San Carlos got Lumina 

Official PGT Quarter Finalist calls for a massive support

By Hernor De Asis and

Charmaine Sanchez

                San Carlos’ pride, group previously known as ‘Synergy’, takes on another journey as they once again impressed the three judges of Pilipinas Got Talent: Ms. Aiai De las Alas, Ms. Kris Aquino, and Mr. FMG which led them to their way to the season’s quarter finals. The Philippines now knows the group as ‘Lumina’ which consists of three versatile aerialist: Junrey Maantos, Bethany Monique Turtor and Julie Ann Loar.

                “Ang concept po kasi namin ay hango sa liwanag. Sumali po kami sa PGT para maibahagi ang talent namin at para maipakita po sa buong mundo kung kaya ng mga foreign performers ang makagawa ng kakayahan namin, mas kaya rin ng mga Pinoy. Kahit naman mahirap, kahit marami na tayong pinagdaanan, may nasusugatan na sa atin, hindi naman tayo susuko ‘di ba?”- the group said in an inspiring VTR played before they went on their audition performance. They performed with a hoop suspended with them on air. Backstage, were 15 more people making sure the three performers on stage got to fly. “Kinse sila para humatak!” exclaimed the show’s host, Mr. Billy Crawford who was then very impressed with the group’s teamwork. With their performance, Lumina was able to make the crowd fly with them. The judges and the audience gasped on each breath-taking stunt they did on air. Lumina successfully managed to be graceful as a dancing light throughout their stunning performance.

                Last PGT season, Sancarlosenios crossed their fingers for the group’s triumph that was able to reach the finals. With the three judges’ ‘yes!’ it is indeed a new chance for the group as they move on to the quarter finals with their choreographer, Mr. Michael Valiente. Not only does this give us a reason to stay tuned on the program, this also proves that San Carlos City really has talent.

                To vote for Lumina for the Quarter Finals this coming April 27-28, 2013 at PAGCOR  Manila, text PGT LUMINA and send to 2331 for Globe and TM subscribers or send to 231 for Smart, Talk N Text and Sun Cellular subscribers.

Polaris, a star fallen

                Another Group consists of three talented students also coming from Julio Ledesma National High School and also members of the Synergy Dance Crew, failed to be part of the quarter finalists since during the judges’ cull, the panel of adjudicators decided to choose the best performance among the two groups (Lumina or Polaris), and the opportunity was given to Lumina.  There is no denying that both groups indeed wowed the audiences and exhibited a world class performance. Polaris received good feedbacks from different social media networks by their unique combination of pole dancing and tango.

 “ASTIG, YOU MADE IT WITH A DRAMA! ” posted by Mr. Michael Valiente (Choreograher)  on his official facebook account.

Friendly Observer   

By Arthur Keefe

Political Dynasties

Last week I suggested that politics in the Philippines can be best understood as a long political fiesta, rather than an exercise in democracy. This week I focus on another aspect of politics here which undermines true democracy. I am referring to political dynasties. This is not unique to the Philippines, and examples can be seen in the USA (The Kennedys, the Bushes, as well as lesser known families who monopolize power at the state level), in Africa, (the recently elected President Kenyatta), in India, the Ghandis (not the Mahatma one!), the Nerhus, and in Pakistan, the Bhutos. It is perhaps inevitable, that growing up in a political family, with political connections, and the wealth which attaches to political power here, sons, daughters, wives and extended families are attracted to a similar position.

It would be unfair to exclude all family members from entering politics if justified by their own efforts and merits. It might be possible to limit this effect by insisting they have to enter politics in another area, but other more fundamental changes are needed of dynasties are to be controlled.

One simple change (which will have its own critics), is to remove the limit on terms. In a democracy, it should be the voters who decide whether they have had enough of a politician, not the election rules! The existence of limits on terms helps encourage the creation of a family business in politics. Wives follow husbands, only for the husband to return after an enforced absence. Similarly with sons and daughters, a roundabout is created. In Chile, an outgoing President (Bachelet) had an approval rating of 84%, but was limited to one term. The public wanted her to stay. The election rules said no. she is now under pressure to return following her unpopular successor! (in this case, it was not her husband or relative)

Another unfortunate consequence of the limit on terms is the roundabout of politicians moving from Council to Province to Congress to Senate, as they seek a kind of political promotion, at the same time as they try to extend their political career. There are plenty of examples of this in the current elections, both local and national.

Another reason dynasties flourish is the nebulous state of political parties. These are not formed around a set of values, and have little tradition. Rather, they are loose alliances created around a cluster of political candidates who may have little in common, save the desire to be elected. Candidates even create their own parties purely as a vehicle for election. When I ask politicians what their Party stands for, I am met with blank stares or statements of ‘motherhood and apple pie’. They will say they stand for ‘Change’, but when challenged can, can find few specifics to define this. They will argue for transparency, but who will argue for obscurantism? They will say they are pro-poor, but who will declare they are pro-rich? These are not dishonest people, and they may do well if elected. The problem is that there is no coherent, costed, programme to achieve their vague aspirations.

In the absence of policies and programmes, it is only personalities which people can see. Media stars benefit, but so do the namesakes of other politicians. Why did Ejercito change his name to Estrada for this year’s Senatorial Vote? The reason is obvious. He hopes to gain votes through name recognition and his father’s popularity. What are the qualities of the wife of Villar, save her name?

                Strong Political Parties with adequate funding and well defined policies will not remove the impact of famous names, but it will add a major new dimension to the factors governing both the selection and election of candidates.

The least democratic part of the system, and the one where dynasties flourish is the Senate. How can the mass electorate hold individual Senators to account? What purpose, other than vote catching, is served by their huge pork barrel funds? How can transparency be observed with such a centralized system? Few will defend the Senate as it operates, although some will refer to the separation of powers, as a check on the power of both Congress and the Executive, necessary if you mistrust most politicians.

                In my view, this separation has not prevented abuse, and it has often led to shackled and inert government, just as it does in the USA today.

I support a Parliamentary system, with strong government. But in its absence, a move to regionalize the Senatorial Constituencies would at least provide some transparency and local accountability. As with all changes, there are pros and cons, and a regional Senator could establish a political business for his or her family, just as some Congressman have done.

                In conclusion, it is not feasible to outlaw dynasties, despite the Constitution, but it is possible to substantially reduce them. The problem is that change would have to come through the very institutions the present dynasties control, so as I concluded last week, I am not holding my breath!

Soldier’s Pen   

By BGen. Alexander Cabales (Ret.)

Betting on a duck

When General S was still a young captain, he happened to stray into a room full of senior officers relaxing over a few bottles of beer.  The colonels and the generals were in their light moments and were in a jolly mood.  Among others, they were making jokes about the national leadership and of their precarious position in the Armed Forces of the Philippines under an ordinary housewife as their Commander-in-Chief.

Being the only officer below the rank of Lt Col, then Captain S became the “plebe” (the term refers to a first year cadet at PMA) in that gathering.  Thus in situations like this; he became the butt of jokes and the subject of “military caress”.  After being made to down three bottles of beer at “one count” (in one gulp) each, he was ordered to entertain the group by telling a joke.  For a while he hesitated to comply for being at a loss for an appropriate one that would make these guys laugh.  He was afraid that he would end up knocking his head (literally knocking your head continuously with your knuckles unless told to stop) or making several pushups if his joke does not turn out funny.  These are the possible military “caresses” applied on a junior officer by their seniors if they are both academians (PMA graduates). 

Finally, he mustered enough courage and said loudly, “Cory Aquino!”  To this, some of the senior officers chorused, “Where is the joke there, Captain S….?”  Captain S then replied, “The fact that she is the President and our Commander in Chief is the big joke, Sirs!”  Amidst the boisterous laughter that ensued, Captain S hastily scampered out of the room to safety.

Truly, most of the soldiers at that time believed that it was a big joke having a politically inexperienced house wife as the President of the Philippines and the Commander-in-Chief of its Armed Forces.  They said that she is not qualified for these positions.  The late President Cory Aquino was indeed so unpopular in the Armed Forces of the Philippines that her term was marred by several bloody coup attempts.  In fact, most of the officers in that room during that particular incident were at one time or another involved in coup attempts later on.  As such many of them even spent some time in jail or in hiding for their involvements. 

It was a big joke at that time that those types of joke about the late President were circulating in military circles.  The years have overtaken it, though, and telling it now may not elicit the kind of laughter as it did many summers ago.  We may agree or disagree with the points of view of those rebel soldiers but is not for me to say today whether they were right or wrong in their judgment of Cory’s capacity to govern the country.  Let history, however, be the judge.

Now, let me connect this with another old joke that I picked up from cockfight aficionados a long time back but may be worth remembering today.  Accordingly, a guy brought a duck inside the cockpit during a derby.  That was funny enough but funnier still was that other guys placed their bets on the duck.  In rehashing that joke, I added that the funniest part of it all was that the duck won!  This concluding part of the joke generated more laughter in the coffee shop.

The joke about the duck winning in a contest for cocks has a naughty allusion of unqualified people finding themselves elected in the forthcoming national and local elections.  The story, however, did not end there.  One guy commented, albeit seriously, that there are lots of well qualified and intelligent persons who after being entrusted with the rare privilege of being an honorable public officer fail to serve the people as they promised and do nothing except robbing their constituents dry.  After hearing this Solomonic observation, would we perhaps consider putting our bets on a duck?

Food for Tooth

By Otto George I. Weber

Now open to serve you is the city’s highest and coolest eating place – Cloud 16 Food Station. Nestled along a ridge some 2,600 ft. above sea level, it is only about 16 kms. from San Carlos City via the Eco-tourism highway.

With a view that’s unmatched by any other restaurant this side of the island, its unique position is further enhanced by the invigorating weather. Combined, both these traits afford guests a perfect environment to de-stress and simply chill-out. Adding warmth to the ambience, the wooden furniture and fixtures provide a natural setting for one to enjoy a hot bowl of the tasty native Chicken Tinola.

What could be better than eating the house specialties of locally-ranged chicken cooked in a variety of ways while checking out the city below and its surrounding green sugarcane fields? At times, it is hard to concentrate on the Goat Caldereta or Balbacua as the view of Sipaway and Cebu islands vies for your attention. And that’s only during daytime! When the night sets in and the stars come out, the view turns magical, esp. during moonlit nights. Coupled with cool jazz or live musical entertainment, wining and dining is taken to a higher level.

With the ability to heighten all five senses, Cloud 16 is one package that’s hard to resist. So, if it’s a new high you are looking for, then you know where to go.

Pikpik sa Abaga

By Henry Sandoval

Kausaban

Ang auditorium maoy matawag nato nga sentro sa siyudad sa San Carlos. Gani sa pagtukod niini daghang isyu nga gilabay niini kang kanhi Mayor Debulgado. Matud pa sa mga misaway niini. Matud pa nila ohong nga puthaw sa San Carlos. Apan sa pagliso sa panahon ang gisaway nga ohong nahimong mapuslanon sa tanang okasyon labi na gyud ug panahon sa ting ulan.

Sa hinayhinay nga pag-irog sa panahon ang gitawag nga Rizal ug Bonifacio diha sa kilid sa auditorium nausab sa dihang si Mayor Valmayor na ang mikapot sa renda sa siyudad sa San Carlos. Nahimo na kining usa ka lolinghayawan sa pamilya. Adunay dako kaayo nga TV sa puesto ni Dr. Jose Rizal. Mga bata nga nagduwa sa plaza ug dunay gagmay nga negosyo pinaagi sa pagpa-abang sa mga dulaan nga magamit sa mga bata.

Sa lugar usab ni Andres Bonifacio tua usab ang duwa sa Volleyball ug Sipa Takraw nga maoy nahimong suroyanan sa mahiligon sa sports kay matag gabii ang duwa niini. Hasta ang nagproblema sa hospital anha na mopahungaw sa pagtan-aw sa duwa matag gabii. Kini nga mga talan-awon sa atong public plaza mga kausaban kini ubos sa administrasyon ni Mayor Valmayor. Unsa man jud diay ang angay nga himuon nga kausaban sa siyudad sa San Carlos? Siguro ang angay usbon mao ang batasan nga kanunay lang magsalig. Na halos na lang tanan isalig sa lain tawo. Anugon lang sa tima nga “ABANTE SAN CARLOS” unya kita sige lang magpatulod para makadagan.

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Petsa 12 ning bulan sa April 2013 nahitabo ang usa ka mass wedding didto sa Brgy. Prosperidad. Ang programa gidala kini sa Civil Local Registrar pinaagi sa opisina sa Brgy. Prosperidad. Sa akong paghinabi ni Mr.Nilo Chan, mga 23 ka parisan ang gikasal. Sa mga gikasal duna koy nakita nga paresan nga ang lakaki mga 80 anyos ug ang babaye mga 38 anyos ang edad. Matud pa ni Mr. Chan ang maong mass wfeding maoy una nga nahitabo sa Brgy. Prosperidad.

Si Mayor Valmayor ang mikasal sa 23 kaparesan. Ug siya mismo ang mihatag ug tambag sa mga gikasal nga pangga-on ang mga asawa ug ingon man ang bana. Sa katapusan nangayo ug pasalamat ang tanang gikasal sa kang Mayor Valmayor ug sa Team Unity nga mitambong sa maong okasyon.

BantayBanat

Ni Rics Cañisarez

Nagbahis-bahis

Samtang nagkaduol ang eleksyon kada adlaw dili na gayud halos mapugngan ang mga salakyan sa mga politiko nga magbahis-bahis sa mga kadalanan ning syudad nga mag siya-ok ang mga jingles niining mga politiko. Tungod kay kampanya man gud karon wala gayuy makasaway ani nila. Ang usa ka butang nga wala magustuhi sa uban kay kon dunay panahon sa meeting kon rally sa pikas nga bahin sa mga politiko, magsige ni sila ug bahis-bahis sa ilang mga sakyanan tuyok-tuyok diha sa auditorium nga pakusgan ang mga jingles ug dala ang mga placards u gang uban mag singgit-singgit busa, dili kalikayan nga ang uban mo-ingon nga mga bastos daw kuno. Dihay nangutana kon kinsa kuno ang mastermind kon utok sa maong binastos. Kinsa kaha?

Ang ilang dad-on nga mga placards kon basahon nag-ingon  ihatag kanamo ang kagawasan. Unsa man di-ay kini sila, binilanggo? Ang uban nga placard nag-ingon nga dili kami kauyon sa diktadoria nga pang gobierno, kinsa man usab ang nagdikta ninyo? May diktador ba dinhi sa San Carlos? Kinsa man ang wala ninyo magustuhi, ang diktadoria O si Decatoria?

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Ang kahimtang karon sa San Carlos kon parte sa politika  ang hisgutan, mas grabe pa gayud  ang Calatrava. Ang mga tao didto, dili na mopapilit sa mga posters sa mga kandidato sa bongbong sa ilang panimalay kay nahadlok na nga laksi-on gumikan sa pipila ka tao nga gitahasan  nga mag operation laksi. Wala hinuon sila kon kinsa kining mga tawhana pero, matud nila nga dili mailhan kay mag “bonnet”man. Kon ikaw usa ka kandidato kaanugon lang sa kuarta para sa mga posters unya laksi-on man lang. Pastilan kining mga tawhana unsa may labot nianang mga posters. Palihog, dili nato ipadala ang atong mga kalagot  nianang mga poster sa mga kandidato.

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Ang Commission on Elections (COMELEC) mipahimangno na ngadto sa tanan nga mga kandidato nga sugod niadtong Abril 12 nga did-an na sila sa pagpanghatag (giveaways) samtang nagkampanya kay mahimo kamong (candidates) mag-atubang ug kasong pag lapas sa lagda sa Comelec. Sigon ni Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, gidili na ang mga kandidato sa paghatag ug mga giveaway just tell them your programs kay kon dili tumanon mag atubang kamo ug risgo sa pag komiter ug sayop. Matud ni Brillantes ang pagpanghatag ug mga giveaway could be considered as an act of vote buying. Gitun-an pa sa Comelec ang tag P5 nga ipanghatag ug dili ba kaha kining tag P10 kon sobra pa. Pastilan usab ning Comelec, mahaylo ba kaha ang mga botantes sa tag P5 o kaha tag P10 kay dinhi lang sa San Carlos, maka-inom kag kape nga P5 pero walay pares nga puto dili ba kaha pandesal. Maayo lang gani  kay diha sa Barkada ni Jules dunay pisong kape, piso usab nga pandesal kon gusto kag puto piso ra usab. Sulayi mga amigo aron kang katuo sa kaping piso-piso.

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Candidates take off 

By Hernor De Asis and

Charmaine Sanchez

After the official start of the campaign period for Member, House of Representatives, and Elective Regional, Provincial, City and Municipal Officials last March 30, 2013, San Carlos City has a total of 22 candidates- one candidate for Mayor, two candidates for Vice-Mayor, and 19 candidates for Councilor who filed their certificates of candidacy and are now making their way to the 2013 Automated National and Local Elections. This campaign period will last on May 11, 2013.

The official list of our local candidates

                For Mayor- Gerardo ‘Ginggo’ Valmayor, for Vice-Mayor- Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Hidalgo and Edgardo ‘EQ’ Quisumbing, for Councilor- Hernan Antonio, Eddie ‘Ed’ Apuhin, Emmanuel ‘Noli’ Baguiro, Victoriana ‘Vicky’ Cabili, Christopher ‘ Criston’ Carmona, Rommel ‘Momoy’ Debulgado, Jose ‘George Bordigol’ Espinosa, Jose Marie ‘Jojo’ Gabutero, Aileen Miranda Gustilo, Guillermo ‘Jovan’ Laguda, Ulysses ‘Amay’ Lezama, Epifanio ‘Jon’ Liberal, Erie ‘Enog’ Mahinay, Clint Mansueto, Fleur De lis ‘Oring’ Mascuñana, Elmer Jones Mercado, Jonie ‘Kokie’ Uy, Jose Carlos ‘Lito’ Villarante and Dickson ‘DX’ Yu.

COMELEC’S Preparations

                COMELEC got over the registration process which ended last October 31, 2012, where a lot of ‘transferring’ and‘re-activation’ of voters took place during the entire process. Last day to furnish every registered voter with a voter’s information sheet will be on April 13, 2013.

                Testing and sealing of PCOS machines will start on May 6 to May 10, 2013. Election Day will be on May 13, 2013.

Designated COMELEC Common Poster Areas

1.     City Public Plaza

(Except the buildings, monuments, statues, trees and posts therein)

2.     Front of the Jose V. Valmayor, Jr. Public Market- V. Gustilo St. Only

(Not on the walls of the Public Market)

3.     All Barangay Centers

All candidates may individually post, display, or exhibit their Election Propaganda to announce their candidacy at the afore-mentioned designated Poster Areas subject to following limitations:

a.     Common Poster Areas does not refer to a post, tree, and the wall of a building of a public structure that is in active use. The size of each common poster area shall not exceed the following dimensions:

1.     For Political Parties and Party-List Groups- twelve by sixteen feet, or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 192 square feet; and

2.     For Independent Candidates- four by six feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of twenty four square feet.

b.     Individual Posters shall not exceed two by three feet.

c.     That posters posted, displayed or exhibited outside the designated common poster areas and oversized posters shall be confiscated, removed, destroyed and shall be taken as evidence against the owner thereof in a disqualification case that may be filed.

UNDER SECTION 18 OF COMELEC RESOLUTION No. 9615 IMPLEMENTING REPUBLIC ACT 9006.

FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE.

The Mass Speaks

“Sadya ni ang eleksyon ron kay naa’y mu kontra sa administrasyon, dili mingaw” says most of Sancarloseños considering the number of candidates that belong to the side of the opposition. Many are thrilled for the outcome of this year’s elections, which, all are hoping to be a clean and successful one.