Feature

THE WOMEN OF MALOLOS

2013-01-22T04:58:00.001-08:00

During the dark period in our history, women were confined only in the four corners of their home - to serve the needs of their husband and children. Their knowledge and skills were limited to household chores. They have no right to enroll in an educational institution of higher learning. Frustrated by the fate of women - on December 1888, twenty (20) women from Malolos petitioned Governor General Wyler for a permission to open a night school so that they can study Spanish language. Spanish priest Fr. Felipe Garcia objected, their petition was turned down -- but the women bravely pursued their dream defying friar's objection, until they finally obtained the government's approval, an attitude unheard of during those days.

This is a non-profit undertaking of Alimokon Cyber Advocacy in a joint venture project with the Asian Theological Seminary Photography Club, the Women of Malolos Foundation, Inc., and the City of Malolos Tourism Office. Part of ATSPC's Historurism Photo Walk Project in Malolos, Bulacan with Pastor Lemuel Dayrit Danganan and Prof. Lorenzo Bautista, ATSPC Founder in celebration of the founding of the First Philippine Republic - "Ang Republika".

BIRDS STRIKES @ NAIA

2012-10-18T05:31:00.001-07:00

BIRDS STRIKES AT NAIA!

(From left: Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss, CAAP Director General with

Capt. John Andrews, Deputy General for Operations, CAAP)

Bird strike Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) does not only poses an imminent danger to the safety of airlines and its passengers at , but also a threat to our country’s economy as well. We may never earn an upgrade of our aviation safety classification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to boost our tourism industry and increase commercial activities in the metropolis and parts of central Luzon, because of such issue, other than the modernization of our airports.

Lately, there was tremendous increase of bird strikes at NAIA. There were 49 bird strike recorded by CAAP from January to September, compared to 30 bird strikes in 2011 and 25 in 2010, which makes the makes the danger more imminent. Thus, NAIA was prompted to issue a warning to the pilots of the danger to land and take off at NAIA.

It was reported that a Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flight PR 124 to Manila was canceled last September after birds got sucked into the plane’s engine in order to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Cebu Pacific's Cotabato-Manila flight was delayed for more than four hours also in the same month. Earlier in July, it was reported that PAL flight PR 105 that just arrived in Manila from Guam in also suffered from the same incident and the aircraft’s entire set of fan blades had to be replaced due to irreparable damage. It was reported by TV 5 News that from January to July this year, 39 bird strikes have been reported at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), 50 percent more than the same period last year, data from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) indicated. These incidents involve aircraft of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, Cathay Pacific, Jet Star Asia, Air Philippines Express, and Qatar Airways.

The population of migratory birds nesting at the Las-Piñas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Eco Tourism area located about 15 kilometer away from NAIA . . . DOUBLE CLICK HERE TO WITNESS BY YOURSELF

MARITINE INDUSTRY IN DANGER OF PERIL!

2012-10-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Indefinite suspension of licenses to operate manning agencies pending litigation of a case is endangering the maritime industry to the detriment of the Philippine economy!

This is what happened to the 300 seafarers of Gyron Crew Incorporation and Manning Agency (GCIMA). A complaint was filed by three former recruits of GCIMA leading to the suspension of its license to operate. Consequently, the contract of 300 seafarers due to be deployed to Netherlands were put on hold, many of whom were about to leave the country. Meanwhile, the case remains pending for more than sixty (60) days, while it was reported that a new law was passed in Holland allegedly banning Filipino seafarers.

Despite previous withdrawal of the complaint by two of the complainants, while the other one already left the country, the case still remains pending litigation for more than two months, alleged Bosun Jeric Bilbao, representing the seafarers. Atty. Jesus Gabriel "Jeriel" Domingo, OIC, Adjudication Office, POEA, replied: “our hands are tied by the law . . . we must observe the requirement of due process”, when confronted by the seafarers, during the Balitaan sa Aloha media forum on October 10, 2012. However, the case has not yet been resolved to date. On the other hand, millions of pesos due to the seafarers and the government were already lost.

This is a dangerous precedent!

HEAR IT FROM THE PARTIES PERSONALLY. DOUBLE CLICK HERE

World Ostomy Day!

2012-10-04T12:31:00.003-07:00

(From left: Greg Oculto, President, Ostomate Association of the Philippines (OAP); Luningning Siarez, President Stoma Nurses Core Group; Dr. Ramy Roxas, President of the Philippine Society of Colorectal Surgeons and the Asean Society of Colorectal Surgeons; Dra. Rachel Rosario, Executive Director and Romy Marcaida, Director, Philippine Cancer Society; Lolly Acosta, Moderator, Balitaan sa Aloha Hotel; and, Colorectal Cancer Survivor, Fernando Lazaro, Vice-President, OAP)

Colorectal Cancer is now plaguing our country! Who are these people we call Ostomates? “The truth shall set us free”, said Lolly Acosta during her opening statement at the forum. In furtherance of its mission, the Philippine Cancer Society and Balitaan Sa Aloha Hotel in a joint project, launched a quad media, i.e., television, radio, print and the internet, campaign to advocate for the eradication of Colorectal cancer in the country on October 3, 2012, in celebration of the World Ostomy Day on October 6, 2012.

“Statistics shows that Colorectal Cancer is the third leading cancer in the Philippines today. Consequently, pursuant to the mission of the Philippine Cancer Society, there is a need for the society to disseminate information concerning the disease to lessen if not totally eradicate all kinds of cancer in our country”, said Dra. Rachel Rosario of the Philippine Cancer Society, the lead convenor of the forum at Balitaan sa Aloha Hotel on October 3, 2012.

“Colorectal Cancer is one of the most common cancer in the world today and the number of those suffering from the disease is growing, said Dr. Ramy Roxas, President of the Philippine Society of Colorectal Surgeons and the Asean Society of Colorectal Surgeons. “Data gathered by the Philippine Cancer Society shows that the survival rate of those suffering from the said illness in our country is only forty percent (40%), while those in the United States is 60%”, said Dr. Roxas. He further added that, “the disease can be eliminated if earlier detected and curable”.

And what are the remedies? Hear it from them personally. Join us in our Talakayan at Balitaan sa Aloha:

WORLD OSTOMY DAY PART 1:

The Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga Award

2012-03-23T22:14:00.007-07:00

LEO ZITA @ ALIMOKON

2011-10-17T05:23:00.001-07:00

Leo Luga Zita has been a musician for almost three decades. He started performing playing rhythm guitar since high school and college days at St. Paul’s College in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental in the 90’s. He plays the lead guitar, rhythm and sings with a popular band in Cebu afterwards. Upbeat, pop, mellow and hard rock were his forte. He went to Singapore with the band and returned to the country about three (3) years ago. Now without a band, he again studied music and indulges into playing the Saxophone.

Performing solo, took a twist on how Leo Zita defines music. In his debut recording at Studio 26 in Lagro, Quezon City, you can feel the aura of his music, its heart and its soul.

How he blew the Saxophone and holds his breath for so long to express how he commands the notes with the instrument he have, redefines the meaning of the path he took for almost three decades. All of us were moved when listening to the music he plays. He redefined music by the way he interprets the pieces he performed at its best! We were owed watching and listening him played LIVE without a CUT! Clamoring for more!

Leo Zita, performing LIVE at Studio 26 in Lagro, Quezon City, for his debut MTV album: “The Cross Road”, with JM Almoneda and Nick Naval on the video:

For inquiries Text or Call:

0920-9835308

EJ PARK TOUCHES GROUND - MANILA

2011-08-20T16:46:00.001-07:00

Super Typhoon Hits Manila!
“EUN JOO PARK”
Touches the Ground @ Roxas Boulevard

This beautiful, talented, musical genius, “Eun Joo Park” caught Manila by storm when she performed at Midas Hotel with such a powerful display of her mastery of electronic violin! The audience were not only moved and swayed, but was awed, as this lady takes command of the strings to higher notes in such an eloquently display of mastery of her craft: “Eun Joo Park” popularly know as “EJ Park” captured the heart and soul of the audience in her debut performance at Midas Hotel along Roxas Boulevard. You can hear the Oh! Ah! Of the audience!

You can see in the face of the audience the power that this talented lady possesses, now considered as the Korean Master of electronic vilolin . . . “Eun Joo Park” capturing the Philippines by storm!

A graduate of Orchestral Music in Korea’s Kywon University, A.I.D.M. Academa Diploma Violini in Rome, Italy, a member of MBC Orchestra, Park is considered as musical genius and now, a rising star in the field of rock electronic violin, internationally. She shall be having a concert at Araneta Coliseum on Monday August 22, 2011 in celebration of the Philippine-Korea Friendship Day for the benefit of "KOPINOY" (Korean-Pilipino) abandoned Children. She will be also performing live at the different branches of SM Malls nationwide and shall undertake concert tours to promote and poster Korean-Pilipino friendship.

Straight from Los Angeles, Usec. Robert T. Rivera, former Undersecretary for Operations at the Office of the Press Secretary and host of the Pilipinas Ngayon Na! at NBN-4 and now member of the Board of Director of RPN, took no time, as his plane touches the ground, he immediately proceeded to the luxurious Mida’s Hotel, 20 minute away drive from the airport and arrived a little bit earlier for the affair. Fresh from his stint in Europe, Ambassador Alejandro del Rosario was also present with former Miss World Evangeline Pascual, Maning Borlaza of the MTRCB, former Ambassador James Dee, Lolly R. Acosta, President of the NAIA Press Club, Crispina Belen of the Manila Bullettin many more well known showbiz and media personalities.

For further details and Inquiries, please contact :

Ms. Bella E. Dimayuga
Philippine Manager
Mobile: 0920-9704644/0922-8751435/0921/7399571
Telefax: 552-7184
Email: dimayugabella@yahoo.com

EJ PARK in Manila

Jeff Baek, Human Resource Manager of VERONA Optical, a top of the line producer of contact lenses and eyeglasses using the most modern and sophisticated equipment from Korea [center] with Miss Angel Locsin look alike and another staff from VERONA.

Ambassador Alejandro del Rosario (in blue shirt, far left) ) with Lolit Acosta, President of the NAIIA Press Corps and Usec. Robert T. Rivera, former Undersecretary for Operations, Office of the Press Secretary along with other Press and Media People.

Bella E. Dimayuga with the Head of Midas Hotel Marketing Department, 1973 Miss World 1st Runner Up, Miss Evangeline Pascual and Philantropist, Lolita Escobar Mirpuri.

Roy R. Luga, a cyber advocate who promotes different non-profit advocacy projects in the cyber space internationally with Lolit R. Acosta of Balitaan sa Aloha, Usec. Robert T. Rivera, Bella Dimayuga, representatives of the Midas Hotel with a Media personality, were also among the guests.

BROTHERS "IKING" & "NONOY" LUGA OF DAVAO

2011-06-11T13:35:00.001-07:00

Our attention was caught by a post from the LUGA CLAN, those in Mindanao (which originated from Davao) in Facebook. Its about two brothers, "Iking" and "Nonoy" Luga. They call him Iking and the other, "Nonoy", Tito to others. The outpouring sympathy speaks of the man. He is the father of Eliza Rica Anderson and uncle to Melanie Luga Johnson our long time connected relatives in the net.

Enrique Villareal Luga is the father Eliza Rica Anderson, our long time connected relative in the net, from Davao City. He is married to Perlita Salgado Luga of Cavite City and have 3 children namely: Enrico "Jing" Luga, Romrico "John" Luga and Elizarica "Rica" Luga Anderson. He died a week and a half ago which is Memorial Day in the United States. He died at the age of 67 years old. Two days following Ike's funeral his younger brother Bernardo "Nonoy" Luga also passed away.

Eliza Rica, told us that, "my Uncle Nonoy has been following my Dad wherever he goes. He even left his family in Davao City to stay with us in Cavite just to drive my Dad around and even became my own driver and a caretaker of our house and children, he followed my Dad until death and I am thankful to him."

Regardless of distance and barriers, the man deserves our admiration. The outpouring sympathy from his relatives in Davao, speaks of the Man himself. In behalf of the Alimokon Cyber Advocacy: we sympathize with the Family. We know that he is now in peace with our Creator and his journey into this earth is worth the travel. Birth makes us mortal: Death immortalizes us. Let his name be immortalize for his name and his deed to be remembered in the hearts and minds of those after him. We salute our relative for his worthwhile journey and thank God for the experience of having him, who makes a difference to others. May his soul rest in peace.

(Eliza Rica with Family)

(Melanie with Children)

Adrian Aclan and Grace Bartolome

2011-06-05T03:45:00.001-07:00

Family bonding has been one of the advocacy we have been supporting all these years. We cannot make it to the wedding of the nephew of our long lost friend who reappeared in Facebook. Sister Ana Yape has been our friend way back in our days at the Board of Personnel Inquiry in the Department of Agriculture. Who are we to say no to share our talent to these couple who is about to start their family life, even just for their Pre-Nuptial documentary. To Adrian and Grace, WELCOME TO ALIMOKON CYBER ADVOCACY. CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES. Sorry, we can't make it on your wedding day.

2011-05-20T17:46:00.001-07:00

A reunion of digital cyber advocates in Isabela in . . .

Fr. Angel Baquiran Luga’s

ISABELA AWAITS YOU . . .

PART IV

with

Raymund F. Catindig

PAPA NICKO "LAKAY"

THE PADERNAL BROTHERS

ROY R. LUGA

“THE JEWEL OF THE VALLEY”

It was nearly three years when we first started the Isabela Awaits You project with Fr. Angel Luga. What was then a simple project now claims its place in the cyber world that hits first spot in google search engine when you search for St. Mathias, Tumauini, Churches and Shrines in Isabela. The history of St. Mathias Church in Tumauini is now in the forefront of google search engine. What has started as a simple project to Commemorate the 75^th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga have turned into a worldwide advocacy in the cyber media, that inspired families, relatives and friends to bond together and make DOUBLE CLICK HERE

CATINDIG JOINS ALIMOKON!

2011-03-11T17:08:00.001-08:00

CATINDIG JOINS ALIMOKON!

Raymond Catindig, communication graduate of the Far Eastern University, a veteran news writer who has worked with the Philippine Daily Star among the major dailies in his arsenal of experience joins the Alimokon Cyber Advocay as its main news feature writer! Due to public clamor for Alimokon Cyber Advocacy, which was first envisioned only as a site to advocate for the recognition of General Mateo Noriel Luga (an Ybanag Tribal Leader) as among the greatest hero of this Republic, to bond the Luga Clan and the families of the Ybanag Tribal Warriors from Cagayan Valley who joined him in the Philippine Revolution, to expand its coverage and bring forth developmental, truthful, transparent and objective news in Isabela, RAYMOND CATINDIG decided to join the ALIMOKON CYBER ADVOCACY!

Soon our News Section shall be reformatted for Manong Raymond to deliver us up to date News from Isabela ON LINE! Along with MILA SAMONTE OPSETH of tumauini.com, and tumauini isbela @ Facebook, a group of Tumanuinians with members mostly residing in the United States and Canada and BONIFACIO BUANUAN, the tongue lashing old man in the cyber site of tumauini group in Facebook, and ALIMOKON, CATINDIG was warmly welcomed by well known cyber advocates WORLDWIDE whose combined viewers numbers to nearly a hundred of thousands views whose roots can be traced in Isabela!

To our followers, readers and viewers. WELCOME TO ISABELA NEWS by RAYMUND CATINDIG!

(Pictures: Upper inset box Raymond Catindig [by Raymond Catindig]; Roy R. Luga Mila Samonte Opseth with husband Barry at Valencia, California; Roy R. Luga with Bonifacio Bunuan at West Covina, California.]

The 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga

2010-04-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO! Tagumpay nating naidaos the Ika-75 na taong pagdiriwang ng kamatayan ng ating ninuno. Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hudyat lamang ng isang simulain upang ating isariwa ng kadalian ng ating lahi . . . MABUHAY! (double click here)

BGEN. ALAN RIO LUGA

2010-03-22T09:13:00.001-07:00

Alan Rio Luga, was then a Lt. Colonel when he was assigned as the Chief of a Command Center during the AFP's all out campaign to neutralize the Abu Sayaf. The operation commanded by Luga as Center Chief led to series of encounters with the main force of the ASG. It resulted to series of clashes with ASG's splinter groups that eventually led to an encounter with its leader Khadafy Janjalani along with his loyal followers. After his body was dug up in a grave to confirm his identity, Janjalani was given a decent burial in a Muslim tradition. It was an honorable warfare.

While in Compostela Valley, when some activists were allegedly summarily executed by the military, Col. Alan Luga, who was then the Commander in Chief of the 1001st Infantry brigade, stood firm: "Even NPA members are safe, unless actively involved in armed combat. The only legitimate targets are armed groups. We must be legal, we must do good."

Like his Great Grandfather before him, the late Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, a national hero, who once told the American expeditionary forces in Cebu : "I return to you deserters from your camp who sought service with me. I request that you do the same should any of my men weaken from their duty. It is my desire to wage honorable warfare." In a surprise attack, General Henry Lawton with his men run away from battle in the island. Gen. Lawton never set foot in the island of Cebu again. While his grandson, Gen. Emilio S. Luga, Jr., then Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Tabak Divsion once said: while we wages honorable warfare, it is with deep regret that we were not given an opportunity to wage such a war as Filipinos defending our nation against foreign colonizers, like our ancestor. It is with deep regret that we have to defend this nation against our fellow Filipinos that threatens the Republic and the institutions it represents, which our ancestors have dearly fought for.

Today, the AFP Central Command 802nd Infantry Brigade Commander declared that, the battle against the communist insurgency in the Cebu-Bohol-Leyte Development Triangle (CEBOLEY), Cebu and Bohol have been declared insurgency-free. The Brigade Commander's name was Col. Alan Rio Luga, the son of Gen. Emilio S. Luga, Jr., and the Great Grandson of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, who once defended Cebu from foreign colonizer and thereafter from brigands and lawless elements, as the American, who saw much battle in the Philippines, once said: "That then, was Luga, who in 1908 was wearing the red epaulets of the Constabulary. He had been sent to Cebu Island with instructions to keep the island clean and bandit free. And Cebu was clean, under the administration of this capable and valiant native officer. Before me lies Luga's accolade, written by an American officer who saw much service in the Philippines: "In Mateo Luga, you saw a man to remember as long as you live."

The accomplishment of Col. Alan Rio Luga in his recent assignment may not be that colorful in terms of armed encounters. His assignment, however, opens the gateway for the province of Bohol and Cebu to reach the height of peace and development in the Region, never have been experienced in the annals of the Region's history. Today, Bohol and Cebu has one of the lowest crime rate in terms of population ratio with a tourism turn-out, unprecedented in the region's history. This could have never been accomplished by Col. Luga alone. It is the people of Bohol and Cebu, who were the real winners of this war, to whom Col. Alan R. Luga owes his gratitude to earn a coveted star in Armed Forces of the Philippines.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRIGADIER GENERAL ALAN RIO LUGA!

LONG LIVE GENERAL MATEO NORIEL LUGA, HIS COUSINS, THE TRIBAL WARRIORS AND THE NEXT GENERATIONS OF LUGA AFTER THEM!

(ACKNOWLEDGMENT: We would like to acknowlege the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the combatants in the American Expeditionary Forces who saw battle in the Philippines, who, out of respect and admiration to Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga have written historical accounts of the late General - without whom, his name must have been forgotten by history.)

THE TRIBAL WARRIORS: GRAND REUNION

2010-03-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

(FR. ANGEL B. LUGA, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Cauayan, Isabela and the most senior among the Luga clan in Tumauini, Isabela with his brother Eng. Tony B. Luga , who were the host for this event is inviting all of us to embrace the occassion)

We have been informed by Romeo Luga, the Luga Group from Nueva Vizcaya and Central Luzon that their cell of more than 20 have already organized to depart from Metro Manila going Nueva Vizacaya via Cauayan where they are to assemble before going to Tumauini. The Metro Manila Group of Col. Mateo Luga c/o Mala Jean Luga, consisting of the direct descendants of Gen. Mateo Luga from all over the country including those from abroad numbering more than 21 (others are still to confirm their attendance), shall be leaving Manila by land via Cauayan direct to Tumauini, others by air via Tuguegarao. The Northern Luzon Group headed by Gen. Victor Luga numbering more than 40 shall depart from the different parts of Ilocos Region to assemble at Tumauini. The Tumauini Group from Ugad, the largest contingent of more than 100 families shall be taken care of by Fr. Angel B. Luga in Tumauini.

We have also been informed by Tony Luga thru Mala Jean Luga that the Davao contigent of Maj. Rustico Luga, the oldest surviving Luga at 94, were also organizing and are presently directly coordinating with Fr. Angel Luga thru Eng. Tony Luga. There are other groups from Davao, headed by Dolly Luga numbering eight (8) persons requesting transportation assistance. Please contact Dolly Luga in Davao 482-3001, they need help.

The Group are expecting a word from Gen. Emilio S. Luga, Jr., from Central Visayas, the most senior and one of the most respected retired general of our AFP, a direct descendant of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, which we are sure are also monitoring our activities thru Col. Mateo Luga.

Romeo Luga from Central Luzon is suggesting that if there are those who are willing to volunteer to extend transporation assets for mass transport of other groups to depart from Manila who are without means of transport, it would be most convenient and welcome to help others. Romeo Luga already organized their group with respective vehicles and others without transportation accommodation are coordinating with him. The transportation cost from Cubao to Cauayan is P 500.00 per person. Thus, if it there are about 20 persons, the total costs shall be P P 20,000.00 back and forth. If there are those willing to volunteer for a larger vehicle to ferry the remaining group without any transport from Manila and which they can also used within Tumauini vice-versa, it would be much better. Hence, the number of those without private transport should be firmed up to estimate their actual number. They need logistic support.

We were informed by Mala Jean Luga that Engr. Tony Luga shall be arriving in Metro Manila on the third week of March to firm-up everything for the event. Please stay in touch and be alert for our latest bulletin. Godspeed.

VIVA YBANAG!

Stay in contact with your respective field coordinators.

PLEASE COORDINATE WITH YOUR AREA COORDINATORS:

HOST :

FR. ANGEL B. LUGA
Parish Priest
Our Lady of the Pillar Parish
Cauayan, Isabela
Representing the LUGA CLAN of Tumauini, Isabela
mobile: 09164516488

OVER ALL COORDINATOR:
NORTHERN LUZON:

ENG. TONY LUGA
Tumauini, Isabela
mobile : 09159350421
email : ENGR. TONY LUGA @ tony.luga@yahoo.com

CENTRAL LUZON:

ROMEO LUGA
Central Luzon
mobile: 0919-6862026

METRO MANILA:

MALA JEAN LUGA
Metro Manila
mobile: 09202480313
email: mala jean luga @ malajean@msn.com

MAJ. RUSTICO P. LUGA

2010-03-06T10:48:00.001-08:00

CAMP SAMAL

2010-02-06T22:55:00.001-08:00

This is what we are going to expect at Camp Samal. It's a very nice place where you can stay overnight or even two nights. Feel the experience of praying inside Tumauini Church, when you go over there. Just sit, concentrate and feel the aura of a more than 400 years old Church. Afterward, you can inspect and look intensely the intricate details of the brick formations specially if you have a camera, it's so cool! Its a once in a lifetime shot you have there! We can also visit the San Pablo Church, it is also a unique structure.

From Manila you can take an aircon bus (P500.00 to Cauayan at Our Lady of the Pillar Church) your travel shall take 8 hours. You can leave Manila in Cubao via Dalin Transport or via Victory Lines across Kamuning GMA 7. You can leave at around 9:00 or 10:00 in the evening and have a good sleep while on travel. You'll arrive at around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., it will not take two hours from Cauayan City to Tumauini.

We are still looking into the schedules, the costing and an ideal package tour within Isabela and around Tumauini, where you can enjoy while on travel. We shall have a travel documentary to document your travel on photo and video, which can be viewed by our relatives worldwide. What is unique in Isabela are its Barroque Churches, which were already declared as a heritage site by no less than the UNESCO, aside from its breath holding sceneries. The Barroque Churches in Isabela already earned worldwide reputation as among the most unique edifice that withstood the test of time. It's a lifetime experience.

THE HOMECOMING

2010-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Never have we imagined that it was almost two years ago on May 30, 2008 that we meet at Col. Mateo Luga's home in Fairview to talk about the Homecoming of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, in his place of birth in Tumauini, Isabela. Never have we encountered in our history books the life and times of a Great Leader, a hero at that, who lives by the principles of love, family, honor, country, and glory who lived a life of a leader, fighting his own war with men foreign to his culture to fight an honorable warfare against the navy of the greatest nation in this planet, the Naval Forces of the United States of America, in Cebu. He fought an honorable warfare despite rescuing his love ones made as hostage to weaken his resolve. His heroism was written by his fierciest enemy the Americans, out of respect and admiration because of his high degree of honor and candor to his enemies despite superiority in force and application of strategies uncommon to honorable warfare. He deserves our admiration and respect.

In honor of this Great Warrior, your attendance to this event as a gesture of honoring his legacy to live beyond generations shall be given life by experiencing and seeing for ourselves where this Great Leader started his own war in Tumauini, Isabela. Please contact Eng. Tony Luga of Malappo Nga Ibanag Cooperative at Mobile: 09159350421. Your advance reservations, pledges or sponsorship to this event shall surely help the organizers of this event. We shall firm up everything on the ground to firm-up everything.

This is for all of you:

NEW YORK FEATURES DONNA SAMONTE!

2009-12-29T06:36:00.001-08:00

Jarvis John Luga Surriga

2009-11-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Jarvis graduated from University of Negros Occidental Recoletos with a BS in Medical Technology. He placed 15 when he took the Medical Board Examination in 1992. He worked for a few years in Bacolod as a Medical Tehnologist and also teached 3 semesters in UNO-R and thereafter decided to move to Manila.

While in Manila, he was accepted at UP-Manila for Post Graduate Training. After his training , he worked for UP-PGH as a Blood Bank Medical Technologist II and while working, he took spanish courses at Instituto Cervantes and german at Goethe Institut. He finished Nivel Intermedio ( Intermediate Spanish ) and Deutsch Mittelstuffe ( Intermediate German ).

In June 2000 he applied for a job in the United Statesand left for Colorado in Nov 2000.

He worked there for eight years as Med Tech and later as Lead Blood Bank Technologist. While in Colorado he enrolled in an online MA degree in Occupational and Public Health, which he almost finished pending thesis. He also finished his spanish studies online with Instituto Cervantes New Mexico and got my Diploma de Espanol Como Lengua Extranjera Nivel Superior. During his spare time, he volunteers for the Immigrant Resource Center as ESL ( English as a Second Language ) instructor. He teaches mexican and guatemalan immigrants english and in the process improved his spanish.

In June of 2008 his green card was approved, which made him decide to move to Florida where the weather is like the Philippines where he works for two hospitals, as evening and night shift supervisor for Charlotte Regional Medical Center ( Punta Gorda ) during the weekends and part time senior Technologist at Fawcett Memorial Hospital ( Port Charlotte ). He still do freelance translation whenever requested, the hospital often calls him to translate for patients.

General Mateo Noriel Luga is the father of his grandmother Pilar Luga Surriga. Pilar had three children, Eugenio, Juanito ( my father) and Luz. His father Juanito Luga Surriga, who died in August 1988, was married to Elvira Delano Arias and bore four children, Paul Juel, Maria Cecilia, Maria Penelope and Jarvis John, the youngest among the four.

The Book Launching

2009-11-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

February 2010 shall be a grand reunion for all the clan members worldwide! We are also intending to launch the above book containing historical events participated into by the members of the Luga Clan, mostly consisting of ranking military officers and government officials, which can now be made public.

FAREWELL PRES. CORAZON C. AQUINO

2009-08-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

The 1983 assassination of Benigno Aquino ignited the unification of the people's sentiment for a change of leadership in government. With the popularity of his leadership in question, and his failing health, President Ferdinand E. Marcos was forced to call a a snap election in 1986, which resulted to series of event until he was eventually sent to Hawaii by the Americans upon the request of the Revolutionary Government of Corazon C. Aquino to evit bloodshed between the faction loyal to President Marcos and the Revolutionary government. We witnessed a peaceful revolution. President Corazon C. Aquino, became an icon of change through peaceful means. She became the uniting figure of the opposition that gave courage for the people to express their discontent. She made a difference.

With the Marcoses was Jovencio "Ven Agul" Luga of the Presidential Security Command. Loyal to his oath to protect the Presidency, "Ven Agul Luga" served well President Ferdinand E. Marcos until he died. While those left continued to serve the national interest under the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino.

It was a privilege serving the officials of the government under President Corazon C. Aquino at its most dangerous time at the height of the bloodiest 1989 coup d' etat - THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE 1989 COUP D' ETAT (double click here to know) .

GEN. MATEO NORIEL LUGA HONORED BY PGMA

2009-06-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

GEN. MATEO NORIEL LUGA was honored by the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

While we honor our dead, we salute the living who continues the struggle to realize the vision of our past and present day heroes.

Right after he took his oath of office as Chairman of the Civil Service Commisison, Honorable Ricardo L. Saludo established the PAMANANG LINGKOD BAYAN AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND and among its first recipients allegedly being considered for the grant were the dependents of those who died in a chopper accident at Ifugao to inaugurate a major road project, which shall benefit the Cordillerans, a second home to Gen. Victor Luga and a home to the Baguilats and the Brawners. The project shall provide access road for the agricultural products from CAR and other which were produced as a result of the government’s peace effort initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP), when Usec. Nonoy Catura and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita were still at OPAPP.

Press Secretary Cerg Remonde, a fellow Cebuano of General Emilio S. Luga, Jr., have this to say:

"Chairman Saludo has solid plans and strategies to realize his vision. His plans and strategies include the completion of the third phase of the salary standardization law, narrowing the gap between the salaries of government workers and those in the private sector, strengthening meritocracy in government and intelligently applying media and information and communications technologies to promote responsiveness, efficiency and integrity in government.

"While he has set grand aspirations for himself and the civil service, Chairman Saludo keeps his feet firmly on the ground. He knows that by himself, he can only do so much.

"Chairman Saludo acknowledges that alone, he cannot make all the changes in the age-old ways, structures, policies and practices in the Philippine civil service.

"This outlook is buoyed by his steadfast belief that there are many more like him in the over a million-person strong civil service, and the millions more outside the formal government structure, who share his vision and aspirations, and that given the opportunity, these like-minded individuals would move as one to make the vision of a MERCI-ful civil service a reality."

CSC Chairman Saludo is also one who stands on critical issues advocating for the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, equal access to public service and respect to human rights, a trait of our forefathers who wages honorable warfare, when he addressed the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

In a less than a year in Office, the Salary Standardization Law III was passed into law and ready for implementation for all government workers to benefit this July.

Continuity of the government’s orderly function, regardless of politics is safe with Honorable CSC Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo at the helm of the Commission for the government to move forward as one, insulated from politics. The Honorable Chairman Saludo already proven his sincerity in a short span of his stay in office. He deserves the confirmation of the Commission on Appointment, were Senator Ping Lacson, also a PMAr is a member.

Meanwhile, Gen. Victor Luga shall be the guest speaker on the 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga on 2010 at Tumauini, Isabela:

ANG PAGBABALIK

2009-06-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sa taong 2010 ay ating gugunitain ang Ika-75 taong kamatayan ng isang katangi-tanging bayani sa larangan ng ating bansa. Isang bayaning namuno sa isang pinakamalaking tribu sa buong Cagayan Valley ang mga "Ibanag". Siya'y hindi nagpalit ng kanyang apelyedo, kultura at paniniwalang ang lahing Pilipino ay kayang alpasan ang mga dayuhang naghahari at nagdidikta ng landas ng lahing kayumanggi.

Si Mateo Noriel Luga kasama ng kanyang mga pinsan at iba't ibang tribu ng Cagayan na pinangungunahan ng "Ibanag" ay nagpasyang sumanib sa rebolusyon upang patalsikin ang nuo'y sumasakop sa ating bansa, ang mga dayuhang "Kastila". Matapos nating makamtan ang kalayaan, siya at ang kanyang dalawang pinsan ay pumalaot na muli patungong Bisaya upang itagtag ang pamahalaang Republika ng Pilipinas sa Cebu.

Hindi naglaon ay sumiklab ang digmaang Pilipino at Amerikano. Ang kanyang pamilya ay ginapos at ginawang sangkalan para siya'y manghina at sumuko. Nguni't imbis na manghina siya'y nagpasyang lusubin ang kutang Kano at sinagip ang kanyang mga minamahal sa buhay. Siya'y nagbalik na muli at nakipagdigma sa mga Amerikanong may mas malalakas na sandata at may mga barkong pangdigma sa patas na pamamaraan. Matapos ang pagsalakay, ang mga Amerikano na nuo'y pimamumunuan ni Admiral Dewey ay naglayag paalis ng Cebu. Si Admiral Dewey ay hindi na bumalik na muli sa Cebu mula nuon.

Pagkatpos ng giyerang Pilipino at Amerikano sa pagsuko ni Gen. Aguinaldo, siya'y hinirang bilang konstable upang tugisin ang mga masasamang loob sa Cebu. Siya'y nakaabot ng Mindanao sa pagtugis ng iba't ibat brigada ng masasamang loob. Ang Cebu ay naging isang mapayapang lugar sa kanyang pamumuno. Nguni't sa kadahilanang siya'y hindi sumasang-ayon sa mga polisiya ng di na-aangkop sa kanyang paniniwala bilang isang Pilipino, siya'y tumiwalag sa serbisyo at namuhay ng payapa bilang isang magsasaka kapiling ang kanyang pamilya sa Isla ng Negros.

Sa kanyang paglalakbay upang bumalik sa kanyang bayang sinilangan na matagal niya nang pina-nanabikan, siya'y binawian ng buhay sa Maynila. Hindi na siya naka-uwi sa Tumauini kung saan niya sinimulan ang kanyang pakikibaka. Ang kanyang labi hangang sa ngayon ay hindi pa matunton.

Bilang isang pagpupugay sa kanyang kadakilaan, nais naming ihandog ang "PAGBABALIK" kung saan nagsimula ang kanyang pakikidigma upang makamtan ang kalayaan na ating tinatamasa sa ngayon:

CARLA FONTANILLA

2009-05-22T20:03:00.001-07:00

Carla with her Dad, Al Fontanilla, paid a visit at Caloocan City to rehearse on the songs she is about to sing in the TOLIBAS-MEJIA WEDDING VOW Ikaw, which was originally sung by Sharon Cuneta. The TOLIBAS-MEJIA WEDDING VOW is one of its kind in the sense that the family and friends of the of the Groom can witness the pre-nuptial shooting, the events as it unfolds before, during and after the wedding worldwide!

"Family life starts with a wedding. It is the family, which is the basic institution of our society, our country, and the world per se - it is the very institution that serves as the foundation towards the future of our children and of this nation - and it starts in a wedding ceremony. While others proposes by placing an Ads in billboards, announcing in public places and by other mode, Mendel and Jo-Ann displayed their love and affection before the whole world, by producing a film, uploaded in You Tube coupled with a blogsite - a truly Filipino tradition (in the modern setting) of reminiscing bonds between families who shall stood behind and shall support these couple, to lay another foundation for our breed to propagate and move on towards a better future . . ."

Who would ever imagine that the powerful voice you are hearing from Mendel and Jo-Ann's site comes from this 11-year old lady of about four feet in height. Carla is dedicating this song to Mendel and Jo-Ann, here with is "Ikaw" of Sharon Cuneta, interpreted by Carla LIVE!

THE LUGAS AND THE IBANAGS IN U.S.

2009-04-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Ate Mila Opseth of TUMAUINI.COM went home last April to visit her Mother in Isabela. She is now back in United States where she has been residing with her family. She should have visited Fr. Angel Luga, who was the Parish Priest at Tumauini during her younger years, but did not make it due to her hectic schedule as Fr. Angel is now based in Cauayan. She should have also hired the services of Carlo Luga Borja of the GALI-KOREN for some of her kababayan migrating to U.S. if we have been in touched with each other earlier.

TUMAUINI.COM is the online venue for residents worldwide who once called Tumauini home. They hold regular gatherings in California where the GALI-KOREN LAW OFFICE is also based. If you would like to participate in this association as it is open to all that have connections with Tumauini, please contact Mila Samonte Opseth at msopseth@yahoo.com or [661] 373-5164. You can also contact Ranee Quiambao at ranee_realestate@yahoo.com or [818] 383-9450. A user name and password to access the confidential area of the association’s website will then be provided. Do visit their site (double click here) and see how the Ibanags preserved their culture and tradition as a people eventhough living abroad.

Trisha Luga, who is based in the United Arab Emirates, however, has this to say: "Naku kuya naman hiya tuloy ako..(blushed!!). Buti na lang po hindi ako nagpalit ng family name. Meron sana akong pinagsisisihan sa ngayon. x x x Kala ko nga noon konti lang ang Luga, akala ko po rin noon si Father Angel lang ang kilalang Luga . . . maling akala."

To Trisha, welcome!