Field Notes

Freaky Happy Pre- Valentines

2012-02-19T04:57:00.006+08:00

“Valentine’s Day is a celebration, but it becomes a crucial time for self-evaluation. There are a lot of reasons to celebrate Valentine’s Day – and being in a relationship isn’t the only way to enjoy life."

So the best way to enjoy the much awaited Hearts Day? Spend it with your single friends. travel together. be crazy. And it was our FIRST trip together.

Saturday is for learning about history of Manila. We took Carlos Celdran Walk Tour. Lunch time is for Binondo Food trip. Afternoon is for Divisoria shopping.

Sunday is for the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark Air Field, Pampanga.

(will post more after I find my sanity. hehe

Huwag maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan: It's More Ffun Here!

2012-01-19T19:22:00.016+08:00

Branding. Tagline. Tourism.

It's an answer to the question of tourists especially foreigners: "Why should I go to the Philippines?"

A marketing strategy. to promote our country. From Wow Philippines!, short-lived Pilipinas kay Ganda to the new tourism brand: "It's More Fun in the Philippines."

Wow Philippines conceptualized by former DOT Sec. Dick Gordon was very successful. No doubt about that. They had statistics to prove that claim. That's why when it was changed into 'expensive but poor Poland ad copycat" Pilipinas Kay Ganda, so many raised their eyebrows. If ain't broke, don't fix it.

Pinoy OFW posted on its blog reasons why this new slogan lacks appeal and criticized its lousy concept. No wonder a month after it's launching, it flopped and was junked.

Here comes another administration. Another DOT Secretary. A man with PR background. and the new brand was launched!

The new brand carries a bright, colorful logo that features a colorful “banig” or mat bearing a woven image of the Philippine map in yellow. Overwhelming reaction of citizen rose. But it was mixed with disbelief when someone discovered this tagline was "copied" (again! Poland ad hello?!) from Switzerland ad in 1951.

I was even shocked when my journalist friend said it was copied and tagged me the 1951 ad. But looking closely, the presentation was very far. It was the same okay. But maybe Foucault is right. No one holds the Absolute concept. That there is no such thing as "original" idea. Probably. And what's more important is for us, Filipinos to own this concept.

As DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez said:

“Come to the Philippines because we are more fun… we are a place to reconnect with your humanity, with family, laughter and basically with yourself...We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. More fun in the Philippines is true. Keri natin ito.”

This ad is not solely for the foreigners but also for more Filipinos to travel within our country. Explore our country first! Explore you locality first; be the local guide. Know more about your place- Beyond history, beyond restaurants and tourist spots. But know also the political dynamics, the threats; its strength and weaknesses. Own your place.

And I would like to promote MINDANAO tourism above all. WOW MINDANAO especially to our fellow Filipinos who still think Mindanao is about bombs, bandits, terrorism and boondocks. And as Cielito Habito wrote,

"...Mindanao is the future of the Philippines,” remarked my daughter last week. She was marveling at the futuristic new city hall rising in Tagum City, Davao del Norte (“looks like Singapore,” she said), the wide highways we traversed to get there, and the great natural wealth visible in the lush agricultural crop around. It struck me how she could make this observation on what was only her second visit to Mindanao. She had formed her first impression of Mindanao several years ago when a friend invited her to their place in Bukidnon, and was deeply impressed then at how well endowed our southern regions are...
......I haven’t even begun to talk about the great tourism potentials in Mindanao, which I had my family sample firsthand for the first time last week. Everyone’s now mouthing our new tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Well, we discovered that family vacations could be even more fun in Mindanao...I think my daughter had it right: our country’s future is in Mindanao."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

So here's my contribution to the new tourism slogan.

San Juanico Bridge, Leyte
Sunset and Full moon experience! <3

Mayon Volcano, Daraga, Albay

Ricefield in Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte during sunset
The sky is like a painting, splashed with watercolors!

Habal-habal Ride coming from Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato
The risk and the laughter that come with it is priceless! Onli inda Pilipens!
Photo by Mr. Julz Mella

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Skylab or Habal-habal. Ingenuity and Risk taking!
field work going to Butuan City

I love jumpshots! and doing it with new acquaintances are even better! :)
Lake Holon climb

Walk for Earth Celebration at Hubo Falls, Tupi, South Cotabato

Kadayawan Festival like no Other.
To enjoy it more, act like a Turista! Be curious! :)

And to cap my love for traveling and learning, here's a visual treat on why you should discover this 7,107 islands called Philippines:

There are lots and lots of reasons why you should visit our country. Tara, byahe na tayo! TRAVEL YOUNG! Boost Local Economy! be a green traveler. :)

Endings and New Beginnings

2011-12-31T15:17:00.007+08:00

The Mayan calendar predicted that 2012 is the end of the world. If indeed next year is the apocalypse, then I die happily!

2011 is the year of the rabbit, and it's truly my Year- the year of Dorarabbit! :))
I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to commune with nature and climb mountain (literally). Lake Holon trip and my Linan climb are just memorable - Meeting new friends, being a part of the TAKSA small mountaineering group.

Although I started the year being healthy, I wasn’t able to continue the climbing exercises. I was invited to Mt. Apo but I declined (conflict of sked and I don’t want climbing event with many climbers). Traveling to Visayas is another milestone in my travel list. Being a salimpusa is not bad after all. You just need to be friendly and be open to a lot of possibilities. Traveling is only enjoyable if you have the best company. Traveling entails new learnings and knowing more about yourself.

God knows how itchy my feet gets, so He wanted me to take another trip to open my eyes and mind to the different faces of poverty and richness of human spirit. Visiting Kulaman and meeting the Manobo Dulangan who struggles to keep their ancestral domain is a trip I could not forget. In every cup of coffee, a dream continues. 

To end my year, I got to finally take one thing on my bucketlist- watch Azkals live and see David Beckham in flesh.

2011 have been a great year despite the challenges. Thank you Lord for blessing me and my family. Here's to more love, travel and life!

Water dragon, Let's get it on!! :)

The Lost Diary of a FanGirl

2011-12-31T14:52:00.010+08:00

Dream big and be busy making it happen.
If God didn't wnat us to reach for the stars, He wouldn't give us the power to dream.

2011 is the year of football renaissance. Football gained the limelight again when our national team, the Azkals made a Cinderella win in Vietnam. The Azkals, the underdogs defeated the defending champion, 2-0 on its home stadium. Christ Greatwich scored the goal through a header on 37th minute and Phil Younghusband sealed the fate at the 79th minute. It was pandemonium. It was December 5, 2010.

And it was never the same again. Azkals rose to prominence. They got the media mileage, corporate sponsors came in. Azkals, like the stray dogs were homeless and under supported. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) management was reformed (the former president Jose Mari Martinez was booted out and replaced by Nonong Araneta).

365 days after and the universe conspired. The football superstar David Beckham and his club, the LA Galaxy came to town to play with our boys! Together with Landon Donovan, Robbie Keanne, the 2011 Major League Series (MLS) Champs! Now’s that is one hell year-ender.

Adding to this memorable event is, this is David Becks last year with LA Galaxy (and we knew he won several cups in 3 different leagues on his last year of contract with them- Real Madrid (2003) and ManU UEFA Champions League (1998).

Who doesn’t know David? The charismatic (sometimes snobbish) football player, Unicef ambassador and father of 4 boys made a stellar career kicking balls with his trademark: Bend it like Beckham. The Becks technique is a top free kick goal scorer. There’s even a movie with this title (and I highly recommend it!). A free kick curve technique wherein the ball swerves, like a thunderbolt, the goalie could not see where it’ll land.

I’ve seen this moves several times when he was with Manchester United and Real Madrid and to see this move, and see my childhood love in flesh is once in a lifetime experience.

Last December 3, 2011 it happened. Aptly titled as the Dream Cup, the LA Galaxy faced our Azkals for a friendly match.

At first, I had second thoughts whether to watch it or not. The general admission ticket is quite pricey. P2,000 for blue and green bleachers, P5kfor white and whooping P15k for grandstands! It’s Christmastime, expenses started to pile up. Gifts for godchildren, nieces and nephews, some random kids on the list. But I made a bucketlist before and one of the things on my list is to watch any Azkals match live. I failed to watch their game vs. Sri Lanka for the AFC qualifiers. This is a chance. Well, David Becks is a bonus.

Luckily, Ticketworld has an outlet at Abreeza Mall. I bought the tickets after I watched the Pupil gig. They say never decide when you are happy or mad. I was so enthusiastic meeting Ely Buendia personally and I said to myself, Life is too short. And I’ll never know when I’ll be able to see David Becks. Rumors say he’ll transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. We’ll never know when he will retire. He had suffered several injuries already. I want to grad this opportunity.

Pikit-mata, buwis-buhay, ika nga! Wagas na wagas na pag-ibig! ahahaha

Since I had a business appointment in Makati within the week, I extended my stay. I was able to meet my mom, uncle and attend the 17th Annual Pride March too!

I had to watch the game solo. My football buddies Nina, faith, Maybelle and Anna could not make it. Conflict of sked, expensive ticket. But nothing could stop the fangirl in me.

I searched for directions online going to Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS). Withstanding the fact, that I don’t have a sense of direction. Dora lakwatsera na hindi alam ang direksiyon, kakaiba di ba?! haha! As Beatles sang, I get by with a little help from my friends. Tin-tin decided to meet me and accompany me to RMS.

The line outside started as early as 4:30PM, But it was 5:00PM that the gates opened. Next to me in line are two cool moms whose kids play football. They got their tickets as complimentary for their kids football clinic. They were amazed when they learned I came from Davao.. we were annoyed with the guards at the entrance. They didn’t give clear instructions. At first they told us to form two lines- females in lfet, male in right only to be switched midway inside and to form two lines each for each sex. It was like a scene in a cotillion dance. It was nice to look at if it’s a small audience but with a line up to La Salle, this is no laughing matter. Sweat, soft drizzle and no umbrellas allowed inside mase some irritated. Even bottled waters are not allowed. Part of the sponsorship deals of food stalls inside.

After seeing my assigned seat, I looked around. The Kaholeros were practicing their cheers. Ushers in pink were busy helping fans look for their seats. Then I saw two girls with face paints of Philippine flag and Azkals. I was jealous, of course. So I went out again, look at the booths outside and the face paint was offered by Smarth. You just buy a load,you got to get freebies of your choice- vuvuzelas that don’t work, balloon clapper and/or face paint.

I fell into line. Another girl’s face was being painted. She looked up and smiled. Then she asked me, “Di ba taga UP Min ka?” I nodded. “Ngano te, Bisaya’g nawong jud ba ko?”, I asked her. Welaughed together. Her face is familiar. I know she’s an upperclass. Then we introduced ourselves. She’s Ate Richie Ross Rellama, an Architecture upperclass. It turned out she’s going solo too as her boyfriend went home to Davao.

I accompanied her to find her seat at the blue bleachers, only to fin out that she was seated just behind me! Talk about destiny of fellow futbol enthusiast! Our seat is just behind the Phil. Goal post. Ate RR would like to change seats. “we should find a seat perpendicular to the field to have a better view.” As an architect, I trust her calculation, of course. So many seats were not yet filled especially the seats near the white bleachers. We went here and if the ushers would found out, we will just smile and go back to our assigned seats. She went there first to check. All clear. I followed. It was a better view indeed.

The LA Galaxy players were already limbering. Our eyes immediately scanned for the blonde-haired man with a thin headband. There he was stretching, passing balls with Frankie Hedjul, Robbie and Landon. Then he went at the corner (near our area) and the mothers next to us shrieked, even louder than us! After several minutes, the show started.

LA Galaxy Line up:
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Donovan Ricketts

DEFENDERS (8) – Gregg Berhalter, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Frankie Hejduk, Dasan Robinson, Ryan Thomas

MIDFIELDERS (12) – David Beckham, Chris Birchall, Paolo Cardozo, Landon Donovan, Hector Jimenez, Bryan Jordan, Juninho, Dan Keat, Jovan Kirovski, Mike Magee, Dustin McCarty, Michael Stephens

FORWARDS (4) – Adam Cristman, Robbie Keane, Miguel Lopez, Jack McBean

Azkals first LINE UP:

Rob Gier, Anton del Rosario, James Younghusband, Manny Ott, Phil Younghusband, Angel Guirado, Chieffy Caligdong (Captain), Chris Greatwich, Ed Sacapano (GK), Jason Sabio, Ray Johnsson

Substitutes: Joshua Beloya, Roel Gener, Misagh Bahadoran, Carli de Murga, Nate Burkey, OJ Clarino, Jason de Jong,Nestor Margarse, Paolo Pascual, Ian Araneta, Lexton Moy and Matthew Uy

FIFA flag entered. , our national anthem was played.

The LA Galaxy started to pass the ball, Azkals took defensive position. I stood near the railing. Someone called my name. I screamed. Another shout for my name. I looked around. Watched the field again. “May Cheeeeeee!” And someone waved. Deo Onda! A fellow UP student council officer way back in college, a goalie and a friend. And he’s watching solo too! I introduced him to Ate RR. Three Hans solo turned into groupie!

The three of us watched ht show with keen interest. Azkals showed great potential at the first half . David Becks scored at 19th minute. We cheered! Yes, we are traitors! Haha. Then Adam Christman made a goal. Phil Younghusband inspired, tackled the ball curled in a shot (the lone goal for the night for our team).

The UP Pep Squad provided entertainment on the half-time break.

Second half commenced. You know David Becks charm went beyond his sexy bod and strong legs. He is just David B. Every corner he went, the crowd just went ballistic!
Second half is no match for the Azkals. LA Galaxy players were just too fast, smooth ball passing, you weren’t able to catch their goals.
For the game highlights, I’ll let the this video do the talking:

It was 6-1. LA Galaxy had a friendly match with powerhouse Indonesia (1-0). But David Bcks was very impressed with our team. Our team’s newly gained strength is an inspiration to him. He was starstucked with our People’s Champ Manny Pacquaio too. After his substitution on the second half, he took off his shirt and gave it to Manny. But Jinkee yanked it off and wiped Beck’s jersey on her belofied face! Darn! She’s just lucky she’s too far, or else, the fandom will you know..hahaha!

The crowd started to leave after the players made their round, but Ate RR nudged us to go at the back. She wouldn’t sleep if she can’t get a closer glipse of David B. Binoculars during the game was irrelevant. So we went. We brushed aside other fans, took chairs to stand on and waited. Adam Christman (2 goals), was just walking to and fro to their bus (unlike other Galaxy players who always walk with escorts).

The burly event security were lined up up to the Galaxy bus. Frankie went out first. Then Landon. Then a tall guy wearing blue Adidas sweat pants and jacket and a bonnet. Swhoooosh! It just seems like a flash. David Beckham, yumminess! Arrrgggh!

Then I went outside and looked for Deo. Deo was standing at the gates pole. I took the place near him and watched David B mobbed by some giggling young girls (daughters of some PSC commissioners, perhaps?), then he went with their manager to the van before climbing their bus. Take the seat near the window please, we muttered under our breath. He listened. He smiled, waved. Fans continue to wave and shriek. Fans adoration is not new for him, that’s for sure. But he continued to wave. Then some fo the Azkal boys came out. Manny Ott was adorable. Ian, Chieffy and Jason Sabio came after. Ian continued to sign autographs at the Azkals bus. It’s already 11;30PM yet the crowd is still with high energy.

The three of us decided to call it a night. We walked outside the RMs gate, then some basketball players went out and asked us about the scores. “6-1”, I answered. They laughed. Oh! We lost but we gained so much. We expected that. And we don’t care, okay? Our team is in high spirits. David Becks, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane believed in our potentials. And that’s what is more important.

Football is not a fad. It is here to stay. And Brazil for 2014 World Cup, we will conquer. Dreams do come true after all! =)

Dilated Pupil (♥ _♥)

2011-11-28T12:38:00.007+08:00

11.20.11 in retrospect

Eleandre Basiño Buendia, more famously known as Ely and front act of the now defunct Eraserheads is my first love and my demigod. Forgive me for the cheesiness but it’s true! When you grew up with rockstar wannabe cousins Eheads songs is an everyday company.

Ely, my first love (to use the word "love' loosely. hehe)

Living with my testosterone-high cousins proved to be a good influence in terms of music choices. The time when Beatles swept Europe, Ely, Raimund, Buddy and Marcus from University of the Philippines Diliman made a mark in the music industry like no other.

The four boys clad only in jeans, tshirt and sneakers rocked my world. These guys swept Philippine rock music industry during the 90s. Hell, I grew up with Huling El Bimbo and Toyang every afternoon blaring on our music radio while I hop scotch with my friends.
They taught me how to be happy despite difficulties (With a smile), of being young and in love (Harana), respecting gender preference (Hey Jay), and the struggle the people, the masa has to face everyday (Para sa Masa). Their songs continue to be high school favorites during jamming sessions and a subtle way of making pacute with your crush. Until now, their songs is our videoke favorites as the easy to follow lyrics and rhythms great for barkada sessions.

The bands break-up is like a first love’s break up too. It hurts too much. After all, it is natural for any group (or organizations), to face challenges as part of its growth. But life must go on and Ely, the master songwriter tried to find his place under the sun. After several experiments, he is now with Pupil.

And when my best gal told me there’s a Pupil gig in Abreeza last November 20,2011, all hell comes loose. Relations and connections proved to be helpful. Fortunately, I was able to buy a cute black dress from one of Abreeza’s shop to get an extra pass for our another friend. That’s how Ely can make us panic.

Ely once tweeted he would no longer sing any Eheads song in any Pupil gig. But when he and the rest of Pupil members started their show after an hour delay!), four guys from our row shouted, “Eheads song! Alapaaaaaaaaap!” Oh well. No matter how much they wanted to get away from Eheads memory, it is a BIG part of his story. Even our story. And it’s no wonder during the meet and greet, still a lot of fans wear Eheads shirt and brought Eheads CD.

This is no disrespect to other Pupil members. I love them. Personal favorite songs are Nasaan Ka (2006 MTV Best Rock Video Award), Disconnection Notice, Different Worlds and 20/20. We are thankful that Yan Yuzon (lead guitar), Dok Sergio (bass) and Wendell Garcia (drums) are great guys who are not neophyte musicians. I know they understood us (and other diehard Ehead fans) when we choose to take our pictures with Ely first. My friend Krizzy and I planned of kissing Ely for a whole lot 5 minutes (no malice, promise!), we planned on how to approach him and witty remarks perhaps to get his attention. But when it’s our turn, we were dumbfounded. All we could manage to do was smile, and say Thank you. Argh! Good thing, another Ely fanatic, Den had the nerves to shake his hands. A silent fanboy, we discovered. :)

The fanboy and fangirls

It’s his charm and the mystery of close brush with Death that endeared him to me more. Oooh Ely. I promise. when I see you again, I will paint my lips red and give you a kiss. :))

Shit and Rubble

2011-10-28T15:07:00.005+08:00

(written last October 25,2011)

So many words are floating on my head. We just got from the burial of Fr. Pops. I am exhausted by the heat but at awe with an estimated 3,000 people who came to pay their last respects. This is the man,a priest,an Italian who choose to serve the Manobos of Arakan.

I need to sit down and catch the words I have for Fr. Pops. No I don’t know him personally. I haven’t met him. I was even thinking of another Italian missionary who could be in his place. His death, is another manifestation how life and justice here works. Impunity reigns. Justice is slower than the turtle.

This is a country that professes to pursue peace process but disregard ceasefire agreements. This is a country where politicians on their posh condos and Wack-wack Hills mansions show their love for the country by declaring an all-out war in Mindanao. Here is the moment where Erap and Lacson are agreeing on one thing: All-out-war. Forget how Erap, Lacson, Enrile and Biazon flaunt their machismo and myopic view of the problem, Forget about peace. Forget about the bakwits, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) that has been eternally been in struggle to live a peaceful life. After all, IDPs do not exist. Officially. They have returned to their homes, the government said. No more food coupons. No more IDPs, you see.

An eye for an eye that made the whole world blind. As if this government is not yet blind to the reigning injustices in the countryside. Fr. Pops is not the first and will not be the last victim of atrocities committed against IP rights advocates. Welcome to the 21st century where communism is still terrorism for our military’s vocabulary. That being vocal and fighting for land and resources of people in rural communities make one a NPA or a sympathizer and must be obliterated. Welcome to the 21st century when their analysis is easy and linear. Activist=communist=NPA= terrorist= enemy

Forget how the State especially the previous administration pushed for extractive industry and ordered military as Investment Defense Force (IDF). Forget that the yellow ribbon who scorned the previous admin’s atrocities are committing the same act- pushing for paramilitary and more military troops. Investments from multinational companies especially mining, after all are the driver of our national development rather than agriculture. Foget that we have sold patrimony wholesale- giving them everything, fingernails and all.

Forget that most of these areas are Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) and downstream communities are agricultural and coastal areas. Let us forget that we need water. The money we get from these investments will be enough. For how long, we do not know. We need to give them all the freedom and auxiliary rights for utilizing our resources. Let us forget that the mineral resources are finite, that no value adding to the materials are done, we just have to export it all unprocessed. What the government needs to do is to assure these investments to stay. Forget about human rights violations. Forget those concepts.

Let us not frame mining as the sole reason for the demise of Fr. Pops. Of course! Aside from mining, monocrop plantations, militarization are just one of the things there.

Let us forget our justice system here. We only have a legal system. It is not a justice system anyway. Let us forget how our Supreme Court, the highest court in this land can easily reverse its decision. While it takes decades for other cases, languishing with dusts, expect some controversial law to have shocking decisions (and diversions!) When Mining Law was questioned on its constitutionality, it favored the B’laan Tribal communties at first but overturned its own decision 11 months after. No GMA has nothing to do with it. The same way with the case of Philippine Airlines Employees vs its management. After 3 decisions favoring the employees, it takes only one letter from certain Atty. Estelito Mendoza for the SC to overturn its decision . No. don’t ever think about Bribery. Maritess Vitug in her book had a better way to describe that.

Forget that I wrote these in ramble and shambles, that I have been ranting in circles, tying words, finding coherence, but I cannot. This is how I see it. Welcome to chaos.

Cebu Salimpusa Fullybooked!

2011-09-23T16:17:00.022+08:00

Salimpusa. Ang salimpusa, saling-pusa, salingkit o salingket ay isang katawagan sa isang "bisitang" manlalaro sa anumang uri ng laro. Isa itong manlalarong bata na hindi pa totoong kasali sa laro sapagkat, dahil sa kaniyang murang pag-iisip at pisikal na gulang, hindi pa makasusunod sa mga patakaran at batas ng laro. Kunyari lamang na totoong kasali o tunay na manlalaro ang panauhing bata. Karaniwang isinasali nang ganito ang bata para mapagbigyan ito at maiwasan umiyak.

In this trip, I am a salimpusa in the group of my perennial travel buddy and colleague Ate Liezl. She’ll be meeting her college buddies. I just tag along and be the great salimpusa. Haha! The four women- Ate Emily,Liezl, Rachel and Bingbing became my new friends and travel companions in the Queen City of the South.

It is said that every person should maintain at least 3 kinds of friendships:
1. friends of your own age whom you can talk over your problems, plans and goals with confidence;
2. friends older than you to whom you can confide and be assured of wise counsel;
3. friends younger than you to whom you can share your life’s experiences.

It is not only in being helped but in helping others that you can find true friends.

Cebu, originally called as Sugbo prided itself with so many things. It has a lot of stories to tell. Before the coming to the Spaniards, it was the center of trade and commerce in the south. Trading with Chinese ships arrived with silks and porcelains bartered for honey, gold, wood and spices.

In 1521, the Spanish troops headed by Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu and presented a Santo Niño (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Rajah Humabon and his wife, Hara Amihan. Magellan converted most of the locals Catholicism.

But when Magellan reached the narrow strait to Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu, the chief, resisted his entry and fought against the Spanish troops killing Magellan in the famous Battle of Mactan. Cebu’s invasion was delayed until Legazpi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta arrived in 1566.

Cebu embraced Catholicism with great fervor. It’s no wonder old churches abound here. Ate Emily, our host, the Sec. of Tourism (hehe!) prepared our iterinaries. For the first day, we are the pilgrims. We visited Marian Hills in Simala, Municipality of Sibonga (located between Argao and Carcar City). It is around 2 hours travel from the Cebu City center.

Called as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, this is the church for the Marian devotees. It is very popular among believers for the miraculous Virgin. devotees are not just women but also men! :) I was astounded by the place. Just after a decade, the place improved tremendously. The ‘Mga Monghe ni Maria’[Monks of Mary] supervises the Monastery.

Personal letters addressed to the Virgin Mary are also displayed. Try to read them and you’ll be inspired. You can also write your petition letter or thanksgiving letter. People from different places flock to the church everyday!

From Simala, we passed by Carcar town public market and tried the famous lechon and puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves) and softdrinks! One kilo of tasty lechon is only P300! Ate Liezl’s father cooks lechon too and as a lechon 'expert' taster , she swears it is one of the best lechon! The lechon’s tasty, you no longer need any condiments.

Aside from lechon, Carcar also is home to chicharon (not made of intestine but of pork skin), ampao, banana chips and coconut jam.

Carcar also houses the biggest shoe! Guinness World record holder which stands 3.6 meters, length of 7.6 meters and width of 2.9 meters!

Time to shop for shoes, but not for me, but for my inaanaks! (heard that Baby Kelon and Shan-shan loved those cute espadrilles!)

Then stop-overs to the old churches from the cities and municpalities we passed going to Simala. Churches in Minglanilla, San Fernaado and Carcar is just a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I always love old churches. I can get lost in the depths of its history, the power welded in the name of religion and people's manifestation of faith.

Santo Tomas de Villanueva or Pardo church

Minglanilla Church looks like a cake. It's already renovated.

San Fernando Church

Carcar Church (also known as Santa Catalina Church)

The next day is for the beach!! I love love loooooooove the beach. And it’s the reunion of Ate Liezl’s college barkada. Everyone was smitten by Clarke Isaac, ate Bingbing’s lovable son. While they keep abreast with their lives I and Clarke just milled around.

Sino ang tunay na ina?

The beach is the best place for modeling and jumpshot lessons! Hehe

By night, we visited Mactan shrine and shop for little trinkets as pasalubong. This is where guitars are made. For P1,500 , you’ll have your own guitar. I really wanted to but one for myself but I don’t know how to choose and I still don’t get the time to have guitar lessons. In time. 

But they kill starfishes to be used as ornaments! This made me cringe! :(

The island is also known for its danggit and sutokil (sugba, tola, kilaw). Fresh seafoods at Mactan Shrine is a must for seafoodies like us!

One could not leave Cebu without visiting it's historical landmark: Magellan's Cross and Basilica of Sto. Nino.

I just realized that Cebu people are really good with handicrafts. But with its fast development, nature is compromised. Water is one big problem here. The taxi driver told us their government made a dam for drinking water (is that possible?) but people from Leyte said, Cebu gets water from them. Bohol also is one supplier of potable water for Cebu as the latter continues its "development". Not just water, but also their fishes and trees! Hhhhmmmm….And as the city is fast developing and the land is now becoming limited, the solution? Reclaim large parts of the seas and make it an industrial zone!

Cebu has a lot of potentials. It is fast developing and becoming like Manila- in terms of skyscrapers and traffic! I hope Davao will not suffer the same fate in losing its potable water.

Enough with the negativity. Better dwell with positivity. This trip is finding new friends. Friends and ates who showed me that despite the societal pressures, one should be firm, enjoy and live life as it is.

Thank you mga ates for this wonderful South Cebu trip! :)

Flying to the Moon from Leyte and Back

2011-09-23T10:26:00.021+08:00

How many times one can possibly fall in love?

Twice? Thrice?

Me? I fall every time I see the sun sets and rises! And when I went to Leyte, I’ve fallen in love countless times! (kacheeeeeezy! Echosera! Ahahahaha!)

I went to Leyte for a qualitative research method training composed also of MA students from DENR, DAR and VSU Alang-alang and us, from NGO. This is an opportunity to have short glances of love on this place. But this entails also knowing the little details that can make you squirm but its little charm will make you want to come back and fall in love all over again. Forgive me for the cheesiness but let me count the ways why I fell in love in Leyte.

I’ve fallen in love with Visayas State University’s campus! Visayas State University is the only university in the Visayas acknowledged by the Department of Tourism as a tourist destination because of its diverse flora and fauna bounding the mainland and sea from side to side. They have three ecosystem- from the mountains, lowlands to the sea! The campus covers around 8,000 hectares of land including the land reservation area in Mount Pangasugan.
With Mount Pangasugan (upper campus) and the Camotes Sea (lower campus), its administration promotes the school as a Resort University" for it has resorts, seafront suites, cottages, and bungalows catering to visitors and tourists coming over to the university.

I visited their rainforest hardening agroecological division. This is where truly endemic endangered indigenous species of trees- mala-kawayan, apitong, dao, diit and so many other species and varieties that I could not remember the name and even never heard of. One of the problems in our reforestation project is introducing foreign species like gemelina, falcata, ipil-ipil (we have a native ipil-ipil but it’s already endangered)- some fast growing trees that annihilated our endemic species. Introducing foreign species when we do not even have an inventory of our local species of trees! The thinking that anything foreign is superior made it impossible for our implementers to undertake comprehensive research/ databank of our own diverse trees. I was even schocked that mahogany is not endemic to us! When asked what’s the best tree to plant in reforestation project, Doc Buboy never gives a straight answer. Soil analysis, water holding capacity, slope are just of the many things to be considered to make it successful. For instance, you cannot plant a certain variety of hard wood speciez at a sloping hill when it is not suitable for high altitude places. Or there are plant species good for watery area like dao. Mala-kawayan, for instance are best suitable in high altitude area.
Doc Buboy Dargantes explaining tress adaptability and the mala-kawayan's agroecological properties (I could not understand some of the terms! hahahaha!)

The National Greening Program (NGP) of the present administration is not solely about planting any tree but also knowing the plant’s suitability in the area for it to thrive. In the face of global warming, reforestation program should be comprehensive and could use VSU’s expertise in determining the right tree to plant in lowland or highland, dry or water prone area! :D

Sun arising in Mt. Pangasugan

It’s sad to know that Mount Pangasugan (part of it is reservation and protected area of the campus) has several mining application. During 1990s, they successfully stopped it and the former governor were caught saying in a presscon, “Never mind the forest.” This made the people mad. He lost the vote on the next election. I think the anti-mining vote is quite huge. (This is same in South Cotabato wherein all of politicians esp. for gubernatorial position last election vowed to stop mining in the area! Hello Gov. Pinggoy! Remember the covenant you signed?!)

I fell in love with the bikes! Teachers and students use bikes in going around the campus and even in the city! (so parang Korea or Holland lang ang feeling?! Hehe) Ate Liezl wanted to take her Masters here. And we joked with Doc Buboy that we’ll apply as RA!

I fell in love with qualitative research (again?!). I like Ms. Roa’s thesis on gender analysis in food security research. It showed a different way of seeing things, of being particular and maximizing the time in the field. The resource persons in the training are very accommodating too. No air whatsoever of their accomplishments. They happily shared how research- whether quantitative or quantitative can be useful especially for policies. We are lucky to have this opportunity to meet very passionate teachers and advocates. they told us we have to an eye for details and have the framework on seeing new things at something we used to think as mundane. Crucial part of the learning process is applying theories. Our group was assigned in Brgy. Kilim, one of the coastal barangays of Baybay City. We talked to the fishermen and fish vendor. They shared their problem on the unregulated entry of commercial fishing vessels. This made them powerless, they could no longer fish. The once bountiful fishing area for small fisherfolks (only using bingwit) has to contend with vessels coming from neighboring municipalities of Albuera and Cebu City. One peculiar thing shared also is the dynamics between the residents and the “separatist” group of Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) founded by Ruben Ecleo in Dinagat Islands. They live in one sitio in Kilim, have their own resort and have their own fiesta (even grander than that of the barangay’s!). hhhmmm....

I love the old church and the plaza! They have the church built in 16th century! It is the 3rd oldest church in Leyte. It’s a classic Spanish pueblo wherein church are the center of the community’s social life.

I love the richness of the island's history! The islanders of Leyte were among the first to welcome the Spaniards but they were also among the first to resist the Spanish invaders. The early revolts and uprising against the encroaching Spaniards was started by the freedom, war–like, heavily tattooed inhabitants of Leyte known as the pintados.

The place is also known in our history books as the place where Magellan landed in the island of Homonhon. Then Magellan crossed Limasawa. On March 31, 1521 Eastern Sunday, was celebrated the First Mass in the Philippines. Although this has been contested by some historians believing that it is in Mazau in Butuan. However 1998 publication by the National Historical Institute supports its initial claim that Limasawa was the site of the First Mass.

The famous Leyte landing by General Douglas MacArthur with President Sergio Osmeña, General Carlos P. Romulo, Major General Basilio J. Valdes, and other key officers of USAFFE and the combined Allied liberating forces. It is to immortalize MacArthur's words, "I shall return."

Leyte is also in the world history as the site of the Battle of the Leyte Gulf during World War II. And the four day battle culminated in the beachhead landing of the Allied forces headed by Gen. McArthur.

Right now, it faces a different battle- the battle of political clans. Romualdezes are from here. Imelda Romualdez- Marcos' ancestral home is in Palo, his father’s house is now the Sto. Nino Shrine in Tacloban) ruled esp. during Martial Law. After EDSA, they fled fearing the strong anti-Marcos and his cronies sentiments. New political clan took over. The Petilla’s (and Cari’s in Baybay. They are related by marriage. Smooth political moves, eh?) Before the Romualdez had Sangyaw festival. The new festival was named Pintados. After several decades, the Romualdezes came back and regained their political clout. So the city had an ordinance declaring Sangyaw as Tacloban’s original festival. There once a time that delegates for the Pintados parade were blocked by the city! Leyteneos, can you keep up with this? TSK!

I just love seafoods! Our last night is seafood foodie bonding. It’s wonderful talking to Ate Daisy and Doc Buboy. Never ending talk about German technology, Leyte’s marine reservation and never-ending academic endeavors for the benefit of mankind! Hehe

Full moon seafood grill dining at Bayluan Park

In Tacloban, we dined at Bayluan Park. The Sto. Nino was lost and found in Samar. The ritual is called as “Bayluan” wherein the Sto Nino was return and exchanged.
Funny and sad that this is also a disputed place. The land is owned by the Provincial government while the development was done by the City. (Tacloban City ruled by Alfred Romualdez while provincial Government ruled by Carlos Jericho Petilla). City Hall faces Bayluan Park, guarding the place. Expect to see the fierce battle in new form in this historical town during elections.

I love Na Ning’s interiors! Sports-themed murals, funny cocktails, beers from country of your choice, games on flat screen TVs, table soccer! This is owned by the Palami siblings and located near the entrance of Leyte Park and Resort.

I love the beautiful color mats! Made from tikog, this colorful beautifully woven mats are created in Basey, Samar.

I love sunset and sunrise! I experienced one of the best sweetest sunset in Baybay and over San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the country! What more can I ask for? :)

San Juanico Bridge, is 2.16 kilometer bridge and 41 meters high that crosses over picturesque San Juanico Strait connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. The bridge is a vital link between northern and southern Philippines through the Pan-Philippine Highway. This engineering marvel was built by Japanese engineers in 1969 and finished in 1973. We were euphoric riding the motorcycle as we traverse the length of the bridge watching the marvelous sunset over emerald green waters of San Juanico Strait.

It feels like being in two places at the same time! From Tacloban to Samar within 20 minutes. Zoooooom zoom!

So, how many times does one can fall in love? 0_o

Coffee Dreams in Kulaman

2011-09-21T18:35:00.025+08:00

A lot can brew over a cup of coffee. One of the best conversations I have with friends are over a cup of coffee. One reason perhaps, why cafes are fast proliferating with different blends of coffee, milk and other flavors here in the metro.

I for one, love brewed coffee to perk up my day. So how about a tour on where the best coffees are produced? Sound fun, huh?!

I was invited to take the slot of my colleague for a visit in one of the assisted communities of our partner NGO- TRICOM (Tri-people Concern for Peace, Progress and Development of Mindanao). Together with another partner, the Kaisampalad Inc. (KPI), the three has a collaborative project, a programmatic approach for local economy in different subsectors (coffee, banana, abaca, and coconut) development of conflict affected areas in Leyte, Agusan del Norte and Kulaman.

The area to be visited is the assisted community of Manobo Dulangan in Sitio Sewayeg and Brgy. Pangaan in Kulaman (now known as Senator Ninoy Aquino) municipality.
The municipality was part of Kalamansig before. By virtue of Presidential decree 341, it was created as municipality out of Municipality of Kalamansig. Then by virtue of Republic Act 6712, Kulaman was declared a municipality and renamed as Senator Ninoy Aquino in July 11, 1989. The poblacion retained the name Kulaman, and currently the municipality has 20 barangays.

The Manobo Dulangan Ancestral Domain approved claim is 26,994.2158 has covering three municipalities (Kalamansig Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino) with 11 barangays.

Iterinaries were prepared by the TRICOM staff assigned in SK. It was a happy route with detailed descriptions like “…the temperature in this area usually drops until 14 degree Celsius in the night and the relative atmospheric humidity is quite high….cold…cold…cold”. Happily, we prepared and brought our socks and jackets!brrrrrr!

We met other participants from Caraga. After a 5 hour bus travel to Tacurong (bus driver’s too respectful of the streets and quite a politician. He’s been talking to every passenger who’s getting off from the bus! Haha!). Other pax from Leyte and Kidapawan were already waiting for us in Isulan.

From Isulan, Kuya Daniel, one of youth leaders and TRICOM volunteer in Sitio Sewayeg met us. With a hired a van, we traverse the road to poblacion Kulaman for 4 hours. Watched the panoramic view of Sulatan Kudarat in View Point and listened to happy chattering and jokes of Kuya Lando (the van conductor). Then rain started to fall as the fog slowly spreads. The chilly wind sweeps our faces, everyone being lulled into sleep. The group arrived at the lodging house at around 6:30PM. A hearty dinner of tinolang manok and pork adobo was served. Then the group had a short briefing on itinerary, community profiles and protocols for cultural sensitivity in Manobo Dulangan villages.

Next day, we woke up early for the courtesy call with Mayor Dante Manganaan. He is an Ilocano coffee trader in the area. The group was served with BrownCup hot brewed coffee, local brand developed by the Gacayan General Merchandise. Mayor’s staff gave a short history of the municipality- one full of controversy. After it was proclaimed as municipality before, it was recalled and several attempts to regain its municipality status were denied. After EDSA, it was renamed after the befallen husband of the former president Cory Aquino in order to be approved.

Government programs such as 4Ps, Kalahi seeds and Cash for Work Program are directly implemented in the municipality. As the Mayor said, it’s better that national projects are directly implemented by the municipality. It lessens corruption.Especially the program on road construction. They would like to promote the area for its tourism especially for its unexplored caves. Ms. Gemma Viereas shared that that they hosted the 3rd Mindanao Caving Forum last 2003 (with Pst. Erwin Emata as one of the convenors). They plan to bid for National Caving Congress by 2012 to boost local tourism.

Then the group dropped by at the house of Brgy. Captain of Brgy. Tinalon (wherein Sitio Sewayeg belongs). The captain had a motorcycle accident and he’s already recuperating. He gladly welcomed the group and talked with TRICOM staff on illegal selling of lands in the area. He’s very supportive of the programs in the area.

Then the group on hired motorcyles resumed the travel to Sewayeg. Sitio Sewayeg is at least 20 kms away from the town center of Kulaman and is mainly accessible to motorbikes. It is one of the 64 Manobo Dulangan villages located in the northwestern part of the Ancestral Domain dwelled by more or less 13 households headed by Datu Apon Sako as the tribal chieftain. The village covers at least 335.156 hectares, wherein more or less 116 hectares are planned to be utilized for agroforestry purposes, while the rest are intended for uses such as production forests (166.9 hectares) for the tribe’s ethno-botanical sustenance and wildlife catch, protection forests (50.58 hectares) as reservations for cultural functions and wildlife habitat, and a small reforestation area of 0.69 hectare.

Meeting the community
Obo Manobos of Kidapawan shared their experiences on lobbying with LGU with leaders of Manobo Dulangan.

The man-land ratio is relatively high that interest from migrant settlers to acquire lands within the Ancestral domain also high. Selling of lands at a very low price happens. However, the land use policy of the tribe have had somehow prevented this to occur since most of their clan members are in the interest to safeguard this remaining area of their once abundant territory.

For Datu Apon, one strategy that aided them in their quest in safeguarding the lands is by establishing coffee orchards in the entry points of their ancestral domain. In this way they realized that occupancy and possession of lands are respected by the migrants when they put something visible symbols of occupancy over an area, in this case, the coffee plant.

TRICOM had assisted them on their CADT claim last June 2009 and on their management zoning for the ancestral domain. Manobo Dulangans are also warrior-like tribes since they are in the boundary and surrounded by different tribes. On its left side are the Tedurays, in Palimbang side are the Maguindanaoans then in west side is the T’bolis.

Tran River is the boundary between Tedurays. It has a huge logging concession owned by Consunji. Coffee thrives in the area as there is huge demand and a market for it. It is also one of the reason why IPs lost their lands. There is massive selling of IP lands at a very low price. Also, migrants coming from Pagadian City started to come and settle in their area.

We visited the coffee orchards. They also shared their management zones such as the hunting areas and production forests (where coffee orchards are), their restoration areas and protected zones (the no go zones forests).

Coming down from the coffee orchard on the hilly part of the AD, the group heard the someone playing the flandung (flute) and toga (guitar) in one of the households. The group entered and asked if they can listen to the song. They welcomed us at their homes and sing, giving thanks as the end ends.

I love sunrise and sunsets!

As the sun slowly sets, hues of red, yellow and pink awash the skies. Dense fogs started to arise, signaling a very cold night. Dinner is early as there is no electricity in the area. And Datu Apon Sako gave their house as sleeping quarters of the participants, sacrificing their own comfort, showing hospitality at the only way they can.

wild palm called pula and rattan for food.

Everyone woke up early the next day and served with brimming cup of hot brewed coffee. Breakfast consist of wild palm called pula (called as anibong in Surigao) cooked with corned beef.

As the group awaits the coming out of the sun to dry out the slippery road, the children started to dance. A traditional dance of courtship was presented. Datu Apon also showed their memory game of Bugkag sa Mae, corn kernels are lined in different numbers and you have to guess how many remained on the spot he/she chooses.

The group had to move along by 10AM and visit the Pangaan tribefolks. Village Pangaan together with Sewayeg is part of Brgy Tinalon which is at least 12 kms from Kulaman. It is located along the road going to Sewayeg and is populated by more or less 30 Manobo Dulangan households. The tribefolks chunk of the big ancestral domain is only 81.5 hectares which is relatively smaller as compared as those of Sewayeg and most of the villages of the entire ancestral domain. This happened due to the fact that their territory is embedded in the CARP wherein parcels of their lands were alienated from their possession as the limit of 3 hectares per beneficiary are satisfied. With this, even though they are the priority beneficiaries, the excess parcels were distributed to migrant settlers in the area. AFRIM sees it as Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR)way to bloat it accomplishment. Another case of multiple land tenurial instrument issued in one area. Case of overlapping claims and conflicting agendas! :/

Meet Gwapo, the coffee technician in Pangaan.

The group has yet again to start its travel and end its journey by spending time at Elan’s Haven, which features an underground river and wonderful rock formations of the Tinalon cave. Cold water runs from the Tinalon river that "disappeared" in Brgy. Pangaan and coursed its way in Tinalon cave.

Soon we explored and get lost inside the rock formations and the white snake that crossed our path sending other participants to shout and laugh after. There's a part where water's quite deep, they said it's only wait deep. I laughed. To whose waist are they referring? If they're referring to Ate Mabel, a companion who stands almost 6 feet, then I'm in big trouble! haha!

Thank God for the funny and caring companions. It was such a wonderful experience.

One of the best spelunking/ underground river trekking!

After the sumptuous lunch, the group have to get back to poblacion Kulaman and end the travel with a debriefing. That night, I was struck by Kuya Rey's words: We in the NGO world are working for irrelevance.
What we do as NGO is just like hammer, trying to pound in order for the government to work.

This cross visit gave us new realizations. There are different faces of poverty. Large resources and cultural assertion does not necessarily mean political space are widely opened. There should be a balance of economic, political and cultural spaces in order for the people to truly say they are empowered. One challenge for the 3 NGOs working on this project is how to tap different opportunity in the value chain to support the communities in different subsectors. To ensure that in every cup of coffee coming from Kulaman, the Manobo Dulangans who produce it has an equitable share in the process and secure their land and livelihood.

How to enjoy Tuna Festival?

2011-09-21T16:25:00.008+08:00

General Santos City. The Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

What more apt to celebrate its festival but to name it after its main industry? For this year's Tuna Festival, the theme “Exploring New Depths, Conquering New Heights” showed what the Generals are capable of. They had a long list of activities.

But for me (a transit inhabitant of this city), the best way to celebrate is to partake the freshest tuna for the unlimited Sashimi Night! :D The Japanese will have a heyday for this. For P150.00, enjoy the tuna and 1 bottle of beer/Coke.

(PS. Disregard the date. Stupid camera!hehe)

The fish killer!

Chillin' out with this cool couple- Kuya Jorge and Ate Chinkee.

And the best part for the night? Winning a free overnight stay in Family Country Hotel (valid until November).

And my grandma discovered this new resto, the House of Cashews! Owned by the Fuentespina, all of their food are served with cashews. Located at #5, ECA FOOD ARCADE, ECA Building, National Highway (fronting Citra MINA), they serve all food with cashews. I would love to try their cashew version of kare-kare but sadly, they don't have a steady supply of oxtail. But you can try the Specialty of the house - fresh lumpia. Freshly cooked in olive oil egg wrapper embedded with the deliciously mixed chicken strips and ubod ng niyog with chopped cashews and Covered with herb-honey sauce with garlic and cashews. For only P45.00, busog na!

Bonding over food is one of the best things in life.<3

Faces of Kadayawan 2k11

2011-08-23T09:55:00.018+08:00

The term "Kadayawan" is derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw”, a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.

Long time ago, Davao’s ethnic tribes residing at the foot of Mount Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest. This ritual serves as their thanksgiving to the gods particularly to the “Manama” (the Supreme Being).

Various farming implements, fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice and corn grains were displayed on mats as villagers give their respect and thanks for the year's abundance. Singing, dancing and offerings to their divine protectors are the highlights of this ritual.

Although times have changed, this practice of thanksgiving or “pahinungod” is still very much practiced by modern day Dabawenyos. This tradition flourished and evolved into an annual festival of thanksgiving.

In the 1970’s, Mayor Elias B. Lopez, a Bagobo, initiated tribal festivals featuring the lumad and the Muslim tribes of Davao City where they showcase their dances and rituals of thanksgiving.

Later in 1986, a program called "Unlad Proyekto Davao" was initiated by the government which was aimed to unite the Dabawenyos after the turbulent Martial Law era. At that time, the festival was called "Apo Duwaling," a name created from the famous icons of Davao: Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak; Durian, the king of fruits; and Waling-waling, the queen of orchids.

“Apo Duwaling” was meant to showcase the city as a peaceful destination to visit and to do business after 1986 EDSA Revolution.

Finally in 1988, City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renamed the festival as "Kadayawan sa Dabaw" to celebrate the bountiful harvest of Davao’s flowers, fruits and other produce as well as the wealth of the city’s cultures. To this day, the festival continues to honor the city's richness and diverse artistic, cultural and historical heritage in a grand celebration of thanksgiving for all of Davao City's blessings.
~from www.kadayawan.com

Sulat para sa Kadayawan 2011

2011-08-15T18:03:00.004+08:00

Minamahal kong 2011 Kadayawan Organizers,

Ako po ay sumusulat para ipahayag ang aking mga napansin nitong mga nagdaang araw. Hindi po lamang ito pagbatikos kundi isang pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa siyudad na naging pangalawang tahanan ko na,

Unang-una. Bakit po ganito ang logo?

Ang Y para na agila (Philippine Eagle) ay tila isang "Devil's" fork kung titingnan. Parang tuning fork sabi pa ng isang kakilala. Ang agila ay tila isang hipogriff.

At bakit po KING OF FESTIVALS? Nasaan na ang Queen? Dati ito ay Festival of all festivals.Mas sinasang-ayunan ko ito.Parang wala po yata tayong gender sensitivity dito. Siguro lalake ang gumawa niyan, wika pa ng isang kakilala. Hindi ko masabi kong tama sila.

At yung Davao Punch offering sa airport, ay may ibang konotasyon.

Siguro nga mas maganda ito at nakakatawag ng pansin. Davao punch= Bagong pambansang kamao? :))

Subalit ang pinakamasaklap na aking naranasan ngayon ay ang napakamahal pa rin na durian! Huhu..Dati-rati pag ganitong mga panahon, mga P30-40 na lang ang kilo. Maliit lang daw ang harvest. Ulan ng ulan nitong nakaraang buwan. Ang mga bulaklak ng puno ng durian ay nahuhulog. Nagbabago na talaga ang klima, at habang hindi natin sineserysoo ang plano para sa mitigasyon at adaptasyon lalong-lalo na sa agrikultura, kokonti ng kokonti ang ani.

Alam kong mas marami pang atraksiyong inihanda. Nawa'y maging makabuluhan ito para sa lahat.
Hiling ko lang po. Sana sa susunod na taon, gawin kayang patimpalak ang paggawa ng logo?

nagmamahal,

Inday Dabawenya

My Bucket list

2011-08-15T14:40:00.007+08:00

A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die. It comes from the term "kicked the bucket".The movie by Rob Reiner movie called "The Bucket List" featuring two terminally ill men (played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson) go on a road trip to do the things they wanted to do before they die. I don't know if the phrase came from this movie or it predated it.

Inspired by a Nikki, a friend I met in twitter, I am making now my own list to accomplish before my hair turns gray. hehe

1.learn how to swim
One of the MUST things to do since the succeeding lists are all about water! I really feel I'm a mermaid incarnate (because I love love love the sea!) but the punishment for my over kakulitan is not knowing how to swim! Haha! Well..i do know how as long as my feet can touch the sea floor.When I can no longer feel the sands on my feet, I panic. Need to get over the trauma soon!

2.Learn surfing in San Juan, La Union and have hottah hottah Luke Skywater as my teacher. (He promised already. I hope I won't be distracted. Might end up drooling at his abs. haha!)

3.Swim with the pawikan, butanding, and/or dolphin.

4. Go to Bongao, Tawi-tawi.

5. Explore Palawan esp. Coron. Culion and Cuyo!

6. Make my inter-island trips: Cebu-Bohol and Bacolod-Dumaguete-Siquijor.

7. Go bungee jumping, skywalk and scuba diving.

8. Climb Mt. Apo and Hamiguitan bonsai forest.

9. Watch Azkals football match live.

10. Watch FIFA World Cup. 2014 in Brazil. 2018 Russia. 2022 Qatar. :))

11. Watch Cinemalaya premier night.

12. Buy a domain for my blog.

13.Buy DSLR.

14.Get my photograph(s) published.

15.Help friends make their coffee table books (Heads up for Kuya Julz and Eli! Hanap na tayo ng sponsors.:))

16.Organize another birthday school supplies giving for the kids.

17.Study MA abroad.

18.Have my own library.

19.Donate blood.

20.Get inked! :)

21.Learn to play the guitar.

22.Wear a Filipiniana terno.

23.Do this stunt:

24. Relearn playing the kulintang.

25.Witness a meteor shower.

26.Dress up for a costume party.

27. Brush up my cooking skills.

28.Learn ice skating.

29.Act in an indie film.

30.Fly in a hot-air balloon.

31.Learn poi dancing.

32.Ride an elephant.

33.Learn Italian.

34.Be a licensed massage therapist.

35.Travel Europe.

36.Experience cherry blossoms in Japan.

37.Visit Cuba.

38.Retrace Che Guevarra's motorcyle journey.

39.Visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed park.

40.Visit Jerusalem.

41.Walk the Great Wall of China.

42.Explore a castle.

43.Fire a real gun.

44.Visit Africa.

45.Organize a surprise party for someone.

46.Stand at a border of 2 countries.

47.Write an autobiography that I will pass on to my children!

48.Go on pilgrimage in India.

49.Develop ancestral home. Probably have an orchard.

50. Find someone who is God-fearing to share my life with.

On Exploiting our Borrowed Earth :/

2011-08-11T15:53:00.008+08:00

Last August 9 is the International Day of the World's Indigenous People. And I want to share this piece from Ms. Ma. Ceres P. Doyo:

As I trudged closer to the mountain’s windy peak, the dark jungle slowly broke open. Then, without warning, a million peach-colored flowers surged forward and I was swallowed waist deep in a lush ocean of color. And I thought, what place on earth is this… what undiscovered beauty….

Going up I encountered a moist green snake, insects and leeches, poisonous bulan-bulan leaves. A slip, a fall, a bone-crunching day and a bitter cold night had preceded all these. Now, here, suddenly, the morning of Creation. How wild and how peaceful.

This was not a prelude to paradise, I would just soon realize. A few more upward pushes and the flowers receded. Suddenly I was facing a bare desolate peak, the dwelling place of a small community of B’laans.

Here they lived. Here they had been pushed. Like so many scattered B’laan communities, these tribal folk dwelt, if not on mountain sides, on mountain peaks from where there was no more space to go but the sky. Sad were their faces. Sad was their chanting. Forty, 50 years ago, before the settlers came, these shy but hardy people roamed and owned the Mindanao vastness. Not anymore.

* * *

Those were the first paragraphs of a long magazine feature article I wrote many, many years ago after spending more than a week in the land of the B’laans and the T’bolis in Mindanao.

I have written many feature articles and column pieces on the indigenous communities I have visited and immersed in-B’laan, T’boli, Mangyan, Aeta, Kalinga, native Americans, etc.—and the selfless individuals and groups that work among them. And I have considered compiling these articles into a book. Many years from now their present way of life will no longer be the same, and it is changing dramatically even now.

The United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed two days ago, Aug. 9. This yearly observance is meant to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population and to recognize their contributions to make this world a better place, environmental protection among them.

In 2004 the UN assembly proclaimed 2005 -2014 the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. The decade’s goal is to further strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous peoples in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development.

Alas, despite all that, the IPs who are the guardians of this planet’s last frontiers, are also the ones who continue to bear the brunt of so-called development for profit.

I commend Akbayan Rep. Kaka Bag-ao for her privilege speech (“Earth Borrowed from our Children”) on Aug. 9. She began by saying, “While the Philippine Constitution and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) recognize the rights of indigenous peoples (IP), our vibrant ethnicity also chronicles the un-romanticized tale of cultural communities who are historically marginalized by our state policies. The policy, which this representation is referring to, is the state of perpetrated plunder of our national patrimony which we commonly refer to as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.”

Bag-ao is pushing for the repeal of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 which, she said, allows 100 percent foreign ownership of mining projects which could use up to 81,000 hectares of land and could last for 50 years. Mining companies are given priority access to water resources within their concessions and can repatriate all profits subject only to 2 percent excise tax with tax holidays and deferred payment incentives.

It is as if the government is doing a bargain sale and even subsidizing exploitation, she said. In 2008 the reported contribution of the mining industry to the gross domestic product was only 1.28 percent.

Bag-ao stressed that the Philippines holds the third largest gold deposit in the world, fourth largest deposit in copper, the sixth largest deposit in nickel. She noted that the bulk of the country’s mineral wealth, timber and other raw materials are found in the last frontier inhabited and protected by the IPs.

Citing data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Bag-ao said that there are 482 mining applications covering 1,046,350.87 hectares. An estimated 595,058.11 (56.87 percent) will cover IP territories.

Present in the House last Tuesday were Subanen leaders from Zamboanga Peninsula who have filed a petition before the Supreme Court for the issuance of a writ of kalikasan to stop mining in the peninsula.

And while mining corporations rake in billions in profits, the communities that have guarded the resources remain impoverished and are the first to suffer environmental disasters such as ground subsidence and the landslides in Benguet and mercury poisoning in Sibuyan.

The Commission on Human Rights had issued a resolution in favor of the Ifugao tribe in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya, calling for the revocation of the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement of Oceana Gold but it was not implemented, Bag-ao said. In 2010, the Ifugaos and the Subanens sent a complaint to UNCERD but the government ignored the recommendation of the international body.

And to cap Bag-ao’s lamentations: “Last June 30 … the paramilitary group Salakawam killed anti-mining lumad (IP) leader Arpe Belayong and his nephew Solte San-ogan in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, host to several mining applications.”

The IP guardians of the wilderness believe that the land and all its riches are borrowed from their children and should someday be returned for them to enjoy.

There’s blood on borrowed earth. And the bleeding continues.

Photos by Ms. Violeta Gloria. From Carl Cesar Rebuta

PS. Last week, I was introduced to a former seminarian who now works for Sagittarius Mines Inc (SMI). The planned open pit mining activity near my birthplace! I can't (or should I say, I didn't bother) to remember his name. I don't judge him. It's just that Mining has become my personal advocacy and I could not easily be at ease him.

There are alternatives to mining. And IF MINING TRULY BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY, then tell me one mining community in this country where there's equal distribution of resources, royalty fee, opportunities and harmony's maintained. :/

Birth of Day

2011-08-10T14:04:00.001+08:00

The solid moon watched the death of night

The ocean groaned, straining to push the tide

Dew wet, clutched by the trembling hands of time

The blanket of dawn fell

So slowly to reveal Mother Earth

Silhouetted against the horizon- in the throes of birth

The crowning glory peeped, blotching the sky fire red

In the symphony the trees swayed

To the hearing of waves….

As if on cue awoke the birds

I wittering in confusion, heralding

The arrival of a new day.

~mccapili, eons ago

Sunrise at Quadra Eco Resort, Sumpong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
March 20, 2009

Alpha and Omega

2011-08-09T10:10:00.007+08:00

Sunrise is the beautiful sign of hope and was created by God to let us know that life does not end after sunset.

Morning rush in Panabo on our way to Governor Generoso (July 27, 2011)

A new start in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur (February 14,2011)

We sleep, but the loom of life never stops and the pattern which was weaving when the sun went down is weaving when it comes up tomorrow.~ Henry Ward Beecher

Ending the day with joy in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao de Norte (February 15,2011)

I wish I could paint the sky with colors like this. Sunset in Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte (February 14, 2011)

Expresso in the name of Festivals: Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Parody

2011-08-08T14:51:00.005+08:00

"Itong frontal nudity, Check! Itong sex scene na may actual penetration, Check na check! Gagawin ko ang lahat… wag nyo naman akong palusungin sa tae.”

The attention grabbing line of the hilarious Eugene Domingo in the Cinemalaya 2011 winner Ang Babae sa Septic Tank. One would wonder, will she do it and be shown on screen? :)

I was invited by my sorority sis Emyat to watch the movie. "The movie is hilarious sis!"she assured me. I went without any idea what it is all about except that it won awards.

From Cinemalaya's website, here's the synopsis of the movie:

"It chronicles a day in the life of three ambitious, passionate but misguided filmmakers as they set out to do a quick pre-prod at Starbucks, a courtesy call to their lead actress, Eugene Domingo, and an ocular inspection of their film’s major location, the Payatas dumpsite. Director Rainier (Kean Cipriano), Producer Bingbong (JM de Guzman) and Production Assistant Jocelyn (Cai Cortez) are well-to-do, well-educated film school graduates who are dead set on making an Oscar worthy film. They believe they have a winning script, the energy and the drive to make their dreams come true. Like most filmmakers they know, they have devised a screenplay that will show the real essence of our culture: poverty. In the course of one day, they brainstorm and exhaust all possible treatment of their project: the story of Mila (Eugene Domingo), a mother from the slums, who out of desperation to survive, has sold her child to a pedophile. As they discuss the possible executions of the story, the movie-within-a-movie gets reborn in Jocelyn’s imagination several times. As a gritty no frills neo-realist film, as a glossy musical, as an over-the-top melodrama and as a docu drama using non-actors. For their last task of the day, they visit the dumpsite for the first time. As filmmakers gunning for authenticity, they get excited with the ”beauty” of the squalor around them. Soon enough, they are faced with reality as they come face to face with the real effects of their chosen subject. Babae sa Septic Tank is a comedy about misguided ambitions, the art of making art and the romanticization of poverty."

Coming from the writer of humorous Here Comes the Bride and Kimmy Dora, this is humor on another level. A parody. Uge (Eugene Domingo) played a larger-than;life version of herself. She played a caricature of herself; a celebrity who wants to do " something for the soul", an actress who wants to make a movie that will not earn her lots of money. This is a parody of many celebrities who feel that they are worthy of being called as "actor" when they appear in an “indie” film regardless of how bad the material is.

The story revolves about three friends who goes through story-telling process of wanting to tell a story about poverty but knows nothing about the subject itself. Poverty is how they see it in "indie" films. Poverty that abounds "indie" films and being picked for international festivals because that's what the festival organizers wanted to see.

As Cris Martinez said in one of the interviews, the idea came up when he do rounds of "100" (another indie movie he directed) about a 100 things a middle class woman wants to do before she dies. The woman was played by beautiful Mylene Dizon, lives in a posh condo and owns SUV. The audience abroad was surprised to see "beautiful" things about the Philippines. They expect movie of poverty porn! It's one movies that filmmakers do because it's those kind of movies being picked up.

Harsh reality here is, you'll never make it here in the country not unless your film/s is screened abroad!

And Babae sa Septic Tank showed these ironies. Budding filmmakers dream of making it big by writing about poverty. Except they really know nothing about poverty, Poverty for them is like what they see in the news and "indie" films they wanted to emulate (or even surpass! Oscar material, they say!). These people who talked about poverty in the comforts of Starbucks, whose problems are about iPad charger and fellow directors who made it to Venice festival yet could not differentiate "expresso" from "espresso", new famous director colleagues making the rounds international festivals abroad yet doesn't know where Vesoul is. What these filmmakers want is just to be famous abroad. To f*ck with poverty and depression of the poor!

The movie started with seriousness that you'll ask, "did I come to the right movie?" but as the story unfolds, the moviegoers howled with laughter at the right parts and feel silent while pondering at the parts that made us wonder, "what is the state of the Philippine cinema? What is "indie"? " Indie films wanted to break away from commercialism of mainstream movies only to be trapped by new set of conventions.

Maybe we should no longer ask what differentiates "indie" from 'mainstream'? But rather filmmakers should ask, "what makes a good film"? We have to make compelling stories; good films that our audience can truly think AND enjoy! Babae sa Septic Tank is one of those films.

PS. I hope more Cinemalaya movies will be shown nationwide! Hail to the rebirth of Philippine cinema. Hail to more thought provoking films! :)

Zipping our mouths in Lake Sebu

2011-07-28T12:58:00.023+08:00

All work and no play makes one dull. So for this year, our office have our much deserved rest and recreation in Lake Sebu.This is one of the most memorable trips of crazy people.

Here's our iterinary prepared by our IT personnel, inhouse corny joker Kuya Jorge:

PS: Notice that our main stops in different municipalities are for resting and EATING!! Me gusta. :))

Day 1
8:00am Davao - GENSAN
9:00 Breakfast at MERS (Digos)

Try their hot choco and puto. Best way to perk up your day! :)

12:00nn Lunch at Nadie’s Chicken House (Tupi)

Must try chicken inasal.

Wala ng usapan during lunch. Tom Jones na sobra! :)

1:00pm Travel to Koronadal City
1:30 Break at Ojie’s Ice Cream Station (Banga)

2:00 Courtesy Call with Surallah Mayor

This not solely a trip. It is with a purpose. We met the Municipal Agriculturist and discussed Mayor Romulo "Mulong" Solivio's Program on Local Economic Development through Organic Agriculture and co-management (with DENR) of Watershed System. I salute Mayor Solivio for winning the 2009 Galing Pook with its Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Medicine Program. I salute the Leaders who truly find innovative ways to connect with private sectors without compromising his/her constituents. Padayon Surallah! :)

we went to the Surallah Organic Center near the Municipal Hall ground and bought organic products produced locally. We call for support of small farmers. :)

Ate Tess supervising the planter. hehe. This is at the Surallah's vegetable demo farm.

Talking to several organic rice farmers and the struggles they have to go through like the resistance even of their own siblings on their advocacy to stop the use of synthetic fertilizers. KUDOS TO THE STEADFAST FARMERS! YES to HEALTHY LIVING! :)

3:00 Travel to Lake Sebu

6:00 Dinner at floating restaurant and Videoke at(Punta Isla)

The wacky AFRIM peeps at Punta Isla Resort.

Day 2
7:00am Breakfast
8:00 Trekking to SEVEN FALLS aaaaaaaaaaaaand ZIPLINE

At FIRST FALLS with Ate Lizzy. We've been here before!

At the 2nd Falls. The HIGHEST FALLS.

Overlooking 2nd, 3rd (hidden), 4th and 5th Falls!

ZIPLINE. THIS IS THE ONLY THING I've been looking forward to! Try the highest (1,200 ft) ride of your life! Pay P250 on weekdays (P300 on week-ends) to be scared and to shout your hearts out. Ate Lizzy, my perennial partner and I had the time of our life, watching Fall 2 to Falls 5. Exhilarating experience. Here's the proof! :))

12:00nn Lunch at 2nd Falls

Eat all kinds of tilapia dishes. Try the chicharon tilapia, deep fried, sinugba, paksiw, sinigang, fillet,nilasing na tilapia. After 2 days, you'll never look at tilapia again! LOL! Hey! Don't worry. They do serve other dishes. Try the nilagpang na manok. :)

1:00pm Boating around the Lake

Ang inulang boating na hindi nagpatigil sa kakiatan ng lahat! :)

6:00 Dinner
7:30 Midyear Assessment (All tired. But we have to do this. Or else! )

Day 3

7:00am Travel to Surallah
7:30 Breakfast at Kipot Hito Farm (Surallah)
8:30 Travel to Kablon Farm for exposure(Tupi)

We met Eunice, the HR/ Admin Manager of the farm. it was enriching talking to her experiences- about working in a corporation and going back to help in the family business. She's a young professional with a vision.:)

12:00 Lunch at Sarangani Highlands

Ang pag-eemote ng inyo pong lingkod! Patawarin naman. hehe

1:00pm Shopping for Tuna products/ Dried Fish
2:30 Halo-halo at Razon’s
3:00 Travel back to Davao for other staff while I went hoem again to attend the National IP Women Gathering in Koronadal City.

It is one of the best lakbay laag! :)) I'm still floating.

To my dear readers, you might want to use the above iterinary when you want to travel to Lake Sebu and Gensan.

BOOST LOCAL TOURISM. SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMY! :)

Saying Adieu to the Trio

2011-07-15T09:41:00.016+08:00

Proud to be part of the Harry Potter Generation

1090739 words. 3363 pages. 199 chapters. 7 books. 17 hours and 14 mins. 8 movies. One generation: The Harry Potter Generation until the end.

Rowena Angela Salanga (Roan) was the culprit (in a good sense!). We were in second year high school when she gave me a book. "Maych basahin mo. Maganda ang story. Wizard ang bida. It's addicting, " she told me. She knows how I devour books. Her aunt sent her a copy of that book that changed the landscape of my (and yours!) adolescence.

The first book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was already famous abroad and Warner Brothers got the rights of adapting it into the silverscreen. It was one of the most successful movie franchise that involved our generation.

Came December 2001, Harry, Hermione and Ron debuted in the movies and we felt like we were part of that magical world. Many got interested to read the book. Roan's book suffered the eagerness of students from two classes. It passed from one hand to another until it got lost.

We were bewitched. Every time the new book was released, I watched out who got it first and has to ask him/her to let me borrow it first. I offered Roan to cover the second book for her. We were poor and I could not afford to buy the books, so I have to be a good borrower. :))

When a friend got the Chamber of Secrets, I only got one day (and it's a school day!) to read it since the list of borrowers are loooooong. Instead of listening of Ma'am Ocate's lecture on how to name the organic chemicals, I accompanied the trio in their adventures to find the basilisk.

J.Rowling is a master story teller, weaving a new magical world for our generation. We feel like we are Muggles who wanted to have a taste of Hogwarts. Harry Potter is not only for children. I knew a professor who got hooked on it too. And I was not surprised that even one of my boss, is also a fan.

It's a book that crossed beyond borders, age and religion. Some said, HP encourages witchcraft and occultism. Nah! While the previous generations had Star Trek, Star wars, Lord of the Rings, well, our generation enjoyed Harry Potter.

So when Twilight by Stephanie Meyer was released, comparing it to HP is inevitable. And Stephen King (one of the best suspense writers) compared both authors. He wrote: "Both Rowling and Meyer, they're speaking directly to young people... The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can't write worth a darn. She's not very good." (emphasis mine)." And this picture also circulated.

(He got a point somehow! hehe)

I wrote about this on my other blog and my friends and I had an interesting discussion. Harry is Harry. And Edward the vampire is another matter. For as long as this generation will read! :))

Harry Potter spans years of waiting - from high school to college. I even saved my allowance (that entails no merienda and just writing notes, no photocopying just to save! hahaha!) just to buy my first ever HP book- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I awaited his adventures and transformation. I feel like they were our friends I grew up with. I cried when Dobby was killed. I cringe at the thought that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named will rule again. I analyzed and speculated who'll probably be Harry's love interest in the end- Luna or Ginny? I giggled when Harry and Ginny finally kissed. (And I know you have felt these too!)

And last night, was the second part of the last movie. As early as Monday, we booked our tickets at Abreeza. And as expected, it was almost full. While lining up, we were surprised that the ones on the line were already grown-ups. No High school students in sight. And then we laughed. Of course. The loyalists remained, it was our generation, most are now working or even have their own families.

The thought that we would be saying adieu to this wonderful trio made us all sad. Tears started to fall when professors were muttering spells to protect Hogwarts. It was the start of the Ultimate battle between good and Evil. As the credits roll, I cried as if I'm losing a friend. OA na kung OA.

To JK Rowling, Thank you for making us experience the magic. For the actors, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe, thank you for growing up with us. As you leave Harry, Hermione and Ron behind, it is not the end. The magic continues. :))

And to my perennial date, Ate Lizzy thank you for being a good company. Thank you for the donuts that cheered me up.

Davao's Law and Order and Sensationalism

2011-07-13T13:01:00.009+08:00

It was the first ever flashflood in the history of Davao. The bridge just cracked. The First Elected Woman Mayor's hands are full. And as if it's not enough,an impending demolition was set in Agdao. And her punches akin to pound for pound champion Manny Pacquiao's punches, put Mayor Inday Sara Duterte in the headlines! Ang Bagong Pambansang Kamao, Korina Sanchez said.

Photo from realinspace.blogspot.com

Then the lines were drawn. Non- Dabawenyos, those in Manila especially viewed how rude the Mayor is. How she put the law into her hands immediately. The gender aspect were analyzed. "If Inday is a male, would the people react differently?" Dabawenyos (and its adopted children) particulalry those in the demolition area, on the other hand cheered.

It is true that Inday Sara knew and approved of the demolition. What she wanted is only a two-hour extension. Will it make a difference? The Sunstar editorial wrote it well:

And that is what is lost in a lot of bureaucrats: the understanding that most of the time, the people, especially the masses, would just want their leader to be there when the worst hits them. Their leader need not even have to cause a demolition order to be stopped, and their leader may even just watch on the sidelines with them while their houses are ripped to pieces. For them, that is enough. Mere presence of a respected person, sometimes, is enough because in that mere presence, they find some assurance that somebody in authority has seen their situation, and thus will be able to think up of some concrete actions.

This was what was lost on President Benigno C. Aquino III when he arrived to visit the flood victims of Cotabato City more than two weeks after tens of thousands of evacuees have already been suffering from the floods. Thus, by the time he arrived, the people no longer saw in him the leader they believed in. No wonder both the Cotabato city mayor and the people did not have anything good to say about his visit. Apparently, still clueless about the nuances of leadership, Malacañang attacked the Cotabato city mayor instead and enumerated what has already been given - including the heavy equipment that was removing the water hyacinths from Rio Grande de Mindanao coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the sacks of rice coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Much like a father making up for his absence by delivering all that a child wants, when the child only needs his presence.

There are nuances of leadership for a people to respect and follow their leaders, and most of the time, these are not about material things and sweet promises. Leaders after all, are looked up to for their vision, guidance, and reassuring presence.

When Mayor Inday called for a two-hour hold so she can be there with the people, even after she said she can no longer do anything to stop the demolition, she demonstrated an understanding of this kind of leadership, and thus we can only applaud, but, let us make this very clear: not for the punches thrown but for the understanding.

What was also lost in the discussions are the guidelines on conducting demolitions. Who really violated the law? There is a 30-day allowance before the demolition will be conducted.

Manong Alex, the taxi driver I talked to from the airport has valid questions raised too! "Why is the piece of land bought by a Chinese businessman when the other side was already distributed to its settlers (or squatters, if you prefer)?" Why it was not checked that there are about 3-4 families who had titles on that area?" Questions that no one dared to scrutinize. Also, when Mayor Sara was punching him, she was muttering, "Kabalo ko naay nagpaluyo nimo nga dagkung tawo, usa ka negosyante...(I know there is someone behind your back, powerful people, a businessperson...).." but it was already lost in translation. Frenzy ensued and judgments were hurled.

Manong Alex' point of view is something to think about too. "Pag dili ka adunahan, kaluoy ra jud ka tawon. Ang atong balaod dinhi murag para ra man sa adunahan. Mulihok jud ang hustiya para nila. Kitang pobre maghulat ra tawon." (If you are not rich, you are pitiful. Our law it seems is only for the rich. Justice works for them swiftly. For us poor, we have to wait long)."

He has a point. And I could not argue for we know how excruciatingly slow our justice system is. Look at the Amptuans. And look what happened to the Vizconde case.

Manong Alex is even critical at how the case is shown. Look at how they treat the "news." Sensationalism at its core! Footages were shot by Davao-based reporters but the ones who report are their colleagues from Manila. And we know the power play in media. A Davao-based reporter declined when he was asked to make "an angle" and point the Duterte mafia-like rule. The "Dudirty finger" was one of those antics, perhaps?

No I don't say that punching Abe Andres justified Inday Sara. Not even the dirty finger. But when context and everything is blown out of proportion, we will be at loss.

Kuya Blogie Robillo also cried foul on the misleading news report from Inquirer about the demolition incident.

To have a better understanding on this morality vs legal ethics vs governance, try to read Randy David article on this. Or maybe Lourd de Veyra's funny, sarcastic way of seeing Sara as TNL would be better read.

Sana mas makakita pa tayo ng maraming ganito sa gobyerno. Sapakan. Mukhang mas may resulta pa ‘to kesa sa mga walang katapusang mga imbestigasyon at hearing (in aid of lecheng legislation). Wala namang pinupuntahan. Hindi sibilisado? Sa panahong ito, ano na ba ang depinisyon ng “sibilisado?” Ang magpakapormal na pakikipag-usap (malalim ng Ingles) sa lobby ng Manila Pen, pag-suot ng Amerikana habang ninanakaw mo ang pera ng taong bayan? Ang magkaroon ng bwarsh-bwarsh na accent sa korte habang pinagtatanggol mo ang isang pamilya ng mamamatay-tao?

And I presume, many reechoes Lourd's sentiments (as quoted above). And as Prof. Randy said, a new folk hero was born.

The Sweetness of Guimaras

2011-07-07T21:50:00.011+08:00

Guimaras is a part of the Iloilo Province until May 22, 1992 when it proclaimed its autonomy by virtue of R.A. 7160.

Its original name was Himal-us after the folktale of the lovers named Princess Guima and the slave Aras, who defied tradition for their romance. This island is full of splendid white sand beaches and island coves and touted as the "Next Boracay". (Bubble thought: I know Bora is famous world wide for its fine white sand beaches but due to no proper planning,unregulated massive construction of business establishments in the area, the place is threatened of siltation, loss of white sands and drainage problem. So I hope Guimaras will NOT BE THE NEXT BORACAY. IT SHOULD LEARN FROM ITS EXPERIENCE noh?)

It is a 20-minute boat ride from Fort San Pedro, Iloilo. The fort was built by the Spaniards in 1616 to defend Iloilo from the Dutch, English and pirates of Mindanao.

Guimaras Island, is known for its “sweetest mangoes” and it has around 8,000 hectares of mango orchards. The National Mango Research Institute is located in Jordan. According to the guide, the mango variety here was even certified as pest-free by the US Department of Agriculture.

To protect their mangoes, they even prohibited the entry (and maybe going out?) of their mango varieties. Oro Verde Mango Plantation in Jordan and Nueva Valencia has around 18,000 hectares.

Guimaras prides itself with unspoilt beaches. The beaches along Sitio Alubihod, Nueva Valencia is a popular destination. The white sand and clean water is ideal for the beach bums like me! You can also enjoy island/islets hopping for P400 (good for 6 persons) and P150 for extra hour thereof. You can visit Isla Naburot, Sta Maria and other islets.

Never miss the oldest existing Roman Catholic Church in Navalas, Buenavista. It was built in 1880-1885. According to legends, there was a bell, more than four feet feet but it was said to be carted away and dumped into the sea by raiders from Mindanao.

To feel rich, powerful and an overseer of the island, go to Roca Encantada. The summer house owned by the Lopezes was built on 1910 on a huge rock. It was declared as a Heritage House by the National Historical Institute on 2002. It was captivating yet gives you an eerie feeling. Never forget to ask permission from the spirits of the Lopez ancestors! hehe

Guimaras beaches are secluded and solemn, can really rest the weary soul. Take the plunge in one of its beaches. To tour and know more more of the island, you can visit http://exploreguimaras.blogspot.com/.

Guimaras brings out the Summer Goddess in me! haha (parang plug lang sa commercial eh. :))

till the next trip. :))

Iloilo: Renewing the License to Brag

2011-07-07T18:57:00.023+08:00

“Ang kwarta sa Iloilo ginapiko ginapala!”

This is the usual jocular way of describing Ilonggos. Ilonggos has dominated some areas here in Mindanao due to the National Settlement program during former President Carlos P. Garcia's administration. Among those who came in droves were my maternal grandparents. My Lola Luz came from Sta. Barbara while my Lolo Ciano hails from Barotac Nuevo.

I grew up with my Lola (Lolo passed away a year before I was born). I grew up with her stories of aswang, tikbalang, Tinyente Gimo and the richness of the place. I wanted to explore that part of our identity; the proud and feisty Ilonggo blood running on our veins. Although I studied Grade I there, I could no longer remember what the place has been like. It has been 14 long years.

As early as February, I already booked my flight (Thank you Lance Gokongwei!). Iloilo is formerly known as Irong-irong (because of its nose-shaped perhaps?).According to the Maragtas legend, one of the datu, Datu Paiuburong was given the Irong-irong territory. This is land with a proud colonial past and it is one of the oldest cities in the country. A place full of historical landmarks. When I saw the pictures of old churches taken by fellow Ilonggo Kuya Kitoy Bacongco, I was seized with nostalgia. I envy the sweet slowness of ancient cultures. For instance, Egyptian and that of Greek culture lasted with several thousand years. Life it seems first imitates slowness then gradually accelerates more and more. And we are now quite taking so much for this swiftness of changes and losing also much. (Preservation of artifacts came too late. Most have been destroyed).

When the plane touched my grandparent’s homeland, my stomach was already grumbling. The memories of La Paz batchoy made me drool. My aunt brought me to Deco’s Original Lapaz Batchoy (Iloilo’s oldest since 1938). Batchoy is a soup slivers of pork, innards, miki (egg noodles) and sprinkled with chicharon (crushed crisp pork rind) on top. It’s best partnered with pandesal de pa-a. Never miss Pancit Molo a dumpling soup that originated in Molo (the Chinese district in the city’s early history). For uga (dried fish), pinakas (split dried fish) and pusit (dried squid), Estancia is the place to be.Guinamos (shrimp paste) is also a popular condiment mixed with kalamansi and/or sinamak (vinegar with garlic, ginger, siling labuyo/ local chili). It is good sauce for eating sinugba (grilled) fish. Nomnomnomnom! Tambo (bamboo shoots) with coconut milk and spinach is also an Ilngoo delicacy. Add it up with crabs and you're up for a gastronomic experience! My aunt also cooked santol scraped, dried and cooked with coconut milk, hipon and chili. Tasty appetizer. (With these foods, it's no wonder why I gained another 2kilos! Hahahaha!)

Always ensure your stomach is full before starting your adventure!

First stop is the Provincial tourism office (they will give you a map, list of travel agencies, tips on going around the city).

Just beside it is the repository of rich history of the place, the Museo Iloilo. Entrace fee for students is P15, while working adults fee is P25.00.

Then walk around CALLE REAL, the city center. Old buildings with Art Deco design abound- Buildings converted to shops and commercial center. According to the local Tourism office, shops along J.M. Basa and Iznart Streets where Dr. Jose Rizal bought a hat in 1896 on his way to Manila coming from his exile in Dapitan.
Maybe that was the hat he used during his execution. Hhmm..Maybe I should ask historian Dr. Ambeth Ocampo on this. :)

Take the local jeepney for full adventure. I love hearing them talking in Hiligaynon. gabawod-bawod gid ya! Pleasant to the ears and there are many words I haven’t heard for so long.

Honey, my cousin and playmate before asked me.
“Ti sin-o imao mo? ” I didn’t understand her. She has to asked again. “Sin-o upod mo ba?” (We usually use Upod instead of imao which means company).
Ido instead of ayam (which means dog); utod instead of bugto (which means siblings). The evolution of language is quite interesting. (Which makes me miss my Language teacher, Ma'am Mau Saclot!)

As advised by the Tourism office, first stop would be the Sta. Isabel Ungria Cathedral, better known as Jaro Cathedral. It was completed in 1874.

The santos (sculpted figurines of Catholic saints) that line up its massive columns are all males. Historical tidbit: The propagandist Graciano Lopez-Jaena was baptized here. And a park in front of the cathedral is also named on his honor. In front is the big statue of Nuestra Senora are big candles with prayer lists. I prayed for my cousin Angel in all of the churches for her nursing exam. She wanted to be the topnotcher. haha!

Moi and my one day date/suitor. Late summer fling?! haha!

Heritage mansions are also around the area. Some are already abandoned, others are converted into antique shops or were left with the caretakers.

Then I went to the so called “Athens of the Philippines”. Known for its Neo-Gothic style, the Sta. Ana Church, aka Molo Church stands tall in grandeur in front of the town’s plaza. It was built in 1831 and served as evacuation center during World War II.

While the santos in Jaro Cathedral are all males, here all you see is female saints lining the columns. Oh, before leaving the church, never forget to try also the hot freshly-cooked bibingka at the plaza! :)

I haven’t able to stop at Miag-ao Church(one of the UNESCO’s Heritage Site) and other churches (San Jose, Church at Leganes, among others) but one of the things you’ll observe is the lavishness of the structures and the design inside! This is perhaps, one of the ways how Catholic Ilonggos “brag”- bragging their spirituality and finding solitude in the lavish church interiors and preserving the landmark that witnessed its growth.

For the Baptists, do not fret. In fact, the Jaro Evangelical Church is the 1st Baptist Church in the Philippines! (It's just near Jaro Cathderal).

My trip would not be complete without meeting the relatives. Nanay Vergel and Tatay Pardo were my foster parents when I stayed for more than a year here, when I was still 6 years old.
“Buhay run! (All grown-up!) Kag gwapa!(and beautiful)" they both remarked. Abaw! paryente ta gid kamo. hahaha

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

Guinacas, Potatan. This is the place where I learned how to read the time (I was blackmailed that I can't watch Cinderella if I won't learn reading minutes and hours.That was a good motivation, I think. hehe); how to cook leche flan (I remembered Manang Anna Lissa telling me to get Lola Maring’s Alpine milk), and most of all, how to love reading! Manang Anna Lisa’s pocketbook collection and Archie Comics, I'd like to think improved my reading habits. I first learned how to read Helen Merez love stories than the usual yellow abakada. hehe. I remembered the Yellow Sweet Corn and kikay hair clips and ponytail pasalubongs of Ate Paypay. These are the elder sisters I have grew up with who influenced me in more ways than I can enumerate here. THANK YOU SO MUCH for making me a part of your family, making me feel the bunso! :))

And the most hilarious memory? I am a truant. I skipped school in the afternoon because I am afraid of the big mango tree on our way to the school! No.I fear the pink pig with high heels holding an umbrella living in the mango tree! Children in the neighborhood said if you're alone, this pink pig abducts children! (hahahahaaha!) So I end up lying (faking illnesses sometimes) or being TOO late since I have to wait for someone to come along. I laughed at this memory. Creative childish imagination weaved out of proportion from superstition of elemental beings I used to hear as bedtime (or brown-out nights) stories.

One thing with Ilonggos is, they act as if everybody knows everyone. You will usually hear from the elders:

“Kilala mo si Toto? Tong nanay niya si Inday Buka nga bata ni Nay Atro tong halin bala sa Leganes nga may mga anak na diri sa Pavia. Nga iyang mga bugto sila Ita, Nene Dalia”..and the list goes on, connecting someone with his/her siblings, parents' name, place of origin, where they are now located all in one sentence! That’s the way of remembering a person and introducing him/her. This puts importance to the family background of a person. And Ilonggos usually call the children Nene or Toto! :))

“Maayo nang mahibal-an kay basin malahian buang! (Better to know the background and we might be mixed with crazy genes) ” my Lola Luz once remarked when I asked her why Ilonggos insist in interrogating a guy’s background immediately when wooing a girl.

Aside from the strong memory of familial ties, women are also lovers of color textiles. The place is known for its Patadyong and hablon. One should go to Oton and Miag-ao but since it was raining heavily a day before my flight to Davao, we (my aunt and I just look around at the textile shops around Calle Real.

For the pasalubongs, you can buy biscocho (butter toast with sugar) from variety of choices- Wewin’s, Old Biscocho House and Merci’s. But I recommend Merci’s since they give 10% discount to travelers. Just present your ticket and ID.

Traveling to Iloilo is not complete also without going to its sister province- Guimaras. (Next on my blog.)

Memories are fragile. But when you start to take the path where you used to trudge, memories are like winds blowing endlessly; time carrying the names and deeds of yesterdays.

I am glad I came back. I am glad to renew the family ties.

In a complex, mobile society like ours, life's tapestry gets shredded. The continuity of our lives is ripped by transience and fragmentation. Community is fragile, torn, scattered. Our need to examine and to share our stories is vital--for our own mental health, for our relationships and our cohesiveness in community, and for the good of a future that can learn from our past."
Dolly Berthelot www.mineyourmemories.com

Bugal ko nga ako Ilonggo. Wala na ya tikal! "_"

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Musika ng pakikibaka 2

2011-06-23T12:08:00.005+08:00

♫ ♪Ika’y paru-parong nangahas lumipad
Sa dilim ng gabi pilit na umalpas
Pagkat hanap mo’y ningning at laya ng bukas
Sa aking mundo’y napadpad♫ ♪

Ilang beses na kitang nakita. Sa daan, sa rally, at ilang eskinita. Nakita kitang nakataas ang iyong kamao, nagsasalita sa megaphone.Humihimok sa mga mangagawang ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan.
Nagkasama na rin tayo sa pagkilos na nawagan sa isang klaro at maayos na pamamahala (transparent governance), para sa pagsasabatas nang mabilis na pagbibigay ng dokumento sa publiko.

Ngunit hindi pa kita lubusang kilala. Akala ko isa ka lamang sa kabataaang nasa hanay.

♫ ♪Katulad ng iba ay nagmamahal din
Kahit malayo ay liliparin
Upang pag-ibig mo’y iparating
Sa rosas ng iyong paningin♫ ♪

Tatahakin mo sana ang landas tungo kabanalan. Ngunit mas pinili mo ang "mas malawak na pakikipagtunggali at pakikibaka ng masang sawi". Ayaw mong tawaging Father. 'Mas komportable ako sa pag-oorganisa. Sa pagpapaintindi nang nakakarami." Kung magsalita ka parang antanda mo na. Akala ko isa ka sa estudyante. Natawa na lang ako nang malamang magkaedad lang pala tayo.

Mas nakilala kita nung nagkasabay sa isang pagsasanay.Ibang klase rin ang istilo mo ng 'pagkilala sa isang dalaga'. :) At nag-umpisa ang di matapus-tapos na pagpapalitan ng mensahe. Na aasundan ng lingo-linggong pagtambay.

"Gusto kita." sabi mo minsang isang gabing maliwanag ang buwan. "Hindi ko pa ito naramdaman kahit kanino. Pasensiya ka na hindi ako marunong manligaw. Kahit nga sa pagtetext hindi pa akon kasanay."

Isang halik. Pagdadampi ng labing imbes na magpapatibay ng nararamdaman ay naging sanhi ng pagkalito.

Magkasundo naman tayo sa iba’t ibang panlipunang usapin. Klaro ka kung mag-isip. Ngunit ng ika’y tanungin “Gusto mo ako. Ano ngayon ang gusto mong mangyari?”

Ikaw ay nasamid. Mas mahirap pala tahakin ang landas ng pag-ibig. Mas madaling sumigaw para sa pagbabago sa lipunan. Samantalang sa usaping pag-ibig eh walang blueprint na pwedeng sundan.

Hindi kasal ang aking hiniling. Hiling ko lamang ay isang pangakong kailangan mong tupdin. Hiling ko naman ay isang pagpapaklaro ngunit hindi mo kayang gawin.

Parang ang sarap gayahin ang linya ni Claudine sa Milan. "Mahal mo ba ako dahil kailangan mo ako? O Kailangan mo ako dahil mahal mo ako?"

Nakakatawa. Hindi naman ito isang pelikula. Kaya mas ninais na sa iyo sana magmula.

"hindi ko alam." Umiiling ka habang ito ay tinuturan. "Marami pa akong problemang kinahakaharap."

“Mas maraming pagsubok ang masa. Kahit ako din ay may mga problema."

masa. masa. masa. paulit-ulit mong sinasambit.

Mas matimbang ang masang gusto mong paglingkuran. Iyan ay aking naiintindihan. Hindi ako nakikipagkompetensiya. Sa sinabi ko pa. Hindi mo kayang ibigay ang bagay na wala ka.

At hindi mo maibibigay ang buong pagmamahal sa iba kung sarili mo ay hinahanap mo pa.

♫ ♪Ako’y nangangarap na ika’y makasama
Taglay ang pangakong iingatan kita
Ang ganda mong nahubog sa piling ng masa
Hinding hindi kukupas, di malalanta ♫ ♪

Tayo man ay nagkahiwalay sa bagay na tila walang saysay. Maliit na bagay ngunit hindi mo maisagot nang deterso. Marahil mas maayos ang ganito.

Sa wika mo pa, Patuloy ang kontradiksyon ng buhay. Patuloy ang pakikibaka

…..para sa iyong sarili, sa masa at sa sistema.

Ang pagkamit nito ay marahil matatagalan pa.

♫ ♪ Gaya ng pag-ibig na alay ko sinta ♫ ♪

Musika ng pakikibaka 1

2011-06-17T16:35:00.004+08:00

♫ ♪ Kahit ngayon
Ngayon lang nagkakillala
Ay alam kong matagal na tayong magkasama ♫ ♪

Sa ilalim nang maliwanag na buwan, kinanta mo ang mga kundiman, mga kanta ng pakikibaka- musikang paborito ng mga aktibista. Tinawanan kita. Hindi mo ako madadala sa ganyang istilo, ulol!

Napahinto ka sa pagtapik ng iyong mahigit isang dekada ng gitara. Natawa din. At iyong ibinahagi ang pagkakataong ginamit mo ang kanta sa panliligaw. Walang kamuwang-muwang na kolehiyala, kinilig sa ideyang ginawan siya ng isang kanta, hindi naisip na ito ay komposisyon noong panahon ng Martial Law pa. Magandang dalaga, dagdag mo pa. Pero madaling utuin, isip ko.

Kaya iniisip mo mas madaling ligawan ang babaeng walang muwang sa pakikibaka?

Hindi naman. Pero mas madaling basahin ang utak nila.

Kilay ko ay napataas. At kelan ba nagkaroon ng ganung basehan?

♫ ♪Kahit sa’nman may tunggalian at paglaban
Nagtatagpo lakas natin at paninindigan
Sa bisig na nagpapanday
Sa bisig na nagbubungkal
Ng isang bagong kaisipan
Ng isang malayang lipunan♫ ♪

At tayo'y patuloy na nagdiskusyon sa walang katapusang debate ng hiwalayan ng kaliwang bloke, ng peace talks na hindi matapus-tapos at kung bakit nahuhumaling ang mga babae sa magkapatid na Younghusband.

Nakakatawa ang kanilang apelyido. Turan mong nakaismid pa.

Gwapo sila at napakatalentado. Passionate. We want our man to be passionate. At tsaka, Youngwife ako forever! With emphasis sa Young talaga.

Kalebel din ng pagpapantasya niyo sa napakalamig na bampirang si Edward Cullen? Yan ang hirap sa inyong mga babae, you fantasize and want that qualities of a man. Sobrang taas na ng standards ninyo.

Napahagalpak ako ng tawa. As if hindi naman kayo ngapapantasya. Marahil hindi sa isang fictional character like Edward but some 'it' girls like Anne Curits or Solenn Heussaff.

At nauwi na naman ang usapan sa gender equality; ng mga sinasabi mong feministang may 'misplaced ideology”. Gusto ng equality pero gusto rin ng gentleman who would sweep them off their feet daw. Mga lalakeng tatayo at ibigay ang upuan, yung tipong magiging sunud-sunuran.

“Teka malayo naman ata yan! Equality. Pagkakapantay-pantay. Sa haba nang panahon naiwan ang babae kaya kailangan mo siyang iangat pero hindi ibig sabihin aawayin mo ang lalake. Kailangan ding mapaintindi ang lalake. Wala na ang feministang Amazona.May pagkakamali sa naunang pagkilos sa pag-angat ng kababaihan. Kailngang isipin na magkaagapay sa kaunlaran ang kababaihan at kalalakihan.

Oh teka, mukha ka namang nasa rally eh.

Tawa. Kanta. Inom. Ganito tayo parati. Hindi matapus-tapos na kuro-kuro. Nagdedebate sa mga walang kwentang bagay. Parating nagbabangayan pero hindi kumpleto ang araw kung wala ka.

Hindi ko alam kung ano pa ang posible sanang mangyari. Naduwag ka ata. O mas ninais mong tahakin ang mas simpleng paraan- ang paglisan.

♫ ♪At kung sakaling magkalayo man sa gawain
Bawat oras ito ay lagi kong kapiling
Sa piling ng bawat pantig
Singtamis mong ngumiti
Sa bawat pagpupunyagi
Kasama sa layang mithi♫ ♪

Walk gracefully.Write madly. Love moderately. Live honestly.

2011-05-28T12:29:00.034+08:00

I love birthdays. Your natal day is something to look forward to. A day when your mother was busy puffing air to get you out of this world, and as you celebrate another year, you commemorate that maternal sacrifice. And you could not help but think of a better way to celebrate life. Partying, eating, and praying. That's one of the best ways to celebrate your day.

Haruki Murakami, one of my favorite authors edited one novel entitled Birthday Stories chronicling strange birthday experiences. As James Urquhart wrote, "Birthdays are the one day when one might expect to be made a bit of a fuss of, and the best stories catch the awkward tension that surrounds wanting to be noticed."

Well, I do want to be noticed, to be surprised and to chronicle my life this year. My birthday is something not to be noticed, falling on Friday the 13th- one of the day some people avoid. 13th being an unlucky number. But no. I don't believe in it. Nothing bizarre happened on that day. For one, I am sure one lucky lady- celebrating THE day not just for 24 hours but for a week! Can you get any luckier than that? :D

To show you how lucky and blessed I am, let this be a visual treat for my year.

YOU ARE LUCKY ....

....when your kasiopao's mom tells you look young and beautiful on your dress.
Her exact words, "Hala day, mura lagi kag bata ug gwapa kaayo sa imohang suot."
and thinks you are thin (!) and famished. She still has good eyes, mind you. :))

...when your colleagues call you Bunsoy, pamper you and feed you yearly with the traditional pancit and bihon for long life. :D

...when your girlfriends decided to have a band, Happy Freaks and have your first semi- public concert.☺
♫ ♪ We are family, I got all my sisters with me, We are family
Get up everybody and sing ♫ ♪

...when your girl friends are the epitome of craziness.

...when your group decided to reenact The Beatles' Abbey Road walk at midnight and the taxi drivers just stopped.

...when the hands of the person taking the pictures are shaking yet your smiles are like sunshine emanating.

...when you go home and your sister makes you a nanny.
Hey I'm not complaining. I love these chikitings! :))

...when your birthday becomes a children's party!

...when your birthday becomes a reunion of sort. The iGATs, elementary and highschool buddies reunited.

...when you are with your loved ones.

...when you meet new friends with the same passion.
Trekking to Hubo and Sandig Falls at Brgy. Linan, Tupi, South Cotabato for Walk for Earth 2, a post-Earth Day celebration

....when being one of the boys inspires you to be more physically healthy! :)

...when you are one with Nature and mesmerized by God's handiwork.

...when you have someone who understands and supports your fanaticism to football.
Got my darling Ronaldo Cristiano (from my brother-in-law) and Andrei Arshavin (from a common friend. whoooohoo!) jerseys, Arsenal banner (from my hunk brotha Hernan) and Manchester United's banner (upcoming promised gift from my poging tito Amor).

...when your ULTIMATE CRUSHES made your day extra special.
Jimbolicious (will be proposing next time. haha!) and Surfer Dude hottie Luke Skywater surprising me (i'm the only person he tweeted that day! paimportanmte ako eh. CHOS!) :D
and your super friends' efforts to surprise you is really heartwarming! To Manins and Ate Fetus, labsyooou both to pieces! You made me so giddy, feeling like a high school swooning teenager. haha!

...when you live life as if you just turned 18!

yeeehaaa! La vita e bella. Life is beautiful.
THANK YOU LORD FOR THESE BLESSINGS! :D

------

"Count your life by smiles, not tears,
Count your age by friends, not years."

"The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." - Lucille Ball