters in his town during his free time. His contact information is found at the bottom of this page should you want to get in touch.

These are some pictures taken at the Cantilan town plaza. The first picture is an old Philippine Airforce plane mounted on a pedestal. It was put up by an air force general who settled in Cantilan.

The picture on the left is of a monument to honor World War II veterans from the area. The last picture below is the municipal building called Tribunal. It depicts a hispanic influence that is still prevalent all throughout the archipelago.

Despite its pretty laidback character, Cantilan is home to two institutions of higher learning namely, the Paulinian administered St. Michael's College and Surigao del Sur State University Cantilan Campus. There are also a number of academys and learning centers to cater to the areas's educational needs.

Cantilan's tourism industry is in its infancy stage. It has yet to capture the attention of the mass market travellers. The place is pretty much a niche travel destination. Its visitors are mostly backpackers and foreign surfers from nearby Siargao who wants to get away from the crowded Cloud 9-Siargao's premiere surfing spot.

We embarked on our trip to Ayoke Island at around 1 PM. The boat ride proves to be an arduous one as we ride through Cantilan's tricky waters. Despite that, I am incapable of saying to to these. This is Libtong Cove. It is almost identical to the Siargao's Sugba Lagoon minus the crowd. This is absolutely a great place for solitude and uninterrupted musings.

After an hour and a few jumps from Libtong's diving board, we moved on to the next stop-Rock Gem Island. This is just another hidden treasure that Cantilan is in store. This island could put everything at a complete stand still. Time is not of the essence here. You just want to immerse yourself to your surrounding, listen to the waves, feel the sand on your feet and just do nothing at all. And, I had this place all to myself.

Our final stop is Ayoke Island. Ayoke has one of Cantilan's finest surfing spots. It also has a vibrant local surfing community. Ayoke is definitely a sweet spot for those who want to hone their surfing skills. It may not be as famous as Siargao when it comes to surfing but its waves cannot be underestimated. It is perfect for beginners too.

Aside from its majestic waves, one could not held but be captivated by the genuine kindness and hospitality of the people. When we were about to leave, locals told me that the next time I visit I have to stay. This is one of the greatest take-aways when travelling. These are things that could not be expressed by the thousand photographs that one can take. The ability to experience humanity at its finest. I would like to thank the locals of Ayoke for their kindness and hospitality and to my guide, Mr. Brendo Torejos for bringing me to to island.

I would have wanted to stay but as I had an early trip for Britania the next day, Mr. Torejos suggested we just had to go back to the mainland that same day. So, we brave an hour trip back to the mainland. It was quite an adventure as the waves were a lot more ferocious this time and we had to navigate sans the aid of sunlight. Lucky for us, we were able to reached the town soaking wet but safe. I stayed the night in Cantilan. Mr. Torejos also tends a house owned by a certain foreigner and fortunately he let me stay in one of the rooms for only P300.00.

Satisfied of all the things I have accomplished that day, I slept safe and sound. That was day 1, March 24, 2018.

#thewanderingsavant

If you are interested, please contact Brendo Torejos - 0938-766-9948

Expenses:

Surigao City - Cantilan Van Fare - 170

Boat Rental - 1500.00

Room - 300.00

Libtong Docking Fee - 250.00

Total - Php 2, 220.00

I am Back

2018-04-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is ever able to get rewarded with Lake Holon's mirror-like waters

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wew! I just completed my very first solo travel ever. There are a lot to be had in the pursuit of new places to see. One's courage will be tested and confidence will be put into action. The ability to interact with others will certainly be honed. It also offers the opportunity to restore one's faith in humanity. There are times when one has to give their full trust to complete strangers.

I would like to think of myself as independent and that I don't need anyone in my life. Not even a day had passed on my solo travel that these assumptions proved fatally wrong. You always need someone, even a stranger to assist you and lead you to the right direction.

After a four-year hiatus and incessant prodding from friends, I am finally updating this blog. I guess this is the most opportune moment for me to start blogging again. I do have a lot of things to share after my first solo travel. This is also my way of giving thanks and giving back to those people who made my travel less daunting than it really was.

So, keep posted!

BenCab Museum

2012-12-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term Art, I should call it 'the reproduction of what the Senses perceive in Nature through the veil of the soul.' The mere imitation, however accurate, of what is in Nature, entitles no man to the sacred name of 'Artist.' -- Edgar Allan Poe

Who would have thought… that somewhere in the outskirts of Baguio City lies a treasure house. A house that could awaken even the most dormant artistic sensibility. It is a house that yanks someone away from the cacophony of the urban jungle. For someone who is looking for peaceful enclave in harmony with nature and man's creative expressions, the answer is BenCab Museum.

Nestled along rolling terrains of Tuba, Benguet lies Bencab Museum, home to some of the most provocative pieces of visual arts. It is remotely situated outside of Baguio City but there is no mistaking the sprawling edifice carved out of the mountainside along Asin Road.

Named after National Artist for Visual Arts, Ben Cabrera, BenCab Museum houses a collection of paintings, sculpture, and photographies by the national artist himself and other renown artists. From the vantage point of an outsider looking-in, the museum bespeaks of a culture and heritage that is uniquely Filipino.

The BenCab Gallery features various pieces of arts by the national artist himself. It is a show-window to the man whose mind exhibits pure ingenuity. It is a tribute to humanity's rough voyage along this troubled world.

Opposite the BenCab Gallery is the Cordillera Gallery, housing an extensive collection of indigenous art pieces depicting the culture and heritage of the native people of the Cordilleras.

There are just two of the major attractions inside the museum. There are a lot more interesting finds, some provocative, that await the most daring art enthusiast. To those who just want to break away from the monotonous urban life, they can also enjoy a magnificent view of vibrant green environs adorning the vicinity of the museum.

BenCab Museum
Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan
Tuba, Benguet, Philippines
Tel: (+6374) 442 7165
Mobile (+63) 920 5301954
Email: bencabartfoundation@gmail.com
Website: www.bencabmuseum.org

Notes on #AMALAYER

2012-11-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

So, here and again we have let ourselves get entangled in a melodrama of sorts from our number 1 source of entertainment - the social network. I think it was two weeks ago when I first came across a video of a young woman shouting at the top of her lungs admonishing lady guard at an LRT station in Manila. Apparently, this was a video uploaded by a "concerned" individual. Little did I know that the said 3-minutish video would eclipse Breaking Dawn (Part 2) in terms of say viewership. The video went viral across social networking sites-twitter, Facebook, youtube, etc.

I recently learned that the video did not just go viral by itself, but much to my chagrin, so are the parody videos depicting the original scene. Everyone is eager to get his or her own piece in this tale of infamy. Everyone wants to get his or her own five minutes of fame. We are like flies jumping on a heap of dung. Everybody seems to care but no one wants to distant himself away and view the issue at a certain perspective.

We might want to ask ourselves, what does this tale tell us as a people.?

We are a group of people so full of ourselves. Our personal opinion far outweighs that of the common good. We can easily come up with very good justifications to demean and bash others. " I did this or that because I wanted to teach him/her a lesson… what if Mr/Miss Soso do this to Mr/Miss Common Tao who is weak to defend him/herself." Now, you have just anointed yourself a hero of the oppressed masses. How convenient knowing a lot of us are oppressed, in one way or another. Our misplaced sense of justice brings us this kind of embarrassment. Again, we are so full of ourselves.

We are a group of people so full of emotions. I have told myself over and again never trust emotions as more often than not, emotions could go in the wrong direction. Nobody bothers to ask questions anymore. Questions such as 'why', 'what if', 'how come', are so few these days. We just feel content with what meager information we have then after which we start to rant and then we bash people. It's enough for us to see the video which is just a part of the puzzle then come to think of it as the whole puzzle all by itself. After which, we get angry and then devote all our efforts to the annihilation of the object of our anger-in this case the girl on the video-by way of insults and name calling. Now , the girl is crying foul for being clobbered on the internet. Are we giving a good case to the proponents of the anti-cyber crime law?

Emotions could cloud our capacity to think and decide clearly. so, before our emotions overtake us, it is better to ask questions. So what if the guard shouted at the girl? So what if the guard grabbed the girl? Did that give the girl the license to bash the guard in full view of the public eye? So what, if the girl acted inappropriately? Did that give any iota of reason for any person to take a video of the scene? For what? When he posted the video on Facebook, did it resolve the conflict between the lady guard and the girl?

I would let you decide on what would be answer to these questions. It would be better for all of us to reflect on these questions rather than answer them. Having an opinion does not always translate to having the justification to speak it.

...of knowledge and learning...

2012-11-14T01:28:00.000-08:00

Do not equate knowledge with learning!

Still, I am struggling to grapple this whole thing called learning-such an elusive idea. We thought we have accumulated so much of it along the course of our existence that makes us bold enough to trudge ahead.

The 21st century brings about so much progress, or so we thought. We have seen advances in science and technology that we could never have imagined twenty years ago. We are living in a very connected world that the line dividing our public and private lives seem non-existent.

However, much to any unthinking human's amazement is the fact that while technology has given us a great leap forward, human behavior remains stagnant. It is disheartening to note that in the course of human history we have't learned anything at all. How many among us are still harboring pent up insecurities and prejudices against each other?

When the one single individual's behavioral issue gets amplified, the result would be catastrophic. Clearly, tyrants are spoiled brats trapped inside the bodies of grown-up humans. These are people who have known so much or so little but nevertheless learned nothing at all. I like the following episode of my favorite series Bones. It shows how the protagonists come to terms with their own differences and long-held prejudices. It teaches us how connected life is and that we don't just exist for ourselves.

The pains we bear become meaningless when we start to feel the pains of others. Enjoy!

...of thoughts and words...

2012-11-03T00:57:00.001-07:00

Does it happen by accident that the words shallow and hollow rhyme?

Certainly, it is more of a coincidence than a rigid rule in English, considering how queer this language can get. Nonetheless, I am as baffled as anyone who cares.

This is the question that occupied a greater percentage of my mind as I was going home today. For the uninitiated, I have an uncanny way of entertaining questions in my mind that for some people may be considered frivolous. Words might be too uneventful for a few to even merit a second thought but in my case would involve so much mental calisthenics. Such is the case for us who have no inheritance but a few worn out books in our old dusty shelves.

Going back to the issue at hand, in truth, I have never fully contemplated the implications of these words before. It might be helpful to define the words. The word shallow is most commonly used as an adjective, though it could also be used effectively as a verb or a noun, to mean "little depth." Little depth may describe a variety of things: a body of water, an opening or cavity on the ground, a vessel or the loftier-human mind, as in the case of "lacking in depth of understanding".

On the other hand, hollow is primarily used as a noun meaning an "unfilled space". Furthermore, the word itself exhibits a number of connotations when used as an adjective. It could mean "having an indentation or inward curve", "having a cavity within" or "lacking in real value sincerity or substance". I digesting at its meaning and the parallelisms are simply staggering. I should say that these two words are not-so-distant cousins.

There is no mistaking what Ernest Beaglehole meant when he said, "… a victory over a weakling is hollow and without triumph". He could very well mean our "shallow" understanding of victory. Is there anything more shallow than that of our empty heads? There is absolutely great value in deep thought and keen introspection for these things reflect a meaningful person. A combination of little knowledge and hasty judgment is a full blown catastrophe to one's world.

On Discipline

2012-08-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

It is of utmost importance that we address the subject of discipline. It is quite undeniable that extravagance-in every respect-is an inevitable human tendency. Man has been accustomed to indulgence is as far as his wants are concerned. Unbeknownst to himself, he would, sooner or later, suffer the consequences of his own impetus acts. It is for this very reason that man must be able to fully comprehend the importance of taming his humanly desires, whims and caprices.

More Biliran Photos

2012-03-09T22:00:00.005-08:00

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books."

John Lubbock

"How prone poor Humanity is to dam up the minutest remnants of its freedom, and build an artificial roof to prevent it looking up to the clear blue sky."

E. T. A. Hoffmann

"And when the day arrives I'll become the sky and I'll become the sea and the sea will come to kiss me for I am going home. Nothing can stop me now."

Trent Reznor

"Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment."

Morihei Ueshiba

"For true love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have. And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow."

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Biliran: It's More FUN!

2012-03-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

I always consider holidays to be a welcome treat-a time to spend for oneself away from the rigors of daily living.

It was with extreme gladness that I had the chance to take a few days off from work. And, what better ways to spend one's holiday than by going to some far-flung place quite foreign to not a few of people's knowledge. I always have strong beliefs in the potential of lesser known places when it comes to travel and tourism.

This time around, we chose the province of Biliran. Biliran is one of the least known provinces in the Philippines when it comes to tourism. Nonetheless it has great potentials to boot. It is my firm belief that with strong strong infrastructure support and marketing schemes, the province could pave the way to becoming a retirement haven for Filipinos and foreigners alike as evidenced by its laid-back, country-like atmosphere. Naval, Biliran is, in fact, slowly becoming a haven for several expatriates.

Take time to check out a few of the amazing places to explore in the Province of Biliran.
Before reaching Biliran, one has to pass through the one and only bridge connecting the province to other provinces in the island of Leyte.

This is the bridge that connects Biliran to the rest of eastern Visyas cutting through a narrow body of water. The scenic beauty of the place makes it a very good tourism site ideal for different adventure activities.

This is one great expanse in which one's eyes could feast on. The crystal clear waters only means one thing-that this island is largely unexploited.

NAVAL, BILIRAN STREET SCENE

NAVAL STATE UNIVERSITY

TINAGO FALLS

Plains blanketed by vast acres of rice fields

Fresh water pool at Naval Spring Resort

The lone boat plying the Naval-Hingatangan route

Part of our trip was a hop to an island called Higatangan. It is an island located to the west of the mainland Biliran. Going there is an hour trip from the port of Naval.There is only one boat that plies the route so if oen has to catch that boat he must be at the port as early as 11:00 AM. More photos of Higatangan Island.

Sandbar in Higatangan

March!!!

2012-03-01T03:21:00.000-08:00

How fast time flies. Indeed! It seems like yesterday that we bade 2011 goodbye and ushered in a brand new year. Today, we are once again given a brand new start. Today is the first day of the month of March. IT’s time we bid goodbye to February, when we had been shaken in many ways-like the anxiety that we all have to endure or the physical shaking of the ground as in the case of an earthquake.

For most of us, we had been subjected to intense emotional anxiety when rumors of an impending tsunami started to spread like wildfire that fateful day in February 6th. No one ever anticipated anything untoward would happen that day. For most of us, it was a one fine day, ideal for going out to the beach or malling perhaps. For me that was the day for self-absorption. That was the last day of my workweek and I was quite excited to be able to take my days off. I was excited to finally rest my soul after a week of hard labor. On the contrary, what followed afterwards were days of mental and emotional anguish.

It is undeniable, February 6th 2012 would leave an indelible mark in our collective memory. However, our predicament that day is incomparable to the hardships that our brethren in the areas massively hit by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake. The mental and emotional vexation we had imposed on ourselves was a result of our own doing or undoing. As I have said before, our reactions on that day, we “telltale signs of our inability to properly respond” in an event of a calamity. I believe that fatalities or injuries resulting from human error is more disturbing than the one caused by a natural disaster.

The people of La Libertad, Ayungon and Guihulngan suffered so much; but, there was no one to blame, no one to point their accusing fingers to. It must be frustrating.

However, I do believe in the Filipinos' resillient spirit. We shall overcome all hardships. The month of March holds so much promise like the breaking of the dawn. It is up to us to grab hold of the opportunity.

Let's Talk Wellness

2012-02-20T15:15:00.001-08:00

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Finding the right parallelism to the said adage is never to far-fetched. No less than the writer himself could attest to its veracity.

At dawn today, 21st of February 2012, I embarked on a new kind of journey--a journey to wellness. After so much procrastination on my part, I finally started a new routine that is to jog, or shall we say, walk uninterrupted for as many hours as I can. I did just that. I call it my journey to wellness as everyone doing said exercise has been reaping so much benefits out of this healthy endeavor. Needless to say, its contributions to a sound mind and body have been talked about by many health experts the world over.

Running, jogging, walking or a combination of these provide excellent cardio-vascular workouts that strengthen our hearts. These would give us a fighting chance against the deadliest of heart diseases. Moreover, cardio-vascular exercises also have some mental health benefits such as improving relaxation and reduction of anxiety.

So what triggers this sudden resolve? I have always been thinking of including jogging or just walking as part of my daily routine. But, I was too lazy to even attempt. Nothing ever got me started until I felt myself too heavy, though not in an obese kind of way. I just realized that I no more have the same swiftness that I had before.

So I decided to take the necessary steps. These are really the small baby steps aimed at getting use to the routine. As they say, great things start from small beginnings.

“It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward.” ~Proverb

Aloguinsan Escapade....

2012-02-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

Our encounter with the whale sharks in Oslob was a short one. We headed immediately to the town of Aloguinsan, where a new tourist spot is being promoted. I wasn't exactly sure as to what to expect considering that the place was unfamiliar to me. We dropped by Carcar for a short lunch break and we had a chance to sample the town's famed lechon--delicious indeed. After lunch, we decided to embark on our journey to the town of Aloguinsan. We tried to wait for commuter vehicles but we found it to be fruitless.

After an hour or so of debating about transportation, we decided to rent a multicab. The decision was proved to be brilliant afterwards considering that the road going there was a bit challenging. For the amount of P2500, we had a vehicle that would transport us to and fro.

We had to maneuver a pretty challenging road for one and a half hour before we reached our destination, Barangay Bojo, Aloguinsan; where we were treated with a most pleasant surprise.Upon reaching the receving area, we had a chance to take a glimpse at the breath-taking view of the Bojo River. Seawater coming in during high tides form a shallow lagoon makes it easier for boats and kayaks to navigate.

For the amount of P300.00-registration fee, we were able to enjoy and relax as we toured the Bojo River's stretch right from its very source till it mixes with the salty water of Tanon Strait. Along the way, one has to notice different species of mangroves along the river banks that provide a nursery for young fish, crabs, shrimps and other marine life. Scorched during our boat trip downstream we found instant relief by plunging into the crystal clear waters at the estuary.

having the time of their lives

An offshoot of Cebu Province's Suroy-suroy sa Sugbo, the Bojo eco-tourism site aims to become an alternative tourism destination as well as provide livelihood opportunities for the locals who relies mainly on fishing and farming. For the said purpose, they organize themselves into BOJO ALOGUINSAN ECOTOURISM ASSOCIATION (BAETAS). This organization affords them of trainings and workshops equipping of the necessary skills in handling tourists.Overall, the visit was a success, we got to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the place and hospitality of the locals.

the Briefing Center as seen from the lagoon

[Anyone interested in visiting the place may call the following: (032) 583-6797 / 0926 490 6670 or the tourism office at (032) 469-5604)]

Butanding Craze...

2012-02-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

A few of the people from MODCEBU Team embarked on a trip to the south of Cebu Province, particularly Oslob town, to take a look at the newest craze in as far as local tourism is concerned—butanding or whale shark. Locally known as Tuki, whale sharks are the largest known living species of fish. As filter-feeding species, they feed mainly on planktons—microscopic animal and plant lives.

Since whale sharks were not known to be endemic in the area around Oslob, Cebu, we rushed to see before it's too late. The area around Oslob can be considered a seasonal feeding ground for these huge sea creatures. Our bus ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal going to Oslob was a breeze. After a two and a half hour bus ride we arrived at our destination at exactly 5:30 AM. However we had to wait for a couple of hours as fishermen still had to lure the whale sharks close to shore. Here are some of the photos.

silhouette...against the sunrise

More fun in the Philippines!!!!

More fun waiting for whale sharks!

...and after what seemed like forever...there were two...

And that was our 30-minute rendezvous with butandings. Whale sharks are extraordinarily harmless and friendly sea creatures. Precautionary measures are, however, set in handling whale sharks. Humans are strongly advised from touching the skin of whale sharks and or using flash on cameras when taking pictures least we frighten them. We are not supposed to swim near or block in the way of these creatures for reasons that are quite obvious.

When Panic Strikes...

2012-02-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Tsunami scare in Cebu City-Photo by Philstar.com

When panic strikes traces of sanity vanish!

Such was the case when an intensity 7 earthquake struck Cebu-Negros region yesterday. Within minutes after the said earthquake, rumors of of an impending tsunami went wild, sending people into to the streets scrambling for higher grounds. Philvolcs did issue a tsunami alert level 2 for the eastern shores of Negros Island and Western parts of Cebu. At alert level 2, which is characterize with waves of up to 3 feet (1 m)high, the likelihood of devastating effects is minimal. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii did not issue any tsunami alert stating that "based on all available data, a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected."

The move to announce alert level 2 for Negros' eastern shores and Cebu's western shores may not have been totally baseless. For one, there was a magnitude 7 earthquake and the announcement was a very good precautionary measure in order to relocate those people who are living near coastal areas. However, for that to cause so much panic and hysteria in a place not directly under the same alert level, as in the case of Cebu City, is totally moronic. There was no alert level raised for Cebu City and surrounding areas.

Yesterday's events are tell-tale signs of our inability to properly respond to certain calamities.

For one, there was a failure of communication right from the very top government agencies down to inter-personal level. Government agencies involved may not have been able to properly define the extent of the tsunami alert level. What does an alert level number 2 mean? What are the areas affected? National and local risk and disaster management agencies and civil defense official failed to properly educate the people causing so much paranoia.

Secondly, social networking sites were abound with information. So much information could sometimes be counter-productive. When everyone is posting bits and pieces of a particular calamitous event with their own personal and emotional responses, other readers would tend to duplicate the same emotional reaction, then you would have a chain of negative reactions spreading fear like wildfire. That is why it is important that we think before we say or post something. Our words and actions could have devastating effects.

On the personal level, those who have the right information were unable to impart the correct information due to fear's contagious effect. Fear has a way of manipulating our brains to make us unable to think rationally. When one is facing a mass of horrified people it is not hard to be carried away. Our ability to think rationally is clouded by our own emotional reaction. That is why the very first thing that we need to do when panic strikes to calm down, take a deep breath, and relax.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-02-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dawning of a New Day, Oslob, Cebu; Photo by: Chode Cabasag

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's been more than a month since new year came; but, nonetheless, allow me this opportunity to finally greet all of you a happy new year. That's how it is when one gets caught up with a lot of things. SO, I haven't been into this blog for quite sometime, and I think it's high time to update you of the goings on in this year.

However, prior to that, let me take this opportunity to thank my Creator for an eventful year 2011. There were a lot of challenges that we have to come by and we have overcome. I have a great feeling that 2012 is going to be a promising one for all of us. We will have challenges, we will fail, and then we will grow up for the better, even better.

Thinking Out Loud [10202011; 08:06]

2011-10-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

If I were to choose between a mainstream Filipino movie and a Bollywood [Indian] movie, I would certainly choose the Bollywood movie. Now, before I get a beating for being un-Filipino and unpatriotic, allow me to say this: I love my country, and I can't imagine living in a place other than the land of my birth. So, why? It's a question of substance. Now, I take an important distinction between the mainstream Filipino movie and the independently produced Filipino films. We all know that "indie films" as we call it are a watershed of brilliant ideas. Am I saying then that mainstream movies are lacking in substance? No! I am saying that mainstream movies are lacking in depth and devoid of meaning.

Good Tidings Philippines

2011-09-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Baguio Skyline

Good day! I believe it’s a very good day for almost everything, especially for our country. I have read a couple of good news stories in our national paper. Noticeable among these is the news referring to the apparent confidence that some multinational corporations placed in the Philippine economy. This is a far cry from the news about Italian credit downgrade by credit-rating agency Standards and Poor’s that sent indices in the Eurozone stumbling yesterday. All in all, this would send shivers worldwide in as economies are threading a precarious economic path these days. But, let me go back to the Philippines first.

The Philippine president is in the US for a working visit and according to the news, several American executives paid the president of the Philippines a courtesy call, “expressing enthusiasm in his effort to create a new business environment” and signifying their respective companies’ intention to expand presence in the country. Jeffrey Fox, president and CEO of the Cincinnati-based Convergys Corporation, indicated its long-term commitment to the Philippines. Convergys Corporation has a strong presence in the country in the business process-outsourcing sector. [1]

The BPO sectors have been strongly supplementing the much-needed work opportunities for younger generations, thus boosting their purchasing power. More than that, business process outsourcing is touted for its “multiplier effect”, creating more direct and indirect jobs than any other sector of the economy. It is not a wonder then that food establishments, department stores boutiques, banks and pharmacies sprouted around contact and delivery centers. IT parks are our equivalent of what was then a booming mining town. [2]

Representatives of the PepsiCo revealed a planned investment in the coconut industry over the next 15 years. The investment, pegged at $15 million, envisions to uplift the ailing coconut industry, as PepsiCo is interested not only in harvesting coconut water but also in planting coconut trees. It was revealed that there is a huge market for coconut water worldwide. The coconut is known to be the tree of life, which every part has its own use, but the industry itself is in dire need of the much-need infusion for it to survive. [3]

I am quite elated at the prospects of these two major investments as it reflects strong and positive sentiments towards what we have been doing in the Philippines for the past couple of years. To welcome these investors, the government must be able to further improve our business environment to make it more attractive to other investors. Economic centers must be opened in the countryside and must not be concentrated in the urban centers of Manila or Cebu. In this manner, economic activity is felt even those in the far flung areas of the country. This is the reason why an end to the long-standing strife in Mindanao is all the more necessary.

Twin Lakes Rendezvous

2011-09-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking! That's all I could say when I first laid my eyes into Lake Balinsasayaw. My 4-day vacation last August afforded me the opportunity to visit this now-famous lake in the town of Sibulan, Negros Oriental. It's a shame that people from other provinces were ahead of me in discovering this natural wonder in my home province.

The serene beauty of the lake and the surrounding environs were a welcome retreat after a long and arduous motorcycle ride from main highway. The lake is one of the lakes, the other one being Lake Danao, nestled in mountains of Sibulan. The surrounding forest serves as home to several bird species. Among other things, bird watching, boating, kayaking are the major activities for visitors.

Reaching the lake was a lot easier than I expected. From, the province's capital, one has to take a 20-minute bus ride going north and stop at KM 12.40. A 45-minute habal-habal ride, traversing a combination of gravel and asphalt road would take you to the lake itself.

Expenses:

P20.00 bus fare from Dumaguete to Km 12.40

P300.00 per pax habal-habal (vice-versa)

P10.00 entrance fee

A Great Tale from Halawod River

2011-09-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

(Note: Between August 23-27, 2011 this writer was in Dumaguete and the Province of Negros Oriental for a four-day jaunt. Just a few highlights)

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A top priority in my coming down to Dumaguete was to get a glimpse of stage-play “Hinilawod”. After spending one night with my family in Pamplona, the next day, August 24^th, saw me packing up my things and rushing back to the capital of Negros Oriental to catch last rerun of the play in the city for the year at Silliman’s Luce Auditorium.

By the time arrived, the whole city was a buzzed with activities. The occasional rain shower was not enough to dampen the celebratory spirit of the people. It was not the usual relaxed atmosphere that Dumaguete has been known for. This time, everyone was up and about with his own order of the day. There certainly was one good reason for this seemingly hurried pace. For this small university town in central Philippines, the month of August, being Silliman’s Founder’s month, serves the as kick-off month for a series of festivities would last until end of year. It is worthy to note that the rerun of Hinilawod at Luce was one of the centerpieces of this year’s Silliman festivities.

For the benefit of the uninitiated, the play is based on the epic tale of the Sulod people of Panay Island. Once, an oral literature handed down from generations to generations of mananalaysay (storyteller), Hinilawod has since been transcribed from its original form by the eminent anthropologist Dr. F. Landa Jocano. Hinilawod, which means “tales from the mouth of the Halawod River,” is a must-see-play not only for its artistic and cultural virtues. Its significance to the notion of a Filipino nation-hood could not be overemphasized. In this time when belief in the Filipino spirit is ebbing low, Hinilawod is one great oasis of hope.

For the longest time in history, we have been made to believe in the dictum that “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,” discounting our own self-worth. See what three hundred years or so years of colonization have brought us! But my hopes are high that this tale could help pave the way on how we perceived ourselves as a people. The cost of nationhood does not come in bargains or in silver platter. It requires shedding off layers of idiosyncrasies that have been so ingrained in us over periods of time.

The epic in itself is a treasure trove of great stories to tell. It’s one great tale of love, courage, perseverance and dignity. It tells us that heroes are made not born and that we are so much more capable than we think we can.

Watching the show was going back in history and actually living with my kinsmen believing in themselves unchallenged by the vagaries of the world. The play sketches our lives as it was before the coming of the colonizers. Our forebears once had the foundations of a great Malayan civilization right in this archipelago.

More on Kulo

2011-08-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

I have read about the plan of some religious groups to file charges against the CCP officials who approved of the Kulo exhibition and the artists who behind the said it for reasons that I have yet to fathom. They reasoned out that CCP being supported by government funds must only have exhibitions that are reflective of and do not run counter to the majority of the population's religious beliefs. And, considering that majority of the Filipinos are catholics, CCP officials have committed a grave abuse of authority in approving the said exhibit and said abuse is tantamount to graft.

Moreover, these groups are said to be preparing cases to be files against those artist behind the exhibit citing as basis for said cases are the provisions under Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code. Said provisions penalize “those who shall publicly expound or proclaim doctrines openly contrary to public morals... those who, in theaters, fairs, cinematographs or any other place, exhibit, indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows,whether live or in film, which are prescribed by virtue hereof, shall include those which… offend any race or religion; …are contrary to law, public order, morals, and good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees and edicts."

But, seriously, the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines is a body of laws that need a total overhaul. These are provisions that are no longer responsive to the needs of our time. On top of that, those provisions run counter to what is provided under: Section 4, Article III, which states: No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. And, in my humble opinion, anyone who thinks that they pass up the highest law of the land in favor of an outdated penal code seriously needs a major brain operation.

A few words from Voltaire: "I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it"

"May Kulo"

2011-08-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have just finished reading a news article about the resignation of a CCP executive amidst "furor" over an art exhibit. The said exhibit "Kulo" incited controversy for being "sacrilegious" and "blasphemous". I don't want to delve into the details of the controversy since it's one of the many talked-about issues in the national scene these days.

I can only see the relevance of the said controversy since it brings into play two clashing interests or rights. The first one is the right of artists to showcase works of arts, which is protected under the freedom of expression provisions of the Philippine constitution. Section 4, Article III states:

No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

On the other hand, these so-called religious groups believe that this "sacrilegious" and "blasphemous" exhibition is a violation of their religious freedom. I still have to come into terms with that. I tried to look for religious freedom in the constitution and luckily, I found it next to the freedom of expression provisions. Section 5, Article III:

No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Looking at the above stated provisions on religious freedom, I come up with the following summation:

1. The state does not recognize any organized religion or denomination;

2. The state recognizes individual freedom of conscience, that is freedom of and from religion;

3. The state recognizes individual freedom to worship; the exercise of one's religious belief or lack thereof;

4. Lastly, no religious test for the exercise of civil and political; religion shall not be a precondition for the exercise of such rights;

CLOSURE OF KULO EXHIBIT HAS NO BASIS

The banning of the said exhibition was unwarranted and a blatant attack on freedom of expression. It amounts to censorship of a work of art if perpetrated by the government itself. The argument that the said exhibit violates religious freedom does not hold any water at all. It may offend the sensibilities of some people but those who might be offended by it are free to boycott it, which is in itself an exercise of one's freedom. A very classic adage about rights states: "your right ends when the rights of others begin." In this particular context, the exhibitors, by expressing their works of arts, has not impaired anybody else's religious freedom.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION; NOT ABSOLUTE

It is true that there is no absolute freedom of expression. This freedom is regulated by the state by enacting laws that protect individuals against excesses. One of such laws is the defamation law. According to an article, Defining Defamation, there are legitimate purposes for defamation laws of which mainly is to:

"...to protect the reputations of individuals – or of entities with the right to sue and be

sued – against injury, including by tending to lower the esteem in which they are held within

the community, by exposing them to public ridicule or hatred, or by causing them to be

shunned or avoided."

However, it also sets some exceptions, one of which is stated in the following paragraph:

"Defamation laws cannot be justified if their purpose or effect is to protect individuals
against harm to a reputation which they do not have or do not merit, or to protect the
‘reputations’ of entities other than those which have the right to sue and to be sued. In
particular, defamation laws cannot be justified if their purpose or effect is to:

....(ii) protect the ‘reputation’ of objects, such as State or religious symbols, flags or national
insignia."

(to be continued)

I am back!

2011-08-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

Time flies fast! It seems like yesterday when I started to blog. Six months and twenty-eight articles later, in July, my momentum had come to a halt. For the past two months, I partially cut myself off from the rest of the worldwide web. I did not even take the pains of updating my social networks. I was then a passive observer of everything that has been happening around.

However, my seemingly passive track was stopped by a series of events, unfortunate or otherwise. The events that greeted us in this early part of the month are quite unnerving. Domestic and international events are quite in synch with each other, in their capacity to shake us.

In London, for one, riotous protesters take over the streets and shops and no one seems to be able to stopped them, not even UK's Prime Minister. Protests sparked after a policeman reportedly shot a gangster dead. It would be easy to blame gangsterism for what is happening, but there are reasons for this violence that run deeper than that. There is now a growing dissatisfaction in the United Kingdom over government's decision to cut spending for public services. This and the rising unemployment rate are fueling tensions that threaten to envelop the rest of England.

The Unites States has its own share of worries. Situation in the US's financial system remains volatile after a credit downgrade from Standards and Poors. As a result, yesterday, Wall Street had its worst day since the 2008 financial meltdown. This is happening as Democrat and Republican lawmakers are debating on what to do in order to salvage their ailing financial system.

In the home front, Senator Miguel Zubiri, shocked the nation with his resignation. I used the word "shock" to describe how I perceive his resignation. Seldom do we find a scandal-ridden public official in the Philippines who steps down. More often, any accusation is met with defiance and denial. But, Miguel Zubiri is a rarity in Philippine politics.

Anyhow, the saga continues as the current administration pursues its quest to shed light in the many corruption scandals that rock the previous administration. A lot of things have unravelled so far. I am just hoping that all these investigations would not go to waste and that people who were involved would really be indicted. I know most of us are looking forward to see them serving their time in jail. Only then we'd be able to say that in the Philippines, crime does pay.

I think this month forward would be a very exciting one, wherever we may be. There is more to come. SO, hang on their.

The Road Less Taken

2011-07-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Choosing the road less travelled has made all the difference, Robert Frost once said. The phrase still brings such a profound meaning to people of integrity anywhere in the world.

We are now in the time when it is not uncommon for us to see evils and rotten ideals. There seems to be a tragic erosion of honesty and integrity everywhere. At most times, integrity and honesty are the basic foundations with which most organizations are build upon.
I could not imagine what would become of an organization is made up of cheats and crooks. More likely, that organization would eventually disintegrate.

It is the duty of every member to safeguard himself against all forms of corrupting influences. As a member of a corporate organization, I have been exposed to some of these corrupting influences everyday of my life. Corruption, by the way comes in many different forms, most common of which is corruption of time. At work, sometimes, people are getting paid for work-time that are not rendered. Malingering is a very common phenomenon that it gets overlooked every time.

My compulsion to write on this subject stemmed from my very own experience today. Today, my sensibility was totally assaulted, when I was asked by a colleague to change her schedule to coincide to her coming to work. She was already late. Thankfully enough, I was able to point out my objection without offending her. This is just one of the many hundreds of other circumstances where someone’s integrity is tested, in the workplace and everywhere else. I think it better to be careful when it comes to these kinds of situations than be sorry in the future.

Being a steadfast defender for integrity and honesty does not only save us from future troubles but ensures that strong cornerstones for nation building are in place.

Reaction...

2011-05-25T01:44:00.000-07:00

This government is basking on the supposed savings in millions of pesos as a result of its efforts in promoting good governance.

This government offers no other explanation on the slip of President Aquino's ratings, except that there is a considerably low output in infrastructure projects. It has already been established that construction is a great multiplier of economic activities. Construction is one easy way to spur economic activities in a particular place.

While we appreciate the fact that this administration is serious in minimizing corruption by insuring that all infrastructure projects would go through proper bidding procedures, it is doing a great disservice to the nation in denying it of the important infrastructure projects. No wonder the country is falling behind its neighbors in competitiveness reports. And, it could be attributed to its weak infrastructure.

For all the ills that this country is suffering, the government must need to speed up construction of school buildings, farm to market roads, bridges, seaports and airports, among others. At the moment, I don't expect the government to save but spend. The president could not blame anyone for the slip in ratings except himself.

It's been almost a year since he assumed office but I am yet to hear from him in as far as infrastructure is concerned.