Writing Edge

Digong Paradigm Shift: From Hyperbole to Doable Agenda

2016-05-16T10:46:00.000+08:00

(Second Part of the Series)

MARAMI PARIN ANG HINDI NAKAKA-MOVE-ON when that time Digong won by landslide during the recent national elections with high hopes for him to wipe out crime and corruption under his term. But the reality is; no matter what the predecessor fire their negative conjecture; the presumptive president for a nation of 100 million is now ready to take the rightful place in a wider context of change. Certainly, the Yellow scenario is no longer a plausible future and the Left-wing agenda is already left behind in the new era of Digong pluralistic democracy and the paradigm shift from hyperbole to doable agenda.

From the Straight Path Hyperbole to Governing Federal System

Political democracy is not possible without economic democracy. It is not possible to achieve unless the quality of living, the moral integrity, the condition of political consciousness and the standard of education of the local populace is reasonably elevated. The cries of political democracy are hypocritical when not coupled with economic, social and cultural demands of the local people in general.

Our nation is now at the midpoint of exploring new ways of governing based on the ideals of economic democratization and decentralization. Undeniably, there is a meaningful governance reform movement across the nation calling for charter change. It is a movement to restructure the very state of affairs of governance and, in so building, will likely change the way local people participate in the political economy. The capitalist and non-capitalist systems are equally challenged. This call is a shift to a federal system of government that will help empower the local government units and the local populace to have access to a bigger share of the nation economic growth.

So what will happen in the future Philippines under the federal system of government is therefore a distinctive scenario: an indicative of a vast national shift in governance. This will be a reform passage to shape the new governance that can literally be found everywhere: in different conditions among all types of government and within all levels of governing.

This shift requires that we leave behind of our old national thinking about what government is and does, and start to frame government endeavor in new ways significantly based on what the local citizens are collectively demanding because this reform movement is definitely being led by the various group of people in many regions. This is a kind of pressure from the bottom up pushing governments to reform the way they do business. This federal movement is more like a courageous journey than it is like arriving at a comfort destination [resembling to “Daang Matuwid” a hyperbole narrative]; more likely it is a process of travelling towards more effective, relevant governance.

And the best way to examine the road map on federalism is to look at the positive trends where the momentum of history is moving.

These trends – is a futures in plural form more appropriate means of gaining insight into the drivers of change.

(To be continued... next discourse will be the Emerging Styles of Digong Governance)

El Presidente: Digong beyond expectations

2016-05-10T10:17:00.000+08:00

(First Part of the Series)

Sa umpisa pa lang ng election crusade, ang nasa isip ko habang pinapanood sya sa Facebook, I said to myself, the old man Digong would be president and will be the father of this great nation who can make a narrative beyond my imagination. Yung dating ng kanyang charisma to the public is similar to a soap opera, he is a celebrity put on show with a distinctive role play in political theatre. His action is akin to ordinary people that personify the aguish of hardship, anti-establishment, dissatisfaction, and thirsty of well-off life. Digong make-up is a contrast to a stereotype figure head of a national leader epitomize as being “disente”— yung tipong: scripted mouth with expert rhetoric’s. Digong personality is the image of a bad boy with a good heart. He is a “karaniwang tao” on the rostrum TV show of popular democracy.

(Duterte Cayetano Miting De Avance Opening At Quiriño Grandstand Luneta Manila)

TAPANG AT MALASAKIT PARA SA TUNAY NA PAGBABAGO: This is the battle cry of the people at the back stage drama ng totoong buhay – who come together and campaign Digong to become the president. Their slogan: CHANGE IS COMING – carry a message of hope that inspired other individuals (young and old) to join in the marketplace protest movement calling for change.

The notion of lack of funding, political machinery and nationwide media exposure was not a difficulty anymore in the long run drive for Duterte ticket. The people who volunteered themselves provided the necessary means to bring their icon DU30 into the mainstream – these people behind are the self-organized group of artists, writers, social media warriors, blog enthusiasts, academic professionals, public utility workers, market vendors, farmers, OFWs, LGBT, NGO activists, entrepreneurs, local politicians, religious ministers, self-employed workers, green advocates, rebel leaders, silent majority employees in the government, youth and student a-like, household nanny, etc. These people in the grassroots movement are branded as “Dutertads” – mga bobotanten panatiko – a negative connotation named by the opponents.

Despite the fact of off-putting their character, the Dutertad spirit metamorphose into a pigeonhole romance that is so pleased and in-love para sa tunay na pagbabago.

The opponent anecdotal bashing statement was abortive. The dutertad grow in numbers like butterflies – the hope of the flowers.

Now, the Digong destination and the maker is ready for THE PRESIDENT. 👊

(To be continued... next will be Digong Paradigm Shift: from Hyperbole to Doable)

GenSan International Blues Festival

2013-12-14T23:30:00.001+08:00

Gensan Blues Society Marked 2nd Anniversary
*****

Blues lovers keep their passion alive by attending festivals where they listen to people who aren’t famous Blues stars. For this reason, blues fans enjoy listening to the amateurs just as much as they enjoy listening to the professionals.

Ang tinagurian “blues” ay isa sa pinakapopular genre music sa Pilipinas noong dekada sisenta, at ang “rock music” ang s’yang naging sangay na malikhain para sa mga musikero sa larangan ng Pinoy music industry. Noong panahon ng dekada sisenta, mabenta ang rock music dahil sa ginawang promotion ng Jingle Magazine na naging popular din bilang unofficial freedom wall ng mga aktibista laban sa Martial Law days.

Ang Himig Natin

Malaki ang naging-influence ng Juan Dela Cruz band sa larangan ng Pinoy Rakenrol. Kaya marami ang naging malaya sa pag-iisip kahit sa pagkanta ay walang takot magpahiwatig ng mga bumabagabag sa kalooban.

Isa sa mga Pinoy rock hit jingle na nagpalaganap ng blues genre ay Ang Himig Natin – na naging sagisag at inspirasyon ng mga kabataang musikero noong sumapit ang dekada otsenta. Kaya’t hangang ngayon patuloy ang pagtangkilik nito sa blues music – hindi lamang ang mga rakenrol band, kundi pati narin ang mga nag-sa-soundtrip.

Umpisang mabuo ang GenSan International Blues Festival sa Facebook noong nakaraang taon at ito'y kinabibilangan nina: Allan Cabardo (of Brooklyn, New York), James Jubelag (who is now based in Stockholm, Sweden), Pio Valdez (of Sticky Stones), Richard Nuñeza (of France), Tom Alzona (of New Zealand), Gumer Liston at Glen Valdez (of Cebu).

Ang unang blues festival sa Gensan ay nagsimula sa open blues jam sa isang sikat na music bar na pag-aari ng kaibigang musikero na si Gefford Sumaylo sa General Santos City noong nakaraang taon. Dahil sa positive feedback mula sa audience, napagkasundoan ng mga musikero na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang advocacy at gawing annual event ang nasabing blues festival sa Gensan.

“The impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you.”
-- Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

****************
GenSan Blues Society (GBS) International is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that was started in 2000 along with a few wonderful individuals who were devoted to preserving and promoting the Blues in General Santos City and neighboring areas, including Davao, South Cotabato and Saranggani Province.

The GBS is a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing, educating and advancement of the Blues tradition and dedicated to the furthering of Blues music and culture as a living art form.

Maikling repaso, puna sa malaking litrato

2010-12-19T17:05:00.039+08:00

BLOG FEST 2010 IN SOCCSKSARGEN

Chalk it up the first ever BlogFest 2010 in South Central Mindanao as another triumph of the SOCCSARGEN BLOGGERS. The circumstances are not always what [I] wished them to be. But here in more and more [bloggers] participated in a new level of learning curve - the pedagogic of blogging.

KAMUSTA mga friends ko sa lipunan ng mga bloggers. Katatapus ko lang mag-browse sa Gensan News Online Mag at syempre sa official weblog na rin ng SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers - to make sure I'm aware of what's the latest posts. Nakakatuwa talaga magbasa ng Ganda Ever So Much ni Orman Ortega Manansala who was the first to post the feed entry at the BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN Writing Contest. Ito yung pa-contest na-e-post ni Alexis Cañizar Chua para sa mga bloggers (Extended! sa mga hindi pa nakapag-blog) who actively participated the recent funnest ever BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN 2010. At para sa mga tatamad-tamad mag-blog na katulad ko, we're given the opportunity again to do the blogging, at least kahit once nitong katapusan buwan ng 2010. Naalala ko tuloy yung email ni Avel Manansala patama sa mga tamad na bloggers. Salamat Manoy at nagustuhan ko ang "good tip" mo. You guys inspire me that is why I can blog na this way at hindi nakakahon sa technical writing.

SALAMAT din sa "Triple AAA" - Anak Anakan ni Avel - for the job well done in making the first ever BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN 2010 a successful journey. This is positively a breakthrough sa kasaysayan ng Sox Bloggers. Let me say, tapos na nga ang main event… but still marami parin sa mga participants ang nasa cloud-9 epekto ng masayang pagtitipun at makabuluhan na kalinangan naipamahagi ng mga magagaling na resource speakers, such as: Maria Jose, Michelle Lopez-Solon, Ryann Elumba, Prof. Danilo Arao, Jay Jaboneta, Dale Palileo, Aileen Apolo de Jesus, Bobby Soriano, Janette Toral, and our very own 1st District Rep. Pedro Acharon, Jr.

ASK ME FOR THE RECORD

Here below is my short review with a BIG snapshot of the speakers:

Maria A. Jose, or called her Ria, is the first speaker who of course is the sexiest, hindi porke ako ang nag-escort sa DiyosaBlogger, e may bias na agad. FYI lang, last Sunday, she was awarded by the Philippine Blog Awards with the Top Video Posts and Podcasts for 2010. Kaya siguro naging emo sya during Janette's awarding that makes her funnest hour | Photo courtesy of Leah A. Valle

Michelle Lopez-Solon [the first lady of Vice Governor Steve Solon of Sarangani Province] is a very stimulating speaker on Exposing GoSarangani.com -- lalo na if you stop, look and listen to her sweet spoken and smiling behavior…gaganda din ang mood mo sa personality nya. This one I really love! She's really good." - Shella Marie Dumalay post her comment in my Facebook. I tell you, eban gid pag-Ilongga ang maghambal kay ma-in-love ka. | Photo courtesy of Leah A. Valle

Ryann Zandueta Elumba [the blog author of Hola Zamboanga.com] is a very creative speaker. Napaka smart talaga niya. Imagine he let us view the spice of animation and video production just to speak for himself. Buenamente man, gracias amigo for sharing your time to promote Zamboanga Hermosa.

Prof. Danilo A. Arao is a member of the board of editors ng Bulatlat.com [kaya pala medyo militante s'ya sa paghawak ng microphone, pero formal naman magsalita at hindi nagsisigaw katulad ng himagsikan sa kalye] - Keyso professor ng UP CMC Diliman, talagang authority s'ya sa usapin ng Ethics on Journalism, kaya sya ang speaker na ayaw paawat kahit magbi-bell na ang sikmura mo sa sikat ng araw... Please lang off the record ito ha, at sana hindi mabulatlat ang blog ko. Sa totoo lang (peks man) marami akong matutuhan sa kanya. Peace kapatid !

Jay Jaboneta is not just a yellow monger but a believer in the power of little things. Kaya tipong malaki ang role nya bilang punong tagapagsalaysay ng PNoy Social Media sa Presidential Communications Operations Office. Katunaya'y yung kanyang paboritong paksa ang pagtatayo ng lipunang dilaw, ay hindi ko masyadong napakingan, kasi nga naman ang pinag-uusapan sa likuran ko ay puro kulay luntian.

Dale Palileo is Mr. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) who talks on Monetizing your Blog -- is GenSan City's own pride [local pero imported] now based in USA. Ang sarap nyang pakinggan kapag nagsasalita sa wikang English. Animoy musical notes sa tenga ko ang bawat kataga ng kanyang pagsasalaysay… Technically, I was carried by the song of his lullaby, kaya't lumabas ako at naghanap ng kape.

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THE SPONSORS

Walang sawang pasasalamat sa mga sponsors:

East Asia Royale Hotel
Sagittarius Mines
Smart Communications
Dolores Hotel and Resorts
Gaisano Mall of GenSan

Petition against the privatization and sales of Agus-Pulangui Hydro Electric Complexes

2010-08-04T14:05:00.015+08:00

Online Petition Against Privatization

Agus-VII - This is the last plant in the Agus cascade before the Agus River enters Iligan Bay. Photograph courtesy of National Power Corp

By June 2011, the Agus-Pulangui Hydro Electric Complexes will be up for sale and privatization. We believe that opening the complexes for privatization will be most disadvantageous to the people of Mindanao.

But these benefits could be gone soon should the Agus-Pulangui Hydro Electric Complexes be privatized as mandated by the following provisions under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

WHY ARE WE OPPOSED TO THE SALE OF THE AGUS AND PULANGUI COMPLEXES?

1. This will definitely lead to an increase in already exorbitant electricity rates.

2. The low cost of electricity in Mindanao is due to the existence of the Agus -Pulangui Hydro Complexes. We cannot afford to lose this one competitive edge, which could be the only major come-on for investors to put up their businesses in Mindanao.

3. There is a high Return On Rate Base (RORB). For 2008, the rate base current audited value of all NPC-Agus –Pulangui Hydro Complexes is PhP 14,327 billion. The net revenue is PhP 4,927 billion which gives an RORB of 39.66 per cent. At nearly 40 per cent, the rate of return is tremendous.

4. We are afraid that, with the privatization and sale of the Agus-Pulangui complexes, the patrimony of Mindanao will be sold at a giveaway price to exploitative local conglomerates with foreign partners.

5. Security of supply will be put at risk. NPC has been able to address quickly the sabotages and other security risks that are integral to the operation and maintenance of our power plants. On the other hand, NGCP, the concessionaire of our transmission lines, was unable to resolve the same problems quickly in 2008, conducting repairs only in 2009, compromising the supply to Davao and General Santos City, which experienced daily brownouts. Likewise, if the Agus-Pulangui complexes are privatized, crippling strikes may ensue. The employees have existing justified grievances.

6. The Agus-Pulangui hydro systems are integral to the third agenda item in the GRP-MILF peace talks on ancestral domain. Control of territory and natural resources are vital elements in the negotiation. Privatization will stand in the way of a peaceful political settlement.

More details and explanation in our petition letter. Please click the link, read, and sign your support to our campaign. http://www.petitiononline.com/pulangui/petition.html

The challenges in Mindanao are the challenges of the entire country. Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, ay sakit ng buong katawan.

Gensan artists celebrate Earth Day 2010 Music Fest

2010-04-22T12:11:00.007+08:00

Tugon sa Pagbabago ng Kalikasan
April 22, 2010 / 04:00 PM
Oval Plaza Grand, General Santos City

Earth Day (April 22) is a day designed to inspire ecological awareness and to celebrate appreciation for the environment. The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 to promote the ideas of ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and highlight growing concern over pollution of the soil, air, and water. Earth Day is now observed in 140 nations with outdoor performances, exhibits, street fairs, and television programs that focus on environmental issues.

The Story of Bottled Water (2010)

2010-03-29T11:25:00.005+08:00

CAMPAIGN FOR A CLEAN SAFE WATER FOR ALL!

The Story of Bottled Water, released on March 22, 2010 (World Water Day) employs the Story of Stuff style to tell the story of manufactured demand—how you get Americans to buy more than half a billion bottles of water every week when it already flows from the tap. Over five minutes, the film explores the bottled water industrys attacks on tap water and its use of seductive, environmental-themed advertising to cover up the mountains of plastic waste it produces. The film concludes with a call to take back the tap, not only by making a personal commitment to avoid bottled water, but by supporting investments in clean, available tap water for all.

Our production partners on the bottled water film include five leading sustainability groups: Corporate Accountability International, Environmental Working Group, Food & Water Watch, Pacific Institute, and Polaris Institute.

For more information: http://storyofbottledwater.org

Testing the waters of vegetarianism

2009-12-26T23:17:00.020+08:00

We’ve long been faithful vegetarians – my wife and my daughter. That is why in our household, we have a star-cook for special occasion to offer a pleasant view of vegetarian culinary. In this special occasion, the star-cook is my wife. Bai Prema is passionate today with her 40th birthday celebration and enjoyed much of her time cooking vegetarian for her expected and unexpected – visitors and friends to taste the waters of vegetarianism.

Special Vegetarian Menudo mixed with Cheese topping

Fried Tokwa Curry

Photojournalism Workshop @ The Farm

2009-12-21T21:38:00.016+08:00

I went to The Farm with one intention clear in mind: to attend the workshop of Jojie Alcantara on Photojournalism for Bloggers. I had not failed. All my learning have been memorable for various reasons that may not necessary have any bearing on the digital camera I used -- to shot my subject on “traveling with nature” during the practicum.

The way in of the Farm administrative office at Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City

Click here to see for more photos.

Aga Muhlach in Straight Talk

2009-10-05T15:12:00.002+08:00

Most respected celebrity actor Aga Muhlach talks about his reflection on the current issues of the Philippine governance under the Arroyo administration.

All Out of Love ( Here I Am )

2009-09-18T22:47:00.072+08:00

Hating gabi na hindi pa ako nakapagbuo ng aking blog tungkol sa What Air Supply Song Are You? Blog Contest. Medyo antok na ang aking mga mata at malamig narin ang kape, sapagkat nalipasan na ako ng panahon at kailangan kong matulog muna.

Nang pagkaraan ng higit apat na oras, nagising ako. Alas-5:30 nang maisipan kong buksan ang aking PC at mag-isip kung ano na naman ang sasabihin ko sa aking entry.

Tipong maganda naman ang aking mood sa pag-isip ng isasagot ko sa pa-contest ng GenSan News Online Mag -- habang nakikinig sa All Out Of Love album ng Air Supply upang bumalik ang aking ala-ala, ang moments of truth ng mga nakaraang dekada 80.

Here I am playing with those memories again
And just when I thought time had set me free
Those thoughts of you keep taunting me

Sa ilang oras nakaharap ko ang aking PC, mayroon makulay dilaw na impresyon ang nabuo ko para gunitain ang nakaraan noong August 21, 1983. Higit 26 taon na ang kasaysayan (ni Ninoy) ng maging simbulo ng rebolusyon laban sa batas military… sa pahanong hindi puwedeng sabihin nang deretso ang nasa isip kaya dinadaan na lamang sa pagkanta.

Holding you, a feeling I never outgrew
Though each and every part of me has tried
Only you can fill that space inside

Kung tama ang alala ko, hindi lang si Cory ang popular noon. Ganoon din ang kanta ng Air Supply tanyag sa mga bagits, rockers, bading, sosyal, yagit at mga tipong aktibista ng yellow ribbon. At sa loob mismo ng campus madalas naririnig ko ang kantang Here I Am …awitin ng mga estudyante mahilig sa banda at bitbit palagi ang gitara kaysa sa libro. Hindi naman ganun ka-striking ang kanta. Subalit ito’y isang classic melody at mayroon himig ng pusong feeling in-love. Aaminin kong naging admirer din ako ng Air Supply. Nasimot din ang natirang piso ko sa joke-box, at malimit din magbukas ako ng radyo.

So there's no sense pretending
My heart it's not mending

Kaya marahil labis-labis ang naging paghanga ko sa Air Supply. Pagkat tulad ng iba, ako’y nagdaan din sa dilaw na panahon. Hindi kataka-taka na matagpuan ang mga katulad ko sa kilusan ng timeless classic. Maraming salamat kay Manoy Avel sa paghamon na sumali ako sa blog contest.

Bukal sa loob ko ang mapahanga sa malapad na papel ni Michael Wee at ang kanyang Dreamworks Ventures, Inc. -- as concert producer ng Air Supply Concert in GenSan. Hulog talaga ng suwerte si Mike sa mga Generals… cheer!!!

Bilang sumpungin na blogger sa pa-contest, nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga sponsors in cooperation with the City Government of GenSan, the GenSan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., ABS-CBN. Other partners are Grab A Crab Restaurant, MISO Hardware, San Miguel Corporation, Coca Cola Bottlers Inc., East Asia Royale Hotel, Coffee Dream, NY Fries and Dips, Giacominos, Gaisano Mall of GenSan and Gregoria Printing Press.
Padayon... MAGANDANG GENSAN!!!

Because You Loved Me

2009-09-08T00:44:00.010+08:00

A young Filipina girl gifted with a golden voice sings for her Mom who taught her to sing… She is Charice Pempengco - now is 17 years old with much promising future in the music entertainment industry.

Hold on your tears… while watching Charice on Oprah video taken a year ago…

Charice Pempengco duet with Celine Dion

Because You Loved Me

(Lyrics)

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

Moon River

2009-08-10T00:48:00.014+08:00

Blogger Notes: I’ve no words to say, but my heart I’m sure is in love with Sungha Jung plays 'Moon River' arranged by Shun Komatsubara.

**********

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

© 1961 Paramount Music Corporation, ASCAP
music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Download (MP3 file) to hear Audrey Hepburn sing "Moon River" – from the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Side trip contribution in Caraga region

2009-07-25T16:14:00.010+08:00

Because of the StRIDe Mindanao Project of the GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme, I had once again the opportunity to side trip Caraga Region and visited particularly the historic landmark of Butuan City. My 2-day stay in Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City was officially commissioned by the Project to facilitate the Consultation Workshop on the Promotion of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

JUN TUBURAN the Area Coordinator of the GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme in Caraga region gave the closing message in behalf of the StRIDe Mindanao Project consultation workshop on the promotion of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement recently conducted at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City in July 22-24, 2009

Thank You, Jannette Toral

2009-07-19T22:21:00.006+08:00

READY TO JUMP In this photo: Gumer Liston, Marz Fernandez Bendol, Hector Miñoza, Avel Manansala, Jinky Borela, Janette Toral and Ariel Marco Oclarit. | Photograph taken by Cidz Bascon at the Oval Plaza in General Santos City

UNGPID - a rights-based approach to development

2009-06-21T23:05:00.015+08:00

Delegation from the Municipality of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat actively participated in the planning workshop for disaster response, protection and rehabilitation of the IDPs in their respective area. The activity was recently conducted on June 17-19, 2009 at Grand Ficus Plaza Hotel, Kidapawan City

THE CHALLENGE OF ACHIEVING sustainable peace and development has become increasingly complex and demanding. Mindanao has become a national concern given the armed conflict that hit several provinces in Mindanao last year that attracted international attention such that peace building efforts and development initiatives were directed at the affected areas by various local and international humanitarian agencies.

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID) is now taking place in Mindanao conflict areas - as an awareness campaign to the humanitarian service providers. UNGPID is a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), which was submitted to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on its 54th session in 1998.

UNGPID is intended to serve as an international standard guide to governments as well as international humanitarian and development agencies in providing assistance and protection to IDPs. It is a rights-based approach to development.

Home Project on the occasion of World Environment Day

2009-06-05T11:49:00.005+08:00

In 200,000 years on Earth, humanity has upset the balance of the planet, established by nearly four billion years of evolution. The price to pay is high, but it's too late to be a pessimist: humanity has barely ten years to reverse the trend, become aware of the full extent of its spoliation of the Earth's riches and change its patterns of consumption.

By bringing us unique footage from over fifty countries, all seen from the air, by sharing with us his wonder and his concern, with this film Yann Arthus-Bertrand lays a foundation stone for the edifice that, together, we must rebuild.

On the occasion of WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY on June 5th 2009, HOME will be the FIRST movie to be released simultaneously on ALL MEDIA (Theatre, TV, DVD, and Internet) and across 5 CONTINENTS.

On June 5th, we all have a date with the planet!

visit this website: http://www.home-2009.com

Way Forward of Pacquiao in Sarangani Province

2009-05-13T22:16:00.030+08:00

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao gets a new uniform during his conferment with honorary membership to the Philippine Army 73rd Infantry Battalion by battalion commander Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon. | Photograph by Cocoy Sexcion - SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

IT WAS PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE that the boxing champ Manny Pacquiao had already move his residence from General Santos City to Kiamba Municipality. This way forward is amid the 2010 election plan of the People’s Champ Miscellaneous (PCM) to campaign for Pacquiao in the congressional race for Sarangani district. The mayor of Malungon municipality, Reynaldo Constantino who act as Pacquiao spokesman had already announced the possibility of forming a new political coalition in Sarangani province.

Manny Pacquiao shares views with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon during the Hero’s Welcome in Kiamba. | May 12, 2009 Photograph by Cocoy Sexcion – SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Peace visit to Zamboanga

2009-03-25T01:31:00.018+08:00

Last week I was invited to visit Zamboanga City to provide training on basic group facilitation course such as the Technology of Participation (ToP) for the selected local government personnel coming from two municipalities in the main island of Sulu namely: Patikul and Panamao. The said training is part of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) supported ODA on-going programs and projects known as the Mindanao Peace and Development (MPAD) Program through the Transparent and Accountable Governance (TAG-3) Project intervention, with grant assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

International Women's Day

2009-03-08T22:05:00.014+08:00

It’s not a Man’s World any more… the International Woman's Day (IWD) is marked on March 8 every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. This date (March 8) is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

At the Generals Brew

2009-03-07T02:40:00.029+08:00

AS IF THE PARTY along Pioneer Avenue that night was like a Plurk Fiesta at the Generals Brew situated in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown Dadiangas. With about more or less 16 of us members of the Soccsksargen Bloggers Network had come together once more to taste the homegrown café in town.

Thanks to Quin & Leti Du (the proprietor of The Generals Brew) for their welcome to sponsored the bloggers gathering.

Gary Granada vs GMA Kapuso

2009-02-02T02:50:00.004+08:00

The controversy story behind the project “Tipid handog edukasyon ng GMA Kapuso Foundation and Procter & Gamble.

Gary Granada, an established composer and lyricist in the Philippines is upset about GMA, he complained about the illegal use of his music. This issue is about intellectual property rights and the struggle of powerless individual against the abuse of giant corporation.

Click here to hear the audio
From DOSOMETHINGWORTHWHILE soundcloud entry

This is a recording of Gary Granada. If you don't know who Gary Granada is, google him. His songs are both humorous and poignant. And though his songs cater to the common folk, they are accessible, easy to listen to and do not belittle his audience's intelligence nor taste. He is a BIG DEAL. So, for GMA execs to do this to him is an even BIGGER DEAL.

One step ahead for this year

2009-01-01T22:09:00.016+08:00

The 2009 will be a great year to make a difference for our fragile environment. Given today’s high cost of living and very low income, those who are supposed to feed the cities cannot even afford to feed their families. The issue of low income has always been a facet of the farmers’ sad plight.

The agricultural sector has not changed throughout the years. Despite past efforts to redistribute land and undertake necessary reforms, most farmers are still poor and remain chained to the land they till.

We need to take a lesson from the eagle. Its habitat is the forest. If we degrade the forest, we endanger the eagle’s existence. This only shows that agriculture is the backbone of our economy. If we don’t take care of our farmers, our basic need will ultimately menace.

Our economic security depend much on the security of our environment. If we make our environment unsafe, we endanger human existence.

Are we now following the fate of the eagle?

Playing music for change

2008-12-09T09:34:00.003+08:00

"It is well for people who think to change their minds occasionally in order to keep them clean. For those who do not think, it is best at least to rearrange their prejudices once in a while." -- Luther Burbank

De La Hoya vs Pacquiao biggest boxing business trailer this year

2008-11-20T16:41:00.010+08:00

Celebrity boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya versus Manny Pacquiao fight in December 6, 2008 at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA could not fail to generate huge revenue and gambling interest to worldwide commercial boxing. With millions of followers both from Mexican and Filipino fans. For sure, Oscar would earn at the range of $50M plus and Manny about $20M on this fight – so both of them would like this fight to happen.

And you know, this is a big business going to happen in boxing this year.

Here is the 30-minutes long video of De La Hoya–Pacquiao 24/7 on HBO Special TV series.