Diocese of San Carlos celebrates 25th Jubilee

TABO-TABO SA DIOCESE. The photo collage shows different products from various localities and the delegates from other towns during the noon-time Holy Mass last February 9, 2013.

    The Diocese of San Carlos had just celebrated their 25th Jubilee celebration last February 7 to 9, 2013. It was participated by Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious guests and the San Carlos Community with their theme : “People of Hope, One in Faith, Serving in Love”
    The Diocese of San Carlos occupies a territory on the northeastern part of Negros Island from Manapla down to La Libertad comprising 11 localities of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental including the City of San Carlos which is the holy see of the diocese.
    The Diocese of San Carlos was founded on March 30, 1987 along with the Diocese of Kabankalan. These two ecclesiastical territories were separated from the jurisdictions of Bacolod and Dumaguete. All four dioceses on Negros Island are now suffragans of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Tabo-tabo
    After the holy Mass last February 7 was the cutting of ribbon and the blessing of booths located at the spacious lot beside the San Carlos Borromeo Church. At 9:30 in the morning , the tabo-tabo (booth) from different places in Negros officially opened to raise funds and for promotion of their products.
    The booths consist  of Vicariates from Cadiz, Sagay, Toboso, Guihulngan, Canlaon, San Carlos, and St. John Mary Vianney Seminary. There is also a stall for first aid and for Social Action Center.
    There was a variety of displays of shell decors, dried fish, jams, fruits, vegetables, T-shirts with customized character prints, rosaries, religious books, paintings, herbal medicines and other local products  from different municipalities.
    The rescue team and the PNP stayed in watch of all happenings  in our church’s  celebration to ensure an immediate response for any emergency situations.
Musical event
    The Kruz Band is a pious pop group from Sagay performs musical shows every evening during the course of the celebration with an entrance fee of P 5.00. Students from different schools, friends and families visit the church every evening to witness the church’s fiesta.
    On February 8, the Basic Ecclesial Communities gathered for a congress.
    The visitors and delegates were welcomed last February 9 and was followed by a Holy Mass. The overall event coordinator was Father Patrick Daniel Y. Parcon.
Testimony
    “We can see that these catholic programs help in molding our children to become better individuals and how to tow away from drugs and vices. These activities even open doors for us to meet new people and have a stronger relationship with God!” said Zegric Laguda, a member of the youth. 

FACING INQUIRIES- Investigation officer, Evangeline Nuñal answers questions of the volunteers and responses to different problems on local governance.

A visit from the office of the Ombudsman

    Graft Investigation Officer, Evangeline Nuñal and  Associate Investigation Officer II,  Ma. Novelia Gaurana from the office of the Ombudsman last February 7 to entertain concerns and complains about our local Government and its offices.
    Program coordinator of Good Governance, Mr. Jimmy Baynosa headed the event with his team  from the Social Action Center.
    The gathering was participated by 55 volunteers from Sagay, Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, and other neighboring municipalities of San Carlos.  
    A certain volunteer asked a request that the office of the ombudsman should be the one to facilitate future orientations to tackle government issues on their Barangay, yet Nuñal gave her sentiments about their actions that  were sometimes considered by other people as redundant since the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is also providing such service.

Friendly Observer   
By Arthur Keefe

Ethanol and a state college

A few more words regarding the “big stink” I wrote about recently. The City Council’s environmental protection committee invited SCBI (the Ethanol Plant), to a meeting, which was also well attended by members of the public, and is reported elsewhere in the newspaper.
Firm commitments were given by the company, especially a deadline of January 31, 2013 to have virtually eliminated the noxious smell, and the polluted water runoff into the sea. This is based on the installation of new equipment and a larger lagoon for waste water storage.
They also agreed to commission proper scientific and medical studies into the question of whether their air or water pollution damages the health or environment. They appeared to agree with the City Medical Officer, that independence in such studies was crucial for these to have public credibility.
My reckoning, a good meeting. The councilors were  searching in their questions, and the company appeared both contrite and serious about addressing the problems. Time will tell, but they have put their reputation and future on the line with these promises.
At the same meeting, I was able to follow up my recent article on education in San Carlos with the Chair of the Education Committee. I was delighted to hear that she had already discussed the issues I raised with the Mayor and with the DepEd. We will wait to see if any better communication with parents arises as a result of my complaints about Ramon Elementary School.
On the bigger issue of a State College in San Carlos, she insisted that no opposition had come from the private colleges (which were my suspicion). Rather, the councilors were not convinced that dual use of the High School buildings was a viable option. New classrooms are a requirement they believe.
Obviously, this requires a budget, and I do not know whether all of this has to come from the City Council, or whether grants are available. I strongly suspect they are as if an application is made and approved.
An obvious place to begin to develop such a facility is behind the High School or the vacant and available land. The entrance could be via the High School, with the potential to share some cash and perhaps even sharing some resources (such as laboratories, computers and a library).
The real question is not about the logistics, but about ambition. If the city puts the development of a State College into its 5 year plan, and begins work or design and application, it might happen. This was the approach adopted for the new unlikely airport project. A State College stands a far greater likelihood of success, which much bigger gains for the present and future children of the city. The economic multiplies effect of a college, with students and staff migrating to, and spending money in the local economy in potentially greater than that which an infrequently used airport turned to reality on this occasion.
Are the two issues of SCBI and a State College linked? Yes! Many of the technical staff at SCBI was recruited outside San Carlos, as the skills base does not exist here. If we are to attract other high tech companies to San Carlos, and retain the benefits in the community, we need a qualified local work force, to which a State College can make a major contribution.
 

Food for Tooth
By Otto George I. Weber

F.H.M.

    Sorry to disappoint all you hot-blooded dudes out there, but this isn’t about that popular men’s magazine. It’s about that compact grill & restaurant along V .Gustilo St. (near PNB) – Fonzy’s and its Hot Meals, thus, F.H.M.
     At full capacity with 40 people, it has a casual feel to it, in the native manner. Sitting on those wooden benches and listening to pop/rock music blaring from the speakers reminds me of my younger years. Offering mainly Filipino dishes at affordable prices, Fonzy’s certainly appeals to young professionals and students on a tight budget.
    We found the house specialty – Baby Back Ribs – quite tasty while the kids had a field day demolishing the tender Whole Fried Chicken we took home for dinner.
     Being served my favorite pilsen brew in chilled, slim glass mugs was a nice touch, too. Outside, kids were literally lining up to buy the refreshing buko shake.
      The number of the waitresses needs some augmentation for quicker response to customers’ needs. Another downside – restrooms are some 20 meters out back and well, need some serious clean-up.
     Just a short walk from the plaza, it is ideally located for a hot meal after attending to personal business in that vicinity.

Maya & Ser Chief plus another Maya

By Hernor De Asis

    This might be one of the most controversial articles I’ve written and it contains lines not suitable for narrow-minded persons, and judgmental readers. So, mental and emotional acceptance is badly recommended.
    Love comes in many shades and in various forms, some happens in unexpected places, on a sudden time and sometimes it is just when people say, “Cute pal at three o’clock. This is it; this is really is it, is it!” Shall we say, love at first sight! Just like what happen to these prominent characters of the highest rating Philippine daytime television drama, “Please be careful with my heart”  airing before  “It’s Showtime” on ABS-CBN.
    Everyone knows about the love story of Maya and Ser Chief, a fantasy of love portraying the best real life fairytale. Masses from different towns even worldwide are hooked to this TV phenomenon. Who wouldn’t want to be loved by your dream love? Maya is dying to catch the attention of Ser Chief, after all the clumsiness, the love spell worked at last, and the trending HARANA of Ser Chief was the fruit of Maya’s effort. A very precious reward she could ever dream of.
Maya is a real life Cinderella, a damsel in distress who finally found his knight in shining armor; riding on a white stallion. I can’t wait to see Maya on her red stilettos with a scarlet perfect jewel-accented gown on a date with Ser chief this coming Valentines (only visualization).
 *************
But what if?
Yet every story has its own opposing forces or antagonist that might ruin the central relationship. Love affairs between couples are very much common but they could be tragic. We hear or even encounter problems about betrayal or infidelity. Like this tempting witch trying to bewitch your pair, but remember once tempted or attracted to someone else is a sign of losing love, or there’s no love at all in the first place.
Filipinos are famed for being martyrs! There are lots of people who can testify that, but some are wise to file annulments. Well, I’m not encouraging such action nor am I introducing the issue of divorce in the Philippines since I really value the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. I just want to open a concern about this unusual love affair.
“What if you find out that your pair shows signs of infidelity?”  or worse he/she has an affair with someone in the same sex ? What if Maya finds out that Ser Chief is looking for another Maya? What would be her actions? What will you do if this happens to you?
I received this text message weeks ago from a certain friend and I quote:
“Please be careful with my heart!” (parody)
Kanang mga babaye ba na mangita ug Ser Chief…ok lang!
pero…
Kanang lalaki na mangita ug MAYA, lain nana!!!
The term MAYA is a Visayan gay lingo referring to bisexual men or Straight-acting gays. But for the sake of this article, I want to pin point same-sex relationships.
There are problems arising with this kind of sexual orientation. Since a certain man/woman is in the middle of an identity crisis, he/she engages in both opposite and same sex relationships. A bizarre love triangle that leads to scandalous confrontations. You can see it on reality TV shows like FACE to FACE or in your neighborhood, we usually see people throwing nasty words and cursing each other which is a sign of Moral Deterioration.
There are also some men or women due to insufficient financial resources, commit their selves to some third sexes for financial support. “Naay nanggamit ug nagpagamit para sa gugma!” But lust is far way different from love, which most people are having a hard time to know which is which.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are critical health challenges faced by these people (not all), resulted from unprotected sexual intercourse, or from transmission by an infected partner. If left untreated it may lead to HIV and AIDS which are worse cases and very much fatal.
According to the Department of Health, majority of inflicted individuals acquired the virus through sexual contact (MSM/Men having Sex with Men) and sharing of needles.
This season of love is the perfect time to express who you really are, don’t engage to someone when you’re still in doubt to avoid regrets and heartaches. Don’t be afraid to be judged, love who you really love and don’t let yourself be used. Find a perfect date this coming February 14, and a piece of advice for those who are confused, forlorn and brokenhearted,  the best date is a date with CHRIST, and…
always remember being GAY… also means being HAPPY!

Valentine Blues

By Charmaine Sanchez

    Love is definitely in the air! Valentine’s Day happens just once in a year that is why people never fail to make sugar-coated efforts in making it special. From the very first week of the month, children started getting busy with art papers, red cartolinas and gooey messages for their love cards as instructed by “ma’am”. Flower shops are bountiful of bouquets all set for gentlemen that are hopeful for a “yes” on cupid’s day. Couples are saving their weekly allowance for a dinner date or a picnic on the 14th. Everyone seems so up and about for Valentine’s this year. How about you?
    “Mag unsa ka sa katorse dai?”
    “Mag vigil sa akung inug haya nga kasing-kasing”
Most of us may be looking forward to our dates, but have you ever listened to your broken-hearted friends recently? Seems like if they could only skip February 14th, they really would! The problem is, since long time forgotten, people got used to this mentality wherein they think couples are the only people who can be legally happy on Valentine’s Day! This is wrong. When we celebrate love, we can celebrate it with anybody without having the requirement of a girlfriend or a boyfriend just for the sake of a date. So before putting your sad pants on, why don’t you try considering my suggestions to save yourself from valentine blues?
    1)Go out with your friends. There isn’t one law that says you can’t have a date with your friends on valentines. In fact, going out with friends can be more fun than exclusive dinners! Instead of crying over your past tragic love affair, set an appointment with your friends for some girls’ night-out, chip-in for a group dinner or simply spend the evening out making fun of your exes.
    2)Go out with your family. I know we seldom come out with this kind of plan but it can really be fun for you! The best part about going out with parents is: you can save yourself from all the expense! Why don’t you join your parents on their date along with your brothers and sisters as long as you promise not to spoil their moment? A family nigh-out can really take your mind off your worries and heartaches if you know how to enjoy the moment and appreciate the people who are truly there for you. And that is your family.
    3)Have a date with yourself- Okay, I know valentines would feel weird if you only have yourself but it can work well if you know what to do. While the world is living la vida loca— with everybody dating, your parents are out… prepare one good movie or two that you can enjoy watching on your own. Bake home-made cookies or give yourself a treat of your own like preparing a special dinner for one so you can nibble on something while watching TV. In choosing a film, make sure it would have you laughing in the end, since your purpose is to enjoy. Avoid choosing films of heavy drama or lost love affairs because you would end up picking your cellphone and texting your boyfriend, saying things like “I still can’t believe what you did to me” and all other unending speeches of misery. DON’T SPOIL YOUR OWN NIGHT.
    Love is that one thing that’s both dangerous and enticing at the same time. We meet people. We lose people. It’s the natural flow of life. Just because you feel alone and you wonder why things work out for other people except for you, doesn’t mean you’re going to spend the rest of your life heartbroken. Learn to smile after a good cry. Learn to love after a break-up. Everything gets better and better the second or the third time around. So give yourself a happy Valentines. I sincerely wish you one.

Pikpik sa Abaga
By Henry Sandoval

Hain kayhay tinuod ani?
Naa o Wala?

    Niadtong milabay nga semana gihimo ang usa ka  1st District Barangay Assembly sa unang distrito dinhi sa Negros Occidental. Naglangkop kini sa Calatrava,Toboso,Escalante, Don Salvador Benedicto, u gang San Carlos City. Bali 95 ka Barangay tanan ang miapil ug kini mga opisyal lamang sa Barangay ang giimbitar sa pag attend. Puro naka puti ang uniporme sa mga misalmot nagpasabot nga priparada ang tanan nga Barangay sa unang distrito nga muhatag ug suportar sa mga bisita nga nangabot gikan sa national nga hut-ong. Usa na niini ang paborito sa tanan kay number one man sa survey si Chiz Escudero, ang igtagsa sa Presidente si Bam Aquino u gang anak ni Da King nga si Ms. Grace Po.  May mga handum sa pagpanerbisyo ug kausaban sa dagan ang gipa ambit sa mga midagan ug senador. U gang nakaguol sa tanan mga Kagawad nga naminaw ang giplastar ni Senator Escudero mao ang pag postponed sa Barangay Election sa 2015. Ang uban untang nagpoanikad na nanghuy-ab na lang kay di man madayun karong Oktubre karon nga tuig. Pero maka lipay sad kay matud pa ni Chiz nga ug magmayoriya ang ilahang grupo mudaog karong eleksyona mapasar na niya ang balaod nga dugay na niyang gisanlag sa senado nga mudawat na ug sweldo ang mga Barangay Opisyal ug dili na honoraria. Ang kakurat lang ani ug masuweldo na daghan na ang ma electioneering kay ma pandungan naman kani sila sa Civil Service nga balaod. Mangita na sad tag non partisan kuno nga grupo.
************
    Samtang lingaw kaayo ang mga mi attend sa maong assembly aduna usab mga grupo tawgon na lang natog sa oposisyon nga nanghatag ug mga flyers sa guwa. May nag uniporme usab ug orange ug blue. Pagguwa na namo sa auditorium nakakuha mi ug flyer ug amo kining gibasa. Usa sa nakahatag nako ug interes sa maong gipangtagtag mao ang pangutana nga “ Hain naman karon si Jules Ledesma”? Murag wala ko kasabot sa pangutana kay si Kongresman Jules Ledesma naa sa sulod sa Auditorium nga labihan kahamis sa nawong ug pula kaayo ug lips. Ug lain ang iyang lawas ug hunahuna matud pa sa nasulat sa maong flyers sila mismo nakakita sa guwa kay direct man nga gi play ang panghitabo sa sulod diha sa dakong TV sa guwa ang kahapsay ug ka klaro nga paghatag ug mensahi ni Jules Ledesma. Wa lang ko masayud basi ni si Amarillo V. Guerero nakahimamat ni siya ni Jules nga lain ang lawas ug pang hunahuna.
    Ang ikaduha nako nga na obserbahan nga dili ko kaayo kasabot sa pamahayag ni Amarillo Guerero nga nangutana siya nga hain na ang project nga gisaad ni Jules ngadto sa mga Ka Barangayan nga mihatag ug kadaugan nga 13-O. Ug hain na sad kuno ang mga hard project nga minilyon ang balor nga wala man gyuy mitupa bisag usa niini dinhi sa 1st district mitupa, Unya sa akong pagpadayon ug basa duna na sad siyay giingon nga miatras ang mga contractor ka yang bag man nga si Mr. Bogart sa Toboso nangayo ug 20% nga komisyon. Hain may tinuod ani nga miingon ka nga walay mitupa unya nangayo ug 20% ang bag man para sa unsa nga porsento? Project? Ingon ka wala.
    Ug ako sa inyoha Amartillo Guerero inyong ipaathag sa katawhan sa unang Distrito ang mga proyekto sa kandidato nga inyong gilabanan para maka timbang timbang ang tawo ug kinsa gyud sa mga pili-onon ang angay nga ilahang pili-on karong umaabot nga eleksyon.
************
    Duna koy nasagap nga impormasyon nga ang hugaw nga tubig nga labihan ka baho gikarga sa usa ka Barge nga anaa ga landig sa pantalan sa Gobyerno. Gikarga kini sa close nga sakyanan ug diha giariya sa maong barge.
    Pamaagi nga dina  gyud unta ta ka panimaho diri sa atong lugar. Apan palpak gihapon kay hangtud karon mo alisngaw gihapon ang baho ug wan a say oras nga gipili. Adunay adlaw aduna say gabii nga ang baho sa kwarta mi atake na usab. Diri karon sa payatas mga 12 ka tawo ang ga trabaho sa ethanol tungod kay wan a man gyud silay mahimo sa dagat nga ilahang gisaligan. Unya kanang gikarga sa barge matud pa sa akong impormasyon asa man sad na ninyo ipabobo dapita sa kadagatan.?
    Maayo sigurog sa lugar sa Abu Sayyaf para moundang na nag panghamok sa Mindanao. Wa gyud diay to misaril ang bag-pong boiler nga gihimo nga ka dako ra bas a bili niato. Basi madayun tong gikuno-kuno nga ang agrabyo sa mga tawo dad-on nila ang away dinha na sa kadalanan. Maabot na gyud unya ni sa National Television ug mahitabo. Maayo untag makaabot dinhi si Eco-Warrior kay mamumo gyud ni siya sa pangutana kay murag usa baya ni siya nga naka bisita poag bagho-ay nga abre sa Ethanol.

Bantay Banat
Ni Rics Cañisarez

Ilang tubag

    Ang ilang tubag, kon mao kana ang ilang pagduda kanamo nga mga empleyado, wala gani mabahini bisag abog na lang kadtong kuarta para sa 4ps. Nga bale 6 milyones ka pesos karon nga may nahitabo nga pagpanglungkab magduda na sila?
    Ang dakong katingad-an kay ang kawatan didto man gayud diretso sa vault nga may sulod nga kuarta nga daghan man ang vault diha sa treasurers office. Kining hitabo-a karon diha sa Calatrava Municipal Hall nga pagpanglungkab sa vault sa treasurers office duna nay nangutana kon si kinsa gayud kaha ang suspetsado. Ato lang paabuton ang resulta sa imbestigasyon sa kapolisan sa Calatrava.
*******************
    Karon pa lang di-ay ko masayud kon ngano nga daghan ang mga tawo nga moadto diha sa buhatan ni vice mayor Virgilio Tan sa adlaw nga anaa siya. Mga inahan sa mga bata lakip na kadtong may gibatyag sa lawas.  Ako siyang gipangutana kon nganong ingon man niini ka daghan ang moanhi dinhi? Matud ni vice mayor Virgilio Tan nga mao kini ang akong ginabuhat kon ani-a ako sa akong buhatan nga silbihan ang mga pigado paagi sa consultation. Kana sila mi-anhi aron magpakonsulta sa ilang gibatyag ug ang tambal libre. Kini ang tinuod nga serbisyo.

JANUARY 31 to February 6, 2013

SCC meets three Senatorial Candidates

The Senatorial Candidates.

L-R: Senator Francis Ezcudero,  former chairman of the National Youth Commission Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino, and former MTRCB-Chairperson Grace Poe.

February 2, 2013 - The 1st District Barangay Assembly took place at the City Auditorium. Masses from Escalante City, Municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava, and Don Salvador Benedicto came to witness and supported the event. The program started around one o’clock in the afternoon with opening numbers from the San Carlos City band and The Sacada.
    Most of the speakers cited Congressman Jules Ledesma’s major contributions and projects such as his P20-M donation for the new City Hospital Project worth P150-M as well as school-building projects. City mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor Jr. expressed his gratitude for the locality of San Carlos has been chosen as the host of the assembly.
Participation of Electoral Candidates
    Third District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo B. Benitez, Sixth District Rep. Atty. Mercedes K. Alvarez, former Mayor Bong Lacson, Vice-Governor Genaro Alvarez, former Board Member Rolando Ponsica and incumbent Board Member Renato Gustilo delivered some remarks noting the development and achievements of Negros Occidental over the years and expressed their will to continue their services for the incoming years.
Welcoming the Senators
    Senatorial candidates Bam Aquino, Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero were given a warm welcome by the crowd. They were able to give their individual speeches. Aquino, the youngest senatorial candidate and from the National Youth Commission, addressed a speech about work & business programs & support services for the youth and the women and upholds his campaign motto “Ang Hamon Laban sa Kahirapan.” He also highlighted PNoy’s programs such as the 4PS, K to 12 program & the PhilHealth.
    Grace Poe, former chairperson from MTRCB, highlighted her father, Fernando Poe Jr.’s inheritance to her w/c is the power to help her fellowmen through politics. She also introduced her plans for farmers & for schools which are in need of support-programs due to the damages brought by the recent storms that affected numerous farms & buildings.
    In Chiz Escudero’s message, he shared their senatorial proposal which suggests that the Barangay elections should be postponed, this will give the incumbent barangay leaders three more years to pursue their projects & he added that it should not take place along with the May 2016 presidential election since this would require very long ballots.
    His statement was applauded by the Barangay captains present. He even joked that it would be bad news for the Barangay Kagawads who are aspiring for the position.
    He considered Barangays as a very important branch of the government because barangay officials are directly dealing with the grassroots, he mentioned a proposal offering our Barangay Officials a regular salary for their honorariums seem less than they deserve.
Assembly or electioneering?
    In an interview of a certain individual who happened to witness the event shared to us his views regarding the assembly and said, “The Barangay Assembly should enlighten the members of the different Barangays who were present about the activities, finances and problems affecting the barangays in the First District. Though there are some issues of the barangays being tackled but there are some electoral candidates who can’t help in expressing their will on running for the upcoming election which is for me an act of a very early campaign.”
    The Campaign period of candidates for the members of the House of Representatives and elected regional, provincial, city and municipal positions will start on March 29, 2013 and ends on
May 11, 2013.

Friendly Observer 
By Arthur Keefe 

 Social Reform: Who decides?

  As the dust finally settles on the much fought over Reproductive Health Bill (RH), let me now reflect on the real significance of this long saga.
The arguments for and against the contest of the bill will not be repeated here, as these are less significant than the symbolic importance of the bill itself.
I recently asked a priest whose views I respect, what his views of the bill was. He said in reality it would make little difference, as the Public Health departments already made free contraceptives available, and education was already taught in many schools.
His view was that it was the principle or the declaration of support which mattered.
I did not fully understand his support then. What principle was at stake? Why did a declaration matter? At least so much that the Catholic Church seemed obsessed by this issue like no other.
A little later, the penny dropped! (an English version of saying that I finally understand!).
The issue was not the content of the bill, but the role of the church in society. It was the issue of whether it was the Church or the State which really called the shots. It was akin to the English Reformation when King Henry 8th broke away from the Catholic Church and established the Church of England. His excuse at the time was that he desired a divorce (or an annulment) which the Pope would not grant. The reality was that it was a power battle between the wealthy and powerful Church, and a penniless and weak King. The King is removing the power of Rome, took with him all the wealth and power of the Church. The monasteries and their massive wealth and land holdings transferred to the King, who installed himself as head of the new Church. A position incidentally still held by the Queen of England.
We certainly do not have an equivalent Reformation in the Philippines, and the church remains. However, this defeat has seriously weakened the role of the Church in its ability to set the political agenda.
Whether this is a good or a bad thing in a matter of opinion, the constitution separates the role of Church and State, and protects freedom of religious belief. To this extent, this is consistent with the government overruling the views of the Catholic Church.
Nothing in the bill requires Catholics to practice birth control, and thus individual freedoms are not overridden.
Perhaps some would prefer a country in which religious laws are applied regardless of personal views or beliefs, such as in the theocracy of Iran or Afghanistan under the Taliban. I am sure most would not.
The passage of the RH bill is therefore in my view, a landmark decision, not so much for its content, as for its statement about the respective roles of the church (which is to advocate and persuade), and the state, which is to legislate.
The next big social issue, now more likely to progress, is that of divorce.
Divorce is not legally available. However, if you have enough money to hire smart lawyers and pay court fees, annulment is an option. As a consequence, the poor who will do so cohabit, whilst the rich annul! The church only supports the annulment, leaving the poor, according to the church, “Living in Sin.”
The Philippines now has the unenviable distinction of being the only country left in the world with no divorce law.
No doubt the church will oppose moves to enable divorce, just as strenuously as they did the RH Bill. Hopefully, the legislators will again rule in favor of the will of the majority and against the clamor of the church.
Any such policy needs to be simple, unbeaurocratic, and of low cost. It needs some cautionary elements, such as optional mediation, a ‘cooling off’ period, and protection for dependents. However, there is an adequate supply of different models available around the world, many of which easily and quickly be adopted here.
Let the success of the RH Bill not be the point at which social reform stops, but a spur to deal with other longstanding social injustices.

Food for Tooth 

 By Otto George I. Weber 

 Consistent Performance

Whenever the family feels like having barbecue and other grilled delights, we always end up at Tio Apin’s. Situated just across F.C.Ledesma Avenue from Gaisano San Carlos, this local version of the multi-national Mang Inasal is always a crowd-pleaser.
Distinctly Pinoy in setting – from the wooden benches and tables to the nipa roof – it has become one of the more popular destinations for family and group dinners. The slightly elevated floor level offers a nice view of the street traffic (if seated by the entrance).
Their grilled chicken and pork belly are best-sellers while the  lechon manok is also a favorite item for take-out. There’s just something so enjoyable about eating grilled chicken with your bare hands. If only they could provide ‘atsara’ to balance out the taste… then that would be perfect!
Service is good, but has room for improvement. Waiters would look much better in upgraded outfits. The restrooms are quite clean, but could use a couple more urinals especially during busy weekends. And providing guests with something to dry one’s hands with after washing would be really nice.
Without a doubt, Tio Apin’s has found the right formula to keep them coming back – thanks in large part to being consistent in the quality and taste of their food.

Photoshop and avatars

By Hernor De Asis

If perfections can be achieved on just a click of the mouse, then all and sundry should sleep all day long. Why? Since only “Mr. Nobody” is perfect. Wake up dude! Accept the fact that you were born that way.
If you hate that flat nose, those bulging eyes, square face, then don’t curse yourself, never blame the Creator or your parents and please don’t hide behind curtains; you’re not the only one who isn’t blessed by Aphrodite (Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty). Just be inspired by Spongebob Squarepants regardless of his unsightly appearance, he gained lots of fans.
Too much for the Greeks, let’s give our constructive criticisms to these individuals who have “cyber-beauty”, who rely on Photoshop, and achieving the desired beauty through digital operations or enhancements.
All printing shops here in San Carlos City like Graphics and Print (GAP), City Designs, Ramacho Studio, and many others, serve as the digital hospital to expunge unwanted moles, pimples and scars or even altering body contours of the populace who are hiding behind their avatars (customized electronic image to represent oneself).
There are lots of software and online photo editors that can be utilized in transforming one’s image and most netizens (a portmanteau of the English words Internet and citizen) have the knowledge to manipulate it. Hence, the term photo manipulation and image fakery best describe such actions in becoming a good looking person on social media, like twitter and facebook.
Profile pictures! Everyone wants to have the best profile picture ever on their social media sites, since they want to attract more friend requests or they just can’t help showing their exquisiteness to the world. Knowing that pictures speak a thousand words, most people are easily hoodwinked to the things they see at first glance and make judgment in a flash of lightning.
Ok fine, your gorgeous, “but is it real?” or is it modified by a magical touch of Dr. Adobe?
I want to quote some lines of the article I’ve read at www.aphotoeditor.com:
“Photos that are faked are intrinsically tied to photos that are real. They draw much of their power from the public’s belief that photos never lie. Of course all of us know “the camera always lies” and the second you pick a lens or a place to stand you’re influencing the reality of the picture in some way. But, we can’t escape that the public still wants to believe in a photograph’s ability to tell the truth. So, people who take images that appear to be truthful but are really altered beyond reality are at some level destroying this bond.” (A Photo Editor (APE) is edited by Rob Haggart, the former Director of Photography for Men’s Journal and Outside Magazine.)
    If you aren’t happy with your physical likeness then appreciate what’s within!
    “Unsa may pulos sa imong kagwapa kung wala pud kay batasan?” or worse “Maot ang imong batasan sama sa imong dagway!”  Well, it’s not a matter on how people look at you, rather on how people talk about you! It’s always a good thing that you are the sugar on everybody’s lips.
    Never use photoshop to allure your future wife or husband since you need to marry them in person. Don’t tell me that you’ll be hiring a proxy on your wedding day or you’re going to print a life-size edited portrait of yours that will take your place during the ceremony. Then, you’re one psychoanalytic mumbo-jumbo!     
    Living on a cock-and-bull story will not help you build a good image and reputation. Try to overcome your avatar even when you look like an ABAT-ar (lol, peace). STOP using PHOTOSHOP when it involves enhancing or even changing one’s snapshot. Always bear in mind, that real beauty never fades, and it can’t be seen through a simple gaze, since my perspective upholds that ‘real beauty is learned and trained!’ It’s up to you on how you will define real beauty, but please never rely on the craft of technology just to be pleasing to look at.        To all photo editors, netizens, and professional or amateur photographers: “Capture, exhibit, produce and publish images that are real and free from any alterations!” Because, *When people see an amazing photograph for the first time they usually ask, is it real? The answer should be YES!”
    (*Italicized and bolded sentence is a direct quotation from the article “Is Photo Manipulation Bad for Photography?”)

Manong Driver

By Charmaine Sanchez

    As a student, commuting is my only way of transportation in going to school and in going anywhere.
    My fare expenses are a part of my weekly allowance and budgeting is, of course, a must.
    Saving is very important to me and to all of us I guess, since we all need extra money for a lot of things in school where we really have to set aside an extra budget for photo copies, manila papers, pens, paper, RECESS, and etcetera… etcetera…
Scene 1…  
    So there was this time when I was really having a tight grip on my allowance because there was just so many things to spend money on. I arrived home and before stepping out of the motorcycle I handed manong driver a P20- bill.
    “Wala kay gamay-gamay ana dai? (Nangita ug gamay-gamay si inday. Dili kauyon ug dagko si manong)
    “Kwae ning P10 kuya oh”
    “Wala raba ko ani sinsilyo dai, diri na lang ni ang sukli ha.” (over si kuya! Whole day nga pagpamarada, gipanulon nimu imung mga sinsilyo?)

Scene 2…
    As I arrived in school…
     “Kwae ni kuya oh.” (ning dunol ug baynte)
    “Wa ko’y sinsilyo ana dai.”
    “Unya?” (maldita si inday aning adlawa)
    “Pangita-e usa nag sinsilyo.” (demanding!)
For the sake of not wasting time, I immediately looked for a friend I can borrow a few coins from.
Scene 3…
    I was in an immediate need of a ride home…
    “Dai sakay ka?”
    “Oh nong, tibuco ko.”
    “Ikaw ra usa?” (Dili. Dili. Mao bitaw kita rang duha ga isturyahanay kay naa pako’y laing kuyog)
    “Aw. Pa Urban man ko dai. Ngita nalang  ug lain.” (Nangutana ba gud kog asa siya? Siya man una nanagad! Kung maka address nga mangita kog lain, basted lang ang show?)
Scene 4…
    “Nong! Ayaw kuno ug pakig-lumba anang ceres!” (Believe me, I felt like having a heart attack that time)
    “Da! Mubayad rana sila ug mabangga man ta dai!” (May problema si kuya! Damayon ko! Nanaog ko uy!)
Scene 5…
    “Pila na may edad nimu dai?” (dedma)
    “Naa na kay uyab?” (samot nga gidedma)
    “Pwede mo apply?” (wa na kapugong)
    “Shut up and drive.” (I retorted. Banganga si manong)
    YES, as you can all notice. I think I’m cursed with all these terrible experiences involving motorcycle drivers.
What is wrong with these men? First, I understand the fact that they are having a hard time with the high-diesel price nowadays, but they are not the only people in this planet having financial problems. Most of them do not even have “taripas” and they demand for extra fare increase in the most impolite ways.
Second, is it really that hard to act like a gentleman nowadays? Is it that difficult to look for extra change when your passengers give you a paper bill? Manong, I seriously think it’s your responsibility. Why did you decide to become a driver in the first place if you find it hard to simply make an effort for your passenger’s change? It’s not like you were handed a million-peso bill anyway.
Third, what is the use of looking for an income if most drivers say “NO” to a lot people who are destined to areas they don’t like?
 “Kalas man gud ug gas kung mu hatod ko ato unya siya ra usa.” Most drivers say.
But wouldn’t it be a more waste of gasoline if they keep on looking for an instant group of passengers and later, they found none?
Fourth, I haven’t been the only victim of over speeding drivers and those who drive that are obviously drunk. I know most of us have our individual experiences similar to this. I just don’t get the point of drivers who play around the streets with their vehicles, feeling like they’re driving monster trucks! And worse, there are those who even race with bigger vehicles like ceres buses and ten-wheelers. Imagine being a passenger of one of those motorcycles? Wouldn’t you want to rip the driver’s head off for being reckless?
Lastly, we all need to be respected as passengers, especially the ladies. When you feel like drivers tend to crack conversations that put you out of your comfort zone, or you feel verbally harassed, you have all the reason to report that driver to the authorities.
No matter how much we may complain, reality is: we can never tell when these incidences will stop. So it is up to us, passengers, to play smart. You have the right to be treated properly.
To our local drivers, we respect you and we thank you for you are also very important in our community. But we are all hoping that you would act right if you don’t mind.
 

JANUARY 23 to 30, 2013

SOCA 2013 :Highlights City’s Achievements

Last January 24, 2013, San Carlos City Mayor Hon. Gerardo “Ginggo” Valmayor delivered his State of the City Address (SOCA) at the City Hall’s SP Session Hall noting the changes that his administration achieved in the past 3 years and thanking the Sancarlosenios for their continued support and cooperation in all endeavors of the City Government .
“If we have achieved victories in our unity, surely we shall be able to reach our destination at each year’s end,” the mayor said and cited a passage from someone unknown, and he quoted : “It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone.”
Valmayor’s address was mainly categorized into economic development and food security, safety and disaster risk management and environment, health and social services and financial management.
Economic Development
Our economic development focuses on our agriculture wherein San Carlos won as the 2010 champion development in the regional search for excellence or Excell awards of DILG in Region 6. Our city was also the 2011 champion in economic development in the same awards in the region.
Programs were realized to boost agricultural research and development such as the establishment of the agriculture center and demonstration are at Sitio Medina, Brgy. Rizal, the allocation of P1.7 million for the integrated farming system, the mango development program, the construction, repair and improvement of various agricultural building in 2012 including the completion of the Bantay Dagat Building which was budgeted at P2.2 million, the upgrading of existing farms to market roads bringing a total of 18.3 kilometers of primary rural roads already concreted by the administration.
Several projects for water development were also implemented! The coverage of level III water services was widened with the implementation of waterline expansion projects.
The new Sipaway water system serves as evidence for this water development where the local government of San Carlos under Mayor Valmayor’s reign made history.
Safety & disaster risk management and environment
The Sangguniang Panglusod released funds for pre-disaster needs for the construction of disaster operations center amounting P 11 million to be realized early this year with the government’s hard work in improving systems and services in disaster preparations.
A group of evaluators from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) scored the locality of San Carlos 4.92 against the highest rating of five.
The unfortunate fire outrage at Endrina Street was also mentioned by the mayor and cited some instant actions in providing basic assistance to the fire victims with the help of the City Social and Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)
Praises for SCC Police Department
Valmayor also gave his gratitude and appreciation to the SCC Police Station which was awarded “Second Most-citizen Friendly Police Station,” regional level, last June 2012. With the top-rating performance of the police officers, the local government supplied them with new
equipments and ammunitions for a more upgraded operations.
Boosting Reforestation Programs
Valmayor, being an environmentalist implemented projects for the maintenance and protection for the city’s natural resources, such as the annual tree-planting programs for preserving forests and endemic tree seedling and fruit trees along roadsides, riverbanks and in Government lands.
In Coastal & aquatic resources programs, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council was awarded second place in 2010 and championed in 2012 in the search for Model FARMC in the province, while Bantay Dagat was the most Outsanding Community based Environment Group during the 2012 Negros First environmental awards last June.
Battling with Etha’s foul odor
“Actions have been taken by the city government regarding our problem of foul odor from the ethanol plant of San Carlos Bioenergy and during the committee meeting called by the SP Committee on Environmental Protection & Natural Resources last December 11, San Carlos Bioenergy explained that necessary steps have been taken by the company to solve the problem and promised that there will be no more obnoxious smell by the end of this month,” reported by the Mayor.
Health and Children
The construction of Phase 2 of the new City Hospital is now on-going by a private contractor. This was allotted with P 22.4 million. The full implementation of child-friendly programs in our City Health Office, City Hospital and City Social and Welfare Development Office made us deserving of the award “Most Child Friendly City in the province and the region in various years.”
To strengthen the city’s commitment to children, the Millennium Development Goal-Family-Based Actions for children and their Environs in the Slums (MDG-FACES) last August 2012 was launched , as well as the Be the Best Ka Bata Program in 2011 for children in conflict with the law.
Housing and curtailing squatting syndicates
    The creation of Local Housing Board and the San Carlos Integrated Housing Authority and the completion of the final draft of the Local Shelter Plan outlined its 2012-2020 plans and programs in providing affordable  housing facilities with tenurial rights to informal settlers.
    It was also stated that San Carlos City is the only city in the Visayas to receive the award that recognizes the success of the City Government in curtailing the activities of professional squatters , and squatting syndicates.
Free from debts
    The San Carlos City people should be proud for having no debts in any kind since the local government formulate systems and budgetary plans to prevent from having financial liabilities at any banks.
“Gusto nakong e-emphasize diri nga sukad-sukad, ang atong gobyerno sa siyudad wala gayud nangutang o nanghulam sa bisan unsang bangko bisan pa sa kadagku sa galastohan sa atong mga programa ug proyekto, ug wala kami plano nga mo-break sa maong exemplary record. We shall continue to live within our mean,”  proudly said by the Mayor.

Friendly Observer
By Arthur Keefe

Education and the poor

I was recently shown a copy of the excellent handbook given to new students at Tañon College. Two things in particular invited reflection. Firstly, the College describes itself as “Non-Sectarian”, consistent with its claim to “welcome students regardless of race, creed, or economic status.”
I assumed that meant that the school promoted as particular religion, but in further reading I discovered that the College’s mission included the phrase that it is “committed to provide quality Christian education!”
Presumably, the reference to non-sectarian really means they do not promote one Christian sect over another, rather than promoting no religion at all. I was also pleased to hear from the students that no particular religious observance was required as in the case at the Catholic schools in the city.
At least the College welcome students of all faiths or none. Unlike at Colegio De Sta. Rita where a student, studying midwifery, who decided to attend mass on the basis that she was a Mormon, was told this was a  Catholic College, and attendance at mass was a condition of being a student!
In practice Tañon operates a liberal policy, although it needs to revisit the apparent contradiction between being non-sectarian, and yet a Christian.
The more interesting point was contained in a statement of Vision (page 8), where it states that “Poverty is not a hindrance to success.”
    The aim of the College founder in offering opportunities to the poor in commendable, although even its unavoidable modest fee structure is not really consistent with this aim.However, the statement made is clearly not true. Even a free or heavily subsided college cannot break the link between poverty and failure (or wealth and success). At best it can ameliorate or reduce it.
A child of a poor family may have loving parents who wish their child to progress, but they will lack the resources to enable this. Where in the money to buy school books, to make numerous photocopies, to produce project materials? Even the Public High School requires a cash contribution each year of around P500 for a variety of purposes, and of course there is no Public College at all in San Carlos.
Further, the parents own lack of education will seriously limit their ability to help their child with their studies, and will often (not always) lead them to undervalue the benefits of education.
The useful statistics showing large number of children dropping out of both elementary and high school education in evidence enough of the link between poverty and failure. Few children of the wealthy will drop out, and most will progress to college.
These comments will be self evident to most readers, and perhaps Tañon would revise the statement in its handbook. What is true, and could be emphasized, is that poverty is not an insurmountable hindrance to success. With determination, good luck, and ability, it is possible for a child from a poor family to beat the odds and to succeed. I am one such myself. However, the big difference for me was that I was educated in the UK, where newly elected socialist government in 1945 created a free, scholarship based system of schooling. The top 20% went to selective “Grammar schools”. Of these, the top 5% of the age group had free University education, including a monthly living allowance.I was therefore able to complete schooling and University without my parents being required to pay anything.
We are a long way from that here (and in the UK too, University is now fee based), but some progress could be made. Tañon itself reduces or remits fees for its outstanding students, a practice consistent with the vision of its founder. Alongside this, businesses or professional associations or trade unions, or even wealthy families, could establish scholarships designed for the brightest children of low income families. This is a practice in the UK and more so in the USA, often involving legacies.
As I have argued many times in the column, the most effective measure by far for promoting opportunities for all young people would be for the city to attract a State University, which offers government founded programs at less cost to students that any private college can sustain.
It is disgraceful that an initiative from North Negros Universiy was turned down last year. The reasons are disputed, but lobbying by the owner and managers of the private colleges in the city, including Tañon, seems highly likely to have played a part.
If the present day managers of Tañon wish to remain true to the vision of their founder, and the catholic run colleges wish to follow the teaching of their spiritual leader, the College should be in the vanguard of a campaign for a State University. They would be challenged of course and would have to adopt, but a collaborative relationship could be developed in which they could also play a part.
At present very few children of the poor can achieve all their potential in the education system. The reasons are many, and include nutrition and health, culture and living conditions, and a general lack of resources. We can however lessen this link, and give greater opportunities to some, by adopting the proposals I have set out above.

Food for Tooth 
By Otto George I. Weber

 Being on top

 If all the pizza outlets in town were stacked to form a pyramid, then- according to my family’s preference- La Grotta Restaurant would be at the apex of that wedege-shaped figure.
Although a bit pricier than the average pizza, the various flavor combinations are just scrumptious to the taste. And the crispy thin-crust is simply a joy to deal with. Hats off to German pizza master, Karl, for such a great pizza. Italian bacon and Parma ham are two of his bestsellers.
Despite its small size (seats less than 30), this restaurant can also serve up generous portions of pasta and other continental dishes, but pizza remains its top gun. Off the beaten track and tucked in an inner corner of Roviri subd. (behind Seaoil station, Eco-tourism  highway), La Grotta has parlayed this seeming drawback into an advantage. Dining in the serene and cozy garden setting (with soft bossa nova music in the background) provides a relaxing and romantic aura for guests. The waitresses provide good service though having them attired uniformly would be a good idea. Restrooms are clean and up to standard. Wi-fi keeps people connected but parking space is limited.
Definitely worth going the extra mile for. 

Teenagers, living as husband and wife

By Hernor De Asis

Teenagers in San Carlos City are now sexually inclined to their opposite sexes (some same-sexes). Yes, indeed! I’m not giving a direct judgment here, this is how I see youngsters these days. I just want to be blunt to open the eyes of every parent who failed to reprimand their children. Why I can say so? Well, the answers lie everywhere, try to look at your surroundings and open your senses. It may sound like a cliché, since we can read articles on magazines, news clippings or even in the internet about teens engaging premarital sex. My point isn’t about giving details on fornication (typically refers to consensual sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other) but to ask the Sancarlosenios, “Are we that liberated?”, or it is just that we are easily influenced by western trends of having free love.
Being a pre-service teacher, I witnessed elementary pupils from ages 10 to 13 having boyfriends and girlfriends already (during my field studies), and here’s the most deplorable revelations they were collecting numbers of relationships, from instant break-ups and acquiring new ones. To take note, the process usually happens on a week or two. Puppy love is a good thing, and  very common. But engaging in a relationship at young age must be given strict supervision and guidance by parents or shouldn’t be allowed in the first place. Yes, why not? Love waits, so is time! Those kids are having illusions about love. Influenced by the people around them (sa mata ng bata, ang maling halimbawa ay nagiging tama) , or through the tactless actions of their older brothers and sisters, or even their parents (psychologists also state that having a broken family sparked the desire for youngsters  to commit love) and sometimes peer pressure. They just want to brag it out to their peers.
A funny dialogue about a conceited friend!
Dodong1: “Bai, nagkauyab na jud me ni Inday Jane bai.” (Nanghimuta while talking!)
Dodong2: “Abe nako, kamo ni Inday Trisha?” (Gisip-on while talking!)
Dodong1: “Way lami, katext! Maong akong gibulagan!” (Ningkusog ang hangin, lagpot si Dodong2)
    Nakarecover na sa palid si Dodong2…
Dodong2: “Ikaw na jud bai! Kinsa na pud kaha ang imong sunod nga uyab bai? (Tani ako na lang)”.
(NRWP: “Hahaha, hopia diay si Dodong2!”)
    Texting (the most common), social media, browsing the internet and accessing websites with sexually explicit content or pornographies are also the factors of acquiring relationships prematurely. If this kind of moral evolution may not be given instant actions, it may result to grave regrets and afflictions.
    Now let us focus on high school students, I don’t want to beat around the bush, in the sense that, this is the main reason why I’m writing this article. Most girls in high school had already given their selves to their beaus (boyfriends). I would like to quote most mother’s advice to their daughters, “Anak, huwag na huwag mong isuko kaagad ang Bataan! Dapat mabasbasan ka muna ng Maykapal!” (Visualizing Nora Aunor delivering the quote!) Anyway, I think we should stop using words that are so profound for giving advices, tell it directly to avoid misunderstanding and remember that teenagers nowadays are straightforward.
    The importance of virginity is given least priority by some boys and girls exercising habitual, sexual intercourse. Resulting to teenage pregnancy, abortions and worst the sexually-transmitted diseases! I’m not playing as a good saint here, I just want to open the eye of every parent, who failed to be a doting one.
    It so shocking that some teens, were having these abortion pills to eliminate unwanted babies. I thought pharmacies were strict on giving these medicines to customers but how they can have instant access (monkey business) ?
    Teenagers should stop treating sugarcane fields, riverbanks, and dim parks as motels since San Carlos City’s public and natural places  existed for hanging out and not hooking up!
    Always guard, your unguarded moments!
 

Varsity Jackets 

By Charmaine Sanchez

Varsity Jackets have become a very popular trend for the last months and is getting trendier as we can all notice. I haven’t worn one yet but everyone else does. Most department stores, RTW houses and some boutiques are bountiful when it comes to their stocks of these VJs since they’re selling like the earth’s last tanks of air.
Now, the funny thing about this trend is; people are just so obsessed with it especially elementary and high school students. “Naunsa man intawun na siya ui. Pirteng inita sulod sa simbahan ga jacket-jacket pajud.” “Wa na siya’y laing masul-ob? Madugay iyang nawung mura napud nag jacket!”- I can’t help but laugh every time I’m eavesdropping over a group of backbiters who can’t help but notice people’s unhealthy craze over these fad jackets.
I do not have anything against people who fancy this kind of fashion statement. But I would like to let them know that they have become more of a favorite topic during teenage gossip sessions instead of being considered fashionable. Sadly, most of them don’t even notice that.
If we take a look at this on another point of view; this jacket trend somehow shows how our youth today behave. What seems “in” to one person spreads like a disease and dominates the rest of everyone else’s interest.   As we can all see, it is very common for teenagers to jump into new adventures with the fear of getting left behind if they don’t try new things that everyone else are involved in.
Young people of today get involved in vices without thinking about the consequences as long as they don’t get behind with what’s “in”. Peer pressure is usually the main root of this.
For example: If you’re in a circle of friends where all of them smoke, it wouldn’t be impossible if you end up smoking sooner or later. But we don’t usually notice that this is wrong as long as we are going with everybody else’s flow.
 I am using this unhealthy obsession over varsity jackets as a point for realization that we don’t necessarily have to be a part of everyone’s trend because too much of it can be foolish.
 We, young people, tend to follow everybody’s parade without giving ourselves time to think if the steps we’d be taking can lead us somewhere good. I’ve been a victim of these kinds of parades. We all make mistakes as we grow up, the kind of mistakes that everybody does. However, it’ll be up to us if we make these mistakes as the hill we could die on or we can pin them on our foreheads as reminders of what we should and shouldn’t do; what we should try and what we should keep a safe distance from.
  So march to the beat of your own drum and be yourself even if your circles include a variety of people. Always think twice in getting contaminated with other people’s common denominators especially when it obviously leads to no good.
So the next time you put on your VJs, I hope you would be wearing it for yourself and not just to blend in. The next time you decide in trying something new, I hope you’re doing it for yourself and not because everybody else does it too.

JANUARY 16 to 22, 2013

2nd alarm, left 76 families homeless

A certain house caught on fire.
During the second alarm fire at Endrina Street,San Carlos City, Negros Occidental last January 12, 2013.
Photo Credits : Joselito Labrador, Jr.

  76 familes with 249  total number of individuals(DSWD records) were affected during the second alarm fire at Endrina Street last, January 12, 2013. The fire started at 11:30 AM in Magnolia Flores' Residence and burned 45 houses according to BFP's spot investigation.
    The San Carlos Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded immediately since the towering smoke was very conspicuous at their office's viewpoint (BFP is situated at Ylagan St., a few blocks away from the affected area).
Fire-fighting obstacles
    The BFP's response was not enough since at the moment of the fire trucks' arrival, the fire was already raging and enveloping a large area of houses. This led to an estimated damage of P 1-million. (Source: BFP)
    The fire fighters along with  some volunteers confessed that these three factors: wind, light combustible materials and the structural framework of houses and it's location allowed the fire to easily engulf most of the houses and valuable properties.
Responses for Second alarm fire
    One-alarm fire (first alarm), two-alarm fire (second alarm), and multiple-alarm fire (general alarm) are categories of fires indicating the level of response by local authorities, with an elevated number of alarms indicating increased commitment of resources. It must be based on the number of units (firetrucks for example) and firefighters responding to a fire; the more vehicles and firefighters responding, the higher the alarm designation.  
    With the help of additional fire truck units from  SCBI, Gamboa-Hermanos, Chinese fire brigade, San Jose fire brigade and also from  the Municipality of  Calatrava, the alarm designation was referred to as a "two-alarm or second alarm" fire.
    At exactly 1:00 PM, the BFP declared fire-out, this means that the fire was extinguished completely!
Evacuation
    The fire victims were temporarily evacuated at Congressman V. Gustilo Sr. Memorial School (CVGSMS) popularly known as "South". They were supposed to be transferred at the City Auditorium for a more spacious area on day two (January 13, 2013), however the comfort rooms cannot accommodate all families. So it was decided that they will be transferred at the School of the Future's (SOF) new building. There are 54 families staying at SOF while the others reside with their nearby relatives.
    The affected families are still currently staying at SOF and continuously receiving donations of all kinds from different sectors both public and private. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officers are accountable for the food preparations and the distribution of donated goods to the families, while the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) officers and volunteers are responsible for giving first-aid, medical treatment, and logging the activities inside the evacuation center.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. led officials in distributing goods and tarps to the affected families, including P5, 000 per family for shelter assistance. The local government of San Carlos City also extended their help by providing financial assistance to the victims.
Victims’ Sentiments
    Most victims are still dreading for their lost homes, especially those who do not have relatives they can share roofs with.
    "Mamalit pa tani ko ug idungag nga gamit sa among balay, wala na lang nako dayuna. Sakit kaayo sa akong buot nga tanang gamit nga akong gipondar, na-ugdaw jud!" said Mr. Joever Nemenzo, a high school teacher from Julio Ledesma National High School.
    Mr. Nemenzo is one of the many victims that shared sentiments about their lost homes which they had work hard for. Now, they are clueless on how they can rebuild everything that has gone astray.
Spot investigation vs. witness speculation
    The BFP officers conducted a 24-hour investigation to trace the main source of fire in Magnolia Flores' residence. The initial result based on what Flores told to the BFP officers that she encountered electrical glitches on her electrical main plug which was fixed by a certain technician before the incident, though the electrical problem happened again which sparked the fire.  According to SFO4 Badel, "We shall be expecting the final result of the investigation after a month."
    Aside from the said "electrical glitches", neighbors are also saying that the source of fire came from a lighted candle as part of a drug session that is usually happening at Flores residence.
    Flores, a 28-year old widow admitted that her residence really did serve as a hiding den for shabu-users in exchange of the amount ranging from P20-P100!
 

Friendly Observer
By Arthur Keefe  

  

An open letter to the owners of CERES LINES

Dear Mr. Owner

I have long been an admirer of your company. You provide a reliable, economical, and frequent public service, and the success and expansion of your company has been well earned.
    These are however some areas for improvement, and I hope you will welcome and respond to constructive criticism.
The first relates to lack of information. The times of arrival and departures are often not available, including the first and last bus times. An accurate notice at each terminal would be an improvement. This is less necessary where buses are very frequent, such as in San Carlos, but I have waited in Vaci at Canlaon for a bus, with no information available.
My experience in Cebu (going to Bacolod) has been awful.
     On occasion, the ferry from Toledo does not run due to heavy seas. The buses are cancelled, but nobody at Cebu North Terminal seems to know anything. No notice, just myself and a few others trying to ask anybody what is happening.
    A simple “bus cancelled due to ferry not operating” would be enough. Even when the buses run, their departure is entirely unpredictable.
    I managed some time ago, to get the scheduled departure times from a dispatcher. I recorded these on my phone for future use.
An aircon bus should depart at 10:00AM, and a non-ac at 10:30AM (according to him as the published times) which is not the same.
I usually aim to arrive 30 minutes early to be sure of a seat.
This week, the aircon bus left at 9:30AM (before I arrived), and I only just caught the 10:30AM bus which left at 9:50AM. It was nearly empty, and may well have left other passengers stranded, as the reset bus leaves at 3:00PM.
To add insult to injury, the bus then proceeded to the Ceres garage to refuel! Why on earth can it not refuel before it enters the terminal as buses do everywhere else? This added 15 minutes to our journey.
My suspicion for the neglect of concern for passengers, is that the drivers and conductors want to ensure that they have sufficient time to catch their free meal at the food stop in Toledo! If the bus leaves on time and encounters heavy traffic, this may not be possible.
If so, the answer is to revise and publish the schedule so that sufficient time is allowed!
    The important thing is for the passenger to know when the bus will leave, and that this is kept to reliably.
Incidently, I don’t know why the Toledo service was switched from the South terminal (in the direction of Toledo, and where all the other buses leave from) to the less convenient North terminal.
Were the interests of passengers part of the deliberation? Is this a permanent move? It adds time to the journey, as the bus has to pass through City Centre traffic which is avoided when departing from the South terminal.
The drivers of Ceres seem to be among the best. They no longer drive as fast or recklessly as I experienced some years ago. This makes for  a safer and more comfortable journey. It is also more economical for the company.
However, buses travelling across the mountains from Bacolod to San Carlos, seems willing to stop at anybody’s front gate, regardless of safety. As a consequence when driving,
I am often faced with overtaking a parked bus on a blind bend.
This “hail and ride” principle is appropriate to rural areas, but your drivers need to stop at the nearest SAFE place, not on blind bends, even if the passengers have to walk a little way to their gate!
I am publishing this as an open letter in the local San Carlos newspaper, as my comments also reflect the concerns of others.
I hope that you will take actions on these issues, but we would also welcome a response from you, which we can publish in a later edition.
I wish you and your company well.
        Yours sincerely,

         Arthur Keefe

Endrina’s bane: Scavengers’ boon

By Hernor De Asis

     Sancarlosenios witnessed how the raging fire enveloped and took away the houses of our fellows living in Endrina Street last week. I thought the fire was the only reason why their valued properties were lost. But I’m definitely wrong, since human-vultures (vultures are famed for being scavengers) were on the loose. 

Vulture 1: Init pa kaha tong mga puthaw? Lamia kwaon oi.
Vulture 2: Hala bai! Naay cabinet, drawer, ug refrigerator.
Vulture 3: Ato-a nang aswaton kay walay nakakita!
Vulture 1: Sige, sige kwaon nato! Pero ang mga puthaw lagi.
Vulture 2: Balikon lang nato, busy bitaw ang mga tawo kuha pictures!
Vulture 1: Ambot lang pud aning mga tawo oi, mura ra jud nagtan-aw ug salida!
Vulture 3: Hahahaha! (Laughing devilishly) 
    That’s the common phrases and sentences secretly uttered by those opportunists. When victims were busy sobbing, blaming, cursing and “documenting” (taking videos and pictures), those rascals have their cat walk on pilfering cable wires, scrap metals, and any material that can be sold at the nearby junkshops.
    The event proves that Filipinos are natural photographers, newscasters, actors and models. Why? Given that camera flashes were everywhere, instead of carrying pale of water. We are always astonished to any kind of calamities, looking back to the earthquake last year, Sancarlosenios were easily panicked, resulting to wrong judgment and inappropriate actions (Naa pud ka sa Medina ato noh?) . This year’s fire must serve not only an eye-opener but a lesson to everyone. Mental-preparedness should always collaborate to your actions, don’t let your emotions prevail.
    It so depressing to see, that all your properties were devoured by fire with a glimpse of the eye. Though it’s always a matter of being optimistic and a process of moving on that counts. Be a Filipino, famed for being resilient to any kind of situations.
 

Photo Credits: 1ms.net

The Blazing Parody

By Hernor De Asis

An answered prayer for those opportunists,

Stealing valued objects on their lists!

To make money out of what’s left

and danger,

The goal of every human-scavenger!

Fire shocked the town’s men,

They run on errands from here and then,

Evil counts from one to ten,

Oh, my! What a mortal sin!

Inferno devours most abode,

As enforcers having insufficient load.

Basin’s empty, that’s what the gossips tell!

Hey, that’s an interesting story to sell.

Witnesses have their posed for FB cover

Looking proud and exclaimed,

“I was there!”

Flame won over peoples’ hopes!

Since they keep on saving forks and scoops!

Flames

By  Charmaine Sanchez

Last January 12, everyone thought it was going to be one fine Saturday. The weather was fair and at noontime everybody went on with their lunches. Suddenly, a tower of charcoal-black smoke started to rise giving a terrifying view to our San Carlos sky. It was when we all knew it wasn’t the best time to continue eating.
As I took quick steps to reach Endrina, fire victims were already crowding the stretch of Ylagan Street. With obvious adrenaline rush, some were carrying televisions, electric fans, bundles of clothing and there were those who weren’t even able to think about saving anything else but their lives. Others got their hands busy; collecting buckets of water, running to and fro, and saving what they could.
I was devastated looking at how epic the damage was. With what used to look like a neighborhood of houses that can kiss each other, all that remained seemed like a gingerbread town that has gotten licked by a giant dragon’s flaming tongue.
It took an hour and a half before the great fight with the raging flames was declared over. Although the fire department was just a walk away from the burning houses, their men had a difficult time during the actual fire-fighting since they had to go through a narrow maze of houses that are just seats apart, plus the noontime wind acted as loud music making the flames dance even more wildly. Help from the fire department of the Municipality of Calatrava and the residents themselves added strength to our forces.
BFP named this certain Magnolia Flores- the owner of the residence that was said to be the main source of the fire. However, the reason why the fire started is still under investigation.
In every catastrophe like this one, it is already part of human nature to shower blames. The Fire Department is receiving sizzling negative feedbacks on how they responded, and Flores has to face all her neighbors’ angry scowls every now and then. Everyone is also intrigued with the great amount of properties lost considering the fact that the Fire Station is just part of the affected neighborhood. However, I understand how these affected families got their hearts broken with the great damage. Some shed not just sweat but blood in realizing all their properties, and poof, all that turned to ashes.
Our victims are currently located at the new School of the Future building which serves as their temporary home. Help from all over the province are also raining on them. “Maayu ra gyud hapit na ang eleksyon.”- most people are saying.
It is, of course, difficult to get over what happened since it has already left an awful scar to every family left homeless. They may be receiving high-tide-donations now, but most are clueless