I know there are a whole lot of people who are hating the river now for what had recently happened, but it wasn’t the river’s fault – I guess it has been clear all along. For me, it all sums up to greed and abuse of power…Your thoughts?

To those who don’t know, might have forgotten, or those that needs to know what we can benefit from the river, here are some: it can generate electricity, provide food, for domestic purposes, and of-course a tourist attraction. So, we really should take care of it, along with the other key parts of the ecosystem.

The Cagayan de Oro River was originally called Kalambaguasasahan River, because of the presence of Lambago trees (Hibiscus tiliaceus) along the river banks. It moves down slope at a fast velocity that the water creates white-foam rapids which makes it suitable for white water rafting — this is a natural trait NOT ALL rivers exhibit. If you want to know the history of the river, you can read here.

It was in 2002 that Cagayan de Oro was labeled the White Water Rafting Capital. But a couple of nature lovers and adventurers started navigating the Cagayan de Oro River since 1995, followed by the former president of the country in 2002. Since then, a lot of rafting companies had emerged and together they had been promoting one of the city’s wonders and at the same time protecting it, up until now.

I got the chance to revisit the river last January 19, 2012 along with the other media groups (bloggers, photographers, videographers, news people, and individuals) including the people behind the movement “Barog, Kagay-anon” (Move, Kagay-anon) which is a series of activities that aims to revive the Cagayan de Oro Tourism and eventually the city.

For 3 successive days, the group experienced the beauty and excitement of CDO! We revisited the river with the new and exciting rapids and features. They were all a new challenge for us but they were still breathtakingly fun!

Watch out for the video releases of our experience coming real soon!

For now, here are some photos captured for us to remember!

Salamat Great White Water Tours and to the river guides for the awesome experience! It’s definitely a go for CDO!

This was our transpo heading to the start of the experience

Quick stop at the Makahambus Cave

Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao Bloggers all geared up for the experience

Mini Falls along the Cagayan de Oro River

That's us, on the newest and most challenging rapid called 'Surprise'.

Click here to view more photos.

Destructive Mining in Opol

Mining in the Philippines should be stopped due to its dangerous effects to the environment and indigenous communities. The DENR and its attached agencies virtually committed grave abuse of power when they issued permits and tenements to mining firms. Most of the mining firms also encroach mostly on the marginal farmers and ancestral lands(Yutang Gisaad) knowing that it would harm the environment.

Let’s help save our remaining forests. Climate Justice, Life for all.. Act now!

- Bahanding Kinaiyahan, Nature Inc., and NCPF

Ato ipakita atong pagsupporta sa “NO TO MINING” by joining the hearing this January 26, 2012. 9:00am at Court of appeals (YMCA Bldg., Julio Pacana Street, Cagayan de Oro City)

Articles about this issue:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/bob-ocio/mr-president-political-will-starts-with-you-oro-officials-must-go-including-your/10150502133944405

http://www.columbanmission.net/when.html

News about this issue:

http://www.goldstardailynews.com/northern-mindanao-x/7677-rufus-to-city-hall-stop-mining-now.html

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/14923-ngos-zamboanga-folk-file-writ-of-kalikasan-vs-mining-firms

http://no2mininginpalawan.com/2011/09/14/denr-against-total-stoppage-of-mining-in-zambo-peninsula/

by Girlie Gualberto-Suan

The Filipinos have many admirable traits. Noteworthy of these is our unsinkable spirit in the face of sufferring and defeat. We have a strong survival instinct. But the outstanding virtue which we are extremely proud of is our Bayanihan spirit. The Bayanihan virtue is exemplified by our desire to help people in need, even at the cost of our own selves. Centuries of Christian influence and a culture of religiosity has marked us a God- molded country.

From the trials of Sendong came forth the true treasures of Cagayanons- their golden hearts. These are hearts burnished with the gold charity and generosity. From the mud of affliction bloomed the flower of affection. We joined hands as a unified source, carrying those who have fallen, forgetting our own pain in response to the greater need of another. It was a sterling moment for Filipinos, and a crowning glory for Cagayanons in particluar.

Alas, how quickly the sweet fragrance of brotherhood is blown away by the putrid stench of divisiveness and discontent. How fragile is the vigor of noble hearts when bullied by the muscle f disruptive minds.

After the initial euphoric and heroic display of unity, our famous crab mentality raised its deadly claws. Instead of progressing into the second phase of crisis management which is to repair, rebuild and rehabilitate, we have deteriorated into the phase of blame-shifting, finger-pointing and mud-slinging.

What can be gained by tearing down people, heaping blame on local leadership, and generally turning into a lynch mob? Our leaders are not magicians and fortune tellers. Let us uphold principles over personalities.

The goodwill we have gained should not be carelessly squandered away by vicious words and sinister schemes. In time of crisis, it is callous to precitipitate another crisis of  a political nature. This is the time to build not destroy. to unite not divide, to heal not to hurt.

We have face another inconvenient truth that not the mayor, not the president, not PAG-ASA, not even the 90 million Filipinos can halt the ominous onslaught of natural disasters. The collective effort of the entire human race is needed to prevent the threatening climate change catastrophe. This requires centuries of untiring, relentless, unselfish dedication to save our dying planet. It demands that our hearts be purged of the sins of greed, avarice and selfishness. It calls to obedience to the time-honored laws written in stone, and to reacquaint ourselves with the Give of those Laws.

Unless we come back to God on bended kness and acknowledge Him as the TRUE RULER of the universe, this sick planet will never get well, and life as we know it will be a living hell.

I researched about it and how each one is made and what they are for and I found out how critical and risky getting yourself into making gas cylinders is. There are a couple of types of high pressured gas cylinders out there but to name a few, there’s nitrogen cylinder, medical gas cylinder, oxygen tanks (bottles), and our daily kitchen best friend, the LPG or the liquefied petroleum gas.

If you plan on acquiring one type of gas bottle that you need for your residence or office, please do check on the cylinder size and type of each item that you will acquire first because those are the key topics that might cost price differences and each design has different rates. So when you decide to purchase one in the near future, think of these.

There are still a lot of important things that one should know when acquiring or even having one already. There are safety tips that one should consider. One should always bear in mind that these bottles are pressurized, so this will explode if not taken care of the right way. I’ll write about the safety tips soon.

You can zoom in and out using the + and – buttons at the top left portion of the map. You can also click and drag anywhere on the map for easier navigation.

Cagayan de Oro Sendong Evacuation Camps mapped.

Click on this link for the details of each camp site and larger map.

P.S.

In two days time marks the first month since Sendong happened.

ONE CDO is a Cagayan de Oro-based network of outdoor groups, environmental organizations, artists, musicians and individuals, organized last Dec.17, 2011 for the purpose of aiding hundreds of victims who have suffered the recent tragedy of Typhoon Sendong, which recently hit Cagayan de Oro City last December 16, 2011. ONE CDO is also a campaign to call for unity, harmony and action especially among the youth who desire to help but don’t have the support group to do so. ONE CDO hopes to provide this opportunity for volunteerism and ability to share.

Here is the ONE CDO Campaign Video about what has happened, why it has happened, and what we can do about it… A video of hope for everyone. Please take time to watch and listen to it.

“…then, in the name of democracy, let us use that power! Let us all unite! Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth the future and old age a security…”

- from the speech of the Jewish Barber, The Great Dictator (1940)
a Charlie Chaplin Movie

Script and voice by Jeminah Ruth Ferrer

Video by Mark “Kumar” Yañez under CDO Bugsay Media Productions

Disclaimer
The video materials and photos you are about to see, belongs to their respective video productions and individual photographers. Grabbed in the internet and in the social media sites for this “Unifying Cause.”

The red carpet fashion, or the mainstream fashion, is without a doubt THE bahws! But here is something that has caught my attention ever since, the look I kind of like the most, and that is street fashion.

From what I know there are a few categories under this, they are:

1. the hippie look – a mix of denim, T-shirts, long hair, flower power and psychedelic imagery, flared trousers
2. teddy boys – drape jackets, drainpipe trousers, crepe shoes
3. hip hop fashion – 501 Levis, ECKO, South Pole, Avirex, Sean Jean, NIKE
4. punk fashion – ripped clothing, safety pins, bondage, provocative T-shirt slogans, Mohican hairstyle
5. gothic fashion – black clothing, heavy coats, poet shirts, big boots, makeup
6. skinheads – short-cropped hair, fitted jeans, Ben Sherman button-up shirts, Fred Perry polo shirts, Harrington jackets, Dr. Martens boots

Among the street fashion stated above, I have had my eye on the hippie look which I have been trying to mix and match with ever since, but never really had that much time to shop around for or really look into hippie clothes and its how-to’s. I love its flower power theme, the colourful designs, and the “natural” look as I was told way back. Hippie skirts, denims, leathers, and even just wearing your hair down makes the look – look good. You can wear it casually or even tweak it to look formal. Hippie clothes are my kind of look.

Cagayan de Oro City together with Iligan City has been declared as in the State of Calamity. Reported around 17:20, 2011/12/17.

Emergency Action, Funds, & Donation

Major Credit Cards (find button below)/Paypal Donations now accepted for individuals who are willing to help instantly.

Through the youth organization of Misamis Oriental Go Family Association or Liong Tek Next Gen helping fellow Kagay-anon Sendong victims and survivors in every way they can - AssistCDO. Paypal ID: assistcdo@gmail.com or use this button below:

(Secure via Paypal)

Through ONE CDO / Support ONE CDO Campaign. Please specify what or where your donor is for… if you want to send portion to Iligan City. We can channel them for you. Thank you.

(Secure via Paypal)

DSWD welcomes volunteers. Inquire at the following DSWD offices:DSWD National Resource Operation Center
NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City (beside Airport Police Department and back of Air Transportation Office)
Tel. Nos.: (02) 852-8081, (02) 851-2681
Mobile No.: (0918) 930-2356

DSWD Field Office 10
Masterson Avenue, Upper Carmen
Cagayan de Oro City
Tel. Nos. (088) 858-8134, (088) 858-6333
Mobile No. (0906) 615-0095 c/o Manny Borres

DSWD also accepts cash donations at these bank accounts:

Land Bank of the Philippines
Peso: DSWD Donation – 3122-1011-84
Dollar: DSWD Donation – 3124-0055-81

Donations may also be sent via GCash. Text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>MPIN<space>DSWD and send to 2882. Example: DONATE 1000 1234 DSWD

Philippine Red Cross
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area,
PO Box 280, Manila 2803
Tel. No: 527-0000
Email: prc@redcross.org.ph

Philippine Red Cross accepts cash donations at these bank accounts:

Banco De Oro (BDO)
Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
Peso: 4991-0036-52
Dollar: 004994-0103-15
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Metrobank
Peso: 151-3-041631228
Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank (PNB)
Peso: 3752 8350 0034
Dollar: 3752 8350 0042
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines
Peso: 1015 4000 0201
Dollar: 1315 4000 0090
Swift Code: UNPHPHMM

To donate via SMS, text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart). For G-Cash, text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882.

You can donate the following denominations:
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Red Cross also accepts cash donations at any of the 1,500 Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops nationwide.

For more info, visit Red Cross’ Donate Now page.

GMA Kapuso Foundation
Kapuso Foundation’s Operation Bayanihan in Cagayan de Oro accepts rice, instant noodles, canned goods, bottled water, clothing, and medicines:

GMA Kapuso Foundation Operation Bayanihan Command Post
Capitol University Gym, Corrales Ext., Cagayan de Oro City.
Mobile No.: (0919) 574-9835 c/o Armi Sobremisana

For those in Metro Manila and other areas, you may send cash donations to:

GMA Kapuso Foundation
2nd Floor Kapuso Center
GMA Network Center
EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. Nos.: (02) 928-4299, (02) 928-9351

The foundation also accepts donations via its bank accounts under the name GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.:

Metrobank
Peso: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar: 2-098-00244-2
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
Peso: 115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7
Dollar: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6

BDO
Peso Savings: 469-0022189
Dollar Savings: 469-0072135
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Note: Bank collects service fee

PNB
Peso: 121-003200017
Dollar: 121-003200025
Swift Code: PNB MPH MM

Note: Bank collects service fee

ABS-CBN Foundation
ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya accepts in-kind donations at:

ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.,
Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St.,
Diliman, Quezon City.

Cash donations may be deposited to the following accounts under the name ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya:

BDO
Peso: 39301-14199
Dollar: 39300-81622
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

PNB
Peso: 419-539-5000-13
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
Peso: 3051-1127-75
Dollar: 3054-0270-35
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Alagang Kapatid Foundation
TV5′s Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. accepts cash donations  through its bank accounts:

BDO
Peso: 005310-410164

BPI
Peso: 1443-05333-2

Donations in kind may be sent to News5 Aksyon Center, TV5 office in San Bartlolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.

For more info, please call (02) 938-6393.

RockEd Philippines
Donations to Rock Ed Philippines’ potable water fund for Cagayan de Oro may be deposited to the following bank account:

BPI
Peso: 3080-0073-44
Branch: Loyola Heights

Tulong Kabataan
The volunteer and relief network of the National Union of Students of the Philippines and other youth organizations accepts relief goods:

No. 89 K-7 Street, Kamias, Quezon City
Mobile No.: (0926) 170-3655 c/o Vanessa; (0947) 316-8407 c/o Rainier; and (0932) 401-5588 c/o Athena

Cash donations may also be deposited to following bank account under the National Union of Students of the Philippines – Head Office, Inc.:

Chinabank
Peso: 107-248551-3
Branch: Quezon Avenue

More info at the NUSP website.

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Tel. No.: (02) 376-7330
Mobile No: (0910) 495-0095
Email: nujphil@gmail.com

The NUJP is also collecting donations for media workers in areas hit hard by Sendong:

Metrobank
Peso: 229-722-9507-458

Smart Communications
Smart subscribers all over the country may donate to Smart’s Baha Fund by transferring funds to Smart Money account number 5577 5130 6822 1104. Donors may also deposit cash to the same Smart Money account number in any BDO branch nationwide or through Hapinoy and Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.

 

Volunteers Needed

DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods.

Call +639066150095 and +63 8822 8588892

Capitol University Gym – Please look for Ms. Armi Sobremisana.

In Iligan: MSU-IIT, Iligan City National High School. More info for Iligan help – Click here.

Additional Info:

SMART LIBRE TAWAG, INTERNET and CELLPHONE CHARGING at the PHILCOM OFFICE, MAX SUNIEL ST. CARMEN (RIGHT BESIDE ACSAT GYM), CAGAYAN DE ORO.

Globe Advisory: Libreng tawag centers tomorrow: 18 Dec, 6AM to 6PM.

Everyone please share this form to people whom you know may be looking for missing relatives, friends or loved ones. Use this form to submit names and important information that may help the ‘search and rescue teams’ in locating these missing people. — http://bit.ly/rMG3iK

 

For those who wish to be added to the list for donations/relief operations please feel free to comment here.
Will constantly update this blog post as much as I can.

For those who do not know where to send in your food and clothing, the evacuation centers are the public schools, barangay halls, and barangay covered courts.

Let’s help CDO and Iligan!

It was 2009 when they started to write their own songs. Some of the songs were based on some of their personal lives and their experiences as a group and each song they release to the public, never fails to be a hit thus creating many more opportunities for themselves like mainstream media features and guesting.

They decided to change their name as Almost Satellite, last 2010, in accordance with their current band genre and existing band members. Ever since then, in every event they get to perform in, they have been known in doing a great job in bringing the house down.

Their music is labeled as post-rock-alternative – a sub-genre of rock music. Characterized by the influence and use of instruments associated with guitar rhythms as melodic and textures, with post drum and bass style, and high vocal pitch and scream.

Almost Satellite’s current line-up consists of Tyrone Encabo (vocals), Bam Roa (guitar), Tatski Lagrosas (bass), Jopax Arendain (guitar), and Jedi Dela Cruz (drums).

November 2011, they finished recording their debut album “The Final Cut” with 8 original singles and 2 music videos of their current hit tracks – “As You Sleep” and “Sleepless Streets”.

Witness as they take the stage and launch their first album, “The Final Cut”, on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Punchbowl-Karomata together with the best Cagayan de Oro and Iligan indie bands. Show starts 8pm.

LIKE Almost Satellite on Facebook

Photo by: Mr. Jerry Suello

December 3, 2011 was the day I got the chance to meet, for the first time, multi award-winning Filipino actor, hailed “Box-Office King” (2007-2008), a model, and occasional TV host, Mr. ‘Ingat’ himself, John Lloyd Cruz!

Photo by: Mr. Jerry Suello

Prior to meeting his fans at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall, the actor had a lunch press conference with the members of the Cagayan de Oro media at Marco Hotel where I and 4 other CDOBloggers members were given the chance to meet and greet him.

I was given the chance to ask him a question and this was my question: “This coming 2012, what are the 5 things or people na gusto mong pag-Ingatan?“ His first answer was his Job, as for the next four…check out the video below:

Video from Mindanaoan

Nikki Godino of the Biogesic team said they already had a series of fans day in several areas of the country, particularly Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod. She said that they made it a point to consider Cagayan de Oro as their last stop since John Lloyd and Biogesic have many loyal fans here.

John Lloyd encouraged everyone to use Biogesic as it is very safe and effective. He also said that Biogesic has been an essential part of his successful career life for five years now. He suggests to keep at least one or a few with you anywhere you go, because no one knows when a headache would strike. When one has no headache, one would be more effective at work.

John Lloyd had also listed five things for 2012:
1) looking forward to another year with Biogesic
2) wants to have a movie with Angel Locsin
3) wants to work in television thru a teleserye
4) looking for more time to travel
5) hopes to come back in Cagayan de Oro. (ain’t that sweet?)

Here are some photos from the fans day that took place at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall:

some of the fans who waited patiently for him to arrive.

A lucky fan gets a hug from Lloydie

Click here for some of my takes from the event

Watch out for the detailed story of the photo below. What really happened with fellow CDOBlogger – Mindanaoan and JLC!

Special thanks to Donna Ocampo and Juvie Galve for making this possible for us.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 Coronation Night

Kagayanon America Atega bags Miss Congeniality (Mutya Miss Friendship) in the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 Pageant!

Almost 2 weeks ago, I blogged about a friend – America Atega -  a resident of Cagayan de Oro City, who made it to the 2011 Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant – Read about it here.

Last December 2, 2011 was the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 Coronation Night, the event took place at The Arena, San Juan City, program started around 7PM. There were 30 official candidates and one of them is from Cagayan de Oro City.

Here are some photos of her during the coronation night – from the OPMB Worldwide page:

British-Filipino Vickie Marie Rushton from Bacolod was crowned the Mutya ng Pilipinas-International, Filipino-American Felicia Baron won the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism title, German-Filipino Diana Sunshine Rademann of Puerto Princesa was proclaimed first runner-up, and Filipino-American Tifani Alexandra Grimes as second runner-up.

Bea Santiago, who represented the Filipino community in Canada, was proclaimed Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities – a title that is reserved for overseas-based bets.

There were seven overseas Filipino communities who sent representatives to this year’s national competition.

Vickie Marie Rushton, 19, bagged a couple of special awards – Mutya ng Sheridan Beach Resort, Mutya ng Zen Institute, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Mags Clothing or Best in Casual Wear, and Mutya ng Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant.

Diana Sunshine Rademann was also proclaimed Mutya ng Puerto Princesa Underground River and Mutya ng Ever Bilena.

And last but not the least, our representative, America Atega bagged Miss Congeniality (Mutya Miss Friendship)! Congrats Sweet!

Here are the winners:

The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2011 delayed telecast will be at Studio 23, on December 11, 2011, 9PM.

BenMore Four Casks Blended Scotch Whisky is the newest whiskey that is produced and distilled in Scotland. A deluxe Scotch Whisky which puts attention to details. Matured in four different types of Oak Casks to achieve depth and complexity to match the standards of whisky drinkers…

BenMore is made by DIAGEO, a leader in the liquor industry who also own popular brands such as Johnnie Walker, J & B, and Smirnoff Vodka. BenMore‘s alcohol content is 40%. It’s bottle and box are embossed with the iconic stag that symbolizes leadership, superiority, and masculinity. Unlike most whiskies, BenMore Scotch Whisky is very affordable at a suggested retail price of only PhP 350.00-395.00 per bottle, depending on where you are in the Philippines. It is exclusively imported and distributed in the Philippines by Global Noble International Corporation.

For those who are wondering, a BenMore 700ml contains about 22 shots that you can enjoy in different ways such as BenMore Straight Up/On the Rocks, with Water, with Iced Tea, with Tonic or Soda, and with Cola.

For more details on BenMore Four Casks Blended Scotch Whisky, visit their upcoming website at www.benmorescotchwhisky.com.

Below are some photos from our official photographer that night, Mr. Fadi Ismail of XFM Photography, Mindanaoan, and yours truly:

Here’s BenMore Scotch Whisky’s Brand Ambassador Borgy Manotoc during the press conference.

CDOBloggers 2011 President, Edward Ragpala II, of Edulosophy threw out the first question to CEO Edwin Ong. He asked to provide a reason why they chose Borgy as the brand ambassador. Video of the answer to follow.

Borgy with a few of the CDOBloggers at Generations Bar

BenMore Scotch Whisky on the rocks and BenMore with Iced-tea behind it.

Both ways works for me. It was my first time to drink whisky and I can say that BenMore is smooth, goes all the way down when you drink it, you don’t do the funny face (squirmin?) after drinking, like what most hard liquors do to you. Drinks were unlimited for us that night that we wish we could have given away to the other alcoholics but there weren’t much out that night! LOL

After the dinner-presscon at Generations, we moved to the first bar on the bar tour list, Club Pulse. There wasn’t much people partying because it was a Friday. But we still managed to make the night better. We had reserved seats at the VIP lounges, center booth of Club Pulse. Below are some photos at Pulse:

The crowd that night at pulse, and that’s already around 11pm.
I know Kagay-anons! It should be packed right? Well it wasn’t.. Now, moving on…

There was a short game that night.. the best sexy dancer gets a shirt! Photo below were the participants.

By the way, the girl in green won this game.

And yes, we are that close! Not! hehehe. But seriously, Borgy, I hope you had fun!

Last stop, Club Tilt… We were a bit shocked because it was a weekend and after payday to be exact, and no one was around! Only a few people got to witness this event and got free unlimited taste. Tsk! Anyway, at Club Tilt, there was a mini game where there were 5 different types of glasses, and each participant had to get one pingpong ball in each. Successful participant gets a bottle! But there were none. They only got shirts.

Party ended at around 2:30AM and we had yet another photoshoot together with Borgy and CEO Edwin Ong before they head home.

Thank you sir Jon Cuenca for the exclusive invite! Till next project

Drink Moderately and Responsibly!

Besigan is 52 kilometers away from the city proper and most of the people in the area are farmers with no regular transportation except dump trucks from the city government to help the people transport their farm products. Before Cadayunan Primary School was approved last March 2011, children had to walk 12 kilometers everyday to and from the nearest school resulting to most of them skipping school and eventually stop.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization promotes Beauty and Tourism within the greater Asia Pacific with the direct participation of the Overseas Filipino Communities, this being a distinct component of its National Pageant Event. The Organization is motivated and inspired by its guiding thrust to assist in promoting Tourism, Social Responsibility, Fashion, and Beauty pageantry.

The winners of the Mutya ng Pilipinas will represent Philippines in the elite international competitions of Miss Asia Pacific, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Tourism International. The pageant also selects the country’s delegates to the Queen of the Year and Top Model of the World.

Sounds pretty amazing? Well, guess what? A fellow Kagay-anon got in to the 30 shortlisted candidates for this pageant. Her name is America “Sweet” Atega. She is a graduate of Special Education in Xavier University and taking up Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education at MUST.

Here she is!

Before she left for the pageant last Monday, November 21, 2011, she got news that she just got licensed! That, and a trifling support from the Cagayan de Oro government and the people. I think we can do better CDO!

We want to express our gratitude to Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, Congressman Maximo Rodriguez Jr., Governor Oscar Moreno, Mr. George Goking, Atty. Sam Tan, Mimi Pimentel, and Gil Macaibay III. And to all those who secretly supported.

As of the moment, America is now at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where the swimsuit and talent portion of the pageant will take place. They will head back to Manila on the 30th for the prejudging and the much awaited coronation night on December 2, 2011

You can help by casting your vote for her, online. Voting is done via Facebook to ensure single vote per fan.

Here are the steps:

1. Find OPMB worldwide on Facebook (or click this link).
2. Click ‘Like’ button.
3. Vote for America Atega

Lastly, share this info to your friends who are willing to help.

Goodluck Sweet! Make Cagayan de Oro and the whole Northern Mindanao Proud!