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.

MOURNFUL CHRISTMAS. That is how it would probably be for the families of the victims of the massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that left 47 (as of this writing) innocent people dead.

I couldn’t imagine what kind of animals could rape and kill those innocent individuals, including a dozen of journalists.

This is probably the worst killing incident I’ve seen so far. Worse, the likeliness that justice will be served is very dim as the suspected mastermind, aside from being a powerful clan in ARMM, is a close ally of the President.  Not only are they allies, the President must be indebted to them, looking at the result of the 2004 election in the region.

I join the journalists and other concerned citizens in the country and around the world in condemning this act. The Arroyo government should not tolerate it; its loyalty must be to the Filipino people and not only to the powerful few. This is not merely an issue of political rivalry but a grave violation to the sanctity of life.

Photo from http://www.nationalpost.com

RIGHT NOW, as I am writing this, throngs of locals  flock to the municipal plaza of Alabel, Sarangani Province to welcome the boxing champ.

Aside from the chance of meeting the famous boxing icon, most of the people here expect to receive, if not cash, giveaways from Pacman.

Last year, the Pacman team distributed bags to gradeschool pupils. He’s also sponsoring free embalming and free casket for indigenous Sarangans. His political ads are also being shown on local TV since last month. All these are proofs that his camp is more than ready for the political battle.

While Pacquiao failed in his bid in Gensan in the 2007 elections, I could see some reasons why Pacquiao is a probable winner in Sarangani.

The province has been established through the efforts of the Chiongbians, who have always been its leaders for the past 17 years. There is no question that they have contributed to the development of the province. But in the recent years, they haven’t been very visible to the Sarangans.

I am referring to our congressman, Erwin Chiongbian, who is rarely seen in the province and is not a major character in the Congress, whose public presence is far duller than that of GenSan’s Darlene Antonino. He also doesn’t have publicized flagship projects in the province, which makes the people wonder if he is really working for the our progress.

Several mayors have also signified their support for Pacquiao’s candidacy. Our own mayor, Corazon Grafilo and Mayor Reynaldo Constantino of Malungon  are known staunch supporters. With the support of these mayors of two big towns in the province, Pacquiao has a better chance.

If the Chiongbian camp will be complacent in its campaign, it could be a knockout win for Pacman, especially that they are endorsing Roy Chiongbian, whose name has just been heard recently.

Picture from Imageshack.us

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.

Just what did I do this summer of 2009?

After my students’ graduation day, I wanted to make my family feel that I am really LIVING WITH THEM, I spent a few days at home, did the cooking, played with my nephews and nieces (there’s abunch of them), and, you know, just lingered around. In the afternoon, I would bike, and at times, jog to the beach to get rid of the fats I have accumulated from graduation treats and birthday parties. On the beach, I would watch the sun as it sets down the horizon and the sea waves as they rush to the shore.

Biking to Ladol Beach, Alabel, Sarangani Province

Sunset at Ladol Beach

After the Holy Week, I started taking part of the Sarangani Big Brother Program by facilitating the SBB Volunteer Training and Leadership Camp. It was a great experience–meeting new friends, going to many places, and, of course, somehow being part of social transformation. I went to Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum. Alongside facilitating trainings, we had a great time snorkeling in Maasim’s beautiful beaches.

A small-group session youth volunteers in Maasim, Sarangani Province

I was not able to join the SBB Facilitators in other municipalities because I had to attend the Training for Physical Science Teachers of Regional Science High School at the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP-NISMED) in Diliman, Quezon City.

With the Director UP-NISMED and one of our Facilitators

After the training, I spent a few days to meet my friends who are now working in Metro Manila. I feel nostalgic looking at our pictures. And oh, I was able to use my TimeZone Powercard at last (Geesh, I can’t remember how much I had spent at TZ).

Before going back to Mindanao, I paid my Ate Edna and Ate Marissa a visit in Bulacan where they now work.

With Pathways Friends at the MOA

When I returned here, I was sent to another training on the Teacher Induction Program at the Notre Dame of Marbel University.  It was another great experience, where I met nice fellow participants who treated me like their younger brother. I also met with my old friends in Marbel and had our usual bowling session.

After a few days, I attended another training at Lun Padidu National High School, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Improvization of Laboratory Equipment with Concept Integration where I learned how to saw, solder, and, well, utilize recyclables to build instructional materials for my classes.

In between these activities, I had target shooting with Board Member Aniceto Lopez III, swimming with Mayor Lopez, eyeballs with GenSan and South Cotabato Uzzapers (haha), bowling and drinking sessions with yuppie friends, and long hours of sleep.

It was one great summer, don’t you think?

Grade one pupils from Alabel Central Elementary School and SPED Center receive books from the Alcantara Foundation last year. *Image from QUEST

To help solve this problem, the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., the Office of the Provincial Governor of Sarangani, the Provincial SK Federation (PPSK), the Local Government Units of each municipality, the Department of Education, and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. joined hands in the Sarangani Big Brother Season 2: Reading is Fun, a reading program.

Sarangani Big Brother, which started last year, is a volunteer-based reading program that runs for 15 days during the summer. Volunteer school teachers will extend their services to the identified frustration readers. Youth volunteers, the Ate’s and Kuya’s of the paraticipants, are also mobilized as teacher aids that will help ensure that the participants obtain optimum learning in the program.

Tomorrow, April 14-16 is the first round of the training of the teachers and the youth volunteers in Maasim, Sarangani Province. That will be followed by the other six municipalities of Sarangani.

Ayala Young Leaders Congress alumni, together with other volunteers from PPSK and the units under the Office of the Governor, will facilitate the training.

***

Being the senior AYLC alumnus in the group, I was tasked to talk on Servant Leadership. I am both honored and pressured because this is the topic that I think our Mentor, Sir Monch Mossessgeld, has the credibility to deliver. Haha. I think I will just borrow his words.

SOMEONE MIGHT say I’m making a false logic here or that I am jumping into conclusion without thoroughly examining my arguments. I’d like to make it clear that this is my personal feeling about one particular experience in Zamboanga City. As a Mindanao Blogger, I don’t intend to spread negative things about the island. I just think that it’s important for anyone who plans to visit Zamboanga to know this.

I was in Zamboanga last week together with our principal, three other teachers, and four students for the First National Science and Mathematics Summit for Regional Science High School.

The event ended last February 14 but flights from Zamboanga to Davao are scheduled only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. So, we had to stay there until February 16. That meant two days to discover the city.

After the closing program, we had the chance to visit the Barter Trading Center to buy stuff for our loved ones and friends back home. The stall owners were very accommodating. I have been to several places in the country and I have met many aggressive vendors in those places. But something was different about the barter in Zamboanga.

I didn’t have an idea about what stuff to bring home and I have little idea about what to find there. So, I had to survey what products are on display. Like in flea markets, the vendors were determined to make a sale. They would try to convince you to buy their products. As we hopped from stall to stall to compare products and prices, there was something about the way they communicate with us that made me feel like I have to be very polite so as not to offend them. As we walked through the narrow pathways inside the building, I felt like I had to walk on my toes so as not to accidentally topple the products on display. I felt like trouble can arise anytime, so I had to be very careful about haggling for discounts.

I am glad none of my fears took place until…

We proceeded to the mall to buy our dinner from the fastfood stalls there. I also side tripped to an electronics store to buy an adapter from my speakers and a microSD card for my phone. While at the electronics store, my co-teacher told me to hurry because our principal was waiting for us downstairs and that we had to go back to the pension house where we were staying.

The stall had a small area such that six persons inside would look like a crowd. As I rushed to the counter, I didn’t notice this man, who had two kids with him. I accidentally bumped the kid and the kid stumbled. My apology was automatic. I looked at the man in the eye and told him how sorry I was and that I did not intend to do it. I thought of helping the kid stand up but the man’s action and facial expression suggested that I was not allowed to do it. The kid was not hurt obviously because he didn’t cry and stood up as if nothing happened. I was also sure that the kid was not hurt because our collision was not forceful.

The man then glared at me. My knees shook and I repeated my apologies. The man barked, “Gago ka! Tumingin-tingin ka nga sa dinadaanan mo!” Worst scenarios ran in my head. Again, I apologized with utmost sincerity but the man’s eyes looked unforgiving and went away.

The pace of my heartbeat never returned to normal even until we were on our way back to the pension house.

I admit that part of what happened was my fault. I should not have let go of the meticulous attention on avoiding any troublesome incident.

In cases like that, an honest apology would usually suffice. Zamboanga taught me that it would not always be like that. I couldn’t help but compare it with similar incidents I met in GenSan. Here, the parent would even be apologetic with the idea that it’s their responsibility to keep their kids from standing in the way of other people.

That observation was even strengthened by a friend’s testimony. She is a branch manager of a popular food chain there. She told us of an incident when one crew member called the attention of one customer who used the comfort room for too long a time and who left a great deal of mess. The crew member ended up being beaten by the said customer afterwards.

I had a great time in Zamboanga except for that one particular incident. I liked their language (Vamos a Zamboanga!) and the romantic feel of the old structures.

If only the people there are a tad friendlier, I certainly would want to return to the city. Even if that would mean me having to get a payday loan.

We are here for the 1st National Science and Mathematics Summit Fair that is participated in by regional science high schools in the country.

I’m with four co-teachers and four students and we will be here until February 16.

In the picture below is my co-teacher, Ms. Eljay, who has just experience her first flight and she wanted everything documented.

I hope this trip will give me the relaxation I’ve always wanted.

INREDIBLE. Angelica Jones Promoting Good Nutrition to students in Alabel, Sarangani Province

In fairness to these two personalities, they are good at their craft — making people laugh. However, I think that the National Nutrition Council made a grave mistake, choosing these two to promote the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program.

This is not an attack on the two personalities but a criticism on the manner of entertaining the students who were asked to attend the program.

Last Thursday, January 29, 2008, all our students were asked to go the Municipal Gymnasium in Alabel, Sarangani Province to attend the program regarding the nutrition program of the national government.

The letter stated that we have to be at the venue by 1:00 PM as they will start at exactly 1:30 PM. And we were there at the stated time. Angelica Jones and Ate Shawie arrived at about half past two. They had a motorcade, so the program started a few minutes past three. Not a good example to follow.

Ate Shawie (Marvin de Leon) came out first with games. As early as the first two minutes of his/her speech, my ears already rang with his/her foul language. (Okay, let’s refer to her as her)

She facilitated the Bring Me game. Okay, it fine. Wholesome. But not the second thing that she asked. She then asked, “Sino ang makakapagdala ng gwapong lalake na magpapakilala sa akin?” (Who could bring a handsome guy in front who will introduce himself to me?)

Packed with pupils and students from Grade Four to Fourth Year, the gymnasium turned into a comedy bar, where comedians throw foul jokes. I found it obscene. What she did could be acceptable if the audience were different. He even proposed a kiss to the guy. In front of the kids.

Wearing skimpy attire, Angelica Jones then performed a sexy song-and-dance number, which was far from entertaining. She just mumbled the words. She delivered a speech that was far from convincing.

It could not have been the fault of the artists as it is band of comedy. But they could have been avoided if the artists were given proper orientation and reminders that they are performing for students.

The blame, in other words, in on the organizers.

This is call to the National Nutrition Council. What kind of values are you promoting? Is that how you promote good nutrition? Our student body organization can do better than that.

I and my co-teachers, and even our students, agree that all of it was a waste of time and money. It was worse than not having a nutrition program at all.

They did show episodes of the Busog Lusog TV Program hosted by Tin-Tin Bersola-Babao on ABS-CBN but those things are already taught in schools.

Their veggie-mascots, who happened to have stage fright, were not much of a help, too.

The problem of hunger and malnutrition in the country is a serious one. It cannot be solved by making people laugh or making them angry.

Although we have already meet in some place before, this is the forst time that we gathered purposely to review a restaurant. And we are planning to do it more often in the future.

Well, this is not the review yet. I just want to let you know that we are having fun here. We enjoyed the food. And most of all, we are enjoying the conversations with each other.

Here’s a pic from Kyawster:

SocCSKSarGen Bloggers at Genee, Pendatun Ave., General Santos City.

This one is from Rosilie:

Dollar earners?

Thanks to Kyawster for the netbook I’m using right now and to Genee Grill for the Wi-Fi. Yeah, Genee is this cool.