Filipino priest in Sierra Leone won’t leave Ebola-stricken people By Jennifer Allegado
Fr. Anthony Patrick Santianez, flanked by two Sierra Leone faithfuls, decides to stay with his parishioners despite the threat of Ebola virus. FILE PHOTO/CBCP NEWS/Inquirer Photo
CALBAYOG CITY, Philippines — Relatives of Anthony Patrick Santianez, a missionary priest in Sierra Leone, say they fear for his health and even his life as he has insisted on staying on with his parishioners in the Ebola-stricken West African country. The priest’s elder sister, Flerdeliza Santianez-Gaviola, who resides in Barangay (village) San Joaquin in this city, said their family worries about him but they have strong faith and believe God would protect him. (read more . . . )
Outstanding Soldiers. TSgt Rolando Diomangay (standing 3rd from the left) with the other winners of the 2012 Metrobank Foundation Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). This photo was taken during the presentation of awardees held at the AFP Officers' Club House in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. In attendance were AFP CS General Jessie Dellosa (seated 5th from the right) and Mr. Anecito Sobrepena Metrobank Foundation Inc. President (seated 6th from the right). (Photo courtesy of Pfc Marlon San Esteban and Faces, Places & Voices)
Calbayog's new achiever. Mayor Ronaldo Aquino takes time to pose with Ma. Angela Krizelle Rubin (3rd from the right) of San Joaquin National High School (SJNHS). Mayor Aquino presented Ms. Rubin with a Plaque of Commendation and a cash gift of Ten Thousand Pesos for being part of the Philippine Team which won First Place in the ASEAN Quiz Regional Competition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Also in photo are SJNHS Teacher Warren Taperla, SJNHS Principal Renato Cagomoc, Raymond Abelis (Coach of Ms. Rubin) and City Administrator Rosario Gonzaga. (CTIO photo)
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Team has emerged as champion of the 5th ASEAN Quiz Regional Competition held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Friday, besting 27 other contestants from 8 ASEAN states. The Philippine Team grabbed a total score of 71 points. Cambodia came close with 70 points while Thailand scored 68 points. The team, composed of fourth year high school students - Franchesca Anne Inacay of St. Albert the Great School in Dagupan City (Region I), Kristiyanne Paul de Pedro of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (Region XII), and Maria Angela Krizelle Rubin of San Joaquin National High School in Calbayog (Region VIII) - bested 27 other contestants from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. (Read more . . . )
For those who want to cap their post-Lenten reflection with experimental prints of art items with religious theme, the solo art exhibit not to be missed is the opening of Raul Isidro’s new exhibit “Senakulo” at Crucible starting Tuesday. (read more ...)
The top three winners in the 5th ASEAN Quiz National Competition pose for posterity after receiving their medals and full scholarship certificates in any four-year course at Systems Technology Institute (STI) College. They are Francesca Anne C. Inacay (right) of Region 1, first place; Krystianne Paul A. De Pedro (2nd from left), Region 12, 2nd place; and Maria Angela Krizelle T. Rubin (left), Region 8, 3rd place. The contest was held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at People’s Television (PTV) Studio 1 in Visayas Ave., Quezon City. The winners will represent the Philippines in the ASEAN Regional Competition in Cambodia in August 2012. (PNA photo by Johnny D. Guevarra) (Photo and text courtesy of balita.ph)
We saw her at the office of my cousin. I thought she was just another kid. That is until I noticed how she behaved and talked with the employees - straight English (much, much better than the local doctor teachers I know, or I've heard), good manners and yes, she can sing. As it turned out, she was one of the Promil I-Shine kids which has a show on GMA Channel 7. So? Well, her dad Archival Rojas is from Oquendo and her mom Venice Ygrubay - Rojas is from Tinambacan. Did the kid impress me? Let's put it this way, I made sure I had my picture taken with her.
Me and my sister Honey with Cheska
Name: Maria Francesca Rojas Nickname: Chesca Age: 4 years old Talent: Singing Background: This four-year-old girl may be small but she has one big voice. Chesca once dreamed of being a rockstar, now that she’s on i-Shine, she wants to be a superstar.
The Promil Pre-school i-Shine Talent Camp TV is a talent search and reality TV program showcasing 12 children who managed to shine the brightest in a nationwide talent search and will chronicle their journey as they hone their talents in singing, dancing, acting and other areas, with the help of their Kapuso celebrity mentors and their parents.
Cheska and the other I Shine kids with program hosts Mikee Cojuangco and Paolo Contis
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 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 . . .)
Tacloban City - Rosa Jessica Uy - Delgado is no push over when it comes to qualifications.
Uy - Delgado who earlier announced her desire to seek the governorship of Samar in case the recall election will push through, has all the academic credentials needed to lead a province whose full potential has yet to be achieved.
FLORENCE CINCO traces his roots to the small fishing village of Tinambacan Sur, Calbayog City. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Major in Advertising from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. He climbed up the ladder of success through perseverance, hard work, sacrifice, service and deep spirituality.
His career as a full time missionary artist saw hi bag two national awards: Grand Prize in the Mixed Media Category during the 58th Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) Annual National Art competition in 2005; and the Grand Prize in the Sculpture Category during the 2004 Metrobank Art and Excellence National Art Competition.
He has also garnered numerous awards:
Jurors' Choice. TANAW. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas National Painting Competition, Metropolitan Museum (2011)
Jury Award. Embassy of India. Laos, PDR (2006)
Honorable Mention. Sculpture Category. 58th AAP Annual National Art Competition(2005)
Juror's Choice. Open Fine Print National Competition (2004)
Outstanding Samarnon Award for exemplary achievement and contribution to Samar culture.
Now a seasoned artist who weathered the test of time, CINCO directs his energy to accomplish his life's mission and ideology - ART FOR SERVICE AND BLESSEDNESS. He has carried this ideology in his 13 solo exhibits and 45 group shows in various parts of the country and abroad like Singapore, Thailand, U.S.A., Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Laos.
In his works, he draws inspiration from supreme consciousness through meditation and service to humanity. He believes that an artist plays a great role in achieving change in society through his artwork. Thus, he works his way to share his ideology with all the artists in and outside his network. He is presently affiliated with the Renaissance Artists and Writers' Association, Maharlika Artists and Writers' Federation, Calbayog Arts Association, Visayan Island Visual Artists Association, Art Association of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Printmakers and the Society of Philippine Sculpture.
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Florence Cinco will have his 1st Homecoming Exhibit entitled "DINGKIT" which opens today at S.O. Cafe, Nijaga Street, Calbayog City
Dingit by Florence Cinco "Dingkit", a Waray-Waray word which means "connected". The artworks in this exhibit are inspired by the artist's personal advocacy of promoting the "Maharlika" roots with the conviction that his works will help revive the original identity of the "Maharkila" people - warrior yet deeply spiritual and significantly in union with nature. These important characteristics of our race which are the ultimate connection to our identity, have long been buried by the influx of foreign cultures / influences and have resulted in serous consequences - spiritually, physically, psychologically and economically. The artist believes that if each and every servant of art will dedicate his works to revive and preserve our very own culture and (root) race, our country will heal from its long suffering. It also aims to inspire Calbayogonons everywhere to keep that connection to the place where they were born.
Emmanuele Jobart Gomez, a member of the Christ the King College Youth Symphony Orchestra received the citation for his lolo during the 1st Bahandi Samarnon Award. Here's the text of his speech.
MY LOLO JOSE, AS A FAMILY MAN Jobart Gomez
Good evening to each and everyone of you.
Three weeks before this occasion, someone from the organizers came to the house of the great man Jose Cinco Gomez asking one of his children to share in public about his life as a father to Mr. Manuel Gomez, my father, as well as a father to my father’s siblings.
With the invitation, Tita Cecilia, Tito Antonio, Tita Virginia, papa Manuel, and Tito Remigio accepted it wholeheartedly and now I am in front of you ready to share what they have dictated me and also to represent officially the family of the great Jose Cinco Gomez. In my succeeding speech, please allow me to use only lolo Jose instead of the great Jose.
Lolo Jose, as my titas and titos would tell me, is a man of virtue, a man of courage, a disciplinarian, a generous person, and a loving father. He never neglected to snoop for a moment his sleeping children in each of their room before he slept. He always emphasized honesty and integrity. The late Tito Mariano, the third from the eldest, told his siblings about the following story: a man came from Brgy. Dagum who borrowed a small amount to lolo Jose with a piece of paper serving his property as collateral. Out of compassion, lolo Jose gave that man the amount he needed. Month came; the man came back asking for a little time to pay for the exact amount that man owed my lolo. What my lolo did was he tapped the shoulder of that man and gave back the piece of paper telling him not to worry disregarding the amount he owed.
A disciplinarian. When the church bell stroked at 6:00 o’clock in the evening, my titos and titas must be at the dining table on time. If any of them was not present during those times, he or she was locked up outside the house and fortunately, it was my lola who intervened for reconsideration.
The most painful blow on my lolo’s life, on my family’s life, was the death of his three sisters Josefa, Francisca and Trinidad who were captured in Bobon, Northern Samar
Refusing to reveal his whereabouts, they were tortured and killed by the Japanese soldiers
After the war, the leadership of my lolo Jose had illustrated had earned him an award. He was appointed Chief of Police by Mayor Pedro Pido until 1953.
He revived the Cecilian Orchestra which became the only guerilla band probably in the country at that time. With the revival, they had the opportunity to perform in Malacanang in honor of the former Philippine President Manuel Roxas. The group was renamed the Calbayog Cecilian Cultural Group.
Being a religious person, he composed songs for the masses with lyrics in English, Spanish and without charging even a single centavo.
Then came the Paligsahan sa Musika Songwriting Competition in 1974 and my lolo was the winner in the entire Region 8.
In my lolo’s life, not all were beautiful tunes and melodies. When he heard the verdict of his defeat in “Ahay” case against the Mabuhay Singers sponsored by no less than the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, he was stunned and aggrieved.
He was brought to Manila for medical treatment. His son Antonio, second from the eldest, and a medical representative at that time brought him to the best doctor at Far Eastern University and while undergoing treatment, my tito Remigio found him irritable and insisted in going home believing he would recover in Calbayog, a place very dear to my lolo and also to all of us.
With the permission of the doctor, he came home in January 1975 but early morning of February 2, the month he was born 63 years back like in the wink of an eye was the end of the beautiful song in Calbayog that was the life of my lolo Jose.
Whatever purpose this speech may serve from this day onwards, I pray that my lolo Jose’s love for his family, for music and most especially for his birthplace Calbayog City be remembered not only in memories but also in action: for the benefit of the greater good, of Calbayog City, and of every Calbayognon, young and old
Thank you everyone and mabuhay po si Jose Cinco Gomez, tayong pong lahat na naririto pati na rin ang mahal nating Calbayog City.
(Here's the speech which I delivered on behalf of Mayor Ronaldo Aquino during the Bahandi Samarnon Awards)
Another laudable undertaking by the Franciscan community I am pleased to be part of this ceremony today which will honor one of the greatest sons of Calbayog. This awarding ceremony to be conceptualized and held at Christ the King College and in Calbayog City makes me proud both as a Christi Regian and as the Local Chief Executive of Calbayog. The City Government wishes the Award Committee all its best as they do the hard work of giving honor to all the deserving sons and daughters of Samar in many more years to come.
The Franciscan community should be commended for this worthy but challenging undertaking. Achievement Awards are so many that it runs the risk of being a commonplace. But in this case, in the case of the Bahandi Samarnon Awards, it is nice to note to have a group of Samarenos or Samarnon acknowledge the achievements of their fellow Samarnon. It should not take outsiders to acknowledge what good there is that is being done in Samar. It should not take outsiders to acknowledge what great achievers, what great people there are in Samar. When Chito Rono received an award from city government a few years ago, he expressed his gratitude by saying something like this: that receiving an award from your own hometown gives you that extra special feeling which is a notch above the feeling of winning during the usual film awards night. I guess the same thing can be said of this Bahandi Samarnon Awards. Before we look far and wide, let us look upon ourselves for examples worthy of emulation. There should be so many of them just lurking around.
A question of significance Now a question: where can this Award find its significance? In this world characterized by political bickering, economic difficulties and what have you, don’t you think we should be looking at how we can help alleviate or reduce the incidence of poverty, maintain peace and order and provide decent jobs to our fellowmen? And let us not even start discussing about caring for the environment. That almost sorry scenario is exactly where this Bahandi Samarnon Award will find its significance. This is exactly where this activity finds its proper place. This ceremony calls for us to be able to do something good; or at least to manifest our ability to do something good out of the dire conditions. This is manifested by the life of the first awardee which the award committee has selected for tonight. He serves as both an inspiration and a call to action.
Let Jose Gomez live in us Jose Cinco Gomez. No need to recall details about his life. No need to memorize the titles of his works. The name speaks for itself. But then, knowing his name and his person is not enough to honor to the man who has contributed much to the development of music in Samar.
It is proper that we honor Jose Gomez. It is proper that we respect the works of Jose Gomez. But after taking a close look at the life story of this man, he deserves more than just us memorizing the lyrics of “Calbayog”; more than just us tapping to the vibrant beat of “Kamote”; and more than just us being familiar with lively tunes of his Samareno folk songs. The life and times and the works of Senor Jose Gomez tell us two things: to be proud of our heritage; and to cultivate the hero in each of us. The times might have changed, but the call for us to be of service to our fellowmen and to be good sons and daughters of Samar remains. Like Jose Gomez, let us look beyond our mundane concerns in life. We have our own capabilities and abilities that can make a difference. Nobody among us is too small so as not to be able to do something for our beloved Samar.
The First Bahandi Samarnon Awarding Ceremony August 5, 2011
Frs. David and Leopold Memorial Auditorium
5:00 PM
Conceptualized by the Franciscan community, the award is an undertaking guided by this vision:
“Guided by the Gospel values, the Bahandi Samarnon Award engenders a Christian community that celebrates humanity towards a better Samar.”
The award has as its mission the commitment to honor Samarnons with noble contributions, inspiring and empowering the people of Samar especially the youth to selfless endeavors and developing sense of patriotism, thus recognizing component and ethical individuals who integrate faith, life and culture for the advancement of Samar.
(It was only tonight when I "seriously" checked my FB account, meaning checking its every content and what have you, and there it was - an article written by Redi Briones)
Two days of being home is witnessing a lifetime. Too much have been said for such a great person, father, leader and friend. Too much grief was been outpoured by a family, a city and a province that gives him a very important space in their hearts. Enough is enough and saying too much is beyond the incomprehensible human sadness and an unparalleled human gratitude. This shall be a mortal sin to the writer in me if I will allow these iconic events to pass by like a wind. For all has to be written to be a living witness and be an immortal echo to the history of people who clamor for change, the people of Samar.
Yes, he was shot. Yes, he was so dear to us. Yes, he is an inspiration. And yes, he left us very untimely in our humane timeline but in our dearest Lord perfect timing and perfect plan. We accept the will of the Almighty for the Christian teachings says that “Thy will be done!” but beyond this we have become submissive to the plan of the heavens for today amidst these unbearable sorrow it is the easiest, the most comforting, the most logical and reasonable and the most bearable for beyond these we could have hastily crossed the limits of sanity and had just fallen to vicious trap of the evil. Contrary to the comfort of being submissive to the plan of the Father we are now people of courage, people of change, people who have gone out our comfort zones, people who are leaders, people that sees mission, people that has a vision, people who are driven, people who are united, and people who seeks justice.
BANG! There was a smoke then, he fell to the ground. Impressive this could have been our rivals; the merciless, the corrupt and the dynasty’s shining moment but the good Lord will never let it happen, never! For on that moment he is conscious, he is fighting and he was seeking for grace. He called up to our God, mentioned the saints, and expressed his love for his family and his care for change of Samar. Suddenly, we are contributing a martyr in the making, a hero being bred and a shinning man that gives us true hope and true change. I can just picture in my mind what is happening on that vehicle while he is being rushed to the hospital. Blood rushing out, a father who prays, loves and fights, I could not wait for a very good ending. Meanwhile by that very moment in my home, I am praying for his life, tachycardic and anxious. In that most uncertain time I even texted him to offer his pain to the Lord and pray for Bl. John Paul II whose beatification will be taking on the 1st of May and like him was also shot. Whether he was able to read that message or not, that would not matter anymore today for I am longing for a very good ending, but to no avail we lost him. Yes, we lost him but we did find our way for his generosity
always emanates in his character that even in writing the course of the story, he left us the paper and pen and stood up from the history table, stood at the background and while overseeing his people, he wanted us to write the course of our history, he wanted us to be involved, he wanted us to know the fight, he wanted us to be courageous, he wanted us to make steps, he wanted us to decide, he wanted an overrated orchestrated history we shall all be proud of even if it would cause him his light called life.
BANG! Enough of that coward sound, tricky it may seem but so pointless to hear. So desperate sound, which made it so obvious to their upcoming downfall. But why shot him? You will fall eventually you just made it too soon. We love him so much, why take him away from us? The position is not your property and you will leave that soon anyway. We have so many stories and laughter to share, but why you made it hard for him to catch his final breath? I can see those stains of blood in your sanitized hands; the powder is still on its folds. Why hold desperately unto something that is not really yours? Why shot him, when we know that he is really ours. You crossed the line! Truly unfair but what shall we expect from rivals like you. That’s how you play your lives, unfair and unjust. We are far more off, and way intellectuals, we say to you, we do not want your lives, that is not our means and besides that so easy trail for you to take. Keep your lives, that is rotten anyway, we do not have a space for storage. Run them away cause we are not after for that and besides we have a meaningful task to take.
Why take him when you cannot fairly give anyway. You do not have the rights. We treasure him so much as he cared for us. He is for us, and everyday he made us that feel. We are not selfish people that we even shared him. He wanted it badly to share himself but we the people of Calbayog could have strongly disagreed with him for he fit in our embrace just as we are to him. Life is truly unimaginable without him. No one can replace and substitute, no steroid can thin scar, no painkiller could ease the pain, no clotting factor could stop the bleeding, and no tranquilizer could counter anxiety. We could not ask for more for we are truly blessed with him and in Christ. We are at peace and happy until you distorted it, until the sun set and never rise again and until the rain poured and never stop again. But he won’t allow these things and it will break his soul seeing us this way that is the very reason why today we are the sun that rise, we are the wind that blow away the clouds, we are the drug that heals our own and we are the vaccine that immunizes us all from your ferocious intentions and from the cancer of society.
We had been complacent for many years; we are at good hands knowing him. He claims Calbayog as his comfortzone but actually he is our comfort person. He is spiritually dedicated, a good provider and father, and a driven leader. His charisma is unquestionable and impartiality is his language. He was then persecuted politically with attempts of jailing him but he endured it all for us. He sees hope even in the darkest moments, he is the proud Calbayognon in the most depressing moments of his life. He is the son who dreamed, he is the doctor who served, he is the sick who helps, the leader that listens and hears.
PAANO NGA BA MAGPAALAM? Paano nga ba magpatuloy? Paano nga ba lumaban? Paano nga ba maghanap ng hustisya? Paano nga ba makiabaka para sa pagbabago? At paano nga ba magpasalamat? Mga tanong na nakakapagpalakas ng loob. Mga tanong na napaka sarap sagutin pero napakahirap gawin. Mga tanong na habambuhay mong sasagutin. Mga tanong na laging magpapaalaala sating lahat panu tayo sinira at nawalan at kung pano natin babaguhin ang hiniharap sa inspirasyon ng isang taong nangarap at isang sambayanan na puno na, pagod na at patuloy na nangangarap ng pagbabago. Mga tanong na kapag hindi nasagot ay habang buhay mong dadalhin at mga tanong na mula ngayon magiging batayan na kung pano ba magsilbi sa bayan, sa kapawa at sa Poong Maykapal.
The hardest is the farewell for I have made a room for you in my heart. Totoo pala ang kurot sa puso kahit di natin ito mahawakan pero ito ay napakalalim kung maramdaman. You loved us because we loved you but who love first is not the question and pointless for even if and only if you did not love us we will always love you for you have loved others more than yourself. Your service to others is enough reason to love you back. Yes, we will meet you again but that is just a consolation. Why we will be settling for less if you are our first prize. Totoo nga pala talaga. Napakadaling sabihin napaka hirap gawin. But what is it for us when today you commune with the saints and enjoys His everlasting peace, something hard to achieve in our motherland but not impossible. Who are we to tell you to stay when somewhere out there is everlasting joy and peace? Ngunit ang sarap lang sana kung magakakasamasama tayo na ninamnam ang bunga ng mga pagpupunyagi! From there where you are today oversee us and take your journey to peace.
How to be victors in our quest for change? Your answer and example is the hardest to follow but the most attainable. We could not stop thinking that maybe you were confident enough to leave because you have assessed that we could do this and you believe in us so much but actually tito Ining we are not. We are unripe to finish all these. It was so untimely and we are not prepared to walk the talk and to take the trail you started for us. We are young and we are enjoying the materialistic world but we have to grow fast starting today; we have to hasten ripening our minds and our outlook in life faster yet surely for in these sudden turn of events you have bequeathed not just to your family, to political wills, to your friends but to each and everyone including the youth, the church and the marginalized sector. To take our capacity in rebuilding, uniting and changing our fate. To allow no more blood to be sacrificed, yours was too much and we shall never again allow history to be repeated for what happened to you was so painful that it will always be remembered.
Paano ka nga ba pasasalamatan, when thank you will never be enough. I asked my mom the same question upon hearing your death it was painful and we are breaking. In her most composed statement she said, “We have to be the best in our job for those are the things he entrusted to us.” I can just recall how we personally meet in your residential office as I asked for your recommendation. I told you that I want to be in public service as a nurse, particularly as a clinician in one of those highly specialized medical center. You looked at me sincerely, throw few questions and said that it won’t be hard to do that. You even appreciated my desire to be in a government hospital despite of the situation of the Philippine public health. Today, after a year and a half in government medical service (PCMC) I can proudly say that I’m one of those who have the satisfying job on earth. And for that I thank you for the trust, the opportunity and forever you’ll be an inspiration to me. Service has just started to be our common ground, young yet invigorated and I assure you it will continue to grow.
I don’t really know what tied you to our family. The simplest I know is that we are neighbors in that special town of Oquendo but the romance between you and our family is obviously more than neighbors. To those so many instances and opportunities to help us that you have taken part, thank you! We will be forever indebted to you and to your family. Kay sa ungod la tito Ining in kaso nagkariti-riti, an amon la kon hain ka adto man liwat kami. But see how selfless you are that you allowed us to meet and build friendship with your friends and see how gracious God is, for he forbade those things of brokenness to happen.
Truly God works in mysterious way, at times we are confronted by his works that are unusual, unwarranted, incomprehensible and illogical but we learn to surrender to Him everything for His reasons are Divine. Imagine today, the sun will rise and shine in the west; in the western Samar. It will glow and brighten just as yellow as your people’s support. Manna will come down from heaven like yellow confetti. In your loss, we did not lost but we rise stronger, united and driven. They had the wrong plan, they should have consulted us if they want winning badly for that is where Calbayog best at. They had just casted their most desperate stone. Humiliated, we took it a blow but from now on, never again! We will stand as you take your best rest, Kami naman! We will champion your cause humanely and rightfully for that is the clear boundary between them and us. We are right and too bad they were so wrong!
J. Redi Briones, RN. 22 The writer never regret rushing home from Manila to attend the burial of the Modern hero of Western Samar. The late Reynaldo S. Uy, MD. The writer was able to draw inspiration from his death and to the overwhelming support of the People of Samar to the cause of reform and change.
The CDAPRO Head Dr. Teodoro "Teody" Fortaleza and Mr. George "Jun" Castro Jr., the drummer of Stagecrew Band will both turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!
Here's a video of Stagecrew performing "Kapiling Na"
There's new online poll. It's for the "Teen Ambassadors of the Earth 2010". One of the candidates is Aeron. He may not have set foot on Calbayog yet, but his roots are from the place. His mother Ova Rumohr is from Calbayog.
To vote for Aeron, please check this link, or this link.
zones, people who are leaders, people that sees mission, people that has a vision, people who are driven, people who are united, and people who seeks justice.
always emanates in his character that even in writing the course of the story, he left us the paper and pen and stood up from the history table, stood at the background and while overseeing his people, he wanted us to write the course of our history, he wanted us to be involved, he wanted us to know the fight, he wanted us to be courageous, he wanted us to make steps, he wanted us to decide, he wanted an overrated orchestrated history we shall all be proud of even if it would cause him his light called life.
can thin scar, no painkiller could ease the pain, no clotting factor could stop the bleeding, and no tranquilizer could counter anxiety. We could not ask for more for we are truly blessed with him and in Christ. We are at peace and happy until you distorted it, until the sun set and never rise again and until the rain poured and never stop again. But he won’t allow these things and it will break his soul seeing us this way that is the very reason why today we are the sun that rise, we are the wind that blow away the clouds, we are the drug that heals our own and we are the vaccine that immunizes us all from your ferocious intentions and from the cancer of society.
There's new online poll. It's for the "Teen Ambassadors of the Earth 2010". One of the candidates is Aeron. He may not have set foot on Calbayog yet, but his roots are from the place. His mother Ova Rumohr is from Calbayog. 
