Pasko: An Belen sa City Hall

Pasko Na! Sugad san nababatasan, may pipira nga mga opisina ug panimalay nga nagtikang na pamutan san ira mga dekorasyon. Sa sulod san pira ka-adlaw akun igbubutang sini nga blog an magkalain-lain nga mga belen nga guin plastar dinhi sa Calbayog. Para yana nga adlaw, mayda ko mga litratu san belen nga aada sa may City Hall Stage.

images from the cebu concert of the CKC-YSO

As I have announced in my previous blog posts, the CKC Youth Symphony Orchestra was in Cebu for a concert at the Cebu Grand Convention Center. That event was a fund-raiser for the Construction of the Franciscan Seminary / Novitiate House in Ormoc City and for the Franciscan Missionary endeavors.


Let me give you some pictures taken during the concert. I got these courtesy of Jay Anthony Yulo.

Happy Anniversary Sir Pio and Ma'am Francie

Mr. Pio Santos and Dr. Francisca Palermo - Santos will celebrate their 53rd Wedding Anniversary today. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Two new priests ordained today

The Diocese of Calbayog has two new priests. Rev. Jeorge Plaza and Rev. Miguel Rebato will be ordained priests by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral at 9:00 o'clock this morning.

Rev. Plaza is from San Jorge while Rev. Rebato is from Paranas.

An unappreciated landmark

Or maybe, a local treasure would be a more appropriate title to this blog post. These are pictures which I took last November 1, 2011. It's the arch at the entrance of the Calbayog Catholic Cemetery. I have featured this in my previous blog posts and I am doing it again. After all, not all cities in Samar have a landmark which dates back to 1885. 

La Milagrosa Academy is 101 years old

La Milagrosa Academy will be 101 years old tomorrow. Just in case you'd be interested, I have featured a short history of LMA which I took from the "Calbayog" coffeetable book:

Colegio de la Milagrosa. Soon after his arrival in Calbayog, Bishop Singzon decided that Catholic education should be made available to the women of the town. So he invited the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul to set up a school for girls, which was then called Colegio de la Milagrosa. He provided the school with a new two-storey building by the seashore (at the site where it still stands today). With Sor Concepcion Cordnach, DC as first directress, the school opened in 1911. It has an initial enrollment of 100 girls. Established for the purpose of molding damas cristianas (Christian ladies), it proved a boon to the town.

In 1927, the Daughters of Charity left and Mrs. Dolores Hacbang, the sister of the Bishop, became the Directress until 1935 when the Dominican Sisters of Sienna took over the administration. The school (now called La Milagrosa Academy) opened a complete High School and, just before World War II, graduated its first 24 alumnae. The school was closed during the war years. In 1989, the Dominicans returned the administration of the school to the Diocese of Calbayog. Eventually, Fr. Anton Verzosa, a diocesan priest was appointed as its director. Today the Academy remains under the direction of the Diocese, striving to live up to its past tradition and glory. 

(n.b. this data needs some updates, in case you have some  materials, you may please email it to: froiray@yahoo.com)

The marker which was unveiled during the LMA Centennial Anniversary Celebration on November 27, 2010.

A message for Educators and Christie Regians

Last October 28, 2011, during the celebration of the the 25th Anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi at Christ the King College, Mr. Pio Santos and his wife Francie were given the Bahandi Samarnon Award as Outstanding Educators. Mr. Santos delivered an acceptance speech which paid tribute to the teachers and personnel of Christ the King College. He reminded everyone the first and foremost teaching is a vocation. He also paid tribute to Christ the King College and how it helped mold many generations of Calbayognons.


Here's the text of that speech:


... honored guests, members of the faculty and other school personnel, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.


We will be the biggest liars on this globe if we will dare say that we have not been deeply touched or emotionally overwhelmed by the wonderful gesture bestowed on us by the Christ the King College community.


Never, even in our wildest dreams, did we ever expect that we will be accorded such a distinct and signal honor as what we are receiving today. For the two of us and for the members of our family, this is a momentous day. It is a day to be treasured and remembered by all of us until the last breath of our lives.


This evening's event is supposed to be a recognition of what we have done or what we have contributed in making CKC into the fine institution of learning that it is today. And CKC believes that it is payback time. We are however, of firm belief that while it might be true that we have done something for the growth and development of CKC, we cannot also ignore the fact that we were not alone in the task of educating the young; that the teachers and the other school personnel have also contributed immensely in transforming CKC into an excellent academic institution. It is not a one-man job, it is a team effort. If nothing can be done without God, then nothing can also be achieved without the cooperation of the teachers and the other school personnel.


Thus what makes this evening's affair so meaningful and doubly significant is the fact that the accolade bestowed on the two of us by CKC silently includes also the members of the faculty and the other school personnel. While the plaques that are given to us are personal in nature and the citations written on them are meant for us, behind those inscriptions are also etched the recognition by this institution of the work and cooperation of the teachers and personnel; it is a recognition of the collective pleasures, the triumphs, the joys and the little disappointments that we, the teachers and personnel, have all shared together. These plaques symbolize our collective friendship, camaraderie and companionship. These plaques and citations are not only meant for the two of us - these are intended for all of us - for our shared victories and defeats, for our laughter and tears.


And so for all these shared experiences - 

• we thank you Lord, for the moment that gave all of us the opportunity to be in CKC and to work with the students as they embark on their journey of life; on their journey of faith and on their quest for knowledge, their search for truth, justice and peace.

• we thank you Lord, for giving all of us the chance to be in the place where many young people experience their first real contact with the Church; their first entry in a Catholic school that teaches them to try  to live more by faith, hope and love than by value of consumer society.

• we thank you Lord for CKC and the chance to learn that teaching is more than a job; that it is more than a means of putting food on the table; that permanent employment and a good pay are not the only motivation for becoming a teacher.

• we thank you Lord for CKC - for exhorting us that teaching is not just a profession, but a vocation. It is a ministry, a calling from God.

Finally, on a personal note, may I, on behalf of Francie and all the members of the family, extend to the CKC community - to Rev. Fr. Marcelo Tubac, OFM, President of the College, to the religious and lay administrators, to the members of the faculty, to the rank and file personnel and the students and parents, my heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude.

We trust that everyone of you will find us worthy and deserving again of your trust and confidence.

Thank you, good night, god bless all of us. Mabuhay Christ the King College!

The celebrity hound struck again

Senator Antonio Trillanes was in Calbayog today to attend a "Magdalo Activity". His first business was to call on the City Officials of Calbayog. They had a meeting at the CMO conference room. After that meeting, the celebrity hound (read:me) made sure he had his picture taken with the Senator.

Images from my old hometown

This is one the pictures I took at the cemetery during the last All Souls' Day celebration. Nothing special about this grave. "Sugad san nababatasan", a good number of our local folks make their dear departed part of the cemetery "picnic" by offering them food, and in some instances, 1 "tagay" of whatever alcoholic drink there is. And in the case of this tomb, it's rice with pork, tsokolate, spaghetti, bread, juice and water.

In Samar Comelec: Verification of signatures to end this week

Tacloban City - Samar elections supervisor Maria Corazon Montallana said that the verification of the signatures attached to the recall petition against Governor Sharee Anne Tan and younger brother Vice Gov. Stephen James Tan would be finished as scheduled. (read more . . .)

Meeting the Archbishop of Cebu

Cebu Archbishop and incoming CBCP President Jose Palma attended the gala concert of the CKC Youth Symphony Orchestra at the Cebu Grand Convention Center. The celebrity hound in me made sure that I got my picture taken with the good Archbishop.

Archbishop Palma with Bishop Ranola, Fr. Pricillo Salomon, ofm, my sister Honey and me.

Archbishop Palma with Bishop Ranola, Fr. Marlowe Rosales, ofm and some members of the CKC Youth Symphony Orchestra during the customary picture-taking after the gala concert.

Samar prov'l Comelec office seeks extension of signature verification

Catbalogan City - Citing low number of verified signatures, the provincial office of the Commission on Elections based in this city, has sought for the extension (of the number) of days for signature verification in relation to the recall bid against Samar Governor Sharee Anne Tan and her brother Vice Governor Stephen James Tan. (read more . . . )

Samar gov decries petitioners of using P-Noy for her ouster

Tacloban City - Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan decried claims by those calling for her ouster of using President Benigno Aquino in pushing for their agenda. (read more . . .)

Rehearsing for the Concert

As announced, the CKC Youth Symphony Orchestra did a concert yesterday at the Cebu Grand Convention Center. There was a matinee at 4:00 pm while the gala was at 7:00 pm. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma was among those who attended the gala performance.

I'll be posting some pictures of the concert as soon as I get hold of these. In the meantime, let me share the pix I took during the rehearsal.

(And for the night's repertoire, please check this link)

Happy Birthday Mama!

Happy Birthday to my mom, Victoria Ladrero - Ricafort. She will turn 74 years old today.

Filipino is one of three Asian Finalists in 2011 Imprisoned Artists Prize

Filipino political prisoner Ericson Acosta -- former editor of the UP Collegian, and a detainee for ten months now at the Calbayog, Samar sub-provincial jail -- is one of the three finalists in the prestigious 2011 Imprisoned Artist Prize to be announced on November 19 in the Freedom to Create Award Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. (Read more . . .)

The CKC Youth Symphony Orchestra goes to Cebu

And here's the concert announcement from the Cebu Daily News.

Raul Isidro’s changing world

(Photo courtesy of Pablo Tariman / PDI)

Raul Isidro’s changing world
by Pablo A. Tariman

The best way to get to know painter Raul Isidro is to view his latest exhibit in ArtistSpace Gallery at Ayala Museum, until Nov. 17.


There is a quietly haunting  piece called “Changing World,” a burst of  arresting colors in “Yellow Apartment,” and  visual tales of survival in the metropolis in pieces like  “Dream” I, II and III. (read more . . .)

Calbayog, Samar, as Waray music capital

I was surfing the net today and I got an article which Pablo Tariman wrote for the Philippine Daily Inquirer exactly two months ago. I believe it's never too late to feature any good news about Calbayog. I thought I'd like to share that article with you.


Calbayog, Samar, as Waray music capital
By Pablo A. Tariman
Philippine Daily Inquirer


It is easy to connect Calbayog City in western Samar with people in the seven arts.


Calbayog became a city on July 15, 1948, with a territory that included the former towns of Calbayog, Oquendo and Tinambacan by virtue of Republic Act 328 signed into law by President Manuel Roxas.


Show-biz personalities from Calbayog City include singer Nonoy Zuñiga, actress Tessie Tomas, entertainment writer Ricky Lo, TV host Boy Abunda (from Catbalogan and Borongan).


The most surprising thing is that, while Manila-based orchestras continue to struggle for financing, Calbayog City has managed to have a youth orchestra based in Christ the King College. (Read more . . . )

Concert 2 of the First Samar International Music Festival

Baritone Andrew Fernando is the first Filipino first-prize winner of the prestigious Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition in the United States. He is the next attraction of the First Samar International Music Festival on Monday, Dec. 5, at Café Elsa of Ciriaco Hotel in Calbayog City, Western Samar.


The festival sponsored by Calbayog City Mayor Ronald P. Aquino, Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento, and Ciriaco Hotel and Resort opened last Oct. 29 with a standing ovation for violinist Gina Medina and pianist Mary Anne Espina. (check this link)

Signatures verification in Samar starts today

Tacloban City - It's all systems go for the verification of the signatures of those who enlisted themselves in the call to oust Samar Governor Sharee Anne Tan and her younger brother, Vice Gov. Stephen James Tan through a recall elections as the proceedings is to start today. (read more . . .)

Grandtours opens new terminal

There's a new addition to the changing skyline of Calbayog. Grandtours formally opened its new terminal today. It is located along Senate President Avelino Avenue in Brgy. West Awang, on the lot where the Balay Darangpan used to stand.

If there is something else worth noting, a good number of Calbayognons have noticed that the place near the terminal seemed to have been transformed into a commercial area. A good number of food joints have sprouted (yup including the tapsilogan I mentioned in an earlier blogpsost), two bakeries opened shop. And do I have to mention the usual "irignuman"? And before I forget, the area also has a funeral parlor, three vulcanizing shops, a water purification shop and a pension house.

Starting 'em young

There are kids, and there are kids. Whew! What am I saying? 'Neway, there are kids who go to school and there are kids who settle with being at home "para san mga sugo nira nanay ug tatay". And  I hope those kids who go around begging are not doing it upon the instruction of nanay or tatay. And that brings me to that bunch of kids whose pix I took last November 2, yes when we took time to visit our dear departed. They were among those who took time to sell candles. When we asked them what they intend to do with their earning, "balun pag iskwela" was the answer. And there was one kid who sold something different. It's something which looked like flowers arranged in a way that one can use it to decorate well, the tomb of one's dear departed. What made it unique is that it was made of straw, yes straw which one uses to sip soft drink or any drink for that matter. Now, that's what I'll call being resourceful and entrepreneurial. And that's one thing I won't mind seeing our kids do or display, young as they may be.

 

Samar classical music fest opens to thunderous applause

My pix of violinist Gina Medina with some members of the CKC Youth Symphony Orchestra

Here's an article by Pablo Tariman which appeared in today's edition of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.


We got a fairly good idea of the audience for classical music in Calbayog City in Western Samar with the opening of the First Samar International Festival on Oct. 29 with violinist Gina Medina and pianist Mary Anne Espina.


A movement from a Mozart sonata set the tone for the evening, and here you saw the best of Espina and Medina as chamber musicians. With the excellent acoustics of Café Elsa of Ciriaco Hotel, the performance was one of the finest of Medina and Espina and the audience absorbed the intensity of the moment with relish. (read more . . .)

There's a new Tapsilogan in town

It's the foodie (read: mahilig kumaun) in me that's doing this blog post. I drove around with a friend earlier tonight and then our hunger pang brought us to this new joint in town. The name of the food joint says it all, it serves among other stuff, the ubiquitous Sinangag and Itlog with whatever you fancy. Yup, it's a hole in the wall, no pretensions. You get to eat either by the counter, yup in front of the crew or on the tables set be the highway, yes i said highway as this is located along Senate President Avelino Avenue where all those trucks, vans, motorbikes and what have you ply as they pass through Calbayog. And as if the noise of the vehicles is not enough, add in the noise of work being done in the vulcanizing shop next to Silogan Express.

So much for the ambiance. My verdict? I will visit the place again. The quality of the food is worth the price. The spoon and fork and the plate are not greasy and they served mineral water. And most importantly, I got something which I did not expect: the crew was courteous. They greeted us "good evening" and said "thank you" when we left.

Images from my old hometown

It's All Saints' Day, and tomorrow is All Souls' Day. Sugad san nababatasan, buwas an mga taga-Calbayog mabisita san ira mga hinigugma nga nagkamatay na. We decided to visit the cemeteries today and take pix while the place is still less crowded.

Here are some pix which I managed to take earlier today.

Yup, traffic was re-routed so as to decongest the hi-way especially along the two cemeteries

And this was how the road along the Catholic cemetery looked like today, it got the usual motorcylces, PD cabs, the traffic aides, and . . . 

. . . and yes, a pink coffin by the sidewalk.

And where the crowds are, expect the entrepreneurs to the there. As to this one, I'm wondering where one will get to pee, well, at the breakwater at the back of the store?

. . . yup the Barangay Officials also had their assistance center. There was a phone load center too (pix below)

. . . and fruit vendors too

Did you say you needed an area to park your bike?