Ocean Breeze

A Backpacker's Guide To Western Visayas

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

The residence Of Magdalena Jalandoni which houses some of her valuable writings

One of the well preserved watch towers in Guimbal

SEAFDEC in Tigbauan houses the facility for the breeding and research of fish and other marine animals.

Irresistible Iloilo (Part I)

First stop is St. Vincent Seminary. St. Vincent Seminary is the fifth and last seminary founded in the year 1869 by Bishop Mariano Cuartero, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Jaro. This was founded to train priests for the different parishes which at that time were almost entirely in the hands of the Augustinian friars who were regarded as the Fathers of the Faith. Just fronting Jaro Plaza is the majestic Jaro Cathedral. Jaro Cathedral is the first cathedral constructed in Panay. Built in 1864 by Fray Mariano Cuartero y Medina, first Bishop of the Diocese of Jaro, with the help of Don Manuel Arguelles, ex-municipal head of Jaro, it was inaugurated on the feast day of the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria on February 2, 1874. Its architecture follows a cruciform plan with a round, octagonal dome on its main altar. Pope John Paul II visited and celebrated mass here in 1981.

The belfry you see over here was the former bell tower of the old Jaro Parish Church built in 1826-1837 by Fray Llavor but it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. Before that, it served as a lookout tower to warn people of the approaching invaders by the ringing of its bells. This belfry is considered an important religious landmark.

Nearby from Jaro Plaza is the residence of Magdalena Jalandoni, the famed and well-loved woman novelist in Hiligaynon. Her place is much visited because it is a museum of historical artifacts. On the left side of the lawn, one can see life-size figures depicting Barter of Panay while in another corner is a set of sculpture, this time depicting the First Mass in the Philippines. Magdalena Jalandoni surely must have been a lover of history. In the ground floor is a rich collection of big antique earthen jars, paintings of rustic scenery and small dolls dressed in native Filipino costumes. A series of diorama depicting native Ilonggo customs and traditions particularly those of the country folks completed this collection.

On the second floor, the walls are covered with large paintings showing important chapters in Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. On shelves below those paintings were 3-D dioramas showing rural festivities and other Ilonggo customs pertaining to marriage, birth and baptism. In a big room were found various memorabilia and souvenir items collected by the late Magdalena Jalandoni together with the original manuscripts and published book bound copies of her first and most recent Ilonggo novels. The whole house is really a showcase of Ilonggo literature and history. It was with regret that the group left the fascinating place.

Another house of interest is the residence of Mrs. Letecia Jesena, Iloilo’s foremost collector of antiques. In the display room was a huge collection of antiques of varied shapes, sizes, forms and colors displayed artistically on tables, in shelves and on stands. They were mostly blue-tinted ceramics but others were made of bronze and compound gold. The next antique house was that of Mrs. Lourdes Dellota. Mrs. Dellota’s collection of ceramic pots and jars was arranged in elevated wood and iron stands near a double-paneled wall. Another group of plates, bowls and jewel cases was neatly arranged in half-opened glass-encased shelves in the center of the room. A wide assortment of intricately designed trinkets and body ornaments was also prominently displayed. In one corner of the room, a unique array of household tools and implements were exhibited on an open shelf.

From the Dellota’s antiquarian, one can proceed to the iconic Museo Iloilo where the young people feasted their eyes on the history of mankind revealed in artifacts dug out of the earth’s surface. Just beside the information desk, a topographical ethnolinguistic map of Western Visayas in relief form was displayed on a white-painted panel together with an information module on the profile of Western Visayas.

Just right inside the main door, the Ati environment was recreated in the form of wooden statues. With it was a wall module containing selected weapons of the Mundos, an ethnic group inhabiting Panay’s hinterlands. Shown next were the relics salvaged from a British frigate discovered off Guimaras island in the 1980s. They included Victorian China, a bottle of English port wine and Glasgow beer. Personal mementos and memorabilia of Gen. Rafael Jalandoni, a narrative of the civilian and military resistance during World War II including an original copy of the radio message received by the Panay guerillas from Gen. MacArthur’s headquarters and the various types of World War II weapons used both by the guerillas and the Japanese, then followed by a display of a 250, 000 year old elephant fossil, stone artifacts of Panay primitive men and geologic rocks of the Cretaceous Period 25 million years ago.

At the center of the eastern side of the room was a platform with religious objects of wooden “santos”, gold and silver chalices, bells and monstrances, with life-sized wooden statue of an interred Christ; Middle-Aged gold leaf mask for the dead, a reconstructed coffin, a collection of weapons, and Chinese porcelain and potteries of the Tang and Ching dynasties.

At the northern side of the wall, a tableau of life-sized mannequins resembling quaint Visayan women weaving finely embroidered pinya garments greeted the roving weavers. Adjacent to it was a “babaylan” tableau of a witch doctor involved in a ritual initiating a newborn child into the world, graphically illustrating an aspect of the Visayan belief system.

At the western side of the wall was a glass-enclosed showcase of a soil strata and composition of Western Visayas, the Western Visayas prehistoric period from Paleolithic Period to the Age of Contact with traders while at the northeastern portion of the building near the library, there were exhibits of paintings, sculptures, and prints of famous Ilonggo artists.

Iloilo Society of Arts houses some of the precious galleries of paintings. At the second floor of the building, one can see a wide variety of paintings rendered both in conservative and in modern style, from Amorsolo and da Vinci to Manansala and Picasso style. At the lengthy pier-side street of Muelle along the intersection of Aduana Street stands a statue of Nicholas Loney with a usual historical marker embedded on its moderate-height base. Nicholas Loney is an Engineer and the British Vice-Consul to the Philippines assigned here in Iloilo. It was through his efforts that the once non-existing port of Iloilo was modernized which upsurged Iloilo’s economic progress through its sugar export starting 1855 and is opened to world trade in that year. The port grew with the sugar industry in Western Visayas, thus, promoted the rise of commercial and financial institutions in Iloilo. Iloilo then emerged as the biggest center of commerce and trade in Visayas and Mindanao. Now, Muelle Loney serves as the port of call for the titans of the shipping companies like the Negros Navigation Company, Inc., the Sulpicio Lines, and the Aboitiz Shipping Company and the government-run roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ships. Located at the southernmost tip of the nose-shaped city to the extensive wharf fronting Camp Delgado is Fort San Pedro park. Standing on a high pedestal erected a few meters away from the eastern seawall is the life-sized statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, facing the vast expanse of the sea.

When the Spanish colonizers came to Panay in 1566, they made Ogtong (Oton) the capital of the province which comprised the islands of Panay, Romblon, and Negros Occidental. The Spanish Governor General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomendero who in 1581 moved the capital to “La Villa de Arevalo,” a ‘sitio’ named in honor of his hometown in Avila, Spain. In 1700, due to recurrent raids by Moro pirates, Dutch and English privateers in Arevalo, the capital was moved to the village of Irong-irong where Pedro Bravo de Acuna, the Spanish ‘encomendero,’ built a fort close to the mouth of the now Iloilo River as a fortification against the raiders. The fort was first named “La Fuerza de la Senora del Santo Rosario” in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary whose image was found on the mud by the carpenters building the fort. Later, the fort was named “Fuerza del San Pedro.” It was also the birthplace of the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co., the first Filipino commercial air transportation and domestic airline in the Philippines founded by the Lopez brothers on February 3, 1933.

Molo is popularly known as the “Athens of the Philippines” because of the numerous intellectual giants it has produced seven senators, seven governors of Iloilo, a Chief Justice and three Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, five generals and many cabinet members, three famous writers in the vernacular, and the first Miss Philippines and national women suffragist. It is noted for its coral, Gothic, Renaissance church built in the 1800s. It is also known as the home of the nationally known “Pancit Molo,” a delicious noodle soup originally made by Chinese culinary artists in the late 18th century, and the equally noted biscuits and cookies from the Panaderia de Molo. Molo was formerly called “Parian” because during the Spanish regime, the Spaniards, fearing uprising, rounded up the Chinese and placed them in the “parian” (Chinese quarters) in the place now called Avancena Street where they built stores for their wares. Because of the busy trading, it was later on called “Calle Real.” The famous St. Anne Parish Church with its lofty, tapering facade with pointed spires of the Gothic-Renaissance church can be found in Molo. Inside, the large coral-rock structure of the open arcade and the pillars do not really obstruct the movement from the nave to the aisle but allows traffic to flow freely from one section to another.

The church was constructed in 1831 under Rev. Fr. Pablo Montano as parish priest and was completed during the time of Rev. Fr. Agapito Buenaflor. It is said to be one of the most beautiful churches in Western Visayas. Its design follows a three-nave plan. Parallel rows of slender fluted pillars made of wood divided the nave from the aisles. The composite pillars are richly carved while the open arched close to the cornices are shallow. The overhead appertures are inserted like lunettes through the barrel-shaped ceilings. One can see that the graceful curves of the arches matched with the dome-like ceiling of the main altar which harmonizes with the richly adorned statue of St. Anne and the more than a dozen women saints statue which stand side by side and fronting each other. The church is more popular because of its exclusively women saints statue which adorned the walls of the church interiors. Outside fronting the church is the beautiful Molo plaza with its cupola-structured “Temple of Gods” fountain standing at the center of the finely lawned grounds.

Molo is also the home of the Asilo de Molo, Iloilo’s only orphanage and home for the aged. There is a workshop room where princely vestments worn by priests and church dignitaries were designed, made and embroidered by the orphan girls under the direction and supervision of a Sister of Charity.

Arevalo is known as the “Flower Village” of the city and of the region as well. It is commonly called Villa by the people, a shortened name for “La Villa de Arevalo,” the name adopted by its governor, Gonzalo Ronquillo, in honor of his hometown in Avila, Spain. During that time, this district was made as the political, religious and military capital of Panay and Negros Occidental. It was also the supply base of the Spanish expeditions to Muslim Mindanao and the Moluccas. This place is also noted for its fire crackers and fireworks factory which could be well witnessed on the eve of its district fiesta on every third Sunday of January when Arevalo’s skyline displayed colored and blazing lighting effects accompanied with the endless deafening sounds of giant firecrackers.

Next stop is Oton. Oton, hispanized name of Ogtong, is the oldest town in the province of Iloilo. Its former name “Ogtong” means “place of devils and demons” so it was changed to Oton. Oton in Visayas means “reef.” It used to be a well-known “encomienda” of Don Miguel de Loarca. Before the town plaza one can pass by the Ampitheater Green called the “People’s Ampitheater” because it was built through the cooperation of the townspeople. Serving as a permanent backdrop to a concrete stage is a bas relief mural depicting salient points in the town’s history. Beside the ampitheater is the modernized children’s playground with its complete playground facilities and apparatuses.

Next is Tigbauan where the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) can be found. SEAFDEC is a fish research facility where different variety of fish and prawns are being stored for breeding and further study for research. Tigbauan comes from the word “tigbao” meaning “reed.” Therefore, Tigbauan means the “land of the reeds.” It was the site of the first Jesuit boarding school established by Fr. Pedro Chirino, the great Spanish historian. Fronting its plaza is Tigbauan’s Baroque yellow sandstone church with its facade decorated with carved shapes of cherubs and other intricate designs above the arched main entrance door. The church is made of yellow sandstone and corals and its ornaments are rather curved rather than straight and all its design were exaggerated to convey a theatrical effect. At the plaza can be found the statue of Gen. Fermin Rivas standing erect at the center of the two busts of World War II heroes at the place called as “Heroes Shrine.” Gen. Fermin Rivas was the Central Zone Commander of the Ilonggo revolutionaries who called themselves “Ejercito Libertador” during the Philippine Revolution of 1898. The two World War II heroes who were enshrined here were native Tigbauanons who led the Filipino-American forces in the liberation of Tigbauan as well as the whole of Panay from the hands of Japanese. Parara beach in Tigbauan has a significant place in history. Here on this beach, the Americans landed on March 18, 1945 to start the liberation of Panay. From here, the elements of the 40th Cavalry (Sunburst) Division of the U.S. 8th Army under Maj. Gen. Ralph Bush entered the city of Iloilo already cleared of the enemies by the guerillas under Col. Macario Peralta Jr. which completed the liberation of the city from the hands of the Japanese. The historical marker is composed of the bust of three World War II heroes above which a replica of a battleship cast in concrete was perched atop a concrete pedestal.

One can notice the four ruins of the Moro watchtowers upon entering Guimbal looming like squat giants with its massive, deteriorating coral-stone structure partially covered with mosses and ferns at the sides and thick shrubs at the top. These Moro watchtowers were constructed around 17th century to warn the natives and the Spanish authorities of the impending Moro pirates attacks. There is also another separate isolated watch tower from these with a half-submerged coral stone base and tapered conical-shaped tower jutting around eight feet above its base. At the mid-section of the conically shaped tower is a horizontal peep hole through which one could easily view the approaching enemy but could not be easily seen by the enemy himself. This tower is exceptionally neat as it has no weeds, mosses, ferns or shrubs growing around it.

Guimbal plaza has an underground ampitheater and colored fountains. At the left side of the road facing the plaza is a yellow sandstone church and just across the street beside it is the municipal hall which retained its colonial structure. The yellow sandstone church of Guimbal was built by Father Campos at the same time with the watch tower at the beach. Its Spanish-Filipino vintage towers were built by Fr. Agustin Llorente together with the stone-walled cemetery located farther from the church.

As one leaves Guimbal, it may pass the Pedro G. Trono Bride, the longest steel bridge in Panay. After Guimbal, the municipality of Miag-ao is next where the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Miag-ao church is located.

This Baroque church was built both as a place of worship and as a fortress against the Muslim pirates terrorizing the coastal towns of Panay during the Spanish times. Its area is almost 38 meters wide and 72 meters long. The construction of this church was started on a Saturday in 1786 by Fr. Francisco Gonzales Maximo and was completed in 1797. It has withstood all earthquakes and typhoons including the powerful earthquake of January, 1948 which reduced 80% of Panay Island to rubbles. The huge stones used in the construction were quarried from Sitio Tubo, San Joaquin, and from the mountains of Igbaras. The foreman was a certain Matias from Igbaras but had to be replaced by a certain Aquino from Alimodian because he had to help complete the church in his hometown. It was constructed on top of a hill called “Tacas” overlooking Miag-ao River. This church has been called the most Filipinistic of our churches because it exudes the native touch with its facade ornately decorated with reliefs of coconut, banana and papaya trees and stylized guava fruits. Immediately below the pediments, carved in a niche, is a small relief sculpture of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child. Centerpiece of the facade is an oval cavity which has the statue of St. Thomas of Villanova, patron saint of the town. It is also called as a unique explosion of botanical motif reminiscent of Aztec art. Its massive, four-storey fortress-like belfry was built to provide protection for the faithful from Muslim raiders. The two massive towers are not alike in terms of shape and size because the priest foreman in charge of the building died before he could finish the job and his successor deviated from the original plan. By virtue of Presidential Decree 260, 1 August 1973 as amended by Presidential Decree 375, 14 January 1974, this church was declared as a National Landmark. In 1994 it was listed by the UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Sites. At the belfry, one can see the large bells with inscription: “N.P.S.N. Agustin, Siendo Carra Parroca, De Este Pueblo de Miag-ao, R.P.E. Jose Laviana.” It must be that of Agustin, maker of the bells and the bells were acquired during the time of Father Jose Laviana as the parish priest. University of the Philippines Visayas Campus can also be found in Miag-ao.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL: Where Gold Is Green

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Negros Occidental is a province located in the western portion of the Negros Island and southeast of Panay Island which is separated by the Guimaras Strait.

It is bounded on the north by the Visayas Sea, on the south by the Sulu Sea, and on the east by the Tanon Strait and Negros Oriental. It has a total land area of 792, 607 hectares or 7,965.2 sq. km., 80% of which is arable land and suited to agriculture. Around 240,000 hectares are planted with sugarcane. In fact, the province produces half of the country’s supply of sugar through its fifteen sugar mills. Victorias Milling Company (VICMICO) is the largest sugar mill in the country with sales level of approximately $270 million annually. This earned the province a sobriquet as the “Sugarlandia of the Philippines.”

The sugar boom in the late 1960s to the early 1980s when the price of the sugar was high in the world market and the Philippines was one of the major exporters and suppliers of sugar to the United States brought economic prosperity to the province such that distinctive signs of affluence were very much evident in the luxurious lifestyles of the sugar barons – big landowners, planters, producers and millers of sugar called the “hacenderos” of Negros Occidental. Chic style of living was brought to the province by their socialite children. Outmoded cars were frequently changed by brand new ones. Parties and shows are frequent. Celebrated artists were invited from Manila to Bacolod. The economy of the province has improved with the numerous business and commercial establishments in Bacolod as well as in other key cities of the province. This situation generate thousands of employment and job opportunities for the people not only of Negros Occidental but also of the neighboring provinces. With the higher income derived from sugar, the government was able to put up various infrastructure and development projects throughout the province.

The proverbial “pot of gold” found among the green stalks of the sugarcane of Negros Occidental could not have been made possible without the favorable climate, the fertile soil and the tenacity of the Ilonggos (which includes people from Panay, especially from the provinces of Iloilo and Antique) to work on the haciendas as “sacadas.” Negros Occidental is blessed with a generally pleasant climate with two pronounced seasons – dry and rainy. The climate of the northern part of the province differs markedly from that of the southern part. In the north, the rainy season starts gradually in June, reaches its peak in September and October, and closed with the dry season starting from late December to May. While in the south, the climate typically features a rainy season which starts in June, reaches its maximum in August, and tapers off until October preceding the dry season starting from November to May.

The vast plains consisted mostly of sandy loam or clay loam soil and supplemented with rich topsoil of the mountains surrounding the towns of the whole province, as particularly suited for sugarcane plantation. Contributions of these mountains to the fertility of the soil could not be discounted. Most famous among these mountains is Kanlaon Volcano, the highest peak in Central Philippines with its peak of 8,100 feet or 2, 695 meters above sea level. Located about 80 kilometers away from Bacolod City, this active volcano serves as a natural barrier separating the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Its western half is rimmed with settlements formed by people of Murcia, La Castellana, Ma-ao and La Carlota while its eastern half is occupied by inhabitants of Kanlaon City, Vallehermoso and San Carlos City. The volcano has five craters with the active cone at the southernmost portion of the summit. The bigger one, an old crater north of the active cone, the “Hardin sang Balo” (Garden of the Widow) crater, measuring about a kilometer wide and about 450 feet deep, has been filled by volcanic and plant debris and is presently occupied by a rain-filled lagoon. Another old crater on the same side of the cone measuring about a hundred meters descending cylindrically to an 800 feet depth is occupied by a placid lake and contains numerous deposits of sulfur.

The mountains of Negros Occidental including Mt. Mandalagan and Mt. Silay are covered with forests which totaled to an area of 252, 884 hectares, or around 30% of the total land area of the province. However, of this total forests, the rest are classified as lagged-over, open, cogon, pasture and brushlands, reforestation projects, mangrove or swamplands, reservations and parks. In 1979, the timber produced by these forests amounted to 170,000 cubic meters.

Besides timber, the mountain forests serve as watershed areas for the mountain springs which flowed to converge into the six (6)big rivers of Negros Occidental namely: Himoga-an, Danao, Malogo, Bago, Binalbagan and Ilog.

Beneath the bosom of the mountains and hills of Negros Occidental are some metallic and non-metallic minerals. Among them are copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, iron ore, coal sulphur, silica, phosphate, and gypsum. One of the biggest copper mines in the country is in Sipalay. Negros Occidental, through the foreign investors have abandoned its large-scale operations in recent years.

Besides agriculture, the coastal towns of Negros Occidental are engaged in fishing as their major industry. In 1985, the estimated total fish product ion of the province was 92, 746.97 metric tons. This total fish production represents the combined output of the sustenance and commercial fishing and brackish/fresh water fishponds.

The province of Negros Occidental is composed of thirteen (13) cities and nineteen (19) municipalities connected with each other by a well-paved concrete or asphalt road with the exception of a few remote and interior towns which could be reached only by a rough and mountainous. The thirteen (13) cities were: Bacolod City, Bago, Cadiz, Escalante, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, La Carlota, Sagay, San Carlos, Silay, Sipalay, Talisay and Victorias. Nineteen (19) municipalities are grouped into two: northern and southern towns. Located north of Bacolod City are the towns of E.B. Magalona, Manapla, Toboso, S. Benedicto and Calatrava. Situated on the south are the towns of Murcia, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Isabela, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Ilog, Candoni, Cauayan, Sipalay and Hinoba-an.

GUIMARAS: The Island Orchard

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Guimaras is an exotic island province just south of Iloilo located in southeast Panay and northwest of Negros in Western Visayas. Its beautiful spots make local and foreign tourists flock to the place. Dr. Jose Rizal even recommended the place after his visit in 1896. It is separated from Iloilo by the Iloilo Strait and from Negros Island by the Guimaras Strait.

It is an island but to reach it is not difficult for a prospective trader or investor. From Iloilo harbor to Guimaras Island is only a 15-minute ride by ferry boat. The surrounding islets could could be reached by special arrangement with pumpboat owners ¬¬¬from 5 minutes to 2 hour depending on the distance of the place.

Agriculture¬ is the chief industry of the people. A great number of people are engaged in crop production because of its tropical climate. The climate is really suitable to farming. Rice, corn and vegetables are the main produce, they being the staple food of the people. Mangoes, coconuts, cashew, citrus, jackfruits and bananas are fast becoming profitable.

Today most of our commercial fruit planters are interested and concentrated on the production of mangoes. The mango industry is a major income earner for the people of Guimaras since they export it to US, Europe and some places in Asia. The mango industry is picking up because every year there is an increasing demand for the supply of mango for export. Aside from mango, the province is concentrating to produce calamansi and cashew fruits. Cassava too is cultivated in a large scale and converted into starch at a multi million dollar processing plant at Barangay Dasal, Jordan. Because of its huge and various production of varied kinds of fruits the province of Guimaras has earned the distinction as the “Island Orchard of Western Visayas.”

Guimaras is an island with 5 municipalities namely Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag with Jordan as its provincial capital. It has 98 barangays.

Fishing is another industry common among Guimarasnons. Its commercial fishing catch includes such fish varieties and seafoods as shrimp, mackerel, moonfish, anchovies and lapulapu. But the most sought after is the banagan (lobster) which gets a good prize in Manila.

Among other industries engaged in by the people in Guimaras are charcoal making, manufacture of hydrated lime, rice milling, basket making and mat weaving.

Guimaras is an exotic island blessed with picturesque beaches, radiant falls, copious springs and scenic offshore islets. Any day of the week, foreign and domestic visitors flock to the Daliran and Moroboro Caves, Siete Pecados, Roca Encantada, Pungkok, Navalas all in Buenavista; Naburot and Nagarao Islets, Rumagangrang and Cabalagnan beaches, Tiniguiban Island all in Nueva Valencia, and Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain) at Jordan. These beautiful places help in increasing the income of the island province through the tourism industry.

ILOILO: The Foodbasket Of The Philippines

2011-07-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Iloilo is not as popular as Baguio but it is one of the exotic beauties, a strange combination of the modern ways of living and the cultural influences of our glorious past. It’s the biggest province in Panay and it could be reached within 45 minutes by air from Manila and 18-20 hours by water transportation. It’s a first class province with 42 municipalities, one component city, one chartered city and 1,901 barangays. It has a total population of 2,110,588 as of 2007 statistics warm, loving, accomodating and God-fearing Ilonggos. The province has a nose shape, intersected by the mountain ranges of Antique from the western port of Capiz. That is where Iloilo got its name the shape is like a nose (Irong).

From the mountain peaks down the hills, the clear-water springs cascade down through its navigable rivers below. Along these rivers, several irrigation canals branch out revealing man’s ingenuity in his struggle for survival.

Iloilo’s mild, tropical climate is best suited to agriculture. The province has two distinct climate, the wet and the dry, which varies from place to place within the province. Municipalities within the southern and central areas are dry from December to June and wet from July to November while some towns within the northern and northeastern areas have no pronounced rain period with dry season from January to March. Those within the western and southwestern areas have distinct rain period and no pronounced dry and wet seasons.

With the abundance of our rich natural resources, coupled with the favorable climate and our people’s ingenuity and industry, there never had been a serious famine in Iloilo.

Although the province is bounded by mountain ranges its mainland is made up of vast plains with fertile soil favorable to farming. There are 150 rivers and creeks throughout the province. These rivers provide enough water to supply the ricefields of the different municipalities. The Jala-ud River which winded its way through the municipalities of Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo and Pototan supplies water to the said municipalities.

We have also some falls which helped increase our food production. These are the Puruguan Falls in Sara, Iloilo; the 60-foot high Nadsadjan Falls in Barangay Passi, Igbaras, Iloilo; and the Darangkulan Falls of Ajuy, Iloilo.

A unique, salty “Paet Spring” in Maasin, Iloilo, is nature’s handiwork which when developed could be one of the said town’s tourist attractions.

Every year, our province yields not less than 10 million metric tons of rice because of our improved irrigation system and scientific method of farming. The latest rice production of the province was 528, 983 million metric tons planted in 158, 920 hectares of land.

Our rice-producing municipalities are Pototan, Pavia, Oton, Sta. Barbara, Dingle, San Miguel, New Lucena, Lambunao, San Enrique and Leganes. Pototan is considered the “Rice Granary of Iloilo.” Almost every year we have an excess in rice production which were exported to other countries except on October 1989 to May 1990 when the province experienced a long drought causing the President of the Philippines to declare Iloilo as a calamity area. This is again repeated in December 1990 to March 1991 when Iloilo was declared as one of the drought-stricken areas of the country.

The district of Jaro in Iloilo City is a mass supplier of green onions to the people of the city and the surrounding towns. Likewise the municipalities of Igbaras, Tubungan, Pavia, Oton, San Miguel, Alimodian and Leon are rich sources of fresh vegetables coming from their barangays. High valueds crops like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and strawberries are being cultivated and produced by Alimodian’s “Seven Cities”.

Fishing is also one of the means of livelihood of the people in the coastal towns. Such fishing communities are the towns of Estancia, Carles, Balasan, San Dionisio, Batad, Concepcion, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Tigbauan, Guimbal, San Joaquin, and Miag-ao. In fact, Estancia is called “Alaska of the Philippines” because of its voluminous fish supply such that big fish sellers and vendors flock to Estancia for their fish supply . At Tigbauan, there is the Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) which helped develop the fishing industry of the province.

If you like to eat sweet, ripe mangoes, there are plenty in Guimbal, Tubungan, Leon and Alimodian. There are also plenty of camachiles in Igbaras, San Joaquin, and Leon; siniguelas from San Joaquin, Tubungan, and Igbaras; and sweet, varied bananas from Alimodian. Our province has a total annual production of 2, 915 metric tons of these fruits planted in 524 hectares of land.

Iloilo ranked second to Bacolod in sugar production. Green and brownish sugarcanes are converted into sugar in four huge sugar centrals in Calinog, Lambunao and Passi. Sugar was our number one dollar earner which amounted to $30.424 million annually, or 63.2% of the total exports which included molasses, copra and others.

Livestock and poultry raising are another sources of income for food production. The Egger Farm at San Jose, San Miguel, Iloilo, is a poultry farm which serves a number of municipalities in the province of Iloilo. The livestock markets at Leon, San Joaquin, and Cabatuan are concrete examples of a thriving livestock industry. Cottage industries are also found in our municipalities like weaving in Miag-ao and Arevalo, ceramics and metalcraft in Pavia, and woodcraft in Estancia.

Infrastructure projects were briskly constructed in Iloilo the newer ones like the flyovers, Iloilo International Airport, Provincial Capitol and Iloilo City Hall, widening of highways, national and local roads, the construction of barangay roads and public markets, and the concreting or asphalting of national and provincial roads in the different municipalities. All these brought the accessibility of transportation, encouraged investment, and established more trade, business and industry which improved the economic condition of the province. Tourism is just high during the festivals and events like Dinagyang Festival, Paraw Regatta and Chinese New Year and could not sustain tourists and earnings from tourism all year round due to lack or absence of creative ideas from the people most especially from Department of Tourism Region VI Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.

The substantial annual increase in the production output aided by the continuous growth of the infrastructure projects will spur the fast growth of business and industry that will further contribute to make Iloilo truly the Foodbasket of the Philippines.

CAPIZ: The Home of the Sunshine Industry

2011-07-02T05:35:00.001-07:00

The province of Capiz is situated in the heart of the Philippine Archipelago. It is bounded by Sibuyan Sea in the north, the province of Antique in the west, and the province of Iloilo in the south. It has a total land area of 263, 319 hectares or 2,729.2 sq. km representing 13 percent of the total land area of Western Visayas and 0.9 percent of the country’s total land area. Roxas City is around 10, 196 hectares.

When Miguel Lopez de Legaspi entered Pan-ay, a town of Capiz, 1569, he made Capiz as a Spanish settlement. It was made into a separate encomienda in 1570 and was later organized as a politico-military province in 1716, embracing the neighboring island of Romblon, Nuestra de Ocampo, Tablas and Sibuyan. On April 15, 1901, the Americans established a civil government there with William Howard Taft as its first honorary municipal president. On May 12, 1991, the town of Capiz was converted into the city of Roxas in honor of its most illustrious son, Manuel A. Roxas, the first President of the Philippine Republic. In the 1954, by virtue of R.A. 1414, Capiz was separated from Aklan and was made into an independent province.

Capiz is considered as one of the richest province in Western Visayas. It is because of its favorable climate and fertile soil. The irregular coastline of the province serve as excellent fishing grounds and sites for ports and docking facilities.

In agriculture, the total land area cultivated for palay is 93,622 hectares (35% of the total land area); for sugarcane, 13,739 hectares; for corn, 7,100 hectares; for coconut, 7,039 hectares; and for vegetables, 3, 298 hectares. Sugarcane used to be the important, dollar-earning crop of the province but due to the imposed U.S. quota restrictions and the stiff competition in the world market, sugar production had been greatly reduced.

The coastal waters of Capiz constitute one of the richest fishing grounds in the whole Western Visayas region – that’s why it is often called “Seafoods Capital of the Philippines”. Among its enormous catch are crustaceans, slip mouth, nemopterid, oysters, mussels, litog, diwal, and other varities of sea foods. Fishponds also abount in Capiz covering a total land area of about 20,000 hectares. Prawn raising is considered by the Capicenos as their Sunshine Industry.

Besides farming and fishing, there are other industries such as poultry raising, livestock, handicraft, metalcraft, shellcraft, ceramics, lime processing, abaca-slipper making, food processing, fish and prawn processing, cane milling, cassava flour milling, furniture and boat making.

Part of the higher income derived by the people from agriculture came mostly from increased rice production.

The effective irrigation system comes from the four big rivers of Capiz namely Mambusao, Pan-ay, Badbaran, and Maayon, whose combined discharge rate of 1, 182, 000 liters per minute is enough to water all the ricefields within their area of coverage. As for the potable water used for household consumption, seven (7) out of the sixteen (16) municipalities plus the city of Roxas are served by effective waterworks system.

The water level of the four large rivers of Capiz is maintained mainly by the vast tracts of virgin forests and forested areas along the mountain of Capiz bordering, These forests also serve as sanctuary for wildlife.

Copper formation was discovered in Pilar in 1935. That same year, reserve deposits of manganese were found in Ivisan.

A well-paved, thickly asphalted national highway connects the province of Capiz with Iloilo, particularly Roxas City to Iloilo City.

Capiz has one airport in Roxas City serving passengers bound for Manila. Cebu or any part of the country.

The province has sixteen (16) municipalities. They are Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Maayon, Mambusao, Pan-ay, Panit-an, Pontevedra, Pilar, Pres. Roxas, Sapian, Sigma and Tapaz.

Untapped Potentials of Antique

2011-06-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

Antique is composed of 18 municipalities with a total of 590 barangays. It has a total land area of 251, 757 hectares or 2,729.2 sq. km., 83% of which is upland and 17% is lowland. It is mostly an agricultural province where majority of its people derive their income from agriculture. The 1989 survey showed 130, 387 metric tons of palay was produced followed by copra with 11,600 metric tons. The lowest is cacao with only 15.85 metric tons.

Antique is a mountainous province which accounts for the majority of its area (83%) as upland. Thus, the land produce is not sufficient to meet the basic needs of the Antiquenos. Therefore, various development programs and projects were implemented to sped up the economic development of the province such as the Evelio B. Javier Upland Development Project and others.

For livestock production, the province has produced hogs, cattle, carabao, goats while they produce chickens for their poultry production.

Fishing is another major industry of the province especially among the coastal towns of Antique. On average, an estimated 10,536.2 metric tons of fish is produced annually. Fish is exported to Iloilo and Manila. Crustaceans also abound in the province especially in the island town of Caluya, where robber crab known locally as “Tatus” is plenty.

Coal and marble are the two major minerals found in Antique. Huge reserves of coal are found in Semirara Island, one of the six islets of Caluya. In fact, it has the second largest coal deposit in the Philippines. Marble is found in the mountains and quarries of Pandan and Libertad. The multi-colored marbles extracted from these places are exported to the different parts of the country.

Antique has two distinct climates: dry and rainy. The dry season extend from December to May while the rainy season starts from June to September. The months of October and November are characterized by alternate sunny and rainy weather.

Antique is shaped like an elongated stretch of land along the entire west coast of Panay bounded by the province of Aklan on the north and northeast, Capiz on the east, Iloilo on the south and southeast and the Cuyo East Pass on the west.

Because of its long, entrail-like shape, with rugged, hilly and mountainous terrain, the most important concern of the Antiquenos is their road. Going to any towns of Antique by bus from Iloilo City is really a trying experience. All the towns in northern Antique could be reached only through the capital town of San Jose except Hamtik. Other towns in southern Antique like Anini-y and Tobias Fornier could be reached via a separate road. The total road network of the province is 1,442.672 kms.

San Jose is 97 kilometers away from Iloilo City – that would take around one hour and a half travel by bus. Being the capital town of the province, San Jose is the central point by which the distance of each town in Antique is based. The farthest, Libertad, is 143 kms. from San Jose, followed by Pandan (123 kms.), Sebaste (108.9 kms.), Culasi (89.5 kms.), Tibiao (73 kms.), Barbaza (61.30 kms.), Valderrama (57.17 kms.), Laua-an (55.1 kms.) Bugasong (43 kms.), Anini-y (40.46 kms.), Tobias Fornier (28.20 kms.), Patnongon (25 kms.), San Remigio (21.7 kms.) Belison (15.56 kms.), Sibalom (10 kms.), Caluya Island could be reached only by ferry boat on a one to two hour drive from the port of Culasi.

Most of the towns of Antique are fishing communities. Out of the 10 municipalities, 14 are coastal towns and 1 is an island of six islets. Only 3 are inland towns. These coastal towns are: Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Hamtik, San Jose, Belison, Patnongon, Bugasong, Laua-an, Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan and Libertad. The inland towns are Sibalom, San Jose, San Remegio and Valderrama. Caluya is an island with six islets.

Going to the different towns of Antique from Iloilo City is done through a bus but from San Jose to the different municipalities, jeepneys could be used. Travel by ship to Manila from San Jose and vice versa using RORO or other ships are regularly scheduled. There is also a ferry boat which ferries passengers to the neighboring province of Palawan and vice versa at least thrice a week.

There are two ports and two small airports in Antique for the ocean-going vessels and similar aircraft. One port and an airport is located in San Jose while the other port and an airport is located in Semirara Island, Caluya owned by the Semirara Coal Corporation, a private mining firm. There are also two subports in Antique which serve small ships and other sea-going vessels. One is located in the town of Culasi which serve as departure and entry point for small vessels plying the Caluya-Mindoro route. The other one is situated in Jinalinan, Pandan, which serve also as another departure and entry point for ships sailing the Pandan-Cagayan de Oro and Manila route. There are several big bus companies and airline companies and ships sailing alternately twice a week to and from the province, besides the numerous jeepneys, tricycles and trisikads which cater to the transportation needs of the Antiquenos.

Mails, telegrams and packages are handled not only by government’s postal service system and the Department of Transportation and Communications but also local and international couriers. Telephone companies like PLDT, Globe Telecoms, Islacom and cellphone networks like Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Sun Cellular among others provide the telecommunication needs of the natives.

There are quite a few number of radio stations in Antique and one or two local newspaper.

Improved economic productivity was facilitated by the electric power provided by the Antique Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANTECO) to the more than 200,000 consumers of the 18 towns of the province with an average daily consumption of 10,987.83 kilowatts. The northern towns of Pandan and Libertad are served by the Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO).

One important factor for increasing economic productivity is water for irrigation and consumption. Of the total potential irrigable area of 26,650 hectares, only 14,251 hectares, or 60.26 percent are served by irrigation systems. The sources of water supply in Antique are as follows: deep or shallow walls and improved springs (Level I); piped water system with communal faucets (Level II); piped water system with service direct to the consumers (Level III). The total number of households served by potable water in 1989 is 59,613 or 75.50 percent.

ANTIQUE: Legendary Land of Mythical Madia-as

2011-06-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

The province of Antique is oftentimes called the “Binirayan Country” because every year every month of December, Binirayan festival is being celebrated in the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista. This festival is a reenactment of the landing of the ten Bornean datus from Borneo under the leadership of Datu Puti. The first Malayan settlement was established in Panay at a place called Malandog, now called Hamtik, in Antique during the 13th century.

Mt. Madia-as, the tallest peak in Panay with a peak of 6,945 feet (2,117 meters) can also be found in the province. This mountain acts as a natural boundary and spans the three provinces of Antique, Aklan and Capiz. It is situated west of the serene town of Culasi across the turbulent waters of the Carit-an River. This imposing mountain covered almost 12,000 hectares of dense forest thats more or less one half of Culasi’s total land area.

Mt. Madia-as is a strange combination of enchanting beauty and unfathomed mystery. One would find it fascinating to watch its summit glow like solid gold at sunset. You would be amazed looking at its 24 waterfalls, several lakes and lagoons, “tinagong dagat (hidden sea)” and vast rice terraces winding around the foot of the mountain. Its forest protectively conceals and shelters the more than 100 species of orchids, the floral aristocracy of the wood lands, various ferns, wild herbs and moss. Added to these are the abundant growth of dwarf fir trees, Benguet pines and other species of flora and fauna. Mt. Madia-as serves as the best sanctuary for wildlife from the pernicious and ruthless hunters and poachers.

Historically, Madia-as was the seat of the first organized regional political organization – the Confederation of Madyaas – under Datu Sumakwel sometime in the 12th century . In the mythical lore the mountain was called “Orang Madya-as,” an active volcano 2,300 meters high. It is believed to be the legendary home of Bulalakaw, the supreme deity of the early Malayan pagan settlers. It is also considered as the mythical abode of the spirits of our early ancestors such that sacrificial offerings for the “anitos (tribal gods)” were held at its deadly crater to appease the angry forces of nature believed to be caused by these ancient deities.

The imposing mountain peak pose a thrilling challenge to adventurous mountain climbers. Some people do penance during the Holy Week by scaling the peak.

Scaling Mt. Madia-as is difficult and dangerous. Some of its slopes are steep as 80 to 90 degrees. Its. Steep ravines, damp grounds and moldy rocks can prove treacherous. Besides, one has to climb a gut-wrenching tightrope, walk on a narrow bridge floating on a sea of cloud and clamber up the sharp vertical slopes while holding on to slippery rocks and roots of trees a thousand feet high above could mean certain death. Also, one has to endure a 15-kilometer trek along a stony road leading to a dry river bed, brave the several improvised wooden and bamboo bridges over a boulder-strewn river and hurdle numerous hills before reaching a village at the foot of the mountain where the ascent actually starts. Still many climbers braved the hazards just to conquer the magnificent peak of this legendary mountain.

AKLAN: Acres Of Calm and Comely Beauty

2011-06-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

There was once a group of ten Bornean datus headed by Datu Puti who escaped from the oppressive rule of Makatunaw, the sultan of Brunei. They landed in the island of Panay which was then inhabited by aborigines known as the “Ati” (Negritoes) with Marikudo as their king. Datu Puti purchased Panay with gold “sadok” and a golden necklace known as “Manangyad.” A feast was held in celebration of the barter. The Ati-atihan festival is a celebration of that historic event. Datu Bangkaya settled in Panay in 1213 and their first settlement was in Magyanos, now called Marianos, Numancia, Aklan, which at the same time became the capital.

In the 14th century, the capital of Aklan was moved to Batan by Datu Dinagdagan, its ruler. Batan was later overrun by the son of Kalantiaw. He was later defeated by Manduyog, the son of Datu Dinagdagan.

In 1901, Aklan delegation petitioned the Taft Commission asking for a separation from Capiz. It was granted only on April 25, 1956 and Aklan became a province.

Aklan is the smallest of the provinces in the region with an estimated land area of 181, 789 hectares or 1, 821.4 sq. km. and with 17 municipalities having 327 barangays. Of all its municipalities, Ibajay has the largest population while Balete has the smallest.

Aklan is bordered on the northwest by Sulu Sea, on the northeast by Sibuyan Sea, on the west by Antique, and on the south by Capiz. Lapuz-lapuz is the northernmost point while Libacao is the southernmost. Some towns are founded near the sea while some towns are separated from each other by mountain ranges.

Boracay, the famed beach not only in Western Visayas but throughout the Philippines, was acclaimed by the BMW Tropical Handbook of the Fourth Estate of London as the world’s best beach. They also have Ob-ob Hill where one can view from the top a breathtaking scenery. They also have other beaches like Lambingan beach, Bougainvillea beach, Afga, Navitas and Camanci. You can also enjoy swimming and the feel of the rushing of water on your body from their waterfalls such as the Jawili Falls in Tangalan, the Mampahon Falls, the Tindog Falls, the Agnaga Falls, and the Tigis Falls. All of these are well-developed but still retain its naturalness and freshness. Another beautiful panoramic hill is Manduyog Hill in Banga. Tigayon Hill and the Fatima Hill also have chapels on their summit. The religious folks of New Washington are proud of the Convent of the Pink Sisters. Tourists who are interested about Aklan’s rich cultural and historical heritage can go to Museo et Akean to see its rich collection of priceless relics and antiques or visit the Kalantiaw Shrine in Batan, east of Kalibo.

The renowned Ati-atihan festival started since the 13th century is being held annually every 3rd week of January to honor the holy child Jesus and to celebrate the original tribal dance of the original ancestors of Panay – the aborigines called Ati or Negritoes. Tourists both local and foreign flock to Kalibo on this date to have a mardi gras type of merry making and dancing.

Beauty Enshrined and Enfolded

2011-06-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Miag-ao Church

Gigantes Island located in the northwestern most point of Panay and part of Carles, Iloilo

Nelly Gardens in Iloilo

With its scenic tropical environment teeming with animal and plant life, a colorful history and a rich cultural heritage, Western Visayas is a captivating tourist package offering enriching experiences to visitors. A thrilling bird-watching experience await bird watchers at Taklong Island in the southern tip of Guimaras and in Semirara Island off Caluya Island in Antique. Crowds of beach lovers are drawn irresistibly to the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Boracay in Aklan, in Sicogon Islands in Estancia and Gigantes Islands in Carles. For mountain climbers, the 7,989 feet (2,435 meters) summit of Mt. Kanlaon or the 6,945 feet (2,117 meters) peak of Mt. Madia-as promises to be an exhilarating experience.

Evidences of the long colonial presence of Spain in the region are old Spanish churches and the old colonial mansions of sugar barons in Negros Occidental and in Iloilo City. Most famous of these churches are the UNESCO World Heritage Site Miag-ao Church and Alimodian Church in Iloilo and the Pan-ay Church in Capiz with its century-old bell made out of copper, silver and gold. It is said to be the largest in Asia. Other historical edifices include monuments and shrines of World War II.

Transportation and Communication

2011-06-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

one of the coolest public jeepneys roaming around the province of Iloilo

Panay News, Western Visayas' first and largest daily newspaper.

the modern jeepney - innovation of the Ilonggo entrepreneurs and drivers

Transportation is not a major problem in Western Visayas. Most of the towns and cities of the various provinces are linked to each other by a network of well-paved roads and permanent bridges. Travelling from province to province in the island of Panay is easier and faster nowadays because of a modern network of wide, asphalted highways connecting the provinces. Taking a voyage from Iloilo to Negros and back is no problem for ships like Negros Navigation and Superferry and also fastcrafts. Caticlan port is connected to the Mindoro port via the interisland shipping system in the country, roll-on roll-off (RORO) as well as the ports of Semirara, Culasi and San Jose de Buenavista in Antique. One could travel from Iloilo to Guimaras and vice versa by means of pumpboats, sailboats or steamboats anytime daily provided the weather is fair.

Travelling within Panay and Negros Occidental is easier because of different means of transportation and hundreds of thousands of buses, taxis, jeepneys, vans and other public vehicles like tricycle and motorcycles which provide pleasant transport service to millions of commuters. The giant bus companies which lorded it over the long-distance travel are Ceres Liner, Vallarte Liner, Garnet Express, Seventy Six Express, Calmark, RN Express and JP Joyce.

Besides those bigger vehicles, taxis and jeepneys, there is an array of tricycles, motorcycles for hire. The invention of the Ilonggos, the trisikads – bicycles attached to a sidecar that could accomodate 2 passengers but the modern version of trisikads are mechanically powered by motor engines. These vehicles could enable the commuter to go to any places with narrow passageways. There are also six (6) airports which serve the people of Western Visayas who wish to go to any parts of the country namely Bacolod Airport, Busuanga Airport in Aklan, Caticlan Airport in Aklan, Iloilo Airport, Kalibo Airport and Roxas City Airport in Capiz. The biggest airport in Western Visayas, the Iloilo International Airport will cater to international flights both direct and connecting flights starting in 2012.

Several telephone and wireless cellular networks and TS1 and underwater cable broad bandwith serves different cities, towns and localities in Western Visayas. Major telephone companies are Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), Globe Telecoms, Islacom, Bayantel among others give a convenient way of communicating through phone among the region’s populace while wireless cellular networks like Globe Telecoms, Smart Communications Inc, Sun Cellular are just a few that provide wireless mobile services. More than half of the region’s population has at least one cellphone or mobile phone. Internet with high bandwidth is common in the region which makes it interconnected with the rest of the world. Philpost with more than a century of delivery mails and the nation’s oldest postal system serving the country still delivers mails and packages around Western Visayas. Local express courier in the form of freight, cargo and mail forwarders are LBC, 2GO, JRS Express and Eagle while International express courier are FedEx, DHL and UPS allows packages and big deliveries to arrive the fastest to its destination in Western Visayas.

There are several local and national newspapers widespread throughout the region which represent the print media. Several dozens of radio stations both AM and FM station dominate the airwaves to bring in the latest news and weather update and other information as well as music to the music lovers. While there are at least 4 tv local stations in the region to entertain the populace.

Political Partitions

2011-06-26T05:30:00.001-07:00

Western Visayas is composed of 6 provinces. They are subdivided into 117 municipalities and 16 cities with 4,050 barangays. Aklan has 17 municipalities and 327 barangays under 1 congressional district. Antique is composed of 18 municipalities with 590 barangays under 1 congressional district. Capiz is composed of 1 chartered city, 16 municipalities with 473 barangays under 2 congressional districts. Guimaras has 5 municipalities with 98 barangays under 1 congressional district. Iloilo is composed of 1 independent component city, 1 chartered city, 42 municipalities with 1,901 barangays under 5 congressional district and 1 lone district. Negros Occidental has 1 independent component city, 12 chartered cities, 19 municipalities with 661 barangays under 6 congressional districts and 1 lone district.

Western Visayas is basically an agricultural region. Agriculture is the region’s second largest industry group employing 33% of the region’s workforce with those engaged in agriculture, hunting and forestry making up the largest subsector. Other members of the labor force are employed in various public and private offices, institutions, factories, and business and commercial firms. Establishments which commonly attract people for employment are banks, department stores, financial and investment houses, real estate agencies and transportation companies. A good number are self-employed as small storeowners and businessmen, vendors and drivers.

According to the 2011 mid-quarter statistics recently released by National Statistics Office, around 5 million people who aged 15 to 65 years old belong to the labor force who were still capable and willing to work. Out of the said total, around 3.3 million were employed either fully or partially. Unemployment accounts for 7.6% of the total labor force while 23.4% are underemployed. Underemployed workers are persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in the present job, to have an additional job or to have a new job with longer working hours.

The bulk of employed persons were in the services sector comprising more than half or 51.7 percent of the total employed population, specifically in the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods.

Workers in the agriculture sector accounted for the second largest industry group at 33 percent, with those engaged in agriculture, hunting and forestry making up the largest subsector.

The industry sector registered the least share at 15.3 percent to total employed with manufacturing and construction comprising the largest subsector.
Among the various occupation groups, 32.7% were laborers and unskilled workers; farmers, forestry workers and fishermen came next at 15.3% of the total employed; officials of government and special interest organizations, corporate executives, managers, managing proprietors and supervisors at 13.9%; and service workers, shop and market sales employees at 10.8%.

Land Shapes and Shores

2011-06-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Western Visayas lands are designed in myriad shapes. Panay Island is triangularly shaped. Negros Occidental is boot-shaped. Iloilo is nose-shaped. There is a striking relationship between Aklan and Antique because while Aklan is shaped like a chicken head, Antique is shaped like the chicken’s intestine. Guimaras is shaped like a coral rock and Capiz is shaped like the palm of the hand.

Of the 2,022,300 hectares of total land area of the region, 43% is devoted to agriculture, and of the cultivated areas, 35.4% is devoted to palay farming. Of the remaining areas, 34% is devoted to forestry, 6% to settlements, 3% to inland fishing, 1.5% to pasture and 0.5% to mining.

Western Visayas is a mountainous region. A rugged mountain chain cuts across the western portion of Panay separating the province of Antique from Iloilo. Mt. Madia-as, the highest mountain in Panay, is situated in the northern part of the chain. It forms a majestic backdrop to the town of Culasi in Northern Antique and believed by the natives as the abode of ancestral spirits. In Negros Occidental, rugged mountains also characterize the terrain of the province, the most famous of which is the Kanlaon Volcano, the highest peak in Central Philippines. It is 8,100 feet above sea level. A chain of mountains lace the Capiz-Antique border with Mounts Baloy, Magsalom, Toctocan, Tinayuga and Mansang. Another mountain chain runs along the Antique-Iloilo border with Mts. Baloy, Inaman and Igdalig composing it.

Western Visayas has plenty of big and small rivers which account for its excellent drainage system. Iloilo River is one which affords an excellent place for the dry dock of ships, boats and trawlers. It has also a row of beautiful lakes, both natural and man-made.

Western Visayas has a basically tropical climate with two pronounced seasons. The rainy season starts from June to November while the dry season starts from December to May.

The mineral resources of Western Visayas yield an estimated 775,595,500 metric tons of copper and non-metallic resources such as cement and agricultural lime. It has about 152 million metric tons of coal reserves. The Semirara coal mines in Antique has a potential reserve of more than 50 million metric tons, making it the second biggest supplier of coal in the country. The Hinoba-ab – Sipalay gold mines has a gold deposit of 100 million metric tons. Chromite and manganese were discovered in Sibalom, Antique and in Ivisan, Capiz. Copper formation was discovered in Pilar, Capiz in 1935. The non-metallic minerals found in the region are sand, gravel, salt, limestone, ore and quartz.

It is unfortunate that our forest reserves which cover 130,344 hectares and timber lands occupying 385,482 hectares are rapidly disappearing due to indiscriminate logging and kaingin farming.

The following wildlife abound in our region: Bakwa (red-breasted robin), Tulabong (heron), Dugwak (gray heron), Gakit (wild duck), Dapay (hawk), Morokpok (owl), Dapayan (ern), Usa (deer), Usa nga burok (white-spotted deer), Singgarong (wild cat), Pawikan (tortoise).

Our region’s fishing grounds, which span 1,561 kilometers of coastline, are teeming with fish and other marine life. In 1986, commercial fishing along the municipalities of Iloilo and the seacoasts of Antique and Negros Occidental hauled in a total of 111,672 metric tons of fish. Municipal fishing grounds along the coastal towns of the region contribute 144,255 metric tons of marine products enabling the region to supply Manila with fish, shrimps and crabs. Inland fishing is increasing its share of the total fishing sector’s output, supplying 20% of the total catch.

Western Visayas In A Nutshell

2011-06-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Western Visayas is the cradle of Malay civilization in the Philippines. It is in the island of Panay where the first Malayan settlement was established. The region is composed of the island of Panay and the province of Negros Occidental. Panay is divided into five provinces namely Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo. Negros Occidental is the western part of the Negros island. The eastern part, which is Negros Oriental is already a part of the Central Visayas region.

Western Visayas has a total land area of about 2,022,300 hectares or 20,625.9 sq. km which makes it the sixth largest island in the Philippines. Negros Occidental, which comprises 30% of the total land area of the region, is the largest province of the region. Iloilo comes next followed by Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Guimaras, respectively. The smallest province, Guimaras lies between the islands of Panay and Negros. It is separated from Panay by the Iloilo Strait and from Negros by the Guimaras Strait.

The Treasures Of The Western Frontier

2011-06-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Introduction

One could appreciate fully his cultural heritage only if the tangible aspects of his culture are accounted, unraveled and appreciated. The material aspects of one’s culture include the land, water, natural resources and tourist spots. These physical evidences of our material culture are so concrete so familiar and trivial such that scanty resource materials and references could be found, if any, which contained the data needed in writing this article. Perhaps this seemingly muted if not listless attention given to the patrimony of our region could be attributed to the misconception that what are found in the region could similarly be found anywhere else in other regions. It is hoped, however, that what are revealed in the following articles, insufficient they may be, can help deepen our awareness and heighten our appreciation of our region’s rich natural resources and endowments which could equal if not surpass those of other regions.

Our region is blessed with countless scenic and historic tourist destinations whose beauty could cause viewers to marvel, drool and dumbfounded and whose historic significance could evoke in one’s memory our glorious past. Included in the later articles are profiles of those destinations found only in the printed pamphlets and other reading materials published and compiled by the regional office of the Department of Tourism in Iloilo City. Sadly, however, these references are found wanting in accurate, compete and definite descriptions of the different places of interest mentioned therein.What is most noticeable in the published materials compiled and disseminated by the Department of Tourism is that more emphasis and attention are given to the already popular tourist destinations to the detriment and disadvantage of the less famous though equally attractive ones. It is there, expected that with the following articles those obscure and unnoticed tourist destinations will receive the proper attention they deserve.

WVRAA 2011 Meet Opens Last March 20 In Iloilo City

2011-03-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Iloilo City, Philippines - Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2011 opened last Sunday, March 20, 2011 in a simple ceremony and a 30 minute fireworks display. More than 3,000 athletes, coaches, sports officials, Department of Education and government officials attended the ceremony. This annual gathering of potential young athletes across the region converged in Iloilo City to see who's the best who will later compete at the national finals to be held in May in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.The sports competition is divided into two levels: elementary and secondary level boys and girls.

The WVRAA 2011 Literary Musical Contest was held last March 19, 2010 at the Cinema 6 of the SM City Iloilo Mall. Here is the official result of the concluded 2011 WVRAA Meet Literary Musical Contest. The result here only shows the champion or 1st place because I could not find the runners up info online and also I could not find some contest piece information but I only included the contest piece of some I know.

Elementary Level:

English Declamation - Danelle Rose Ampunan

(West Visayas State University - Integrated Laboratory School - Elem., Lapaz, Iloilo City) Iloilo

Filipino Declamation - (Badiangan Elementary School, Badiangan) Iloilo

Vocal Solo (Classical) - Ann Mariel Salazar (Libacao Elementary School, Libacao) Aklan

Vocal Solo (Pop) - Lirah Lin Paz Bermudez (Pres. Roxas SPED, Roxas City) Capiz

Folk Dance - Pavia Elementary School, Pavia - Iloilo

Contest Piece: Kiriwkiw

Secondary Level:

English Declamation - Japhet Khid Dueñas (Maayon National High School, Maayon) Capiz

Filipino Declamation - Laires Jan Sobremente (Pavia National High School, Pavia) Iloilo

Contest Piece - Tataro

Impromptu Speech - Augil Marie Robles (Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Binalbagan) Negros Occidental

Vocal Solo (Classical) - Merrel Mei Secondes (Don Felix Serra National High School, San Joaquin) Iloilo

Contest Piece - Mutya ng Pasig

Vocal Solo (Pop) - Dorothy Joy Siy (Capiz National High School, Roxas) Capiz

Folk Dance - Colegio de la Purisima, Roxas Capiz

Contest Piece - Bilaskogay

Click the link to Listen online for the live coverage of the 2011 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet. WVRAA 2011 Meet Live Coverage

Iloilo City, Philippines and Yulin City, China Are Now Twin City!

2011-03-04T02:29:00.000-08:00

Iloilo City, Philippines - We are happy to say that Iloilo City, Philippines and Yulin City, China are now the so-called "TWIN CITY" after a sisterhood pact was signed yesterday, March 3 by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Yulin City Vice-Mayor Jiang Guo Cheng, who was the head of the Chinese delegation who arrived in the city days ago for the agreement and to have a city tour. Among the places the Chinese delegation visited is the South East Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan, Iloilo, the leading fishery study and breeding center in Southeast Asia. According to a Chinese official the visit is a good opportunity to learn how to put up and maintain a fish facility in their native city, Yulin since they do not have any facility on fish breeding yet. In exchange, they would like to share their knowledge about their progressive agriculture industry to the city and province of Iloilo. Yulin is the second largest city in the Guangxi Province, China.

Dinagyang Festival 2011 Results and Winners

2011-02-23T03:23:00.000-08:00

Iloilo City, Philippines - Dinagyang Festival 2011 has been a tremendous success highlighted with the announcement of the result. A record breaking 1.5 million visitors trooped to Iloilo City this week to witness Asia's best festival 2011 up from 1.2 million visitors last year 2010. This year it has been officially declared Dinagyang Festival as the "Queen of Philippine Festival" and also making Maria Elena "Ballsy" Aquino Cruz, the current president's sister as the adopted daughter of Iloilo thus a double celebration. Dinagyang Festival is the only Philippine festival to travel around the world to perform. This year's winner will go to New York City, USA to perform for the Philippine Independence Day organized by the Filipino community in New York.

On the other hand, this will be the last year that Kasadyahan Festival, a separate event that add color to Dinagyang, will be held in January. Next year, it will be separated and will take place in September in time for Iloilo City Charter Day.

Watch the winning performances of different tribes from Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Festival 2011 in youtube.

Here is the official result of the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Competitions just announced tonight at 9:00pm:

Opening Salvo (January 15, 2011)

Street Dance Special Awards:

Best in Performance - Tribu Paghidaet

Best in Discipline - Tribu Bola-bola

Best in Costume - Tribu Mandurriao

Kasadyahan Festival (January 22, 2011)

Special Awards:

Best in Music - Tribu Tultugan (Municipality of Maasin)

Best in Costume - Tribu Binanog (Municipality of Lambunao)

Best in Streetdance - Tribu Pagdihon (Municipality of Dingle)

Best Choreographer - Ramil Huyatid, Tribu Pantat

Best in Choreography - Tribu Pantat (Municipality of Zarraga)

Best in Performance - Tribu Kasag (Municipality of Banate)

Major Awards:

4th runner up - Tribu Tinuom (Municipality of Cabatuan)

3rd runner up - Tribu Pagdihon (Municipality of Dingle)

2nd runner up - Tribu Binanog (Municipality of Lambunao)

1st runner up - Tribu Kasag (Municipality of Banate)

Champion - Tribu Pantat (Municipality of Zarraga)

Dinagyang Festival (January 23, 2011)

Special Awards:

Best in Streetdancing - Tribu Paghidaet

Best in Head Dress - Tribu Paghidaet

Best in Discipline - Tribu Bola-bola

Best Costume Designer - Jobert Molina, Tribu Paghidaet

Best in Costume - Tribu Paghidaet

Best Musical Director - Ryan Velez, Tribu Salognon

Best in Music - Tribu Salognon

Best Choreographer - Romel Flogen, Tribu Pan-ay

Best in Choreography - Tribu Pan-ay

Best in Performance - Tribu Pan-ay

Major Awards:

Barangay Category

3rd place - Tribu Aninipay

2nd place - Tribu Pag-asa

1st place - Tribu Atub-atub

Open Category

4th runner up - Tribu Mandurriao

3rd runner up - Tribu Salognon

2nd runner up - Tribu Bola-bola

1st runner up - Tribu Paghidaet

Grand Champion - Tribu Pan-ay

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School Class 2000 - 2001

2010-11-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

ANCHS Class 2000 - 2001 Commencement Exercises

March 29, 2001

Commencement Address

by Violeta S. Alinsao

      Mr. Dioscoro Gil, the ever dynamic principal of this school, Mrs. Marina Paredes, my mentor and present head of the Academic Department, Mr. Armando Paredes, head of the Vocational Department, members of the administrative staff, honored graduates, dear parents, guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
      Thank you for that very kind introduction. I would like to take note that of all the kind words mentioned during the introduction, I savored most the thought that I am a daughter of a grand educator of this school. I and my family are proud to say that my late father’s effort did not go in vain in guiding and providing me with an impressive opportunity available during those times.
      Furthermore, to speak before this audience on this very momentous occasion is a profound honor and privilege on my part. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you, dear parents. As a parent like you, I can very well understand the sacrifices that you went through in order to provide these handsome and beautiful graduates with education that will help them cope with challenges in life.
      Likewise, my greetings go to the dedicated and committed teachers, school administrators and staff who made this afternoon’s memorable event possible.
     And most of all to you, dear graduates, Today is your day, a very memorable day in your life. You are the most important characters of this show. You made us extremely elated as well as proud to be a part of this very momentous event in your life. This reminds me of my own high school graduation when I was at your age, seated exactly at a place where you are now. At that very moment, never did I think that someday I will be invited to deliver a commencement speech. Given this task, I feel so flattered and privileged.
     Commencement days are always fun… until the keynote speaker arises to remind you that commencement is “the time of beginning,” and so far, as duties and responsibilities are concerned, you haven’t really lived at all yet, and all the marvelous challenges and opportunities are still before you.
Yes, dear graduates, after working so hard and so long for that diploma, the last thing in the world you want to hear anybody tell you is that the road is going to get rougher, up ahead.
     However, I am not here to scare you, or to overwhelm you with what lies ahead. My task as I see it is to further inspire you to become a more successful person. I am sorry; I don’t have a magic potion for that. There are so many books that will reveal to you the secret of success. But if there is one thing I want you all, dear graduates to learn from me, is… TO TAKE PLEASURES IN LIFE DAILY TREASURES. It is the most important thing I have discovered about measuring success.
     Sometimes we thought that happiness is being “on top” that we miss to appreciate the beauty around us and the love and company of our loved one, our parents, and friends. We take them for granted. In our desire to be at the “top”, we sacrifice the joy of today, like the ecstasy of waddling in the pool of water, to savor the taste of an ice cream, or appreciate the smell and beauty of a rose. It is not bad to be on top, like a mega star, or being on top of the graduating class. My friends, what is bad is if in the process of getting there, we hurt or push other people, if we go to the extent of cheating or doing bad things to others.
     To give you a clearer example, let me tell you the story of “Stripe, the Caterpillar.” One day Stripe finds his normal routine dull and meaningless so he crawls off to discover the secret of life. He come across other caterpillars who don’t seem to know more about life than he does, but he joins a group of them who all saw to be crawling in the same direction. Soon they come upon a towering column of squirming, wriggling caterpillar’s pillar that seems to rise forever into the clouds high above. The caterpillars seem to be desperately trying to crawl and wriggle over one another to reach the top of the pillar, and Stripes get excited. Perhaps the top of the pillar is where he will find what he is looking for. “What’s at the top?” asks Stripe as another caterpillar wriggles by. The fellow caterpillar isn’t sure, but it must be awfully good because everybody’s rushing to get up there. So Stripe begins fighting his way up the column, being stepped on, and stepping on others, as he climbs toward the top. While Stripe fights his way up, he realizes that he can’t get to the absolute top unless he gets rid of those who displaced by the ones next in line. He is only a few wriggles from the top when he hears a whisper “there’s nothing up here after all.” Stripe gets very frustrated and begins to fight his way back down the pillar. There, he learns how to spin his own cocoon and emerged a lovely butterfly.
      So you see, ladies and gentlemen, in our desire to go on the top, sometimes we became cruel, insensitive, ruthless person. Besides, we miss to see and appreciate the beauty of the other person and enjoy a hearty laugh with them.
       Remember, from the start, you are already a winner, important and valuable. Nobody is better than the other. You are respected as a child of God with your unique God-given gift. For example, Nena may not be academically excellent, but she is somebody who can outdo Regine Velasquez when it comes to singing. Being able to sing beautifully is a gift from the Lord.
       To our educators and parents, it is worth noting that one of the healthiest discoveries of recent times is the understanding that intelligence is much more than which is measured by standard IQ test. Our ability to affirm children is strengthened when we open ourselves to the possibility that their intelligence is expressed in different ways from our own. The more we know about the diversity of intelligences in the world, the better equipped we are to help our children tap into their particular strengths, share up any relative weaknesses, and become more well-rounded individuals. These are important resources as they progress through the school years. A child may excel in any of these areas: Verbal/ Linguistic which is the ability to use words and language effectively and creatively in writing, reading, speaking and listening. Or in Logical/ Mathematical which is the ability to think abstractly, to recognize patterns, and to see connections between separate pieces of information. However, those with the ability to form images and pictures in the mind and to work effectively with patterns, shapes, and physical relationships, and colors possess Visual/Spatial intelligence. Likewise, those with the ability to use the body to express emotion (as in dance to play or game as in athletics), or to create (as in making a new invention) has Body/Kinesthetic Intelligence.
       Those with Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence have the ability to recognize and direct rhythmic and tonal patterns in creative ways. Interpersonal Intelligence is the ability to deal effectively with others in relationships and communication. The child with strong interpersonal skills will excel in activities that require working with others, being sensitive to others and leading others.
Lastly, a child with Intrapersonal Intelligence has the ability to reflect upon the self and understand one’s own feelings and emotions.
        Most often, ladies and gentlemen, when we see others who are smarter, cleverer, or better looking, the automatic conclusion is that others deserve the best. Though we all tend to compare ourselves with others, the happiest people in life know that they don’t really compete against each other. They are happy for doing their best, based on their GOD GIVEN GIFT. So, instead of achieving or performing to impress the world or your peers, seek to do something that is beautiful, excellent, and heartwarming.
Suppose, for example, you set to sing. You practice hard and long, doing it for the sheer excitement of doing your best. You need no one else to measure you or your skill. Your judge is GOD and your own self-respect.
         My dear graduates, your Alma Mater has provided you with necessary values and a very impressive academic foundation that will equip you to face more challenges that will come your way as you enter the tertiary level of education. I’m pretty sure you’ll miss your teachers and classmates. Though many will luckily be able to proceed to college, some due to some personal reasons may not be fortunate. However, keep in mind that wherever you are, your Alma Mater will remain to be a strong bond that will keep you together. You have gathered a lot of good and happy memories during your stay here. Keep them with you, treasure them, cherries them. These are your priceless possessions in life.
I must leave you, now, and I can’t think of nothing better way than saying:
“Being the best is no more, no less, than doing the best, giving the best shot, and being the best in everything you do. This is your best offering to our Lord.”
           Again, thank you for this privilege and Congratulations.

               MAY OUR LORD BE WITH US ALWAYS!

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School Class 2000 - 2001

2010-11-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

ANCHS Class 2000 - 2001 Commencement Exercises

March 29, 2001

Salutatory Address

by Jacquelyn Gomez

      Honored guests, parents, Mr. Dioscoro G. Gil Jr., faculty and staff of Alimodian National Comprehensive High School, members of the Graduating Class, friends, ladies and gentleman, good afternoon.
     Welcome to the 52nd Commencement Exercises of Alimodian National Comprehensive High School.
     Today, we come together to witness the most memorable event in our high school life, the long cherished dream – our Graduation. This is the end of four long years of struggles and sacrifices but the new beginning of another rocky road of educational journey.
     As we proceed to another difficult task ahead of us, we feel a mixed feeling of joy, excitement, fears and anxieties. But we do hope that our four long years stay in this institution will arm us against difficulties and obstacles that await us.
     Today, we are here to receive the fruit of our sacrifice. We are here to reap laurels – the prize of our hard work. But all of these are impossible without those who have supported and guided us.
     Fellow Graduates, let this moment, be a time of praising and thanksgiving. Above all, let this be the very moment to thank Him our Almighty Father, for the blessings He has given us. I personally owe him for what I am today. “Thank You, Dear God.”
     Let us also be grateful to our dear parents, who gave us love, support and guidance. The patience you’ve given us, awaken our minds to feel a deep feeling of guilt in every wrong deed we have made. We know, you’ve done your best to make us better individuals. I am grateful for this privilege to thank personally my parents. You have sacrificed so much for me; for such, I offer you my success today. Without you, maybe life would be meaningless for me. Thank you very much for your never ending support. You are always behind me in whatever hardships and shortcomings in our family. What I’ve experienced will inspire me as I move on to the challenging roads of college life.
     I also extend my gratitude to our dear teachers for their patience, their untiring efforts in helping us learn and become better citizens of tomorrow. I owe you the knowledge and great foundation to battle the different challenges I’ll encounter in the future. To you, I am forever grateful. Maybe your names would be forgotten but your precious guidance will stay forever in our hearts.
     Fellow Graduates, we are happy for the achievement we’ve gained, but a moment from now, we have to say goodbye. We have to start another phase of education. As we proceed, let us be thankful to our dear ALMA MATER, the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School, which has truly equipped us with knowledge and moral values. These will lead us in our search for other fields of endeavor. Thank you dear ANCHS, wherever we are, whatever we may become, we promise that we always uphold your name and reap more laurels in the future. We leave you with heads up high for we have a great foundation to support the blocks piled on our shoulders. We are now strong to carry them and survive the walls that may hinder our paths along our journey. With God’s grace, we will trudge the yellow brick road and follow the end of the rainbow because surely the pot of gold awaits us there.
    To all of you who share your precious time with us today, Thank you and Welcome to our Day of   Celebration!

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School Class 2000 - 2001

2010-11-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

ANCHS Class 2000 - 2001 Commencement Exercises

March 29, 2001

Valedictory Address

by Liny Garillos

      Honored guests, our dynamic and beloved mayor, Mary Lou Alipao, our energetic principal, Mr. Dioscoro G. Gil, Jr., department heads, PTCA officials, beloved parents, fellow graduates, friends ladies and gentlemen good evening.
      What is this occasion for me and my fellow graduates? Of course, today is the day of triumphant celebration of our success. We are happy and grateful because we are able to celebrate with you this Graduation Day.
       I, for one, believe that today is the moment of rejoicing for finally, after four years for trying to push myself to the limits to reach my goal – I have reached the finishing line. Apparently every finisher is a winner. So I am a winner and so do all graduates today.
High school life has never been easy for those who have sacrificed much like me. It is not easy to study and get good grades when your basic needs aren’t procured and provided; nor it is easy when you have to wake up very early to prepare food and to walk to school because you don’t have money to pay for a ride. But as long as we have our dreams and we’re determined to reach them we are willing to do the sacrifice. And this is what we get today – fruit of our toil.
        It is not easy to leave this school for this has been a dear part of me. ANCHS has witnessed how I have built friendships and camaraderie, how I have explored its surroundings and happily built my dreams. Yet, I have to let go explored… you must let go. It pains to do this but just like Siddhartha who has said, letting go is like a flowing river. It flows but it’s always there, always new.
        On this graduation day, we have many persons to thank for. We thank our parents who have unselfishly worked hard so that they can send us to school. With their love and generosity we are able to make it. In recognition thereof for heir heroic love, may we request our parents and guardians to stand up? Fellow graduates, let’s give a warm of applause to the unsung heroes of the world – our parents!
       To our dear teachers, administrators and staff, we are so grateful for your patience, guidance and support. Dear mentors, we are always thankful for the knowledge, skills, values and lessons in life which you have painstakingly taught us.
        To our dear Alma Mater, the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School, whose ideals of values and excellence, we will always keep up, thank you.
       To God our very source of everything, whose love and kindness are boundless, we thank you. With you by our side, we will run the race of life again. And with our determination and faith in you, we believe that we’ll reach the finishing line and again, we can say, “We are finishers, we are winners!.”
       Our roads in life will separate after here but for sure, we’ll cross our paths again. And if you feel you’re close to tears now, just say, “Soon it will be over.”
       To all of you, thank you and see you at the crossroads!

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School Class 2000 - 2001

2010-11-01T07:14:00.001-07:00

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School

JS Prom 2001

Our Class Will and Testament

Class of 2000 – 2001

          Graduation is drawing near and we have to bid our happy-sad farewell. We can’t imagine that not too long from now, we will walk to our destination in separate ways.
          Four years has passed and we have survived those painstaking tasks and failures, struggles and sacrifices. “It was the best of time, the worst of time,” Charles Dickens said in his “Tale of Two Cities.”
          Truly, four long years of high school life is a concoction of pains and joys. Many of us thought of quitting along the way. But for the majority of us, who are present in this meaningful occasion, we choose to give a good fight. We are determined to brave all difficulties that may still come our way.   We’ll move and trudge the path to the end of the rainbow. Surely the pot of gold awaits us there.
          Before we depart, we, the Senior Class 2000-2001, extend our sincerest thanks and heartfelt gratitude to our dear principal, Mr. Dioscoro G. Gil Jr., members of the administrative and facilitative staff and to all teachers;
          Our million thanks for the patience, understanding and concern in molding us to be what we are now, these we’ll cherish and treasure forever.
          To our Parents;
          Thank you, for all the support you’ve given us. Words are not enough to express how grateful we are to have parents like you “We love you, and we are proud of you!”
         Most of all to our Almighty God, we owe you all these things, our good health and the strong will.
Traditionally before we leave our dear school ANCHS, we the Seniors give our Class Will and Testament to you, Juniors. It includes the best and the worst in our batch- but it is worth remembering,
         Here it goes…
         The responsible leaders of the Seniors: Liny Garillos, Jacquelyne Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Flory Ann Alinsud, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Ma. Febe Salinas, Ignacio AlmedralejoJr., Michel John Allones, Feve Amorsolo and Lilee Mae Ampordan expect Archie Garillos, Jo-Ann Alicer, Evaniza Paguntalan, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, April Mae Calibara, Lucky Marie Caparanga, Christian Beatingo, Valerie Joan Tacal and Olive Armada to lead their batch to the road of achievements and learn to cooperate as much as the Seniors have done.
         Liny Garillos leave her responsibility as Editor-In-Chief of The Hillside Echoes to whoever can make it, Archie Garillos, Olive Armada or Ma. Joy Tabaosares. On the other hand, Jacquelyn Gomez turns over her editorial table to Evaniza Paguntalan to take her place as Ali Mudin’s Editor-in-Chief.
        The number wizards of the Seniors: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Bevien Alcantara, Jovy Ann Almeria, Jaisa Mhe Amase, Michel John Allones, Ignacio Almendralejo, Jr. and John Mar Ambut leave their magic in solving complex problems and Algebraic expressions to Archie Garillos, Gerry Almira, Elisa Cabañas, Jo-Ann Alicer, Michael Angcoy and Christian Beatingo.
         Liny Garillos, our bet in English declamation leaves her declamation pieces to Ma. Joy Tabaosares, while Marissa Tolentino expects Jacquiline Mambaret to follow her footsteps in Filipino declamation.
        The expert physicists of our batch Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyne Gomez, Flory Ann Alinsud, Jaisa Mhe Amase, Jovy Ann Almeria, Gladys Dee Torrento, Michel John Allones, Cherry Gil Alegroso, and Lilee Mae Ampordan wish the young chemists Archie Garillos, Lucky Marie Caparanga, Jo-Ann Alicer, April Mae Calibara, William Amorcillo, Nancy Castiva, and Rovelyn Yagin to take their places.
        Jovy Ann Almeria, Michel John Allones, Flory Ann Alinsud, Bevien Alcantara, Jaisa Mhe Amase, Cherry Gil Alegroso and Marlo Alli our “Historians of the Year” leave their history books and maps to Archie Garillos, Jo-Ann Alicer, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, Evaniza, Paguntalan, Lucky Marie Caparanga, April Mae Calibara, Ma. Joy Tabaosares, Nancy Castiva, Honey Grace Andag and Jacquiline Mambaret.
       The statisticians of our batch, namely: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyne Gomez and Flory Ann Alinsud pass their review books and materials, calculators, and pens to any Juniors to follow their footsteps as top ten in Regional Statistics Quiz Contest.
       The expert kuryenthesians who were the modern Faradays, Ampere and Volta: Liny Garillos, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Marissa Tolentino, Alfredo Anacan III, Allen Anayan, Angelo Bautista, Marlo Alli and Gladys Dee Torrento hand down their electrocuted brains and hand techniques in installing electrical wirings to Christian Beatingo, Ryan Sumagaysay, Jonas Alib, Jo-Ann Alicer and Mary Jane Anecita. While the ability of Liny Garillos, Jacquelyne Gomez, Jovy Ann Almeria, Jaisa Mhe Amase, Marissa Tolentino, Gladys Dee Torrento, Feve Amorsolo, Michel John Allones and Ignacio Almendralejo, Jr. in solving current, voltage and resistance problems related to electricity are mirrored in Archie Garillos, Evaniza Paguntalan, Jo-Ann Alicer, Christian Beatingo, April Mae Calibara, Nancy Castiva, Olive Armada, William Amorcillo and Valerie Joan Tacal.
       Everybody is thrilled by the melodious and sweet voice of Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Lilee Mae Ampordan, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Gladys Dee Torrento, Nickel Caldelero, Marivic Andicoy, Mafe Grace Andea and Rey Huesca which can possibly be heard through Archie Garillos, Evaniza Paguntalan, Ryan Sumagaysay, Precious Mae Angelitud, Jacquiline Mambaret, Mark Amada, Donna Mae Alinday, Teresa Aguilar, William Amorcillo and Rogelyn Salcedo who can impress the crowd by their amazing performance.
       Our lawn tennis champions: Junelyn Buhay and April Boglosa leave their magic rockets to Naro Aliparo and Pearl Jewel Aguila; while Tom Jeceff Alipao and Jessie Jan Famillaran wish Charisse Ann Salvilla, Cyrus Cañonero and Butch Villanueva to be our table tennis buff.
       Our black belters Marissa Tolentino and Jacquelyne Gomez will turn over their punching bags, gym, belts and uniform to aspiring neophytes Archie Garillos and Evaniza Paguntalan to prove their worth and be the next taekwondo stars who can bring the first Olympic gold for the Philippines.
       The sharp move and techniques of our Grand Masters: Liny Garillos, Jo-R Alicer and Carlson Alinday are passed to her sister Jo-Ann Alicer and to Janice Bordon and Mary Jane Sabit.
       The Sepak Takraw Champions: Ednuelito Alitre, Placido Allin and Richard Anciano turn over their unblockable kicks and headings to Albert Alipen, Michael Magno and Glenn Anciano.
       The Magnificent performance of our sexy CAT-I Corps Commander Cherry Gil Alegroso is a challenge to any Junior who can handle the next battalion.
       The ANCHS Rondalla of our batch: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Feve Amorsolo, Bevien Alcantara, Lilee Mae Ampordan, Jaybee Jocson, Carol Jean Capitpit, Mafe Grace Andea, Ma. Liezel Demafiles, Ma. Lorraine Allesa, Ruby Mae Aguilar, Gloria Romana Bisenio and Guen Cecile Lopez leave their ability in strumming their instruments, their musical notes to Sharon Amoyot, Chona Farillo, Archie Garillos, April Mae Calibara, Joyme Anape, Olive Armada, Sharrel Ambe, William Amorcillo, Catherine Amoyot and Mary Jane Manguray; while the ability of Elmer Clamar, MV Jun Anino, Geneveve Amaguin, Ma. Shirly Cagud, Liezel Joy Pin, Edmon Guardia, Jovelyn Abejo and Danilo Butanga in blowing musical instruments to Philbryan Quijano, Billy Clamar, Julie Ray Alim and Evaniza Paguntalan.
       The Cuisine Queens of the Seniors: Julie Ann Hechanova, Judelyn Gervacio, Irene Butanga, Anelyn Aleoran, and Ma. Theresa Glorian leave their recipe books and magic wands in preparing nutritious and mouth watering delicacies to Archie Garillos, Dolly Rose Hervas, Ma. Sofia Ray Capada, Jizelle Alimante, Vivian Angcoy and Marjolin Cagud.
      The “Fashion Designers of the Millenium” namely; Jaybee Jocson, Ma. Febe Salinas, Junelyn Buhay, Girlie Alinday, Mary Jane Tediong, Ma. Janice Alingasa, Queenie Amboy, and Analiza Amoto who can popularize fashion trends nowadays reflect their design philosophy to Ruby Daryl Cabrias, Reyna Vie Prieto, Precious Angelitud, Ma. Cecilia Lerona and Jacquiline Mambaret.
       The studious and silent movers of the Seniors; Liny Garillos, Jaisa Mhe Amase, Jacquelyn Gomez, Flory Ann Alinsud, Bevien Alcantara, Jovy Ann Almeria and Gladys Dee Torrento are mirrored in Archie Garillos, Nancy Castiva, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, William Amorcillo and Jacquiline Mambaret, while the serious looking Seniors; Shanney Allanic, Jo-R Alicer, Aries Almira, Marlo Alli, Michel John Allones, John Alemania, Marissa Tolentino, Girlie Paguntalan and Teddy Cantallopez are visually seen in Evaniza Paguntalan, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, Bernardo Amarro and Nancy Castiva.
       Considered as beauticians of our batch: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Myra Lozada, Almie Muñoz, Michelle Alemania, Marjorie Ambacan, Cheryl Altar, Merlyn Almeria, Maricel Alcudia, Mayjene Ambacan and Janet Anaya leave their elegant touches and creativity in turning simple look teenagers to a dashing gorgeous ladies to Maricon Andica, Ma. Rocelyn Carmelita, Roselyn Capasgordo, Ailyn Amualla and Marigold Cabihagan.
       The skills of Cedric Salvilla and Leonard Rhoy Tiva in making pieces of woods into elegant sets of furniture are handed down to Francisco Homilogo, Bernardo Amarro III, John Alicer, Rafael Amoyan and Julie Ray Alim.
       Jacquelyn Gomez, Genesa Talite, Chona Anitubo, Gerlie Mangollado and Ricky Jay Elenterio pass their secrets in caring and producing livestock and poultry products to Archie Garillos, Evaniza Paguntalan, Karen Andoloy and Elisa Cabañas.
       Considered as romantic pocketbook lovers of the Seniors: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Reynalyn Sorongon, Ma. Lorraine Allesa, Ma. Febe Salinas, Rosalyn Bendol, Guen Cecile Lopez, Ma. Fema Cabanalan, Jaisa Mhe Amase, April Jade Almedralejo, Ma. Jean Amboy, Joanna Marie Gomez, and Jaybee Jocson pass their pocketbooks, magazines and comics to Archie Garillos, Ma. Joyme Anape, Evaniza Paguntalan, Nancy Castiva, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, Gede Lou Marfil, Chona Farillon, Sharon Amoyot, Myrene Pena, Ruzel Mae Magtalas, Mila Caya, Dolly Rose Hervas, Krystel Saclote, Ma. Cecilia Lerona, Glen Alomia, Esper Lou Angostura and Donna Mae Alinday.
        The Cradle Snatchers: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Joanna Marie Gomez, Jaybee Jocson, Ma. Febe Salinas, Ma. Lorraine Allesa, Feve Amorsolo, Mafe Grace Andea, Geraldine Puson, Shanney Allanic, Alfredo Anacan III, Ralph Anthony Amase, Jeffrey Salvacion, Allen Anayan, Aries Almira, and Gloria Romana Bisenio who get attracted to their younger brother and sisters in lower years are reflected in Archie Garillos, Evaniza Paguntalan, John Mark Cañonero, Ryan Sumagaysay, Lucky Marie Caparanga, Valerie Joan Tacal, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, Nikky Nel Salvilla, Romy Alibagon, April Mae Calibara and Jo-Ann Alicer.
        Our unbeatable so-called “Lady in Red” of the Seniors: Cherry Gil Alegroso, challenges any Juniors who wants to follow her eye-catching intro and cool body movements in leading the cheering squad.
        The prophets and good servants of Christ; Junelyn Buhay, Gloria Romana Bisenio, Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Ricky Jay Elenterio, Ma. Janice Alingasa and Joanna Marie Gomez wish that their commitment in spreading the word of God to be continued by Archie Garillos, Katrina Barrios, Jun Mar Angustia, Jacqueline Mambaret, Ruby Daryl Cabrias, Ma. Cecilia Lerona and Eddie Cantomayor.
        The Crying techniques and dramatic skills of Ma. Janice Alingasa, Jaybee Jocson, Jacquelyn Gomez, Janice Tacaisan, Sheena Marie Alzate, Feve Amorsolo, Rachel Embate and Mafe Grace Andea that make our heart aches and sentiments revealed to Butch Villanueva, Myrene Peña, Donna Mae Alinday, Evaniza Paguntalan, April Mae Calibara, Ma. Joy Tabaosares and Gede Lou Marfil; while the laughing bunch; Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Ryan Embate, Jerol Camarista, Gladys Manicsic, Ma. Liezel Demafiles, MV Jun Anino and Michael Alejan pass their role being the next comedian of their classes to Archie Garillos, Mark Amada, Melchor Alip, Cyrus Cañonero, Charisse Ann Salvilla, Gene Lou Albuya, Ma. Cecilia Lerona and Ma. Joy Tabaosares.
      Know as weirdos; Gladys Manicsic, Joanna Marie Gomez, Paul Frannie Cabatbat, Jessie Rey Alquitran, Charlene Tagabi, Marlo Alli, Jo-R Alicer, Ruzel Lee Tria, Diobani Cloyd Paciente and Debbie Garganza bequeath their unusual behaviors to Mark Joseph Cruz, Evaniza Paguntalan, Joanna Aguirre and Karen Andoloy.
         The Casper Company of the Seniors; John Mar Ambut, Ignacio Almendralejo, Jr., Angelo Bautista, Paul Frannie Cabatbat, and Diobani Cloyd Paciente want to share their invisibility cloak and “anytime can the company” to Cyrus Cañonero, Michael Angcoy, Gerry Almira, Bernardo Amarro III, Mechor Alip and Mark Capada.
         The controversial “medtick” of the Seniors who never runs out of their boasting and bragging; Liny Garillos, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Diobani Cloyd Paciente, Ignacio Almendralejo, Jr., Joel Camique Jr., Ralph Anthony Amase, Jerol Camarista and Renan Sanchez.
         The electrifying beauties and eye-catching smiles of Gloria Romana Biseni ,Girlie Alinday, Liny Garillos, Joanna Marie Gomez, Debbie Garganza, Jacquelyn Gomez, Ma. Janice Alingasa, Ma. Febe Salinas, Carol Jean Capitpit, Lilee Mae Ampordan, Reynalyn Sorongon, Sheena Marie Alzate, Ruzel Lee Tria, and April Joy Eslana are also reflected in Sharrel Ambe, Archie Garillos, Olive Armada, Honey Grace Andag, Dolly Rose Hervas, Ma. Cecilia Lerona, April Mae Calibara, Ma. Joy Tabaosares, Gene Lou Albuya, and Jo-Ann Alicer.
        Wow! The Coca-cola bodied seniors or the bottle shaped body that almost made them to The Biggest Loser reality show; Jemson Arceo, April Boglosa, Maricon Andea, Jelly Aguirre, Jaybee Jocson, Romina Soriaso, Junelyn Buhay and Rosalyn Bendol in their 74-64 no more figures pass their diet pills and girdles to Lucky Marie Caparanga, Evaniza Paguntalan, Mayumi Catida and Lenie Tanangonan.
        The graceful and fantastic skills in interpreting folk dances of Liny Garillos, Joanna Marie Gomez, Ruzel Lee Tria, Ma. Janice Alingasa, Sheena Marie Alzate, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Herman Andeo, Ignacio Almendralejo, Jr., Marlo Alli and Ricky Jay Elenterio are also seen in the performance of Ma. Cecilia Lerona, Jo-Ann Alicer, Reyna Vie Prieto, Dolly Rose Hervas, Christian Beatingo, Albert Alipen, Orbelle Alojado, and Nikki Nel Salvilla.
         “Black is beautiful,” like the beauty of Liny Garillos, Genesa Talite, Geraldine Puson, Liezel Ocbian, Ma. Ruby Aquiman and Rachel Embate is also mirrored in Katrina Barrios, Iryn Cantomayor, Butch Villanueva, Hernanie Callado and Rowil Visto.
         The pretty boys and campus heartthrobs of the seniors; Shanney Allanic, Ricky Jay Elenterio, Tom Jeceff Alipao, Rodel Labañero, Jeffrey Salvacion, Lou Mark Abadia, Benneth Anthony Alloso, Michael Anthony Alejan, Jessie Jan Famillaran and Herman Andeo reflects their identities to Jun Mar Angustia, Cyrus Leandro Cañonero, Renan Sanches, Joenic Anico, Rowel Visto, Hernanie Calliado, and Ian Pin. Girls really never stop dreaming about them. While hot and young beauties of the seniors; Liny Garillos, Girlie Alinday, Joanna Marie Gomez, Gloria Romana Bisenio, Ma. Janice Alingasa, Ma. Febe Salinas, Sheena Marie Alzate, Cherry Gil Alegroso and Jovy Ann Almeria are reflected in Joanna Aguirra, Sharrel Ambe, Olive Armada, Ma. Joy Tabaosares, Gene Lou Albuya, Joanna Lico-an, and Dolly Rose Hervas.
         The Miss Universe height of Gloria Romana Bisenio, Junelyn Buhay, Genese Talite, Girlie Alinday, Joanna Marie Gomez, Liny Garillos, Feve Amorsolo and Cherry Gil Alegroso is also assured me in Pearl Jewel Aguila, Mayumi Catida, April Glory Tabangcura, Virgie Allin and Gene Lou Albuya. While the six footers, oh I mean the hobbits of the real world’s Middle Earth; Mafe Grace Andea, Carlson Alinday, Christine Aberos, Gladys Dee Torrento and Ma. Liza Andag leave their fast strides to Mary Jane Anecita, William Amorcillo, Gede Lou Marfil, Donna Mae Alonday, and Ruby Daryl Cabrias.
         The “Walking Bamboos” or Skinny Man Walking; Mark Wil Saclote, Luis Andicoy, Gerlie Alinday, Melvin Aligaga, Michel John Allones, Marlo Alli and Rey Anaud pass their diet to Orbelle Alojado, Ruzel Mae Magtalas, Rovelyn Yagin and Dolly Rose Hervas.
         The “highest sales” of the seniors; Aries Camral, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Reynalyn Sorongon, Junelyn Buhay, Sheena Marie Alzate and Angelo Bautista to join them in promoting and convincing people to but their products and be in the company.
          Jovy Ann Almeria, Bevien Alcantara, Janice Tacaisan, Gladys Manicsic, Guen Cecile Lopez, Mafe Grace Andea, Carol Jean Capitpit, and Gladys Dee Torrento are leaving their stuff toys and childish ways to Ma. Joyme Anape, Gene Lou Albuya, Charisse Ann Salvilla, Ma. Joy Tabaosares, Joanna Marie Lico-an, Sharrel Ambe and April Mae Calibara.
          The extraordinary friendships of the Delta SWAK Group, The Formula, May Katok NOTEKS, UNSEPARABLE, CB2 Boys and KOJ are mirrored on The Most Beautiful Monkeys, AER, The Yankers, Chocolate Sweets, The Achievers Group, The Gals 2000, The Body Movers and The Spice Girls 2000.
          The romantic and sweetest love teams of our batch; Cherry Gil Alegroso and Ricky Jay Elenterio, Lilee Mae Ampordan and Thomas Anthony Alderete, Nathalie Joy Alingalan and Noel Camique, Jr., Reynalyn Sorongon and Jessie Jan Famillaran, Jaybee Jocson and Ryan Embate, Girlie Paguntalan and Ronnie Dematira , April Joy Eslana and Michael Anthony Eslana, Liny Garillos and Mark Wil Saclote, Marjorie Ambaan and Jessie James Amo, Merly Cadunggan and Robert Brabanzo, Joanna Marie Gomez and Tom Jeceff Alipao, Ma. Febe Salinas and Michel John Allones, Jemson Arceo and Herman Andeo, Junelyn Buhay and Jeffrey Salvacion, Ruzel Lee Tria and Herman Andeo, Kenneth Lord Brabanco and Ann Marie Alcantara, John Alemania and Guen Cecile Lopez, Liezel Demafiles and Kem Alonzaga, Amor Divina Anglacer and Regie Barte, Debbie Garganza and Joseph Brent Salarzon and Suzette Guevarra and Aries Almira bestow their sweet relationship and controversies to Olive Armada and Joenic Anico Jr., Ma. Joy Tabaosares and Mark Joseph Cruz, Karen Andoloy and Ricky Alcarioto, Rowel Visto and Rovelyn Yagin, Mayrene Peña and Jun Mar Angustia, Ma. Joyme Anape and Roger Amantillo, Jonas Alib and Joanna Marie Lico-an, Pearl Jewel Aguila and Melchor Alip, Ruby Daryl Cabrias and Romy Alibagon, Butch Villanueva and Cyrus Leandro Cañonero, Dolly Rose Hervas and Ryan Sumagaysay and Jo-Ann Alicer and Christian Beatingo.
            The most controversial love triangles; Herman Andeo – Jemson Arceo – Jeffrey Salvacion, Thomas Anthony Alderete – Lilee Mae Ampordan – Shanney Allanic, Herman Andeo – Ruzel Lee Tria – Ignacio Almendralejo, Jr., Mark Wil Saclote – Liny Garillos – Jesusimo Alimato, Ann Marie Alcantara- Kenneth Lord Brabanco – Rosalyn Bendol, Tom Jeceff Alipao – Joanna Marie Gomez – Jessie Rey Alquitran, Aries Almira – Suzette Guevarra – Jeffrey Salvacion, Ma. Liezel Demafiles – Kem Alonzaga – Ma. Fema Cabanalan, Lou Mark Abadia – Gladys Dee Torrento – Cedric Salvilla leave their controversies and intrigues to; Ma. Joy Tabaosares – Orbelle Alojado – Ma. Cecilia Lerona, Valerie Joan Tacal – Joenic Anico, Jr. – Olive Armada, Ronnie Amparo – Butch Villanueva – Cyrus Leandro Cañonero,, Gede Lou Marfil – Christian Beatingo – Jo-Ann Alicer, Reyna Vie Prieto – Jonas Alib – Joanna Marie Lico-an, and Ma. Joyme Anape – Rowil Visto – Rovelyn Yagin.
             Let the 4-2 class pass their title to 3-1 class as the noisiest and the infamous in letting the teacher’s temperature and blood pressure rise.
             To the Juniors who are not specifically mentioned, we leave to you our good traits and strong will. We hope you’ll continue to uphold the name of our school as much as we do.
In witness thereof, we, the Graduating Class of 2000 – 2001, do hereby affix our signatures on this 15th day of February in the Year Of Our Lord, Two Thousand and One at the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School. Witnesses: Mr. Salvador Maturgo and Miss Sucilia Anila our High School Publications Advisers.

Class Testators: Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Ma. Febe Salinas

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School Class 2000 - 2001

2010-11-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

ANCHS Class 2000 - 2001

Class Prophecy

by Jaisa Mhe Amase and Lilee Mae Ampordan

           It was Saturday morning when we went to the farm for our outing. At the farm, when my classmates and friends were busy doing their own work, I sat beside the coconut tree and fell asleep. While I’m sleeping, I dreamt of something about the future of our batch. It goes this way…
        Year 2015, it was 14 years after we graduated from our beloved Alma Mater, The ANCHS. The morning of that day, I was very excited because we would be having our class reunion on April 10, 2015. That morning, after I woke up, I immediately called Lilee Mae Ampordan through her cellphone. Lilee Mae was with me as one of the nurses of Europe.
        We talked about our trip back to the Philippines to attend our class reunion.
         Other than Lilee Mae, Jovy Ann Almeria and Ma. Fema Cabanalan were also in Europe working as doctors in St. Joseph Hospital. They went ahead of us to the Philippines for the reunion.
I dialed European Airlines for our tickets. And I knew that it was Feve Amorsolo who was working as flight stewardess in that company owned and managed by Angelo Bautista. She said that Gladys Dee Torrento was also working as cashier while Flory Ann Alinsud, Ma. Febe Salinas and Ruzel Lee Tria were accountants. They’re also planning to go back to the Philippines to attend our reunion.
       While in the airplanes, we were watching television. The TV Program was about the Miss Universe beauty pageant. I was really amazed when I saw Joanna Marie Gomez crowned as Miss Universe 2015. She also garnered a special award as Best in Long Gown and Most Photogenic. Her gown was designed by April Jade Almendralejo and Junelyn Buhay. Her hairstylists are no other than Edgardo Algabre, Joecel John Pastor and Rey Huesca. Other candidates who joined the pageant were Girlie Alinday, Gloria Romana Bisenio and Romelyn Andicoy. I’ve heard that they cannot attend the reunion for they were very busy. By the way, the beautiful ladies who competed for the Miss Universe enjoyed their stay at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and the Ritz Carlton Hotel solely owned by the magnate Michel John Allones.
          We had our first departure for United States. We flew in through Northwest Airlines which is owned by Liny Garillos. Arriving at the LAX Airport, I saw Atty. Jay Bee Jocson rushing towards us. She said that she is working at a California law firm and told us she had met Rodel Labañero, Alfredo Anacan III, Benette Anthony Alloso, Ralph Anthony Amase, Shanney Allanic, Jerol Camarista and Noel Camique, all seamen whose ship was dry docked there.
           From United States, we had our cruise vacation on the Caribbean where we saw awesome beach resort, leisure and luxurious resorts that only the affluent can afford. The Star Cruises, Ltd. in which we spent our vacation travelling the Caribbean is solely owned by Jacquelyn Gomez.
           We didn’t have a long conversation with Jay Bee while on cruise because we have to enjoy the sights and sounds before we had to board a plane for Hong Kong.
            There, we had a stopover. We saw Carol Jean Capitpit, Ma. Lorraine Allesa, Rosalyn Bendol, Reynalyn Sorongon, Honey Joy Tolentino, Stephanie Amase and Suzette Guevarra working as staff nurses at the Maonshan North Territory Hospital with Marissa Tolentino as the Director of the said hospital. They were also on their way home. Carol informed me that she had met some of our batch working as computer engineers and programmers there. And they were Mark Wil Saclote, Ann Marie Alcantara, Ma. Janice Alingasa, Nathalie Joy Alingalan and Tom Jeceff Alipao.
             After our conversation, we decided to have a sight-seeing of the whole city. Then, we saw some of our batchmates strolling on the street. They were Thomas Anthony Alderete, Allen Anayan, Cedric Salvilla, Jun-jun Oberio and Ryan Embate working as electrical engineers in that city.
             “Our classmates have gone so far.” Lilee Mae said. Not an hour later we were back to the airport for our trip to Manila.
             In the plane, sitting beside us were the newly-wed couples Cherry Gil Alegroso and Ricky Jay Elenterio from their honeymoon in Paris at Jefrox Hotel which is owned by Jeffrey Salvacion.
             The day of our departure to Manila came. As we were descending the plane, we saw Paul Frannie Cabatbat who had just arrived from Chicago doing missionary works.
              Lilee Mae and I went to Manila Hotel managed by Sheena Marie Alzate, Mafe Grace Andea, the receptionist of the hotel led us to our room. After our lunch, we went back to our room and there we watched TV. To our surprise, we saw Lou Mark Abadia, a famous newscaster. He announced our forthcoming class reunion. As I changed the channel, I was fascinated by the video jockeys. They were no other than Aries Almira and Nickel Caldelero.
              The next morning we took the early flight to Iloilo via Cathay Pacific Airlines with Rey Anaud, Leonard Rhoy Tiva and Vincent Richard Castor as pilots of the said airline.
               In our departure to Iloilo, we saw some of our batchmates. Ruby Aquiman happened to be with us at the departure area. She came from Manila working as VE instructor with Geraldine Puson at Far Eastern University.
              Together, we waited for a taxi. I arrived home very tired but very happy after knowing the success of my classmates and friends.
              Two days after our arrival, our grand reunion came. At six o’clock in the evening of April 10, 2015, visitors and guests started coming at the University of Alimodian quadrangle – formerly ANCHS. Our program began at seven o’clock with Bevien Alcantara, the successful chemical engineer of our batch, as the master of ceremony. Looking around, I saw Girlie Paguntalan, Maricon Andea, Karen Anabo and Lovelyn Sevilla as teachers of the said university and Jemson Arceo as the University President.
              My tears rolled down my cheeks as I saw almost all my comrades.
              “Joy, wake up! Why are you crying?” asked Jovy Ann, my best friend.
              “No nothing.” I replied. And I told Jovy of what my dream was all about.
              How I wish that all my dreams will come true. And Batch 2001 will continue to bring honor and glory to our beloved Alma Mater – the ANCHS.

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School Class 2000 - 2001 History

2010-11-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

ANCHS Class 2000 – 2001
Class History
by: Jacquelyn Gomez, Flory Ann Alinsud & Carol Jean Capitpit

How fast time flies. We remember the days when you were with us. The laughter and tears we shared for years. But now we’re gone away and left you all. It’s really hard to say goodbye to our dear Alma Mater, the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School. ANCHS will always have a special space in our hearts. Before we leave, we will share with you our golden moments in our four years stay in this institution.

It was………………………….

March 24 – June 1, 1997: We lined up ourselves and presented our cards for enrollment. Each of us had his own companion. We were guided by our parents, brothers and sisters and even our friends.

June 2, 1997: Classes started. We were divided into 11 sections. As freshmen, we felt very shy because of the new faces we had seen. At first, we just talked with our elementary schoolmates and old friends but later we were acquainted with other students.

August 1997: We held our Intramural Meet. Although we had no experience, we garnered third place in overall games.
We were all proud because we won second runner up in Cheering and Yelling Contest. Moreover we also received award as the Most Numbered Participants.

October 1997: We had our first celebration of United Nations. Ann Marie Alcantara, our muse made it to the top 10. Our historians, Michel John Allones and Bevien Alcantara also won third place in the UN Quiz.

December 19, 1997: We celebrated our Christmas Party with great joy and excitement. We participated in different contests which included Santa Claus, Lip Synch, Vocal Duet and Christmas Disco

March 31, 1997: It was Graduation Day! The year happily ended. Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez and Marissa Tolentino topped the honor list.

Two-month vacation passed like a strong wind……..
June 1, 1998: We were divided into 10 sections with only 45-50 students in a class.

June 12, 1998: We celebrated our 100 years of the Philippine Independence in a very unique way.

August 13 – 15, 1998: Intramural Meet was held again. Despite of little experience, we didn’t raise nor lower our rank. We landed again for the second time in the third place.

   We also bagged places in the Cultural Contest. Ma. Febe Salinas and Jay Bee Jocson won second places in English and Filipino declamation respectively.

December 18, 1998: For the second time, Christmas Party was celebrated. We showed our great efforts and garnered second place in Christmas Disco.

March 29, 1999: Graduation Day again! It was Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez and Liny Garillos who got the first three places in the honor list.

    After two months rest……….

June 1, 1999: The most challenging year for all of us. The time for us to decide what electives were suited for each one of us. The electives offered were Electricity, Dressmaking, Food Trades or Culinary Arts, Furniture and Cabinet making, Animal Science, Agriculture, Cosmetology and Building Construction. We wanted to be in one group of friends so almost all of us followed what others took as electives we were not wise to choose what we really liked.

September 2-4, 1999: It was our Intramural Meet. We were almost familiar with different games, so we raised our rank from third place to second place. It was the battle of the best in the Cheering and Yelling contest. The juniors, who almost emerged as the champion, ranked first runner up for just 0.001 point behind the Seniors and received a special award of being The Most Colorful Group.

Our very sexy cheer leader, Cherry Gil Alegroso was the Best Cheer Leader.

September 22, 1999: Stephanie Ampane represented the ANCHS as a candidate for Fiesta Muse and landed as third runner up.

October 3, 1999: It was a challenge for the Juniors who aspired to be officers of the CAT-1 for the next year. The last day of submission to Medical Certificate and almost all were very busy.

October 1999: United Nations Celebration. Joanna Marie Gomez, our muse for the Miss UN made it to the Magic Five.

December 17, 1999: For the third time we celebrated our Christmas Party. The unbeatable Juniors showed their extraordinary skills and talents. We bagged the first place.

February 24, 2000: The most unforgettable date in our high school lives. We celebrated the month with love on our first J.S. Prom. We honored our elders, the Seniors with a successful program and delicious snacks. We proved to them that we, the Juniors, cared so much for them in so many years.

March 21, 2000: Mural Painting was held. Ricky Jay Elenterio and Ericson Aliñar won third places.

April 1, 2000: Graduation Day of Aspirants. 30 were chosen as officers. It was the ever responsible aspirant Cherry Gil Alegroso who was chosen as Corps Commander to hold the Batallion under the supervision of P2Lt. Teofilo F. Andres as Commandant.

Two months passed away……

June 5, 2000: Finally our last year of struggles and sacrifices came.

June 12, 2000: We celebrated our Independence Day in a traditional way.

August 3, 2000: Liny Garillos was elected as President of ANCHS Student Republic. During her terms she showed the best she could do for the improvement and success of our school projects.

August 14 – 17, 2000: Ednuelito Alitre and Placido Allin Jr. played for the 14th ASEAN Schools Sepak Takraw Championship in Bedok Indoor Sports Hall, Singapore.

August 21, 2000: Rey Huesca was the champion in the Paligsahan sa Doble Kara during Linggo ng Wika Celebration.

August 24 – 26, 2000. Our last Intramural Meet. We were really proud that we were the champion!

    The undefeated and gorgeous cheer leader, Cherry Gil Alegroso was the Best Cheer Leader of the Year.

September 19, 2000: The ANCHS Millenium Cultural Show. The celebration was all about the Filipino Cultures and the History of Alimodian.

October 19, 2000: Cherry Gil Alegroso represented our school in Extemporaneous Speaking in CDSA II and went home garnering third place.

December 21, 2000: We celebrated our last Christmas party. We were full of joy and excitement as we participated in different parlor games.

January 12, 2001: We couldn’t explain our feeling that time. We took our NSAT in the two-storey building. The test was given by the teachers coming from Leonora Salapantan National High School, San Miguel, Iloilo.

February 16, 2001: We celebrated our last JS Prom in the institution. We were very happy. We were honored by the Juniors with a memorable program.

March 29, 2001: The most awaited moment of all Seniors. We received our diploma – the fruit of our toil and the symbol of our hardships. Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Flory Ann Alinsud, Jaisa Mhe Amase, Feve Amorsolo and Cherry Gil Alegroso composed the Magic Seven of Batch 2001 Honor List.

We are really proud we are ANCHSians.

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School JS Prom 2000

2010-11-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

ANCHS JS Prom 2000

Class Will and Testament

Class 1999 - 2000

     This is a class will and testament of the Seniors for us, Juniors during our high school prom in February, 2000.

      It seems unbelievable that anytime from now, we will leave the portals of this institution. Graduation is drawing near and we will bid our happy –sad farewell. Great changes will soon come our way.
      Yes, high school life is very memorable. During our four years stay in this high school, we exerted all our efforts in order to surpass all our hardships.
       Finally, our faces beam with joy for very soon, we will reap the fruits of our toil. With deepest gratitude, we leave our much loved institution which is a silent witness of those happy golden years we’ve shared.
       To our principal, members of the administrative and faculty staff, our teachers;
We thank you for the love and support you’ve given us for our education.
      Most of all to our Almighty God, we owe all the things to you, the good health and the strong will.
      And now to the Juniors, we, the Members of the Senior Class 1999-2000, leave you the responsibilities, the talent and skills we possess. We now hereby make known our Class Will and Testament.

      Maria Lani Sabidalas, Jelyn Micmic, Elijah Agasan, Janefher Siarro, Nadia Silario, Mapet May Amoyot, Katrina Tabilog and Ryan John Arensol expect Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Ricky Jay Elenterio, Ignacio Almendralejo, Michel John Allones, Flory Ann Alinsud, Marissa Tolentino and Ma. Febe Salinas to lead their batch effectively to achieve unity and cooperation just like what the Seniors have done.
      Felimae Cervantes leaves her responsibility as the Editor-in-Chief of the Hillside Echoes to whoever can make it Liny Garillos or Michel John Allones. On the other hand, Maria Lanie Sabidalas authorizes Jacquelyn Gomez to take her place as the Editor-in-Chief of Ali Mudin.
      The future Physicists and the young Chemist of our batch Jelyn Micmic, Maria Lanie Sabidalas, Felimae Cervantes, Jethsemae Ampil, Allen Ross Ambe, Catherine Anecita, and Ma. Rowela Visto wish Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Bevien Alcantara, Jaisa Mhe Amase and Jemson Arceo to follow their footsteps.
      The Wizards of the Navy – Ma. Lanie Sabidalas, Jelyn Micmic, Rosalinda Amorcillo, Jethsemae Ampil and Catherine Anecita to sove perplex problems and algebraic equations to Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Ignacio Almendralejo, and Gladys Dee Torrento.
Ma. Ruby Rose Alloso, Jelyn Micmic, Jethsemae Ampil, Princess Viana Juaneza, Ma. Dexie Allera, Catherine Anecita and Katrina Tabilog leave their ability to express themselves in English and Filipino language fluently and proficiently to Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Jemson Arceo, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Ma. Febe Salinas, Michel John Allones, Feve Amorsolo, Marissa Tolentino, Flory Ann Alinsud, Lilee Mae Ampordan, Jaisa Mhe Amase and Jovy Ann Almeria.
       Jelyn Micmic, Rosalinda Amorcillo, Jethsemae Ampil, Ma. Rowela Visto, and Princess Viana Juaneza leave their maps and history books to Liny Garillos, Michel John Allones, Jacquelyn Gomez, Flory Ann Alinsud, Marissa Tolentino, Ignacio Almendralejo and Jaisa Mhe Amase.
      Our bet in English Declamation, Felimae Cervantes wishes to leave her declamation pieces to Ma. Febe Salinas while Princess Viana Juaneza is expecting Jay Bee Jocson to follow her footstep in Filipino declamation.
      The expert kuryenthesians or electricians of our batch Jelyn Micmic, Ryan John Arensol, Roel Sumagaysay, Ricky John Ballarta, Allen Ross Ambe, Emman Tagurigan and June Maven Amor leave their fine techniques and capabilities in installing electrical wiring to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Allen Anayan and Alfredo Anacan while the ability of Jelyn Micmic, Felimae Cervantes, Catherine Anecita, Allen Ross Ambe, Roel Sumagaysay and Rhea Mae Micmic in solving current, voltage, and resistance problems related to electricity to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Jovy Ann Almeria and Ignacio Almendralejo.
       Our gorgeous and sexy CAT-1 Corps Commander of our batch, Ma. Lanie Sabidalas challenges any Junior to take charge of the battalion.
       Our Chess Grandmasters, Jelyn Micmic, Jethsemae Ampil, Romel Baylen, Elijah Agasan, and Lorraine Perez pass on their special moves and techniques to Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Jo-R Alicer and Carlson Alinday. The best performance of Julie Mark Alitre, Anna Karen Tolentino, and Ma. Lourdes Saclote in playing table tennis will go to Liny Garillos, Mark Wil Saclote and Paul Frannie Cabatbat.
       The fascinating dresses of the millennium of Jelyn Micmic, Jethsemae Ampil, Ma. Rowela Visto, Ma. Vejaya Jarloc, Princess Vianna Juaneza, Armi Joyce Alimbuyao and Ma. Tatiana Ruth Amsua leave their extraordinary styles and haute couture designs to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Honey Joy Tolentino, April Jade Almendralejo, Geraldine Puson, Reynalyn Sorongon and Junelyn Buhay.
Janefher Siarro, Karen Joy Salarda, Rowena Campano and Sheena Amoyot leave their recipes and cookbooks to Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Jossette Mae Sajonia, Judelyn Gervacio, Chona Alsaga and Christine Aberos while Ma. Florelie Almeñana, Rhedilyn Otian, Fritz Aldep, Romel Baylen, Ma. Edlyn Alingalan and Mary Joy Ann Sanoy bequeath their secrets in producing high quality livestock and poultry supplies to Jacquelyn Gomez, Genesa Talite, Chona Anitubo, Sheila Candel, Roel Labañero, Kem Alonzaga, Vincent Richard Castor, Gladys Manicsic and Ricky Jay Elenterio.
        The skill of Ramon Anaud, Ohnas Caluste, Anastacio Alingalan, Rosell Hernia and Michael Alingalan in transforming wood to elegant pieces of furniture to Bryan Anino, Joven Piojo, Ralf Theodore Amoyan, Allan Anayan and Anthony Magbanua. The magic hands that can transform pretty girls into more attractive gals of Jona Amador, Milyn Alfiscar, Analie Calambro, Shelnor Jugado and Hazel Amparo are leaving their blowers and make up sets to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Almie Muñoz, Rona de los Reyes, Gellen Andeo and Rosalie Alfeche.
        The melodious voices of Jelyn Micmic, Katrina Tabilog, Mary Jane Aguilar, Emely Cabañas, Roel Sumagaysay, Luiseo Alonsabe, Julie Mark Alitre and Nadia Silario that can enchant your mood are also heard from Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Nickel Caldelero, Lilee Mae Ampordan and Cherry Gil Alegroso.
        The graceful steps of Ma. Tatiana Ruth Amsua, Ma. Rowela Visto, Felimae Cervantes, Princess Viana Juaneza, Romel Baylen, Ryan John Arensol and Fritz Aldep in interpreting folk dances to Liny Garillos, Ruzel Lee Tria, Joanna Marie Gomez, Ma. Janice Alingasa, Sheena Marie Alzate, Ricky Jay Elenterio, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Herman Andeo, Ignacio Almendralejo and Mark Wil Saclote.
        Ma. Ruby Rose Alloso challenges any Junior to follow her footsteps as the highest pointer during the Regional School Press Conference.
        The adroitness of Mapet May Amoyot, Mary Joy Manguray, Carmela Cañonero and Razel Bendol in strumming guitars to Marissa Tolentino, Feve Amorsolo, Bevien Alcantara, Lilee Mae Ampordan and Carol Jean Capitpit. Likewise, the ability of Raymundo Amon, June Maven Amor, Nony Andea, and Aileen Caviado in blowing musical instruments to Elmer Clamar, Stephanie Ampane, Edmund Guardia, Sheryl Cagud, MV June Anino, Danilo Butanga, Amor Divina Anglacer, Liezel Joy Pin and Genevieve Amaguin.
         Ryan John Arensol, Catherine Anecita, Roel Sumagaysay, Gezelle Alinsangan, Edlyn Alingalan, and Elijah Agasan leave their hot steals and smashes to Marissa Tolentino, Reynalyn Sorongon, Maricon Andea and Rosalyn Bendol.
         Our bets in Sepak Takraw – Fritz Aldep, Elizer Corsino and Nelbert Amorio challenges any Juniors to follow their footsteps.
         The good-looking Campus Heartthrob of our batch – Fritz Aldep, Romel Baylen, Ryan John Arensol, June Maven Amor, Allen Ross Ambe, Elijah Agasan, RZ Vincent Jarme, Ramon Anaud, Roel Sumagaysay, Antonio Alinday, Byron Paciente, and Ohnas Caluste are reflected to Tom Jeceff Alipao, Michel John Allones, Ricky Jay Elenterio, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Herman Andeo, Diobanni Cloyd Paciente and Jessie Jan Famillaran. While the seductive and electrifying beauties of Princess Viana Juaneza, Ma. Rowela Visto, Janefher Siarro, Armi Joyce Alimbuyao, Gezelle Alinsangan, Ma. Tatiana Ruth Amsua, Chloe Armada, Lorraine Perez, Ellen Amamanglon and Mapet May Amoyot are mirrored to Liny Garillos, Gloria Romana Bisenio, Jacquelyn Gomez, Carol Jean Capitpit, Reynalyn Sorongon, Joanna Marie Gomez, Janice Alingasa, Lilee Mae Ampordan, Marissa Tolentino, Almie Muñoz, Sheena Marie Alzate and Ma. Febe Salinas.
         The Cradle Snatchers who admire and fall in love with their younger brothers and sisters Ma. Rowela Visto, Princess Viana Juaneza, Lorraine Perez, Vanessa Alla, Lourdes Saclote, Elijah Agasan and Roel Sumagaysay are also reflected in Geraldine Puson, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Ma. Theresa Canuto and Feve Amorsolo.
         The Weight Lifters skinny as a fishbone - Maria Lourdes Saclote, Ma. Theresa Puson, Ma. Vejaya Jarloc, June Maven Amor, Dominic Algallar, Rena Ampuyas, Jerson Berondo, Lorraine Perez, Chloe Armada, and Nelson Anasarias leave their dumb bells, lifts, skills, and tactics to Marlo Alli, Jacquelyn Gomez, Rey Anaud, Mark Will Saclote, Feve Amorsolo, Geraldine Puson and Bryan Anino.
         The Coca Cola shaped body but almost made it to the Biggest Losers with their elephant size weight – Ma. Ruby Rose Alloso, Rhea Mae Micmic, Jethsemae Ampil, Gezelle Alinsangan, Jelyn Micmic, Mary Joy Ann Sanoy, Princess Viana Juaneza, Mayflor Amberong, and Amparo Telesforo leave their girdles and dieting pills to gain 35-24-35 unbeatable figure to Jemson Arceo, Junelyn Buhay, Mafe Grace Andea and Jay Bee Jocson.
         The mysterious beauties and handsome looks of Annabel Cortez, Katrina Tabilog, Jethsemae Ampil, Ma. Dexie Allera, Elizer Corsino, Bert Martin Galaraga, Jenny Ann Anino and Manuel Jerico Kabayao who still believe that black is beautiful are seen in Liny Garillos, Liezel Ocbian, Ryan Embate, Ma. Ruby Aquiman, Jessie Rey Alquitran, Flory Ann Alinsud, Aries Camral, Geraldine Puson, and Ignacio Almendralejo.
         The Ambassador and Servants of Christ Elijah Agasan, Felimae Cervantes, Ma. Ruby Rose Alloso, Irene Dematria, Fritz Aldep, Romel Baylen and Katrina Tabilog bequeath their faith and determination in spreading the word of God to Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Jay Bee Jocson, Gloria Bisenio, Michel John Allones, Ricky Jay Elenterio, Diobanni Cloyd Paciente, Janice Alingasa, Junelyn Buhay and Cherry Gil Alegroso.
         The Fashion Victims – Nadia Silario, Ma. Ruby Alloso, Allen Ross Ambe, Janefher Siarro, Ma. Tatiana Ruth Amsua, Julie Mark Alitre, June Maven Amor, Ryan John Arensol and Jennelyn Alim leave their unique taste of fashion to Liny Garillos, Jacquelyn Gomez, Marissa Tolentino, Reynalyn Sorongon, Rosalyn Bendol, Sheena Marie Alzate, Michel John Allones, Noel Camique and Lovelyn Lasafin.
         The original Med Tiks of the Seniors Rhino Amada, Vincent Alquitran, June Maven Amor, Dominic Algallar, Charl Louie Allere, Jufil Canadalla and Michael Jan Atesora bestow their quick wit and well-bent tongues in boasting and bragging to Liny Garillos, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Tom Jeceff Alipao, Sheena Marie Alzate, Noel Camique, Rey Anaud, Jerol Camarista, and Ralph Amase.
         The Crying Techniques of Katrina Tabilog, Annabel Cortez, Janefher Siarro, Gezelle Alinsangan, and Ma. Rowela Visto are left to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Sheena Marie Alzate, Jay Bee Jocson and Janice Tacaisan who are ready with their bundles of tissue paper and hankees.
         The ability of Rhino Amada, Antonio Alinday, Ryan James Dolorito, Catherine Anecita, Edlyn Alingalan, Amparo Telesforo, and Jenny Ann Anino – our modern day Charlie Chaplin that could make your stomach ache of laughters are visible to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Jerol Camarista, Junelyn Buhay, Gladys Manicsic, Ryan Embate and Janice Tacaisan.
         The six footer Seniors, Ma. Rowela Visto, Rhedilyn Otian, Mary Joy Ann Sanoy, Shiela Mae Andoloy, Jethsemae Ampil, Ma. Dianne Kristy Calambro, Ma. Fe Alga, Karen Joy Salarda, Kristelyn Prieto, Ivy Lira and Mary Jane Sadongdong pass on their cigarette heels for being the hobbits of the real world’s Middle Earth to Maria Rheza Alim, Mafe Grace Andea, Sharlene Tagabe, Carlson Alinday, Karen Anabo, Bonalyn Amisco and Geraldine Puson.
         The Multi-awarded Famas and Oscar Awardees Katrina Tabilog, Elijah Agasan, Ma. Tatiana Ruth Amsua, Emman Tagurigan, Princess Viana Juaneza and Nadia Silario who can be compared to Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, Christopher de Leon, Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Clark Gable, Katharine Hepburn, Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn are also visible to Liny Garillos, Marissa Tolentino, Jacquelyn Gomez, Cherry Gil Alegroso, Ma. Febe Salinas and Jay Bee Jocson.
          The Casper Company of our batch Dominic Algallar, Jufil Canadalla, Raymundo Amen, Mark Vincent Capada, Chris Alimpuyo, and Manuel Jerico Kabayao share their invisibility of missing, cutting or escaping classes to Jessie Rey Alquitran, Noel Camique, Benette Anthony Alloso, Kenneth Brabangco, MV Jun Anino, Paul Frannie Cabatbat and Shaney Allanic.
          Marife Aliman, Dominic Algallar, Carmela Cañonero, Ma. Dexie Allera, Armi Joyce Alimbuyao, Elijah Agasan, Jufil Canadalla, Luiseo Alonsabe, Fritz Aldep, Ryan John Arensol and Vanessa Alla will turn over their crowns being weird or inappropriate to Sharlene Tagabi, Marissa Tolentino, Aries Camral, Marlo Alli, Joanna Marie Gomez, Gladys Manicsic, Paul Frannie Cabatbat and Sheena Marie Alzate.
         Considered as loyal and studios Vanessa Alla, Romela Mae Alminaza, Rosalinda Amorcillo, Armi Joyce Alimbuyao, Mary Joy Manguray, Jethsemae Ampil, Rowena Alcantara, Marife Aliman, and Anabelle Cortez pass their collections of magazines and romance pocketbooks to Marissa Tolentino, Joanna Marie Gomez, Janice Alingasa, Gladys Manicsic and Sheena Marie Alzate.
         Ma. Ruby Rose Alloso, Jenny Ann Anino, Ma. Edlyn Alingalan, Catherine Anecita, Rhea Mae Micmic, Mapet May Amoyot, Darwin Alipen and Carmela Cañonero pass on their childish ways to Liny Garillos, Rey Anaud, Thomas Anthony Alderete, Ryan Embate, Janice Tacaisan, Gladys Manicsic and Mafe Grace Andea.
       The “kilig to the bones” and the sweetest love teams of our batch, Felimae Cervantes and Ryan John Arensol, Mary Joy Manguray and Allen Ross Ambe, Edmar Angustia and Julieta Amyer, Roel Sumagaysay and Ma. Lourdes Saclote, Ramon Anaud and Ma. Rowela Visto, Emman Tagurigan and Janefher Siarro, June Maven Amor and Cherry Ann Almendral, Nadia Silario and Ryan James Dolorito, Fritz Aldep and Princess Viana Juaneza, Rhino Amada and Ellen Amamanglon, Romela Mae Alminaza and Antonio Alinday, Irish Magbanua and Ian Alimato, Armi Joyce Alimbuyao and Mark Vincent Capada, Romel Baylen and Katrina Tabilog, Mary Jane Aguilar and Chris Alimpuyo and Maria Lanie Sabidalas and Leonardo Alimeos are visible on Michael Alejan and Natalie Alingalan, Gloria Bisenio and Noel Camique, Nickel Caldelero and Cherilyn de los Reyes, Shaney Allanic and Lilee Mae Ampordan, Amor Divina Anglacer and MV Jun Anino, Liny Garillos and Mark Wil Saclote, Kenneth Brabangco and Rosalyn Bendol, Herman Andeo and Joanna Marie Gomez, Ma. Febe Salinas and Michel John Allones, Kem Alonzaga and Ma. Fema Cabanalan, and Junelyn Buhay and Ariel Taladro.
        The most controversial love triangles of our batch Elijah Agasan – Ma. Lanie Sabidalas – Leonardo Alimeos, Dexie Allera – Fritz Aldep – Rhea Mae Micmic, Jethsemae Ampil – Ryan John Arensol – Felimae Cervantes, Donato Tingson – Ma. Dianne Calambro – Randy Alimpuyo, Roderick Allonar – Annabelle Cortez – Joe Mar Ambong, Ma. Lourdes Saclote – Roel Sumagaysay – Lorraine Perez, Ramon Anaud – Ma. Rowela Visto – Jufil Canadalla, and Ma. Ruby Rose Alloso – June Maven Amor – Cherry Ann Almendral pass their intrigues and tickets to The Jerry Springer Show to Jemson Arceo – Rodel Labañero – Liezel Ocbian, Carol Jean Capitpit – Herman Andeo – Lilee Mae Ampordan, Noel Camique – Gloria Romana Bisenio – Ricky Jay Elenterio and Mark Will Saclote – Liny Garillos – Herman Andeo.
       The strong bonds that tie the OBD’S Campus Girls, Tropang Baliw, Snat Gal’z, 3’b Oken Egg, Tsimpan Z’s, The Musketeers, Monkey Movers pass the rope of friendship, camaraderie and brotherhood to Flash Girls, Ge TCH, Spice Girls and Hand 12.
        The 4-2 class, considered as the noisiest section and which has no meaning of the dictionary pass their title to the 3-2 class.
        And the rest of the Juniors whose names have not been specifically mentioned but who possess good traits and talents that could lift up and hold tightly the name of our beloved Alma Mater, may you too share your potentials, and may the Almighty God bless you and lead you to the fruitful path of victory in life.
       In witness thereof, we, the Graduating Class of Year 2000, do hereby affix our signatures on this 24th day of February Year 2000 at the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School. Witnesses are Mrs. Salvacion Garrido, our school English publication adviser and our advisers.

A Holy Letter

2010-11-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

True Love – Forever Love!

      Hi! It’s Me – Jesus! Oh, please don’t shut the door in my face! Please don’t turn around and walk away. I just want to talk to you but not about your problems or your sins. I don’t want to preach at you or make you feel guilty. I just want to tell you how much I love you.
      You know, I’m not far away, up in the sky, or in some distant place called Heaven. I’m right by your side, and if you’ll ask me to come into your heart, I can even live inside you there. I know all about you. I even know the things that you try to hide from everyone – including yourself.
       I know your heartaches and the pain that you suffer. I know what you worry about. I know your secret dreams and aspirations. I know what has disappointed you in the past, and I know your fears about the future. I know the times that you are jealous or compare yourself negatively with others. I understand how you can’t always be everything you would like to be, and that sometimes do or say things that you later regret.
      At times you wonder if anybody really understands you or truly cares. You wonder if love exists – true, unchanging, unending love. Sometimes you feel so alone, and existence seems so pointless. You ask yourself, “What am I here for? What am I supposed to do? Why am I alive? Is there a God? And if so, where is He? Who is He?”
       I’ve heard all these questions that are in your heart. I’ve felt your struggle. I understand your uncertainty, your heaviness, and your frustration. I know how disappointed you sometimes feel about yourself, wishing you could do better. But even when you try your best, things just don’t always seem to work out as you hope.
      So you look at life’s monotony and ask yourself, “Is this all there is? Isn’t there something deeper? Some reason, some purpose or goal for my life?”
      My dear friend, the answer to these questions and the satisfaction you are looking for will not be found in the world that you see with your eyes. It can only be found in the world of spirit, where love reigns supreme. God, the great Creator, the King of the Universe, is love. He is the invisible Spirit of Love – and to know, receive and share this love is the purpose for living.
      But it’s not something that you can work for or earn by your own goodness, by keeping the rules and trying so hard. This blessing of love – the greatest treasure anyone could ever receive is a gift. It can only be received by faith. You can’t work for it or prove yourself worthy of it.
      God loves you so much that he wanted to make it easy for you to understand Him and His love. He wanted to give you a picture, an illustration, an example of His love that would help you to see that he and his love are real. His love is not something that can just read about, discuss or debate but it’s something that you can experience in your life. It is power, it is warmth, and it is light and life! God’s love is all those things.
      Because God is so grand, so magnificent, so all encompassing. He knew it would be difficult for you to understand him and his love, and to understand how you could receive it. So he allowed me, Jesus, to be the illustration of his love for you.
      Now I am the connection between you and God. I am the go-between, the mediator, the staircase to Heaven. Through me you can pass from a life of emptiness or disappointment or turmoil and desperation into a life of peace and plenty and love. It’s all yours for the asking. Even the tiniest desire of your heart is important to me, and nothing gives me more pleasure than to take from the riches of heaven and give you what you need to make you happy.
       I love you with a love that is perfect and without end. I don’t look at your imperfections, mistakes and sins, and then get upset and stop loving you. No, I love you in spite of all of these things! I love you for who you really are, and for what you can be.
       I love you as no one else has ever loved you before, and as no one else will. There is nothing you can do that could cause me to turn my back on you. The only thing that could come between you and my love would be your refusal to receive it, for I cannot force it on you.
Open your heart to me, believe in my love, and we will begin the greatest adventure of your life. We will lead a life of love together – not just here and now, but forever!

                                                           With love forever,

                                                                     Jesus