Happy Birthday mommy!

Mrs. Nieves Lawas - Tallon will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Beating the deadline?

My answer to that question? It's yes and well, yes it's the typical pinoy attitude working here, you know that kun-sano-tikaharani-na-an-deadline sort of thing. It has been like this at the local COMELEC office the past few days - lines of voters (or is it registrants?) trying to make it before the COMELEC registration deadline which happens on October 31, that's the day after tomorrow (hmm, sounds like a movie title). If there is something nice about it, it's that (so far) there are no complaints of forms shortage or a bad system and the like. One thing though, one has to be early to make it ahead of everybody else in the line and that means being at the premises by 5 a.m. And no need to worry, everyone gets accommodated, in some instance, those who were at the end of the line were able to finish their registration process at around 1 a.m. Ang pinoy nga naman.

Happy Birthday Congressman!

Congressman Reynaldo Uy will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

meanwhile at the Cathedral . . .

Work at the Cathedral's interior has commenced. I say work because I still don't know what the project title is this time. I hope the wise guys at the place do not call it landscaping (again). Anyway, this is what one will see inside the Cathedral in the next few weeks - bamboo scaffolding which (I suppose) will be used for the repair of the ceiling of the cathedral.

I understand the repair of the ceiling was part of the technical report submitted by the restoration architects who visited the cathedral early this month (you may check this link).

I fully support this project as much as I am uneasy with the LANDSCAPING project on the exterior of the Cathedral (did that line make any sense?). In case you would like to know, the repair work (can we use restoration?) and all other related projects are being done in preparation for the centenary of the Diocese of Calbayog on April 10, 2010.

Happy Birthday Junjun and Paeng!

Mr. Rodolfo Gonzaga, Jr. and Mr. Rafael Lentejas III will both turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Armel and Jane

Armel Custodio and Jane Hambre will get married today. Fr. Bloi Guiuan will preside over their wedding mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception will be held at the CKC Auditorium.

the celebrity hound with the Sabado Boys

with Tops Suzara

with Jimmy Bondoc

with Paolo Santos

with Mike Tan and Luke Mijares

with DJ Mike

The Technical Report on the project at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral

As I have featured in my earlier blog posts, a LANDSCAPING Project is currently being undertaken at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral; and if you have been following these blog posts, you must be aware that some Calbayognons expressed concern on the project, at least on the way the stripping of the plater was being done and on what happens after the plaster has been stripped off. Anyway, while some people in the parish supposedly castigated the concerned Calbayognons kunu for their being nagpakadati-dati; and that nga imbes nga mamulig sige lugod an panreklamo, the good Bishop invited some architects who are connected with Escuela Taller de Intramuros to check on the project.

The three architects came to Calbayog on a rainy October 2, 2009. They made an ocular inspection of the Cathedral and the project; and they came up with a Technical Report which they submitted to Bishop Isabelo Abarquez.

With the Bishop's permission, let me give you some contents of that report.

===============================================

Technical Report on initial findings at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral:

1. Inspection of exterior buttresses at southeastern facade (this is the side facing Sen. Pres. Avelino Avenue )

• The exterior buttresses at the southeastern facade of the cathedral were stripped of cement plastering. These exposed buttresses are composed of two tiers. The lower tier, being more massive and thicker compared to the upper portion, is of bricks and stone rubble with lime mortar. The upper tier is made of coral stone blocks.
  Upon initial inspection by the team, it has been found that the exposed bricks are already disintegrating. Much of its surface has come off with the cement plaster. In view of this, stripping of the cement plaster must be done manually with extra care.

2. Inspection of the Present Church Holdings in the Interior (altar table, retablo, side altars, etc.) (For some old pictures, please check this link)

• The apse of the cathedral containing the altar and retablo was also inspected. This area is severely altered. From old pictures, it can be determined that the side altars, pulpit, the wrought iron communion rail, the chandeliers and the frescoed ceiling have disappeared. The side and rear wall area has totally different wall treatment from the original. As for the retablo, the positioning of the saints have been altered.

3. Inspection of the Rear Facade (for some pictures, please check this link)

• In the exterior facade the team found some remnants of lime plaster on the coral stone blocks. It can then be assumed that the entire exterior wall of the Cathedral was originally plastered with lime.
• On the upper portion of the exterior facade wall the team discovered a seal bearing the year of the construction of the church. Unfortunately this year (the year starts with 18) is now partially erased due to the boaring of a hole right in the middle of the seal to receive what looked like a wooden beam.
• Flanking this seal are two hexagonal oculus which corresponds to the two windows behind the main retablo at the altar area of the Cathedral.

4. Inspection of the Ceiling and the Roof Truss system

• The team also inspected the roof trusses and the ceiling system. It has been determined that the 12”x12” ridge beam and the 8”x8” roof trusses made of molave wood are in very good condition. There are only a few members of the truss system that needs to be replaced.
• The ceiling system is comprised of 2”x2” ordinary wood nailers and is covered by cement plaster on chicken wire matting. Much of the wood nailers are rotting away due to leaks on the roof. It has been explained that the rib-type galvanized iron roofing has not been properly installed, hence the leakage.
• The cement plaster ceiling is disintegrating at some parts, especially those near the edges where it meets the interior walls. This system, which is heavy and odes not deflect heat coming from the roof, is posing a threat to the safety of the users of the Cathedral due to falling debris.

5. Inspection of the Portecochere, Bellfry and the Front Facade

• The front facade of the Cathedral has been severely altered (based on old pictures). The original austere facade, quite commonplace in the Franciscan order’s architecture, is now lost to the neo-romanesque style adopted in the present facade. Noteworthy is the construction of the Bellfry and Portecochere which are made of modern materials and modern finishes.

Recommendations:

1. Short Term Recommendations

• It is the team’s recommendation that the stripping of the cement plaster be continued since this type of plaster is not compatible with the coral stones, bricks and river stones used on the original fabric.
• It is recommended that the people involved in the stripping of the cement plaster be educated in the manner of stripping so as not to further damage the disintegrating surface of the bricks.
• Once stripped of cement plaster, it is recommended that the brick and rubble stone buttresses be re-plastered using lime to ensure the prevention of further decay.
• Please review the additions, ornamentations of the front facade, as well as the finishes used on the Portecochere so that it integrates homogeneously with the original architecture of the cathedral.

2. Long Term Recommendations

• It is highly recommended that the custodians of the Cathedral come up with a Conservation Master Plan with a Preventive Maintenance Program to ensure the manageable conservation of the Cathedral.

- The Conservation Master Plan should already envision the repair works and interventions, immediate and long term, that are to be undertaken;

- Review the installation of the Rib-type Galvanized Iron Roof to prevent further leakage. This might require re-installation to correct over-lapping system;

- Review design of Ceiling system. It is recommended that the cement plaster ceiling be replaced with Marine Plywood once the rotten wood nailers have been replaced.

- It is recommended that heat insulation should be integrated into the Roof System.

• An Inventory of all Church Holdings i.e. moveable objects, furniture, retablos, altar table, chandeliers, etc. should be undertaken.

- It is recommended that a small Interpretation Corner or a small Exhibit of the Interventions being undertaken for the conservation of the Cathedral be put into place. This “media section” makes a brief explanation of what is being done and how the church will look like once all the works are completed.

=================================================

This report was submitted by the members of the Conservations Specialist Team:

Professor Eric Zerrudo
Director, UST Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics
Administrative Director, Escuela Taller de Intramuros

Architect Rino Fernandez
Professor, UST College of Architecture
Academic Coordinator, Escuela Taller de Intramuros

Architect Carmen Betina Bulaong
Senior Lecturer, UP College of Architecture
Workshop Coordinator, Escuela Taller de Intramuros

Happy Birthday Mayet and Tess!

Ms. Maritess Balza - Dennis and Ms. Maritess Quilantang - Flores will both turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday mana Chat!

Mrs. Rosario Rodriguez - Gonzaga will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Images from the 61st Charter Day Celebration

Let me give you some pictures from this morning's activities in line with the 61st Charter Day Celebration. I got these photos courtesy of Joel Lagang of the CTIO

The PNP officers and other participants as they stood at attention during the flag-raising ceremony.

The ISKOLARs as they led the singing of "Lupang Hinirang" and "Calbayog".

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento and URGE-Calbayog President Augusto Magdaraog as they signed the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA). Witnessing the signing are Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, City Administrator Arnol Trani and City Legal Officer Juan Daguman, Jr.

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino (aprtly hidden) as they gave the plaque of commendation and a 25-thousand peso check to Mrs. Lourdes Matan who was on of the national winners of the 2009 Metrobank Search for Outstanding Teachers.

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento assisted by Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino during the pinning of Calbayog's Proficiency Medallion from the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA).

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he delivered his Charter Day message.

Officers from the TTMIST ROTC Unit

Boy Scouts of the Philippines Calbayog Chapter

... and that's me co-hosting the program

Happy Birthday Calbayog!

Calbayog City will turn 61 years old today. Mabuhay an Calbayognon!

Siday ni Yoyoy: An Kultura san Calbayog

(Calbayog will turn 61 years old tomorrow. As a tribute to his beloved city, Yoyo Genotiva gave me a copy of his siday in time for the Charter Day celebration)

AN KULTURA SAN CALBAYOG
“Calbayog- Siplati An Nakalabay”

yoyoy r. genotiva

Pulong pa man san istorya sadton mga kalalagsan
Sadto nga daw Paraiso an Calbayog sa Sirangan
Dinhi sinin paraiso adton gugma iginlarang
An pagbugna san Guino-o sa kan Eba ug kan Adan,
Matahom nga pagduhaan dinhi nira ginsumpaan.

Sa butnga san Paraiso pagkatahom nga tan-awon
San imo mga ungara waray ka pag-iiliwon
Nagkakalpad adton maya, san paghuni waray hunong
An rampagas sadton balud daw sonata nga matahom
Nga dayuday kumpanyahan huni sadton ubon-obon.

Kon nasulhog na an adlaw sadton Perlas nga Sirangan
Dungan adton panugaok, mga manok sa higtanan
Upod adton pagsaburak san grasya san kahitas-an,
Maduong an mangarawil, may isda na sa hubasan
Matupo an parag-uma mga duma ira pas-an.

Pag-abot san kakurulpon panahon na pagrosaryo
Nagtitirok an pamilya para sadton pangamuyo
Ada dida gintututdo adton mga pagrespito,
An pagharok sadton kamot san lagas nga gintatapo
An pagkarawat san sayop ug pangaro san pasaylo.

Panahon san kagab-ihon mga buyog nagkakalpad
Bitbit nira an guitara, maniniba sadton bukad
Mga awit sadton gugma asay nira ginhahalad
Kan kanay ba kasing-kasing adton dire mababantad
Sino ba nga alibangbang adton dire magpauswag.

Sadton mga pag-urosa san panahon san kalipay
Nakarusong sadton plaza waray tawo adton balay
Upod adton kaayaman pati adton mga misay
Magkikita san kuratsa san gala nga sinabragay
Nga daw nagkukumpetisyon san gala nga padamuay.

Panahon kon may naabot nga bisita sa pamilya
Patigayon pag-istimar bisan dire gud kilala
An maupay nga batasan karuyag ta igpakita
Bisan manok iburulang dayon naton ginlalaga
“Agwanta la kam san manok, kon nakadulog salmon kunta”

Panahon san kapyestahan nalilipay an katawhan
Bisan makuri an kwarta nag-aandam an ngatanan
Para bongga adton handa nalilisang san pangutang
Karagutok sadton litson , darayawon nga handaan
Pagkaliwas sadton pyesta kahapdos sadton baraydan.

Darayawon an kultura sinin syudad san Calbayog
Pag-istimar san bisita nga daw kita nababantog
Dire naton igkalikaw kay kita ngatanan sayod
Bisan sadton katalagman dire kita nahahadlok
Tungod kay dire man kita nalilimot ngadto san Dyos.

An bantog ta nga Kultura angay naton pagmangnu-an
Ipadayag adton iba nga usahay nalilimtan
Igbalik ta an Harana ug pag-amen sa kalagsan
Pursigihon pagpaursa an Kultura kinadaan
Tungod ini an salamin sadton aton kakadtuan.

Sabado Boys Live in Calbayog

Sabado Boys Live in Calbayog

7:00 pm

October 15, 2009

Calbayog City Sports Center

Happy Birthday Irene!

Irene Pastrana will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

AEGIS Live in Calbayog!

AEGIS goes onstage at 7:00 pm tomorrow night at the Calbayog City Sports Center

The 61st Calbayog Charter Day Celebration opens today

The 61st Calbayog Charter Day Celebration officially opens today.

The Opening Salvo is at 6:00 pm at grounds of the Calbayog City Sports Center.

There will be Fun Center, Agri Fair, Food Booths, Beer Plaza and Tiangge Kiosks in the area.

Streetbeat Party Mix will commence at 8:00 pm with an International DJ and the Strakats and Vostagz Bands.

Happy Birthday mana Bebot and Mana Loudet

Ms. Nida Uy - Beso and Ms. Lourdes Avelino will both turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Mana Charo and Arthur!

Ms. Charo Nabong - Cabardo and Arthur Dordines will both turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Checking on the Cathedral

A week ago today, three architects who are connected with Escuela Taller came to Calbayog upon the invitation of Bishop Isabelo Abarquez. They were on hand to do an ocular inspection of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and to make the appropriate recommendation on the "Landscaping" project at the said cathedral. It has been a week since the work on the said project was ordered stopped by the Bishop. What will be done next will be dictated by the recommendations of the three architects namely Professor Eric Zerrudo, Professor Tina Silao - Bulaong and Architect Rino Fernandez.

Here are some of the pictures I managed to take as the group checked on all areas of the cathedral before the meeting at the Bishop's Residence.

Professor Tina Silao-Bulaong as she explained some initial findings at one of the buttresses the plaster of which has been stripped off.

Professor Eric Zerrudo with Fr. Noel Labendia.

Professor Bulaong and Professor Rino Fernandez as they checked on some vintage photos of the Cathedral.

The group checking on the facade of the cathedral.

The group as they took a close look at the retablo.

The three architects / professors at the area between the cathedral and the Diocesan Pastoral Center where one will see figures / objects / ornaments (photos of which I have attached below) that will give clues on the history of the cathedral.

The image which tells us that the cathedral was constructed in the 1800s. As to exactly which year, we have no idea (at least from the picture) because the last two digits were chipped off, thanks to the opening which was put in place for a beam or something.

(as of the moment I have no caption for this picture and the one below. I misplaced the notes where I wrote the terms given to me by Architect Fernandez.)

Architect Rino Fernandez with Fr. Noel Labendia

The oculus which can be seen at the right side of the retablo. How do you find it? The next time you attend mass (especially the 8:00 am mass), try to look for the two "holes" on which sunlight enters on top of the retablo.

Architect Fernandez giving some explanation on his findings. Please note the coral limestone AND the plaster (palitada made of/from apog). It is one proof that the cathedral walls had plaster finish all over.

And yes, Professors Zerrudo and Fernandez climbed all the way to the ceiling where they found 12x12 and 8x8 molave trusses, rafter and the traditional lock system which support the roof structure. According to them, these are still in good condition. However, it's a different story for the ceiling and the ceiling joists. These need attention.

Happy Birthday Bon-bon!

Mr. Silvestre "Vaughn" Calvara will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Joseph and Dora

Joseph Arpon (of Tacloban) and Dora Gaspan (of Brgy. Dagum) will get married today. Fr. Andres Espiritu will preside over the wedding mass at the Brgy. Dagum Chapel. Reception will be at the HGSCMC Reception Hall in Brgy. Dagun.

Happy Birthday Edwin!

Atty. Edwin Gomez will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

World Teacher's Day

Today is World Teacher's Day. Held annually on 5 October since 1994, WTC commemorates the anniversary of the signing in 1966 of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers. It is an occasion to celebrate the essential role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels.

World Teachers’ Day 2009 - “Build the future: invest in teachers now!”

World Teachers’ Day 2009 puts the spotlight on the global teacher shortage and the challenges of being a teacher today.

In our rapidly changing and interdependent world, teachers not only have to ensure that students acquire solid skills in basic subjects, but also that they become responsible local and global citizens, at ease with new technologies and able to make informed decisions about health, the environment and other challenges.

Sustained investment is required to develop a well-trained and motivated teaching force. An estimated 10.3 million new teachers must be recruited worldwide by 2015 just to meet the goal of universal primary education. At a time when the global economic slowdown risks putting tight constraints on education budgets, it is critical that governments support the recruitment, training and professional development of teachers.

Feast of St. Francis

Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assissi, the Patron Saint of Ecology.

PS. On a personal note, I always refer to him as the saint whom every Christie Regian is supposed to know.

Just in case you'd be interested (again and again)

And here are some more old pictures of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

The interior of the Cathedral. Note the frescoed ceiling, the pulpit on the right side, the wrought iron communion rail, and the chandeliers. I checked the original picture, I think I counted 11 chandeliers of various sizes. The retablo is what remains today. When I did my undergraduate thesis on the Cathedral, one interviewee told me that the retablo was supposed to have been torn down during the renovation, fortunately the people learned about it and practically watched over the work on the Cathedral.

This is on the left wing of the Cathedral. It's the monumento on a Holy Thursday years before the renovation. Note the frescoed ceiling and the chandelier.

just in case you'd be interested (again)

Let me give you a picture which was scanned from the 1954 Fiesta Souvenir Program showing how the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral looked like before the renovation. I understand the said renovation was done in time for the Golden Jubillee of the Diocese of Calbayog in 1960. Note that bricks are nowhere to be found on the facade and the outer walls of the Cathedral.


And here are some more pictures I took last Sunday. It's the big chunk of bricks that fell off from the outer wall of the Cathedral, thanks to the over-excited workers.