Recently, the Davao City 911 Emergency Response Center opened a new operations hub in the south — a stone’s throw away from where I live, in fact. The new center used to be a public market. And, for the life of me, I cannot fathom why the city government back in the ’80s decided to put a wet market in the middle of a residential district. Needless to say, it was a terrible idea. I’m glad that the city has found a much better use of the facility.

Here are some photos I asked Chattee Lara to take of the new center located in Juna Subdivision, Matina.

From their new base in Matina, these are the city’s services that will respond to emergency situations anywhere in the city: Emergency Medical Service, Urban Search & Rescue, Fire Auxiliary Service, and the K-9 Service.

These shoes were donated recently to the Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Education in Mintal, Davao City. In simple rites but in a festive setting, adidas executives, led by Country Manager Nolet Puno, turned over the shoes to the students of Pamulaan. All who study at Pamulaan are children of indigenous peoples from all over the country.

adidas assets graced the event, among them Purefoods cagers, Enrico Villanueva and Peter Jun Simon, who hails from Davao City.

Pamulaan, the first of its kind in Asia, is established in the Mintal campus of the University of South Eastern Philippines, which is about half an hour’s drive from downtown Davao City. At present, there are about 100 students taking up courses in education, agriculture and anthropology. At the turnover ceremony, students from various cultural minorities honored their guests with traditional dances: Manobo, Matigsalog, Mangyan, Ifugao, Teburay, and others.

The students, as well as everyone else in attendance, were treated to the antics of VJ Drei of MYX and the presence of TV idol Rayver Cruz, both of whom are also adidas assets. I’m sure that for both parties — the Pamulaan family and the adidas entourage — it was a first-of-a-kind encounter.

adidas chose Pamulaan as sole beneficiary of their corporate social responsibility project, according to Jillian Panganiban of adidas Philippines, because of the center’s uniqueness and worthy objectives. Pamulaan (from the Matigsalog word for ’seedbed’) is currently home to about 31 different indigenous peoples groups from all over the archipelago.

In his acceptance speech, Pamulaan founder Benjamin Abadiano stressed that this generous donation from adidas will benefit thousands of cultural minority students, a lot of whom walk to school across great distances. Pamulaan is based in Davao City, but extends its helping hands to indigenous peoples all over the country.

Bloggers @ the adidas-Pamulaan event

In behalf of my fellow bloggers, I’d like to extend sincere greetings of congratulations to adidas Philippines for the very charitable contribution it has made to our indigenous peoples.

Here are photos of the event, courtesy of Chattee Lara.

And they were serious about the nationalistic campaign. They sent the flip-flops along with truly Filipino icons: a miniature jeepney replica, a bag of dried mangoes, and a packet of Choc•Nuts!! Seeing the Choc•Nuts brought to mind images of my much younger days… Suddenly, comfortable tsinelas and those pseudo-chocolate goodies do make a nostalgic match.

“Emblazoned with renditions of Filipino pride, the Limited Edition Havaianas Filipinas Collection features the style Havaianas Filipinas Plain, which showcases a stylized pin of Philippine colors and the style Havaianas Filipinas Print, which features the ever-enduring symbol of Filipino culture, art and lifestyle, the Jeepney, rendered in edgy silver, with either black or metallic silver straps.”

Which is what I got, the pair with the silver straps, studded with the colors of the Philippine flag.

The Limited Edition Havaianas Filipinas Collection–specially designed and produced for the Philippines–arrived in stores on the 12th of June, in celebration of Independence Day. In Davao City, havaianas® flip-flops are available in SM City, Chimes, and other specialty stores.

What I enjoy about wearing havaianas®, it gives you a pretty valid — and sometimes fashionable — excuse to wear slippers outside. And in my line of work, where I’m not expected to come in formal attire too often, I can really get away with wearing casual footwear to a meeting with clients, or when I work at any of my favorite cafés.

Thanks to Havaianas Philippines for my ‘proudly Filipino’ flip-flops! And thanks to my friend, Marga, for getting me in the exclusive list of recipients of the Havaianas Filipinas Collection!

Speaking of matters nationalistic, today is the 118th birth anniversary of our national hero, Dr. José Rizal.

Nagagalak naman akong ipag-alam na ang Google, na siyang pinakamalaking search engine sa kasalukuyan, ay nakipagdiriwang sa atin ngayon. Sa pamamagitan ng Google Doodles, naipararating ng Google sa buong mundo ang halaga’t diwa ng ating kasarinlan at dangal bilang Pilipino.

Heto po ang isang magandang paliwanag mula sa kababayan ko’t kapwa blogger na si Andrew dela Serna, ukol sa Google Doodles.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino! Isulong ang ating Kalayaan! Pugsain ang anumang balakid sa ating Kapayapaan!

NO TO CON-ASS!!!

Below are the activities planned for the 3-day event. Thanks to Michelle Solon of Go Sarangani Travel for the information, and for helping in the arrangements for the bloggers.

28 May (Thu) • Kiamba

Ceremonial Opening Program, Lumba Bugsay (paddleboat racing), Bike Adventure Race Challenge, Skim Boarding Competition, Skim Boarding Clinic, Dive Sarangani, Underwater Photography, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Sayaw Sarangani – Hataw sa Tag-araw, Beach Concert and Fireworks Display.

29 May (Fri) • Maasim – Glan

Swim across the Bay (from Maasim to Glan), Bay Bodies Pageant, Scubasurero (dive to harvest crown of thorns), Sand Castle Competition, Bay Fair (selling and promotions fair), Beach Party with Club DJ and Fire Dancers, and continuing activities of Bike Adventure Race Challenge, Skim Boarding Competition, Skim Boarding Clinic, Dive Sarangani, Underwater Photography, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball.

30 May (Sat) • Gumasa, Glan

Bombo Bancarera (motorboat racing), San Miguel Concert Party (Manila band), Recogntion and Awarding Ceromonies, and continuing activities of Bike Adventure Race Challenge, Skim Boarding Competition, Skim Boarding Clinic, Dive Sarangani, Underwater Photography, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball.

I’m so excited! These three days will surely be a series of scorchingly hot parties and über-cool outdoorsy events! Can’t wait…

Glan, Kiamba, Maasim and the other towns surrounding Sarangani Bay are largely undiscovered jewels of nature. For example, the beaches of Glan are reputed to have sand as fine as that found in Boracay. And the scuba diving is spectacular, by all accounts (check out my post about Lemlunay Dive Resort). Parts of the bay, I was told by Michelle, are protected sanctuaries, so that divers now see much growth and resurgence of indigenous species in the area. When we went for a dive, we saw the cement domes that were installed in different parts of Sarangani Bay to promote the growth of coral.

And the food! I bet I’m going to gorge myself on tuna, sturgeon fish (I wish!), crab, and other goodies from the sea! On the flip side, however, accommodations facilities in the Sarangani province are rather rudimentary.

The bloggers’ excursion into Sarangani is being coordinated by yours truly, Avel Manansala (of Bariles Republic fame), and the indefatigable Michelle, the wife of Vice-Governor Steve Solon. But blogger or not, anyone is very welcome to join the festivities. Budget? Less than ₱3,000 (including transportation to & from Davao) per person will most certainly suffice. To be there to party with everyone is free, but the clinics, competitions, etc. will have minimal participation fees.

For more information, please get in touch with Go Sarangani Travel — gosaranganitravel[at]gmail[dot]com, (83)552-8015 or (83)304-4398. This festival is being organized under the auspices of the Sarangani provincial government. Check out their official site: www.sarangani.gov.ph.

Here are some action photos, courtesy of my good friend, Iris Lahora.

Nestled atop a precipice overlooking Sarangani Bay in Maasim, Sarangani Province, is an alluring place called Lemlunay, which, in the B’laan and T’Boli tongues, roughly means “the good place one goes to in the afterlife”. The Lemlunay Dive Resort is a countryside getaway that will take your breath away, with its rustic ambience, relaxing surroundings, lovingly-prepared cuisine, personalized service… all encompassed by an expansive sea of unspoilt blue.

It is a paradise for nature lovers, but most especially for scuba-diving enthusiasts. The resort itself is still being developed — with only a few guest rooms available at the moment — but the diving facilities they have in place are at par with the ones I’ve seen in high-end resorts. I’m not really a scuba diver, but after an exhilarating intro dive I did there (with Chattee, Lyle, Angel and Leonard), I just might become one soon!

A short distance from the cliff’s side, the bottom of the sea drops dramatically to about 30 feet, then a coral wall presents itself with marine life all a-bustle. The variegated colors on the fish and on the coral is a delight against the backdrop of soft-hued sand and dark-toned rock that dot the seascape. I wanted so much to go deeper and check out the coral wall, but I couldn’t because I’m not yet certified. It was too bad none of us thought of bringing an underwater camera. I’ve actually gone diving twice before already, but before the dive at Lemlunay, I had never seen so many kinds of tropical fish in their natural habitat.

Our group of intrepid bloggers (6 from Davao and 2 from GenSan) were hosted by Sarangani Vice-Governor Steve Solon and his wife Michelle to a sumptuous lunch at Lemlunay, whose amiable queen of the kitchen served each a delectable plate of roasted chicken and grilled gindara peppered with heavenly golden garlic. Oh and there was also steamed pompano (also called dolphin fish and mahi-mahi), served in a rich brown sauce with olives and garnished with tomatoes and spices.

The owner of Lemlunay Dive Resort, Paul Partridge, who is also the head dive instructor, gave us a very colorful interview. He told us about how he built the resort in 2005, and his plans for expansion, which will become reality starting this year. He plans to add more cottages, a recreation room, meeting facilities, and a swimming pool. There is also a separate area that will be completed soon, and this will be for day-trippers. For people who want to get away from the city and learn scuba, Lemlunay could be the perfect destination: learn how to dive from the classroom to the pool to the open sea, all in one place. And be pampered with good food while you’re at it!

The diving operation is a separate entity, and is known as South Point Divers. Judging by the way the dive master and the staff handled our group — and to think they had other guests who were also going to dive — I am confident that they will be able to satisfy any seasoned scuba diver’s needs and whims. And I shouldn’t fail to mention, the more exciting dive spots are reportedly full of marine wonders. Michelle (who is a blogger herself) was telling us that there live a growing school of a rare species of wrasse in the waters of Sarangani Bay, which has in fact been declared a marine sanctuary. Head on over to South Point Divers’ online photo gallery to view spectacular underwater shots.

I’d like to thank Michelle and Vice-Governor Steve for giving us a grand time at Lemlunay, the paradise of Sarangani Bay. And to Paul and Joel, the dive master, for making it possible for us to have a wonderful time underwater! Most especially, in behalf of the bloggers of Davao, General Santos City’s lead blogger, Avel Manansala, deserves our gratitude and admiration for organizing that elating weekend in General Santos and Sarangani Province.

For your GPS locators, here are Lemlunay Dive Resort’s coordinates: 5° 52′ 24.00″ N, 125° 05′ 13.00″ E. From General Santos, Maasim is about half an hour’s drive. You can contact the resort via mobile phone: +63(920)914-9259.

Resci Angeli Rizada

Resci Angeli Rizada, a nursing graduate of one of the leading nursing schools in the city, has won the crown and the hearts of Dabawenyos for this year’s search for the Mutya ng Dabaw. She was hailed this year’s reigning Mutya during the coronation night held yesterday, 14 March 2009 (Saturday) at the CAP Auditorium.

Rizada, a summa cum laude graduate of the San Pedro College, is also a member of the Recognizing Outstanding Davao Youth (RODY) Project, Future Leaders of Asia, and a regional and national finalist of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

Representing the new, enlightened Dabawenya, a strong-willed, outspoken yet charming, confident yet humble woman whose intelligence and skills are dedicated to community building, goodwill and development, Rizada has won ₱50,000.00 in cash plus a trophy and other prizes.

She has also won a matching grant from her sponsoring foundation/organization for her chosen advocacy project, which is focused on “social change through social entrepreneurship”. We hope to hear from her soon with regards the concrete plans she has in mind to achieve this worthy advocacy.

Rizada’s court is comprised of Diwa ng Dabaw winner, Vanessa Ruth Chan; Sinag ng Dabaw winner, Patrice Su; Pag-Asa ng Dabaw winner, Richelle Ann Liao; and Patnubay ng Dabaw winner, Franilyn Sendiong.

The winner of the Mutya ng Dabaw was chosen based on the following criteria: intelligence (25%), communication skills (25%), personality (25%), talent (15%) and quality of proposed project design (10%).

The coronation night was Web-cast live worldwide though its official website, MutyaNgDabaw.com, a first in the history of the celebration of the city’s charter anniversary. Live streaming of other highlights and features of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration can be seen on ArawNgDabaw.com.

Araw ng Dabaw, the city’s celebration of its 72nd charter anniversary, officially opens on 9 March 2009, 4:00 PM with the “DAWOW” Grand Opening Ceremony at Quezon Park (in front of City Hall).

The program will kick off with a musical presentation by the Davao Community Band and Blue Velvet Band, followed by a prayer to be rendered into song by the Davao Boys Choir, Matina Central ES Choir and UIC Chorale. A thanksgiving prayer will be led by Carlito Guinto, Jr., representing the indigenous community, Samrah Nuh, representing the Muslim community, and Archimedes Udaundo, representing the Christian community, symbolizing the city’s multi-cultural population.

After the prayers, “Bahaghari Tayo”, the celebration’s official theme, will be performed by popular Dabawenyo artist and the song’s composer Popong Landero, together with the Davao Community Band, Blue Velvet Band and the Kaliwat Theater Collective. Kaliwat Theater Collective, Davao Community Band, Blue Velvet Band, Davao Boys Choir, Matina Central ES Choir, UIC Chorale, Madayaw Cultural Troupe, and students from Magallanes Elementary School will then share the stage for the “Dabaw: Sulyap Salaysay” production number.

Mr. Sammy Uy, this year’s co-chairperson of the celebration’s Executive Committee (EXECOM), will deliver the Pagpapasalamat speech while City Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz and Mr. Lafayette Lim, EXECOM vice-chairperson will talk about the theme and introduce the EXECOM members of this year’s celebration.

This will be followed by the “Ang Dakilang Pangako” number to be performed by local artist Juliet Bahala together with the Davao Boys Choir, UIC Chorale, Matina Central ES Choir, Blue Velvet Band, Davao Community Band and Kaliwat.

City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is the chairman of Araw ng Dabaw 2009 EXECOM, will deliver the celebratory address while Councilor Ortiz will raise the theme along with EXECOM co-chairperson Mr. Samuel Uy.

The program, to be hosted by Oscar Casaysay and Mutya ng Dabaw 2004 Aileen Cainglit, will close with the community singing of the “Tayo’s Dabawenyo”.

The 72nd Araw ng Dabaw celebration highlights include the Museo Dabawenyo DUHWOW : DABAW Exhibit Opening (March 10, 10 AM, Museo Dabawenyo), Kalasikas Cultural Performances (March 10-16, 6-9 PM, People’s Park), PAGTUGYAN: Yuchengco Scholarship Program Launching (March 12, 3 PM, Rizal Park), Unveiling of Datu Bago Mural (March 12, 5 PM, Museo Dabawenyo), SALIDAbaw: MTV Finals (March 13, 3 PM, Gaisano Mall), Mutya ng Dabaw Coronation Night (March 14, 6 PM, CAP Auditorium), Sayawan sa Da’n (March 15, 2-8 PM, from Legazpi St., Rizal St., Bolton St., San Pedro St., to City Hall Drive), Pasasalamat :Thanksgiving Mass (March 16, 6 AM, San Pedro Cathedral), Parada Dabawenyo (March 16, 8 AM-12 NN, from Magsaysay Ave., CM Recto Ave., Bonifacio St., Legaspi St., San Pedro St., to Quimpo Blvd.), Banda Hudyaka : Showdown Presentation (March 16, 2 PM, People’s Park), Dickies presents: Pahalipay ni Mayor Concert featuring Slapshock (March 16, 7 PM, Rizal Park). On-going events include the Agri-Trade Fair (February 28-Macrh 16, SM City Grounds), Hudyakaan: Street Food Festival (March 9-16, 4 PM-2 AM, Bolton St., beside Sanguniang Panlungsod), and Chinatown Night Market (14-16 March, 6 PM-2 AM, R. Magsaysay Ave.).

For more information, visit www.arawngdabaw.com and www.mutyangdabaw.com.

Joey Ayala

Recently, I’ve rediscovered one of the musical gems that moved me — nay, jolted me out of my stupor — the first time I heard it. The music of Joey Ayala. Discographies label his tracks as “folk rock” or even “indigenous music”. But I think his music goes beyond that, because it has purpose and it is timeless.

You will find in his music themes about environmental issues, social realities, even politically-charged chants. Joey Ayala does have tracks that might be meant for pure entertainment, but those that really matter are those songs that move listeners to realize certain truths — and, hopefully, to action.

My favorites include Agila (”Eagle”), Bathala (”God”) and Karaniwang Tao (”Common Man”). But there’s one piece whose lyrics ring true and must ring even louder, if people are to realize what purpose their lives serve on this earth. I’d like to share Awit ng Mortal (”Mortal Man’s Song”) with you. It was composed by Joey and performed by Bayang Barrios.

Mga Awit ng Tanod-Lupa

For the benefit of my non-Tagalog readers, here’s a rough translation:

Joey Ayala, while his family has roots in the North, grew up in Davao City. His sister, Cynthia Alexander, is also an accomplished musician. His brother and my friend, Pido Ayala, is one of the pioneering IT professionals in Davao. Their mother, the poet Tita Lacambra-Ayala, is one of Davao’s literary inspirations.

Joey’s music and his blog are online at joeyayala.com. There is also a wiki entry about him.