Langyawng Laaw

Langkawi - The Jewel of Kedah, Malaysia

2021-10-10T04:42:00.040-07:00

October 5 (Tuesday), 2021 | Glengyl Umali

The Government of Malaysia opens the Island of Langkawi for tourists starting September 16, 2021 under a strict compliance through a travel bubble, please see guidelines below.

The pandemic had created a haul on everything people do, social gathering, mass celebrations, even non-essential work were not allowed and that has been the impact of COVID19 not just in Malaysia but all over the world. Malaysia is struggling to balance opening the economy and weighing the urge of many people and organization to impose lockdown to contain the virus.

But there was hope, achieving a whopping 90% herd immunity has been the gatekeeper for re-opening the economy, as of this writing there is 89.4% Completed Vaccination, thereby creating a huge possibilities of opening all sectors, and that should be very soon. Malaysia's recovery plan has also been tremendously helpful easing todays lockdown.

Living with the virus is imminent, it's just a matter of extreme protection and caution so the world can get through the life they're used to, hence, travel bubble were created.

Air Asia, the country's low-cost airline generously opens their flights on a discounted rate for as low as 12RM to 79RM each way (around 150-900 Php).

These guidelines are required for Langkawi Travel as posted on AirAsia website as of October 1st, 2021, please refer to your airline guidelines as it may change without prior notice.

Langkawi Travel Bubble

1. You must be fully vaccinated and completed the 14 days (Pfizer-BioNTech, Astrazeneca or Sinovac) or 28 days (Johnson & Johnson or CanSino) observation before travelling.

2. Make sure you have your vaccination certificate on MySejahtera app.

3. It's compulsory to take an RT-PCR or RTK-Antigen tests 48 hours before departure at any health facility or private laboratories for adults aged above 18 and children aged 7-17 years.

4. To minimize physical contact you're required to perform self check-in on Air Asia Super App or airasia.com. More on self check-in visit the Air Asia website.

Langkawi's Map courtesy of google maps, showing location pins, of all the places I've been to in the archipelago.

My journey to the Island of Langkawi all started with a simple phone notification from Air Asia Super App, a pretty low 12RM one way flight to Langkawi, 12RM each. I never really considered visiting Langkawi for I was only aware of its long stretch shore in Pantai Cenang which is comparable to the Old Boracay situation were beaches within the city receives wastes from the big establishment surrounding it and true enough Langkawi has that situation (Cenang).

This is the main reason that for almost two years I've been living here in Malaysia, I only went to secluded, private beaches, were there's peace and quiet, away from traffic, all you'd hear are the birds singing, waves repeatedly blast ashore and the morning call of roosters greeting you a "lovely day". See my adventure at Kapas, Island in Terengganu, Palau Besar Small (Mersing). This is apart from other states that I visited in Malaysia - I am just a budding vlogger not really a pro. Hoping to get your like and subscription. Thanks!

Going back, after securing my flight on the 29th of September and the return ticket on the 1st of October. A friend texted me for a huge discount offered by the Resorts World Langkawi via KKDay App. I've done my research and I told myself, there is no way I am letting this go. Closed my eyes and booked it. Tadaaa! I have my flight ticket, hotel booking and Island Activity confirmed.

I was pretty much happy and excited since I'm also celebrating my 37th birthday, so definitely this should push through. Days passed, reading some news that there were couple of tourist that has been denied travel because they were found to be Covid19 positive (High Temperature), hence the Covid19 screen test was added into the travel bubble.

And I was a bit worried since this could hinder my long awaited vacation, my oasis, my sanity destination, considering that the screen test would cost around 200RM (around Php2,200+), so I did call clinics and the nearest one from my area was the Klinik Alam, and gladly for local travel especially to Langkawi RTK Antigen will suffice and it would only cost me 80RM (around Php900+) a bit doable. and I was told to be there a day before my flight, and I said, "What a relief, this is it nothing can stop my vacation now!".

I went to the clinic the night before my flight, The attendees at the Alam Clinic were really courteous and attended my queries, and there I was, called for screening, It was just done in 5 minutes and then I got the result indicating that I'm negative in 15 minutes with the screen test certificate . The day after I got a text confirmation from MySejahtera that the result was negative and the update were reflected on MySejahtera App. It's an assurance that nobody can fake this and all should oblige with the guidelines.

On the day of my flight I arrived two hours early, making sure no issues will emerge and if there's any, it should be resolved prior to my flight. I was at KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2) 1pm, and I've gone through multiple temp checks and scans (MySejahtera).

The first instruction when you get to the second check at the terminal is to proceed to Y Counter were screen testing are normally done, at this counter only RTPCR is available, since I'm already done with RTK - Antigen, I was advised to go to U Counter for bag Check-in. and that's just it, It was smooth and easy.

You can also watch my whole experience at my YouTube Channel below:

And my room tour at Resorts World Langkawi,

Staying at Resorts World - Langkawi gives you a feel of tranquil and serenity, were most sounds you hear are bird's tweets, waves, away from street noise, and most importantly a perfect sunrise view. It's also were the Marina is, were island hopping activity takes off, Sunrise Cruise, and Yacht Party

RW Langkawi is the perfect hotel destination, see why:

10 minutes from the City Centre and Pantai Cenang,

15 minutes from the airport

The Marina itself is the kick-off for Island Hopping, Sunset Cruise and Yacht Activity

You can get a Grab Car right away compared to other high-end resort far from the City

Apart from their great amenities, the view facing the Island Forest Park is superb!

Just in case I wouldn't be one sided with what I have to experience in Langkawi, after my stay at RW-Langkawi for three (3) days and two (2) nights, I stayed at Pantai Cenang at the AB Motel for four (4) days and 3 nights. As soon as my "upper east side" experience ended, I had the "lower east side" experience (I thought I could save but for safety and Covid19 protection purposes) I chose AB Motel for 80RM/night. It wasn't actually economical but their spacious air-conditioned queen-size bedroom with own toilet and veranda says it all. Its not connected to any room, nor you can bump-in with anyone renting the other room, I must say it's likened to a small house - cottage-like.

To be honest, I was hesitant to take the AB Motel because most Filipinos including me, the term "motel' are usually associated with "Short Time" motels, common for short-lived "sex capades". So, I spared myself from ignorance and judgement and gave it a try. I was pretty much happy because I feel safe and the staff were friendly, it's a decent one - just don't use their towels hahahaha, it looks old and untrustworthy but note that AB Motel is a beach front Motel. A perfect view of the Cenang Beach.

Pantai Cenang transforms at night, actually I must say their day starts at 5pm - Normally from 8am to 4pm ish you won't see like a lot of people on the streets compared at night were great music plays in every streets, live bands, and most activities were alive in Cenang beach, Great Sunset, Beach Volleyballs, Jet Skis, Parasailing, Banana boat, Candle-lit theme dinner, Firedancing, Bubbles flying at night, like there are a lot of people, crowded really. I didn't do all that, it doesn't really excite me. as always extreme activities like this needs a young heart.

Probably one of the reason, there are not that many people in the morning, most of them are probably at Sky Cab, Island Hopping, Country-side tours, etc. And speaking of activity here are the list of activity I would recommend when you visit the Island of Langkawi.

DAY 1

I would really recommend taking the earliest flight from KL to Langkawi, so you can still rest and freshen up at the hotel when you arrived and used-up the rest of the day and with that you would still have time for Sky Cab on your first day and country side tour!

Rent-a-bike or car is common in Langkawi, you can definitely stroll alone or with your gang owning your time by yourselves. If you need to book a tour car you can contact Faiz - 019-493-7436, he owns a tour van (6-7 people) or small one (3 people), the rate I got was for 100RM for 8 hours for one person, you can definitely haggle with Faiz.

01:00PM - 04:00PM

Sky Cab, Sky Bridge (43RM) However you may find a better package only which combines all activities then much better (Shoppee and Lazada sells activity in Langkawi) When on top, take your time, take as many videos and photos you want. There is no rush there. You can have lunch either on site (were the fogs and cold wind is) or at the receiving area before you go up but be careful, you might throw-up.

04:00PM - 06:00PM

No Entrance Fee - Free Access - Plunge at the Seven Wells Waterfalls - This waterfall is visible from the Sky Cab, you can even hear the waterfalls flashing from top to bottom. The waterfalls is 10-15minutes walk, there's two waterfalls the first one with just one well or pool like and the one on top which has seven wells, You may have to bring water and be careful with your things Monkeys are everywhere, no food on site, but you can buy at the entrance before heading to the waterfalls.

06:00PM

Head to the Hidden-Langkawi - A perfect sunset dinner can be set here - visit this blog for more information - https://journey.com.my/story/a-hidden-gem-in-langkawi/, unfortunately when I went there all my cameras and even my phone are empty bat. but of course I had the best sunset dinner experience!

IF YOUR FLIGHT IS AT 1:00PM-3:00PM (Rest is needed, at least an hour)

4:00PM - 6:00PM

Head to the Underwater World Langkawi, if you are into big aquarium or if you have kids with you. It would be perfect marina education

6:00PM

You can definitely have the Hidden - Langkawi or Enjoy the Pantai Cenang Sunset View, your choice! Take a lot of rest you need it on your Day 2.

DAY 2

09:30AM - 1:00PM

The Island Hopping Activities are best in the morning remember photographers bestfriend is when the sun is up, it starts at 9:30am until 1:00 pm, make sure to be there 30 minutes early, if you are at Pantai Cenang normally the meet-ups are in McDonalds in front of Cenang Mall. Bring water and something to nibble, you'll be hungry. There are food sold at Pulau Dayang Bunteng and refreshment at Pulau Beras Basah

Island Destination

The Sleeping Pregnant Maiden
Pulau Dayang Bunteng (Geo-Forest Park) Lake Activities (Pedal and Kayaking)
Langkawi Eagle Feeding
Pulau Beras Basah

After Island hopping you can rest an hour or two since it will be tiring, You can stroll and enjoy Sunset at Pantai Cenang and walk the streets of Cenang with live music in different genre, live bands starts at 7:30pm, may it be at the beach side or near Cenang Mall.

02:00PM - 6:00PM

Or if you still have the energy to explore Langkawi, head to the Skull Beach, Temurun Waterfalls, and enjoy your sunset dinner at Scarborough Fish and Chips, just be there before 6:30 in the evening to make sure you get to see the beautiful sunset.

DAY 3

Spend time resting and shopping for wines and chocolates at their Duty Free Store. Langkawi is called a Duty Free Island for a reason, to attract more tourists.

Pantai Cenang

Cenang Mall
Warisan Duty Free
Cha Cha Duty Free
The Zon Duty Free
Duty Free Sport City
Loyal Maxim

The SkyCab

The Zone Duty Free Shop

Langkawi International Airport

PHB Duty Free Langkawi
Skymall Duty Free Shop

Kampung Kuah

Jetty Point Duty Free
Sky Duty Free
TS Duty Free

and there's a lot more.

There's a lot to visit in the island, you can also insert Langkawi Wildlife Park and feed Flamingos, Mouse Deer, Peacock, Porcupines, Monkeys, Hornbills, and take a picture with Langkawi Eagles. Though the entrance fee costs 45RM, it's still worth it and you get to enjoy the place. You can insert this on your Day 2 itinerary on Day 3.

Mode of Transportation:

Rent-a-motorcycle / car is better, since you can own your time exploring the island, and go to places you need to go unrestricted by the Driver's availability
Get a driver and haggle for a price. Faiz was really helpful, you can contact Faiz - 019-493-7436 and arrange your trip with him. its 100RM per 8 hrs for a single person, you can probably haggle for group travel
Langkawi is just a small island. See Grab Fees below:

RM12 Airport to Cenang 15minutes
RM30 Cenang to SkyCab 30 minutes
RM8 RW - Langkawi to Cenang 10minutes

Food

There are a lot of Restaurants, Makan-makan, BBQ-Satay, KFC, McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Hut is also in the area, there's a lot to choose from. Affordability depends on your chosen places to eat.

Accommodation

Book Early, School break is coming definitely it will be a local destination and if you plan to extend, just plan your vacation well, so you would know the allocated time you needed.

Activities

Book in advance, Shoppee and Lazada offers activity booking

KKDay App
AirAsia App
Klook App

Save Panglao Beach!

2019-11-28T13:56:00.003-08:00

Panglao Beaches Glaring Truth about 20 meters easement.

We went to Panglao Bohol specifically at Dumaluan Beach which is owned by private resort typically imposing ownership over the whole shoreline leaving no public swimming access to the residents and tourists.

About Langyawng Laaw: Langyawng Laaw was coined after the traveler's feeling of amazement and surprise whenever they have seen the place or the event for the first time "Langyawng Laaw" is a visayan word which means untamed tourist, coined in a positive way. #IAmMockedAndBullied #LangyawngLaaw #GlengylUmali

This video is owned by Langyawng Laaw by Glengyl Umali.

Downloading and re-uploading this video on Youtube or any other site is highly prohibited. If you need to use this video kindly email glengyl_umali@yahoo.com
Segments:

1. Celebrity Shows at the Teatro -Showcasing renown artist from various talents; Mostly hit makers Singers and Stand-up comedian performers.
2. Goal or Angle!? GOAL OR ANGLE!? | Ang Fitness Guide ng mga Chubbybong katulad ko, is my own journey committing to a healthy and active lifestyle. Sharing doable routine and exercises that can be replicated without going to the gym and doing at your own backyard or at the comfort doing it at your house or baranggay. Working-out nd getting could never be this expensive or extravagant to many. My personal journey to fitness being known as chubby, my goal is to be fit and healthy, making it lifestyle rather than a doing-it as you like, as we aged our body becomes weak and having this reflective lifestyle it commonly gains health issues on the latter. let's be healthy and fit!
3. Viral Video Showcase (Approved Behavior or Negative Reflection) - A reaction video focusing on Bullying and unjust judgement with clear bias and prejudice. - This will also commend great behavior, highlighting positive and can be replicated dispay of kindness and compassion. -Mocked and Bullied is a platform to reach out to a collective and wide network in Social Media. It will showcase and highlight the fight against bullying and its imperative. To give access to unbias reviews.
Instagram: Langyawng Laaw
Facebook Langyawng Laaw

My New Book is Out!

2019-10-20T06:28:00.001-07:00

Life Encounters
My Life in Poems and Quotes
By: Glengyl Onga Umali

This book is filled with life’s lessons in poetry and quotes about the author’s daily encounters. Facing life as he views it, from the vast influences from his political and cultural activist, artist, sociologist, and a counselor’s life. In here you will see over-lay illustrations depicting the message of each poems which can also serve as a coloring book for your indulgence. I choose to present them in black and white to let you know that I had much-colored friends in my life but I have few friends who talk to me about what they’re going through. Depression and Mental health are widely discussed nowadays but there are just few people who reach out to talk about their struggle. It’s a day in the life of a multi-potentialist.

Thirty five years and counting great life experiences with amazing friends who stayed and the ones who have left for a reason, all of you has been part of my journey and we’ve shared tremendous gift and that is to exist for one another. I’d like to share these three golden rule, I’ve been trying to keep up every day.

“Be available for someone to talk to, life is full of challenges. Let them feel that you’re there for them.”

“Be kind to one another, share a smile, never keep grudge or angst to people around you, and remember no one has moved on because of hate.”

“Depression is an aggregation of everything people went through in life, unaddressed, neglected, left to grow; a parasite they’ve petted on a daily basis. Talk to friends.”

I choose the black and white package to let you know that I had much-colored friends in my life but I have a few of them who talk to me about their struggles, it must be very difficult for them but always remember there is so much to hope for in this world, they’re still good people around you. Be a blessing and be kind to one another!

FREE PREVIEW

Unconscious Self-infliction

It always takes two to tango,
It’s a pair of sight on the go.
I say he has anger issues,
They say it must be embedded on his tissues.
People sometimes get angry,
When they’re hungry.
But I say he could be mad,
For an expectation he never had.
We deal with people through their actions and comprehensions,
Yet being comprehensive and comprehensible has two different intentions.
In an island you set for yourself,
There could only be you on its reef,
For you’ve set the bar high,
The common minds tend to sigh.
Never use jargons, for they’re like dragons in Thrones.
They exist, only on creative minds,
But they have not truly lived in our daily grinds.
Making them a follower instead of getting them into a ladder,
Makes you the Infamous Hitler instead of the Great Thatcher.

In a blink

Each morning, I see your eyes glaring.
In a split of seconds, your heart is reminiscing,
ut the mind started to crumble, reminded of hate,
A bit of smile in a blink, turned your stare into a deadly scare.
And every time I passed by, I see you peeking by.
Your translucent expression never missed so I couldn’t care less.
A bit of smile in a blink, your eyes rolled and turned to pink.
It’s been a while when I saw you smile, giggle and laugh from the corny clowns’ sharp arrows hitting-by, bluff, bleeding in laughter and cracked by the belting funny stints.
Your heart is pure but your mind is obscure.
Feeding your heart with hate that dominates, is always the known “Hitler” and the heckler’s delight.
I smiled in a blink, I was thinking, “What have I done to deserve that smirk”.
A bit of smile in a blink. I know I can love you with all that irk.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Paperback: 118 pages
Publisher: Iuniverse Inc (October 10, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1532085168
ISBN-13: 978-1532085161
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces

Island "Born of Fire"

2015-06-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Come again! (Camiguin) The Most Inviting White Sand Beach (More about Geography, History and etc) Camiguin is an everyday sand, Sea and Sun! as the title of this blog implies, tourist will be mesmerized by its warmth and Speaking of warm people, Camiguin folks are the most friendly, so when it comes to transpo rental you dont have to be an expert haggler just ask for the price and it will surely be fair.

Camiguin is just few of the cities in the Philippines that have banned the use of plastics in the Island and committed to protect the environment. And who would not be? the island is home to Big Clams, sea turtles, and other endangered species and currently breeding it and got support from Silliman University and foreign NGOs.

We all know that Siquijor is an Island of Fire because of the fireflies and maybe for some magical reason, Camiguin is literally an Island Made of fire. Its a volcanic Island rummored to be a cone-shaped island (but hope not, unverified)

Here are some documented info of volcanic activity in the island: "On February 16, 1871, earthquakes began to be felt on the island, which increase in severity until April 30 when a volcanic fissure opened up 400 yards southwest of the village of Catarman, northwest of Hibok-Hibok Volcano. Mt. Vulcan was born and continued erupting pouring lava into the sea at the same time gaining in height and width. In 1875, the Challenger expedition visited the area and described the mountain as a dome, 1,950 ft (590 m) in height, without any crater, but still smoking and incandescent at the top.[8]

The town of Catarman was destroyed and portion of the town sank beneath the sea. The settlement moved to where the town center is presently located and today, all that remains of old Catarman are the ruins of the ancient Spanish church, a convent and a bell tower.

From 1948 to 1951, Mt. Hibok-Hibok was constantly rumbling and smoking. The first minor eruption in 1948 caused little damage and loss of life, but in 1949, the larger eruption caused 79 deaths due to pyroclastic flows. The largest eruption occurred the morning of December 4, 1951. The volcano unleashed lava flows, poisonous gases, and pyroclastic flows destroying nearly 19 squares kilometers of land, particularly in Mambajao. All in all, over 3,000 people were killed. Before the eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok in 1951, the population of Camiguin had reach 69,000. After the eruption, the population was reduced to about 34,000 due to massive out-migration.[9] Source: PHIVOLCS"

These also explains that the island is Home of the Lanzones were vegetation adopt more to the soil type of the island. Ruins of the volcanic activity is evident to the "Old Catarman town was destroyed and partly submerged by volcanic debris during the eruption and formation of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875. Also known as Gui-ob Church, only the ruins of the church and bell tower remains of the old town. - PHIVOLCS" Also on of the attraction is the Sunken Cemtery of the Town of Bonbon During the volcanic birth of Mt. Vulcan that lasted from 1871 to about 1875, some areas in the town of Bonbon subsided, sinking the cemetery of the town to below sea level. The place is commemorated by a huge cross erected in 1982.

There are multiple entry to the island. From Cebu one can take Supershuttle direct to Camiguin for an 8 hrs ferry ride, one can also take Cebu - Bohol - Jagna, Bohol - Camiguin which can take a total of 5 hrs. or Plane from Camiguin which can take you swifty for 45min service by Cebu Pacific. from Cagayan de oro one can get from Cagayan Port under Paras SeaCat fastcraft for 2hrs. and Balingoan, Mis. Oriental thru Supershuttle.

There are number of natural attraction in the island and neighboring islet and it is promising for Developmental growth considerably and potentially can be the Spa capital of the Philippines instead of Lapu-Lapu, Mactan I would favorably choose Camiguin because of its natural resources that can be soothing to traveler who loves nature. I have this kind of dream that i would go back schooling and be trained for all types of Massage and help this island and be trained.

Island's Natural attractions

Mount Hibok-Hibok
Mount Vulcan
Mount Timpoong
Mount Butay
Mount Guinsiliban
White Island
Mantigue Island
Ardent Hot Spring
Sto. Niño Cold Springs
Bura Natural Soda Water Swimming Pool
Tangub Hot Spring
Sunken Cemetery
Katibawasan Falls
Tuasan Falls

Enchanted Siquijor

2015-06-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Siquijor "Isla del Fuego"
(Find out more Geography, History, Etc.)

Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province of the Philippines. ( 2nd is Camiguin and the smallest is in Batanes. The island is not that new to me since I've been there a couple of times in 2007 with Family, 2009 with friends and my partner in 2012. And not only that its also close to my heart since our relatives is living in Lazi which is situated in the coastal community of Minalulan and my Brother's father lives in Ulang, Maria near Salagdoong Beach.

The island is accessible from Iligan to Lazi port, Plaridel, Miss Occ to Larena, Dumaguete - Siquijor Port and Tagbilaran - larena. No one can deny that the island has its own enchantment and magical stories to tell. My mom once told me whenever you step to its land you should say "dagko na gyud ako lubi" or else you'll suffer LBM. hmmmmm. no one can explain why but i've got to say it whenever i go there. "wa may mawala nako" ahehhehe.

The Capital Semi-City is in Siquijor. It is both business-commercial center in the island and can only be accessed if your traveling from Dumaguete. from there one can rent a motorbike from P300-P500 (present driver's license) to roam around the island. Banks, Groceries, utilities can only be found here. if you plan to stay longer may it it be in San Juan, larena, lazi, Enrique V. bring cash. San juan is where most of the resort are situated there are number of tourist as well.

If you plan to roam around the island for 3-4 person it is better to rent a trike which can be rented from P500-P700 depending on the haggle you'll have with Manong driver. The whole trip can take up to 3-5 hrs. usually the start point is from Siquijor to San Juan ( nothing much to see though in San juan but those big resorts see it here) but the excitement will begin if you get thru Lazi.

First stop in Lazi is the 400+ years Old Enchanted Balete Tree, according to my friend they are now offering fish spa/ Dr. Fish for P5.00 or any amount as donation/Maintenance. but during our visit we've just took picture since it was not available.

Second is the old Lazi Church and Convent it'll bring you to an old century and you'll have no choice but to take picture and be one with its old and great structure.

Third Stop is the Cambugahay Falls, a 135 man-made stone steps going down from the main highway. you've got to pay for parking from P10-P20. its a multi-tiered waterfalls cascading from spring, flowing fresh and clean into the swimming lagoon.

You may also want to buy some snacks and drinks at nearby stores/ take lunch packs.

Fourth Stop was Salagdoong Beach Resort, they're known for Cliff Diving, Kayaking, and Island Hopping. Lunch can also be taken there. with No Corkage Fee.

Fifth Stop is Enrique Villanueva's Eco-walk. its like a hanging bridge built against the mangrove forest. they also cater nipa hut rentals. lunch can also be taken there.

But it would be more enticing to visit the island during Holy Week season. Healing Rituals are usually done during those time. It will be great to take part of its annual gathering

These are all for now. As we travel remember that no matter how you get back to those places that you've been to, each of that experience will be far more different from the others. Live Life, Discover Siquijor!

Sunset Express

2015-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

It started with an invitation from sport and fit enthusiast friend Jennifer Gonzalve, whom have been biking and trekking her way to vast mountainous areas in Cebu with her siblings and she's been doing it for quite sometime now. The invites were extended to friends, clusters and up to friends outside work and what originally confirms was 26-30 people but then it was downsized to 18 due to conflicting schedule and recent changes.

Day 1 (April 16, 2015)

We have gathered at Elizabeth Mall at 10:00AM which is just a walking distance (like 4-5min walk) from South Bus Terminal were we need to head to the Municipality of Dalaguete. But there was a sudden changes on our plan. Dax and I had to be there early to search for our guide to assist us through Kawasan Falls, our supposed to be guide was part of the 8 pax who backed out and of course to catch the best time on the peak for a sunset view.

It was a 2-3 hrs Ceres bus ride, discounting the slow traffic from Pardo to Talisay it could reach 3 1/2 hrs so its ideal to leave early. It was 34°C and it was quite humid on the road though air-conditioned, you may want to keep away sitting near the window and usually when traveling this far i would just sleep at least to regenerate energy since everyone of us came from a Wednesday night shift so I'm a bit haggard.

We arrived at exactly 1:00pm in Dalaguete, we have roam around their Plaza and Church which is facing the bay. It was beautifully set-up, the boulevard, the park and the church its a perfect combo. Solemnity it is, though weather is a bit hot, the see breeze made us breath. We then hit at the nearby store (which sells halo-halo) which is also a stone-throw away from the crossing heading to Osmena Peak's foot.

After 10minutes indulging ourselves with refreshing Halo-halo and some food, we then head to the crossing, from the National Road you can just see those signs going to Osmena Peak, guided or not its easy to spot. One last Habal2x (motorcycle) ride going to the foot which will take 20-30min. There's another option though its either to trek for 2 hrs but its a long paved road which also serves as the Provincial Road to Badian (pero mas init) or through habal2x, the ride is more ideal. Yes, it was a long ride just be ready with the rough and dusty unpaved parts.

Along the road, you'll see locales doing their daily chores but since Mantalungon is not just your ordinary village they are infact the food basket of the area, I mean Dalaguete is the Food Basket of Cebu, the Mantalungon Market has huge vegetable drop in the area.

Registration Area. Arriving at the foot of the Osmena Peak you have to sign and Register.

at the back is the Osmena Peak, estimated time of arrival is 15-20 minutes trek. Type of terrain: Stiff and rough but rope is not needed to climb a support stick maybe and an interval rest.

what you see at the back are cabbages and the small hut is where the registration took place.

I almost fainted, without exercise or at least warming-up would create a serious trouble trekking.

Finally! Love on Top! This is what i have been missing for more than 5 years now, i missed hiking and mountain climbing, but the difference though we climb because we serve local communities in hinterland villages in Mindanao.

Perfect Sunset, next island at the back is the Province of

Meditating is the best thing to do when you're on top, it's solemn and our target was to get here before the sunset was achieved and it was great! the place is brilliant for trekking as they said level of difficulty is 5/9
Fun Night

As darkness covers the sky we began to settle and set-up our bonfire to keep as warm. The weather changes and became chilly nights and a bit windy. Everyone is at least having fun chatting on their camping tents. Jen made a call to start the activity, I started the Yepo Itata though a bit dark each of us seems to get the action, its a warm up i would say similar to the "Paa tuhod" but with a twist. Jen then took over and started the "Name Game". everyone enjoyed it but it didn't last long since winds were getting stronger and colder. As Jen have warned us to bring winter clothes to keep as warm.

Signal no.1

We didn't expect that the weather will go that far. We just thought it will just be cold, but the wind was like a storm, lambasting our camping tents, that was the reason there were stones scattered on the camping area that serves as a stopper to tents set-up. Two of my colleague's tents were dropped down by the wind, they then transferred to other tents. Tents were like wrestled and colds become coldest, we felt it on our tent as it began to moist. We woke up around 5 am but still it was cold as ice.
Second Peak

The second one is more tricky, no path to take, wild and thorny bushes are mostly scattered, rocks and boulders are visible as well and getting there is just 5-10min. At the top the cliffs are more dangerous. here are some pics to describe it.

Breakfast

Our breakfast were canned of sweetened beans and biscuit not that much since we have to trek to Kawasan Falls and to be honest I am a rice person but nevertheless I was satisfied with this food during trekking.

The Palm

After taking our breakfast, everyone were so excited to traversed to Kawasan Falls but some were hesitant since we have big guys and girls and its a challenge that they're taking and YES, we had our guide, our guide was 3 kids around 9-12 years old and they're from Mantalungon, actually they stayed with us the whole night. (Isn't it child labor?) but these were the kids whose been competing with the adults to earn. they work for campers and they charge every penny including pitching water, buying woods and some stuff.

A lot of us were asking, as to how many hours would take to get to kawasan, adults from Mantalungon told us like 5 hours. but as we begin to walk and after crossing rivers, rocks and mountains, we also get to pass villages and every time we get to one village after another they would say 5 hours but remember we already have trek 2 hrs. and then another 5 hours? hmmm its not right. upon reaching these villages we get a chance to rest, good thing some were selling Bananas since we forgot to buy one.

In between the hours from 8 - 10 am upon reaching the lower grounds heat from the sun is getting intense and wind are getting slower, a challenge hikers get, so we have to packed up with more water. There was one spring traditionally channeled through a bamboo pole and since our water are beginning to empty we have no choice but refilled it with spring water and to tell you honestly it was a great taste.

Four (4hrs) of trekking we get to encounter a lot of challenges, one of our colleague experience numbness on her legs and we have to stop for a couple of minutes and some were complaining because of a very exhausting trek and of course misinformed about the time of travel we then decided to take a motorcycle ride from Ubos (they call it ubos) to were Kawasan is. After the motorcycle ride we have to walk trough the 1st Falls like 30-45min from point we were dropped from the motorcycle.

The path to Kawasan is unpaved, its small, stiff and rough. on our way there we had an accident, Kimmy slipped from the stiff terrain and then rolled, good thing though the young coconut palm had save her life, it blocked her. We were all shocked and dax quickly picked up kimmy her knee begun to bled and swell. We've noticed that there were small limestones that causes the slip. one thing that we would have to be very careful next time.

Upon reaching the 1st waterfalls everyone were finally relieved, and one was very happy since her Kendra was waiting there on the first falls. Kawasan is still the same but the experience with friends can never be. it was one of a lifetime. a great one to treasure!

Burst of Sentiments Learnt

2009-12-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today is the Feast of Immaculate Conception this means that on this very the same day Jesus was conceived inside Mother Mary’s womb and signifies the beginning of the world’s glory. This day has been celebrated significantly by devote Catholics in every Philippine regions.

Early this morning Jana, Dia, Myra, Father Bert, Dr. Bing and I went to walking distant San Pablo Parish and have joined mass. The priest homily was all about Mother Mary’s discourse with angels of God and her devotion to bring child Jesus in her life however what took my thought was the priest’s integration of the story about Mary Magdalene, the bible character who was adjudged by the mob of being the filthiest woman by her profession as prostitute. Jesus came on time when angry mob tried to cast stone to Mary Magdalene, Jesus interrupted and told them “who considers themselves sinless, can cast stone to this woman” but no one ever did and the priest continued, “it would have been Mother Mary could throw stone to Mary Magdalene, she is the virgin who was shielded from sin and that is how she was moulded to carry the handmade of the lord”.

Prior to parish visit, earlier that morning I felt irritated from the information mouthed by mom, it was about the ferry in Jose Rizal’s novel El Filibusterismo, and yes it has arrived and Doňa Eriquita had her way to its Palasyo Negro. After mom aired her side I thought that I was about to explode I should have counted 1 to 10 to appease myself, just like Tink in Tinkerbelle Part II when she was annoyed but I was covered by the mounted anger derived from Doňa Eriquita and her Alipores and blown up and I was not able to grip, disclosed matters which concerns them negatively.

Who wouldn’t do those things? After Indios have been treated insensitively, Makibaka was the only appropriate answer as our brother rejectionist NPA went for revolutionary arm struggle. I could say that only those weak that would take down their flags. Yes, it’s true I did it purposely to make them realize of their own selves.

However the mass was over and I was not able to pay attention it had bothered me a lot and left the parish with heavy heart. Hours had passed.

In the evening I had dinner with Jana at MINCODE’s Eat and Help here in Matina, I shared my sentiments and she relate her stories about dialogue. She is one of the people I kept which I consider treasure-friends who glow inside, listening and sharing while they glimmer. I have to say that people are made uniquely, there are things you don’t dance together but it is not necessary that you dance as well. Don’t deal with people attitudinally you may hurt them culturally, deal with their ill-deeds and they may breed.

At the end of the day, I reflected and told myself “You were wrong Glen let them realize and ponder upon it, it may not be today but time will come, as the process of learning come firsts before realizing”.

Learnings are more colourful when learnt from rainbow friends, it may be sour when negative but extracts are more aromatic. Appreciate the beauty of misunderstandings and conflicts.

A COMMENTARY VIS-À-VIS NÎLA

2009-12-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

The Untold Story

I am supposed to keep my side for what I have been hearing and feeling the instant I’ve walked-out from the office from the inflexibility of their heart and the thickness of their nerve which now totally rooted in their veins. I cannot imagine how we started with a good camaraderie but then it was taken-over by a selfish and personal matter which inconsiderably taking decisions based on pasip-sip, unverified chikkas and emotional issues. I do not know anymore where that is El Capitan that has thought me knowing a person and how to preserve principles despite the emerging and destructive situations a person may experience with. Ang batasan mugawas gayod diha-diha sa tininu-orayng pakig-ambit sa kaubanan, pakigpili usab kung kinsa man ang mahigala ug diha-diha ang mas timbang ug mapundi pero apan timan-i nga ang magapili mao usab ang pagapiloon sa umaabot.

There were people who were immobile during the process who call themselves boss, where they consider their selves brilliant based on their own standards. They have been active now and feeling know-it-all but actually have resulted to know-nothing at all. Spend a lot of time to know thyself; you know what your capacities are. Ayaw pagpaka-aron-ingnon kay ang maskara sa pagkamalinlangon dili dugay nga mutabon ug musampong, ug kung kani mougat sa pamilya diha-diha sa iyang panaw magsumikad ang kangil-ad sa relasyon ug pakighigalaay ug pakigsinilanganay maugdaw.

I didn’t understand when he said neutral which he obviously takes sides. Let me remind that being neutral is taking action out from your own decision without hitting anybody or a nobody (win-win ba!?) and not a manufactured decision taken from a monopolous emotional. Ang baroganan usa ka pundasyon sa personalidad wad-a ug gub-a kani ug mugawas kang kiang sa imohang kaugalingung prinsipyo. Well it depends much how the person perceived life and living ug sa panabot.

When a person owes you gratitude does it mean in Bisaya, “Utang kabobot-on”? But I have my own definition of that, it is actually taking friendship seriously were you can share what you have and sometimes what you don’t without considering the length and width of the stuff. There are situations where you sides things negatively but relieving friendship and its value would mean a lot, it’s like you are in a war but you still see the beauty of the conflict that despite it, learning will begin. Pero kung ikaw magahangul ug magahiun sa imong pakig-ambit ug pakighandum sa higala o pamilya man, magahiun usab kanimo ang panahon para sa imong pamilya. Kay ingun panila weather-weather lang.

As the truth perceived, life where we stand and live now is a difficult process. It is the greatest truth but once we truly know that life is difficult and learnt to understand and accept it, then the truth that life is difficult will matter no more. Through that we can now live life simply and by making it simple we could take things peacefully and purposely.

There are also different sides of a story, it is big No when you reason-out life difficulties through ill-attitudes and misbehaviours, much more you cannot excuse yourself by sticking because you want to inflict pains and you do it because you fully enjoyed it, nor just to say I am the boss and you should respect me, in that way you may have forgotten that positions and respect are earned not through memo or papel de mandó. But honestly you can have those as a prerequisite but not as respect.

As we have read Rizal’s book he showed us the two levels of a ferry (much of a tabo, duh kabó ba!) the higher ups are for the high class “the royal family” and the lower of course are for poor Filipinos “Indio” as Rizal coined it in his novel. The “indio” which sounds like “inyo” when mouth in Boholano dialect has the workforce which potentially rowing boat aside of course from the pasaheros there were trabahante sa kabó (ferry).

Those Indios are force to work not anymore a workforce which was held in neck. They have to work thinking that they might sound shameful when they don’t do their part nor run off from the post. Indios characters are mainly Filipinos, hospitable, accountable, responsible etc. there were inaccuracy but learnt, however it did not last but have lost their amour since the upper class has keep rerouting the ferry from its previous navigation and had affected it course notwithstanding the pasaheros who waits to be landed.

After a series of navigational misdirection, finally the kabó have arrived with shattered trabahantes and pasaheros disappointed and blaming why they took the ferry and then the pasaheros have to live soon but still have to finish baggage check while Indio workers have to re-examine and fix the kabó as commanded by Nuevo El Capitan del kabó.

To be continued….

Mindanawons urged to "bring peace to everyone"

2009-12-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Reposted from Mindanews
Mindanawons urged to "bring peace to everyone"
by Violeta M. Gloria/MindaNews
Friday, 20 November 2009 20:06

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / November 20) - Leaders of interfaith groups in Mindanao called on "Mindanawons to bring peace to everyone" and to "influence individual thoughts and feelings to bear the image of Almighty and Merciful Creator" as they celebrate the ninth year of Mindanao Week of Peace.

"In the name of God and Allah, we urge Mindanawons to think Mindanawon, feel Mindanao and bring peace to Mindanao," said the statement signed by Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao City, Hilario M. Gomez Jr., bishop of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and Hamid A. Barra of the Ulama League of the Philippines.

"This Godly gift (of bearing God's image} must always be in our minds when we think, in our heart when we feel, and in our behavior when entire Mindanao as one and solid community calls for a just and lasting peace," they said.

The Mindanao Week of Peace was initiated in 1998 by Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ) which was later vigorously promoted by the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) until it was mainstreamed by the national government as an annual activity in Mindanao.

"MWOP energized Mindanawons to express in many varied ways our need and aspirations for lasting peace. This variety of ways inspired by our respective faith and culture has repeatedly shown us that peace must begin with each and everyone of us," the religious leaders said.

In Iligan City and the rest of the Lanao provinces, the week of peace will be celebrated with peace conferences and rallies, and fora on women rights and environment.

Peace advocates will also conduct historical journeys, dubbed Lawig Handuraw Mindanao and Panaw Kalinaw, to visit conflct-affected areas.

Glengyl Umali, a volunteer of BUC-Mindanaw Tripartite Youth Core (MTYC), said a number of youths in Mindanao will conduct peace caravan and photo exhibit of peace efforts in Mindanao. The photos were exhibited in Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Kidapawan, Pikit, Midsayap, Dumalinao (Zamboanga del Sur), Zamboanga City and Oroquieta City. The exhibit will be displayed next week in Malaybalay, Marawi and Iligan .

Umali said members of the Mindanao State University-IIT Youth Chain of Peace (MYCoP) and BUC-MTYC in Iligan will host the first Song for Peace Writing Contest and essay writing contest at the Catholic Center Campus Ministry (CCCM) here. It will be supported by the Institute for Peace Development in Mindanao (IPDM) and Catholic Center Campus Ministry (CCCM).

The entries will be presented on November 28 this year at 3 pm at CCCM.

Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ) also organized Subanon Historical Journey at Lintangan last November 19 at Sibuco town of Zamboanga de Norte as part of Mindanao Week of Peace celebration.

Ria Razel Zamora of PAZ based in Zamboanga City and who documented the activity, said participants commemorated the peace covenant that was sealed between Muslim and Subanon communities centuries ago “to assure peace and cooperation between them”.

Timuay Noval Lambo, tribal chieftain of Subanon’s Gukom Sog Pito Kodulungan, said Subanon people up continued to accord high respect to the peace pact.

Fr. Angel Calvo, lead convener of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP), said this historical visit “is indeed meaningful as the tri-people gathered together and witnessed this historical peace journey”.

“We feel the sacredness of the place, of the history (peace covenant), and of the community,” Fr. Calvo said. They also unveiled a peace monument. .

“On this Hallowed Ground, the Subanon and Muslim communities since time immemorial sealed a covenant for peace among them,” the covenant partly read. “May Peace reign forever in this land and her people,” it added.

The group also visited the shrine (tampat) of Waliu Allah Attik, a Muslim missionary who reportedly maintained harmonious relationship with the Subanon during his stay in this village. The Muslim members of IRSMP led a du’a (prayer) and symbolic ritual in accordance with the Muslim practice.

Prof. Ali T. Yacub, IRSMP Muslim convener, said that such place where Muslims and Subanon converged “is historic and holy because it is where Muslims and the Subanons once lived peacefully and harmoniously".

The journey was supported by the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace, Subanon’s Gukom Sog Pito Kodolungan and Western Subanon Women Association of Zamboanga Peninsula (Violeta M. Gloria / MindaNews)

http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7239&Itemid=282

My Peace Journey

2009-11-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

My Journey

Date

Activity

Hosts/Contacts

October 11-13 , 2009

Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Peace Caravan

Mr. Jelor Pescadera

Notre `Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) Kidapawan City

October 14-16, 2009

Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Peace Caravan

Mr. Rey Catulong

Pikit National High School (PNHS)

Pikit, North Cotabato

October 20-22, 2009

-Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Peace Caravan

-Youth ECO-PEACE Camp Proper

Ms. Dee Bat-og

Southern Christian College (SCC)

CEREA

Midsayap Pilot Elementary School

Midsayap

October 26-November 1, 2009

-Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Peace Caravan

-YL-CUP Proper

Sr. Criselda Chea/PYC/PYA

IHA/San Isidro Labrador Parish

Dumalinao, ZDS

November 9-14, 2009

-Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Peace Caravan

Peace Advocate Zamboanga’s Community:

Don Pablo Lorenzo High School

Zamboanga City National High School

WMSU – Youth Leaders’ Congress

November 16-17

-Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Peace Caravan

Ms. Janeth Benitez

Misamis Occidental National High School

Mobod Integrated School

On the 10^th day of October I decided and was determined to join as a volunteer of the BUC-MTYC’s programme, the 3^rd Sining Kabataan para sa Kapayapaan: A Public Display and Peace Caravan Activity. From there I have assisted my SK partner Christian for the peace caravan and have extended to the greater youth the significance of peace through arts, the activity was also given in preparation for the Mindanao Week of Peace 2009. At first my personal understanding about the activity was actually having a big van with complete sets of artworks with props hanging, illustrating the festive scene of peace, the objective of course is to attract passersby. But actually it was far more different means; instead the caravan started with coordinations with various networks and links which totally embodies the true essence of communing with friends.

The 1^st institution of the North Cotabato leg which we have visited was in Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC). The launching was held at the Student Center with the assistance from Mr. Jelor Pescadera, [i]PECSB Chairperson along with [ii]CAMP volunteers/students and the activity was attended by the College Dean and Marist Sisters (OMI). The institute had an exam during the display but it didn’t hold back the flow of students and teachers viewing the exhibit. We were very grateful for Mr. Jelor, Dean Yikyik and CAMP volunteers’ efforts who have made the activity a success.

From NDKC, we went to Pikit National High School (PNHS) with us was Mr. Rey Catulong, an active school theatre/band Director and a History teacher. The launching was held at the PNHS ground during the Flag Ceremony and the viewing occurred at the school stage. The school has a total of 4,000+ culturally diverse students with huge area conducive for teaching and learning experience. During the process we were overwhelmed by the system presented by Mr. Catulong and the School, they have organized and coordinated with History teachers who were in-charge for facilitating students, on the first day we have accommodated 1^st and 2^nd year students and the following days were 3^rd, 4^th year students, subject teachers and the school principal. We could say that the engagement we had with Pikit National High School has the biggest impact so far aside from the longest sessions, students were keen enough in exchanging stories with us and it is certainly an expression of extracted learnings and listening from the activity we had.

After the exciting experience at Pikit, on October 21-22 we had our way to Southern Christian College (SCC) in Midsayap, the team was billeted at the Global House through Ms. Dee Bat-og, [iii]CEREA Coordinator and a Peace Education Teacher at SCC. On the first day, Ms. Dee had assigned Precious Joy Jimenez a [iv]MTYC Midsayap Core Leader who took part during the exhibit to CEREAs’ community, the Midsayap Pilot Elementary School (MPES). At MPES, the team were surprised for the uncoordinated response from the school since SCCs contact was absent and the head of the school have overlooked the engagement however the team were able to spoke with the in-charge and luckily we have pushed through the exhibit and patched-up things well, at the end of the day we were able to share to the students the relevance of the exhibit notwithstanding the negative effect of disorganization which totally misplaced the sense of communication and coordination. On the second day, the exhibit took place at the SCC-High School Department from there Ms. Dee have given two volunteers, Kid and son Rajah Bat-og which have aided in setting-up the exhibit. In the afternoon the displays were transferred at the Science Building for the Eco-Youth Camp and the exhibit was given a special programme and was introduced by my partner Christian who manned the camp.

Four days after, The Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA) of Dumalinao, Zamboanga Del Sur was the next stop for the exhibit, launched at their Quadrangle during the flag ceremony with assistance from the Charles Borromeo (CB) Sisters Criselda and Sally. Following the programme was the viewing of posters which was held outside the Library lobby. Prior to that engagement the team had difficulties with the display for the reason that the invitation/programme was not relayed to the school-in-charge, the OIC denounced the said communication and left undecided whether to pursue the display. Good thing we were assisted by Deacon Jigger and ushered the team to Sr. Criselda Chea, a Junior Sister of CB-IHA, Sr. Criselda then instructed the OIC to review communications which was left untouched at the administrators’ bulletin board.

Following the stop for the Zamboanga Peninsula leg was the main City of Zamboanga “Asia’s Latin City as they call it. The Peace Advocate Zamboanga (PAZ), a non-government organization working for peace for almost two decades, prominent with their youth programme as their potent force for the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) which was started earlier after the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) adhered to the renowned Mindanao celebration was the newest MTYC network. The SK was integrated with PAZ Inter-school Peace Caravan and the launching of “I love Peace Volunteer Programme” but instead of following the “one-hour” per school scheme, PAZ through Sr. Emma and Aldrin Abdulrahim have chosen three schools for the said display. The first display took place at Don Pablo Lorenzo High School followed by Zamboanga City National High School –Main and next was at Western Mindanao State University during the “Young Leader’s Congress” which was participated by schools [v]SSG covering 17 partner schools of the Peace Advocates Zamboanga. The details of the integrated programme given by PAZ were composed of the Introduction of the winning piece, SK Orientation and re-awarding of plaques and certificates of the selected artworks.

Oroquieta is 6 hour drive from Zamboanga City, the next stop for the Sining Kabataan were I was welcomed by Ms. Janeth Benitez, an MTYC Core Leader covering Misamis Occidental. From there we were assisted by the Peace Team Circle – Oroquieta at the Misamis Occidental National High School during the flag ceremony were launching was held, we were also graced by the School Principal and the City Vice Mayor during the display and the re-awarding of the plaque of recognition to Ms. Mariam Adil as one of the top 20 was given. On the second day the display was transferred to Mobod Integrated School (MIS) one of the hinterland school in Oroquieta, the team were welcomed by the Principal Mr. Bualat which eagerly assembled his students from 1^st year to 2^nd year to view the displays. There was one student who drew poster no. 2, he explained that it’s like an Anime TV series Naruto that was one of the reasons why he chose it but in the latter I have expounded the meaning of the poster which the artist tried to portray and he nodded, he was the only person left late.

Reflection

Both students and teachers in all regions covered by the journey were very participative and amazed by the masterpieces of peace. They have shown great interests as to how the posters would relate to real lives, real peace situations, and the process were life has to go through especially living in Mindanao. Most of the question which was raised during the session was “What can we children/youth do to contribute for lasting Peace in Mindanao?” This was actually raised again in MONHS from Mrs. Benitez’s class, were I shared that “Peace in Mindanao starts in our very home, think of our family as a mirror of our beloved Mindanao, if we can’t pay respect to our parents, if we always fight with our brother and sister, if we don’t pray together how much more if we are going to situate ourselves to Mindanao problem… let us set as a good example and that mirror would reflect to our dear Mindanao and along with the process we could make a change and a contribution.” After the display Mrs. Benitez told me that she sent her students to asked questions as part of their daily exams and she asked about what I have told them, she informed me that those students were from the lower section and most of them has a broken families, after hearing it I really felt embarrassed and think that problems are meant to be solved by the one who experience and understand it not to the one who have just about to experience it nor who don’t have experience at all.. In a bigger picture the Mindanao problem will only be solved by Mindanaoan it selves not from others who just took part because they know it but doesn’t felt it, maybe it’s one of the reason why we seek for this elusive peace and have tried numerous solutions but still unanswered.

Apart from the statement above, things which had been commonly occurred during the sessions were staff/teachers from PNHS, MONHS, MIS and MPES had integrated the activity as part of their social studies, values (Makabayan) and MAPEH classes and even made it as an extension subjects. According to an English teacher from MONHS that “this is my first time to engage with these peace activities and honestly this have opened my mind, I have known several culture through these artwork, Oras na gyud! ”, this was shared during a conversation with Ate Kagat and the said teacher while watching students doing the extended activity.

I should say that a lot of firsts that I have experienced during my engagement with the Sining Kabataan Programme, I can never deny the fact that along with the journey there were discoveries and learnings felt and extracted, there were friendship built and treasured.

Aside from the longest trips, I have discovered the true beauty and bounty of Mindanao, vast lands and waters which I think if they were only shared there will be no conflicts and if only people were given space then there will be no displaced. I must say that I have been very reflective during my journey and who won’t be? After the cruised it took from “Iligan-CDO-Bukidnon-Davao-Cotabato-Pagadian-Zamboanga-Oroquieta-Ozamis-Iligan” I could say that it was the most significant road I have ever passed considering the Multi-cultural/Interfaith distribution in those areas, you would say amazingly great! It feels like it touches my own chakra that I am very thankful for the said life experience.

The people I’ve meet and shared work with, were the same people who became my friends and some became my best of friends, to name them would be the simplest recognition I can give; starting from my partner Christian who generously shared his personality with me which have made him easy to befriend with despite of a little misunderstanding on things to be done, it was on the latter I realized that he has health problem and I am really apologize for that.

The NDKC team has made our journey worry-free, Sir Jelor Pescadera through his hospitable aura with the three CAMP volunteers, Dean Yikyik who have shared her motherly love, the offering of breakfast along with his faculty and student borders.. We could say “thank you very much” we have brought big smile along with us leaving for Pikit.

Reycats as his close friends fondly call him welcomed us on his abode. Sir Rey, have shared his life on theatre, church, Gary Granada, music, bands, fraternity and even his life as an activist have made us more received. We could say that we are happy we have met him; he is a kind of person who has given time for everything yet still finds his way. It is really wonderful sharing stories with him; if you do you won’t consider time as your boundary.

Ms. Dee, Precious Joy and the rest of DYP and the Global House staff in Midsayap had been very instrumental in accommodating three venues for the Sining Kabataan, aside from that Ms. Dee’s motherly care is prominent, I asked to call her “inahan” and she answered “daghan namo”. It simply shows how darlingly hospitable Ms. Dee is.

CB Sisters Chea, Sally, Gloria, Agnes and the Dumalinao Parish Priest, Deacons, PYC and PYA Staff have warmly welcomed the team. Everybody’s effort is well-appreciated for a multi-celebration which was the success of SK and the Youth Camp.

Sr. Emma, Aldrin and Sosimo of PAZ for the accommodation they have given, welcomed MTYC to their community and interacted with their volunteers were the main objective I’ve achieved. Communing with them for one week made me realized how strong the bond they have, despite the false impression I had with them it was then cleared during the process which I have learned a lot from the partnership. I appreciate them so much for valuing work with their volunteers.

Marlon Grande of Silsilah Young Professional who have welcomed me in his abode, who have toured me around and filled me with stories about Zamboanga, he was my personal tour guide, driver and provider (which I felt ashamed of) but then what I saw behind was actually the spirit of friendship carved during the years of building dialogue with MTYC and Silsilah. He toured me at the Harmony Village sadly we arrived at dusk but it didn’t stop me, I was really amazed by the programme that they have through looking to its structures. From there, I have met “Mother Earth” she is really a wonderful person; she is the resident agriculturist of Silsilah Sustainable Agriculture Programme. As I listened and watched her she was very grateful with the flying serpent eagle and bats around the village, according to her, “these things have made my work beautiful, and those animals just signify how harmonious our place is”.

To Ate Bing and Ging who joined us with Jana and Marlon during a mouth-watering dinner at Palmeras and of course the crave-of-the-town the “Necker Bucker Glory”, it was really icy-fruity. The sharing we had after meals which brought us until 11pm, which was really good.

Ms Janeth Benitez, my dearest cousin who have supported a lot during the display along with the PTC-Oroquieta. I am grateful to have met them and her wonderful and happy family. Despite the busy schedule Ate Kagat had for the City Meet, she had her way offering great smile. She was able to organized students and teachers who were also very supportive to the activity. Muchas Gracias Con todos, con tedes!

Coordination is one of the significant elements in communication wherein it fuels dialogue and understanding. The coordination I saw in these journey has its highest level, it was actually an offering of self and services towards the partnership but maybe I have overlooked how friendship starts as well, as what I have learned the SK would not be possible without the friends and networks who were present and ready to share in the name of dialogue.

I have been very much attached to this journey and learnings have poured me floods, along with me was the enthusiasm to be taught and to discover life which has brought me wonderful experiences, and these experiences have ushered me to the right path. I think until the next and final leg these journeys will remain and will serve as a very memorable instrument for dialogue and establishing re/connection towards our aim for the community of dialoguers mindanao-wide and to the whole world.

Glengyl O. Umali

MTYC Volunteer

[i] PECSB – Peace Education Center and Solidarity Bureau

[ii] CAMP – Certified Advocates for Mindanao Peace

[iii] SCC-CEREA – Southern Christian College -

[iv] MTYC – DYP – Mindanaw Tripartite Youth Core – Dialogue with Youth Partners

[v] SSG – Student Supreme Government

Mi Cumpleaño Vivien!

2009-09-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

Mi cumpleaño is coming, yet i don't feel any excitement at all, most probably because of old baggages which was never unloaded, i have tried to understand the meanings but then it was elusive and have been hiding for a long while.

If i can only revive the amore which was always there for me maybe it would change a lot.. but sometimes the amore might end up something else if bridges have been always there to create troubled water, it sounds negative but yes i gave up what i have started.

Giving up was actually both sacrifice and discovery , a sacrifice for it is about giving up the responsibility and accountability, responsibility to those people who have relied and gave trust... accountability for the community we have work with and to the partners of the organization and for the reason i kept for my own, a discovery for it can create new avenues for learnings and sharing, others might consider opportunities and chances on how the programme works, discovery of self and capacities let me include worth and value..

But what sadden me is that how this ill-attitude and misunderstanding or shall i say in my words as HP Deskjet F4100 which keeps hindering friendships, values of work, etcetera.. i am wondering what do they call those? is it letting the rain goes while the ants stocks has been already utilized? or shall i say just let it be for it may just perish and everything will be back to wherever it came. for me its dialogue and constant communication is the two-key significant words that has been overlooked just to protect the other side of the coin for it may not favour the less..

You shall not hear from me, for i have been talking to loud before.. i will keep my side for I know that will be a worth option i can offer.

Its been a while..

2009-09-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since i have updated my blog.. let me say it was a month-long sleep.. well thats how i expected when i left my previous organization although i left with negative baggages however it assisted me to understand deeply how this dynamism works in non-government organizations.

And now i am connected with a recently formed organization, where we establish it through blood, tears, love and camaraderie among staffs and colleagues. We are lucky enough since the organization was fully recognized early this year, thankful for the generous support of the contacted-partners who were there and laying their arms in assisting us, notwithstanding the individual volunteer staff who have been working so hard to be able for the organization to reach and realize its dreamed-righteous organization.

Hoping for the great success.. crossing-fingers for that...

Climate Change: Livelihood and Food Security

2009-07-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Climate Change have been airing the discussion arena today, experts and advocates from anywhere in the world have gathered together to fight and joint hands for the cause of an inevitable forces of nature which was the creation of human greed and irresponsibility.

From continuous rains and heat to the abandoned farmlands, the impacts of these climate-driven course on the Food Security and livelihoods of the outback Indigenous Communities in Northern Mindanao, Philippines.

Kalilangan one of the Indigenous Community in Iligan City, Northern Mindanao have been puzzled for the extra dilemma that its people have had experienced, excessive heat and continuous rainfall destroying crops and rice fields including the migration of pest-corrupting crops. These changes are very unfamiliar to them, Tribal leaders considering it as a backlash of the Gods for the abuses inflicted by the humans in many decades.

Kalilangan is one of the conflicted areas in Muslim Mindanao, aside from its claim to be reunited with its Muslim and Indigenous Provinces it has become the land of “Rido” a clan-conflict generally known as Family Feud, blood revenge.

The Indigenous People are known to predict the weather of the year but because of the current condition of the earth on climate change, planting season are now never-observed, when villagers spotted raindrops they used to ran and ready their fields to plant which is a threat to their existence same as livelihoods are deprived and farm crops were destroyed by the excessive heat and rain.

These impacts had been eroding the world today specifically affecting the developing countries, bearing in mind that Food Security and Livelihood are two linking issues which is a key to survival. Man may live without work but he can never survive without food, without the energy to confront its challenge and the fuel to take its path.

Alarming indeed, yet the answers cannot be found in just one click nor in the hand of one but it mostly relies in every community may it be in rural or urban areas, grassroots communities should join hands together to form a collaborative network and take hands-on to climate change.

One of which is the indigenous peoples communities best practice for hinterland water collection through using rain-water technology by gathering for bath, water for the farms and alike. A better commence in conserving and utilizing our natural resources in sustainable and renewable ways.

Torched Komatsu Bulldozer

2009-07-18T18:54:00.001-07:00

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009

Resolutions passed for probe on Iligan bombings and hinterland road projects

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/16 July)-- Two resolutions were passed here to look into the bombings and alleged attempts to stop development projects in the hinterlands.
The City Council passed a resolution urging the national government to create an independent investigative body that would look into the spate of bombings in this city and other parts of Mindanao.
At the same time, residents of Barangay Kalilangan also made a resolution declaring it as a peace zone after alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) swooped down on their barangay, fired and torched with rocket propelled grenade a bulldozer at a little past 1 a.m. on July 8, allegedly to stop the road construction project in the hinterland village.

Councilor Moises Dalisay proposed that the investigative body be composed of retired Supreme Court justices of this country who would look into the motives, identify who are behind the spate of bombings and recommend to the national government to file charges against these criminals and put them behind bars. Read More at MindaNews

2009-07-18T18:52:00.001-07:00

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009

Farm-to-market road for Higaonons in Iligan to be built

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/07 July)-- Higaonons living in the remote villages of Kalilangan, Panoroganan, Digkilaan, Lanipao and Dulag may soon enjoy a concrete farm-to-market road.
Rep. Vicente Varf Belmonte (1st District, Lanao del Norte) told MindaNews “engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would prefer to concrete the roads that will connect these five villages than the common or former logging road going to Rogongon because these are unproductive parts of the hinterland. That route has no economic value."

"I would prefer to develop the roads that can truly help farmers bring their farm produce to the city," Belmonte said.

"We have already observed the clearing operations done by road engineers and the tribal council was grateful for this development,” Glengyl Onga Umali, a community organizer of Higaonon and Kolibogan tribes in Iligan said. More @ MindaNews

They Who Must not be Named!

2009-07-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Its almost a month when i decided to leave my previous work (which i consider "the you know who" or "they who must not be named".

Honestly, i felt bitter because of my once beloved castle has been used for ill-concerns, i say ill because it is now ruled by greediness and elite-discriminative Aogors which have been rotten them for almost five years in existence of the said ill-deeds.

We already knew that castle has been tried to take its grasps in order for it to survive and stand but will they make it? i hope the community will still have the amore to cooperate and assist after the aim of political and mining concerns ruled-over as part of the strength of the castle as they planned. well, we do hope still because its the community i am concerned with.. the community who have been played and used.

My worst experience was actually during the strat planning for the castle's future, it was facilitated by the said mother company? of the castle as they named it payag mindanaw represented by a big brown man (BBM) who is one of the pioneers of development work and facilitation, anyways to make it short.. the BBM facilitated the said planning and it was documented by Letecia Tareshkova (maybe a close relative of Valentina Tareshkova, the first woman who orbited the moon and a master of Kuratching, the dance of malverzation) what happened actually was the document presented by BBM was different with the documentation made by Leticia Tareshkova signifying the hidden agenda of BBM of payag mindanaw for politics and mining, taking the two issues as the strength of the organizations.

hahaysss... i hope Papa Abraham didn't made them..

Tapping the untapped generations through Peace Education

2009-05-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

The activity started last February 11, a Wednesday morning allotted for travel time along with staffs Tatay, Nonoy, Harriet, Asniah, Santaliah, Aleen and Glen. The team departed from the office at exactly 9:00 in the morning with intermittently raining condition.

The only means of transport is through a motorcycle locally known as “habal-habal” in about two (2) hour’s drive from the City to Lantud and second was a trek from Lantud to Poblacion-Kalilangan, although the rain poured; it somehow aided the hikers from the heat of the sun and prevented them from panting because of unsuitable distance and elevated footways. At around 12:30 pm, the team arrived in Kalilangan warmly welcomed by community members and stayed there for a night.

On the second daythe team were divided into two groups, Tatay, Nonoy, Asniah, Harriet, and Mai joined together for the Sustainable Agriculture Training and IP Women’s activity update. The other group composed of three staffs were Aleen, Santaliah and Glen for the Young Leaders Peace-building Workshops in Old Rogongon and Panoroganan.

Old Rogongon and Panoroganan are the outermost villages in Iligan City situated within the boundaries of Kapai, Lanao Del Sur in the east and the Province of Bukidnon in the west. The community are believed to be the recruitment and training ground of the MNLF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) combatants/rebels, considering the direct influence of the group and the failure to go through government services/intervention, the said community was chosen to be part of the humanitarian assistance and peace-building workshops.

The workshop started in the afternoon around 1:30pm, the youth assembled along with the number of children, their parents and tribal leaders.

Facilitated by Glengyl the first activity was about the “Kamustahay” it’s a 5 minute chit-chat with the community, tribal leaders and parents. The participants were divided into three groups which has 7-9 members each, group one (1) was assisted by Aleen, two (2) was Santaliah and group three (3) was Glen. The purpose of the “Kamustahay” was to get the youth’s trust and confidence in-order for them to participate and take part in the activity regardless of cultural barriers which sometimes hindered their activism. Everyone did their part in the activity but one thing struck was the story shared by one of the community members stating that “We are really in grief seeing these children raised without proper education, we have 30 households here and around 50 children and youth leaving in these Sitio but government did nothing to overcome these issue, we are lucky on your training and campaigns which you never tried to exclude our community”.

The second activity was the sharing of stories and experience from the locale which resembles peace and conflict scenes. The facilitator asked the volunteers whom among them wanted to share their experiences and they caught by surprised when no one or none of any youth raised hands and the team begun to reflect on the limited participation of the youth in peace-building and recalled that none of the youth had ever been participating in settling conflict even in settling local Rido but, visible in the area of recruitment among the rebel group. Minutes after the team requested Sultan Amer Macauyag a tribal warrior during his time, to share his experiences and life and he then disclosed his story during 1970s when the conflict aroused brought by misunderstanding and abuses from the Christian to Muslim, led by the massive campaign stating the bad Moros/Muslims, he shared about the Ilagas, the barracudas rebels who did scrambled Mindanao’s peace and order and followed by NDF-MILF-MNLF forces of rebels until recently the MOA AD issues who have made devastations to life and leaving of the tri-people community in Lanao and Iligan City. Sultan Amer Macauyag also stated “that peace will never be visible for the community today if they continue to close their eyes and never listen to the truth and neglecting their history”. After the sharing the facilitator then processed the sharing and stated that “if the presence of ill-attitude and selfishness will reign our community today, then Sultan may be blessed of his word for he have bestowed it. If there will be people which keeps trying to quiver the order of life, our dilemma will never be ended”.

After the sharing, communities were instructed to go into the field and formed a circle. They were given instruction by Aleen to follow the “Yepo Itata” animation, its purpose is to keep the participants active and enjoying the workshop as well. The Yepo Itata animation brought a lot of fun and indeed gives a sense of happiness to both children and the youth.

The participants were given a 5-minutes break to rest and prepare for the next activity which will provide a lecture and workshop on Conflict Transformation given by Ms. Aleen Liwagon.

As the break passed, the facilitator instructed them to group their selves to three an equal grouping with both number of facilitator and of participants. The activity was about Conflict Transformation with animation activity and expounded more on the participant’s perception towards conflicts in the locality by looking on it in an objective manner. Each participant in the group decided where to go and have brought participants to places they wanted to, thinking only of their own ways, after the activity Aleen asked for volunteer to share, One participants named Asmirah shared her part about the activity and said that: “there are really forces which could bring us, a lot of the members are girls and children that is why we are taken away by the males” Aleen introduced and gave example about a “corn”, Aleen stated that “seeing through the corn physically will not represents its totality but by considering the factors why does the corn has dissimilarities this will help in processing a certain issues through looking a problem trough a multiple lenses.

The following activity was facilitated by Santaliah; it was about understanding the culture of peace. Santaliah gave instruction and presented various photos which participants had to picked one and explain his or her understanding through reading and defining the picture tried to express. A lot of participants did realize that local situations on the picture really happened in their communities, some shared with tears in their eyes.

The activity had ended with marking hands with paints and imprinted it in a Manila paper signifying a promise to a peaceful interaction, efforts, and living may reign in their locality.