Despite all these, women are still viewed as the lesser sex by many of us.

In the Bible, Eve was created because God said “it is not good for man to be alone,” which somehow tells us that Eve was created for Adam. Some interpret  it as “for the pleasure” of Adam, others say, “as Adam’s partner and co-equal.”

One quote from the Bible, too many interpretations. One form of creation–the woman–too many arguments.

That, I think, is the reason why Teatro Ambahanon came up with a contemporary ballet production on February 23 and 24 at the KCC Convention Center. The group wanted to discuss the issue through dance in order for the youth, which made up the bulk of its audience, understand it better.

Tecla portrayed stories of women who were caught in situations they are struggling to get out of, all wanting to be understood, respected, and loved.

I would like to share my thoughts on the show.

The overall impact of the show somewhat focused on women as being regarded as sexual objects–that they are for the sexual pleasure of men. The production was loaded with sensual choreography, which, I think, were a little too graphic for college freshmen.

Let me point out some scenes.

In the story of the couple connected by a length of rope, there was a scene where the female dancer touched (accidentally or intended) the male dancer’s private part. The male dancer was wearing a t-back under loose short pants that slipped off a number of times, showing the dancer’s butt.

In the story of Portia, the male dancer wore only his briefs and there had been many scenes suggesting the couple are having sex.

In the later part of the show, the women lay on their backs, both feet wide open and raised. In that position they made a 360-degree rotation. Male students stood up to get a better view of the female dancers’ crotches.

Those were the scenes that elicited excited response from the audience, especially the males. It made me think that the female dancers were, in the process, viewed as sexual objects by the male students. The male dancers, too, were probably in the same situation. It was like trying to deliver a message of abuse by the abusing the messengers themselves.

Well, there should be consent on the part of the dancers. In fact,  they are proud of their performance. But that couldn’t be a basis for saying that they are not abused. The show itself conveys a message that not because you wanted it, you wouldn’t be called a victim.

The women portrayed in the show all chase after their man. They endure being physically, sexually, and emotionally abused all for the love of their man. One participant in the forum that followed the performance commented, “women give sex to get love, while men show love to get sex.” In other words, the women consented the men to abuse them.

On the artistic point of view, Tecla is an excellent work of art. The dancers, the choreographers, the director, and everyone behind the show did a great job. I hope Teatro Ambahanon could come up with more thought-provoking productions in the future.

As a bonus, here’s a video of Teatro’s perfromance in Japan in 2008:

Aside from being an art lover, I am especially interested about the show because a friend of mine, Hanna Theresa Rivas, is part of the cast. She won in last year’s National Modern Dance Competition duo category.

I already got a ticket. It only costs fifty pesos. I hope to see you there.

The show, I believe, is part of Kalilangan 2010’s public offering.  Check out Sir Avel’s Blog.

I got the photos above from Hanna’s FB account.

I MUST be in love. She’s always on my mind. She’s the one I’d want to run to whenever the world turns its back on me. I want to spend time with her. I long for her warm embrace. I’d do all that it takes just to be with her.

It feels so good to fall in love, especially if the one you love gives you peace of mind, comfort for your soul, and overflowing happiness.

That’s exactly how I feel whenever I am with my beloved.  Get to know her.

I AM not bitter.

(I hope that by the end of this post, I have fully convinced myself. Haha.)

Seriously, I have never been loveless because my heart has always been  filled with love — not for a single person but for the humanity as a whole. Haha.

Whaah! This is such a stupid post.

I didn’t know Erik Erikson’s developmental stages is this serious. Ugh. Intimacy vs Isolation. I hate it.

Here’s my list of tips on How-To-Survive February 14:

• Never listen to Smother Me by The Used.
• Change the tones assigned to people who used to be significant and never reply to their greetings or answer their calls. Text them later that you left your phone somewhere else.
• Change your calendar settings.
• Induce temporary amnesia but be sure you’ll go back to your proper state of mind when it’s time to.
• Keep all sharp/hazardous objects out of sight.
• Do your laundry.
• Tell your older sister to spend the day with his husband somewhere else and volunteer to do the babysitting of your nieces.
• Organize a charity event and spend the whole day with the less fortunate so you’ll forget your own misery. Lol.

Happy valentine’s day to everyone who believes in love and loves.

Written in red paint on empty rice sacks, they looked like one of those streamers that activists hang to express their grievances. The sight instantly caught my attention.

I looked closer to see what the streamers were all about. Alabel is not for Sale. Justice for the Market Vendors. I understood.

A Mega Market is being constructed in my hometown. It is seen to be the biggest public market in the province. The construction of which actualy spurred the stunted proposal for Alabel’s cityhood.

It is being constructed in the same place where the original public market is located. In the process, the existing stalls have to be removed and replaced with the new structures.

The Mega Market is more than 50% finished. In fact, the newly constructed buildings are now being occupied by merchants.

Isn’t it not good to see developments such as these in my town?

But why is there resistance?

The problem begins with the price that comes with owning a stall in the public market. A vendor muct go through the bidding process to be able to run his business. Most of these vendors cannot afford the price.

I was able to talk to some of the petitioners and one of the security officers. According to them, there is an ongoing case in the court. The affected vendors are demanding for relocation. They want to be given free stalls inside the public market in lieu of their demolished stalls.

The security officer told me that a temporary restraining order was issued. After the 72-hour period, the local government went on with the demolition.

All the stalls surrounding the old public market were already demolished, except for last row of stores along Pres. Roxas St. In that particular location, the petitioners attempted to bring the operation to a halt by positioning themselves in one of the stalls that was about to be destroyed by a backhoe.

In fairness to these people, the operation of their businesses has been affected by the construction of the public market. Since many of them cannot afford the price of the stalls, and given their small capital, I doubt if all of them that go back to business.

The question is, what can the government offer these people?

As I look at it, this is not a story of wanting to stop progress. It is about people clamoring to get their side heard by the government. I am hoping for a peaceful resolution of the problem. I am not against development. I am for the welfare of the marginalized.

First, the world’s pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has confirmed his political bid for congress against the rock-solid Chiongbian dynasty.

Locals flock to the Municipal Plaza of Alabel, Sarangani Province right now to welcome Pacquiao, half of them expecting that they are not going home empty-handed.

Secondly, our governor, Miguel Rene “Migs” Dominguez, has been recently installed as president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

In the National Convention of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD at the PICC, Migs has ben appointed as the new national president of the party, replacing Eduardo Ermita.

And finally, the province is celebrating it’s 17th Foundation Anniversary and 7th MunaTo Festival next week.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “MunaTo Festival: Pride of Sarangani Tri-People,” highlighting the cultural heritage of the province.

MunaTo is a B’laan word for “first people,” referring to the 2000-year old anthropomorphic jars excavated in Maitum.

Michelle Solon, president of Sarangani Tourism Industry Association (SARTIA) said that this year’s celebration would “bring in and drive interest of people towards Sarangani. Ano ba ang Sarangani? Ano ba ang pagkakilala ng tao ng Sarangani? What we boast of is our culture.” (from Sarangani’s Official Website)

But for that to happen, there is a great need to drumbeat the publicity of the festival. The festival, I believe, is one of its kind in the country given the discovery of the artifacts of burial jars that date as far back as the Metal Age.

Photos from www.sarangani.gov.ph

The activities scheduled today include the inauguration of  government projects in the different barangays, tree-planting at the septage treatment facility and in school sites, opening of the agri-fishery fair, thanksgiving mass, fireworks display, and acoustic concert.

I took part in the tree-planting activity early this morning with Junior Ecologist Movement (JEM) members at the Septage Treatment Facility (STF) in Barangay Bagacay.

The area is part of the Calminda Watershed, which is a protected area.

The JEM has always stressed that we do not only plant trees but grow ones.

The clearing behind us was planted with several mahogany  saplings.

Engr. Allan Rivera of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office has always worked with JEM in its activities.

IN THE afternoon, we attended the Thanksgiving Mass and also visited the Agri-Fishery Fair.

Each barangay showcased their local products as well as those that are sold abroad.

For those who do not know it yet, Alabel is the home of the famous Sarangani Bay Bangus that are exported in various countries in both frozen and processed form.

Ms. Christine Gay, Ms. Eljay, and Sir Rolando

My co-teachers and I also went to the carnival and enjoyed some street food.

Be a Fan!

See who’s coming to join the MinBizCon and what are in store for those who’ll attend the two-day conference.

The Mindanao Business Conference is the biggest annual gathering of the business leaders and government policy makers in Mindanao and the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.

For those who are attending the MinBizCon, here are the recommended accommodation in Koronadal City:

NOTE: Deadline of booking/reservation is on August 15, 2009 to avail of discounted rates.

Avoid the RUSH… Reserve Now!

Contact the Secretariat, SOUTH COTABATO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY FOUNDATION, INC. Door#8 Siena Bldg., Rafael H. Alunan Avenue, City of Koronadal 9506, South Cotabato; Telefax No.(+6383) 228-5435.

***

By the way, for those of you who came here via Google in search of fast cash payday loans, you came to the right place.

The 18th Mindanao Business Conference will serve as a venue for entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as government policy makers from Mindanao and from the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines – East-Asean Growth Areas (BIMP-EAGA) Region to meet and to synergize for the development of the island’s business landscape.

The 18th MinBizCon will be highlighted by a two-day gathering on September 17-18, 2009 at the Fit Mart Mall Convention Center.

This year’s theme, “One. Global. Filipino. Rising Above the Global Challenges”, emphasizes the Mindanao’s Business community’s vision to move ahead and further strengthen its alliance with global partners.

In the conference proper, Government Resource Speakers such as Hon Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr, Secretary of National Defense, Sen. Francis Joseph ‘Chiz’ G. Escudero, and Sen. Edgardo J. Angara have already confirmed their attendance, among others, who will talk on Mindanao’s vast investment potentials, acceleration growth, and bright prospects.

Participants are expected to see a clearer picture of Mindanao in terms of business opportunities here and to gain insights on the direction the island’s business sector is headed to.

Aside from the two-day conference, local entrepreneurs will also get the chance to showcase their products and services through the Trade and Travel Fair, which will run from September 14-20.

In order for entrepreneurs to interact and establish business connections with each other, a Business Matching will be held on September 18 at the convention site.

For those who want to take their time out and explore South Cotabato’s natural wealth, which includes the famous Lake Sebu and the 25-hectare Blooming Petals flower farm in Tupi, there are tour packages available for as low as Php 700 per person.

Golf enthusiasts may also participate in the Golf Tournament, which will be held at the Kalsangi Golf and Country Club, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

For more information, check out the official event website courtesy of the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce.

I’ve only been able to upload the pictures today so I posted them right away on my photo blog.

Ladol teems with life

Get to know Ladol on Digital Detours.