by Justine Marie Bernanrdo The Student Government of Bulacan State University (BulSU-SG) organized a free ice cream-day on the first day of the university’s weeklong celebration of its 108th founding university, December 3-8.
Julius Dado, the president of the Student Government, said that the ‘Free Ice Cream Day’ served as the treat for the students of BulSU and is also a part of the school’s festivity.
“Pag birthday natin nanlilibre tayo, parang gano’n. So birthday ng school, ano ba ‘yong pwede nating gawin na lahat ng estudyante makikinabang, lahat ng estudyante mag-e-enjoy, lahat ng estudyante kasali?” Dado said, relating to the conception of the idea.
The Student Government Fund was used in the Free Ice Cream Day. “’Yong ginastos din naman namin pera naman ng estudyante, kumbaga, binalik din naman ‘yon sa kanila,” Dado added.
The Student Government was also the “scoopers” or the “sorbeteros” of the free ice cream. Many students gathered in the lobby of the Federizo hall to get ice creams. A total of 24 gallons of different-flavored ice creams was consumed.
“Sobrang saya kahit hirap na hirap akong mag-scoop. Kasi minsan lang ‘yon eh. Kumbaga, nagtiyaga silang pumila, inabangan nila, kahit mahaba ‘yong pila ginusto nilang pumila. Na-appreciate namin ‘yon,” Dado ended.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo Not only was the Dayaw Festival a celebration of culture of different indigenous people in the country, it also became a center for business opportunities.
Aside from the display of talents and traditions held in the Malolos Capitol Compund last November 27 to 29, also exhibited were the well known products of various tribes which added color to the festivity.
The Dayaw Tiangge or an arts and crafts bazaar has been put up inside the Bulacan Capitol gymnasium where visitors can buy products made by the indigenous people.
Handicrafts and colorful products from the Ati of Guimaras, T’boli and Yakan of Mindanao, and other indigenous groups from Cebu and Aklan were available for sale.
The pouch bags embedded with genuine shells as well as bangles were the money-spinner for the indigenous group from Cebu. Aside from the products’ attracting color, what makes them as bestsellers is its cheap price.
Helena Caneso, a representative all the way from Cebu said that their group had gone to several events, often at seminars, and their products were really profitable.
“Naiimbitahan kami sa iba’t-ibang events, usually sa seminars. Ang last na pinuntahan namin ay Pangasinan. Marami naman kaming nabebenta, at ‘yong pouch bags talaga ang mabili, kahit dito sa Dayaw,” she said.
The T’boli is the group in the bazaar with the most number of on sale products. According to Bernadette Ofang, the president of the Klowil Kem Libun (Life of Women) organization, their group had numerous salable products because different organizations also put up stalls in the bazaar, though the products are all from their tribe in South Cotabato.
The organization she is heading, which was founded in 2004 only started to sell their products in the festival of the indigenous people last year, where the celebration was held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Ofang said the previous celebration also yielded high sales.
Their bestseller in this year’s celebration is the T'nalak made from abaca, although Ofang disclosed it is quite expensive. Alongside were charms, bracelets and key chains, which were in much cheaper prices.
“Mahal talaga ang tinalak, lalo na kung first class ang bibilhin at per roll. Kaya ginawa naming per meter ang bentahan. Marami naman ang tumangkilik. Pati mga small items like bracelets and keychains mabili rin,” she said.
The profit obtained from the selling of products, according to Ofang, is divided among the members of their organization. Back in South Cotabato, production of handicrafts is the main source of livelihood among the T’boli women.
Ofang was also glad to share that in their stay in Malolos for the celebration of the Dayaw festival, she can consider their products to have good sales in the market.
“Nakakatuwa kasi malaki ang potensyal ng mga products namin sa market,” she said.
Dayaw festival, the 8th annual gathering of the indigenous people, was themed this year as “Katutubong Pamumuhay, Halawan ng Aral sa Buhay”. It was pioneered by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) together with the provincial government of Bulacan.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo An estimate of more or less 500 representatives from 47 different indigenous groups from all around the Philippines once again gathered in the celebration of the colorful Dayaw Festival held in the historical city of Malolos, Bulacan last November 27-29.
Dayaw festival, the 8th annual gathering of the indigenous people of the country, is held in connection with the celebration of the national month of the indigenous people every October.
This year’s event which was themed “Katutubong Pamumuhay, Halawan ng Aral sa Buhay” was pioneered by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) together with the provincial government of Bulacan.
Hundreds of representatives from different provinces participated in the event, as they shared culture and belief, exposed ethnic talents and rituals and showcased handicrafts and cuisines, in the Sining sa Hapag-Kainan (a food festival and cooking demo), Katutubong Laro (demonstration of traditional games and sports), Kwentuhan sa Sari-Sari Store (an informal forum), and Dayaw Tiangge (an arts and crafts sale).
Mike Abad, the Cluster Head of the Iranon, Maranao and Maguindanao tribe from Maguindanao province, and a participant of the Indigenous People Festival for eight years, believes that the main goal of the annual event is to unite the ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, and to appreciate and understand each other’s culture.
“Ang Dayaw kasi, ang layunin nito unang-una ay ang pagkakaisa ng mga ethno-linguistic groups ng Pilipinas. Napakaraming tribo sa bansa, at sa pamamagitan ng Dayaw, nakikita natin ang kultura ng bawat tribo sa buong Pilipinas, at na-a-appreciate natin ‘yong kanilang ginagawa, at kung saan naman eh nirerespeto natin ang bawat kultura ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
In addition, Abad also said that the festival is a successful way of achieving peace and unity among the Filipinos. “Kapag nagkakaintindihan tayong lahat, nagkakaroon ng kapayapaan. ‘Yon naman ang pinakabuod ng pagdiriwang na ito, ‘yong kapayapaan ng mga Pilipino,” he continued.
However, there is an indigenous group who had gotten into the event for the first time- the Yakan Tribe from Basilan. Rowena Salahuddin, one of the tribe’s delegates, said, “Actually first time ng tribe namin sa Dayaw Festival, dahil ‘yong cluster head namin dati hindi siya active, kaya wala masyadong koneksyon. ”
“Dito sa event na ito, nakikita namin na maganda pala talaga na may ganito kasi nagkakaroon ng understanding sa bawat kultura ng mga katutubo. Nakakapag-share kami sa karamihan kung ano ang klase ng pamumuhay namin,” Salahuddin continued, pointing out the benefits of the festival.
Mildred Enriquez, a Tourism student of Bulacan State University (BulSU) and a volunteer staff of Dayaw Festival believes that this kind of event should be looked up to by the Filipinos, “Maganda ‘yong ganito lalo na para sa’ting mga Tagalog para mabigyang pansin naman natin at ma-realize kung gaano ka-rich ang kultura natin, lalo na ‘yong mga katutubo. Ang ganda, kasi napagsama-sama nila lahat ng grupo sa Pilipinas at sana maraming naka-appreciate at natuto.”
The chief objective of the three-day celebration is to establish camaraderie among the different ethnic groups in the country as well as to unite and educate the Filipinos who misjudge the way of living of the indigenous people.
by Dahren Sta. Ana Tampok sa pagdiriwang ng Dayaw 2012: Indigenous Peoples’ Festival ang isang eksebisyon kung saan ipinakita ang mga kasuotan, palamuti, kagamitang pang-tahanan, kagamitang pang-hanapbuhay at pang-espiritwal ng mga katutubo sa bansa.
Ito ay isinagawa sa Gat Blas Ople Building sa Malolos, Bulacan na bukas mula alas-otso ng umaga hanggang alas-singko ng hapon, Nobyembre 27-29.Sa ginawang eksebisyon, tampok ang mga likhang sining ng mga ‘‘master craftsmen’’ na mula pa sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa.
Ilan sa mga kasuotan na itinampok sa eksebisyon ay ang Bado (damit pambabae ng mga Mandaya), Albong Sleh (damit pambabae ng B’laan, Malunggon Sarangani), Vest (B’laan, Srangani), Inabel (damit pang-ibaba ng mga kababaihan ng Bagobo), Umpak (damit pangitaas ng Bagobo), Inaw’l (Iranon, Sultan Kudarat). Pinakita rin ang iba’t-ibang produkto na gawa ng mga katutubo katulad ng basket (Bheban, Subanen), duyo o wooden ware (Ibaloi, Benguet), kayabang basket (Carao Bokod, Benguet), bag (Ati Aklan at Ilocos Sur), rattan bag (Subanen), rain stick (Palawan) at Vest na yari sa banig (Laminusan, Tawi-tawi). Ang mga materyales na ginamit sa paggawa mga produkto na nabanggit ay abaca, pina at kawayan.Tinampok rin ang mga palamuti na kwintas, singsing at ticcos na gawa ng mga taga Binakit at sinturon, scarf at bracelet naman sa mga taga Panubok. Mayroon ding palamuti at kagamitan na pang-tahanan katulad ng langsay o wall décor ng mga taga Kaagan Davao del Sur, Tipo o banig ng Jama Mapu, Palawan, kumot ng mga taga-Bukidnon, placemat ng mga taga-Higanon at banig ng mga taga-Samar.Ang lahat ng mga produkto na itinampok sa eksebisyon ay kasalukuyan pa ring ginagamit ng mga katutubo kung saan ito ay patunay na kahit ilang mananakop ang dumating sa bansa, hindi pa rin nabubura ang nakagawian nilang kultura at pamumuhay.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo PLARIDEL, Bulacan - A 24-year-old independent political aspirant filed his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) last October 4, at the municipal’s office here.
Rhandy “Mando” Marcelo, the youngest of all the 25 candidates for the councilor post, chose to submit his application on the date October 4, the feast of St. Francis, and the time 3:00 pm, the time of the Lord. He was the only one who submitted application for that day, and was accompanied by his family and friends, including a lyre band.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate chose to run independently for candidates under the other political parties are his family’s friends and acquaintances.
“Naglakas-loob akong mag-independent na lang kahit mahirap kasi mga kaibigan namin sila, kilala na namin. Iniiwasan na ‘yong samaan ng loob. Saka isang araw lang naman ang eleksyon. Pagkatapos no’n ayaw kong masabihan na may kinampihan ako,” said Rhandy.
Rhandy isn’t new to the political scene. He had grew up with a father as the barangay captain of Parulan and his uncle the barangay captain of Banga II (both in Plaridel) and had gain knowledge and became exposed on how political affairs run, especially on the legislative.
Aside from this, he had also served as a leader and president to numerous youth organizations and church activities, in which he had developed his governance and communication skills.
He had been a little board member of Bulacan, became the president of the student government in his high school alma mater at Bintog, Plaridel, represented the town in the National Leadership Training, all in 2005. At present, he is the president of the Squad Kapanalig, a group of Catholic youth in the town.
As a leader and an active church member, Rhandy became well aware of the needs of the people, especially his co-Plaridelenos.
If ever he will be elected, a number of his programs will be focused on social welfare which includes charitable activities in which he had already done as the Committee Organizer of Plaridel Parish’s housing project; more health services and benefits in which he had already gained knowledge of as a Nursing graduate; and privileges for the Senior Citizens.
In addition, he also said that he will be the negotiator between the government and ordinary citizens if there are suggested ideas which are possible to become ordinances.
Rhandy disclosed that it isn’t easy to run as an independent candidate. Though he believes he has the capability to serve, his main problem is the financial assistance, especially in the campaign which will start on March 29.
“’Yon ang natutunan ko sa Commission on Service. Least option palagi ang budget, titignan muna ang goal. Kung gusto mo naman talaga tumulong ‘di ba, kahit hindi man tayo mayaman,” he said.
But since he had gained a lot of friends, and his family as well, many have shown their support to the aspiring councilor.
“May mga nag-alok na tumulong. May gagawa na ng jingle ko and mayroon nang mag-su-sponsor ng mga flyers at tarpaulin para sa’kin,” he added.
Though not blessed with great financial status, Rhandy believes that money is not always the way to win, but the principles and knowledge he upholds.
“Ang pinaka-pinanghahawakan natin ay pakikisama, dahil wala namang maipapakitang yaman,” he ended.
by Reina Beatriz Peralta Quezon City - Flood in some places that reached almost six feet high which leave great number of casualties, damaged properties, washed-out houses and tons and tons of garbage scattered in roads and floating in bodies of water, were evident after the occurrence of the monsoon rains.
The city is now strictly implementing the city ordinance Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) 2103, popularly known as ”Bring Your Own Reusable Recyclable Bag” or plastic ban which ordered all business establishments in Quezon City since September 1, to avoid using plastic bags as a solution to the city’s longest and major environmental problem- garbage, which cause floods.
Business establishments like Shoe Mart (SM) encourage their costumers to bring with them reusable or eco-bags. If they don’t have that kind of bag, the company will provide them paper bags. But if it is really needed, the costumer will be paying two pesos for the plastic bag that will be given to them. The payment for the plastic bags will be put to the environmental project fund of the company.
Together with this city ordinance is the proper punishment for those who will violate the law, and this will be effective on the first of October. In the first offense, the violator will be paying Php1000. Php3000 will be the charge for the second offense and for the last offense is a payment of Php5000 plus cancellation of business permit.
“Actually, matagal nang merong ganito (plastic ban) pero wala pang pangil ang batas no'n, at saka walang disiplina ‘yong tao. Matitigas pa kasi ang ulo ng mga tao noon, at saka ‘di pa sila na-e-educate ng maayos ‘di tulad ngayon," Araceli F. Bañacia, the Project Development Officer of Quezon City’s Environment Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) said.
Aside from SP 2103, the city is also implementing other laws to help solve problems about garbage like “No Segregation, No Collection Skim” which orders the people to separate biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable before the door-to-door weekly collection, and the “Managing of the City’s Solid Waste” which encourages the people to practice proper waste disposal.
by Arriane Mae Tristan BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY – Matapos na magsagawa ang Partido-Pagkakaisa ng Demokrationg Mag-aaral (PDM) ng unity walk kontra development fee, Setyembre 21, agad na naglabasan ang opinyon ng mga mag-aaral ng unibersidad ukol sa mainit na isyu ng nasabing bayarin.
Isa sa mga nanguna sa naganap na unity walk ay si Senator Patrick Jan Carpio ng BulSU Student Government. Ayon sa kanya, malaking ginhawa para sa masang estudyante kung tuluyang makakaltasan ng Php600 ang bayarin ng mag-aaral sa kolehiyo kada semestre.
"Maraming 'di nakakapag-aral dahil sa taas ng matrikula natin, at may dagdag pang development fee. Kung mapapabasura natin ang dev-fee, Php600 per sem rin ang mawawala sa atin kaya malaking luwag sa’ting mga estudyante 'yon lalung-lalo na sa mga working students,” ani Carpio.
“Kailangan nating ipaglaban ang ating karapatan. Unti-unti na pala tayong inaalisan ng karapatan para mag-aral. Ang edukasyon ay karapatan ng mamamayan na dapat ay tinatamasa ng lahat ng kabataang Pilipino,” wika pa niya.
Kontra development fee rin ang ilang kasapi ng Alpha Phi Omega (APO) makaraang makiisa ang mga ito sa maikling programa na inihanda ng PDM. Para kay Raffy Resayaga, miyembro ng APO at founder ng ROMASU, personal na desisyon niya ang pagdalo sa unity walk upang maiparating sa mga nasa posisyon ang daing ng karamihan sa BulSUan.
“Unang-una lahat tayo dito ay involved. Different colleges, different students, pinaparating namin sa kanila (kinauukulan) kung ano 'yong hinaing ng mga estudyante,” ani Resayaga.
Marami rin sa karaniwang estudyante ng BulSU ang nagpahayag ng kanilang pagpabor na maibasura ang pasakit na bayarin.
“Tungkol 'yon sa binabayaran sa school na hindi alam kung saan napupunta o kung saang development ba. Against ako do'n (development fee) kasi babayaran mo 'yon tapos di mo naman alam kung saan napupunta 'yong binabayad mo,” pahayag ni Kathleen Baltazar ng College of Home Economics (CHE).
Kakampi rin ng PDM sa pagbura ng naturang fee ang 4th year Nursing student na si Hazelle Anne Caparas.
“Kasi malaki 'yong binabayad natin do'n sa development fee pero wala namang nangyayari parang nasasayang lang,” sambit niya.
"Para lang tayong tanga na nagbabayad sa wala,” tugon naman ng kapwa estudyante rin ng kursong Nursing na tumangging magpakilala.
“Pabor ako na maibasura (ang fee) kasi po dinadaos lang po 'yong pang-araw-araw kong pambaon,” bungad ni Annalyn Bondoc, BSIT.
“Nagigipit kami lalo na 1st year pa lang ako, paano pa kaya pag nag 4th year na’ko,” dagdag niya.
Nagpakita rin ng suporta sa pagpapatanggal ng Php600 bayarin si Sonny Espiritu, isang Criminology student. Nabanggit ni Espiritu na magmula noon ay wala pang pagbabago o anumang development sa bilding ng pinagmulan niyang kurso bago siya mag-shift sa pagpupulis.
“CIT (College of Industrial Technology) rin kasi ako dati, nag-shift ako. 1st year pa lang ako dati gano'n na 'yong building na 'yon (CIT). Wala pa 'yong nursing, wala pa 'yong College of Law, wala pa 'yong AC (Activity Center). Ibig sabihin tatlong building na 'yong naitayo, CIT wla pa rin. Totoo naman 'yong sinasabi nila (wala pa ring pagbabago).”
Nakarating na rin kay Pres. Mariano de Jesus ang usapin tungkol dito. Sa ngayon ay patuloy pa rin sa paggawa ng hakbang ang mga nasa kinauukulan upang tuluyan na ngang maibasura ang kontrobersyal na development fee.
by Justine Marie Bernardo and Kattryn Erryc Sayo University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad outperformed its rivals and grabbed its third straight hold of the title in the 75th UAAP Cheerdance Competition (CDC) yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Performing before a crowd of 19,509 with shaved heads that symbolize freedom and equality, the UP cheerdancers perfectly accomplished all their pyramids and stunts. Although a last-second fall stained their overall performance, they still got hold of the thumbs-up of the judges, mostly composed of international judges.
UP dancers' shaved heads stand for freedom, with their hair donated to the kids with cancer.
The UP Filipiniana Dance Troupe got the four out of five approval of the panel of judges with the final average of 92.26, which is just .9 away from the 1st Runner up Far Eastern University Cheering Squad with its jungle-inspired theme (91.36). National University hung on the third place with its royal-inspired performance.
The UST Salinggawi’s number, which was Brazilian-theme, only secured the fourth spot, failing for the second straight time to make it to the Top 3. De La Salle University (DLSU) Animo Squad completed fifth, followed by Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion, Adamson Pep Squad and University of the East Pep Squad.
Aside from bringing home the crown, UP also got the Stunner of the Year award in the name of Nicolette Erica Ambulo and excelled in the Group Stunts side event, Followed by FEU and NU.
Adding their trophy this year, the UP Pep Squad had mounted up an overall collection of eight cheerdance titles, the same with the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe (UST SDT). Now, both are considered as the universities with the most number of titles in the annual Pep Squad Competition.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Cheerdance Competition is an annual event wherein joining universities compete with their best stunts and routines. The said competition is being sponsored by Samsung for five consecutive years already.
by Isabelle dela Cruz Hagonoy, Bulacan - A new Parish Priest has been inaugurated.
It was not an ordinary Sunday mass for the people of San Pedro, Hagonoy, Bulacan yesterday as it was also the day when a new Parish priest for their church was installed.
Bishop Jose Oliveros together with Mosignor Lon Balagtas (Sta. Ana Parish, Hagonoy), Fr. Prospero Tenorio (Paombong), Fr. Rey Rivera (Calumpit), Fr. Efren Basco ( Sta. Elena, Hagonoy), Fr. Eric Cruz (Malolos) and Fr. Norberto Ventura ( San Miguel,) led last evening's mass.
Fr. Sammuel Sunga was the first and former Parish priest of Ina ng Laging Saklolo who served for 14 years in the church.This year, Fr. Sunga’s term had ended and was replaced by Fr. Norberto Ventura.
Last July 29, Fr. Ventura arrived in San Pedro, Hagonoy. He was formerly the Parish priest of Kabanal-banalang Puso ni Hesus in the town of San Miguel, also in Bulacan, for 12 years.
Before the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop Oliveros blessed Fr. Norberto Ventura as part of the installation as the new and second Parish priest of Ina ng Laging Saklolo in barangay San Pedro.
Fr. Ventura answered with the Apostles’s Creed as he accepted the responsibilities such as administrative, financial and spiritual to the community he had been assigned.
Rev. Fr. Norberto delivered his thanksgiving message to all the people who attended the mass celebration.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo City of Malolos, Bulacan – The simple yet weeklong celebration of the Singkaban Fiesta 2012 which will occur on September 8-15 is all set.
The celebration of the festivity for this year will be simpler compared to last year due to the devastation brought by the Southwest Monsoon last August. From 10 million, the budget was cut to 2.5 million.
“Dahil po sa nakaraang trahedya na humagupit sa Bulacan, and selebrasyon po ng Singkaban ngayong taon ay payak, pero pananatilihin nating masaya,” said Michael Fermin, a Board Member and Provincial Committee on Education and Tourism Officer.
With this year’s theme “Lalawigang Huwaran ang Pamahalaan, Tahanan ng Dakilang Lahi, Sentro ng Kasaysayan ng Bansa – BULACAN, sa daigdig ay ibandila!”, the Provincial Government of Bulacan prepared for various events including the display of the province’s history and culture, as well as specialties on food, fashion and handicraft.
One of the highlights of the festival is the celebration of the 114th anniversary of the Malolos Congress which will be held on September 15, the last day of the festival at the Barasoain Church. The said event will be attended by two cabinet secretaries.
Though the celebration will start on September 8, the formal opening of the festivity will be on September 10, and will be aired on GMA7’s morning show Unang Hirit.
The events on September 8 are the Gawad Kalinga Barangay wherein chosen barangay officials will be rewarded for their exemplary service at the Capitol Gymnasium, and the Reyna ng Bulacan (Greet and Meet) wherein the candidates will be introduced at Robinson’s Pulilan. On September 9 will be the pre-pageant of the Reyna ng Bulacan which will happen at the Hiyas Pavilion.
The formal opening of the Singkaban Fiesta will be on September 10 at the Capitol Ground. The Kumpetisyong Bayan ng Singkaban or KBS Rewaynd Finals is on September 11 at the Hiyas Pavilion. The El Pueblo Soberano 200 and Reyna ng Bulacan Coronation Night will be held at the Capitol Gymnasium on September 13.
The Barong Bulakenyo Fashion Show will be on September 14 at the Hiyas Pavilion. The 114th commemoration of the Malolos Congress will be at the Barasoain Church; Graduate Education Association of Chapter Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (GEACCUP) Regional Assembly at the Capitol Gymnasium and Gawad Dangal ng Lipi at the Hiyas Pavilion, will occur on the last day of the celebration, September 15.
Aside from those, other events are the Trade Exhibit, Lakan Sining Exhibit, Dakilang Bulakenyo Series: Eusebio “Maestrong Sebio” Roque and the Kakarong Show. All will take place at the Capitol building.
-with reports from John paul Marquez
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