AKLAN FORUM journal

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2012-02-08T03:06:23.345+10:00

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Marquez to report achievements in province address

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Governor Carlito Samson Marquez will deliver his annual report through his State of the Province Address (SOPA) today highlighting his administration’s achievements last year.

Marquez' SOPA will be during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) 5^th regular session at around 9:30 this morning.

The Governor is expected to present the plans and programs of his administration and its achievements in local governance, tourism, agriculture, funds sourcing, health services, livelihood, education, youth, sports, environmental protection, social services and peace and order, among others.

Invited guests when Marquez delivers his SOPA are the provincial department heads and chiefs of national government agencies, local mayors, government employees, non-government organizations (NGOs) and the media.

Marquez will deliver his Wednesday's speech amid record-breaking tourist arrivals in Boracay Island and a billion annual budget for the province. It should come as no surprise that Governor Marquez's address will also focus on tourism and agriculture, the twin engines of development of the province.

This is the 8^th time that Marquez will deliver his SOPA since he was elected as a three-term governor since 2004.

The session will be presided by Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo. The address will be aired live on local radio stations and other public TV community channels across the province.

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2012-02-07T21:57:31.971+10:00

It's more fun in Boracay, with or without DOT campaignCARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA News Placing the world-famous Boracay Island in Aklan among the top beach destinations in Asia, a popular travel website seems to agree that it is, as the latest tourism campaign says, more fun in the Philippines. Described by the Department of Tourism as "paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world," Boracay is listed by online travel guide TripAdvisor as first in its Top 10 Beaches in Asia. Malacañang says the honor shows the government's efforts to boost tourism are working. “In (the) furtherance of our (tourism) campaign through the ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ (program), just to share some good news with you, the travel website TripAdvisor has ranked Boracay as the number one beach destination in Asia and second in the world,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview on government-run dzRB radio on Sunday, February 6. But it seems that travelers agreed with the campaign even before it was launched. TripAdvisor's list, which is based on reviews submitted by travelers, was published in 2011, before the DOT's campaign was launched early this year.TripAdvisor says that despite being small, the island offers many excellent beaches to choose from. "Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you'll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world," says the description in the website's Travelers' Choice 2011 guide. Early last year, President Benigno Aquino III said Boracay has the potential to become the leading tourist destination in the Visayas Region. "Noon pa man, tangan na ng Boracay ang potensyal na maging pangunahing tourist destination sa rehiyon ng Visayas dahil sa bukod-tangi nitong likas-yaman, world-class na mga resort, at siyempre, ang tanyag na mainit na pagtanggap mula sa mga Pilipino, na siya namang nagdudulot ng ngiti at galak sa bawat bisita," said Aquino in his speech at the inauguration of the newly renovated Caticlan Airport last June. The President noted that every year, the airport serves around 100,000 tourists visiting Boracay. But it seems Boracay's fans are mostly foreigners, as a 2010 survey conducted by the National Statistics Office and the DOT shows that Boracay is not among the Filipino tourist's most favorite places to visit. The 2010 Household Survey on Domestic visitors reported that the National Capital Region (NCR) was the most frequently visited place, with 7.1 million domestic visitors. Capiz, which is the province nearest Boracay, had only 236,000 domestic tourists passing through it and was ranked 20th. –KG, GMA News[...]

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2012-02-07T03:41:27.419+10:00

Magnitude 6.9 quake rocks Visayas, Kalibo felt quake at intensity 4 BY BOY RYAN B. ZABALThe earthquake, measuring 6.9 magnitude, formed cracks on the road in Negros Oriental / PHOTO BY Hulagway ug Kasikas sa Dumaguete KALIBO, Aklan – A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 jolted parts of Visayas before noon on Monday, killing at least 50 persons, mostly in Negros Oriental. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's (Phivolcs) said the strong earthquake hit at 11:49 a.m. which its epicenter traced between the islands of Negros and Cebu. The quake was tectonic in origin, which means the tremor was triggered by the movement of the earth’s crust, off 10 kilometers northwest of Tayasan, Negros Oriental. The town of Kalibo felt the earthquake at Intensity 4. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damages in Aklan. The Earthquake Intensity scale of Philvocs defines Intensity 4 as Moderately Strong. “Felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard,” it said. According to Philvocs director Renato Solidum, ”over 240 aftershocks were recorded so far. The larger the magnitude, usually the longer the duration of aftershocks. Aftershocks from the 6.9 quake that struck Visayas will persist for a week or so.” The earthquake was strongly felt at intensity 7 in Dumaguete City and Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental and intensity 6 in La Carlota City and La Castellana, Negros Occidental and Argao in Cebu. Intensity 5 was felt in Roxas City, Dao and Ivisan, Capiz; Iloilo City; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kanlaon City; Lapu-Lapu City; Guimaras; Cebu City; San Carlos City; Bacolod City; Sagay City; Tagbilaran City and Candoni, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Intensity 4 was recorded in San Jose de Buenavista, Pandan, Anin-y, Patnugon, Antique; Sipalay, Negros Occidental and Dipolog City, Ormoc City and Intensity 3 was felt in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Legazpi City, Albay; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Tacloban City; Catbalogan; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; Masbate, Masbate and Cagayan de Oro City. Intensity 2 was felt in Cabid-an, Sorsogon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Mambajao, Camiguin and Intensity 1 in Pagadian City.NDRRMC update Majority of the casualties died in a landslide in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental and hundreds were reportedly injured, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. As of 5 p.m. NDRRMC update, five cottages in Comendador Beach resort were wiped out due to sudden rise in water and 20 residential houses were damaged in La Libertad, Negros Oriental. Some government offices and commercial buildings, bridges, churches, roads, schools and houses also sustained cracks and damage in various areas hit by the quake. “No further reports of unusual sea level changes were received after the two hour extended observation period. Hence, tsunami alerts for the Philippines are cancelled,” NDRRMC said.Evacuation operations were initiated in Moalboal (southwest of Cebu) in the barangays of Saavedra, Basdiot, Poblacion West and East, Tuble, Tomonoy, and Balabagon. The displaced population were taken to Barangay Bugho in Moalboal. Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey website measured the latest quake at 6.7 magnitude, 72 kilometers north of Dumaguete City of Negros Oriental and hit at a depth of 46.6 kilometers. [...]

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2012-02-05T23:15:10.075+10:00

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Boracay eyed as venue for Asian Games centennial celebration

BORACAY ISLAND, (Xinhua) -- The Central Philippines' resort island Boracay is being considered by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) as venue for the 2013 executive meeting for the centennial celebration of Asian games, an official said on Saturday.

Aklan Provincial Congressman Florencio Miraflores said that he has spoken to Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr and that the proposal to make Boracay as a venue has been approved in principle.

Cojuangco, together with OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad AL-SABAH of Kuwait, had recently come to this resort island to determine the potential of Boracay in hosting the centennial celebration of the Asian Games. The meeting was hosted by Boracay mayor John Yap.

"I was told that officials from International Olympic Committee will be coming over for the centennial celebration. The games will also be attended by 45 countries in Asia," Miraflores said.

It was in 1913, when Manila hosted "Oriental Olympics", which was also known later as "the Far Eastern Games".

The Philippines was known to be the prime mover of the sports event being hosted by Manila, Shanghai and Osaka (turns every two years).

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2012-02-05T23:16:08.423+10:00

Techno infusion, ethno fashionBY PAUL M. ICAMINA / MalayaWoven piña and jusi of Aklan. Inabel of Ilocos Norte. Hablon of Iloilo. T’nalak of Lake Sebu. Hinabol of the Higaonons in Bukidnon. Inaul of Maguindanao.Textiles from the Cordilleras and Abra. And the colorful fabrics of the Yakans and Maranaos of Mindanao.All in neo-ethnic designs that draw inspiration from master weavers, dyers and artisans. All to propel Philippine textile into high fashion and every day wear."It will provide the needed boost to ethnic textile production, to infuse fresh waves of ideas and concepts that makes these traditional textiles, designs and production updated, competitive yet still culturally relevant," Dr. Carlos C. Tomboc, Director of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), told Malaya Business Insight.Local and natural are the buzzwords: fibers from plants woven into traditional wear that have lasted centuries are turned into what PTRI calls neoethnic fashion."The idea is to evolve ethnico textiles into mainstream fashion in view of their eco-character and novelty representative of local heritage and an embodiment of the labor of people who perpetuate the craft," said Jeannie Lynn J. Cabansag of PTRI’s Research and Development Division.The PTRI, a part of the Department of Science and Technology, has developed technologies on Philippine tropical fabrics as well as dyeing and printing technologies using natural plant sources, and finishing including application of enzymes that make tropical and ethnic fabrics less itchy, less coarse and more wearable and easier to keep for a longer time.Enzymes are eco-friendly microorganisms; some varieties can be used to soften fabrics as well as remove itchiness in fabrics. Enzymes are household chemicals common, for instance, in detergents."Product development, training and promotion add premium and value to revive ethnic textiles and turn them into cosmopolitan form and use, spreading the technologies to other textile producing communities and larger markets," Cabansag said. "It is a fusion of science and age-old art and craftsmanship."Ethnic textiles are fabrics distinctively produced by a certain tribe, community, locality or ethno-linguistic group that has become a part of its identity, culture and heritage.Although in some places ethnic textiles have been revived, their production has either slowed down or even ceased, Tomboc explained.Ethnic textiles identified with specific places, like the piña of Aklan, have gained prominence in mainstream fashion when Bench, a leading Filipino apparel company, used them in its 2009 Philippine Fashion Week show. Ethnic prints are included in its spring and summer collections.It is part of the "revival" of Southeast Asian textiles normally used as traditional costumes, re-created into contemporary looks and featured in the collection of fashion designers like Dries Van Noten, Givenchy Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg.Then there is the green thing. Standards for dyeing textiles are getting stricter as Oeko Tex 200 imposes limits on the effluents and the amount of extractable metals and compounds in textiles.To minimize polllution, Oeko Tex 200 limits, for example, the allowable amount of textile finishings, including dyes, that provide acceptable colorfastness. Textile coloration accounts for a substantial percentage in textile wastewater."Our niche are ethnic textiles using eco-friendly, natural, low-impact dyes that are also superior and safe," Tomboc said.Synthetic, petro-based dyes now color most textile because of the great ease and more cost effective dyeing techniques involved. However, the health hazards of continuous exposure to synthetic dyes has made natural dyes attractive.Azo dyes, which are potentially cancer-causing, has been banned in Germany and selectively banned in other European countries.The European Union’s policy on REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) regulates dyed materia[...]

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2012-02-03T08:22:12.123+10:00

Santo Nino celebration grows, aims to include Guam visitorsBY DAVID MERCADO, JR / Pacific Daily NewsFilipino community members brought dozens upon dozens of statues of the Jesus child to the Guam Bakery in Dededo as part of a yearly celebration of the Santo Niño, as the baby Jesus is called in most Filipino communities.Santo Niño-Guam 2000, the committee responsible for making the celebration possible, created yet another festivity full of drumming, dancing and song.The festivities started with a nine-day rosary novena in a warehouse conference room at Guam Bakery in Dededo, an area that can accommodate almost 250 people.The celebration concluded Jan. 8 with a festal Mass and procession at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagåtña.At the procession, Filipino devotees carried their statues of the baby Jesus, all varying in size and shape.Special guest homilist this year was Bishop Jose Corazon Talaoc, DD, Bishop of Kalibo, Aklan.According to Art Salomes, chairman of this year's celebration, the "bishop was happy to come to Guam to celebrate with his fellow Filipinos."The bishop admires the commitment of the Santo Niño groups on Guam, Salomes says."It took about two to three months to prepare," says Salomes, who is from Iloilo, another province in the Philippines known to enthusiastically celebrate the Santo Niño. "It is a religious celebration, so I hope that next year everyone can help celebrate with us, including tourists."Salomes also is the administration manager of Lam Lam Tours and hopes that by next year, the celebration can be included in the tourist handbook of fiesta tours so that the Santo Niño festival may be a "festival for tourists," he says.The Dededo resident has been on Guam for almost 23 years, and this year is his sixth celebrating the Santo Niño on island.As chairman, he admits that it's quite a challenge to organize an event this big, but he "loves the commitment of the various Santo Niño groups and the Filipino community."Going on 13 yearsThe Santo Niño groups on Guam include the Aklan Association of Guam, Iloilo International, Capizeños Association of Guam, Oton Association of Guam, and the Cebu Association of Guam, which is the original group that started the festivities back in 1999 when Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal gave a Santo Niño statue to Archbishop Anthony Apuron.Apuron, in turn, challenged the different Filipino groups on Guam to have a unified celebration in the cathedral."It so happened that I was asked to coordinate the group to hold the festival," says Tim Oftana, current adviser to the Santo Niño-Guam 2000."I noticed that the celebration keeps improving in terms of participation," adds the Guam Bakery owner. "The cathedral was filled!"After the mass, devotees made their way to Guam Bakery in Dededo, to continue the festivities with the sounds of the Ati-atihan drummers and sights of the Sinulog dance, well known to complement the Santo Niño celebration.A small dinner was served to everyone."Every year, even if you're a member or not of a Filipino organization, we make it a point to celebrate the Santo Niño," adds Salomes.We are hoping to see more of the Filipino cultural presentations next year, as well," says Oftana.[...]

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2012-02-02T02:22:29.170+10:00

PNP turns-over new patrol car to Aklan BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL KALIBO, Aklan – A brand new police patrol car was turned over to the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) on Tuesday at Camp Martin Teofilo Delgado in Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City. Aklan police director Senior Superintendent Cornelio Defensor received the symbolic key from Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 regional director Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol, Jr. for the turned over of a Toyota Innova model patrol vehicle. Querol led the turnover of police patrol vehicles to the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Bacolod City and PRO-6 headquarters, which are part of the Philippine National Police’s enhanced drive on anti-crime operations. According to Querol, the new patrol vehicles will enable the police to serve the community better, especially in carrying out their duties that require mobility.“The patrol vehicles are not used only in carrying out police operations but sometimes used to ferry victims to the hospitals in times of emergencies. I encourage the police provincial offices to make good use of the vehicles at all times,” he said. Meanwhile, Police Officer 2 Nida Gregas of Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) was awarded during the 21st Foundation Anniversary of PRO-6 in Iloilo City on January 30 with Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal). She was recognized for being the Best Performing Information Officer of Aklan for 2011 during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) Year-end Conference in Region 6.[...]

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2012-02-01T09:36:37.345+10:00

Reason and ConcernBY ATTY. RONQUILLO C. TOLENTINOFormer Aklan solon notable member of Sigma Rho Former Aklan congressman Allen Salas Quimpo is listed among the notable members of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Sigma Rho Fraternity. The Sigma Rho Fraternity is a College of Law-based fraternity of UP and reputed to be the pioneer in law-student fraternities in Asia. From Wikipedia, the internet-based free encyclopedia, some notable members of the Sigma Rho UP Fraternity are as follows: * Luciano Salazar, one of the Charter Members of the Sigma Rho Fraternity and co-founder of SyCip Salazar Law Offices, the biggest law firm in the Philippines * Magno Gatmaitan, Charter Adviser of the founding Members in 1938; former Associate Justice, Court of Appeals and UP College of Law professor * Pedro L. Yap, former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines * Marcelo Fernan, former Chief Justice and Senate President * Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, current Senate President, also former Secretary / Minister of National Defense as well as congressman from Cagayan * Rafael M. Salas, former Executive Secretary, Office of the President of the Philippines, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, and Founder, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) * Jose Leido Jr., former Minister of Natural Resources, Assistant Executive Secretary and Legislator * Edgardo Angara, former Senate President, Executive Secretary, Secretary of Agriculture, and President, University of the Philippines * Sen. Franklin Drilon, former Senate President as well as Executive Secretary, Secretary of Justice, and Secretary of Labor, all under President Corazon Aquino * Cong. Marlon M. Villarin, Cong. Simeon Datumanong, Cong. Arthur Defensor, Cong. Luis Villafuerte, Cong. Simeon Kintanar, Cong. Macabangkit Lanto, Cong. Allen Quimpo, Cong. Rolex Suplico, Cong. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Cong. Ronald Cosalan, Cong. Nelson Collantes, former Pangasinan vice governor and congressman Ranjit Shahani and former National Telecommunications Commission chief Ronald O. Solis.[...]

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2012-02-01T00:07:31.185+10:00

Ati-Atihan festival earns P3.194 million, Kasafi says BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL KALIBO, Aklan – Festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) chairman Albert Menez said the weeklong festival was successful and that the earnings this year was 75 percent higher compared to last year. An internal audited financial statement of this year’s festival shows a net income of P3.194 million. Last year, the foundation netted an income of P1.835 million. The biggest items for expenses incurred by Kasafi are cash prizes for the winning tribes and individuals of P679,000; subsidies for the tribes of P677,500; representation and entertainment of P491,142; Ati-Atihan festival materials of P409,312; Ati-Atihan souvenir program of P220,000, salaries and wages of staff for P162,300 and rentals of portalets of P140,000. The biggest sources of income are sponsorships and donations, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights and Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan ticket sales, sales of drinks from Kalibo Magsaysay depot, rentals from Kalibo Magsaysay and Kaean-an sa Plaza stalls. Other sources of income were advertisements for the Ati-Atihan souvenir program and Kalibo Magsaysay space ads.The Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights sponsored by Kasafi from January 9 to 12 earned P329,590 from ticket sales. Income from sales of drinks from Kalibo Magsaysay depot netted P138,003.75 and ticket sales for the Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan held at Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center had P100,000.Meanwhile, Menez said the Kasafi will put up an Ati-Atihan village in Tigayon Hills in Barangay Tigayon in partnership with the municipal government of Kalibo. The financial assistance for the tribes and the prizes for the Ati-Atihan street dancing contest will likely be increase next year, he added.A total of 30 Ati-Atihan tribes and a dozen individuals for the Balik-Ati category joined the annual Ati-Atihan street dancing contest this year. [...]

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2012-01-30T00:26:15.911+10:00

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Kalibo Ati-Atihan gallery opens

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Hop around in the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) office in a must-see Ati-Atihan gallery – a glimpse into the rich history and religious celebration of Senor Sto. Nino festival.

The public is invited for up close viewing of the gallery, which is dedicated to promote cultural and religious enrichment of the Senor Sto. Ati-Atihan festival, starting in the afternoon of January 30.

The gallery has a wide variety of Ati-Atihan tribal costumes of Tribu Parola, Black Beauty Boys, Tribu Responde, Kabog, Libtong Boys, Tribu Bukid Tigayon and Tribu Ninolitos, native instruments and a replica of the Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo.

Other display items which are part of the public viewing are Balik-Ati artworks done by creative and talented students and the old photographs of the 1975 Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival event.

Going up in the second floor of the Capt. Gil Mijares Buiding, you will find the home of more than 100 visually stunning photographs of the recent Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival and the year-round activities, the mission and vision of the private sector-led Kasafi, said foundation chairman Albert Menez.

The new exhibition is also a fitting tribute to the partners, sponsors and volunteers who made the Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival managed by Kasafi in partnership with the municipal government of Kalibo for the past two years truly a big success.

Held every third Sunday of January, the Ati-Atihan festivity features various traditional festivities in honor of Senor Sto. Nino.

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2012-01-29T13:08:35.171+10:00

Pinoy Pride XI: "Astig" Macahilig KOs Thai opponent in 2nd round BY BOY RYAN B. ZABALMar Jhun Macahilig of Kalibo, Aklan dropped Kaichon Sor Vorapin of Thailand in the 2nd round in the undercard fight of Pinoy Pride XI: Philippines vs The World KALIBO, Aklan – Flyweight boxer Mar Jhun "Astig" Macahilig knocked out former world title contender Kaichon Sor Vorapin in the second round in the Pinoy Pride XI: Philippines vs the World at Cebu City Waterfront Hotel and Casino on Saturday. The 21-year old native of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan improved his record 14-1 with 8 KOs, including this one, of the scheduled 8th round non-title flyweight bout (112 lbs). Trained by Edmund Villamor of ALA Promotions, Macahilig dropped the 30-year old Thai opponent (25-10, 9 KOs) in a stunning short time of 2:01 minutes of the second round.Wearing black trunks emblazzoned with the "Astig" name, Macahilig came forward with a barrage of head and body punches and landed a left hook to the body that sent Vorapin to the canvass grimacing in pain near the ropes.Vorapin failed to beat the count of 10 of referee Teddy Alivio, giving the proud boxer from Kalibo, Aklan a second-round victory Saturday night before a sellout crowd in Cebu City. In an interview by RGMA DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo, Macahilig said his trainer also works with Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista and world boxing champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes of the famed ALA Gym in Cebu City. The last fight of Macahilig was a 10-round unanimous decision against southpaw Edwin Berwela on September 25, 2011 in Iloilo City. He also scored technical knockouts over Allan Doronilla (8th round) in Bohol and Ryan Tampus (2nd round) in Boracay Island in his boxing fights last year. In 2010, Macahilig had six boxing matches – Jermie Jabel in Misamis Oriental (TKO), Rocky Sardido, Mark Anthony Gerardo and Elbert Guardario (unanimous decision). He lost a 6th-round close match to Fernando Ocon in Cebu City on January 17, 2010. In the main bout on Saturday, unbeaten World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo (26-0, 10 KOs) defeated Juan “Panterita” Esquer of Mexico in the seventh round. Filipino knockout artist Lorenzo "Thunderbolt" Villanueva also won over Diego Ledesma via 1st round KO and undefeated Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation mini-flyweight titleholder Merlito Sabillo won against Sofyan Effendi via unanimous decision. Other boxing bouts at the jampacked Cebu Waterfront Hotel and Casino were: Joseph Von Minoza defeated Korean champion Yoo Shin Kim via unanimous decision Japanese warrior Kazuya Harada defeated Alvin Arresgado via majority decision Jun “Flash” Intor defeated Crispin Parba via unanimous decision Mark Acub wins over Samuel Galinato via 1st round knockout Jicky Gaco defeated Ivor Lastrilla via technical decision [...]

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2012-01-29T11:10:07.730+10:00

Boracay named best beach in Asia, second in the worldA travel website has named the Philippines’ famous Boracay island as the best beach in Asia. The website www.TripAdvisor.com’s Travelers’ Choice 2011 also voted the island as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.“At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you—you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from,” it said.“Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you’ll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world,” the website added.Included in the list of 25 best beaches in the world were Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (No. 1); Boracay, Philippines (No. 2 ); Palm/Eagle beach, Aruba island (No.3 ); Negril, Jamaica (No. 4); Tulum, Mexico (No.5); Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (No. 6); Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman island (No. 7); Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (No. 8); Cape May, New Jersey (No. 9) and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica (No. 10).The website said that the ranking was based on the travelers’ reviews and ratings.In Asia, the top best beaches were: Boracay, Philippines; Maldives, Koh Phangan, Thailand; Koh Samui, Thailand; Khao Lak, Thailand; Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand; Gili Trawangan, Indonesia; Krabi Town, Thailand; Ko Lanta, Thailand; and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.Best destinationsThe website also included the summer capital of the Philippines—Baguio City—in its Top Best Destinations in Asia.The City of Pines ranked 22nd in the best destinations category.“Baguio, perched high in the Cordillera Central Mountains, is a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands. Camp John Hay, originally built as a recreation area for US soldiers, now is a full-fledged resort complete with a world-class golf course. Definitely stop at the city market, where you can buy almost anything (just be prepared to haggle),” it said.Hong Kong was named the best destination in Asia while Cape Town, South Africa was adjudged the best in the world.In its list of best hotels, TripAdvisor’s included Dave’s Straw Hat Inn in Boracay and Padre Burgos Castle Resort in Southern Leyte as Top Hotels for Service in Asia, which ranked 14th and 18th, respectively, while the Alegre Beach Resort in Cebu ranked 25th in All-Inclusive Resorts in Asia.[...]

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2012-01-28T00:24:12.170+10:00

Aklan guv to deliver his SOPA BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL KALIBO, Aklan - Governor Carlito Marquez will deliver his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the session hall during the 5th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan on February 8. The State of the Province Address is the 8th annual address of Marquez in his three-term incumbency as governor of Aklan. Marquez is expected to mention the future thrusts of the provincial government and the modest achievements that his administration had achieved for the past 12 months in tourism, agriculture and food production, social development and services, public health delivery, sports, sourcing of funds, disaster and public safety management, youth, education, infrastructure, peace and order and livelihood. The 5th regular session of the Provincial Board will start at 9 a.m. to be presided by Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo. Invited to grace the SOPA are officials and representatives of various local, regional and national offices and line agencies, local government officials and employees, elected officials, academe, non-government organizations, tri-media and other sectoral leaders. For the eighth time, the address will be broadcast live on several Aklan-based radio stations and cable television companies. Marquez, who plans to run for the congressional post in 2013, has declared Aklan as a ‘billionaire province’ with an annual budget of P1.115-billion for this year, of which P611.422 million is appropriated to the General Fund and P428.165 million to the Economic Enterprise Development Department. Aklan was recently awarded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as 2nd Runner-Up Best Performing in Region 6 in last year’s Search for Excellence in Local Governance or the EXCELL Awards.[...]

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2012-01-26T08:46:14.700+10:00

Kasafi ready to present Ati-Atihan financial reportBY BOY RYAN B. ZABALKALIBO, Aklan – Is this year’s premier festival losing or earning? How would you rate the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival? These burning questions will be answered by the officials of Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) on January 30. Kasafi chairman Albert Menez said the financial and evaluation reports of the recently concluded Ati-Atihan festival will be made public on Monday afternoon. The Ati-Atihan financial report contains the funds from different entities and its proper accounting and how and when those funds were disbursed by the foundation. Thanks to the confidence of the municipal government of Kalibo headed by Mayor William Lachica to the Kasafi for taking charge of this multi-million Ati-Atihan celebration. The foundation has grown a positive reputation for its transparency after submitting the last year's financial report within the prescribed deadline of 60 days after the festival. In fact, the 2011 Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival financial report was made publicly available days after the festivities. In its first year of operations, Kasafi netted an income of P1.8 million and earned the confidence of sponsors and community groups in holding the festival. Menez said this year's festival has been a success by every measure. As expected, the street dancing contest, pilgrims’ mass and the religious procession lured thousands of devotees and visitors to pay homage to the Senor Sto. Nino. Television giant GMA-7 brought in stars for free Kapuso Ati-Atihan night. The tandem of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan and the local producers opened the Aklan Products Expo to showcase the best-locally made products. Hotels and pension inns were fully booked in the central town of Kalibo with advance bookings for next year’s festival. Coming out another top-drawer was the Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2012 for the second time in a row. The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army deployed around 800 soldiers, policemen and civilian volunteers to maintain peace and order for the weeklong festival.Menez said the festival was not perfect and on scale of 1-10, he gave an overall rating of 8, with 1 being terrible and 10 being wonderful.[...]

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2012-01-25T08:43:31.238+10:00

Accounting - with a heartBY ANGELO G. GARCIAKALIBO, Aklan - In many rural areas, cooperatives are common organizations that help its members meet their common economic, social, cultural needs and aspirations through jointly owned and democrati-cally controlled enterprise. Yet, many of these groups fall on the wayside because of the lack of the proper systems and manpower to correctly operate. Accounting is one of the most common pitfalls. Recognizing the need to improve the operation of cooperatives in their area, the Aklan Catholic College Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (ACCJPIA) started a project called A CPA or the Assisting Cooperatives’ Proficiency in Accounting. A CPA is a bookkeeping, accounting and audit field exposure for members of ACCJPIA to strengthen their academic competence by applying what they have learned in the accounting program, as well as to develop volunteerism and citizenship in providing assistance. “The members teach sustainability to cooperatives that lack proper accounting systems and therefore cannot provide auditable financial statements which is an annual requirement of the Cooperative Devel-opment Authority,” explains ACCJPIA president Joeby Barrientos. “It is our desire to help these cooperatives not only in terms of their accounting functions but also somehow help in their business operations as well that lead us to come up with such a beneficial project.” ACCJPIA is a recognized and an accredited student organization of Aklan Catholic College. All 105 stu-dents enrolled in BS Accountancy are members. The organization aims to strengthen academic competence, instill optimal growth, eagerness and attitude, and develop camaraderie among each member. Its goal is to enhance the integrity of the accountancy profession, among others. ACCJPIA has been conducting projects in connection with sustainability of cooperatives and small business enterprises for so many years. FARMING AND ACCOUNTING The project specifically assisted the Agbalogo Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AFMPC), Aglucay Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ACFMPC), Libang Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Co-operative and Libang Irrigation Association (LSNMPC) (all these in Makato, Aklan) and Boracay Aetas Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Boracay, Malay, Aklan. “At first, the cooperatives lacked proper accounting system. They needed intervention of people who have knowledge in accounting and audit functions. The problem is that they don’t have the capacity to hire such people who are accounting-oriented because they are just small cooperatives composed of farmers and minorities (Aetas). Since accounting is an essential function in a business, cooperatives may not be able to conduct their operations efficiently,” Barrientos shares. The group had to go through far flung areas to reach these cooperatives. Most of the time, they had to use their own allowances just to conduct the project. One of the areas is in Boracay, Aklan. “When you go to Boracay, what you can see is the white beach, foreigners, well-accommodating resorts; Boracay offers a tourist destination at its best. But behind those eye-catching scenes are neglected by the common people, the indigenous and the original inhabitants of Boracay — the Aetas who are given less attention.” “We teach the Aetas from the very simple mathematics, to the basics of accounting through one-on-one practical tutorial. Though some of them were not able to finish school, they are really eager to learn. Aetas are really inspiring and we will never give up on them as long as they need our intervention,” he explains. Since then, the cooperatives that they have helped hav[...]

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2012-01-24T01:27:00.639+10:00

Kasafi bares 2012 Kalibo Ati-Atihan photo contest winnersBY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL KALIBO, Aklan - Photographers from the Aklan Kamera Organization (A.K.O.) dominated the 2012 Ati-Atihan Photo contest of festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).The foundation shouldered the prizes at stake of P60,000 for the winners of the 'Balik-Ati' photo competition, which is open to all professional, amateur photographers and hobbyists. For the second year in a row, the Kasafi in partnership with the Aklan Photographic Society, Inc. (APSI) hosted the Ati-Atihan photography contest to capture images of the lively and colorful festival in Kalibo. This year, a total of 57 photographers - locals and foreigners - joined the Balik Ati Open Photo Contest. Each photographer is allowed to submit five photo entries taken from January 9 to 15 of the weeklong Ati-Atihan celebration and the entries to be judged on January 23. Architect Mikko Martelino, a resident of XIX Martyrs Street, Kalibo, Aklan and a member of Aklan Kamera Organization (A.K.O.), stands out among the entries to grab the P30,000 grand prize.Mikko's winning photo entry entitled 'Native Wings' depicts the smiling and soot-smeared Ati little boy - a member of Apo ni Inday of Calangcang, Makato, Aklan donned in his indigenous Ati tribe costume. Over the last four years, Mikko has been honing his talent and skill in photography and his portfolio boasts of a myriad of subjects, ranging from poignant portraits, festive events to the most picturesque landscapes in the region. Another award winning photographer and software developer Ree Dexter Ingeniero of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan was declared second place winner for P20,000. Ree, also an AKO member, has the smiling Ati tribe member from Tribu Bukid Tigayon as his winning photo. Third placer Donnie Magbanua, a native of Cavite and an entrepreneur-photographer of Balay Imprenta in C. Laserna Street, Kalibo, Aklan, also grabbed the third prize for P10,000 for his photo of 'Balahibong Manok' individual entry holding a Santo Nino image. Albert Menez, chairman of Kasafi, said all winning Balik-Ati photos and other entries will be showcase by the foundation in the proposed Ati-Atihan gallery. The judges for Balik Ati Photo contest were multi-awarded world-travelling photographer and Canon ambassador Per-Andre Hoffman, photojournalist Abet Jimenez, Rev. Fr. Joesel Quan, Architect and painter Jose Dureza and Ulf Gultemeyer. The awarding ceremony for the photo contest winners is set on January 25 at the Kasafi office. [...]

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2012-01-23T12:09:49.825+10:00

Ibajay Ati-Ati winners namedBY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL IBAJAY, Aklan – The Ati tribe from Barangay Naisud was declared grand champion in the Ibajay Ati-Ati contest. Naisud received the biggest prize at stake of P100,000.The Ati tribe from Barangay San Isidro came in second for P70,000followed by Barangay Regador for P50,000. Third runner-up honors went to San Juanians of Barangay Laguinbanua for P30,000 while Barangay Bugtong Bato get P20,000 for fifth place. For the Float contest, Barangay Laguinbanua was adjudged grand winner with P100,000 in cash prize. Barangay San Isidro receivedP70,000 for second prize and Barangay Buenavista got P50,000 for third place.Other winners in the Ibajay Ati-Ati Float contest are Barangay Naisud for P30,000 and Barangay Agdugayan for P20,000. Floats of each barangay are decorated with agricultural products as the main sources of livelihood being paraded in the main streets while the Ati-Ati street dancing is a parade of participants from different barangays donned in their native and indigenous costumes dancing to the beat of the drums. Still, thousands of devotees and visitors witnessed the annual religious feast in honor of Senor Santo Nino de Ibajay, which is celebrated every fourth Sunday of January. The religious fiesta also includes palapak or pahilot, transfer of the Santo Nino image from the Rectory for the enthronement at the Saint Peter Parish Church, coronation of Miss Ibajay, concelebrated high mass for the devotees, Sayaw by Calizo clan and procession of the holy image of Senor Santo Nino. The weeklong festivity in honor of Senor Santo Nino de Ibajay, slated from January 16 to 22, highlights the unique history and religiousity of the Ati-Ati in the town of Ibajay. Other Ati-Atihan festivals are also celebrated in the towns of Malay, Malinao, Makato, Altavas and the capital town of Kalibo in the month of January.[...]

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2012-01-22T22:59:37.206+10:00

Ibajay Ati-Ati still draws thousands of devoteesBY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL IBAJAY, Aklan – Rains failed to dampen the spirits of the devotees of Senor Sto. Nino de Ibajay in its celebration of Ibajay Ati-Ati Municipal and Devotional Fiesta on Saturday. The intermittent rains did not stop the celebration spirit as thousands of pilgrims witnessed the transfer of the image of Senor Santo Nino from the Catholic rectory to the adjacent Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle.Dancing of Ati-Ati groups from various barangays of Ibajay begins in front of the rectory and by 11:45 in the morning, the miraculous holy image of Santo Nino de Ibajay is gradually move outside the rectory by male devotees until they reach the Ibajay church main altar accompanied by the never-ending drum beatings and the non-stop Ati-Ati style dancing. The enthronement and transfer of Santo Nino image is also greeted by the raucous shouts of ‘Viva Senor Santo Nino’ while the ‘Sayaw by Calizo clan’ showed the mock battles between the Christianos and the Moros (Muslims).Many devotees also continued to troop to the Ibajay church in an attempt to touch the image or throw handkerchiefs or towels to the people guarding the image near the church altar and pay homage to the patron saint of Ibajay. Every fourth Sunday of January or the Feast day of Senor Santo Nino de Ibajay, a concelebrated high mass for the devotees attended by Ati-Ati groups with their barangay floats is scheduled at 8 a.m. followed by Sayaw by Calizo clan at 9 a.m. Other activities are the street dancing and parade of Ati-Ati groups with a float filled with harvest products, palapak ag pahilot, procession of the Holy Image of Senor Santo Nino de Ibajay, return of the Holy Image back to the Catholic Rectory and the announcement of winners for the Float contest and Ati-Ati groups. The week long religious feast of Ibajay Ati-Ati is celebrated from January 16 to 22 this year.[...]

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2012-01-21T00:33:15.814+10:00

Ati-Atihan tribes join Dinagyang's KasadyahanBY BOY RYAN B. ZABALKALIBO, Aklan – Two winning Ati-Atihan tribes in the recently concluded Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival will be joining the Dinagyang’s Kasadyahan 2012 as non-competing groups on January 21. Black Beauty Boys, the reigning Tribal Big category champion of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan, and the first runner-up winner Kabog of Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan will showcase the colorful customes and the Kalibo Ati-Atihan's unique street dancing to the wild beat of the drums in one of the centerpiece events of Iloilo’s Dinagyang festival this year. The Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival is among those fascinating festivals in the region invited by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) and the Department of Tourism to take part in the street dancing of various religious and cultural traditions of Western Visayas.The foundation has allocated P100,000 subsidy to ensure the participation of Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan in the Kasadyahan street dancing competition. Entered also in the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural non-competing groups are the festivals in the region – the Masskara festival of Bacolod City, Kahilwayan festival of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and the cultural presentation of Hugyaw Arts and Dance Company of St. Therese College of Iloilo.The competing groups are the Sinulog sang Oracon of Sibunag, Guimaras; Palayag festival of Buenavista, Guimaras; Salakayan of Miagao, Iloilo; Sinadya sa Halaran of Roxas City, Capiz; Hugyaw Kansilay festival of Silay City, Negros Occidental and Montogawe festival of Mina, Iloilo. Other groups in the competitive category are Tribu Maragtas of West Visayas State University of Iloilo City, Iloilo; Mandaragat Tribe of San Jose, Antique; Panguyang Festival of Tibiao, Antique and Sigabong sang mga Kanyon of Bago City, Negros Occidental. Prizes worth P125,000 awaits the Kasadyahan grand champion, first runner-up P75,000; second runner-up P50,000; third runner-up P40,000 and fourth runner-up P30,000 will be awarded to the winners. Minor awards for best in street dancing will receive P20,000 and P10,000 each for best in performance, choreography, music, costume and choreographer.[...]

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2012-01-21T09:49:22.589+10:00

Echoes FromBY JOHNNY DAYANGSterling LeadershipIt has been dubbed the first major battle of President Benigno Aquino III's anti-corruption campaign. Its objective seems clear: Remove Renato Corona as Chief Justice to pave the way for a politically unimpeded prosecution of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.The logic is that Corona, who was impeached by the Lower House last month on allegations of corruption and betrayal of public trust, had been protecting Mrs. Arroyo and her allies from prosecution.The trial of the Chief Justice is crucial to the political stability and future of the country, because it puts to the test the integrity and independence of all three branches of government - the Executive (President Aquino), the Judiciary (CJ Corona), and the Legislative (the Lower House and the Senate).At one point, the Corona trial sparked fears of a constitutional crisis, pitting the President against a Supreme Court where 12 of its 15 members were appointed by Arroyo.But all these fears have been more than silenced by the effectiveness of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, a genuine statesman who stands head and shoulders above this peers in probity, coherence, and objectivity.The Senate has vowed to be impartial in this trial. It is a promise that has been successfully fulfilled so far, largely through the sterling leadership of the Senate President, whose experience and command of the law has prevented the trial from becoming a circus, much more a vendetta game of the ruling party against the current opposition.And yet, it is quite ironic that many Filipinos seem oblivious to the goings on of the Corona impeachment trial. Initial man-on-the-street interviews show an obvious lack of public knowledge, much more public interest in this very crucial moment in our nation's history.Faced with this apolitical tendency of our countrymen, we, the media, have our work cut and dried: We need to keep the public informed and interested in this trial. We need to find ways to explain this issue without diminishing its merits.It is time we all fully understood our responsibilities. We, the media, cannot continue to let crucial events happen without engaging the larger citizenry. For the Filipino People: No more getting into things without thinking. No more eyes wide shut.[...]

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2012-01-19T01:58:59.249+10:00

Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival a big successBY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL KALIBO, Aklan - In a scale of 1-10, Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) chairman Albert Menez gave this year’s Ati-Atihan festival a rate of 8. Although the Kalibo festival in honor of Senor Sto. Nino was a successful event, the festivities were never perfect, he said. Menez said the Kasafi is riding high in the success of the holding of the Ati-Atihan festival due to fair weather, the increasing number of tourists and devotees and the gigantic support of sponsors and benefactors. It was a far cry from 2011 event in terms of crowd numbers, this year’s festival had also lived up to its reputation as a premier festival in the region. The Ati-Atihan contest Saturday was also an event that Kasafi believes went very well. There were more than 30 Ati tribes and a dozen individual Balik-Ati participants registered with Kasafi. “A festival of this magnitude obviously had a fair share of problems and criticisms such as the zero vendors’ implementation. By next year’s festival, we know there are areas we can improve,” Menez said. He lauded the volunteers and supporters, the unsung heroes of the festival, who contributed their experience, time, efforts and energy for the smooth operation of the festival events. Menez said the Kasafi is preparing the festival’s financial statement to know where the money went within 60 days after the festival. Last year, the Kasafi submitted the financial statement of the festival operations in less than a week with a net income of P1.835 million. The Ati-Atihan festival is an annual event that takes place on the third Sunday of January. Each year many come for the traditional street dancing and others come to enjoy the various events lined-up by Kasafi and the municipal government of Kalibo from January 9 to 15. The festival enticed the tourists and pilgrims with a variety of events like the Ati-Ati Bazaar, Aklan Products Expo, photo contest, pageant night of Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo Ati-Atihan, art exhibit, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights, Aklan Festivals Parade and Higante contest, Kapuso Ati-Atihan night, Kaean-an sa Plaza, spiritual street dancing and sadsad panaad. With smiles and soot smeared on their faces, the devotees embraced the paeapak or pahilot, 9-day novena, the dawn penitential procession and the traditional religious procession with their unwavering faith and devotion to the Holy Child.[...]

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2012-01-19T11:22:00.500+10:00

A perfect paradise gateawayBY TET ANDOLONG / BusinessmirrorBoracay Island was named the second top beach destination in the world for 2011 by travel web site Trip-Advisor. Boracay came in second only to Providenciales Island among 10 top beaches named in the 2011 Traveller’s Choice Beaches Awards. Providenciales is located in the Turks and Caicos group of islands in the Norh Atlantic Ocean.Given the numerous awards and recognitions Boracay has received, it’s hard to believe that there are still many Filipinos who have not been to what many (foreigners, ironically) refer to as Paradise on Earth.It only takes a 45-minute flight from Manila by plane (Southeast Asian Airlines or Seair, for short, has one of the fastest and best services to Caticlan Airport—the closest airport to Boracay) and a 15-minute boat ride to get to the island, so reaching the destination is now as easy and convenient as ever.If the passage from Caticlan to Boracay is timed to perfection, one will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the beach nestled at the foot of a gradually sloping landscape embraced by sparkling crystal-clear waters and blue sky embellished with fantastic cloud formations. If one is lucky enough to catch the sunset, one will witness the sun’s rays beautifully beating down on the powdery white sand, colorful sailboats gliding across a bright orange horizon.Set in the heart of Boracay’s vibrant culture and warm atmosphere is the Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, which is situated in the center of White Beach Station 2 and conveniently located just two minutes away from D’ Mall, food outlets, clothing stores and other activity centers, rendered in a modern Filipino design that captivates the essence of luxurious living in a tropical island setting.The “Triple-A”-rated beachfront resort has 52 luxurious rooms and suites with verandas, each with its own special wall carving by artist Joey Esturis, as well as an outdoor pool that overlooks the pristine shoreline.The Ambassador Suite Living Room is a complete room with first-class amenities that include a top-of-the-line entertainment system that features widescreen television, iPod dock and high-quality speakers installed in the lounging area. The Ambassador Suite Bedroom, on the other hand, is a two-room suite furnished with a king-sized canopy bed, a spacious lounging area, a private bar and a Jacuzzi. Special requests for rose petals on the bed, bouquets, breakfast in bed, personalized menus and other services can always be arranged at the hotel to make anyone’s stay more memorable.The Grand Deluxe Poolside Rooms, which are located in the center of the first floor, are furnished with a king-sized canopy bed and a tatami mat for in-room massage services. Aside from the amenities, a specialized bathroom with separate bathtub and shower is included. The rooms are just a few steps from the hotel swimming pool, as well as the children’s pool.The Deluxe Family rooms, meanwhile, are located on the inner wing of the first floor and are furnished with two bedrooms. The outer rooms are equipped with a queen and a twin bed, while the inner rooms are equipped with a queen bed. Each room, which can accommodate up to five persons, is also equipped with standard room amenities that include complimentary bottles of mineral water, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, as well as complete Toto porcelain bath fixtures, bathrobes, split-type air conditioner, refrigerator, cable television, electronic safe, high-spee[...]

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2012-01-18T09:23:38.372+10:00

Sto. Niño prominent in many Phl festivalsBY CARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA News The Holy Child Jesus is believed around the world to be a miracle worker, and devotees can be found in many places, including Spain, Mexico and Peru. In the Czech Republic, there is the Infant of Prague, a statue believed to have been brought as a wedding gift to a Spanish woman who married a Czech nobleman. In Mexico, the Holy Child has many titles, the most famous being El Santo Niño de Atocha. In Rome, there is the Santo Bambino di Ara Coeli. In the Philippines, the year begins with a month-long tribute to the Holy Child Jesus. All over the country, devotees to the Sto. Niño carry images in processions, offer flowers and dress the statue. The celebration peaks around the third Sunday of the month, which marks the Feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines. "Reverence to Sto. Niño should be put into practice by showing respect and appreciation for life," said Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the Episcopal Commission on Youth. Although Church officials urge devotees to focus on the spiritual aspect of these celebrations, many if not all are not only religious feasts but cultural events as well, including the famous Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, where the vibrant colors and endless sights attract visitors from all over the world. Held annually on the third Sunday of January, the festival is a must-see dance ritual, which honors the Filipino's pagan past and embraces their Christianity. According to historical accounts, when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, he presented a wooden Santo Niño to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu's chieftain. This image became the symbol of friendship between the natives and the Spanish conquerors, who converted most of the country to Christianity. The statue was housed in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and San Nicholas de Tolentino church, and is brought out in a fluvial parade every year during the Sinulog, which translates to "graceful dance." Ati-AtihanKalibo, Aklan3rd Sunday of January Locals as well as tourists are invited to smear their faces with soot and pretend to be Aetas in this annual festivity, which is known to be a fun-filled and unforgettable experience. Benny Tirazona writes in "Whence Came Kalibo Ati-Atihan" that the history of the Ati-Atihan begins in 1212, when Borneans led by Datu Puti decided to escape from Sultan Makatunaw's tyrannical rule. They crossed the seas on boats called "baeangays," and landed in Panay Island. It was there that they settled peacefully with Ati Chieftain Marikudo. They celebrated the event by smearing themselves with soot to look like their new friends, the Aetas. Among the Bornean settlers was Datu Bangkaya, who established Madyanos, which is known today as Kalibo, Aklan. When Fray Andres de Aguirre baptized 1,000 inhabitants of the town in 1750, the event coincided with the Ati-Atihan feast. Since then, the festival has become significant not just historically but in a religious context as well. [...]

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2012-01-29T23:29:58.283+10:00

Black Beauty Boys, Tribu Parola, Scorpio 9-11 declared winners in Kalibo Ati-Atihan contestBY BOY RYAN B. ZABALKALIBO, Aklan - Black Beauty Boys was declared champion in the Tribal Big category to claim the grand prize of P150,000 in the tribe contest of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival this year.The grand winner, also last year's Ati-Atihan contest champion from Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan, bested eight other tribe entries for the biggest purse in the history of Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival contest.Kabog from Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan came in second for P80,000 and Tribu Responde of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan emerged third placer for P50,000. The consolation prizes were given to Lord Eagles of Dumga, Makato, Aklan; Tribu Bukid Tigayon of Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan and Tribu Tiis-Tiis of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan for P10,000 each. Other entries in the Tribal Big category were Maharlika of Dumga, Makato, Aklan; Pangawasan Tribe of Makato, Aklan and D’Kamanggahan Tribe of Poblacion, Makato, Aklan. The perennial champion in the modern group category - Scorpio 11-19 of Kalibo, Aklan took home P50,000, Aeang-Aeang Group of Laguinbanua, Numancia, Aklan emerged as first runner-up for P25,000 and Samahan ng Kababaihan Bayan ng Kalibo, Inc. (SKBK) of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan in third place with P15,000 cash prize.The newcomers - Pilgrimage of Pook, Kalibo, Aklan and The Andagao City of Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan received the consolation prizes of P5,000 each in the modern group category. Other competing tribes were Jimzon Group of Pusiw, Numancia, Aklan and D’Emagine of Kalibo, Aklan. For the Tribal small category, the out-of-town entry Tribu Parola from Daja, Banga, Aklan was this year’s champion for the top prize of P60,000 followed by Tribu Ninolitos of Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan with P40,000 cash prize for second place. Tribu Alibang-bang of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan came in third place for P30,000. Consolation prizes for P8,000 each were awarded to Tribu Tipon-Tipon of Ibao, Lezo, Aklan; Tribu Eam-ang of Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan and Morongga Tribe of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. Other tribes in the small group category were Lezo Tribe of Ibao, Lezo, Aklan and Tribu Tigpalas of Tigpalas, Malinao, Aklan. Meanwhile, Lilo-anong Ati nga Mananggeti of Lilo-an, Malinao, Aklan won the Balik-Ati category for P50,000 while Malipayong Ati of San Roque, Malinao, Aklan was adjudged second place for P25,000. Tribu Isalacan, also of Lilo-an, Malinao, AKlan, was in third place for P15,000. The consolation prize winners for Balik-Ati category were Kinantuing of San Roque, Malinao, Aklan and Tribu Ilayanhon of Liloan, Malinao, Aklan for P5,000 each. Other participating tribes were Anono-o Group and Tribu Maninikop of Briones, Kalibo, Aklan; Tribu Bakhaw Sur of Bakhaw Sur, Kalibo, Aklan and Apo ni Inday of Calangcang, Makato, Aklan. The winners in the Individual Balik-Ati category were Butterfly Queen (Frankelyn Abelarde), Fantastica (Jomar Melgar), Balahibong Manok (Mario Temparosa), Authentic Peacok (Rio Traje) and Ati Amazona (Noel Trance). They received P3,000 each. The winners of the Ati-Atihan contest on Saturday were selected by eleven judges chosen by festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) for the 2012 Kalibo Ati-Atihan.[...]

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2012-01-19T13:39:23.763+10:00

Beloved ChildBY AC DIMATATAC and BERNARD TESTA It was a festive Sunday for most as many people celebrated festivals associated with the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus, in Metro Manila, Cebu and in Kalibo, Ati-Atihan, where what’s described by some as the mother of all Philippine festivals, is held.Mainly, the Ati-Atihan consists of a tribal dancing parade and ethnic music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons.Observed every third Sunday of January, it has people smearing themselves with charcoal or any black substance to look like Aetas.The name Ati-Atihan means "to be like Aetas" or "make believe ati's". It is estimated to begun in the 13th century, when a group of Malay chieftains or "datus" fled from Borneo and were accepted by the Ati's, the early settlers in Panay Island.This festival celebrates the sealing of a peaceful pact between two different races and cultures. It became a religious feast in 1750, when a companion priest of Fray Andres Urdaneta and explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi baptized, in a single day, 1,000 inhabitants of the town and surrounding settlements in the place. Since then its been celebrated with masses and novenas to their Patron Saint Sto. Niño.As time went on, people added various other features to the festival, including the Ati-Atihan dance and the use of creative masks instead of charcoal.People from other provinces and even Manila visit Kalibo just to participate in the lively street dancing and witness the creativity of the costumes and props of the locals and the Aetas themselves.Many devotees also flock to churches to attend the masses and novenas, believing that they will be blessed by the miraculous power of the Sto. Niño.The Sunday mass homily, meanwhile, exhorts the faithful to deepen and mature in their faith, so it “doesn’t remain as young as the child Jesus,” who eventually grew old and matured to prepare him for the ultimate sacrifice of Calvary.Outside of Aklan, the nationwide celebrations usually feature nine-day novena/masses in honor of the Holy Child or Sto. Niño; grand processions of images of the Holy Child in various incarnations – as a shepherd boy, as the keeper of the world, or as a sleeping child.In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, the small Sto. Niño Parish in Barangay Libertad has been celebrating the rich colorful tradition of street dancing in honor of the child Jesus for the past 25 years. Hundreds of thousands attended the celebration this year amidst the heat, then followed by heavy rains, with the performers from the different groups and devotees -- all wet and muddy -- staying on and participating in the festivity from start to finish, and calling the rain a blessing and a sign of a long fruitful year ahead. Among the other colorful festivals frequented by tourists are the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan, and Sinulog Festival in Cebu City (3rd Sunday); the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City (4th weekend); the Binanog Festival in Lambonao, Iloilo, and Sinulog (Kabangkalan) Festival in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental (2nd Sunday); and the Sto. Niño Festival in Malolos, Bulacan (last Sunday of January) among others.[...]

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