La Esperanza Encendida

Last October 5, I was given the chance to watch the stage play "La Esperanza Encendida" (The Burning Hope) at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Brebeuf Gymnasium. The play resolves on the stories of nine children who battled the claws of poverty and illeteracy as they are exposed to the harsh realities of the world. In the midst of their problems, a group of social workers provided them with help in sending these kids to school and helping their families to live a better life.

The story and the direction were excellent. The opening number immediately captured the attention of the audience as the characters recited their hopes and aspirations. The ply provided a good mix of comedy, drama and musical. It made me realize that I am more blessed compared to other people. It motivates me to extend help to kids who are hopeful that their lives become better.

"La Ezperanza Encendida" was written by Layeta P. Bucoy, a professor at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños teaching Creative Writing, Playwriting and several literature and writing subjects. Marco Alfino "Kiko" V. Miranda directs the play. He is a graduate of UP Los Baños and currently teaches at the Mass Communications Department of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The stage play was produced by the AGAPE Human Development Foundation, Inc., World Vision Development Foundation, Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement (SACSI) Office, Center for Performing and Visual Arts of ADZU and in cooperation with the Mass Communications Department of ADZU and Hon. Congressman Erbie Fabian.

The following are the cast and crew of the stage play:

Mar Venn A. Manalo (Western Mindanao State University) as Daryll
Mary Apple M. Gullod (Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat National HS) as Esper
Jayson C. Mahinay (Western Mindanao State University) as Owen
Joeviline B. Zamora (Ramon Enriquez HS) as Kitty
Shiela Sharina C. Gaspar (Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial HS) as Rona
Joceryn A. Damaso (Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial HS) as Gina
Alexis A. Legaspi (Western Mindanao State University) as Bentong
Robert N. Basco (Western Mindanao State University) as Tinoy
Mary Rose Anne S. Senit (Tugbungan Elementary School) as Marla
Dayanara B. Bautista (Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology) as Ms. Buenas
Carla T. Saidiman (Ramon Enriquez HS) as Ms. Alegre
Dearly G. Laude (Ateneo de Zamboanga University) as Nanay

Stage Managers: Joseph Roger Subong, Rianne Miranda
Music Head: Christy Mae Baroro
Lights Designer: Darren Bendanillo
Composer: Renever Bandiola
Marketing Manager: Liza Marie Miranda
House Committee: Dawn Broce, Cellajune Villas, Kristine Qunivista, Amilbahar Mawalil, Liezel Lacastesantos, Felomena Baal, Louie, Matthew
Children's Confidante: Stanley Lledo

I hope Kiko Miranda will be able to come up with more productions in the near future. Great work man!

Photo Gallery: La Esperanza Encendida Stage Play Read more...

Art in the Mall

Several weeks ago, I had the chance to travel to Manila to chap eron my students who are going to attend the Graphika Manila International Multimedia Design Conference. It was a hush-hush organizing of the trip due to some difficulties with bureaucracy. However, I was able to create a good itinerary for the activities that we can do to maximize our stay in Manila.

The first activity after arriving in the Metro was to visit art galleries. Since the students are taking Multimedia and Animation course, I decided that they be exposed to other types of designs and art. We went to see the art pieces displayed in the galleries that can be found on the upper floor of SM Mega Mall. Most of the students were inspired to see the art works. They got some ideas that they can use in creating digital artworks which are required in their portfolio development subject.

On my part, I was inspired to start painting again soon. I use to paint in watercolor when I was in High School. I wanted to also try other media but workload and other involvements hindered me. I hope to pursue painting in the next semester since it seems to be a little lenient on schedule. Read more...

Angan- angan

My friend and fellow Mindanaoan, Sheron Dayoc brought honor to Zamboanga during the 2008 Cinemalya Film Festival as he bagged Jury's Special Citation for his short film "Angan-angan" (Dreams).

Watch the trailer below:

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Project Runway Philippines

The Philippine installment of Project Runway made its tv debut last July 30 on ETC Channel. The Bravo TV franchise aims to give Filipino designers break in to the fashion industry.

I really liked the first episode. The whole production gave justice to the original version of this hit reality tv show. The host was superb. The treatment of the loft clips is unique. It reminds me of the indie film-type of camera movements. The designs of are appeal to the Filipino taste yet world-class. Watch the clip below for the episode 1 runway show.

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Ash Wednesday 2008

Today, Catholics are starting the Lenten season by imposing a cross mark on their forehead. The worshiper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown.

The priest or minister says one of the following when applying the ashes:

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return. (Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.) – Genesis 3:19

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. – Mark 1:15

Repent, and hear the good news.– Mark 1:15

Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and the beginning of Lent. In the Philippines, it signifies the start of fasting for Catholics wherein meat is taken out of their diet.

To all Catholics, have a blessed Lenten Season. Read more...

Pit Señor! Sinulog 2008

The world famous Sinulog Festival of Cebu has already started. My mom and sister is actually on their way to Cebu for the celebration. For them it is convenient because my brother lives in the city. As my tribute to the festival, below is a video of a Sinulog Festival dance performed by my students during the Atfest 07. For more information about the festival please visit http://www.sinulog.ph.

Photo courtesy of Sinulog Festival 2008 Website

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Basag Palayok (Hit the Pot)

Basag Palayok is a traditional Filipino game that is being played during fiestas, birthdays and other celebrations. The player is blindfolded while trying to hit a pot or palayok. The palayok is filled with prizes for the spectators to get after the pot is hit. Basag palayok was played in our recent Christmas party. It was fun.

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Pabitin

During my recent trip back in my hometown, Dapitan City, I was able to attend the birthday party of my niece. Since it was a kids' party, my sister-in-law prepared a game for my niece's guest. The game that she prepared is called "pabitin".

Pabitin is a game wherein goodies are hung on a wooden or bamboo frame that is held by a rope. When the pabitin is lowered, the kids competes in grabbing the goodies.

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Pichuri Dance

Pichuri is a chavacano version of "Pipit" song. This video shows a group of students from Western Mindanao State University dancing on the tune of Pichuri.

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Paper Bag, Bayong or Plastic Bag

Plastic bags consumed this year:

Everyday, when we buy bread for breakfast or a kilo of rice for lunch, usually the goods are placed in a plastic bag. There have been a buzz on the ill effects of using plastic bags as they are produced from non-renewable petroleum resources. Yes, plastic bags can be recycled but not as easy as paper. The usual reason of clogged sewerage in the streets in the Philippines is the bundle of plastics which cannot decompose easily.

Several groups propose the use of paper bags as an alternative for plastic bags. Paper bags easily decompose and do not clog the sewerage. However, paper bags come from trees. Therefore, the impact on the production of paper bags on forests is huge.

Another alternative is the use of reusable bags. In the Philippines, the use of bayong has been done since time immemorial. A bayong, is made of coconut or other natural materials. The coconut leaves are being woven to make it as strong container of goods. The coconut leaves are renewable. Usually, the bayong is being used by Filipinos for buying vegetables from the market.

Hopefully, there can be a law in the Philippine against the use of plastic bags and promoting the use of bayong. Read more...

Regatta de Zamboanga: Vinta Racing Contest

One of the highlights of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the annual Vinta Racing Competition. During the competition, a number of colorful vintas line up the boulevard of Zamboanga City to take part in this fun event. I was glad to be there to capture the moment.

If you happen to visit Zamboanga during the Hermosa Festival, check the city's official website for the Vinta Racing competition. I assure you that you will enjoy the sight of these colorful sails which you can only see in Zamboanga.

Taken on October 7, 2007
R.T. Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City






For more regatta pictures, please visit my Multiply gallery. Read more...

Dapitan City's Old and New Architecture

If you are looking for a place to reminisce the past but at the same time enjoy modern amenities, I recommend you to visit my hometown, Dapitan City.

Around the City Plaza are structures that were preserved to give tourists a feel of the Spanish era. St. James Parish church which was built in the 18th century still bears the original architectural design. Several ancestral houses are also commissioned by the City Tourism to be preserved.

At the City's boulevard, which is around 10 minutes away from the City plaza (and around 2 minutes away from our house) is an entertainment complex that has a modern cockpit arena, restaurants, video arcade, bowling alley, carnival and clubs. Local and foreign tourists can enjoy their night by hanging out in this area.

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I'm a Monkey, I love Bananas

I'm a monkey. I was born during the year of the monkey based on the Chinese calendar. I do not know if it has something to do why I love eating bananas so much. lol... It has become my regular routine to buy a "sipi" of banana every Sunday and cook it as fried banana or locally called "rebusao". During weekdays, I take fried bananas during snack time. This snack looks like french fries coated with sugar.I did a little research on bananas. Whfoods.com talks about the history and benefits from bananas. According to the site, "bananas are thought to have originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago. From there, they spread throughout the Philippines and India." The fruit is still widely grown in the Philippines up to this day. Western Mndanao is one of the major producers of bananas as it has hectares of plantation in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.Aside from the taste of banana, I am fond of eating this fruit for its health benefits. Whfoods.com enumerated the benefits we can get from bananas.
Cardiovascular Protection from Potassium and Fiber

• Soothing Protection from Ulcers
• Improving Elimination (it helps you popoo with ease )
• Protect Your Eyesight
• Build Better Bones with Bananas
• Promote Kidney Health

Aside from these benefits, accordingly, bananas helps prevent pimples. hehehe.... nakahanap ka na ba ng ungoy na may pimple? hehehe... Read more...