Chronicles of Goddess Calay

JCI Cotabato & JCI Senate Philippines Relief Goods Giving

2012-06-25T01:01:00.000+08:00

Right after gracing the Change of Command Ceremony in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, JCI Cotabato proceeded to their gift giving activity at Bahay Maria Foundation, Cotabato City. This was in partnership with JCI Senate under the leadership of Past National President Nelson Tan.

One sack of rice and some assorted goods were donated by Past National President Nelson Tan.

Photo Courtesy: Stephen Henry Chin

MGen. Alcantara's Turnover of Command Ceremony

2012-06-25T00:38:00.000+08:00

The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army requested the presence of JCI Cotabato during the Testimonial Review of MGen. Anthony J. Alcantara, AFP and Change of Command Ceremony held at 6th ID Grandstand, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao last May 13, 2011. JCI Cotabato members attended the said event together with JCI Senate Past National President Nelson Tan and JCI Senator Bert Bautista, both are visitors of JCI Cotabato.

The event was graced by Lt. Gen. Arturo B. Ortiz, AFP, Commanding General, Philippine Army as their Guest of Honor and Speaker.

JCI Cotabato with Past National President Senate Nelson Tan

MGen. Alcantara made his remarks as the outgoing commander of 6th ID followed by reading and signing of relinquisment of command.

BGen. Rey. C. Ardo AFP, read and signed the assumption of command orders as the incoming commander of 6th ID.

Guest speaker and presiding officer Lt. Gen Arturo b. Ortiz, AFP hand-over the command symbol.

The event was followed by a boodle fight lunch.

Photo Courtesy: Stephen Henry Chin

Lets Give Justice to Soldiers

2012-06-24T15:47:00.004+08:00

Photos By: Mark Navales

When the survey by Pulse Asia showed early last year that Armed Forces of the Philippines is the most corrupt agency, it made me wonder why people think like that. If there is corruption in the military, it doesn't mean everyone are involved. There may be a few who are corrupt, but we should not generalized. The act of one is not the act of all. We should not condemn the entire AFP just because few are corrupt. Some may be corrupt, but some are not. We should consider the sentiments and feelings of the few good men in the military and their families. These men in uniform are only doing their job to keep us safe. Rather than accusing them of their corrupt practices, we should always remember what the military has done and what it is doing now for the people.

Photos By: Mark Navales

I would like to share this message spreading in text messages which I received a month after the result of the survey. I like to share this so that the others may know :

"The sins of one or two do not make the institution. Being a family of a military officer and daily witness to the life and service of a military man, that HURTS! It is unfair to the families of soldiers but is most unfair to the soldiers themselves. They who have to be awake so you guys can sleep, they who crawl in the jungles, sail the dark seas and fly the skies to keep the enemies away, they who miss their spouses and children's special days just so we can celebrate ours undisturbed, they whose children grow up without them so we can watch our children grow, they whose families have to fend for themselves during calamities while they take care of others. The generalization hurts. It is unfair! Amidst the accusation hurled on them, amidst the injustice of it all, the soldier will keep on doing their job because they are our soldiers! Mabuhay ang ating kawal!"

Speech of Sen. Chiz Escudero at Mutya ng Cotabato 2012

2012-06-21T21:22:00.002+08:00

Photo Courtesy: Harris Ma

Senator Chiz Escudero graced the Mutya ng Cotabato pageant night held last June 18, 2012 at CCI Gymnasium, Cotabato City. I personally got a copy of his speech during the event which was emailed to me by his staff Ronnie.

Transcript of Speech

Sa kinagalang-galang ang opisyal ng siyudad ng Cotabato sa pangunguna ng inyong ginagalang ang mayor, Mayor Jojo, sa ating ginagalang-galang ang board of judges sa pangunguna ni Col. Alex Brutan, sir, sa ating mga kababayan mula sa siyudad ng Cotabato, taos-pusong pagbati.

Isa pong maganda ang pinagpalang gabi sa inyong lahat. Nakalimutan ko pala, sa lahat ng ating mga naggagandahang kandidata para sa Mutya ng Cotabato, magandang gabi rin sa inyong lahat.

Isang karangalan para sa akin ang tumayo sa harap nyo at maging bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng ika-53 anibersaryo o araw ng Cotabato. Sa makasaysayang araw na ito sana pansamantala nating makalimutan maski na papaano ang mga problema at paghamon sa buhay na kinakaharap natin, sana sakali ganyang at pakunswelong nakikita natin ngayong gabi, maski na paaano makalimutan din natin ang ating hidwaan, away at hindi pagkakaintindihan. Dalangin ko po na sana ay maging matagumpay, sana maging makabuluhan at maging makahulugan ang ating pagdiriwang ng araw na ito, hindi lamang para sa akin pero higit sa lahat para sa ating lahat.

Sa muli at hindi ko po ito papahabain, isang malaking karangalan para sa akin na tumayo sa harap ninyo, makausap at makapiling kayo sa gabing ito at baka hindi namin abutan, advance congratulations na lamang sa kung sino man ang mapipili ng ating mga mahistrado na siyang magtataglay ng koronang Mutya ng Cotabato para sa taong 2012.

Sa muli po, pagbati na lamang at hanggang sa muli po nating pagkikita sa mga darating na panahon na sana hindi sa malayong hinaharap. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat, maraming salamat at taos-pusong pagbati. Thank you and good evening.

Chiz Asks Mindanaoans to Nominate Candidate for CJ Post

2012-06-20T12:44:00.002+08:00

Photo Courtesy: GOOGLE

Press Release

June 13, 2012. Sen. Chiz Escudero is asking Mindanaoans to participate in the selection of the next Chief Justice by nominating candidates from their region they feel fit to occupy the top post in the Supreme Court.

Escudero, the Senate representative to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), said the search for the next chief magistrate is not limited to applicants and nominees from Luzon and from within the Supreme Court.

"The hunt for the next Chief Justice is an open season and is not limited to the Supreme Court justices. We need someone who is neutral and not identified with partisan groups. Applicants and nominees within and outside the highest court of the land are welcome as long as he or she is qualified, reputable and has a clean record," Escudero said.

Under the existing JBC requirements, all court applicants must be Filipino citizens; posses proven competence, integrity, probity and independence and a member of the Philippine bar; at least 40 years old; and have been in the practice of law in the Philippines for at least 15 years.

In addition, aspirants for the top magistrate are now required to submit a waiver on the confidentiality of bank deposits, income tax return (ITR) and the opening of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN), as a result of the proposal put forward by Escudero to the JBC following the conclusion of the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.

"He can apply or be nominated either by a group, by an individual, by a classmate, by a friend, by a relative. It doesn't really matter for as long as after being nominated, he should manifest his intent to accept and he should manifest before the committee that he is accepting the nomination. We will be accepting applications and recommendations until June 18," Escudero said.

Among the nominees outside the Supreme Court as of June 8 are former University of the Philippines law dean Raul Pangalangan, Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, family law expert Katrina Legarda, Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza, dean emeritus of the Ateneo Law School Cesar Villanueva, and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

The five sitting magistrates of the Supreme Court - Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion and Diosdado Peralta - are automatically nominated for the top post by virtue of seniority.

www.chizescudero.com

CJ applicants now required to submit waiver on bank accounts, SALN, ITR - Chiz

2012-06-20T10:37:00.000+08:00

Photo Courtesy: GOOGLE

Press Release

June 04, 2012. The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will now require aspirants for the chief justice position to submit a waiver on bank deposits, income tax return (ITR) and the opening of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN), Senator Chiz Escudero said.

Escudero, the Senate representative to the JBC, made the motion in today’s deliberation of the council, the first since former Chief Justice Renato Corona was removed from office last week. The senator’s proposal was unanimously carried by the collegial body.

Since the conclusion of the five-month-long impeachment of Corona, Escudero has been pushing for the inclusion of waiver as additional requirement for all seeking to become the next top magistrate.

Aspirants who are from the government will be asked to provide their SALNs and those from the private sector will be required to submit the income tax returns (ITR) from two previous years.

“The new requirement covers applicants and nominees from both the private and government sectors. The waiver includes bank deposits on local and foreign currencies and the opening of their SALNs and ITRs in favor of the JBC. This will allow the council to check if indeed their bank accounts are reflected in their SALNs or ITRs,” Escudero said.

Under the existing JBC requirements, all court applicants must be Filipino citizens; possess proven competence, integrity, probity and independence and a member of the Philippine bar; at least 40 years old; and have served 15 years or more as a judge of a lower court or in the practice of law in the Philippines.

“The body’s approval of my motion is just being consistent to the general sentiment of the people during and after the tedious impeachment process: that is to set the highest bar for transparency and accountability among those who are in and those who wish to join government service. We just removed a CJ because of his deficient bank accounts, and the last thing we want is to choose another CJ whose bank accounts are not reflected in his SALN,” Escudero said.

In the next few days, the JBC will publish notices of vacancy and acceptance of application and nomination for the highest magistrate position which will now include the newly imposed waiver requirement.

www.chizescudero.com

Mutya ng Cotabato 2012

2012-06-19T22:16:00.002+08:00

Cotabato City will celebrate its Araw ng Cotabato on June 20, 2012. This is a declared holiday in the City. One of the highlights of the 53rd Araw ng Cotabato celebration is the annual search for the Mutya ng Cotabato. The 53rd Mutya ng Cotabato coronation night was held last June 18, 2012 in Cotabato Chinese Institute (CCI) Gymnasium with Sen. Chiz Escudero as guest speaker.

This year's winner for the said pageant is MARY JEAN BRILLANTES, 18 year old, also known as "Brill". Among 7 finalists, Brill was crowned the most beautiful woman in Cotabato City. She is a BS Education student of Notre Dame University, Cotabato City. She's born in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to Mrs. Sarah Brillantes and Mr. Agustine Brillantes on November 25, 1993. She weighs 55 kilos and 5'4 in height. She is a resident of RH 4, General Luna St., Cotabato City.

Photo Courtesy: Harris Ma

Sen. Chiz Escudero's Personal Profile

2012-06-18T20:52:00.002+08:00

Francis Joseph Guevara Escudero or Chiz was born on October 10, 1969, and studied at the University of the Philippines from kindergarten to college where he took up law. In 1994, he passed the Philippine Bar and went on to obtain a Masters degree in International and Comparative Law at Georgetown University in 1996.

As a practicing lawyer and teacher, he decided to enter politics in 1998 and was elected Representative of the 1st District of Sorsogon and was voted by his peers as Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

He was re-elected twice and was House Minority Floor Leader during his last term.

His name has national recall, and this was proven by the fact that he nearly topped the senatorial elections in 2007.

Today, he heads the Senate Committees on Justice and Human Rights, Joint Oversight Committees on Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Clean Air Act, and Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

This man's meteoric rise into the nation's consciousness as a leader has earned him several distinctions, including becoming a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines) awardee in recognition of his selfless dedication as a youth leader.

He has not gone unnoticed; in 2007, he was the only Filipino named as Asia News Network's Asia's Idols. He has also been honored by the prestigious World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader of 2008 in recognition of his professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Just when everyone is asking what more lies ahead for him, here he is consistently leading surveys as the most trusted official of the land with high approval ratings.

EDUCATION

Master in International and Comparative Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington D.C.,1995-1996

Admitted to the Bar, 1994

Bachelor of Laws, U.P. College of Law, 1989-1993

B.A. Political Science, U.P. Diliman, 1985-1989

High School, U.P. Integrated School, 1981-1985

Elementary U.P. Integrated School, 1975-1981

CAREER

Senator, Senate of the Philippines, 2007 to present

Chairman, Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights

Chairman, Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Chairman, Joint Oversight Committees on Ecological Solid Waste Management Act

Chairman, Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Clean Air Act

Representative, 1st District of Sorsogon, House of Representatives, 1998-2007

House Minority Floor Leader, 13th Congress

House Assistant Majority Floor Leader 11th Congress (July 1998 - Nov. 2000)

Commander, Philippine Navy Reserve Command

Partner, Escudero Marasigan Sta. Ana Vallente & Villareal Law Office, February 1995 - Present

ORGANIZATIONS

Lord Chancellor, Alpha Phi Beta, 2009-present

Member, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi of the University of the Philippines

AWARDS

Most Admired TV Personality, Anak TV Seal, 2008

Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum, 2008

Asia's Idol, Asia News Network, 2007

TOYM Awardee in Youth Leadership, 2000

Legislator of the Year, (Philippine Media Research and Progress Report, Inc.), Sept. 2000

Outstanding Public Servant of the Year (National Media Statistics Research News Publication), Aug. 2000

Most Outstanding Congressman of the Year (Philippine Youth Association for Public Affairs, Inc.) February 2002

Most Outstanding Solon (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.), 1998, 1999, 2000

Top Congressman (Pillars of the New Republic) 1999, 2000, 2001

Youth Achiever in the Government Sector (Development of the Filipino Youth) June 1999

www.chizescudero.com

Who is RAJAH INKONG?

2012-06-18T00:07:00.001+08:00

Rajah Inkong is the son of Datu Bumbo (Datu na Tampakanen) and Bai-a-labi Pindo (Daughter of Sultan Digraalam Omarumaya Tubutubo). He is the grandson of Sultan Digraalam (Sultan sa Kabuntalan) and great grandson of Omarumaya Tubotubo (Datu na Maguindanao) and Putri Bai Babak (Bai na Rajah Buayan). He is also the grandson of Datu Salamat and the great grandson of Sultan Deloyuden (Sultan sa Bagua-inged).

He is the Pidtingkungan na Bangsa Maguindanao, Rajah Buayan, and Kabuntalan.

He is the father of Datu Ayunan, Datu Balabaran, Bai Pagenawan, Datu Sangwan, Datu Udasan (Datu Talusan), Datu Unotan, and Datu Lidasan all of whom are his offspring from Bai Ganap (Bai na Nagatanganen) of Kabuntalan.

He is the father of Datu Ending and Bai Panombagan from Bai sa Dinaig. He is also the father of Datu Mamalukes, Datu Mamasla and Datu Omar from Bai na Iranon. (Rajah Inkong Professionals and Employees Association, Inc.)

Rajah Inkong grand reunion was held last May 20, 2012 at Mindanao State University Gymnasium, Maguindanao. It was the first ever grand reunion of the Rajah Ingkong clan.

I am part of the Rajah Ingkong clan. My grandfather, Datu Untong, is the grandchild of Rajah Inkong from his second child Datu Balabaran.

A Law Student's Prayer

2012-05-22T22:34:00.001+08:00

Now I lay me down to study,

I pray the Lord I don't go nutty,

And if I fail to learn this junk,

I pray the Lord I do not flunk,

And if I die, don't bury me at all,

Just lay my bones in the study hall,

And pile my books upon my chest,

And tell my profs I did my best,

So now I lay me down to rest,

And pray I pass tomorrow's test,

And if I die before I wake,

That's one less test I'll have to take.

"Law school seems to change people's behavior; lawyers have a superiority complex..But generally they are so vague and abstract, very narrow and not very bright. They use their legal training to see the world in a very restricted way, but they can't generalize.. They have tunnel vision." -- Mass. Legislator

Cotabato City: City of Peace

2012-05-18T11:02:00.001+08:00

The People's Palace

As the seedbed of Islam and Christianity in the inland of Mindanao, Cotabato City is home to people - that despite religious differences continues to live in harmony with one another. A place teeming with a richly colored past and exotic tapestry of vulture, it blends the old with the new in a rhythmic pattern of vibrant sounds and colors in a background of peaceful respect and understanding.

The city boasts of its numerous places of interest, its hardworking, happy people, the sunny climate, the milestones they celebrate, and the heritage they possess.

Truly a city of peace, it beckons, it invites, it dares.

Points of Interest:

Takumi Butai Shrine
PC Hill
Rio Grande De Mindanao
Old City Hall
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Compound
Tamontaka Church
Kutang Bato Cave
Timako Hill
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
People's Palace

Festivals:

Lilang-lilang Festival - June 12-25
Shariff kabunsuan Festival - December 15-19
Immaculate Concepcion Fiesta - December 8
Hariraya Puasa & Eid'l Fit'r

How to Get There:

By Air: From Manila is one hour-45 minutes flight. PAL and CEBU PACIFIC AIR service daily.
By Sea: Sulpicio, WG&A ply routes from Manila, Iloilo, Zamboanga, General Santos City servicing areas of Cotabato City and Cotabato Province.
By Land: Weena Buses go daily from Davao City via Kidapawan City, or Taxis and vans go daily from Iligan City via Malabang, Lanao del Sur (ARMM).

Where to Stay:

Diamond Hotel

Cor. Makakua & Jose Lim Sr. St., Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-5118

El Manuel Hotel

Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-9883

Estosan Garden Hotel

Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-6777 to 81

Fax No. (064)421-5488

Hotel Filipino & Resto

Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-2307/421-3232

Vision Inn

Bonifacio Street, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-7289/421-1364

City Plaza

Makakua St., Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-9148/421-9380

Pacific Heights Pensione House

San Vicente Street, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-5832/421-3483

Tel Fax (064)421-2249

Hotel Castro

Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-5343

Fax No. (064)421-7523 to 24

Sardonyx Pensione House

Gov. Gutierrez Street, Cotabato City

Azaleas Pensione House

Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City

Tel No. (064)421-8122

Source: Department of Tourism (Region 12)

Approval and Declaration of JCI Week Activities by Sanggunian Panlungsod

2012-04-17T23:37:00.000+08:00

JCI Cotabato with the City Councilors

On April 16 2012, the second day of JCI Week celebration, members of JCI Cotabato paid a visit out of courtesy to Sanggunian Panlungsod of Cotabato City to personally deliver our heartfelt gratitude to the Sanggunian Panlungsod especially the Vice Mayor Hon. Datu Muslimin Sema in approving and declaring April 15-21 as JCI Week during the regular session of the 13th Sanggunian Panlungsod on March 26, 2012.

VP for Internationalism

1974 JCI Cotabato President Dr. Ed Rabago

Above is the photo of the overall chairperson of JCI Week, Vice President for Internationalism JCI member Jamaheria G. Compania presenting the proposal to approve and declare April 15-21 as JCI Week. The proposal was supported by 1974 JCI Cotabato president, City Councilor Dr. Ed Rabago. (Photo courtesy: Harris Ma)

Symbolic Lighting of Chinese Lantern

2012-04-16T21:46:00.002+08:00

It's JCI Week once again. This year's JCI Week is celebrated on April 15-22, 2012 with a theme "It's a great time to be a JCI". JCI Cotabato launched the JCI Week yesterday with thanksgiving mass at the Cotabato Cathedral and a symbolic lighting of lanterns at Cotabato Pilot Elementary School. It was a successful activity. We lit fifteen lanterns, comes with different colors and it was well attended by new and old members of JCI Cotabato.

We decided to choose this activity to start the JCI Week celebration instead of the usual motorcade that JCI Cotabato has been doing for the past years.

But be careful though when lighting lanterns because it may sink back to the ground which may cause fire. One of our lanterns landed on one of our member's car.

This is my third time to witness this symbolic lighting of lanterns. First was in Tacloban then here in Cotabato City during the MBLT's Change of Command Ceremony.

They say that lighting these lanterns and letting it fly is a way of asking the sky to grant a wish. So my wish is to have a prosperous year and to have a successful JCI week celebration. =)

Molina-Muñoz Farm Resort

2012-04-16T00:04:00.001+08:00

Parang is a first class municipality in the province of Maguindanao, Philippines. One of its tourist attractions is the Molina-Muñoz Riverpool and Resort. It is located at Barangay Gumagadong-Calawag which is five (5) kilometers away from Parang site and nearly 25 kilometers away from Cotabato City.

They have different cottages to choose from. Seminars, weddings and other occasion are being conducted here also.

I have visited this place thrice already. The first one was when I attended a friend's party. I found it very nice. I did not know that Parang has a spot as beautiful as this. So I told my friends about it. One of the nicest place to visit in Parang, Maguindanao.

Photo Courtesy: Harris Ma

Gun Safety Seminar and Hands-On

2012-04-14T22:38:00.001+08:00

Keep your finger off the trigger, unless you are ready to fire!

MyFirst Boodle Fight Experience

2012-04-06T11:31:00.000+08:00

Lingkod Parang

2012-04-04T00:24:00.004+08:00

To highlight our silver anniversary celebration of 2011's JCI Week, JCI Cotabato have series of activities. One of which was the Lingkod Parang Dental-Surgical Mission held on April 10, 2011 at Parang Gym, Parang, Maguindanao. This project was in partnership with DOH-ARMM and in full support of LGU-Parang during the leadership of Mayor Ibay, 37th Infantry Battalion, PNP-ARMM, IRA (Iranun Rescue Assistance) 511, MBLT-7 and US Army Medical Team. Other services includes the Libreng Gupit (Free Haircut) by the 37th IB, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Medical Consultation, and Eye Screening. We were also entertained by the PNP-ARMM Band while the services was being conducted. The 37th IB and PNP-ARMM not only supported us by providing armed men for our security but also they have provided us doctors for the dental and surgical services.

This was the first time that JCI Cotabato did a community project outside its area of responsibility to promote more the purpose of oour organization's existence globally and to expand its horizon. Its also a good opportunity to increase our membership.

The event started with a short program, reciting the JCI Creed, Prayer and Mission followed by a short opening and inspirational speech by the Hon. Mayor Ibay. The Regional Secretary of DOH-ARMM Dr, Jojo Sinolinding, Jr. (former JCI member) also delivered his short inspirational talk. Other guest present were the Vice Mayor of Parang, and the Commanding Officer of the 37th IB Lt. Col. Febie Lamerez.

JCI Cotabato 5k Fit Fun and Run 2011

2012-04-03T19:33:00.003+08:00


Warm-up at the City Plaza

City Plaza

The Marshall

Junior Chamber International- Cotabato and Cotabato Light and Power Company (Aboitiz Company) 5k Fit-Fun and Run 2011 in partnership with China Bank Cotabato Branch, Angela & Hershey's Resto & Catering, Marine Battalion Landing Team-7, CCNTV Productions, and Silton's Original at Cotabato City, held last April 9, 2011 as our JCI Week opening activity.

ORG Compound

Photo Courtesy: Stephen Henry Chin

Meet the Mayors

2012-04-03T15:59:00.000+08:00

JCI Cotabato members meet the Maguindanao Mayors. A year ago, prior to the conduct of 2011 JCI Week silver anniversary celebration, we the JCI Cotabato, attended the Maguindanao mayor's meeting together with Father Eliseo Mercado and IRA 511 to present our JCI Week proposal. We were given few minutes to lay down our proposal and explained briefly what JCI is. The proposal was to partner with the LGU of Parang in celebrating one of the highlights of JCI Week celebration which was the "Lingkod Parang" Dental and Surgical Mission.

The Mayors present were Mayor Ibay of Parang, Maguindanao, Former Mayor Bataga of Parang Maguindanao, Mayor Ruth Tomawis of Buldon Maguindanao, Mayor Sinsuat of Datu Blah Sinsuat Maguindanao, and Mayor Imam of Matanog Maguindanao.

YLEA 2011

2012-04-03T12:55:00.002+08:00

YLEA or Youth Leadership Excellency Award, a Batang Lider Award, is one of the flagship projects of Junior Chamber International - Philippines in cooperation with Department of Education and Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri as our sponsor for the year 2011. It aims to recognize the leadership qualities and academic achievement of elementary and high school deserving graduating students both in public and private schools nationwide. It consists of medals and certificates.

YLEA 2011 was presented to 23 schools, elementary and high school, on graduation ceremony by me as the 2011 president, my project chair Budjie Alonzo and some of the members of JCI Cotabato.

The school recipient:

NDU-ETD
Vilo Elementary School
Cathedral
Agape Elementary School
Agape High School
Sero Elementary School
Notre Dame Cotabato
Pilot Elementary School
RVM Elementary School
RVM High School
ND Village High School
San Vicente High School
Rojas Elemenatry School
Rojas High School
Kimpo Elementary School
A.R. Pacheco Elementary
A.R. Pacheco High School
Usman Elementary School
Usman High School
P.C. Hill
Canizares High School
Main Campus High School
Don E. Sero Elementary School

Photo Courtesy: Stephen Henry Chin

Ian Somerhalder in Davao??

2012-04-03T01:47:00.002+08:00

OMG! Is this for real? The sexiest vampire is coming to town! I just learned through facebook that Ian Somerhalder is going to visit Davao City on April 29, 2012. I cant believe it, please someone tell me that it's true. I will cancel all my appointments just to see this sexy hot gorgeous vampire and offer my type O blood. lolz! He is to die for! Just in time for the last day of JCI Area Council Meeting in Davao City on April 27-28, 2012. Perfect timing, no conflicts!

I am such a huge fan of Ian Somerhalder also known as Damon Salvatore of The Vampire Diaries TV series. Damn, he's so hot!! The Vampire Diaries is now on season 3 already. And i don't and won't get tired of watching it over and over again. I have it downloaded in my computer. Start watching it!

MBLT-7 Distribution of Books

2012-03-31T14:03:00.000+08:00

The distribution of books was one of the joint-project of Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 and JCI Cotabato during my presidency in 2011 together with Rotary Club of Cotabato City - South and Notre Dame Religious of Virgin Mary- College of Cotabato (NDRVM). This activity was held at Bucana, Mother Barangay Kalanganan, Cotabato City last March 9, 2011, with Datu Ayunan National High School as our recipient.

In the picture above, Lt Col. Doroteo Jose M. Jalandoni, PN (M) (GSC), commanding officer of MBLT-7, turns-over the books to school principal Nanang A. Mangatong, Al-Hadja.

Below is a picture of me delivering my speech. Lesson learned, do not attend any event unprepared. There was nothing in the program that I should deliver a speech. I did very well, though. =)

Feed My Lambs Program

2012-03-31T02:02:00.000+08:00

Immediately after the animal wellness day, Feeding Program and Hypertension Screening was conducted by Rotary Club of Cotabato City- South and Rotary Anns of Cotabato City- South in partnership with Junior Chamber International- Cotabato, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish- Cotabato City, Marine Battalion Landing Team- 7, Philippine Dental Association- Cotabato City Chapter at Rosary Heights VI Barangay Hall, Krislamville, Cotabato City.

A Vet’s Touch

2012-03-31T01:15:00.002+08:00

2011 JCI Cotabato Executive Vice President Nash Imam

March 5, 2011. Animal Wellness Day 2011 with Junior Chamber International- Cotabato Chapter, Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation- DXMS/DXOL, City Government of Cotabato- City Veterinary Services, Dr. Geraldson Navarra, Marine Battalion Landing Team- 7, Philippine Veterinary Medical Association-Southern Mindanao, Venerable Knight Veterinarians Fraternity, Venerable Lady Veterinarians Sorority, Today’s Pet World at DXMS/DXOL Grounds.

Free services were consultation, anti-rabbies vaccination, castration, deworming, and vitamins.

The Lawyer I Aspire To Be

2012-03-30T19:27:00.001+08:00

Studying law was the last thing on my mind when I graduated from college, despite the fact that the legal profession is the most prestigious and glamorous profession in the Philippines. I must admit that I have negative notions regarding lawyers. The way I perceive them it seems to me that the prestige of being a lawyer comes with a great responsibility to the point that other lawyers overlook upon, which then resulted to fraud. Until my father convinced me to take up law, he gave me the inspiration to be different and be of service to our people by not doing fraudulent acts. I decided to enroll at Notre Dame University College of Law in year 2000 just to satisfy my father's desire to have a lawyer in the family. Eventually, I started to love the legal profession and be responsible in every acts I do.

Being a law student was never been an easy task for me. This simply means days of hardships and sacrifices, but since I begin to appreciate legal profession, little by little, it became a big challenge for me. I learn to breathe and live a life of an aspiring lawyer. It is indeed striking to think how I could contribute things for a good cause to our legal profession, it became more challenging each day I learn more about it. As idealistic as I am, I believe that I could be a positive contributor in this profession by providing quality, ethical, accessible and cost-effective legal service to my fellow men. By serving justice to them especially to those who does not believe in the justice system of our country. I would like to correct and gain public trust by being a model to the younger aspirants and be a challenge to those who are in the legal profession. Though it is inevitable nowadays that some lawyers are doing unethical services which instead giving honor to our profession, causes disgrace to other lawyers and future lawyers. Through us, the new breed of lawyers (Godwilling), I aspire to be the principled and noble lawyer that I could be, inshaallah.

Hugs and Kisses!