Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Remembering Senate President Jose Avelino on his birthday

The exhibit is ongoing at the Museo de Calbayog, located on the ground floor of the Old Barracks Building along Senate President Jose Avelino Avenue, Calbayog City.

For a related blog post, please check this link.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Cebu Pacific to fly daily to Calbayog

Cebu Pacific will be offering daily Manila-Calbayog-Manila flights beginning August 16, 2009.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

in memoriam Francisca Rellita - Abasolo

Francisca "Becbec" Rellita - Abasolo
October 4, 1962 - July 23, 2009

in memoriam Bishop Miguel Acebedo y Flores

Today we commemorate the 41st Death Anniversary of
the 3rd Bishop of Calbayog

a priest for 32.3 years
a bishop for 20.3 years


Born: September 29, 1901 Palo
Ordained Priest: March 20, 1926
Appointed: December 16, 1937 Bishop of Calbayog,
Ordained Bishop: March 25, 1938 Bishop of Calbayog
Died: July 25, 1958 Bishop of Calbayog

Gilbert and Tintin

Gilbert Davis and Tin-tin De Guia will get married today. Their wedding mass will be held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception will be at the La Milagrosa Academy Auditorium.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Happy Birthday mana Mary!

Dr. Maria Basco - Fulgencio will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

operation hernia

The Diocesan Commission on Health Care will be conducting "Operation Hernia" with the PCSO. Screening starts today at the Diocesan Health Care Clinic. The Diocesan Commission on Health Care is headed by Monsignor Francisco Cinco, III.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Cokaliong Shipping Lines to serve Calbayog

Cokaliong Shipping Lines is set to serve Calbayog. The company will be utilizing the M/V Filipinas Dinagat (pix above) to serve the Calbayog (Manguino-o) - Cebu route. I'll keep you posted as soon as the final date of the maiden voyage is made available. For other details about the vessel, please check this link.

Former Name: “SOYA MARU NO. 2”
Type of service: Roro/Passenger-Cargo
Gross Tonnage: 1,173.70
Length Overall: 60.52 meters
Breadth: 13.00 meters
Engine Nake: Daihatsu
Horse Power: 2,600 HP (1,300x2)
(Present) Trading Route: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Cebu-Iligan-Cebu
Friday: Cebu-Palompon-Cebu
Classification Society: Philippines Register of Shipping (Philippines)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Father

(A friend of mine who writes for the Samar Sunday Star, a weekly newspaper in Calbayog came up with an article in time for the Fathers' Day edition of the said paper. I thought it was just another piece about fathers, until I realized that it also had to do with fathers of a different kind - the ones who are supposed to care for our souls. Let me share with you that article.)

FATHER (by Eunice Ji*)

The month of June is here again. It is with great excitement that I enter into my world of grateful reminiscence once again every time we celebrate Father’s Day. Fond memories with the “great men of my life” always make me wish I am a little girl once more. As I wrote this I felt very emotional in praising God for giving me them. Ain’t I lucky?

It is very ironic though that at the very same time I also felt immeasurable sadness for the youth of today. Leo J. Trese, in his book MANY ARE ONE, exposed that “…in the primitive times, the father of the family was also the priest”. Eureka! I finally found the final piece to complete the puzzle I was so long trying to piece together to somehow find the answers to my innumerable whys – the causes of our ever increasing number of lost souls, both of this world and those in the other locations.

Like St. Thomas Moore, I think the most of us are also dreaming his dream for utopia. For who wouldn’t be? The killings that happened for the past few weeks are very disconcerting. It is a glaring truth that we have totally lost our reverence for life. I cry inside for every un-fateful eventuality, look up to the heavens and offer prayer, for that is all I can do. Literally, I sigh, where have all our fathers gone? What have they done when their kids were young? Where were they when their children needed them? What are they doing now? And I cry some more. Every time I feel the frustration I still shed tears of pain and loneliness maybe in realization that the dream will remain but a dream. What with the way things are.

As if this is not enough yet. The not-so-recent reshuffling of assignments (please correct me if I’m wrong) of our beloved priests in our most loved Diocese – in the words of Bishop Singzon, “the religiosity of the Calbayognon is second to none” – has stirred up and effected malicious controversy upon its flock and parishioners, as if adding insult to injury. Figuratively then, I ask, what happened to you “Fathers”? What is it in Theology that made you Theomaniacs? What exactly are you doing that for? Satisfy your hunger for money which you did not have, or had not enough of, when you were growing up because you associated it with power? How on earth can you make me believe what you preach when your actions do not make me? Aren’t you a little too confused maybe about service and income? In the words of my good friend: income in the guise of service? You are supposed to have stipend la because your chosen field is for the betterment and most especially salvation of the people’s soul – because it is what is eternal – you are not there for profit. Kaya nga po tinawag kayong Vicars for Christ, e.

Two (2) weeks ago, my dearest friend – a nun – sent me this text message: “it is not what we have but what we give; not what we say but how we live.” That is what service is all about, dear “Fathers”! “Without love, everything that we say is but an empty sound” (maski nano niyo pa kaupay magyinakan), according to Leo J. Trese, to which I add, and everything that we do is but a mere action. Only Love gives meaning to everything.

This nun-friend of mine, by the way, did not even finish college because when she was barely there, her heart was achingly longing to serve God through His people. So, off she went inside a nunnery despite objections from her father, since she is his only daughter.

What about you? What were your motives when you to entered priesthood? With all due respect, I need to ask you that because if I won’t, who will? Isn’t it about time you pay close and very serious attention to the thoughts of Carl Jung which said: “it is indeed high time for the clergy and the psychotherapists to join forces.”? Everybody needs to heal. No one is exempted. Nga sa akon personal la nga opinyon, ILABI NA GUD KAMO, ‘DRE!

The author of the book INTIMACY WITH GOD said, “we are culpable for every soul that we bring to hell.” At madaming-madami pong souls ‘yang nakaatang sa mga balikat ninyo. I’m sorry, I know I really don’t need to remind you that. Pero kasi, because “Wisdom comes only from God”, di natin namamalayan na iba na pala ang god na sinasamba natin kaya nawawala na tayo sa tamang landas. At pabobo na tayo nang pabobo, simply because we believed and were carried away by the lies and promises of the devil hidden in the materialism of this world. (see: Romans 1:21-25 and John 8:44)

I appeal to your heart and senses that if you must sell your soul, by all means, do that your self/selves. Kayo na lang po. Wag n’yo na pong dalhin at idamay pa ang ibang mga pobre at inosenteng kaluluwa. Excuse me for saying this, but I don’t believe na sa hell, the more the merrier pa rin. Lord, have mercy on Your people!

The very moment I realized that we are all brothers and sisters in one big family of God, I told my kids to call me the way they want to. In fact I had always laughed heartily every time my eldest son addressed me by my first name – because he knows I dreaded to be called so then (another reason perhaps I adopted a pen name? Maybe). It is my youngest son who’d gracefully call me by my nickname na pinapaganda pa n’ya lalo by pronouncing it sweetly in one syllable. (I especially came to like, and eventually loved, my nickname since my third child informed me what it stands for: consecrated to God, daw. Kaya I’m trying very hard to live up to it. And I always need God’s power to be able to.) Their calling me those did not last long though. They went back to calling me nanay. But I really believe in my heart it was not a case of “the tradition lived on” but a case of “respect begets respect”.

Again I say, people of God are people of courage. I wrote this not for the intention of hurting but for the purpose of awakening. True love must impose discipline through honesty. Jesus said, the Truth shall set you free. Catherine Booth’s words are inspiring to aspire: “if we are to better the future, we must disturb the present.” Here’s one more interesting quote I always read in a paper na matagal ko nang pinanggigigilang mag-react to: “evil triumphs because good men do nothing.” And I ask: “in that case, are they really good?” I really honestly think they are cowards yet. Sorry po…! To quote Leo J. Trese again: “It is easier to die for Christ than live for Him.”

As I say goodbye for now, may I leave you with what the Holy Bible said in Matthew 23:8-11 as follows: “but you, do not be called Rabbi; for one is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teacher; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your SERVANT.”

My evolution tells me that “Love is beyond religion.” That our choice of religion is our personal decision based on whatever reasons we have for choosing it, and for which nobody has the right to question. My opposition to what is currently happening is not at all indicative of any intent to leave (I am a self-declared Franciscan forever). For how are we to help if we are not there anymore?

Kaakibat ng desisyon ko to tread the narrow path ay ang desisyong wag bumitaw, even when I am confronted by the harsh realities of life. Byron MacDonald said: “it is difficult to live in a culture and not be a part of the culture”(THE MORNING COMES, AND ALSO THE NIGHT). Kaya palaging the correct path is “the road less traveled” (M. Scott Peck). I must stay the course, no matter! Keep my Faith, and adopt the principle to “hate the sin, not the sinner/s.”

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Ciao, dearest friends, ciao!

(*Eunice Ji is a pen name. Check her blog: www.euniceji.blogspot.com)

Archbishop Jose Palma is new CBCP Vice President

Archbishop Jose Palma, former Bishop of Calbayog has been elected as Vice President of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philipines (CBCP). Here's a report taken from the CBCP website:

Mindanao bishop is new CBCP chief

MANILA, July 11, 2009— The new president of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is based in Mindanao.

Winning by an overwhelming majority of bishops from 86 dioceses in the country, Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar would succeed outgoing CBCP chief Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

Odchimar, a canon lawyer, is currently serving his first term as vice president of the bishops’ collegial body.

Odchimar was elected during the 99th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila Saturday.

CBCP secretary general Msgr Juanito Figura said the vote was taken among the 88 active bishops at the meeting. Several of the bishops earlier expressed support for his election.

As president of the CBCP, the 68-year-old prelate will also chair the organization’s Permanent Council.

The council acts for and in behalf of the entire conference whenever the plenary assembly, which meets only twice a year, is not in session. The body may be convened by the CBCP president at any time.

The council is also mandated to work with the commissions and assign them functions of urgent character that were not taken up in the plenary.

One of the council’s main functions is to prepare joint statements or pastoral letters of the Catholic hierarchy on matters decided upon by the plenary assembly, provided that copies are sent to other members for comment and approval before they are officially released.

Meanwhile, the CBCP leadership also elected Palo Archbishop Jose Palma, 59, as the new vice-president. Msgr. Figura was reelected secretary general and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco was reelected treasurer.

Other council members serving as regional representatives were also elected. For Luzon, elected were Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, San Fernando (Pampanga) Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David, Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, Taytay Bishop Edgardo Juanich and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.

Elected for the Visayas were Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza. Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles and Pagadian Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar were elected for Mindanao.

Odchimar and other members of the permanent council will start serving their terms in December 2009.

The president and the vice-president are elected for two-year terms and can serve for a minimum of two terms. (Roy Lagarde)

Friday, July 10, 2009

A Calbayognon Ambassador comes to town

Ambassador Pedro "Nonoy" Chan, the Philippine envoy to Turkey was in town for a personal visit. A chanced upon him after he paid a courtesy call on Mayor Mel Sarmiento yesterday afternoon. Last night some friends gathered for a simple dinner with Mano Nonoy in Matobato. Let me share some pix taken by Orlan Quilantang.

That's me with Mano Nonoy and Boi Nicolasora.

Mano Nonoy (seated) with (tita) Freda Ladrero and Boi Nicolasora; (standing l-r) me, Naty Serrano, Nick Serrano, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Rudy Gonzaga.

The Ambassador and his friends. (Standing l-r) Nana Chan, Nick Serrano, Maning Gomez, Rudy Gonzaga, Mano Nonoy, Boi Nicolasora, Oscar Hugo, Tony SeƱora, me and Tess Flores. (Seated l-r) Freda Ladrero, Chat Gonzaga, Tersing Chan, Naty Serrano and Nida SeƱora.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Statement of Condemnation on the Series of Killings in the City of Calbayog and in the Municipality of Gandara

(This Statement was read in all the masses at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral last Sunday, July 5, 2009)

The Diocese of Calbayog through the Justice and Peace Desk of the Social Action Center strongly condemns the series of killings happening in the City of Calbayog and in the Municipality of Gandara, Samar.

The Diocese of Calbayog does not tolerate any form of repression especially through extra judicial killings. The right to life is a gift for everybody and no one has the right to take it. The wheel of justice is the proper venue for resolution of any case.

We therefore call on the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation on the series of killings and bring into the bar of justice the ones responsible.

We extend forth our sincerest and deepest sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of the victims.

Done this 3rd of July 2009, Social Action Center, Diocese of Calbayog.



(Sgd.) +ISABELO C. ABARQUEZ, D.D.
Bishop of Calbayog

Happy Birthday Yaya!

Ms. Evelyn Obong - Junio, the Assistant City Treasurer of Calbayog will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Upcoming Calbayog (LGU) Events

The City Government of Calbayog will be hosting three events this week.

Barangay Summit (Solid Waste Management)
July 9, 2009; TTMIST-AVR

This whole-day event will be will be attended by the City Officials, JICA Representatives and the 157 Punong Barangay of Calbayog City.

This is a joint activity of the LGU and JICA.


Official Launching of the Bangon Mini-Hydro Project
July 10, 2009; I's Plant conference Room


Enhancing Communities' Capacity to Confront Extreme Geo-Meteorological Events at the Core of Climate change
July 10, 2009; TTMIST-AVR

Government Officials from Calbayog and other cities and municipalities Region 8, Presidents of State colleges and other stakeholders have been invited to this event.

Organized by: The National Institute of Geological Sciences-University of the Philippines (NIGS-UP); Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Dep't of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST); and the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development-Dep't of Science and Technology (PCIERD-DOST)

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Happy Birthday Van-Van!

Vanessa Wea "Van-Van" Uy will turn 18 years old today. Her parents Frederick and Brenda will tender a Coming-Out Dinner Dance in her honor at Plaza Ibarra tonight. Happy Birthday!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

out of Calbayog City: Tita Cory and a Call to Prayer

It's the Cory fan in me again. Let me take you out of Calbayog and give you something about President Cory Aquino.

The official website of President Cory Aquino has opened a special section where the public may post messages . . .

". . . in response to the flood of expressions of concern and support, as well as prayer offerings for President Cory Aquino."

"The members of her family beg everyone's understanding of their need for solitude and privacy at this delicate time."

"Let us pray that God grant her good health and spare her from pain and suffering."

(Please check this link)

A poem by Bishop Soc Villegas, put to music by Ryan Cayabyab

Poster-making contest for SOS children

Thanks to the power outage last week (I'm still wondering why we Filipinos refer to it as brownout), I almost forgot about some pix which I managed to take during the SOS International Day Celebration on June 25, 2009. Here are some pix during the ribbon-cutting at the gallery which displayed pictures of SOS Calbayog events and past officers; and the posters which some SOS kids did for the poster-making contest.

Dr. Francie Santos and Mr. Fernando Bohol leading the ribbon-cutting. Looking on is SOS Calbayog Village Director Mario Victor Baang and some SOS Calbayog staff.

Happy Birthday Asner!

Ms. Asner Dean will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

SOS Calbayog observes 60th International Day Celebration

SOS Calbayog observed the 60th International Day Celebration last week. Let me share what I got from the report provided by Pamela Daguman (SOS PFR).

The celebration started on June 20, 2009, Saturday with the "Guhit Bulilit", a poster-making contest anchored on the theme "Ako Ay Bata, May Magagawa". There were two categories in the said event, the high school and the elementary groups.

June 23, 2009 was the actual 60th International Day Celebration for all the S.O.S. Children's Villages around the world. It coincided with the birthday of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. To celebrate his birthday, the SOS Calbayog community offered flowers and a birthday song to Lolo Hermann.

On the same day, Calbayog Village Director, Mr. Mario Victor Baang, along with six mothers, co-workers, youth and children participated in a television interview. 'Tatay Dong' commented that to celebrate this big event, the SOS CV Calbayog decided to celebrate International Day for five (5) days, on June 20 & 23, 2009; and June 25 - 27, 2009.

On June 25, 2009, Thursday, the action started with an early-morning Mass celebrated by Fr. Andres Espiritu. Among those who attended were the mothers, co-workers, youth, children, family beneficiaries (families of origin) and friends of the SOS community. Mass songs were animated by the selected SOS children who formed the mass choir. Immediately after the mass was the launching of the "Grain of Rice". Shortly after the launching was the motorcade. Among those who participate in the motorcade were the PNP officers, the Calbayog Bikers Association, some of the founding members, sponsors and local donors. The motorcade was followed by the ribbon-cutting at the booth where items like native baskets, curtains, delicacies and plants were displayed on sale. Another ribbon-cutting opened the gallery which displayed pictures of various activities of the SOS community and the exhibit of the posters done in line with the "Guhit Bulilit" poster-making contest.

A Caravan feeding was scheduled on June 26, 2009. Two barangays from Oquendo district were chosen for the activity - Brgy. Quezon and Brgy, Jose RoƱo. The activity included games for children; and a parents' orientation which highlighted the rights of children.

The Children's Day program was held on the morning of Saturday, June 27, 2009. About 400 children - the SOS youth, the SOS kids, the SOS scholars and kids from the neighborhood - participated in the activity.

The culminating program was held on Saturday evening. The SOS kids gave intermission numbers while the SOS youth presented their play entitled "Ang Pamilya". The evening's highlight was the recognition of SOS CV Calbayog's founding members, current board members, sponsors and local donors. The long-term service of the village workers was also given recognition.

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