Catribo Complex joins Fiesta Pilar celebration

The Catribo Complex at Buenavista street, Zamboanga City announces their activities lined up in relation to the Fiesta Pilar celebration. The number one hang out location in the city will be having a two-night foam party inside the Catribo complex on October 10 and 11. Party starts at 6:00 PM in the evening and will accelerate until dawn.

On October 12, during the Fiesta Pilar celebration, the Catribo Complex will open its Tiangge Tiangge na Catribo where visitors can find varieties of food delicacies, fruits, clothes (RTW), cosmetics, novelty items, and barter goods all at very reasonable prices. The Tiangge Tiangge na Catribo will be open from 4:00 in the afternoon to 12:00 middight from October 12 to 16, 2008.

The Catribo Complex will also feature live performances by local talents to entertain the crowd. There will also be other surprises such as games and contests wherein lots of gift items will be given away.

Everyone is invited to experience the nightly fun and excitement at Catribo Comblex, Zamboanga City's prime party destination.
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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...

Sen. Manny Villar graces Zamboanga Regatta 2008

Sen. Manny Villar officially started the Zamboanga City Regatta competition yesterday, October 5, 2008 at the RT Lim Boulevard. The competition is one of the main highlights of the annual festival. Regatta means a rowing race of boats. In Zamboanga, vinta is the boat used in the race.

A vinta is a boat with colorful sails. In Wikipedia, vinta is described as a vessel of ancient heritage used by Muslims in the large island of Mindanao, Southern Philippines. The colorful sails represents the colorful culture of the Muslim community hundreds of years ago. The vinta is commonly used for inter-island transport of people and goods.

The gloomy weather did not hinder more than 100 vintas from participating in the event. Thousand of residents and tourists also witnessed the very unique competition in the world.

Related post: Regatta de Zamboanga: Vinta Racing Contest
Photo Gallery: Spiderye's Adventure Zamboanga Regatta 2008
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Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Schedule of Activities

In my opinion, this year's Zamboanga Hermosa Festival marketing plan is not working well. Local residents and tourist had difficulty in getting the correct schedule of activities for the festivities. Posters has not yet been released and the tarpaulins were displayed just yesterday. The schedule that I posted here several days ago which I got from a local newspaper was errronous and thus I have to delete it.

Here is the schedule I got from the tarpaulin which was display along the Gov. Camins Ave Rotonda:

Wow Zamboanga
October 1- 8
7PM- onwards
National Museum Courtyard, Fort Pilar

Cosechas de Zamboanga
October 1-15
9AM, Plaza Pershing

Art Exhibit
October 6 - November 6
6PM, Garden Ochid Hotel

City-wide Job Dair
October 2-3
8AM- 5PM
City Health Compound

Novena Mass
October 3 -5
5:30 PM
Fort Pilar

Beng Climaco Badminton Cup
(Inter-Government Tournament)
October 3-6
8AM- 5PM
LB Badminton Center

1st Zamboanga Hermosa Invitational MTB Challenge
(Circuit Race Competition)
October 5
7AM- onwards
Abong-abong, Pasonanca

SMB Cerveza Negra Jazz Saturday Nights
October 4
8PM - onwards
Cafe Zambo, Canelar

Regatta de Zamboanga
October 5
8AM
RT Lim Boulevard

Mindanao Week of Peace 2008 Awarding Ceremony
(writing and painting competition)
October 6
4PM
National Museum Courtyard, Fort Pilar

Servicio Medical
October 7
8AM - 5PM
City Health Compound

Dancesport Competition - Year 5
October 8
1PM
ZC Coliseum

Grand Fashion Show
October 8
7PM
Astoria Regency

Fiesta Solo Art Exhibit
October 8 - November 8
5:30 (Opening Exhibit)
The Gallery of the Peninsula and the Archipelago
ADZU, La Purisima Street

Miss Zamboanga 2008
October 9
7PM
Astoria Regency

Chabacano Song Festival
October 9
7PM
Garden Orchid Hotel

"Classic Meets Rock"
October 10 & 11
Multi-Purpose Covered Court
ADZU, La Purisima Street

Erico Basilio Fiesta Pilar Dart Cup
October 10-11
Ram's Beer Garden

"Savers the Wonder Dog"
Dog Show
October 10 -11
ZC Coliseum

Motorcade Dog Show
October 10
8AM, 3PM - 5PM

Dog Show
October 11
8AM - 10AM, 3PM - 5PM

Mascota de Zamboanga Show
October 10
6PM
Museum Courtyard, Fort Pilar

MYMP Concert
October 10
7PM
ZC Coliseum

Floral Float Parade
Street Dance Competition
Street Dance Showdown
Fiesta Main Program
October 11
1PM: Canelar to City Hall
3PM: Stage at City Hall

Wow Sardinas
October 11
5:30 ON
RT Lim Boulevard

Wushu Sanshou Tournament
October 11
3PM
ZCPC Covered Court

Mayor Celso L. Lobregat Cup
Golf Tournament - Year 4
October 11 - 12
9AM
Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park

Awarding Ceremony
October 12
7PM
Garden Deck, Garden Orchid Hotel

Religious Activities
October 12
Fort Pilar

Market Bazaar/ Garage Sale
October 18 -19
9AM - 6PM
Parking Area, MP Towers
Nuñez Extension

San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest
120 Celebrations
October 24
7PM - onwards
Gov. Camins Ave. Read more...

MRT Trip

The easiest way to commute in Metro Manila is to take the train. Considering the volume of traffic in EDSA, going from Mandaluyong to Makati would be easier through the MRT. Since majority of the students that I brought in Manila for a trip are first-time visitors, I decided to let them experience how to ride on the train.

The MRT ride was a funny experience for the students. One student disembark in a wrong station. Thankfully, he was able to come back in before the door closed. Despite the fun, the students realized that living in Manila is not that easy. Riding the MRT specially during the peak time was very difficult for them. 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...

Cuando by Comic Relief

In line with the Chabacano Song writing competition, I would like to share this popular Chabacano song that rules the airwaves here in Zamboanga. Hope readers from outside Zamboanga will like this. The best to!



I.
Ketal man tu ara?
Chene donde anda?
Libre ba tu?
Pwede yo liba pasya?

II.
Pasensya kumigo
Si bodi man yo
Pero prikura iyo dale kuntigo el todo

Refrain:
Hinde ba tu ta sinti
Jalo lang que supri
Ta canta yo ‘te cansion
Con todo mi corazon
Pati mi pensamiento…

Chorus:
Cuando?
Cuando contesta?
Pirmi yo ta resa na kita dos ay keda
Bien dulce dos letra pirmi yo ta espera
Cuando tu contesta?
Si hinde ara, cuando?
Cuando?

III.
Todo el ora
Iyo ta pensa
Si OK ba tu?
Ta kome ba tu na ora

IV.
Perdona tu kumigo
Si kebraw man yo
Pero prikura iyo cambia lang para kuntigo

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Chabacano songfest on

Deadline for the 2008 Chabacano Song Festival, a highlight of the Grand Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is set for Friday, September 26.

Now on its 26th year, the chabacano song tilt is one of the city government's efforts to preserve the chabacano language, the only one of its kind in the country and entire Asia, earning Zamboanga the title as "Asia's Latin City".

The competition is the brain child of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, who initiated the tilt when she was still the president of the defunct First United Broadcasting Corporation (FUBC) in 1982.

Entries for the songfest are to be submitted not later than Sept. 26 (Friday), during office hours at the Office of the City Tourism at the Sunken Garden or at the Office of the Barangay Affairs in City Hall.

Any entry should be original in tune and lyrics in chabacano with only guitar or organ accompaniment during the contest proper. It should be at least and not more than 3 minutes.

The entry should be submitted for the first time and was not considered as an entry in previous chabacano song festivals; submitted with accomplished entry form of the contest and submitted with the corresponding copy of the musical chords and lyrics of the song within the prescribed period.

Audition and final elimination will be on Sept. 29, 2008 (Sunday) at the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca.

Actual contest will be on October 9, 2008 at the Garden Orchid Hotel. Prizes at stake are P10, 000 for the first prize; P5, 000 for the second prize and P3, 000 for the third prize. The owner of the entry that will be selected as best in composition will get a prize of P5, 000.

All entries are considered an official property of the city government as the organizer of the contest and that the decisions of the board of judges are considered final. (City Hall PIO) Read more...