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A la Patria y Servicio Público! Zamboanga City Hall and Rizal Monument

In “El Pueblo,” as the local Zamboangueños call their city center or downtown, is an edifice that is synonymous to the city and perhaps throughout the history of Mindanao. The Zamboanga City Hall stands majestic amidst the well-groomed parks of Plaza Pershing (named after the American general John “Black Jack” Pershing) and Plaza Rizal. The edifice itself became Mindanao and Sulu’s bastion of power (the capital city) for several years during the American colonial era, making Ciudad de Zamboanga the capital of the whole southern islands itself!

Escudo de Ciudad de Zamboanga (City Seal) hanging on city hall's wall

City Hall from Valderoza Street

A lot has thought that it has incorporated the Spanish architecture, probably perhaps due to the Hispanic traditions that abound the city. However, the City Hall of Zamboanga was built in 1905 by the American colonizers and it served as the provincial capitol of the military-ruled Moro Province. Then in 1914, it became the seat of government for the Department of Mindanao and Sulu when the civilian government was restored in the colony. By the time the Commonwealth came in, Zamboanga was elevated into a city and the capitol became the city hall we all know today.

Preparing for the flag ceremony

The civil officials of the city hall, preparing for the flag ceremony. Reflecting diversity of cultures in the city of Zamboanga

Today, Zamboanga City Hall still stands proud as a reminder of the Zamboangueño heritage, The architecture still reminisce the early days of American colonial era, and the tower itself made it unique among the neo-classical contemporaries. The tower now is where the siren is blared at certain times of the day. Currently, its a declared a national historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly NHI).

Zamboanga City Hall and Monumento de Rizal

Every Christmas, the city hall turns into a showcase of lights as the whole plaza complex becomes a mecca of families and friends who like to spend their cool Christmas nights.

The tower and the Philippine flag

True to its old title, "Ciudad de Las Flores" - Zamboanga City Hall

Zamboanga City Hall manifests Zamboanga’s keen interest in preserving its own unique Creole and cosmopolitan culture, that made it very unique all throughout the republic.

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The debekan/dadabuan carvings

A lot of people have been to Lanao Del Sur, but they are just either at MSU or Marawi City itself. They never dared explore the towns beside the placid Lake Lanao for so many concerns and reasons. However, I was allured by the town of Tugaya in some journals and websites I read. It is said to be the bastion of arts and craft of the Maranao people. Curiously, it is a town full of talented craftsmen that is famed all throughout Mindanao for its fine products, may it be brass ware to clothing and tapestry, which has been handed over from their ancestors for centuries. Because of it’s fame, it was even nominated by the National Center for Culture and the Arts for UNESCO World Heritage List in early 2000s. Now, it made me more curious—hence it became my primary goal in visiting Tugaya.

The "placid" Tugaya town in Lanao Lake's shore

Tugaya is a 30-45 minute drive from Marawi City, along the western side of the lake shore. Traversing the slopes and more Maranao communities, Lanao’s landscape is dotted with so many mosques, a highway that is as narrow as a barangay road in some of the provinces, and surreal captions. It is indeed a different world out here, yet so within the Republic of the Philippines. This is Lanao that most tourists wouldn’t even dare to travel.

Modern Torogan in Tugaya

Details of the relief of the torogan-inspired house

It was almost 12 noon when we reached Tugaya along with our Maranao guides. Our first visit was a house with ornate reliefs, okirs and the steep yet curving roof that resonate the traditional torogan. Modern as the house may be, but the owners of the said house have still incorporated the traditional Maranao craft. Kala ko sa Nayong Pilipino at sa mga airports sa Mindanao makikita mga yan.

Dilimbayan Central Mosque

Since it was noon time, the muezzin was calling the faithful for prayer at the town’s largest mosque—Dilimbayan Central Mosque.

Baul - A wooden box

Detail of baul with inlays of mother-of-pearl shells

Just beside the mosque, the family of our hosts was also involved in arts and craft, by creating baul or ornate wooden boxes with ornate carved designs and adorned with pieces of mother-of-pearl shells. These were made of hard wood—hence despite its simplicity, is still very expensive. Often, the Maranaos and the antique collectors from Davao or Manila buy these boxes.

Unfinished product of baul

Another treasure that was well hidden by the hosts’ family was the galleon boat models, carved out from wood. Done perfectly and kept as a treasure by the family.

The galleon, hidden from public view

Details of the galleon

The sails are made of coconut shells

Of course, another one of Tugaya’s products is the dadabuan or the tall wooden and carved drums. The dadabuan was used to summon the people of an impending danger or a meeting or celebrations. The top of the dadabuan uses animal skin (goat or cow skin) the rest of the drum is carved out with the intricate Maranao carvings. The wood they usually use are from the jackfruit or mango tree, giving it a yellowish colour.

Making dadabuan in a workshop at Tugaya

The intricate carvings of dadabuan

One of the small finished dadabuans

I’m not done yet for Tugaya. There are still a lot more from this placid town by the lake shore.

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Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City

How about Dinagyang in the amateur photographer’s perspective? Iloilo’s annual grand festival draw large crowds from different parts of the country and the world, especially those who are armed with lenses called cameras—DSLR or point-and-shoot ones. While it may be similar to just taking photos of the Ati warriors in Kalibo, Dinagyang’s dynamics in photography are way different. Though known for its fast paced choreography and a season known to give various lighting conditions and colourful costumes, photographers, both amateur and even professional, takes this festival seriously amongst the heat and beat of the drums.

Aiming for the best shot (File photo from 2009)

Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo itself is an offshoot of Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan. Soot or black/dark brown painted people with outrageous costumes while stomping their feet at the beat of the drums, dedicate the festivity to Senor Santo Nino. As year goes by, Dinagyang evolved from the simple drum beat and street parade to a spectator theatrical dance showdown that may rival Broadway plays and Las Vegas shows in terms of production. From the once simple stomping of feet, Dinagyang’s dance became the aggressive, action-filled and fast-paced movements which became its own trademark and became known to the country as an “excellent merger of folk choreography.”

Dinagyang Festival -- the sea of Santo Ninos and Yellow

Dinagyang Festival - Aiming for God almighty!

With that, photographers took the challenge of getting the best shot of the drama. I’m writing this as an amateur photographer and on personal experience, who doesn’t have that much knowledge on aperture, lens, and other photography technicalities. This is to encourage our budding amateur photographers to take up the challenge and shoot like how the pros do.

Dinagyang Festival ladies - patterns are prevalent during tableu formation

Canon Point and shoot camera: In this day and age, DSLR or point and shoot camera, the best shots aren't just products of the equipment, but of the photographer himself/herself.

From stages…

While most photographers can get great shots of emotion and action on the streets in other Philippine fiestas, such as MassKara, Sinulog or Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang’s fiery emotion comes out in the performance areas or the traditional four stages in its three kilometer route. It is here where the contingents or tribes become furious with their choreography and interpretative dance.

Patterns of Dinagyang

Dinagyang performance area

It is here where the best facial expressions, emotions, actions, and the best pattern shots may be seen from the different Ati competing tribes.

Try getting a photo with this choreography (Youtube clips by Trigo926):

and this

From Facial Expressions of Dinagyang

To emerging patterns of Dinagyang

For the past few years, the contingents focused all their energy and drama for the performance stages. It was also recently that street dancing was incorporated in the festivity (once more) to add up more revelry and so as not to lose its origins. Hence, not that much fanfare or actions on the streets as compared to that witnessed in the performance areas.

To unexpected moments in Dinagyang

…to streets

The streets of Iloilo during Dinagyang

Dinagyang Street Dance, in its most intimate at the public

For starters and those who don’t like the action (or those who are still not confident on taking up the fast-paced action at the stages), streets are still the best areas to take a shot of these tribes’ performances amidst the festive mood of the city. Since choreography here is repetitive, it is a nice place for first timers and budding photo enthusiasts.

The clash of the contingents and the photographers

The best thing about street photography in Iloilo Dinagyang is getting it jive in at Iloilo's heritage landmarks!

My comment though that I wish the organizers would increase the importance of street dancing once again. After all, Dinagyang came from the streets. Also, this is to accommodate those who seek revelry in public spaces. It brings the festive cheer to the city and at the same time artistry that Ilonggos are known for.

The best and realistic things in Dinagyang happens at the streets: Hence, sidelight photogprahy

It is also in the streets where you can get the sidelights and side stories of the festivity. For some photographers, this is where we get te most artistic to the most socially-relevant photos. Realistic and non-theatrical, the street shots define the real character of Iloilo City’s streets during the festivities varying from subjects: from families and friends enjoying, food and party scene, to the nomad urban Ati people who dwell under the city’s overpasses.

The streets of Dinagyang. Click the photo to view the 2011 Dinagyang Festival on Streets Photo collection

The energy exists at the streets

In Dinagyang, the drama is not just at the performance areas, but also in the streets as well. It is here where the true tone, hue and color of the festivities come out.

The preparation

Preparation of Tribu Bola Bola (2009)

Speaking of the streets, a few hours before the program starts, the best time to catch up the “freshest” Ati (fresh, referring to freshly paint and costumes still in optimal conditions) portraits. Since they haven’t danced and most of them are just rehearsing or waiting, it is the greatest time to take a stationary Ati portrait or their activities during preparation.

And the freshest smiles

Never blink…

Dinagayng: Chaos--An example of unpredictability in the festivity's choreography

When in performance, depending on your subject for the art, Dinagyang is challenging. With so much happening in just a few seconds of their dance, you would really have to focus on one subject or another. If you like to change subject, change immediately. Don’t blink, since you may miss the best moves and emotions. The unpredictability of Dinagyang choreography has what challenged photographers for years.

Patterns abound in Dinagyang

The head dresses are known for creating patterns

I’ve read recently about George Tapan’s tips on festival photography in Mabuhay Magazine and he said, “Anticipate the movements.” For regular parokyanos of the feast, they may look used to it but they are also challenged since movements vary year to year. It’s more of a “baptism” for first time amateur photographers who like to have all the action.

Contrasts of Dinagyang

Movement is everything in Dinagyang, hence depending on lighting; you may have blurry shots and unfocused subjects. As reiterated, focus, anticipation and attention are your key tools in getting your best shot. Although sometimes, the most imperfect shot you thought could be a gem for the critics and other people.

Blurred by movement and lighting

Patterns, facial expressions, and outstanding or extraordinary features are the things that every photographer would like to get in such intense energy the dances and colors are showing during performances.

And see their faces…

The face of intense passion

Faces express a lot of things, especially energy and emotion

Recently, facial expressions in dance explain the emotion of anger, sorrow, ecstasy and trance of an Ati warrior-dancer. A lot of photographers like to get that perfect facial shot that gives such outpouring emotions and energy…and it is indeed a camera’s eye-candy.

From joy

Yet since they move fast, if you like to get it, focus on one subject quickly. Get the best warrior that expresses his or her facial expressions. The more intense, the better.

To trance

The lights…

Lighting is an essence when getting the best shot. Since January gives an unpredictable mood with the weather and the program spans from early morning to mid-afternoon, it may create varying effects on your subject in Dinagyang. Take it as a challenge and get the best out of it.

A collection of Ati warriors

If you are a DLSR user, take the best lens you got and adjust it with the right aperture or distance.

Difference of lighting can create different products. You can play with it, P&S or DSLR user

If you are a point-and-shoot user, focus on your angling and avoid going against the light. Change your position and make the best out of your limited options.

…and the Bureaucracy

As much as I don’t like to write about this but I hope we can take this constructively. For photography enthusiasts and bloggers who don’t belong to any organization, Dinagyang is a challenge of patience. It was quite recent when the organizers have imposed a fee for those who like to have access to the performance areas, a practice also being done other fiestas such as Sinulog, MassKara and Kadayawan. However, getting these and the approval can take some time. Release of passes are not immediate (unlike in Sinulog), and changes in policy may vary within a week or so. Also, the IDs share the same label or called “media passes.” You have an unsure feeling, especially those who came from outside of Iloilo or are unaffiliated.

Photographers at a performance stage in Dinagyang 2009

I hope that by next year, it will be all smooth flowing and organized—flatten out policies and create agreements with different sectors involved, as so that it can attract more photo enthusiasts who some (or most) of them promote the beauty and dynamism of Dinagyang and Philippine tourism. The good thing though is that the organizers have announced the opening of application for passes on the internet, especially social media platforms–now easier for people who would like to apply for such, especially out-of-town photographers and bloggers.

Dinagyang media passes through time

Yet for those who like to keep things simple, the street performances are free for all and hassle free as well. Hence, my wish that they focus also on “free show” at the city streets.

In Iloilo Sports Complex

The performance area at Iloilo Sports Complex

In fairness for Iloilo Sports Complex, it’s a huge area for performance. Free flowing air and fresher atmosphere are invigorating, as compared to the crowded Freedom Grandstand and other stages. While a lot thought that it was against the light and far from the performance, it was actually different. Since Dinagyang was on “parade mode,” unlike the synchronized carousel route of the past, the contingents came in late morning. Sunlight was already high and clouds provide a bit of a cover—but not from harsh lighting. Iloilo Sports Complex has AIR-CONtinuous accommodation for everybody!

Full to the brim at Iloilo Sports Complex (the farthest was occupied later before the programme started)

Photographers sit more comfortably here and more spacious. There was almost no competition on the best area for taking photos and shading was no problem since it was already heading towards the afternoon.

The crowd roared with delight

I’d still go for Iloilo Sports Complex for succeeding performances for Dinagyang. Not only has it accommodated visitors who were once deprived of the limited capacity of performance area seats, but also a fresher area for photography enthusiasts.

From the lens to the world…

The brush heads

Smile of the Ati warrior

While photographers take Dinagyang as something to be part of their collection or to sharpen their skills in photography, it has also become a vehicle of promotion of the said festival to the world. Some post it on social networking sites and published on different magazines and books. Let us just be aware though of certain risks of posting these, especially on the issue of intellectual property. Let us practice some measures such as placing watermarks and lowering the resolution of your jpeg output or resizing your photo. That depends on how you treat these works of art you have, yet it is better if we can share some to the world.

Hala Bira!!!

Peek-a-boo!

With different colours and emotions coming out from a simple photo, it sparks curiosity to those who haven’t been here—that indeed it is more fun here in the Philippines! Dinagyang is one amazing fiesta for photography—of drama, of tests, of limited resources and coming out with the best things out of the challenge—creativity and ingenuity, the marks of a true photographer and craftsman.

The center of it all! Senor Santo Nino

Again, I’m no professional photographer; I am just speaking from experience, and sharing it to all who likes to take up the challenge in the years to come. I say, it’s all worth it!

More Dinagyang Festival 2012 photos here

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Dinagyang Festival's mother, Kalibo Ati-Atihan in Kasadyahan Festival. Ati-Atihan is back in Iloilo once more!

For most of its history, Kasadyahan is a cultural-dance performance showdown that is the warm-up for the upcoming Dinagyang Festival climax in Iloilo City. Back then, most of the performances were from contingents that depict the Ilonggo or Panayanon “mainstream” culture through dance. Then later, it became “festival of Iloilo festivals” as the town fiestas of the province of Iloilo compete and showcase their town’s best.

Bacolod's MassKara Festival in Iloilo City

Yet this 2012, it simply went beyond—it went to become Western Visayas’ regional festival of festivals! Something that has never been done almost half-a-decade! The best fiestas converge in Iloilo that Saturday, including the “mother of all Philippine street dance festivals,” Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, and Bacolod’s MassKara Festival. It was an unexpected development.

Kasadyahan is Celebrating!

Kasadyahan is a Hiligaynon/Ilonggo term meaning “to make merry” or “celebration,” synonymous to the root word of Dinagyang. It is indeed a celebration of life and culture of the people of Western Visayas.

The power of emotions captivate spectators in the Salakayan Festival performance of Miagao

Salakayan Festival of Miagao, Iloilo

Salakayan's performance were derived from the old Spanish colonial-era Moro-Moro plays

Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao, Iloilo won as the champion for this year’s Kasadyahan. Fiery emotions coming from the members and making the old Moro-Moro plays of the Spanish colonial era adapted to the present cultural-dance drama, has made it remarkable. Also, the history of the town and its most precious treasure, the World Heritage Site of Iglesia de Santo Tomas de Villanueva, the patadyong and hablon—all synonymous to the town, were depicted.

Tribu Mandaragat of Antique

Big Fans of Mandaragat

Meanwhile, Tribu Mandaragat of Antique depicted fisheries as one of Antique’s main produce and income.

Hubon Sinulog sa Oracon of Sibunag, Guimaras

Hubon Sinulog sa Oracon of Sibunag, Guimaras meanwhile displayed the island’s known “mango colours” of green and yellow, as they danced their way of life, the province’s main produce “mango” and the festive atmosphere living in a simple countryside community.

Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City

Go Fish! at Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City

Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City, Capiz showcased their rich aquaculture and fisheries resources through the movements and the beat of the drums. Notable was the big prawn.

Tribu Maragtas of West Visayas State University

Ladies of Tribu Maragtas singing their hearts out

The mainstay of the Kasadyahan Festival is Tribu Maragtas of West Visayas State University. In today’s standards, this contingent is unique for not going to the trend of fast-paced drum beats and dance. Instead, they maintained a cultural show depicting various aspects of Panayanon or Ilonggo culture and praises to the Señor Santo Niño.

Sigabong sang mga Kanyon of Bago City, Negros Occidental

Amakan cannon -- yet this one really explodes!

Sigabong sang mga Kanyon from Bago City in Negros Occidental offers a glimpse of plantation lifestyle and the amakan cannons that were used to scare the Spanish colonial authorities during the Cinco de Noviembre event in 1898. This contingent though shot a loud bang during the festivities.

The Atis of Palayag sa Buenavista of Buenavista, Guimaras

Palayag sa Buenavista of Guimaras offered a glimpse of Moro-Moro and the Ati culture.

Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City

Reminiscent of MassKara is Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City, Negros Occidental, also joined the Kasadyahan.

Tribu Panguyang of Antique

Babayalnes of Tribu Panguyang

And Tribu Panguyang, also from Antique Province, dance their way in depicting the Panayanon rituals of Panguyang or offering goods to spirits–a heritage from pre-Hispanic Panayanons and giving emphasis on shamans or babaylanes. 

MassKara Festival performing at Freedom Grandstand in downtown Iloilo City

MassKara Festival in Kasadyahan

Kasadyahan became a mardi-gras when visitors from Bacolod City graced the event with its famed “dancing smiling masks” of MassKara Festival, held every October.

Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara Iloilo

Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara Iloilo

Kahilwayan Festival of Santa Barbara, Iloilo came back with its cry for independence and stunts on bamboo in which they became famous all throughout the archipelago. It is uniquely one of the few street dance and dance-cultural shows depicting a historical battle between the revolucionarios (in Panay its Ejercito Libertador, not Katipunan) and the Spanish colonial forces.

Kalibo Ati-Atihan comes back at Iloilo once more

However, it was a sentimental and joyous ending for Kasadyahan as “The Mother of Dinagyang” herself made her way back to Iloilo City’s streets, after for so long. Kalibo Ati-Atihan made their sadsad (street dancing) with its hypnotic drumbeats and simple choreography. It was indeed “a back to the roots” for this Dinagyang season.

40 years ago, Iloilo City's streets were like this...the origins of Dinagyang

...and the crowd likes dancing with Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival

In the 1960s, upon the arrival of Señor Santo Niño de Cebú at Iloilo, Ati warriors danced around Plaza Libertad in joy and celebration. The authorities back then even have to bring Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan dancers to grace the event. The Ilonggo oldies remember the old sadsad days, way before fast-paced choreography and spectator-fest Dinagyang came to be. It was indeed a great day as the crowd swelled and joined the revelers. I like this group to come back next year. I’m happy too since it was my taste of what it means to be in Ati-Atihan (spent several years in Panay Island but never been to Ati-Atihan since it hits during mid-terms back at college).

More Photos of Kasadyahan sa Dinagyang Festival, Click Here.

Like Dinagyang, Kasadyahan has evolved from a simple “warm-up” cultural performance, into a regional fiesta of fiestas in the fiesta isles of Western Visayas. Truly depicting on how it is More Fun here in the Philippines!

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Traditions and Honoring the Holy Child (Santo Niño) depicts the celebration of Sinulog Festival in Cebu this weekend (Click image to enlarge)

Different schools all throughout Cebu City and Province in Central Philippines competed at Sinulog sa Kabataan last weekend. This weekend, Cebu will celebrate one (and perhaps the) of the largest grand parades in the Philippines, honoring the Holy Child that was given by Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the Queen Juana of Cebu in 1521. The festival pays homage to the cultural-religious fiesta that depicts traditions and history of the Cebuano culture, especially the rituals of Sinulog or dancing two steps forward and one step backward, imitating the waves.

14 January 2012 – Photo of the Week

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Dilimbayan Tugaya Central Mosque

While Tugaya in Lanao del Sur Province is known for being the arts and crafts center of the Maranao world, at the heart of its town center is the Dilimbayan Central Mosque. Set in a sloping steep yet green landscape and a few meters away from the placid Lake Lanao, Dilimbayan Mosque is the largest religious structure in the entire town and can accommodate hundreds of worshipers in one instance.

The said mosque was built in the 15^th of January in 1962 (can be considered as a heritage structure if you asked me) and it is the main mosque of the town of Tugaya. Green and white are the dominating colours of the structure—the dominant colours of Islam. The massive structure is dominated by emerald green domes with off white accents along with its stainless steel crescents and ornate spires. The towering spire is where the muezzin calls the faithful for prayer. The windows and arches are reminiscent of its Arab influence.

Entering the mosque would require the ritual of abolition, or ritual cleansing. We didn’t get the chance to stay in longer but had a glimpse of the interior of the mosque. Carpeted and ornate, yet simple. The pupils and the faithful teach the words of Allah inside the said Masjid. I had a glimpse of Jawi script being thought to the pupils in reference to the teachings of Qur’an.

Inside Dilimbayan Mosque

Dilimbayan Central Mosque is a piece of Tugayanon craftsmanship in architecture and art. Thus only manifests the sheer raw talent that the people have in this bastion of Maranao art that is Tugaya.

Dilimbayan Central Mosque is located here:

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I loathe mediocrity, just to be honest. Not only that its lame, it’s also stale and somehow devoid of life. Status quo, zilch, nada! However in my case, one of mediocrity’s origins may have been complacency or should I say too much complacency, too much traditional thinking, and too much of a status quo. Yes, in my opinion, complacency breeds mediocrity—and is often contagious in a society.

I’ll share an experience of a kingdom not so far away.

Its history is full of glory, power and might. The kingdom was an empire built with sweet gold. It has everything a modern state would like to have. However, because of too much satisfaction, over-dependency took toll on its economy–and so its demise. And up to this very day, the once formidable empire reeks of opulence yet the decayed traits of status quo emerged.

I had an experience with this empire which seemingly steeps back to its traditional ways and resist changes that happens in today’s modern world. Some of the influential people of this land are still traditional and very conservative. These people that resist changes, yet cries out loud of what their ancestors brought to their land—the wealth, the power, the opulence, and the glory.  They seem to be stuck from the past. Lets move on to the future by looking and learning at the lessons of the past, not re-live them!

“World class” seems to be the word of the day, yet we only see the ordinary. Can we strive more?

We try to “grab” what is ours, some said. Can we think beyond that?

We are the best, and others suck eggs. Can we avoid thinking of that? Too much amor propio kills. I don’t know if too much pride of place could even bring the empire into soaring heights or greater embarrassment. Crab mentality harbours mediocrity. Shun it!

We have bickering politicians and people, here and there. Can we as citizens become a role model instead and help improve the image of politics?

We have the first, the largest, and the most bongga-ever, capital of this, center of that. Some said it is “barriotic” and “backward.” I couldn’t blame them with that. With their ancestors has done so much in under a generation or two, it is something that they hold to. Yet, can we do something from our own generation as well? I guess we can!

Then there is this case of complacency in investing–spending less on promotion and marketing, saving more as if they’ll carry it unto the heavens.  Being thrifty isn’t a bad trait, but doing it too much just simply doesn’t make sense. Can we bring balance on our cash flow? I guess we can!

How about, “let them come and let’s build” mindset? In today’s competitive world, that doesn’t make sense–that’s even one of the greatest blights for an urban core to be competitive. Let’s build, so they can come! That is now how investors see if a locality is competitive. We want to be great, then lets build roads, infrastructure and plan properly. Utilize the best of your talents. If we lose some money for the capital, return of investments is greater than expected–that’s beyond mediocre estimates.

And then there is this afraid to invest. I guess since the collapse of sweet gold economy, many of the old timers have gone cautious on what they invest or sometimes, they just fly to the big city or foreign lands instead. This I understand, yet can our generation switch things for the better?

Last and not the least, is the resistance to change and everything new—well, part of holding to traditionalist conservative point of view that is, in other words having a closed mind or myopic vision. Here’s an example: Several years ago a group of people presented themselves as able to help the promotions of a prominent event through online cyberspace or social media. However, the people shunned them away and said, “We don’t have time for the internet or amateurs. We will stick with the traditional ones because they can be sure and not fly-by-night.” Despite numerous contributions done by these people online to promote the kingdom, these people don’t seem to recognize nor refuse to.

Then it dawned to them that these people are indeed here to help, beyond the traditional norms, limitations, and time frame. It took a lot from these people to sell and to prove that this new norm can and will help the kingdom move forward, like their battle cries. All it takes is to have the influential people open up their minds with what the younger generation are craving for and suggesting for. Listen. These people know the world that it is now. They may eventually be a blessing.

Living life simply is not bad, that I understand. However, if the whole society has turned complacent and rested with its laurels, then nothing will happen. The flood that ravaged the kingdom several years ago has just reminded the people that in this changing world, we have to strive for excellence, not just “okay na yan, marami naman tayong bigas na kakainin.” Because all can be taken away from the people in just one blow.

We have the talents, but it goes away to distant kingdoms and empires. How about using these young talents for the kingdom’s good? Encourage people to work locally and use their creative talents. Create an environment that is a natural bed for explorers and creators, not restrict them with only the norms of the traditional past.

Think beyond the traditional, not relying too much of it. Much as the faults of our ancestors on relying solely on what they thought were tierra firme, it falters. Seek new markets, not just the ones what we are strong with.

I remember Paulo Coelho’s quote, “if adventure is risky, try routine—it’s deadly.” Indeed. Human beings in nature are insatiable.

We got a lot of potential to be great again, just like how our ancestors did.

These things I have vent out of frustration for my beloved hometown, the so-called Kingdom of Datu Paiburong. Iloilo. For so long I have cringed and sometimes cried over the seemingly resistant society to change. This city and province has been a bastion of greatness in the past.

Good thing, winds of change have swept my hometown. A lot of investments are pouring in; people are starting to open up for changes, shattering the old and obsolete social mindset. The younger generation has started to pour their talents bit by bit, step by step. It’s a long way but with the right guidance, the people of this once great empire may once again rise up, not only from economic slumber, but also from chronic mediocrity that has, in my opinion, has plagued my banwa for decades.

I have once spoken these things in fora, and I met enemies. A lot may oppose to my perspective, but this I expressed because I like to see a better Iloilo. Because I like to see a better one with better outputs that we can truly say, “World-class.” I don’t have political affiliation nor any political sentiment in this essay of mine. All I want was to inspire my kasimanwas to do more, be more, and live life to the fullest. I still got a lot to say about this, but I guess those are better next time.

There is a revolution going on in the Kingdom of Iloilo. The younger generation is clamouring for change, one of this is the damnation of mediocrity in its society. And as I write this essay, the Ilonggos are feeling and seeing the change, and is heading towards culture of excellence. A rebirth of an empire, resisting mediocrity and uber-complacency completely.

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San Miguel de Iligan

On December 15-16, Tropical Storm “Sendong/Washi” gave Mindanao its first major typhoon in decades. The island and its residents were not used to such phenomena that usually devastates parts of Luzon and the Visayas. Sendong was one of a kind this year, and it has devastated lives in the cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, the Province of Compostela Valley and other provinces. Iligan was caught by a surprise as flood and muck rushed towards the city, 200 missing and 100+ dead so far. In Cagayan de Oro, 20,000 families were affected–this major city in Northern Mindanao has tasted the worse flooding in its recent history.

Father loses daughter (Photo by Maria Irene/Mindanaoan.com)

As of the time of this writing, the dead is pegged at more than 400, hundreds still missing. Mostly in Northern Mindanao cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. So many uncaught, so many people will spend their Christmas in muck and cold.

Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and the rest of NorMin needs help!

Tabanga nato ang Mindanao! This is the time that we help each other out, despite the distance! Our people needs help!

Our condolences to our kababayang taga-Mindanao who lost their loved ones a week before Christmas. Our prayers are for you folks for comfort, recovery and for the souls of the departed.

Here are some options that you may help:

Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is humbly requesting your generous help for the victims Bagyong Sendong of Iligan City. Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the city. We encourage the following items for donations: canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers, and cash donations.

SENDONG DONATION DROP You can contact the following point persons for your donations and other inquiries.

ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY, Inc. SITE: http//:iliganbloggers.com EMAIL: iliganbloggers@gmail.com FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

LISA (LAI) MARIE MIRASOL | Pinay Travelista, @pinaytravelista (IBS, Inc. Web Content Manager) http://www.pinaytravelista.com/ 09062558863; (+63) 222-2117

ALEXANDER SINGCOL | iligan Inquisitor, @lexuzinquisitor (IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member) http://theiliganinquisitor.blogspot.com/ 09053117925, (+63) 8360272 REVILLA CARBONELL-NOEL | Adventures in Life (IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member) 092193209944, 09427009788

For more Updates on Iligan City status after Typhoon Sendong: DXIC: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iligan FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

Your Donations will be shown at: www.iliganbloggers.com For donations on Paypal, your names and initials here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&key=0AufHi9Th0W7KdHhLVGNaY2VWaFdfUjBadVgxTXdOV1E&output=html

‎#HELPCDO Paypal Donations now accepted. Send to Paypal: francis.siason@gmail.com through Cagayan De Oro Bloggers. 340+ died .. 400+ are missing missing as typhoon Sendong ravaged Cagayan de Oro. Proceeds will be donated and delivered to Xavier University Cagayan de Oro where the members of CDOBloggers are planning to volunteer. Thank you and God Bless!

Xavier University is now accepting donations. You may contact:

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

You may also cash donations through SLB. CASH/ CHEQUE: Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

For donations from Manila, you may pass by the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) 852-8081(24 hours),Chapel Road, Pasay City (back of Air Transportation Office).

Donate with the Philippine National Red Cross:

Cash or Check Donations:
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Name: Banco De Oro
Peso Account: 453-0018647
Type of Account: Savings

SMS Donations: Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshops
Make a donation at any of the 1,500 Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops nationwide.

Email us: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph

Call Hotline 143
or (+632) 527.0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area
Manila 1018, Philippines
Email: prc@redcross.org.ph

—————-

For Iligan Victims Cash Donations, you may deposit in this account
Account name: Association of IIT Alumni Foundation Inc.
Bank: BDO – - Iligan Quezon Avenue Branch
Account No: 003120169026

They will be providing complete financial audit documents to ensure that your money will help the hundreds of displaced victims in Iligan City, especially the evacuees in MSU – IIT Gym. I’ve personally coordinated with the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol on this matter.

Please do not hesitate to contact Rei Maranda from the Presidential Management Office thru 09052665014 or at rei.maranda@pms.gov.ph/rei_lena@yahoo.com for questions and clarifications.

We need all the help we can get. Please tell your friends/contacts/company/orgs about this. Then you can coordinate with Rei or Jane Dumaug for convenience. Kindly repost/retweet/blog/announce/publish this. Thank you very much.

La Salle Academy (Iligan City) is accepting cash donations to help the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Development Bank of the Philippines
Account Name: La Salle Academy
Account Number: 0820-016221-030.

Notes:
1. Please make cheques payable to La Salle Academy.
2. Kindly make a digital copy (or digital photo) of the deposit slip and email this digital file to Br. Raffy Reyes FSC (President of LSA) raffyreyes1018@gmail.com AND Br Dennis Magbanua FSC (President of DLSZ) brodennis@gmail.com for proper documentation and accounting.

You may also leave your donations in kind at the LSA lobby anytime today and tomorrow. Daghang Salamat!

Volunteers Needed
From Sec. Dinky Soliman of DSWD – Volunteers are needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call +639066150095 and +63 8822 8588892

Please be at CU Gym today December 18, 2011… Our fellow Cagay-anons need our help in these desperate times… Please look for Ms. Armi Sobremisana.

CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS INC., is accepting donations in cash or in kind for the flood victims of Cagayan de Oro City…. The drop-off point is at Max’s Restaurant in Limketkai Mall… Look for Francis.

Click the image to get more info

JRS Express now delivers relief goods for free. Click the image for more info...

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Flying Away for the Revelry this January?

While December and Holy Week is considered as peak season for Philippine air travel, January is the month of the big festivities: The Black Nazarene of Manila, Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and the rest of Aklan Province, Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo. As expected, thousands of festival lovers, tourists, devotees and the curious take their pilgrimage in the annual revelries all throughout the archipelago. If you like to dance with the crowd and be merry this January without the pain in your wallet for the airfare, here are some alternatives that you may seek in hunting the cheapest fares for your next fiesta. I’ll be particular with the three big Visayan festivities since going here really requires some effort.

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo (13-15 January 2012)

The country’s oldest Mardi Gras is conveniently located in an island full of primary and secondary airports. Kalibo itself has international connections from Asian nations. However, most likely the fare for the dates has already skyrocketed.

• Caticlan (Boracay) Airport  – If you’d check the fares for Kalibo on the dates mentioned, it’s already way expensive for a frugal backpacker to enjoy. Anyhow, an alternative to Kalibo is the ever popular Caticlan Airport, the gateway to Boracay. It’s about an hour or two from Kalibo, Fare costs more than a hundred pesos. The con side is, it’s a popular tourist destination and fares tend to skyrocket quickly.
• Roxas Airport – If Caticlan has gone beyond your limit, fly to Capiz instead via Roxas City. There are daily flights here with Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, although only once a day. You’d be surprised how cheap the fare is, despite being near Kalibo (only an hour and a half away!).
• Iloilo Airport – If the morning flights aren’t the best option for you, take Iloilo Airport instead. It has a lot of flights coming in to and from Manila, Cebu and Davao. The downside here is that it is a 4 hour ride from the city to Kalibo and costs more or less P200+. Also, the last bus departs around 4-6PM.
• Bacolod-Silay Airport - Perhaps this is the farthest option from Aklan, if Iloilo’s fares have gone expensive. But most likely it wouldn’t.

Sinulog in Cebu (13-15 January 2012)

Sinulog Festival

Undeniably the biggest street dancing all in the name of Santo Niño de Cebú, this attracts not only tourists and paparazzi, but also devotees in their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica. Crowd can swell up at Cebu, from a city of 700,000 inhabitants into two million over the weekend.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the country’s secondary gateway to the world. There are a lot of international flights coming in and out of this airport. Also, a multitude of flights coming in and out of Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod and among others, although during Sinulog time, it fills up to the brim. It has a lot of flights, but it has a lot of people—hence, expensive.

Cebu’s con is that the nearest alternative airport is some six hours away by bus, 30 minutes by plane—either through Bacolod or Dumaguete.

Another alternative would be Tagbilaran City in Bohol, although like Caticlan for Boracay, the fares easily skyrocket. Ferry routes aren’t a problem though since Tagbilaran and Cebu route is served daily and regularly. Alternative ports from Bohol such as Tubigon and Talibon may be an option as well.

If you’re visiting Sinulog, plan ahead.

Dinagyang in Iloilo (20-22 January 2012)

Iloilo Airport

Iloilo’s biggest fiesta, the annual mardi-gras of fast-paced choreography and riotous drum beating and throbbing city center makes it a popular festival. Because of its strategic location, it is very accessible and to alternative airports in the region. You can find affordable alternatives in case flights to Iloilo have gone sky high:

Dinagyang Festival

• Bacolod-Silay Airport in nearby Bacolod City/Silay City. Bacolod is just an hour fastcraft ride to Iloilo. This is the usual alternative airport that most Ilonggos used when fares at Iloilo has gone expensive. Ferry rate for one way fare usually is pegged more or less P300+, but there are promos for round trip tickets. Flights here are plentiful as well; more alternatives depending on what time you leave or arrive. Con side, if you are sea sick and fast craft operates from 6AM to 5PM daily (don’t worry, there are three fastcraft ferry companies serving it!)
• Roxas Airport – the second nearest airport at Iloilo. Only two and a half hours by bus to and from Iloilo City. Downside is the limited flight.
• Kalibo and Caticlan (Boracay) Airports – four to five hours away from Iloilo City, it is another alternative airport. Downside—these are popular destinations, hence fares can go high all of a sudden.

Dinagyang Festival

There are more reasons to celebrate this coming January. There are a lot of ways to reach your destination and enjoy the revelry and shout “Hala Bira!” and “Pit Senyor!”