tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43069550942062121892024-02-07T11:27:30.210+08:00"CALAMBA: THE CITY BY THE BAY"“Calamba: The City by the Bay” is chosen as the title of this blog spot to honor the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Calamba being the birth place of Rizal, and now a City since April 21, 2001; sited at the foothills of the legendary Mt.Makiling, overlooking the magnificent Laguna de Bay, largest fresh water lake in the Philippines.
Nagpupugay: Lolo Ome, a.k.a. roman romeo g. nagpala. E/M namor.nagpala@gmail.com; tel 09166273433.Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-64687836041718037202012-06-12T08:44:00.000+08:002012-07-04T07:15:53.147+08:00<br />
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<h1>
RIZAL @ 151; “YT” @ THE</h1>
<h1>
PLAZA</h1>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">CITY OF CALAMBA – </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">After Rizal’s sesquicentennial, a nondescript old model car negotiating
the pavements of his cradle town almost always gets curious second looks from
observant eyes. More so from jogging enthusiasts when the car is parked in the
early morning on weekends within the Plaza, the two-hectare park under the
vigilant watch of Rizal’s tallest monument in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The area has become the regular circle of
“The Plaza Joggers/Runners.” City Councilor Luis Vergel “Bong” Baroro joins its
members from all walks in life. See photo below taken by Negrense Jose Maylando
“Botchok” Villanueva, jogger/tennis enthusiast, a resident at nearby Villa de
Calamba. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The Jogger onlookers: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Danny Decena showing the biblical fish; Konsi Bong Baroro (6th R-L)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The car is YT. It is a Mitsubishi Lancer,
’86. An old car with fading wash-over psychedelic design painted over its
original dirty white color. The psychedelic design was to cover dents and
scratches allover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> YT is <i>Jejemon</i>
text for whitey. Whitey is shortcut for <i>Dorothy
White Bangs</i>, the name given by its acknowledged owner. This foreign
sounding lady means dirty white <i>bangas</i>. <i>Bangas</i>
in our dialect connotes dents and scratches on a car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> This nondescript motor vehicle has long
been inviting this septuagenarian Calambenio to present an issue out of it. The
time has come this month of June.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> June is the 6<sup>th</sup> month of the
year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of the four months with a
length of 30 days (<i>en.wikepdia.org</i>). June, dubbed the wedding month, also gives us
the Fathers’ Day on its third Sunday. Typhoon season usually starts in June in
our country; and ironically, the opening of our school calendar also begins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Historically, the month of June provides
every nationalistic Filipinos a double whammy in national celebration – Independence Day
and Rizal Day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> In both occasions YT fits in. Her
psychedelic design invokes both spiritual and nationalistic fervor. The
biblical fish and the Holy Spirit in a flying bird are revealed upon close
scrutiny. The color combination in our national flag accentuated in the bird’s
tail cannot be missed by the human eye. Above all, on her front hood is the punch
line: “<b>Pilipino Dangal ng Saling Lahi</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Who else among Filipinos past and present
epitomizes such punch line but our very own Dr. Jose P. Rizal?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Calamba once again has been dotted and indelibly
marked in the world map when Rizal @ 150 his tallest statue was officially
unveiled by no less than the bachelor president of the Republic of the
Philippines, His Excellency P-Noy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today, Rizal @151 views with sullen eyes
just across the street the very seat of governance in his place of birth amid
the background of Mt. Makiling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Could Rizal be invoking the legendary
Maria Makiling to lead scrofulous and unscrupulous city hall employees and city
residents into the straight path of governance? Would he not be looking at how
each lowly casual employee performs assigned duties and responsibilities,
including performance of those regular employees and consultants (?), and most
in particular those at the helm of the city administration? Could they be
counted in adhering to this 114<sup>th</sup> Independence Day theme: <b><i>Pananagutan
ng Bayan para sa tuwid na daan (</i>Sacrifices of the Nation on the Straight
Path)</b>? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2>
Would Rizal be proud of
Calamba today? A timely question,
indeed, to all Calambenios with the next local elections just around the corner.
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Photos by Botchok</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Botchok
shot Rizal at the back with Maria Makiling as backdrop, with his camera of
course.</span><br />
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<br /></div>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-81668308883989029812011-12-28T18:56:00.003+08:002011-12-30T17:10:27.673+08:00REFLECTION OF A SEPTUAGENARIAN<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> 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mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center; tab-stops:337.0pt" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><br /></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;tab-stops:337.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As the year 2011 ends and the spirit of Christmas wanes, Lolo Ome’s reflection of life begins and the spirit of indebtedness in life grows. Foremost is this borrowed span of three-scores, a decade and a couple of years, a month and ten days of my very own life this 28<sup>th</sup> December 2011. And yet, all I can whisper is thank you Lord for this and all.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The very essence of the season’s spirit is plain and simple sharing His blessings. Bereft of material things, all I can give away is my simple advocacy of thanksgiving and praise. The advocacy of giving thanks to the Lord for whatever we have in life; for being a human being, alive, now, and He only knows until when. A simple thanks to our Creator upon waking up in the morning; or anytime, anyplace, anyhow. Just say <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">“Thank you God”</b> and I believe that would be a good start; and giving thanks to the Lord for whatever else you have in mind.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This had long been my personal commitment since I received a very touchy message forwarded via E-Mail 12 April 1999 after more than a decade overseas foreign contract in the desert of Saudi Arabia then. Below is the detailed descriptive talk-to-me message for us to ponder.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday – but I noticed you were too busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to work.</i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I waited again. When you ran around the house getting ready I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy. At one point you have to wait 15 minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I watched as you went to work and I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, and why you didn’t bow your head. You glanced at three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn’t. That’s okay. There is still more time left, and I have hope that you talk to me yet.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You went home and it seems as if you had lots of thing to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV, I don’t know if you like TV or not, or just about anything goes. You spend a lot of time each day in front of it, not thinking about anything – just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate. Bed time I guess you felt too tired. That’s okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. I’ve got patience more than you will ever know.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Well you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but love for you hoping that today you will give me some time.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Have a nice day!</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Your friend,</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“GOD”</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To begin among us in this habit of thanksgiving and praise, Lolo Ome invites each visitor of this blog spot to form a circle of 12 buddies. Let us organize each of us into a group of 12 thanks-givers and promote the habit of thanksgiving and praise. Each group you may call <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“K-12,” “KA-DOCENA,” “KA-CIRCULO DOCE,” </b>or whatever you wish to name your group. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Ang panawagang ito ay nakapaloob sa “Labing-dalawang Katagang Pilipino na nagsisimula sa letrang </i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >.” </span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Basahin at namnamin ang kahulugan ng bawat salitang<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>may</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" > <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">K</b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >. Ito ang siyang timbulan natin na magbubuklod sa bawat grupo upang palaganapin ang Advocacy ng pasasalamat sa Kaitaasan at gumawa ng mabuti para sa kapuwa-tao. Narito ang <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">12 </b></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >.</span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >“</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >umpolan ng </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >amag-anakan, </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >aibigan, </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >apanalig sa </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >apaniwalaang </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >abutihang </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >alooban ang </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >atugunan upang bigyang </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >apasalamatan </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >alinga at </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >apasiyahan ng </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:20.0pt;" >K</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >aitaasan.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">” </b></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></b><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >These are Pilipino endearing words put together, the very meaning of which should encourage every God-fearing individual to do good things to fellowmen, regardless of faith or status in life. And be the example of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Good Samaritan.”</b> That is the essence of this advocacy. The advocacy of every group we organize. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“K-12,” K-Docena,” Ka-Circulo Doce,”</b> or whatever. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Go on, propagate and practice our advocacy; make this a habit in your everyday life. God Bless us all! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Hayo na at palaganapin natin ang panawagang ito. Patnubayan tayong lahat ng Diyos sa Kaitaasan, sa ngalan ng anak niyang si Jesus.</i> In the name of Jesus, amen!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Nagpupugay!</span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify"><span style="Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";" > </span></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-34840989472293172902011-09-15T14:13:00.013+08:002011-10-11T16:05:46.615+08:00MIGRATION: TENNIS, SHOOTING, AND COOOKING; AND FEASTING ON THE PESTS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >In every tennis club hereabouts and elsewhere, there will always be good players, good shooters, and good cooks. It is rare, however, that a tennis player would be “3-in-1;” all those three traits in one person. Here in the cradle city of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, we have five tennis clubs. But only the Bukal Kay-Tala Tennis Club, SEC-registered and known as “Looc Tennis Club,” (LTC) boasts of having all the three assets of a sportsman rolled-up into one in its three members – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“The FPJ Trio.”</b> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Blessed are we, indeed, in the LTC for having these three as member-plenipotentiary; inherent to play, shoot, and cook. The </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:16.0pt;" >FPJ</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" > trio is: The seasoned-citizen lay-minister </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:16.0pt;" >F</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >anny de Vera, the young-blood business entrepreneur </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:16.0pt;" >P</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >aul Palaganas, and ex-seminarian </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:16.0pt;" >J</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >oseph Oppus. Each of them has all the above traits - champion tennis player, acknowledged rifle sharpshooter, and good cook – an epicure and a gourmet.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Destiny has it that our summer vacation tennis tournaments this 2011 would showcase the FPJ trio’s hidden extravaganza to the delight of the generally gourmand tennis enthusiasts.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Little did we know of their summer nocturnal meetings planning early morning trips with Fanny’s kitchenomics aboard Paul’s Big Van and Joseph’s rent-a-motorboat concession to a far away undisclosed bird hunting place somewhere along the shoreline of Lake Taal.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Sometime this April, during the regular after games noontime fellowship in the citywide<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> “First Lazaro Cup” </b>at LTC, Lolo Fanny opened the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">caldero </i>of his hot and spicy <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Adobong Ibon. </i></b>Its soothing aroma instantly permeated into our nostrils; and snappily PNP Inspector Jocelyn “Joc” Cariño announced on top his military commanding voice – “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">MATIK NA!, </i>let the fellowship begin and taste that finger-licking, aromatic exotic <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">pulutan.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Tsalap pulutan” </i>echoed<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i>retired Nestle supervisor Raul Marinas and seconded by Atoy Co look-alike – Ed (Atoy) Loon. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Tagay parekoy</i>! I believe for you,Tita Fanny,” briskly egged Ase Baroro and Noel Brual - the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“African Brothers”</b> of Calamba City. Naturally, we all enjoyed such lasting camaraderie with two long-neck brandy and cases of beer; and would never forget “Joker Vinz” Vencio Realon’s beer case throwing incident hurled at B1 (the youthful balding transport contractor Melchor Carandang, Jr.) after drinking to the max.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >This was the club’s first encounter with Lolo Fanny’s big bird, enjoyed no less by ExPres Arman Mabunga and his tennis playing brood (Marlo, Ti, and Yani). Arman’s family has migrated to Canada April 2011. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Reportedly, the FPJ trio hauled five sacks of the game birds – locally known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Bakaw Pulo</i> (Night Heron)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> -</i> in that summer game shooting trip<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">.</i> Lean bird hunting trips would follow since the migratory preys would have gone to their native land, and would only return in our lakes and swamps to escape the unbearable frosty winter in their far-away-continent, wherever.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >The four-season weather condition in the Philippines serves as the ultimate come-on to migratory birds across the globe. Hence, the lakes and swamps in this archipelago become regular seasonal tourist-bird destinations. These tourists seek their suitable haven in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao sanctuaries during their sojourn. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Host bird-haven communities treat them differently. To bird lovers and bird watchers, they are most welcome treat; zoom cameras and telescopes become handy to their delight. To fishpond entrepreneurs and fruit tree farmers, they are most unwanted; these birds are real pests in the business. The flying migrants are, indeed, both bane and boon to many.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >To the Taal lake shoreline villagers, mixed feelings they have. Village leaders have to invite bird hunters to decimate their numbers since these visitors prey on the fish pond potential harvest. The migratory birds are pests to the fingerlings, small, medium, and large fish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >The start of our so-called “-ber-months,” opens the sojourn of the migratory birds once more. The recent long weekend holidays (Aug 27-30, 2011) provided the FPJ trio to once more pursue their clandestine hobby beyond the tennis arena. After their bountiful heroes day bird hunting, each served the participants in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Col. Angel’s Cup” </b>(Aug-Sep) at the Calamba Riverside Tennis Court beside the city plaza with exotic bird <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">pulutan</i>. Each took their turn to showcase the finished products from their cache.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >But first, let us have an insight of this once in a decade event, the 2<sup>nd</sup> in-house club level encounter hosted by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">millionaire security and trucking magnate retired Colonel Angel M. Opeña.</b> Following is an in-depth dissertation from the mind of Banker-Millionaire Madz Resurreccion, <span style="font-weight: bold;">'The Man'</span>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >"The intended format had the pairing of senior-fiftyish among Nebo’s court regulars. In the scramble for sure-winning tandem, oddities are expected considering player character, senility, agility, respectability, and sheer luck. Younger players become participants. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >"And in the course of the rainout playing days: The peevish tandem of the proud Drug Lord Colonel from India-Pakistan Border <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">and </b>supercilious speedy-oldie-ex-tailor millionaire <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">(JOCO</b>BERT <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">/ </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">SONGA</b>RCE) hug the limelight exacerbated by flying <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">'DARNA.' Closely watched is </b>the performance of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Angel /<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> </i>Devil</b> pare-team, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Church-and-the-State</b> duo, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Catholic-Baptist laymen</b> combo, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Llamado Pares (VERDASCO / ALRASHID), </b>and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">'undefeated tandem'</b> of yesteryears now trying hard to win. Top-seed teams remain on top and the winless already looking for special <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">'Kalabasa Award' </i></b>sponsor. Championship match before September ends would probably be <span style="font-weight: bold;">'El Cura Paroco </span>y <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Padre Señor contra Decipulos'.”</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Back to reality, let us feast the pests. Lolo <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Fanny </b>treated our palate with his usual saucy-hot-spicy-salty adobo. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Paul, </b>a seaman-chef in his womanizing days, presented his regular savory dried adobo, not so tender yet delicious to the last gritting bites grinding to the max the protein-rich bird meat. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Joseph</b> of Bohol Agricultural College Varsity and a top salesman during his prime, after marinating his bird meat for days with complex mixture of foreign condiments topped with brandy and cooking wine brought his concoction for on-the-spot grilling beside the tennis court. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Pulot boy</i> King Bañadero obligingly followed the grilling assignment, twice moving the grill to hide the burning embers from the drizzling rain.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >But only a few feasted the pests at Nebo’s clubhouse. The unpredictable sudden downpour that day distracted most participants. Plentiful, Joseph’s exotic bird concoction had to be chop into bits for others to savor and flew to the shoreline barangay Looc, home of LTC, where Ase, Atoy, Prof Vic Santos of La Salle Alabang were stranded by the heavy rains. We feasted on the pests with brandy while waiting for Makati exec Lando Villanueva and invocation speaker Bro. Ofreng Caluya; their coming however was aborted by the rain.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Joseph’s exotic <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">pulutan </i>were much more delectable this time with vinegar-garlic-chili-sauce which Atoy prepared to the enjoyment (also) of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">pulot </i>girl Joy Alinsunurin and the rest of the ball boys<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">.</i> The thoughtful Atoy even saved some of the delicacy for his beauteous songbird lovely wife Vicky.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >While migratory birds have been visiting the Philippines seasonally, some LTC players have migrated to Canada permanently. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We all miss you Arman, Marlo, Ti, Yani, and of course their beautiful mommy Nurse Cynthia of Zambales Province. Incidentally, Leilani “Ate Lai” Almoro-Naredo and family migrated to Canada a year earlier; followed by Mon Lira and family. Noel Brual, lovely wife RoseLyn, with daughter and son (NorLyn, Noriel) would also be migrating soon. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" >Regretably, we also miss the court presence of our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Big Bird Rafael “Ral” Hilao and Heron-slim Jeffrey Co; </b>who might have both flown separately like migratory birds to unknown comfort zones (you are welcome back, guys, to settle our games in court anytime).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:180%;" >Of course the club always longs for longer homeward vacation of LTC pioneer <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Jun Matanguihan.</b> Felix Tolentino Matanguihan, Jr. is an Adamson mining alumni. Eldest in the family, education of his siblings became his priority. He grabbed the first OFW opportunity to serve family and country. He never was a licensure examinee. Like a migratory bird, Jun has been flying across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa in various foreign assignments as a Filipino unsung-hero. He never looked back until recently; now he has a fallback dry goods outlet at the new <span style="font-style: italic;">Mercado de Calamba</span> in his home town Calamba City. This soft-spoken, well reserved bachelor still at his prime would someday find his "Shamcey Supsup" and add more mileage in "flying hours" with his lifetime partner.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" > Play with us more often, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Jun M,”</b> in your next court touchdown. While our multi-citizen <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jhay Dinulos (Fil-Can-Am)</b> come-and-go on short tennis vacation like those migratory bird preys of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“FPJ Trio.”</b> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" > </span></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-74619365358715515312011-06-13T08:17:00.016+08:002011-10-08T07:22:50.739+08:00RIZAL @ 150:<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv-xixEgZnEJ2dChZUaAxug6wfcgA1hI7rP_h9dHHjSd8-aGeGcTpbKJdZHCNEk28VCtZ3wk7wupACMusePvfMIkvJqpeI8fmAzGiGH7F782-A7LjWW2ix0D3PQf_HAldOHswVqBFPpIc/s1600/BANTAYOG+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv-xixEgZnEJ2dChZUaAxug6wfcgA1hI7rP_h9dHHjSd8-aGeGcTpbKJdZHCNEk28VCtZ3wk7wupACMusePvfMIkvJqpeI8fmAzGiGH7F782-A7LjWW2ix0D3PQf_HAldOHswVqBFPpIc/s320/BANTAYOG+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618321340006556482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">MONUMENT-CUM-SHRINE</b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> OF KNOWLEDGE AND GREATNESS</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:180%;">On the momentous sesquicentennial birth anniversary of the Filipino Global Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, His Excellency President Benigno C. Aquino III unveils the tallest Rizal monument at his cradle-town in Calamba June 19, 2011. This statue, standing tall at 13.4 meters in the midst of a two-hectare-land within the future </span><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;" >Calamba Commercial Institutional and Recreational Complex</span><span style=" Arial","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:180%;" >,</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span style="font-size:78%;">hopefully would become Rizal’s Monument-cum-Shrine of Knowledge and Greatness. Please browse on Lolo Ome’s tribute, written in tag-lish version.</span></span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">RIZAL KAYTAYOG BANTAYOG-DAMBANA </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">(NG KARUNUNGAN AT KADAKILAAN)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Hunyo 19,2011 ang ika-150 kaarawan ng ating pambansang bayani Gat. Jose Rizal. Sentro ng pagdiriwang ang kanyang duyang-bayan – Calamba (isa nang lungsod mula Abril 21, 2001) sa lalawigan ng Laguna.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> Bilang pagtingala sa kanyang tunay na kadakilaan at kabayanihan, isang pinakamatayog na monumento sa buong mundo ay pasisinayaan. Ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas mismo, Benigno C. Aquino III, ang panauhing pandangal na magpapasinaya sa pinakamataas na bantayog na ito. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> 6.710 metro (m) ang taas ng mismong estatua niya, 2.40 m naman ang pedestal nito, at 4.00 m ang pundasyong hagdanan. Mula <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">sidewalk </i>level, ang hagdanan tungo sa pedestal ay binubuo ng 15 baitang, kasama na dito ang dalawang malapad na baitang o <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">landing steps.</i> Ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">sidewalk</i> naman ay 0.290 m mula <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">ground level.</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Magiging 13.4 m ang kabuoang tayog ng bantayog-dambana ni Rizal sa Calamba. Kasintaas ito ng ikatlong palapag ng bagong gusaling panglungsod ng Calamba na kanyang tinatanaw sa kabilang kalsada 30 m buhat sa kanyang kinatatayuan. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Rizal Kaytayog Bantayog-Dambana (ng Karunungan at Kadakilaan)”</b> ang mungkahi ng isang kasapi ng <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“Order of the Knights of Rizal,” Calamba Chapter, </i></b>na ipangalan sa bantayog-dambana na ito. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Kaytayog. </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Ibig sabihin ay kaytaas. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kaytayog, sapagka’t ito na ang pinaka-mataas na monumento ni Rizal sa buong mundo ngayon, ayon sa mga ulat.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> Bantayog</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> ay isang istraktura na itinatayo bilang simbulo ng pagkilala sa kahalagahan ng isang tao, bagay o kahulugan na dapat bigyang pugay. Halimbawa ay ang “Bantayog ni Rizal” sa Luneta, at maraming sulok ng bansa at sa maraming bahagi ng mundo. Ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“UP Oblation”</i> ay nagpapahayag ng hungkag na katauhan na dapat mabigyan ng lubos na karunungan sa loob ng paaralan; hubad sa kaalaman na dapat bihisan, linangin ng katalinuan.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Dambana</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">. Katumbas ay <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">shrine</i> sa Ingles. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A place or object hallowed by its association</i>” ay isa sa kahulugan ng salitang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">shrine </i>ayon sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary. </i>Isang halimbawa ang Dambana ng Kagitingan (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Shrine of Valor), </i>kay-taas na monumentong krus sa Bundok Samat, Bataan - sagisag ng kagitingan, katapangan ng sundalong Pilipino noong ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Karunungan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">(Knowledge).</i></span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> Maliit pa si Rizal ay nagb<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">ab</i>asa na siya ng mga aklat, dahil ang kanilang aklatan ay punong-puno ng libro<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">.</i> Mulang pagkabata ay hinubog na ang kaisipan ni Rizal ng kanyang butihing ina sa maraming antas ng kaalaman sa buhay. Kaya naman sa kanyang pag-aaral ay naging masigasig si Rizal sa pagtuklas ng higit pang kaalaman. Masidhi ang pagkagutom ni Rizal sa karunungan at simbuyo ng damdamin sa tagumpay. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Ilan sa kursong tinapos ni Rizal: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Bachelor of Arts (Excellent, 1877, Ateneo), Degree of Surveyor (UST, 1878), Licentiate in Medicine, Philosophy and Letters (Excellent, Universidad Central de Madrid, 1884)</i>. Matatas din si Rizal magsalita, sumulat at bumasa sa 22 linguwahe.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Rizal was also known world-wide as: Novelist, ophthalmic surgeon, architect, educator, artist/painter, sculptor, historian, economist, journalist, businessman, cartoonist, ethnologist, scientific farmer, inventor, musician, mythologist, nationalist, poet, propagandist, psychologist, scientist, sociologist, sportsman, and theologian. (Excerpt, Life and Works of Rizal – Department of Social Services, UP Mindanao)</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;" >Kadakilaan (Greatness).</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;" > Wagas ang pagkadakila ni Rizal. Patunay ang patuloy na pagkilala ng buong mundo sa dakila niyang pag-ibig sa Inang Bayan at sukdulang ibinuwis ang sariling buhay sa kapakanan ng sambayanan. Wika nga ni Balagtas (?) sa kanyang panulat: Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya, sa pagka-dalisay at pagka-dakila; gaya ng pag-ibig sa sariling lupa? Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;" >Tumpak na tawaging dambana ng karunungan at kadakilaan ang bantayog na ito bilang pag-kilala at pag-dakila ng sambayanan at buong mundo kay Rizal sa kanyang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">sesquicentennial birth celebration</i>. Higit na tumpak sapagkat ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Knights of Rizal</i> ay masigasig na katuwang ng <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Executive Committee for the 150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;" >Ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Knights of Rizal</i> ay itinatag <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">December 30, 1911 </i>nang binuo ni Col. Antonio C. Torres ang isang grupo ng siyam (9) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">caballeros </i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>buhat sa iba’t-ibang antas ng buhay upang bigyan ng wagas na pagpapahalaga ang pag-gunita sa pagka-martir ng ating pangunahing bayani Dr. Jose Rizal tuwing araw nang kanyang pagsilang at lalo na sa kanyang pagpanaw.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;" > Noong Nobyembre 16, 1916 ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“Orden de Caballeros de Rizal” </i>ay pormal na naitala sa<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> Securities and Exchange Commission </i>ng Pilipinas<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">. In 1951 RA-646 b</i>estowed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">upon the Knights</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">of Rizal “the necessary powers to enable it more fully and more effectively to accomplish the laudable purpose for which it was organized.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal;tab-stops:101.9pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Ang mahalagang misyon ng asosasyon ay upang buhayin sa puso, diwa at isipan ng sambayanan, at lalo na sa kabataan, ang adhikain (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">ideals) </i>at panuntunan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">(principles)</i> na isinabuhay ni Rizal at naging sanhi ng kanyang kamatayan.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJK2JSScBkAvqjkkGdVYl2NBXmLRGDHS-1-TVhEoabvBBlvciadonCngwCLPH21ZASHLQqzDGtj60YudMXTRag6EOPc1VrlA1458SfwGOE-kdD9mh4d4axJ07aDhySqUGb-upGw4YSJ3z/s1600/RIZAL+%2540+150+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJK2JSScBkAvqjkkGdVYl2NBXmLRGDHS-1-TVhEoabvBBlvciadonCngwCLPH21ZASHLQqzDGtj60YudMXTRag6EOPc1VrlA1458SfwGOE-kdD9mh4d4axJ07aDhySqUGb-upGw4YSJ3z/s320/RIZAL+%2540+150+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620778686231538434" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Rizal Kaytayog Bantayog-Dambana ng Karunungan at Kadakilaan” </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">ay simbulo ng aydiyalismo at pagpapakasakit sa Inang Bayan ni Gat Jose Rizal. Kinikilala siya bilang isang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">global hero</i>. Ipinagpatayo siya ng kaukulang bantayog sa maraming bansa. Patunay ang naglalakihang monumento ni Rizal sa Germany, Francia, Chekoslovakia, Singapore, Austria, Espania, China, at iba pang bansa.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a_CdD7VXHo9JzR6mJp3491iPXc8dPw0QAagfnIyCdmjSC3sdCYaJRv-iJn2ncF9l4aolMIyCdrZ5zNb-fFp_c50qOxnu6ZQxAT0npVR5cpJwUipH6zuRc-flXBc5gg-lsyU6Mex7Vqvk/s1600/RIZAL+%2540+150+015.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a_CdD7VXHo9JzR6mJp3491iPXc8dPw0QAagfnIyCdmjSC3sdCYaJRv-iJn2ncF9l4aolMIyCdrZ5zNb-fFp_c50qOxnu6ZQxAT0npVR5cpJwUipH6zuRc-flXBc5gg-lsyU6Mex7Vqvk/s320/RIZAL+%2540+150+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620180049406823394" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;">Marapat lamang na may isang <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kay-Tayog Bantayog-Dambana ng Karunngan at Kadakilaan</b> sa kanyang duyang-bayan mismo ang pinasinayaan ng Ika-15 Pangulo ng Pilipinas bilang pagpupugay ng sambayanan at ng buong mundo sa <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">K</b>arunungan at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">K</b>adakilaan ni Gat. Jose Rizal.</span></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-29932881642670335852011-01-29T11:35:00.013+08:002011-07-17T05:01:33.213+08:00“KWENTONG KUTSERO”<span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Written after P-Noy’s amnesty to rebel soldiers, EO 27, 2010.</span></span> </em><br /><br /></span><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal" align="left"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Alam ba ninyo kung ano (<i style="">what?</i>), saan (<i style="">where?</i>), kailan (<i style="">when?</i>), sino (<i style="">who?</i>) ang pasimuno, at paano (<i style="">how</i>?) ang kasabihang <b style="">“Kwentong Kutsero?”</b> At bakit? (<i style="">why?</i>) Let us find out the five Ws and one H, <i style="">the whys and the wherefore, of the story.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tama po kayo. Tunay na ang kawikaang ito ay buhat pa noong panahon ng kastila, galing sa pusod ng kolonyal na Maynila – ang sentro ng kapangyarihan ng Espanya sa Arkepelago ng Filipinas (noon).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kung paano at sinong pasimuno sa “kwentong kutsero” ay siyang tampok sa isyung ito. Ingat lang po at baka ilang butil ng dumi ng kabayong bisiro at ampiyas ng mapangheng ihi ng babaeng kabayo ang maranasan n’yo. At kung ganito nga ang maranasan mo, tiyak masangsang na amoy ang dala-dala mo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Problema ang trapiko ngayon. Sa kalakhang Maynila, ito ang malaking suliranin ng <i style="">Metro-Manila Development Authority (MMDA).</i>Tunay na ito ang sakit ng ulo ni Chairman Bayani Fernando. Kaya naman eksperimento dine, eksperimento doon, sa hangad makalas ang buhol-buhol na trapiko sa lansangan sa kabila ng mga batikos na inaani kaliwa’t kanan… <b style="">KALIWA, KANAN.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kamakailan lamang sa matinding buhos ng ulan na dulot nang <i style="">climate change </i>ay naipit si Lolo Ome sa Makati. Pauwi na ako noon buhat gusaling <i style="">6750, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Ayala Avenue</st1:address></st1:street>, </i>sa tanggapan ng <i style="">Bechtel Overseas <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sa <i style="">“Oakwood Area”</i> pa lamang, kung saan naganap ang “katapusang rebolusyon” daw at ngayon nga ay bahagi na nang <i style="">Philippine History</i>, ay usad pagong na si <i style="">“YT”</i> habang nagiisang hawak ni Lolo Ome ang manibela nito.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="">Solo flight</i> si Lolo sa gitna ng matinding buhos ng ulan lulan ng kotseng may kulay <i style="">dirty white</i> at may bangas kaliwa’t kanan, unahan at hulihan. Oto ba ‘to? <i style="">(Is this an automobile?)</i> Pwede na rin, kaya binigyan ko ng pangalang <i style="">“Dorothy White Bangs” </i>ang kotseng nabanggit dahil sa tunog ng <i style="">“dirty white, bangas.”</i> Ang nickname o palayaw nito ay <i style="">“YT,” from the word WHITE.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wala akong magawa, dahil <i style="">heavy traffic</i> talaga sa buong Kamaynilaan, kung hindi ang magnilay-nilay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gaya nang inyong inaasahan, balik-tanaw sa <i style="">history -</i> panahon ng Kastila. Wala pang kotse noon. Hindi kasing sikip ang populasyon sa Maynila. Malinis at libre pa sa <i style="">carbon monoxide</i> ang kapaligiran.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Langhap sariwang hangin ang Pinoy, Chinoy, Kastilalaoy at lahat ng mamamayan noon sa buong kapuluan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kaiba naman ang polyusyon sa Maynila nang panahong yaon – maraniw ay buhat sa mga kabayo at mga kalabaw – amoy dumi ng mga hayop na ito, at may pagkakataong maapakan mo ang nakakalat na dumi nila.<i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Isang artikulo – <i style="">Ilustracion Filipina, 1859</i> –<i style=""> </i>ang naglahad ng ilang bagay tungkol sa mga drayber ng kolonyal na Maynila. Batay sa di kagandahan ng tono ng pagkwento, di kataka-takang sinulat ang artikulo ng isang buhat sa nakaririwasang pamilya dahil ang tawag nila sa mga <i style="">cocheros</i> (drayber) ay <i style="">Quicoy, Pancho, Pololo, </i>at iba pang palayaw kastilaloy. <i style="">Cochero –</i> salitang-ugat ay <i style="">English word coach </i>(<i style="">a large usually closed</i> <i style="">4-wheeled carriage having doors in the sides and an elevated seat in front for the driver).<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Noon, bago maging isang ganap na <i style="">cochero de familia (family driver),</i> ang isang lalaki ay maraming pambahay na gawain ang dapat pinagmulan. Dapat munang magsilbi bilang <i style="">portero (messenger), muchacho de cuarto (housekeeper), sota (horsekeeper),</i> katapusan ay <i style="">cocinero (cook).</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kaya naman may kaakibat na dangal ang maging <i style="">cochero.</i> Ang <i style="">cochero </i>ay hinog sa karanasan sa pamamasukan sa kanyang amo, wika nga nila. Kahit walang karanasan sa pagmameho ng <i style="">karetela (horse-driven 2-wheeled vehicle, an improvised coach in the Philiipines), </i>taas noo sila. At ilang araw lang ay mapangahas nang nakaupo sa <i style="">pescante (driver’s seat)</i> ng karetela.<i style=""> <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="">Pescante</i> ay buhat sa salitang ugat na <i style="">pescar</i> na ang ibig sabihin ay mangisda (<i style="">to fish</i>). Ibinabadya o ipinapahiwatig na habang nakaupo ang cochero ay tila namimingwit o nangingisda gamit ay bingwit habang hawak ang renda <i style="">(rein)</i> ng kabayo. Sabi nga nila: <span style="font-weight: bold;">95 porciento ng mga cochero sa Maynila ay hindi alam kung ano ang binibingwit nilang isda. Subalit nagiging eksperto sa pag-renda ng kabayo dahil sa salapi at pasensya ng kanilang amo. Di ba pamilyar ang tunog ng kasabihang ito?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">O di<span style=""> </span>ba-ga angkop ang taludtod na ito sa sitwasyong politikal ngay-on? Baliktad nga lamang kabayan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style=""></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Si Juan dela Cruz (mahirap na mamamayan) ang kabayo, sinasakyan ng politikong kutsero (mayamang amo). Salapi ni Juan ang inaabuso at habang nagtatagal hinuhuthot lahat ito hanggang mabundat ang tiyan ng kutserong pulitiko sa halip na pakainin, alagaan at busugin ang kabayong si Juan. Di ga’t ito ang nagbabagang katotohanan sa ngay-on at laging laman ng pahayagan, balita sa radio at telebisyon? O di-ga at tunay na kaawa-awa si Juan? Ala eh, baken ga?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hindi ba-ga at gay-an din at kahalintulad ang puno’t dulo at ugat ng pag-alburoto ng mga “<i style="">KU PLOTTERS”</i> daw – <i style="">in Oakwood Mutiny?</i> . . . Sa daigdig ng militar, ang mga sundalo ang hinuhuthutan ng nasa itaas na mga Heneral. Totoo o Ku Wentong Ku tsero? E di itanong sa Ku Mander in Chief! <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Noong paslit pa si Lolo Ome kasiyahan kong sumama sa tatay ko (Atanacio "Tana" Casulucan Nagpala, SLN) sa pag-kukutsero. Tuwang-tuwa ako sa paghawak ng renda ng kabayo habang nakaupo sa pescante at mag-aral magmaneho. Sabi ng Tatay ko: <b style=""><i style="">MANO</i></b>, kung sa<span style=""> </span>gawing KANAN ang dapat tunguhin ng kalesa at <b style=""><i style="">SILLA,</i></b> kung sa KALIWA naman ang punta mo. Tunay na ako’y litong-lito.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ang salitang <i style="">MANO</i> at<i style=""> SILLA</i> ay buhat sa Kastila sa Pilipinas noon. Sa wikang Pilipino ang ibig sabihin ay <b style="">kamay </b><i style="">(mano) at </i><b style="">upuan </b><i style="">(silla).<b style=""> </b></i>Subalit hindi dapat ito sabihin sa kutserong kastilaloy. Sapagkat sa orihinal na wikang kastila ang tama ay <i style="">isquierda (kaliwa)</i> at <i style="">derecho (kanan).</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Katuwa naman ang pagka-intindi nating Pinoy. Kapag sinabing <i style="">derecho</i> ay patuwid ang dapat na tungo. Ang ugat (<i style="">origin)</i> ng mga salitang kastilang nabanggit ay dito lamang sa Pilipinas at nagsimula sa kolonyal na panahon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sa tamang pagkakaupo ng <i style="">cochero</i> sa <i style="">pescante, </i>na tila namimingwit, ay hawak n’ya sa kanyang kamay (<i style="">mano)</i> ang renda ng kabayo samantalang ang kaliwang kamay ay nakapatong sa hawakan (<i style="">armrest) </i>ng upuan <i style="">(silla).</i> Dahil dito, binibigkas ng amo: <i style="">MANO,</i> kung dapat gumawi sa kanan sapagkat kanang kamay ang dapat gamitin ng cochero sa paghatak ng renda sa kanan; at<span style=""> </span>SILLA naman kung sa kaliwa ang tungo dahil ang kaliwang kamay ng cochero na nakapatong sa <i style="">silla</i> ang dapat gamitin niya sa paghatak ng renda sa kaliwa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dalawa ang kabit o kawit na renda sa kabayo. Isa sa kaliwa at isa sa kanan ng <i style="">vocado</i>(maliit na bakat na tangay sa bibig bahagi ng saklob sa ulo at mukha ng kabayo). Ito ang mahalagang bahagi ng <i style="">gornacion (harness)</i> na suot ng kabayong pang-kalesa, karetela, o tiburin. Sapagkat sa pamamagitan ng renda may direksyon at kayang patigilin ang takbo ng kabayo. Ang renda ang susi sa kaligtasan ng sakay ng kalesa. Ito rin ang susi sa kamay ng isang hinete sa ibabaw ng kabayong pangarera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="">Buena mano</i> ay palasak na salita noon gamit ng amo kaugnay sa kutsero. Hindi ang ibig sabihin ay unang benta (<i style="">first sale)</i> ng isang manininda o tindera sa kahulugan mismo sa panahon natin ngayon upang bigyang katuwiran ang bawas presyo (<i style="">discount)</i>. Ang <i style="">Buena mano</i> ay nangangahulugan na mahusay ang kamay <i style="">(good hand) ng cochero</i> sa pagrenda ng kabayo, pag-aalaga at paglilinis ng kabayo pati ng kalesa<b style=""> </b>at <i style="">cuadra (horse stable).<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sa pang-karaniwang cochero, damo lamang o <i style="">zacate </i>(katumbas marahil ng <i style="">diesel gas),</i> ang pagkain ng kabayo na bili sa <i style="">zacaetro.</i> Ngunit sa isang magaling na cochero, ang supply na pagkain sa kabayo ay palay/mais na may halong pulot (katumbas marahil ng <i style="">premium gas)</i>, bukod sa sariwang damo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kilala ng cochero ang kaniyang kabayo hindi sa pangalan nito kundi sa angking kulay: <i style="">el bayo</i>, kung kulay itim, <i style="">el moro</i> kung initiman na may bahid na puti sa ulo o paa nito. El <i style="">castaño</i> sa kulay kayumanggi <i style="">(chestnut brown</i>). <i style="">El blanco</i> sa putting kabayo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Inaalagaan ng cochero ang kalusugan at kasiyahan ng kabayo. Matapos ang mahabang <i style="">viaje,</i> kakalasin ang <i style="">gornacion</i> at pinagugulong kusa ang kabayao sa lupa. Gustong-gusto ito ng kabayo,<span style=""> </span>pagkatayo ay pipilig pa ito ng ilang ulit upang palaglagin at matanggal ang kumapit na lupa at alikabok sa katawan, bago siya tuluyang ipahinga sa <i style="">cuadra </i>at bigyan ng pagkain at tubig.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Pinapaliguan din ang kabayo at inaalmuhasa (<i style="">brushing the whole body with hard comb, usually made of aluminum or wrought iron. </i>Bahagi ito ng pang-araw-araw na pag-aalaga sa kabayo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Alam ng cochero ang tamang galaw at takbo ng kabayo upang matiyak ang matining na gulong ng kalesa sa kasiyahan ng amo at mga sakay nito. Tulad sa pagpapatakbo ng sasakyan sa bagong panahon, alam nila ang takbong <i style="">primera, segunda, tercera, cuarta, quinta, atras (gear shifting).</i> Bukod sa <i style="">atras (backing o back step),</i> may tatlo lamang hanggang apat na bilis o tulin (<i style="">speed)</i> ang takbo ng kalesa o karetela depende sa kakayanan ng kabayo: <i style="">trotanto (trotting) – </i>yagyag sa tagalog, <i style="">galope (full gallop </i>o sagad na tulin), <i style="">escape (rush)</i> o pabigla-bigla ang takbo, at <i style="">paso (smooth pass)</i> o matining na mabilis ang takbo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gamit ng kutsero ang sigaw o mahinang boses sa kanyang ugnayan sa kabayo. Alam din ng cochero kung kailan at paano gagamit ng sigaw o senyas bilang babala sa <i style="">pedestrian</i> at sa ibang sasakyan sa lansangan habang patuloy ang takbo ng karetela nito.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Matapos ihatid sa paroroonan ang mga amo, kaugalian ng mga cochero na iparada sa lilom ng mga punong kahoy na nakayungyong sa kalsada ang kanilang karetela. Ito ay karaniwang tanawin sa pook Binondo, Divisoria, Intramuros, Ermita noon. Nagpapahinga sila habang naka-upo sa pescante o sa likod na upuan ng kalesa, dili kaya’y nakahiga o natutulog sa paghihintay sa kanilang sakay na pasahero.<i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kalimitan habang naghihintay, kwentuhan ang mga cochero at palitan ng sari-saring inpormasyon tungkol sa kani-kanilang amo. Ibinabahagi din ang ano mang tsismis o balita na nadinig sa usapan ng amo at kasama nito habang ang cochero ay tahimik ang pag-kakaupo sa pescante.<b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sa ganitong paraan kay bilis kumalat ang tsismis at bulong-bulongan. Maging ang tunay na balita ay nasasagap sa kwentuhan ng mga cochero. Depende sa pandinig ng cochero at interpretasyon nito sa naulinigang usapan sa kanyang likuran, nag-iiba sa katotohanan ang ibinabahagi sa<span style=""> </span>kanilang palitan ng kuro-kuro at usapan habang hinihintay ang pagbalik ng amo nilang tisoy o tisay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sa paglakad ng panahon, tinawag itong <b style="">“KWENTONG KUTSERO” </b>- <i style="">half-truth and half-lie.</i> Paniwalaan dili, wika nga. <b style=""><i style="">Belive it or Not!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ></span></o:p></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ></span></o:p></b></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ></span></o:p></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-82034346743570858772011-05-03T12:04:00.011+08:002011-06-29T17:06:32.679+08:00NOAH'S ARK IN CALAMBA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k5n8esV_FgcuzfJrICVXIlfnTuZwvJCHrh58ucmrAksCNNnZZG6lBco4QMfgOeaMZ_j4xLiFtNSGara8M38KENEfJJUEAftkMiuPSR9PXmzlc_5E-o5kve64T3v7bpe6eTpF0dByDqs9/s1600/wonder-island-web-magazine-july-14-096.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k5n8esV_FgcuzfJrICVXIlfnTuZwvJCHrh58ucmrAksCNNnZZG6lBco4QMfgOeaMZ_j4xLiFtNSGara8M38KENEfJJUEAftkMiuPSR9PXmzlc_5E-o5kve64T3v7bpe6eTpF0dByDqs9/s320/wonder-island-web-magazine-july-14-096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602341370423743122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqa6IOA5vKT_uHtctDJSruENIlQwyMSHoyq4xmzGMC1s-B8AymPjYSooBiNrA_6dwBIexscldikNOb-l9cXopdABGGWATQN1zOXWeE7skmT7vO2YGH5r1yEsJ86-b-FmEWIpNVZvyRGyB/s1600/WI+BOAT+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqa6IOA5vKT_uHtctDJSruENIlQwyMSHoyq4xmzGMC1s-B8AymPjYSooBiNrA_6dwBIexscldikNOb-l9cXopdABGGWATQN1zOXWeE7skmT7vO2YGH5r1yEsJ86-b-FmEWIpNVZvyRGyB/s320/WI+BOAT+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602340176619362210" border="0" /></a><br />The long hot summer is hereabout in the oil-price-increasing and corrupt-laden Philippines as the Lenten season just ended. Lent is “the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by devout Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting.”<br /><br />Noah’s Ark in Lucban was the front page banner photo of The Philippine Daily Inquirer issue last Holy Wednesday, April 20, 2011. The photo-story occupied my Lenten reflections up to Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of “The Saviour.”<br /><br />At the shoreline barangay Looc, in Calamba, Laguna, it has been a tradition among the young ones, for decades now, to converge at the vacant farmland by the edge of Laguna Lake from the night of <span style="font-style: italic;">Sabado de Gloria</span> until the day of <span style="font-style: italic;">Linggo ng Pagkabuhay</span>. They enjoy the night with their so-called <span style="font-style: italic;">salubungan</span> revelry. Everyone was happy and hopeful to meet the new dawn of life along with the resurrection of Christ our Saviour.<br /><br />The merrymaking was much-more merry and noisy this time with karaoke and juke box music introduced by an enterprising mechanic shop owner Jofer Villanueva. Jofer brought his generator engine to supply electricity thereabouts. Jofer’s buddy, Lek-Lek (my son), put up my two portable tents for his family and sold barbeque, sandwiches, drinks in his one-night kiosk.<br /><br />The once-young Lolo Ome joined his grandchildren very early that Sunday morning and captured the joy of resurrection. Joyfully watching my grandkids (Zeus, Miles, and Kurt) and their parents (Lek and Ming) gathering tulya (clam shells) in the shallow lake, a big house afloat nearby appeared before the aging sight of this septuagenarian. The huge houseboat was filled with people enjoying breakfast (I surmised) in their own encounter with the new dawn.<br /><br />Noah’s Ark in Lukban at the foot of Mt. Banahaw was still fresh in my mind. That early Sunday morning, what I saw instead was Noah’s Ark in Calamba, floating along Laguna de Bay, by the foot of the legendary Mt. Maria Makiling, with the majestic Mt. Banahaw as the fading backdrop.<br /><br />This <span style="font-style: italic;">salubungan</span> experience that dawn led me to a chat that same day with the boat owner and its master builder Rudy Pua, a native of Calamba (now a city), who lives near the Rizal Shrine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Noah’s Ark</span><br />The surname Pua rings a bell with a flashback to the biblical story of Noah, grandson of Methuselah (Genesis 6:5-16). “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ... The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” And God said unto Noah: “I will destroy them with the earth. … Make thee an ark of gopher wood with rooms in the ark.”<br /><br />And Noah built a huge boat – three-story-ark with water-sealed rooms according to God’s fashion: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits in height; with one cubit window above, and side door. And it was loaded with plenty of foods for all the occupants to survive God’s deluge. And the ark held in safety and preserved Noah and his wife, his three begotten sons and their wives, including the pairs of every living thing of all flesh, male and female.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pua’s Ark</span><br />And here is the story of Pua’s version of Noah’s Ark, that big houseboat I saw afloat laden with chosen people but less those pairs of all living animals, male and female. Chosen people are the local and foreign tourists who can afford to pay for a cruise around the lake.<br /><br />Noah’s Ark in Lukban was conceptualized and built by “Fr. Joey” Joseph Faller, catholic healing priest. Noah’s Ark in Calamba was designed and built by an island father Rudy Pua. Pua is known in Calamba as an island father. He is the owner-developer of the three-hectare island that lies in the heart of Laguna Lake, about seven-minute speedboat ride from the Pantalan (pier). He has been slowly developing the island into a unique tourist hideaway the past decades. It is now known as Wonder Island Resort, a conference center for corporate planning activities, combining business and pleasure amidst pure nature ambiance. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Its unique offer – cruising the Laguna de Bay aboard a houseboat by calling in advance reservation its Manila landline 520-8556, or 049-545-1766, 049-545-6491, 049-244-4948; or via fax 049-545-6492.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boat making</span><br />“I want the boat ride to the island smooth and safe for people to better appreciate the beauty of the island, the entire lake and the surrounding view; and for them to keep coming back. Cruising is expensive that most people cannot afford the luxury. I want to share with our people this luxurious opportunity to experience the thrill of going on a cruise without spending a fortune going to other countries or owning their own yacht. I love to make people happy by providing them with a cheaper yet equally thrilling alternative – a safe and pleasurable trip around the lake.” This obsession has driven Pua to spend a fortune in boat making.<br /><br />He has made over 20 fiberglass boats, sleek, durable and innovatively designed for safe cruising around the lake. He has one fully furnished houseboat for his family use, and for special treat to friends and guests. It can cruise about 100 persons around the lake safely and comfortably.<br /><br />Pua’s latest achievement in boat making is the floating conference-cum-restaurant Pua’s Ark – the huge double-deck houseboat with over 200 person loading capacity, cruising Laguna Lake safely and comfortably, laden with food and group amenities. But he has to have a good pier where this huge one must dock in and out safely.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Bay Walk</span><br />As land developer he slowly developed into a small pier, for his boats and also for the public use, one-hectare foreshore land duly titled under his name. Thousands truckloads of boulders, rocks, soil and various filling materials excavated from other resources and real estates converted into subdivisions were hauled and dumped into this private property.<br /><br />Today, guests and also the general public use the stretch of driveway he built to reach the loading and unloading area for his boat, and for all kind of boats plying Laguna Lake as well. The boarding point changes with the tide in the lake.<br /><br />The pantalan is now a promenade for anyone to breathe the fresh lake air. It becomes a big parking lot for free. It is an instant fish market during early mornings as the fish catch from the lake awaits transport to market destinations. The community’s barangay tanod secures the area. Aerobics aficionados gather here for their week-ends sessions. The place is now called “Bay Walk,” after the City Council under Mayor Joaquin Chipeco, Jr. (2004-2013) completed its lighting, fencing and improvement project.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdolwar1aLSAmOF6Rh8fx-0Lg2QgvBjDGwkNl7qebd37wKDEEbcvZnVijGXkHWIWJbOuNPTveytRrj6mzao95VfuEyopxqm5ECgAbBF75KohpbnCXrRSa-BnGmW3jFj_YvE3b9yHI1FLE/s1600/BAY+WALK+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdolwar1aLSAmOF6Rh8fx-0Lg2QgvBjDGwkNl7qebd37wKDEEbcvZnVijGXkHWIWJbOuNPTveytRrj6mzao95VfuEyopxqm5ECgAbBF75KohpbnCXrRSa-BnGmW3jFj_YvE3b9yHI1FLE/s320/BAY+WALK+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605006869652850786" border="0" /></a><br />“I envision a small fish port, food stalls, and curio shops for tourists at Bay Walk to uplift the living conditions and livelihood of our fisher folks. This way, more people would be attracted to the area and the communities here can have a better way of selling their products. The market would come to them and they could sell their produce directly to consumers without the middlemen,” disclosed Pua. And as this lake tourism economics works wonders, other shoreline municipalities would follow, Pua added.<br /><br />Pua confessed: “All my efforts, time, and resources are geared toward a dream of developing Wonder Island as a competitive tourist resort and conference center and putting Laguna Lake into the world map of tourist destinations.”<br /><br />Pua recalled the usefulness of the lake since time immemorial: as trading route of early Chinese merchants to the shoreline villages; waterways by our coastal resident forefathers to reach barangays around the lake up to Manila; and pristine site for leisure ferryboat cruise by the likes of our national hero Jose Rizal.<br /><br />Pua said: “Why can’t we now use this lake as alternative waterways to help ease traffic situation in Laguna, Rizal, and Metro-Manila?” This is why instead of using traditional wooden boats I invest in fiberglass boat making for decades now to have sturdier boats adapted to the lake, Pua added.<br /><br />Pua foresees modern day ferryboats plying the lake clear highways loaded with local and foreign tourists on their way to Pagsanjan Falls, and other Laguna tourist destinations. Water sports like jet skiing, board sailing, balloon sailing, and regatta would soon be regular lake scenery to attract more tourists.<br /><br />The realization of this vision, hopefully, would be supported by government entities, e.g., LLDA, Department of Tourism, Provincial governments of Rizal and Laguna, tourism associations, CREBA, and NGOs.<br /><br />Representatives from these groups have visited Wonder Island. Two former Philippine Presidents (Estrada and Arroyo) had been here and they liked what they saw.<br /><br />Laguna Lake is not yet dead contrary to the proclamation of various sectors. Laguna Lake has been included in the official list of the world’s living lakes August 2, 2001. The Philippines’ LLDA representative attended the world’s living lakes conference February, 2002 in Japan, as the 18th partner-lake in the International Lakes Network.<br /><br />Laguna Lake would be host to similar world lakes networking conference in the not far distant future. By then, local and international delegates would cruise the still living Laguna Lake (hopefully) on board Wonder Island’s “Noah’s Ark in Calamba.”<br /><br />Pua believes the local community would see that his development activities are not solely for his vested interest. All these, he said, would redound to the benefits of the shoreline communities, Calamba City, Laguna province, and our country as well.<br /><br />Pua prays for better governance to support his development plans to finish his dreams that would uplift the plight of the shoreline communities from the present marginal existence and provide them with livelihood opportunities from lake tourism, as the economy reels from poverty due to rampant corruption. He firmly believes the righteous path of governance is here for all to tread under the present dispensation of President Benigno Aquino III.<br /><br />"I am, therefore, honestly inviting His Excellency to experience cruising around Laguna de Bai, on board 'NOAH'S ARC IN CALAMBA'," Pua concludes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The rainbow</span><br />As the bow in the cloud that misty Sunday morning completely became a beautiful rainbow, to the delight of Zeus, Miles, and Kurt, I recalled that the rainbow is the biblical symbol of God’s everlasting covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:12-15). “And God said, this is the token of the covenant which I make between me and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: … And I will remember my covenant, …..; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.”<br /><br />Noah’s Ark in Lucban is for tired, lost souls. Noah’s Ark in Calamba beacons people with the new hope of dawn to capture the bliss of the lake in a cruise around Laguna de Bay, not only in the season of reflections for tired lost souls, but moreover, whenever mother nature’s weather so permits; and more so when the colorful God’s rainbow arcs the blue horizon.<br /><br />The waters of Laguna now beckon to one and all to wade in and enjoy this long, hot summer; meditate and pray for everlasting joy, prosperity, abundance, and world peace. So help us God; and may God Bless us all in the name of Jesus, Amen.Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-16187260418525318132011-01-29T12:05:00.018+08:002011-06-28T20:42:49.381+08:00MYSTERIOUS IS THIS DUHAT TREE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6BEsjpnjjayZI2meKuKR4pEkj0CSJ0PIEng2zLxjOhs0juVJVw6YraZ3AkhN5SiNGhM_DGMtZju4TYwPRelDFpwIY6QGTtgH6TrpvquD_LrMNdfmMaf5SiygDprYtyNiKbnq8hhjvJnq/s1600/Duhat+Photo+1+.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6BEsjpnjjayZI2meKuKR4pEkj0CSJ0PIEng2zLxjOhs0juVJVw6YraZ3AkhN5SiNGhM_DGMtZju4TYwPRelDFpwIY6QGTtgH6TrpvquD_LrMNdfmMaf5SiygDprYtyNiKbnq8hhjvJnq/s320/Duhat+Photo+1+.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567457141837120354" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" >If the housing construction development workers had their way, the over a century-old seemingly dying duhat tree in the fringes of the site would have been uprooted seven years ago in our national hero Jose Rizal’s Calamba. Proof that rapid development in rising urban centers raises the alarm that the country stands to lose trees that took decades to grow and can serve as natural heritage.</span></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Imposing is this duhat tree (Genus Rubus) as tall as the primary-line electric post, with 5-m girth half meter above ground and aged about five scores and a decade more. It survived housing development activities in the urbanizing city where Jose Rizal was born and is qualified as “Heritage Tree.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Yet, this tree now proudly stands alive and rejuvenated. On season it bears the sweet-and-sour blackberry fruits though much smaller, less-sweeter, and less-succulent than those I personally gathered and tasted when I was then a wandering kid over six decades ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Lolo Ome here, now a septuagenarian and native to the shoreline village, has some stories to tell. This duhat tree (blackberry genus Rubus) has been the center of folkloric tales from generations by village folks, farmers, fishermen, and wandering kids who had been hereabouts.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Mystical accounts about this tree and its surroundings had been told since the time of our forebears’. That in the area had lived some rich Chinamen of Limahong ancestry. And villagers had found porcelain China wares, tools, implements, and various other items. Others claimed, kids in particular, to have seen golden mother hen and silver feathered broods of about a dozen roaming around but hid under the tree and disappearing instantly whenever people were thereabouts. Speculations had circulated that hidden treasures abound. And that the farmer tenant in the area got sick and seriously ill when he tried digging for that treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Not gullible to here say, I gathered testimonials by witness-accounts to know facts about the farm land and how mysterious is this duhat tree, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Calamba Pugad Lawin Past-President Ding Negrillo, 63, purchased a house and lot unit at phase 2A in this subdivision ten meters away from the tree. Ding told me about the stories going around during the road construction beside the tree. Stories I already heard from some reliable village folks (businessman Clodualdo "Boy" Mane, Electrical contractor Luisito Baroro, and once Laguna provincial board member Luis Tanyag). That tractor engines conk out whenever they were almost at the base of the tree to demolish it; and at times the operator got sick according to construction workers. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Asked about such account, Horace G. Bona, the developer’s Project Engineer at the site said he could not confirm it since he also just heard the same story.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bona stated however that “when our old-man, owner-developer Paulo Giovani Olivarez, saw the dying tree he told me to let it be and develop a mini park within its surroundings.” Hence, the mini park is there with the duhat tree to stay. Now the park is in despair, but will soon be repaired.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Bona added that after the mini park was built, the withering tree started blooming, growing abundant leaves and soon rejuvenated and alive; and has now been a fruit-bearing duhat tree once more to the delight of the children around, and adults as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >That same day Ding and I took pictures of the tree. The duhat tree stands the same height of the primary-line electric pole, higher than the 2-story houses around. I measured its girth half-meter above ground at 5 meters.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Based on the accounts of my father, Atanacio “Apanas” Nagpala, who died in 1982 at the age of 94, this duhat tree existed before start of the 20<sup>th</sup> century. I surmise therefore that here in our midst stands a qualified <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Heritage Tree,”</b> which by now is over a century old at five scores and a decade more.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >This assumption was shared and seconded by Iloy “Bagsak” Mamplata, 68, retired Calamba City employee. Mamplata said his father Tinoy “Bagsak” died in 1980 at 99 years old; and accordingly this tree was fruit-bearing since his father’s boyhood. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Mamplata said that long ago for several new years midnight countdowns, he himself among adult peers witnessed mini firework display in the desolated vicinity of this tree. Amazing he said are the sprouting, jumping, rolling multi-colored shooting up mini-lights of yellow gold, silver, and green dancing, rising up to maximum ten feet above ground as they watched from a kilometer distance. This account was confirmed and attested to by retired seaman now fishpond owner Jim Canilan, 62, watching such mini-firelights display from nearer 300 meter distance during his caroling nights. They averred this enchanting phenomenon was gone end of martial law upon the construction of a housing subdivision half kilometer north of the tree.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Both Canilan and Mamplata revealed that treasure hunters operated in that area. In 1970 a group from Talim Island of Rizal Province found voluminous China wares and several antique items. In 1980, Mamplata joined the group from Bai, Laguna and also collected leftover China ware items.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Mang Pacio Mane, 84, narrated that his father Adong “Uwak” was the first tenant farmer of then idle land where this mysterious duhat tree stands since so-called peace time. The original owner of the 2-hectare farm was from San Antonio, Binan, in Laguna – Manabat family. Decades thereafter it was sold to the Aguilar of Calamba. His eldest brother Feliciano “Ising Uwak” was the next tenant, followed by the son Gil until the property was bought by a housing developer early this millennium. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Gil Mane, 53, is the last tenant of the farm. I interviewed Gil on December 29, 2010. Following is his true-to-life story. A believe-it-or-not story that could have been featured in the recently ended ABS-CBN “I Survived" television drama program.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >It was mid 1980’s when Gil built a hut about five meters from the tree; while his family home is a kilometer away at the village proper. According to Gil he witnessed when this tree had been struck by lightings twice yet it survived. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >In several occasions he had to fetch their farm animal after twilight time. Once in early 1990’s at about eight in the evening, he noticed that the carabao was very restless and visibly afraid of something. As he pulled the animal by the rope he clearly saw a chicken family near the duhat tree. Before his eyes were a rooster cock, a mother hen, and about a dozen little chicks. They were aglow in the dark of the night in yellow gold colored feathers. Afraid he jumped at the back of the carabao and hurriedly rode back home. He kept this experience to himself for quite sometime.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Long obsessed since childhood by the lore that blessed is this duhat tree with hidden treasures thereby and driven by despair of poverty he decided to try his luck to find the hidden treasure. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >This was during the first week of May 1992 before the barrio fiesta. Every noon time whenever the vicinity of the tree was deserted he secretly dug a hole in the spot where the chicken family once appeared. In three days he made a hole over a meter deep and about 4 by 4 meter wide. When excavating the soft area that looked like termite mound he experienced a terrible anus itch. He felt sick and afraid and went home immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >At home the itch was uncontrollable. He had to scrape his behind against the chair, the table, or bedpost like a dog. The following day he was scratching all over to ease itchiness he felt but to no avail. It was the eve of the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene and realized he lost his sense of tastes since the fiesta food were all tasteless to him. He became sick and weak.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He could not eat henceforth yet experienced frequent vomiting and bowel discharge. Itching continued and he gradually became weaker and thinner thereafter that he could hardly walk. The doctors at the Philippine General Hospital could not say what actually his sickness was; several quack doctors as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Gil confessed: “My will to survive was strong. Bedridden for eight months, I was spoon-fed with milk, choco-drink, juice and other energy source I could possibly take. Guilty of whatever trespasses I could have committed, I decided to visit our dilapidated hut past twilight time one night. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was crawling my way to the duhat tree like a sick monkey.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Reaching his hut he never was in since he felt ill, Gil narrated thus: “I knelt in deep prayer. Lying face down in prostrate with spread-eagle arms, I asked for forgiveness for digging up a hole for the hidden treasure. In serious incantations and in tears I justified my trespass and reasoned out I only wanted to alleviate my family from poverty. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >“Feeling exhausted yet relieved, I went home in peace believing I was already healed. I was crawling not anymore but still so weak that I could hardly walk back home. Along the way I saw people with torches not far from my home searching for me, calling my name. I realized I had been gone for hours that my family was so concerned and alarmed.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >“Believe it or not I was healed, indeed, days after. The anus itch was gone and I ate meals with tastes,” concluded Gil.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Gil said this was his first unforgettable encounter with the mysterious duhat tree. The second was two years thereafter. Briefly, as a post-script to his life story, Gil added: “Back to normal life at the farm, I used to harvest pales of the succulent fruit berries for sale. One time while atop gathering the fruits, my four-year-old son playing alone down below shouted there was a dwarfish tiny old man by the foot of the ladder at the base of the tree. Greatly rattled, I lost my balance and the branch I was standing on gave way; I fell down with the broken tree branch and was told unconscious for about 15 minutes. I almost died. Thanks to the immediate rescue by my brother Max and farmer Ka Danoy “Putting Lupa” Pizzara who happened to be nearby.” Gil ended the story with thanksgiving and praise.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Lolo Ome, with this article, invites officials concerned from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to come and find out if this duhat tree could very well be a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Heritage Tree?”</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >This over a century and a decade old duhat tree is healthy. Indigenous. Exotic. Rare. This tree has a girth of five meters measured half-meter above ground. It stands taller than the primary line electric pole. This tree withstood recent rapid developments in the urbanizing city of Rizal’s old cradle town. This tree beacons to be identified, cared, and protected for the future generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >The tree is sited in the midst of Mahogany Villas at Barangay Looc, in the City of Calamba. Looc is a shoreline barangay of Laguna de Bay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Lolo Ome and the residents of the community hope government officials concerned would soon declare this duhat tree a “Heritage Tree.” We fervently pray this would happen during our lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Among the aims of this official declaration is “to inculcate and enhance awareness among our community and other stakeholders specially the students the importance of caring and protecting identified Heritage Trees which will be our legacy to future generations of Filipinos.” Protected and cared of, may this tree bear more fruits</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:.2in"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="line-height: 115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Author is shown measuring the girth of the tree. </span></i><span style="line-height:115%; Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >(Duhat Photo 2.JPG)</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSlFabvXkVNwpU6dVuIJMq0MlC5TuPl08TUURLAZt4IgxDxXJxzbkOS4Tg3ornD5oEhc85mkjG5G0ayeHrEGxr6Je3P1uvQ_x-WO4q2A6AhpzSNjLPjqhxASqZhxGL6sl27vuhGm1kU8U/s1600/Duhat+Photo+2+.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSlFabvXkVNwpU6dVuIJMq0MlC5TuPl08TUURLAZt4IgxDxXJxzbkOS4Tg3ornD5oEhc85mkjG5G0ayeHrEGxr6Je3P1uvQ_x-WO4q2A6AhpzSNjLPjqhxASqZhxGL6sl27vuhGm1kU8U/s320/Duhat+Photo+2+.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567459229482133618" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span style="line-height:115%;Arial Narrow","sans-serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" ><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;" >Visible are huge lumps at the base trunk of the tree; aging scars caused by vandals and natural calamities. (Duhat Photo 3.JPG)</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUAKhW6Px-3vY5cBSzXYq3LsNrEP6DL8JZY4p3T_clKc1fi4poUK2EuIxPdLWnnnQcozZGEadUSNrWh2K_sNFcHFg9Q7zo-1Lh0qpGHANQkG5IeURRjhJxQKS4iu0ivaf09Dd3BpeQILO/s1600/Duhat+Photo+3+.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUAKhW6Px-3vY5cBSzXYq3LsNrEP6DL8JZY4p3T_clKc1fi4poUK2EuIxPdLWnnnQcozZGEadUSNrWh2K_sNFcHFg9Q7zo-1Lh0qpGHANQkG5IeURRjhJxQKS4iu0ivaf09Dd3BpeQILO/s320/Duhat+Photo+3+.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567460690477284130" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Close-up view of antique shot-glass found at the rice paddy near the duhat tree sometime in 1985 by then 15 year-old Estoy Mane, 40</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2zrL8aZj3kiVtz3COTAmjBGzRD8WSFsoY593dx5A_jq-tbm70ExkZjUo9d2Pp5ziRULf2BJipU6ph0DpZzUuWhInSGsgXwFLF7n5bBq3ZN2FNEw-wGdkoZYZKrK-rEnhP7ghIWO6W_lQ/s1600/shut+glass.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2zrL8aZj3kiVtz3COTAmjBGzRD8WSFsoY593dx5A_jq-tbm70ExkZjUo9d2Pp5ziRULf2BJipU6ph0DpZzUuWhInSGsgXwFLF7n5bBq3ZN2FNEw-wGdkoZYZKrK-rEnhP7ghIWO6W_lQ/s320/shut+glass.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567463444120777138" border="0" /></a>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-37603341749796379142011-01-29T11:54:00.004+08:002011-06-22T15:51:48.464+08:00A TRIBUTE TO TITA CORY<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-size:small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;">25 Jan 2011. 78 birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino. A simple ceremony giving tribute to her was celebrated at Malacanang Palace. Following is my humble tribute written in August after her <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Peoples’ Funeral.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size:small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; display: inline !important; " align="center"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">The Measure of Man</span></b></i></div><p></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" size="small" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-style: italic; ">The outpouring of international adulation to our beloved former President Cory is seemingly endless to this day and hopefully beyond. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; font-style: italic; ">Almost everything about her has been said and written. People are extolling her values. Her virtues. Courage. Honesty. Humility. Integrity. Love. Morality. Motherhood. Simplicity. Sincerity. Warmth. And many more; yet above all, as the Mother and Saint of Democracy, as the World Icon of Democracy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; font-style: italic; ">Contaminated with the current nationalistic fervor, this retired OFW and a septuagenarian by November, Lolo Ome here becomes prouder as a Filipino. The personal obligation to offer Cory a simple tribute becomes heavier in the passing of days since the 1<sup>st,</sup> this instant. But Lolo Ome has been at a lost. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; font-style: italic; ">Where do I begin? What should I say? Where, When, Why, and How should I start? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; font-style: italic; "><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Voila! </i>Pushing the memory button to the limit, Lolo Ome at least recalled from the recesses of his seasoned citizen’s mind an English poem gauging man’s virtue. “The Measure of Man,” the poem read from The Mason’s anniversary magazine in the late sixties at the office of the 1<sup>st</sup> Deputy Administrator of the defunct Philippine Veterans Administration. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; font-style: italic; "><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Here is Lolo </span>Ome’s<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Tagalog translation made four decades ago. This is my simple tribute to Tita Cory; this instant – being our country’s national language month.</span></p> <h4 style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size:small;" align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-text-decoration: none;text-underline:nonefont-size:12.0pt;" >ANG BATAYAN NG KAHALAGAHAN NG TAO<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h4> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size:small;" align="center"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic">(The Measure of Man)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" size="small" style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">HINDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Paano siya namatay?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">KUNDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paano siya nabuhay?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">HINDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Ano ang kaniyang tinubo?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">KUNDI </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ano ang kaniyang ibinigay?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">ITO ANG BAHAGDAN SA PAGSUKAT<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">NG KAHALAGAHAN NG TAONG NILALANG<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">MAGING SINO PA MAN. . . . .<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">HINDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Ano ang kaniyang katatayuan <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Sa ating lipunan?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">KUNDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>May puso ba siyang ginintuan?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">AT </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Paano ginampanan<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Ang kaniyang bahagi sa mundong ibabaw<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Na Diyos ang nagbigay?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Siya ba ay may mabuting payo<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Sa kapuwa nilalang<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Nagbibigay sigla<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Papawi sa lumbay?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">HINDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Ano ang kaniyang Simbahan?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">O Pananampalataya sa buhay<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">ay ano kaya naman?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">KUNDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Siya ba ay nakipagkaibigan<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Sa mga kapuspalad, higit na nangangailangan?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">HINDI</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Gaano kahaba ang mga salaysay<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Na isinasaad sa mga pahayagan?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">KUNDI <span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic">ILAN ANG NALUNGKOT?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i>ILAN ANG NALUMBAY?<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size: small; font-style: italic; " align="center"><b><i>NANG SIYA AY PUMANAW!<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-size:small;" align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; display: inline !important; ">Nagpupugay, Tita Cory! Muli bilang pag-gunita sa ating buwan ng wika.</p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; "><b>In your death, the nation mourns. Throngs upon throngs of mourners in your “Peoples’ Funeral” clearly show that the real lady Tita Cory has been truly the epitome of “The Measure of Man.”</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in; font-size: small; "><b><o:p> </o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size:16px;" ><i></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline ! important;font-size:small;"><i><i style=""><span style="font-size:10.0pt;"><i>Roman Romeo G. Nagpala, Brgy. Looc, City of Calamba in Laguna, 71; former government PRO, now a retired OFW with Bechtel International projects in the Middle East and the South Pacific.</i></span></i></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" size="small" style="display: inline ! important;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" size="small" style="display: inline ! important;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=" display: inline !important; font-size:small;"><i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></i></i></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-42818741592048408562008-04-22T17:31:00.012+08:002011-06-20T14:41:12.750+08:00BUKAL KAY-TALA TENNIS CLUB<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQdke338Xrj0FGO7v-M-b2E3E4pNKKdaLYJ1o7TkXCS1MLdoXmbWZy0arsIFPQNlADllCw5Jftcyy4kiTdPT5ER4g_HeOVhRvQOYSP6QK0BZffDY2iQ4JwQSOLmPgrpaSqXRHSJ9XmsQn/s1600-h/maria+sharapova%27s+winning+form+AP.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQdke338Xrj0FGO7v-M-b2E3E4pNKKdaLYJ1o7TkXCS1MLdoXmbWZy0arsIFPQNlADllCw5Jftcyy4kiTdPT5ER4g_HeOVhRvQOYSP6QK0BZffDY2iQ4JwQSOLmPgrpaSqXRHSJ9XmsQn/s320/maria+sharapova%27s+winning+form+AP.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192740856087850962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkBGtcAeHxkZxJn8mPyUxvXloxsRN4V22tOD8SrJg1ayz0gT1_xlG_hjN08E52i8uGo5Flv07Igrp8naKT6gvlniYcq2-ATsr4xewnTc-H9CcgtSgQBTthNoYLCiCxgndLE47nGgt-XpQ/s1600-h/maria+sharapova%27s+winning+form+AP.JPG"></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">- AY BILIB 4 U -<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was, in</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the beginning, only a hazy collage, a deem shadow of fading scenes out of the flickering candle light from the receding memories of a sexagenarian tennis enthusiast.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>It was seemingly a mosaic of visions and daydreams and memories of youth; diverse fragments of a sports club scenario where members were lively doing their things thereabout. The young ones and the once young were in chemistry in the name of sports. They were either raucously or silently playing their games in or outside the proper venue. Others were plainly in peace just watching ongoing tennis games, chess matches, or card games of “Tong-Its,” or whatever.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Now at 68, the stark reality of the ever flashing back and haunting photo shots in the senior citizen’s mind of Lolo Ome regularly stares at him to the face. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Lolo Ome has now been a regular cast in that scenario during week-ends, highlighted by boodle fight lunch among participants. He enjoys playing tennis with friends and young tennis addicts or against his nephews and their sons and daughters as well, at Bukal Kay-Tala Tennis Courts.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>The venue is sited along the shoreline of Laguna de Bay, at Brgy Looc in the City of <st1:city st="on">Calamba</st1:city>, <st1:placetype st="on">Province</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Laguna</st1:placename>, Republic of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Lolo Ome, a seasoned citizen, is an Honorary Member of <b style=""><i style="">“Bukal Kay-Tala Tennis Club,”</i></b> a.k.a. “Looc Tennis Club.” The club’s dual tennis courts belong to the President and Chairman of the Board of the Lazaro Group of Companies – <b style="">Angelito Landicho Lazaro, Sr.</b> Known as <i style="">“Ka Ito”</i> among his peers and friends, as well as to the Laguna constituents, Mr. Lazaro is also the “First Gentleman” of Laguna, being the husband of Laguna Governor Teresita Santiago-Lazaro (1998-2010).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>It was a dream-come-true of <i style="">“Ka Ito”</i> to provide a private sports haven and share its facilities to the community. It was his vision to have a secluded place to meet with friends after each hectic days of work and engage in idle talk with them over refreshing drinks while others play tennis if their aging legs could still run them around the shell court or at the hard court. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;">The very site of the club’s venue is beside a spring (<i style="">bukal</i> in Pilipino). <o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Once upon a time the place was referred to as <i style="">“Bukal Kay-Tala,</i> since the barrio folklore had it that in this spring lived Juan Tala and his beauteous daughter known only as the star at the spring (<i style="">Tala sa Bukal)</i>. It was believed that this spring belonged to Mr. Tala; thus, the place was referred to as <i style="">“Bukal Kay-Tala.”</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PuvX9bbyeL4VLTqK7SqoTfLiZCR7L5GNmIk5XtSi8A2aYoJrzj9rKOxRzR7Wizq2Fb-m7Yh9EG7SV-DXHsR_OH6kNReViHTFTpmVlc3kXrekxryTxZclZFup8ISONt4NBmJ8HLJkT57J/s1600/BUKAL+KAY+TALA+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PuvX9bbyeL4VLTqK7SqoTfLiZCR7L5GNmIk5XtSi8A2aYoJrzj9rKOxRzR7Wizq2Fb-m7Yh9EG7SV-DXHsR_OH6kNReViHTFTpmVlc3kXrekxryTxZclZFup8ISONt4NBmJ8HLJkT57J/s320/BUKAL+KAY+TALA+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619301349681537362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">The realization of Bukal Kay Tala Tennis Courts, apropos the development of Barangay Looc, has its historical roots from the Rizal-inspired tenant-farmers uprising in Calamba during the Spanish period – the beginning of a simple community settled along the river deltas of the largest bay in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>Please browse on the article in Pilipino – <b style="">“KAY TALA:” HALAW SA KASAYSAYAN, ni Lolo Ome.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style=""> </span>“KAY TALÀ”:<span style=""> </span>HALÁW SA KASAYSAYAN<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">(Unang Bahagi)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Noóng unang panahon, may isang maliit na bukál na dinadaluyan ng malinis na tubig sa lugar na sakop ng nayon ng Looc, bayan ng Calamba, lalawigan ng Laguna. Ito ay matatagpuan sa palanas na latian malapit sa hangganan ng bayan ng Cabuyao, hindi kalayuan sa baybayin mismo ng lawa ng Laguna.<span style=""> </span>Nasa gitnà ito ng malawak na latian; tigang sa tag-araw.<span style=""> </span>Talahib, ligaw na halaman at sari-saring damo ang lumagô sa paglipas ng panahon.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Ayon sa saling-lahi ng mga ninunò sa nayon ng Looc, sa mismong bukál na ito lumikas at nagkanlong ang higit pitong pamilya buhat sa kabayanan ng Calamba sa pagtakas sa malupit na pag-usig ng guardya sibil. Dito sila namuhay ng tahimik, tagô, at malayò sa kabihasnan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Binago ang kanilang pangalan upang di matunton ng may kapangyarihan sapagkat binansagan silang “tulisan.” May binyag na identidád batay sa kilos, ugali, karakter, o katawagan. Hindi sila natunton ng kabayuhang guardya sibil sapagkat pagsapit sa malalagong talahiban o tikiwan ay paatras ang pagtakas upang isa-isang itayo ang dawag na dinaanan. Talahib sa tuyong lupa at tikiw naman sa latian.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Sila ang nagsilbing ugat na pinagmulan ng pagsibol ng populasyon sa nayong ito sa baybayin ng look ng Laguna.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Ang bahaging ito ng kasaysayan ng lahing Calambeñ</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >o ay haláw sa pirapirasong salaysay ng mga “matanda sa nayon” ng Looc, Calamba, Laguna.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Kabilang sa kanila ang itinuring na pinakamatanda sa nayon at <i style="">kabesa de barangay</i> na inabot ng aming henerasyon, ang “Matandang Purwa” - si Lelong Tomas “Uma” Parayan; Lelang Tinay “Moros” Mane; ang Mamay Kikòng “Hantik” - ama ng “Toton” Casulucan Nagpalà at nakatatandang kapatid na si Lelang Agre, asawa ng Sayas “Mapalad.”<span style=""> </span>Gayun din ang Lola Abè, asawa ng Gorio “Bagsik” Bawiin; at Lelong Berto “Tapang” Tanyág.<span style=""> </span>Ninunò nila, pati ang lahing pinagmulan (katiwala sa bahay ni Rizal) ni Inang “Goriang Teng”, at Tata Panyo “Alapaw” Arguelles, ang nanirahan sa tabi ng ilog San Juan sa dulong timog ng kanayunan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Bahagi ng sibilisasyon na kung saan may daloy ng tubig ng buhay doon ang pasimulà ng pamayanan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwbwyG5Uuf8PWOz11nn6m4S3Jvs4eEQuST84UOZ0OwSp49VipbtvqSuqrnyEHttHAwEFeUzrl-b0jucii-UAsGcCLqlsDjsGitgtXAcsG-V-oxoWhfkbx9PYZfdk6yetpa8bEL6tJuWz6/s1600/RIVER+DELTA+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwbwyG5Uuf8PWOz11nn6m4S3Jvs4eEQuST84UOZ0OwSp49VipbtvqSuqrnyEHttHAwEFeUzrl-b0jucii-UAsGcCLqlsDjsGitgtXAcsG-V-oxoWhfkbx9PYZfdk6yetpa8bEL6tJuWz6/s320/RIVER+DELTA+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619303136266491538" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Dito isinilang si Eduardo Nagpalà Tanyág, kilala bilang <i style="">Kapitan Dadong</i>.<span style=""> </span>Nagsilbing kagawad matapos ang pananakop ng Hapones, Tinyente del Baryo at Kapitan ng Barangay Looc nang mahabang panahon hanggang magretirong <i style="">Barangay Chairman</i> matapos ang EDSA Uno. Maraming pangyayaring naganap sa pag-unlad ng kaniyang nayong sinilangan ang malinaw na natitik sa kanyang kamalayan at naibahagi sa sumunod na henerasyon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Sa gitnang bahagi naman ng kanayunan, tabing ilog San Cristobal nagmula ang angkan ng Lelong Adong “Uwák” Mane, Inoy “Bagsák” Mamplata, Victor “Balat” Narvaja, Adong “Pusà” Almazan at Roman “Bato” Alviar. Sila rin ay kinaringgan ng mga butil ng kasaysayan at kaganapan sa paglagô ng kanayunan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Narito ang buód sa kasaysayan ng bukál “Kay Talà” buhat sa haláw na pananaliksik ng anák ni <i style="">Kapitan Dadong</i> – Teofilo <i style="">“Ka Iloy”</i> Mane Tanyág, maestro sa kontaduriya (accounting) sa Akademiya ng Pulisiya (<i style="">PNP Academy)</i>. Mga talâ mulang pagkabata buhat sa bibig ng Lelong Uma (1860-1957) at Inang Lilay “Tangkad” Tuzon, lider ng kababaihan noong panahon ng “Sakdalista” na itinatag ni Benigno Ramos (1930-1935); at sa aklat tungkol kay Rizal ni Fr. Miguel A. Bernad S.J. – “Essay in Biographical Context.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Ilustrado ang amá ni Doña Teodora Alonzo-Mercado. Ito ay naging Diputado ng Filipinas sa <i style="">Spanish Cortez.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Balintuna mandin, mismo si Doña Teodora Alonzo-Mercado sa utos ng Alkalde Mayor (Gobernador ng Laguna) taon 1871 ay pinaglakad patungong kapitolyo sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna upang humarap sa isang paglilitis. Sampung taon gulang pa lamang noon si Jose Protacio Mercado y Alonzo. Nagtagô sa bayan ng Los Baños ang nakatatanda at kaisa-isang kapatid na lalaki ni Pepe, si Paciano - upang iwasan ang pag-usig ng mga kastilà dahil malapit na kaibigan niya si Padre Jose Burgos (binitay 1872 kasama sina Padre Gomez at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Zamora</st1:place></st1:city>). Ang ibang kapatid na pawang kababaihan ay lumipat ng tirahan sa kamaynilaan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>1888 nang umigting ang sigalót sa lupang agraryo sa pagitan ng frayleng Dominicano at mga kasamá<span style=""> </span><i style="">(tenant farmers)</i> sa pamamahalà ng mga magulang ni Dr. Jose Rizal. Nagalit ang mga frayle at gobernadorcillo sa pamilya Mercado at mga kasamá sa <i style="">hacienda de Calamba</i>.<span style=""> </span>Pinagusig ang kanilang angkan, pinalayas ang ilan<span style=""> </span>sa bayan ng Calamba.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sa galit ng kastila, sampu ng mga katiwala at kapatás ng pamilya Mercado ay pinagusig din.<span style=""> </span>Isa na rito ang <i style="">hepe de caballeriza</i> Ka Juan Talà, ayon sa haláw na inpormasyon buhat sa retirado at batikáng-púlis detektib sa Lungsod Quezon at <i style="">METROCOM Intelligence Special Group (MISG)</i> - Sarhento Alfredo “Tata Fred” Miranda.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Si “Tata Fred” ay <i style="">recornized guerilla</i> ng ikalawang digmaan.<span style=""> </span>Naglingkod bilang púlis ng pamahalaan ng Calamba noong 1946 matapos ang libereysion.<span style=""> </span>Nagsanay sa <i style="">NBI</i> at pumasá bilang púlis-detektib.<span style=""> </span>Nahirang na púlis-detektib sa Lungsod Quezon at nagíng púlis-badigard ng dating Meyor Antonio Amoranto. Napilì siyang kasapì sa <i style="">MISG</i> at nagkamit ng 12 medalya ng kagitingan hanggang magretiro sa serbisyo. Si Sarhento Miranda ang <i style="">Chief Investigator</i> ng dating Koronel Rolando Abadilla at dating Tinyente Pampilo Lacson (Heneral at Senador “Ping” Lacson ngayon) nang magretiro taong 1983.<span style=""> </span>Ang tahanan ng pamilya Miranda ay tabi ng plaza malapit sa bahay ni Rizal.<span style=""> </span>At ayon sa kanya ay kamaganakan nila ang mga Alonzo ng Calamba.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Upang makaiwas sa lupít ng guardya sibil ay lumikas si Ka Juan Talà at kamaganakan. Kasama ang ilan pang katiwala, palihim silang tumawid buhat kabayanan sa ilog <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Juan</st1:place></st1:city> at kumabilâ sa kanugnog barangay Bañadero patungo sa hangganan ng munisipalidad ng Cabuyao, Laguna.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Hindi sila makatawid sa Cabuyao na ligtas sa kapahamakán. Lalong hindi sila pwedeng manatili sa lupang Cabuyao na dating luklukan ng pamahalaang kastilà sa Laguna dahil naglipanà ang guardya sibil sa bayang ito. Pinairal ni Gobernador General Weyler ang utos na mananagot sa pamahalaang Kastila ang sino mang kukupkop sa pinalayas na kasamá ng pamilya Alonzo-Mercado.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Sa kanilang pagtakas nasumpungan ang maliit na bukál na binabalungan ng sariwang tubig sa tigáng na lupà sa gitna ng latian. Dito sila nagkanlong sa malagóng talahiban at tikiwan at namuhay na ligtas sa kamay ng malupit na kastilà.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Mulà noón hanggang sa kasalukuyan ang poók sa gawì ng bukál na ito sa dulong hilagà ng kanayunan, malapit sa hangganan ng lupang Cabuyao, ay itinuring at tinawag na <b style="">“Kay Talà.” </b>Batay sa rehistro ng kasal nuong<span style=""> </span>panahon ng Kastila Kay Talà ang ngalan ng buong kanayunan. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Daang taon ang lumipas, ang pag-mamayarì sa lupang karatig bukál Kay Talà ay nagpasalin-salin kung kani-kanino at kung taga-tagasaan. Sa pag-usad ng kabihasnan, ang bukàl ay naroon pa rin. Subalit hindi na binabalungan ng malinis na tubig. Dahil marahil sa ginawâ itong taniman at álagaan ng mga isda (<i style="">fish pond</i> ng hitò at tilapyâ).<span style=""> </span>Nagsilbi itong páliguan ng mga batang paslit, itikán at lubluban ng kalabaw.<span style=""> </span>Kanlungan at pugad ng ibat-ibang ibon ang mga punong kahoy sa paligid ng bukál.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7e-NgN8o5g-4ue6IwbVVCreOl3x90hqAubYgf6nuperdk0jKTkshEBtqhX96XgKCKOHetzSz6z4PtS8EV0gqnJHag6d77mkVwM3yVQXSzZ6nGJxVN7V7SZmWDYXWyR3vv-Hlv2IIz-gp1/s1600/BUKAL+KAY+TALA+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7e-NgN8o5g-4ue6IwbVVCreOl3x90hqAubYgf6nuperdk0jKTkshEBtqhX96XgKCKOHetzSz6z4PtS8EV0gqnJHag6d77mkVwM3yVQXSzZ6nGJxVN7V7SZmWDYXWyR3vv-Hlv2IIz-gp1/s320/BUKAL+KAY+TALA+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619306444969234546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;">(Ikalawang Bahagi)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sa mahabang panahon, ang pag-mamayarì sa lupang karatig sa bukál “Kay Talà” ay nagpasalin-salin kung kani-kanino at kung taga-tagasaan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Ang lupang Kay Talà na pinagpalà ng kasaysayan ay binili na ni G. Angelito Landicho Lazaro at ang<span style=""> </span>pag-mamayarì ay nakatalâ sa pangalan ng kanyang dalawang anak.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Tila iginuhit ng pangyayari, si Ginoong Lazaro ay isinilang sa kabayanan ng Calamba malapit sa bahay ng ating bayani pitong bahay pakanluran, pitong araw makalipas ang kaarawan ni Rizal, pitong buwan matapos sumiklab ang ikalawang digmaan. Dito rin sa Barangay Looc lumikas ang kanyang pamilya noong kasagságan ng kalupitán ng Hápones na kumitíl sa buhay ng kanyang amá.<span style=""> </span>Pitong linggo matapos ang kamatayan ng kanyang amá, pito silang nalabi sa pamilya ang tumawid sa ilog San Juan upang kupkopin ng kanyang Lelong Dama “Kampit” Landicho sa kanayunan ng Looc tabi ng ilog San Cristobal .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sa kanayunang ito nahinóg ang kanyang kamalayan sa gitnà ng tahimik at payák na pamumuhay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Si G. Lazaro ay kilala ngayon bilang <b style="">“Ka Itò”</b> sa higit na nakababatid sa kanyang kababaang loob at pagiging maka-masa. Bukás na aklat ang kaniyang buhay bilang isang simple at tagumpay na negosyante.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Buhat sa hirap, nagsumikap, at umunlad sa malinis na hanapbuhay.<span style=""> </span>Mulà sa maliit na tindahang sarì-sarì, pag-aalagà at pag-papaalagà ng itik, gawaan ng itlog na maalat, penoy at balót; ngayon ay <i style="">home appliance marketing,</i> <i style="">real estate developer</i> at mamumuhunán.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Nakaisang dibdib ang isang gurò ng Cabuyao, Laguna na tulad niya ay sibol sa payák na angkan buhat naman sa lalawigan ng Bulacan.<span style=""> </span>Sa magkatuwang na paghahanapbuhay, sila ay dinalá ng kapalaran sa rurok ng tagumpay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Ang kanyang maybahay ay nahalál na Punong Lalawigan ng Laguna – Kgg. Teresita Santiago “Ningníng” Lazaro (2001-2010).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Isa ring bukás na aklat ang buhay ni Gobernor Ningníng Lazaro.<span style=""> </span>Dating gurò. Ina ng tahanan. Matagumpay na negosyante. Lingkod bayan matapos ang EDSA Uno: Kagawad at Pangalawang Punong Bayan ng Calamba; Kagawad at Bise Gobernador ng Laguna; at nahalál na Punong Panlalawigan (2001-2010).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Mahabang panahon bago naging Unang Ginoó ng Laguna si Ka Itò, ang lupang Kay Talà ay nagsilbing sakahan, taniman ng kalamansì, mais at ibat-ibang gulay. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Bilang <i style="">realtor,</i> ang may apat hektaryang bukid na ito ay ginawà niyang subdibisyón. Naglaán ng palaruan para sa maninirahan dito, kanayon, at gayun din sa taga-karatig barangay. Nagpagawà ng <i style="">tennis court</i> at balak isusunod ang <i style="">multi-purpose court</i> para sa basketbol, bolebol, sipà at iba pang katutubong larông Pinóy, at bilaran ng palay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOeBvK2x1-5hIgKvzuD-Bi41jdANLYpfyb5dq5LPbyvktC8qe0ggLiFiuf5gwx_YNPMivux4flWDbcMBQzX1IcnObjMvPD1OCMNOpC1nCWkgDWrtkfJt2-WYcs7yQDwOg5xgNZ3o1x3ye/s1600/KAYTALA+TENNIS+COURT+005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOeBvK2x1-5hIgKvzuD-Bi41jdANLYpfyb5dq5LPbyvktC8qe0ggLiFiuf5gwx_YNPMivux4flWDbcMBQzX1IcnObjMvPD1OCMNOpC1nCWkgDWrtkfJt2-WYcs7yQDwOg5xgNZ3o1x3ye/s320/KAYTALA+TENNIS+COURT+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620185312867745346" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sabi niya: “Ang palaruang ito ay isa sa aking mga pangarap para sa kabataan ng aking nayon at ng sambayanan.<span style=""> </span>Pangarap kong magkaroon ng isang tagpuan ang mga may edad na mamamayan o <i style="">‘Senior Citizen.’</i><span style=""> </span>Dito maaarì tayong magpalipas ng oras matapos ang maghapong trabaho sa atin-ating pinagkakaabalahan. Maglibáng sa panonood ng larô. Makipaglarô at mag-ehersisyo kung kaya pa ng ating mga tuhod. Magpalitan ng kurò-kurò.<span style=""> </span>Masayang mag-kwentuhan ng mga nakalipas na karanasan sa buhay. O di kaya ay tahimik na magpahingalay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Buô ang paniwalà ni Ka Itò na tunay na pinagpalà ng tadhanà ang lupang Kay Talà.<span style=""> </span>Bakit di ko sasabihin ang bagay na ito, wika niya.<span style=""> </span>Ito ay sapagkat apat na mga parì na nakadestino sa kampo militar sa Canlubang, Laguna ang bumili ng lote sa gilid mismo ng bukál.<span style=""> </span>Pinangunahan ito ni Father Rey Urmeneta, Father Julius, at iba pa. Dalawa pang parì ang nagpareserba na.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Bilang patotoó ni Father Rey: “Buhay-bukid sa payák na kapaligiran at tahimik na poók ang nais kong tahanán.<span style=""> </span>Natagpuan ko ang lupang pangarap dito sa Kay Talà. Katunayan, apat kaming mga parì ang dito naglalarô ng tenis sa araw ng Sabado at pawiin man din ang suliranin at panimdim.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Ilan pang taong simbahan ang nagnanais manirahan sa poók na ito, dagdag na inpormasyon ni Sister Remy, ang masigasig na ahente sa pagbenta ng lupang Kay Talà. At nagpatayó agad ng kubong pahingalayan si Father Rey sa poók na ito.<span style=""> </span>Sinimulan na rin ang pagawain para sa isang silid dalanginan (<i style="">oratory room). </i>At sa kapakanan ng mga kapus-palad, sumangayon si G. Lazaro sa kahilingan ni Father Rey na ialay ang espasyong ito kay <b style=""><i style="">Saint Peregrine Lazioci</i></b> – deboto sa pag-aarugâ ng kapus-palad at may talamâk na sakit (gaya ng kanser) – na ang kapistahan ay ika-4 ng Mayo. <b style=""><i style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVpSb08XUMAVfSY6nYYaj0MKI4WIDyrT3yPf4w7NdufT3BJ9FvoKgSHTGrNr7zKI7MOFP9hvyTm7rgGcZHFAspEr3gzOEMnittYBDI7ar7Rhz0iEsts0vc1wylxHbt5xnKYwjKdlUgvXD/s1600/ST+PERIGRINE+CHAPEL+015.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVpSb08XUMAVfSY6nYYaj0MKI4WIDyrT3yPf4w7NdufT3BJ9FvoKgSHTGrNr7zKI7MOFP9hvyTm7rgGcZHFAspEr3gzOEMnittYBDI7ar7Rhz0iEsts0vc1wylxHbt5xnKYwjKdlUgvXD/s320/ST+PERIGRINE+CHAPEL+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619304296851007250" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sa darating na mga araw, mulì kayáng dadaloy ang sariwang tubig sa bukál Kay Talà?<span style=""> </span>Dalangin ni Ka Itò at Father Rey, gayundin ng iba pang alagad ng Diyos, na maging huwaran sa kinabukasan ang poók na ito.<span style=""> </span>Matahimik. Matiwasáy.<span style=""> </span>Kaaya-ayang pamayanan. May dalanginan para sa kapus-palad at may talamâk na karamdaman. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span></span></b></span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Dinggin kaya sa kaitaasan ang dalanging ito?<span style=""> </span>Maging masayang palaruan?<span style=""> </span>Tagpuang pampalakasan para sa kabutihan ng kabataan, sampu ng katandaan sa paglubog ng araw?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;">(Ikatlong Bahagi)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Nais kong ibahagi at madugtong sa kasaysayan ang isang pangarap: Panukala sa bukál Kay Tala.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Maging katuparan kaya ito sa panahon ng ating henerasyon o sa susunod pang saling-lahi?<span style=""> </span>Tunghayan natin ang “Panukala sa bukal Kay Tala” ng Lolo Ome.<span style=""> </span>Suriin, pag-aralan natin, alamin at pagyamanin ang mga hakbangin na dapat kaagad ay gawâin upang di mahulí sa pagsulong ng kabihasnan at sa paglakad ng panahon ang ating nayon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;">Panukalà sa bukál Kay Talà*<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">v<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Ibabalik ang dating bukál upang pagyamanin at panggalingan ng tubig inumin. Malaking tulong<span style=""> </span>ito sa kanayunan at dagdag sa kaban ng bayan ng barangay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">v<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Ipalilinis ang munting sapà <i style="">(creek)</i> at pasisimulán ang <i style="">deep well digging</i> upang matunton ang dating bukál at buháyin ang pagdaloy ng sariwang tubig.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">v<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Marami ang naniniwalà na ang dating bukál ay naroon pa rin. Sakaling matukoy ang sinasabing matáng-tubig nitó, isang tuberiyás (<i style="">pipeline) </i>lamang ang kailangan buhat kailaliman at kusang aagos muli ang bukál na tubig ng buhay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">v<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Magtatayô ng <i style="">water tanks</i> upang maging tinggalan ng sariwang tubig.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">v<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Kung magkagayon:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Masaganang tubig-bukál ang pakinabang ng bawat tahanan sa kanayunan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Gagawing<i style=""> water project</i> ang bukál para sa kasiyahan ng pamayanan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">3.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >At buhat “Kay Talà” ang <i style="">mini water park area</i> ay maaring tawaging <b style="">“Kay Itò”</b> o <b style="">“<i style="">Kay Ningníng</i>” </b>bilang parangal sa kabutihang loob ng “Unang Ginoó ng Laguna” at ni Gobernor<span style=""> </span>Teresita Santiago <b style=""><i style="">“Ningníng”</i></b> Lazaro (2001-2010).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;">*Ang pagbuhay sa bukál Kay Talá ay maaaring simulan bilang isang proyekto (Pangkalikasan/Pangturismo) sa magkatuwang na hakbang ng pamunuan ng Barangay Looc at Unang Ginoó ng lalawigan.<span style=""> </span>Ang proyekto ay maaaring gugulan at pondohan ng pamahalaang local, nasyonal, o <i style="">International project fund.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>Katotohanan (<i style="">Facts</i>):<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">1.<span style=""> </span></span></span></i></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Barangay Pansol ng Calamba ay sagana sa bukal na tubig at naglipanà ang <i style="">natural hot spring resorts.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">2.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sa pulô ng Calamba (<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Wonder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>) natumbok ang bukál ng maligamgam na tubig matapos ang matiyagang <i style="">deepwell digging</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">3.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Sa bukál galing ang tubig na pinagyayaman ng <i style="">Calamba</i> <i style="">Water District</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">4.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Pook turismo ang Calamba mismo.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">5.<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Masusing pagaaral sa panukala, mainam at makatotohanang <i style="">Project Proposal</i> ang unang hakbang na kailangan upang lapatan ng pondong kailangan ang pagsasakatuparan ng pangarap na ito.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:100%;" >Tagumpay ng panukala ang maglalagay sa Barangay Looc sa mapa ng turismo sa lalawigan. Lakbay sa tagumpay ay di makakamtan kung ang unang hakbang ay di sisimulan.<span style=""> </span>Hayo na at ating abutín ang ningníng ng tagumpay<span style=""> </span>–<span style=""> </span>kayang-kaya kung sama-sama.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">-30-</b></span></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-72313693274092867532008-04-22T17:05:00.001+08:002011-06-18T06:22:21.048+08:00`WOULD RIZAL BE PROUD OF CALAMBA TODAY?<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">By roman romeo g. Nagpala<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Here’s Lolo Rom’s appreciation of Rizal as a sportsman written 3 years ago. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Year 2005 ends with the cloud of euphoria still shrouding the whole <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place> overwhelmingly after winning the 23<sup>rd</sup> SEA GAMES overall championship with the most number of gold in stake.<span style=""> </span>As we celebrated another simple Rizal Day in the hero's birthplace, this Pinoy Old Brother (Lolo Ome) of the senior citizens group also feels to the rheumatic bones the sweeping euphoria. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">More so because we all know that our very own national hero stood tall at five feet and three inches and a great sportsman during his prime. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Had it been Rizal's time during the 23<sup>rd</sup> SEA Games, in what particular event would he be the runaway gold medallist? Based on his letter to Antonio Luna (Brussels, 3 July 1890), it would be in sharp shooting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">"As to shooting, with this I am sending you a cardboard with ten bullet holes. The board is seven and a half meters from me. At a distance of twenty-five meters I put all 20 shots inside a board 20 centimeters high and 20 centimeters wide. I go slowly, but through perseverance, I will be able to shoot fairly well and I will supplement with my will the few qualities of a shooter that nature has given me." (<i>Epistolario Rizalino, </i>III No. 392, p. 74.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Rizal would have added more gold from other sports events where he notably excelled, such as boxing, fencing, pistol duel, swimming, riding, and archery. He would have been a gold medallist in tennis, too. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">As a sportsman, Rizal must be proud today of our fellow Calambeño Ronnie Alcano, an outstanding<span style=""> </span>two-gold medallist in the billiard games.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">109 years after his martyrdom at the Luneta, would Rizal be proud of Calamba in the field of sports? Rizal believed in perseverance. In sports this means proper training, long hours of practice games in available appropriate sports venues. Do we have standard quality sports facilities in Calamba today?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Yes it is true Calamba is now a proud city. She boasts of having five industrial parks and estates - haven to local and foreign investor-locators - providing employment and producing huge export products to boost the national economy. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">In tourism, Calamba has been declared the Spa Capital of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the bedrock of lodes of hot spring mineral waters freely flowing in abounding swimming pools and resorts. She is hostess to hordes of vacationers, local and foreign tourists teeming the swimming pools and resorts during summer. Her treasury has the gross annual income of six hundred fifty million pesos (PhP650M) in 2004.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Yet, despite all these all through the years, the stark reality faces Calamba to the face - the City of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Calamba</st1:place></st1:city> does not have a public sports center to be proud of. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Calamba being at the center point to the provinces of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cavite</st1:place></st1:city>, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, could be an ideal venue to host some PBA on tour games. But she does not have such sports facilities. She could also be an alternative venue to the regular Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association (STRAA) meet and Palarong Pambansa; yet she does not have the standard facilities for such games. In all these, she fails to gain additional income to her treasury.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Alas and alack, the first-ever Calamba Citywide Team Tennis Tournament 2005 exposes the naked truth that the City of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Calamba</st1:place></st1:city> does not own even a single public tennis court. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Tournament director Joey Javier aptly stated in the awards night: "We had to face reality to proceed and successfully finish the tournament. We had scheduled official games simultaneously only during weekends at different tennis courts within the City - in Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang Old Course, Miramonte-Pansol, and Calamba Riverside-Bañadero. Practice games were at times held at <i>Bukal Kay-Tala</i> tennis courts, Brgy. Looc, in the outskirt of the City." </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Faced with this reality, Javier initiated a manifesto, signed by over one hundred participants from 23 teams of the five tennis clubs in the City. The manifesto is urging the City Administration to seriously plan and develop a project with appropriate funds for the construction and development of a public sports center.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Javier said: "We do this for and in behalf of the succeeding generations. In memory of our National Hero, we propose the construction and development of '<st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">GAT</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">JOSE</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">RIZAL</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">MEMORIAL</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">SPORTS</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">VILLAGE</st1:placetype></st1:place>' to house the facilities for various games, i.e., basketball, volleyball, baseball, track-and-field, swimming, tennis, badminton, sepak takraw, boxing, fitness gym, and other amenities."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Moreover, Javier said: "Let us all remember that sports, per se, is a well-tested and internationally accepted antidote to the creeping menace of illegal drugs worldwide. Besides, sport is a healthy pastime to veer away from different vices of the present generation."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>"Remember Rizal's dictum that our youth is the hope of our fatherland, so let us all work together for the youth of Calamba, and offer <b>'GAT JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL SPORTS VILLAGE'</b> to the Great Malayan," concluded Javier. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">There will be more <b>Rizal Day </b>celebrations in the years to come. Yet, would Rizal be happy soon in the not far distant future with the completion of a sports village in Calamba, in memoriam?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">-30-<o:p></o:p></b></p><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-28607671173453591112011-03-15T17:27:00.009+08:002011-06-18T06:16:24.727+08:00TONG: ROOT-CAUSE OF MAGELAN’S DEATH<img src="http://images.travelpod.com/tripwow/photos/ta-00f2-e754-2263/encounter-between-magellan-and-lapu-lapu-cebu-philippines%2B12986084061-tpfil02aw-7069.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Complementary to the present political revolution of P-Noy to veer away from corruption and greed and walk the path of righteousness, this septuagenarian blogger has the following piece in Pilipino </span></span>– <span style="font-weight: bold;">“TONG: UGAT-SANHI NG KAMATAYAN NI MAGELLAN SA PILIPINAS.”</span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The account was read from the book “Magellan, A Voyage of Life” by Allan P. Hearn. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">March 16, 1521 is recorded in our history as the date of discovery of the Philippines.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Ferdinand Magellan is acknowledged in world history as the man who discovered the Philippines.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Antonio Francisco Pigafetta was Magellan’s personal recorder of the day-to-day events during that historical voyage of his life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> April 27, 1521: Pigafetta recorded the death of Magellan; ending in the diary - they killed “our mirror, our light and comfort, and our true guide.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Lapu-Lapu: The name etched in Philippine history and in every Pilipino mind - the man who killed Magellan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Lapu-lapu the chieftain of Mactan Island killed Magellan in earnest, defending his territory against the assault of about three scores of Spanish soldiers fully equipped with armors and weapons.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buwis. Butaw. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tax. Harbor Tariff. Royal Tax. Tribute.</span> Ang pagsingil sa lahat ng iyan, kahit noon pa man at sa kasalukuyan, ay bahagi na nang kasaysayan.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Protection money ng mga goons, terrorist, gayun din ng pulis, at iba pang alagad ng batas. Revolutionary Tax ng NPA, Abu Sayaff, MILF, at iba pang rebeldeng grupo. Pass Way sa mga barangay at pribadong lupain, na daraanan ng tao at kalakal. Ang mga ito naman ang ilan sa tawag nang bagong panahon.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Ang lahat ng mga nabanggit ay ipinatutupad ng may awtoridad, lider sa lugar, may kapangyarihan at karapatan. Pakiusap, lakas ng loob at sapilitan na may kasamang pananakot ang pagkuha nito sa kinauukulan.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Harbor tariff</span> ang singil ni Raha Humabon nang sumapit ang ekspedisyon ni Magellan sa pantalan ng Cebu. <span style="font-style: italic;">Royal tax</span>, tribute naman para sa Hari ng Espanya ang nais ni Magellan buhat sa buong kapuluan. Ang puntong ito ang tumbok na talakay kung bakit hindi nakabalik sa Espanya si Magellan.<br /><br />Depende sa umiiral na may kapangyarihan o may karapatan, ang lahat ng iyan ay maaari nating bigkisin ngayon sa isang kolokyal na salitang Pinoy- TONG.<br /><br />TONG. Lintakin mo, matay ko mang pakalimiin buhat sa kasaysayan, TONG ang ugat-sanhi at dahilan nang maagang kamatayan ni Magellan sa kamay ni LAPU-LAPU sa baybayin ng maliit na pulo ng Mactan sa “ARKIPELAGO NI SAN LAZARO,” apat na raan at siyamnapung taon (490) nang lumipas, ngayong 2011.<br /><br />Tunghayan natin ang ulat kasaysayan ni Magellan buhat sa aklat (Magellan, A Voyage of Life) by Alan P. Hearn (1966), isang Briton na naninirahan sa Pilipinas.<br /><br />Marso 16, 1521. Ang araw nang bumulaga sa paningin ni Magellan ang tangos (<span style="font-style: italic;">cape</span>) ng isang pulo (Samar) sa bahaging ito ng Timog Silangang Asya – Araw ni San Lazaro ayon sa mga kristiyano. Kaya naman tinawag n’ya na “ARKIPELAGO NI SAN LAZARO,” ang unang pangalan ng bansang Pilipinas. Hindi nanatili ang pangalang ito. Napalitan ng Filipinas matapos ang mga sumunod na ekspedisyon.<br /><br />Tutukan natin ang mahigit isang buwang yapak ni Magellan sa lupang Pilipinas. Yapak na hindi sumagi sa kanyang isip ang kanyang kamatayan dahil lamang sa TONG o <span style="font-style: italic;">tribute</span> na hindi ibinigay lahat ni Lapu-Lapu.<br /><br />Nilampasan ng nalalabing tatlong barko ng ekspedisyon ni Magellan ang pulo ng Samar. Kinabukasan ay nagpatuloy pakanluran hanggang marating ang isla ng Homomhon. Ilang tauhan ang inatasang umahon sa islang ito, alamin kung may katutubong naninirahan at humanap ng pagkain upang manumbalik ang lakas ng maraming tripulante.<br /><br />Di nagtagal at bumalik silang dala kay Magellan ang kailangang pagkain at magandang balita: walang tao at lubos na sagana sa bungang kahoy at sariwang prutas. Inatasang gumawa ng pansamantalang tahanan at stockage o kanlugan ang mga tripulante upang sa pulong ito mamahinga at magpalakas ng kalusugan. Sagana ang pulo sa “buko” o murang niyog na ang katas ay mayaman sa bitamina.<br /><br />Matapos ang dalawang araw na kain, tulog, tahimik na pahingalay upang palakasin ang mga nanghinang katawan sanhi ng mahabang biyahe, pagod, gutom at sakit, dumating sa Homonhon ang isang bangka lulan ang sampung katutubo. Halos hubad ang mga ito at kulay pula ang ngidngid at ngipin dahil sa nginunguyang bunga.<br /><br />Personal na sinalubong ni Magellan ang dumating na katutubo. Bagaman at hindi magkaintindihan sa wika, kahit may interpreteng Malay na si Enrique at isa pang kasamang bihag na si Omatu, kinaibigan sila ng mga kastila upang di maulit ang hindi magandang karanasan sa ibang lupaing naunang dinaungan sa may dagat Pasipiko.<br /><br />Makaraan pa ang tatlong araw ay dumalaw na ang pinuno ng katutubo. Higit na matanda, suot ang palamuting ginto sa braso at tainga, gayundin may tanim na ginto ang mga sibat at kalasag. Kinailangan ni Magellan na pigilin ang kanyang tripulante na mahalata ang interes nila sa ginto. Ayon sa pinuno, Homonhon ang ngalan ng pulo at bahagi ng maraming isla mula timog hanggang hilaga ng Arkipelago.<br /><br />Marso 25, 1521, matapos makumpuni at malinis ang tatlong barko, makapahinga, mabusog at magpalakas buhat sa sariwang pagkain, nagpatuloy ang ekspedisyon pahilagang kanluran. Dinaanan ang Leyte gulf at Surigao Strait, abot-tanaw ang dulong timog at hilaga ng Mindanao hanggang sapitin ang isa pang pulo Marso 28, 1521.<br /><br />Nagkaintindihan si Enrique at katutubo sa wikang may kahalong Malay. Si Enrique ang personal na alila ni Magellan. Si Enrique ay sa Molucas Island binili ng nauna n’yang amo bago nalipat kay Magellan.<br /><br />Nabatid nila na Limasawa ang tawag sa pulo at si Raha Colambu ang lider dito. Hango sa Malay ang wikang ginamit ni Enrique. Ito ang nagbigay katiyakan kay Magelan na nalibot na nila ang mundo at malapit na ang Spice Islands.<br /><br />Abot na n’ya ang tugatog ng tagumpay bilang Kapitan Heneral. Ang ekspedisyong ito ang naglayag pakanluran at natagpuan ang lusutan tungo sa Silangan, at pagbalik sa Espanya ay siya na ang makikilalang unang manlalayag na umikot sa mundo; higit sa lahat ang pangako ng Hari na kayaman, karangalan, katanyagan.<br /><br />Sa katiyakan ng lahat ng ito, isasagawa n’ya ang pagpapalaganap ng Kristiyanismo kasunod ang pagsakop sa Arkipelago ni San Lazaro sa pangalan ng Hari ng Espanya.<br /><br />Ni hindi sumagi sa isipan ni Magellan ang nalalapit n’yang kamatayan sa loob ng kulang isang buwan.<br /><br />Sa pulo ng Limasawa nagsimula ang ugnayan at pakikipagkaibigan. Nagpalitan ng regalo, kuwentuhan ng mahabang oras, hanggang sa maganap ang sanduguan (blood compact) ni Raha Colambu at Magellan. Idinaong ang tatlong malaking barko ng espanya.<br /><br />Linggo, araw ng palaspas, ginanap sa Limasawa ang kauna-unahang misa sa Pilipinas. Nagtayo ng isang malaking Krus na kahoy si Magellan sa tuktok ng isang burol malapit sa kabayanan. Ito ang simbulo ng pag-angkin at pagsakop sa buong arkipelago sa ngalan ng Hari ng Espanya.<br /><br />Nabatid ni Magellan ang tungkol sa higit na malaki at maunlad na pulo ng Cebu. Kailangang tulungan muna si Colambu na gapasin sa lalong madaling panahon ang hinog nang butil ng palay. Sa tulong ng matitipunong tauhan ni Magellan madaling tinapos ang anihan. Matapos ito ay isang masaganang piging at palitan ng kalakal.<br /><br />Abril 3, 1521 nagsimula ang ekspedisyon tungo sa Cebu.<br />Abril 7, 1521 naman dumaong sa Cebu ang buong tropa ni Magellan kasama si Colambu. Inatasan si Don Antonio bilang sugo at Enrique bilang taga-pagsalita ni Magellan na makipag-ugnayan sa Raha ng Cebu. Malayo pa sa pampang ay nagpaputok ng malakas na kanyon pahiwatig ng kapangyarihan ng dayuhang Kastila na ikinatakot ng katutubo.<br /><br />Si Humabon ang Hari ng Cebu. Sinabi n’ya sa sugo ang patakarang umiiral: Taripa sa daungan. TONG ang kolokyal na tawag natin ngayon.<br /><br />Natural, ipinaliwanag ni Enrique na hindi papayag si Magellan sa patakarang ito sapagkat ang bansang Espanya ay makapangyarihan sa buong mundo. Pakay nila ay kapayapaan at kalakalan ngunit kung kinakailang at hindi maiiwasan ay handang sumuong sa madugong labanan.<br /><br />Nagkaroon ng mainitang pagtatalo. Isang panauhin (nagosyanteng Arabo) ni Humabon ang nagkwento sa Raha tungkol sa pagkasakop sa East Indies at Spice Islands ng puting dayuhan at pinayuhan ang Raha na mabuting di hamak ang makipagkalakalan kaysa makipagdigmaan sa dayuhang kastila. Idinagdag ni Enrique na Portugal ang bansang sumakop doon at hindi Espanya, subalit ang Espanya ang higit na makapangyarihan sa lahat ng bansa. At binasa ni Enrique ang nakasulat na mensahe ng pakikipagkaibigan at kalakalan ni Magellan kay Raha Humabon.<br /><br />Nagkaroon nang palugit (extension) sa pagpapatupad ng taripa sa daungan. Wala muna ang TONG. Masusi itong pagiisipan. Nagtatag ng isang Trading Post sa baybayin ng Cebu at nagsimula ang palitan at kalakalan. Naging simula rin ito nang higit na pagkakaibigan ng dayuhan at katutubo.<br /><br />Hindi naglaon, sa paliwanag ni Raha Colambu napahinuhod si Humabon na maging Kristiyano. Inatasan ni Magellan si Padre Valderama na magtayo ng altar at sama-samang ganapin ang binyag sa Kristiyanismo, sampu ng mga asawa ni Humabon, alagad, at buong nasasakupan ng Cebu. Nagtayo rin sa Cebu ng isang malaking krus na kahoy bilang tanda ng pagtalima sa kapangyarihan ng Espanya.<br /><br />Naging abusado ang maraming sundalo ni Magellan lalo na sa kababaihan. Sukdulan ang pang-abuso ni Duarte Barbosa, ang pinakamatalik na kaibigan ni Magellan. Ipinakulong n’ya ito at ikinadena sa barko.<br /><br />Lalong nag-alab ang kagustuhan ni Magellan na mabinyagan at masakop ang iba pang kalapit tribu. Sa halip hikayatin, tinakot n’ya ang mga pagano na tutugisin kung hindi magiging binyagan. Ipinasunog ang mga estatwang idolo ng katutubo.<br /><br />Ipinatawag sa isang miting ang mga lider tribu ng kalapit na mga isla at binalaan ang ilang rebelde kung hindi dadalo. Isa sa lider ng Mactan, si Lapu-Lapu, ay hindi dumalo. Natuon ang galit ni Magellan kay Lapu-Lapu.<br /><br />Ipinasunog ni Magellan ang sentro ng Mactan at ipinagahasa ang kababaihan. Nagpasugo siya na magbigay si Lapu-Lapu ng alay o tribute: kung ilan bilang ng baboy, kambing, manok, bigas at niyog.<br /><br />Ilan bahagi lamang ng alay na ipinagutos ang ipinadala kay Magellan ni Lapu-Lapu upang galitin ang dayuhan. Bilang lider katutubo, bakit nga naman siya magbibigay ng TONG sa isang dayuhan? Labag sa kanyang patakaran at prinsipyo ang magbigay ng TONG. . . . . . Regalo pwede pa.<br /><br />Ang hindi pagbibigay ni Lapu-Lapu ng kumpletong TONG ang nagsilbing mitsa sa paglusob ni Magellan sa pulo ng Mactan.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://calambabythebay.blogspot.com/2011/03/blow-by-blow-magellan-vs-lapu-lapu.html">Ikalawang Bahagi (Part II)</a>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-75098369087884162222008-04-24T16:39:00.001+08:002011-06-17T04:46:44.075+08:00THE SOJOURN OF A SEXAGENARIAN<span lang="EN-AU">By roman romeo g. nagpala</span> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Lolo Rom was a high school graduate in 1956 from the Laguna Institute (now <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Laguna</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place> of Business & Arts) in Calamba, Laguna (now a city). That was two scores and seven years ago. Now he is a card-bearing Senior Citizen of the Republic of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Hence Lolo Rom, this writer, truly is a genuine sexagenarian.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;" align="left"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">As a former OFW (overseas Filipino worker) off-and-on since December, 1979, the prospect of a foreign assignment at this age is like the setting sun.<span style=""> </span>Its glimmer of hope is in the twilight chance.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">But Lo and Behold! The Lord is always up there to lead the way at the right time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Waiting for my medical verification requirement in <st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city>, I received a call from the French Embassy in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>The message:<span style=""> </span>“We have your approved visa.<span style=""> </span>Tell your employer to pay the 446-peso-visa-fee, present to the embassy your two-way ticket to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state>, and submit your passport for validation.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i style=""><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Voila</span></i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">, this sexagenarian on the evening of the following day was on board flight QF-020 Manila-Sydney on 5K business class seat. Arriving <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Sydney</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Airport</st1:placename></st1:place> 6 am of August 10, 2002. Waiting two hours for the change flight and finally arriving at the Tontouta international airport in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state> noontime (local time). With three-hour difference, it was nine in the morning in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">I won’t let you into the details of the business trip, even how exciting it has been.<span style=""> </span>Instead, let us find out a little of this Country-Islands known as <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state>, a French overseas territory at the South Pacific. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <h3><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Welcome<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">The welcome begins upon departure of the meet-and-greet coach from Tontouta international airport.<span style=""> </span>Astounding endless views of the surrounding mountains, hills and ranges engulfs one on-bound to <st1:city st="on">Noumea</st1:city>, the capital of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <h3><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Brochure Information<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Imagine a <st1:placename st="on">Pacific</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Island</st1:placetype> paradise with more than a dash of French European chic and you have <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state>, an alluring destination for a holiday that can be both relaxing and exciting.<span style=""> </span>Enjoy the balmy climate, the sandy white beaches and aquamarine lagoons teeming with tropical fish.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Experience the culture – a wonderful blend of French traditions and Melanesian custom.<span style=""> </span>Indulge in the cuisine, choosing from a vast array of exotic international menus and fresh local seafood.<span style=""> </span>Dine at the side cafes, classy restaurants or picnic under a coconut palm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Discover the island’s unique history or take the outdoor activity options available on both land and water.<span style=""> </span>Spend time exploring the shops, where top European-designer wear is available alongside traditional Melanesian crafts.<span style=""> </span>Whatever your preference, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state> is a place where romance, adventure and dreams can come true.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><st1:state st="on"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">New Caledonia</span></st1:state><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;"> is the fourth largest South Pacific Country after <st1:country-region st="on">Australia</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Papua New Guinea</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>It is made up of the main island called La Grande Terre, and a number of offshore islands predominantly the Loyalty Islands to the northeast (Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa and Tiga) and the <st1:place st="on">Isle of Pines</st1:place> to the south.<span style=""> </span>The capital city, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Noumea</st1:place></st1:city>, is located on the southeast of La Grande Terre.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <h3><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">History<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">The great voyaging canoes of the Melanesian people sailed into <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state> two or three thousand years ago.<span style=""> </span>But it was Captain Cook who named the land in memory of his beloved <st1:country-region st="on">Scotland</st1:country-region> when he discovered it en route to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Zealand</st1:place></st1:country-region> in 1774.<span style=""> </span>The land was sighted again, in 1792, by Frenchman d’Entrecasteaux.<span style=""> </span>In September 1853 Admiral Fevrier-Despointes claimed <st1:state st="on">New Caledonia</st1:state> as <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">French</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Territory</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">This opened the floodgates for hundreds of French settlers.<span style=""> </span>Thousands of convicts were also deported to the island and many remnants of that era can still be seen today.<span style=""> </span>In the 1890s migrants from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indonesia</st1:place></st1:country-region> and Java arrived, adding another element to the country’s cultural diversity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <h3><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Population<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><st1:state st="on"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">New Caledonia</span></st1:state><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;"> has about 200,000 inhabitants, of which more than half live in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Noumea</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>The major ethnic groups include Melanesian, European, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Tahitians and Wallisians.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Climate<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">The balmy climate is marked by two seasons.<span style=""> </span>September to March is warm and humid with moderate rainfalls and an average temperature of<span style=""> </span>25.5°C.<span style=""> </span>April to November is too cool and dry with temperatures as low as 20°C and can get even colder in July and August.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Clothing</span></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Normal weather requires lightweight and casual with smarter dress for evenings out (shorts are not recommended for evening dining). Visitors from temperate countries should pack a couple of sweatshirts or similar warm clothes for the cooler evenings.<span style=""> </span>Sturdy shoes are recommended if you plan to walk on island tracks or reefs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Language<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">The official language is French.<span style=""> </span>English is not widely spoken and understood.<span style=""> </span>There are also about 30 different Melanesian dialects.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Currency<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">New Caledonia</span></st1:place></st1:state><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;"> uses the French Pacific Franc (CFP).<span style=""> </span>Exchange rate is 120-135 CFP to one US dollar.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <h3><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Customs Requirement<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and a return or onward ticket.<span style=""> </span>Those travelling on <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Zealand</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Australian or EEC passports do not need a visa for stays up to three months.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Air terminal transfer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Coach companies, public buses and taxis operate regular transfers between Tontouta international airport and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Noumea</st1:place></st1:city>, a distance of 45km.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Local Transport and Communication<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">The mainland has regular bus services, and small trading vessels link the mainland with nearby islands.<span style=""> </span>Most places have facilities for mail, telephone and telegrams.<span style=""> </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state> has a modern satellite communication system that allows direct overseas phone calls at any time.<span style=""> </span>The domestic airline Air Calédonie operates regular flights from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Noumea</st1:place></st1:city> to the mainland and surrounding islands.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Tipping<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Here in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state>, strictly no tipping even in the restaurants.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Sunbathing beauties<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Walking, jogging, leisure driving around the beaches is the daily grind for tourists here in the capital <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Noumea</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span>Beautiful Parisienne ladies abound everywhere.<span style=""> </span>Mid-day walk along the right beaches is a wonderful experience. It exposes one to a free view of lovely ladies sunbathing – some are topless or in their birthday suit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Urban-landscape<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">What really takes my breath away in this island paradise is the uniqueness of its urban landscaping and engineering design. Despite the mountainous contour of the place. It must be the French influence. Hotels, commercial establishments are designed and constructed along the surrounding Pacific shores providing panoramic view to visitors. The zoning is utterly magnificent. It separates conveniently the commercial centres from residential districts – all in balance with nature. Infrastructures are sited along coastal plains and the island’s mountainous interiors as well. And the surrounding view is just captivating.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Model in urban planning<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><st1:state st="on"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">New Caledonia</span></st1:state><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">, particularly in the capital <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Noumea</st1:place></st1:city>, could very well be a model in urban planning. Upon my return to the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> in my province Laguna, I would recommend to our Provincial Governor to visit this island paradise with the provincial tourism and environment officials. Such official travel should be coordinated with the national government’s Department of Tourism. The CALABARZON Governors should also be given these opportunities. The experience should help in future urban planning and development of local ecological tourism in their respective provinces.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Along the beach areas, wooden benches are comfortably lined-up placed only a few meters from the surfing sea under the canopies of coconut trees and other indigenous species. During high tide on windy days, waves of the onrushing Pacific spray water to one’s face. One Sunday afternoon I even had a half-hour-nap while lying on one of those benches.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Lighted walking lanes and bicycle paths are provided along the circumferential road system.<span style=""> </span>Safety concerns are definitely built-in.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Bus touring takes you to the grandeur of nature as it presents the greenery of the abounding mountains, hills and ranges. And yonder laze the aquamarine of the Pacific, simply staring at the face. Fascinating.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Goodbye<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Before the end of my 45-day visa, I felt rejuvenated. The feeling was simply lovely. It’s wonderful. My only regret:<span style=""> </span>“I am sexagenarian.<span style=""> </span>Why didn’t this opportunity come when I was still a young thorough bred.” I could have tried any of the outdoor activity options available on both land and water. Like distance-running, cycling ala tour de France or mountain climbing.<span style=""> </span>Then there are water sports, i.e., glide sailing, jet skiing, speed boating, parachute water gliding, balloon surfing, and plane beaching. Or just simply enjoy the Frenchy nightlife in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Caledonia</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">But thank you Lord, for this sexagenarian is still feeling strong, even only in the mind. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent"><b style=""><i style=""><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:14pt;">Au revoir!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;" align="center"><b><i style=""><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-AU">-30-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style=""> </span></span></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-46923130726471734422011-03-15T16:06:00.014+08:002011-06-06T13:13:40.796+08:00BACLAYON: SOJOURN OF SEPTUAGENARIAN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BSCnIHbIOHkHhkUDV7mCcc_KxYr-JI3encJDYb0zlvbpuwkaRjLSMnhtfkkonGV1EUw78l6tCqX2_SiB3SZ-4-648Y_iHFL39UFZWEoOl9kIAeBk1ccplJ7SlfuvBU6Kwk0MkrdnRloG/s1600/BOHOL+112.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BSCnIHbIOHkHhkUDV7mCcc_KxYr-JI3encJDYb0zlvbpuwkaRjLSMnhtfkkonGV1EUw78l6tCqX2_SiB3SZ-4-648Y_iHFL39UFZWEoOl9kIAeBk1ccplJ7SlfuvBU6Kwk0MkrdnRloG/s320/BOHOL+112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605010309566290674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Baclayon</span>, loosely translated from local Boholano dialect, poetically denotes a long arduous trek to a distant hill made easy by walking idly together and story telling along the way.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sojourn.</span> Defined in Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary: “A temporary stay;” “a journey to stay as a temporary resident” at a certain place (maybe faraway).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Septuagenarian</span>: A person who is in his/her seventies.<br /><br />On the first day of the valentines month year 2011, two septuagenarians were onboard flight 362 bound for Tagbilaran, the capital of the Province of Bohol. Baclayon, seven kilometers east of Tagbilaran, was their final destination.<br /><br />The senior citizen duo would stay at the house of the late Colonel Guillermo W. Oppus (1918-1990). They were accompanied all the way by the late Col.’s youngest son Joseph, Pinong to some intimate Baclayanons, who invited them (us) to visit his native Baclayon.<br /><br />Joseph’s beauteously simple daughter Niña Catrisa (nicknamed Nica) - a very cute, demure young lady, was the muse in this journey to Bohol. Nica is Joseph’s one and only offspring, so far, with his equally beautiful wife, nee Lourdes “Les” Llamas. Les is a scion of the late educator Don Pedro Llamas of Pagsanjan, Laguna, founding-owner of the first secondary high school in Calamba in 1930 – the Laguna Institute, now the Laguna College of Business and Arts.<br /><br />Nica is a fresh nursing graduate of St. Paul College of Manila. A “dean’s lister,” she passed the nursing board examinations in her first take with flying colors. This very reserved young lady, I observed, is inseparable with her ubiquitous laptop as a prolific writer whenever an opportunity arises. Nica would stay with her uncle.<br /><br />Joseph, 53, is tennis buddy to the Septuagenarians. Lolo Fanny, 70, is Epifanio de Vera a blue-blooded Pangkalatok. Lolo Ome, 71, aka Roman Romeo G. Nagpala is an orig Calamba-born die-hard Pinoy.<br /><br />We are bona-fide residents of the City of Calamba in Laguna. The relaxing sport of lawn tennis binds us closely, welding a lasting companionship and harmonious friendship despite the generation gap. Joseph and Fanny are lay ministers at the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Calamba, just across the street of the Rizal Shrine.<br /><br />Thus, these sojourners together flew and crossed the Luzon-Visayas sky boundary.<br /><br />Joseph’s elder brother, soft-spoken Manong Nacing, fetched us from Tagbilaran airport with his black Sportivo. Nacing, 64, would be our truly accommodating host and tour guide, piloting his own car touring us around to various scenic and cultural destinations. We would never forget his mild deportment, natural hospitality and kindness; a very jovial fellow with hilarious stories to tell like his youngest sibling Joseph.<br /><br />Our first taste of Bohol hospitality was at a seaside restaurant above the waters of Pook Pantalan, Cogon District, within the city limit. We lunched over local tinolang isda, crispy chicharon baboy, kilaw na isda, lato siwid, and other local fish concoctions. A bottle of brandy brought along by Fanny, a voracious drinker, was our “soft-drink” of the day. Liquor is Fanny’s every meal appetizer and regular sleep enhancer.<br /><br />After our refreshing lunch amidst oceanic view of Panglao and Pamilacan Islands and pristine waters thereabouts, we experienced shopping at the city mall. The trio went to the mall’s pharmacy for our respective maintenance medicines; Joseph for his recurrent heart ischemia and the oldies for hypertension, blood sugar stabilizer, and arthritic pain reliever.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonkcd0gK3DHvwTbhEuE5vLCGhsOvaLi8vXFEjklU5sUoqyqY8f0pCSrRkf0u7ZauMXYLBl3tJr3raZyA9bsK3BCV6iR-9f5YKIVg_It4DbUMNZSoxip4LQgpwwznQRhkn7WFL38sf3lhi/s1600/BOHOL+111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonkcd0gK3DHvwTbhEuE5vLCGhsOvaLi8vXFEjklU5sUoqyqY8f0pCSrRkf0u7ZauMXYLBl3tJr3raZyA9bsK3BCV6iR-9f5YKIVg_It4DbUMNZSoxip4LQgpwwznQRhkn7WFL38sf3lhi/s320/BOHOL+111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605012549400220338" border="0" /></a>Our first evening was so relaxing at the baluarte plaza, a recently constructed long stretch of cemented pavement above the shallow waters just behind Baclayon Municipal Building, the original site of the Spanish lighthouse. This serves as the bay walk area to promenade and boat pier for tourists bound for Pamilacan bay dolphin/whale watching or the exclusive Bohol Beach Club at nearby Panglao Island.<br /><br />The fresh and pure evening breeze softly touching one’s face brushing the problems away like magic even just for a fleeting moment prepares one to a dreamy slumber. And after over an hour of story telling a lie and rendition of Boholano kundiman songs by Joseph and his bosom friend cum aide de camp Kimal, Kim for short, we walked home and hit the hay straight.<br /><br />The 2nd day of February is Joseph’s mother’s 91st birthday. Catalina Naron Pates-Oppus, Lola Laling the living matriarch to the ever growing Pates-Oppus clan in Baclayon, had seen the good old days as school teacher and devoted loving wife to the late Colonel husband. She took care of her husband and the family wherever the military officer’s posting would be.<br /><br />Fleeting memories of the past were narrated briefly as everyone eagerly waited the delayed catered dinner exclusively for Pates-Oppus family circle and friends.<br /><br />Kim, Lolo Ome, and the “oldie-sweet-Fanny” (kasi panot siya) enjoyed siesta time till evening moderately drinking especial Baclayon’s “bahalina tuba” and plentiful pulutan. We were joined briefly by Joseph’s balikbayan cousin Nang Norma with American husband Ralph.<br /><br />Joseph shared the recollection of those grand days of old with his stickler officer papa and ever loyal and caring mama. Following is his tribute to mama:<br /><br />"Mama was and still is a very conservative woman. Growing up, I remember her being a strict mother especially when it comes to siesta or nap time and finishing meals for my siblings and I. Having a military man as a father, one would think that Papa was the disciplinarian in our family—but he was not.<br /><br />"Being a grade school teacher, Mama was used to the chaos in classrooms. Since after marrying Papa, she retired early from work and became a full-time house wife, I think that her being firm with house rules and our behavior had something to do with her passion for teaching and disciplining misbehaved students.<br /><br />"Nevertheless, Mama was a very caring wife and mother to all of us in the family. Even with her loss of memory due to old age, Mama still asks us if we had eaten our meals or slept well whenever we’re staying in her house in Baclayon.<br /><br />"Even though we can no longer have a deep conversation with her or ask her for her advice on life decisions, my siblings and I still enjoy talking to her. And although she always disagrees when I say this, I will always see Mama as a beautiful mother, regardless of her white hair and wrinkles."<br /><br />In a capsule, this sojourn was fully enjoyed playing tennis almost daily at nearby Baclayon Tennis Club, sight seeing the surrounding bucolic hills and fishing village with man-made mangrove forest and the view of two islets yonder; drinking moderately bahalina tuba, tandu-ay, emperador light, cuatro-cantos or bilog, with local pulutan, e.g., kinilaw na isda (dilis, tuna, tulingan, cuja shell), seaweed lato, ginamos; tuyom (bottled sea urchin gonad), lukot, and sea cucumber gonad; talakitok ihaw, inihaw na daing na pague (stingray), and tuna sashimi with Japanese wasabe, etc. Touring must-see-places at neighboring towns topped the agenda.<br /><br />We also belted our vocal chords in a one-night sing-along session in the home of Joseph’s best friend Edwin. Pre-departure eve sent Lolo Ome in the company of Joseph and aide-de-camp Kim at the floating boat-resto-sing-along bar anchored steps behind the tennis court drinking cold beer and listening to visayan music, etc. The effect of Fanny’s sleep enhancer (cuatro-cantos this time) took its toll and he was left behind dreaming of the beautiful tour operator we encountered in the farewell dinner hosted by Nacing day before.<br /><br />First visitation, of course, was the nearest Baclayon Parish Church and its museum overflowing with rich antique cultural art-displays dating back to the Spanish era. This church is said to be one of the oldest in the archipelago.<br /><br />Next and foremost was the experience at the cultural capital of Bohol – Loboc. Cruising the-now-famous Loboc River we made sure because without which Bohol travel tour is not complete.<br /><br />Still early for the cruise scheduled before eleven, we went to the horseback riding camp. With no attendant in sight and no mustang to ride on we headed back to the Loboc tour complex.<br /><br />We patiently waited at the cozy tourism center, walked thru its world-class docking facilities, and partook enjoyably the sumptuous lunch offered aboard.<br /><br />The one-hour river cruise started from Loboc tourism complex as the floating restaurant glided through the stream along palm-fringed banks inland up to the Busay falls, with lush mountains overlooking, and back.<br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/?action=view&current=loboc-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/loboc-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />Our eyes and ears were feted by cultural dancers and festive rondalla music resonating from the river banks along the way; and at a vantage point afar was the Loboc church, with its visible three-story convent and bell tower, said to be one of the oldest also.<br /><br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/?action=view&current=rrondalla.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/rrondalla.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />Abundant natural forest exists in the Province of Bohol, as well as man-made, particularly here in Loboc. Proof is its ecotourism adventure park now offering aerial rides via zip-line and cable cars travelling the distance of about 1,000 meters back and forth from hilltop to hilltop traversing across Loboc River by the Busay Falls.<br /><br />Youthful Nica and her boyfriend - long-haired Kevin who flew separately from Manila - cabled through and enjoyed inhaling up-up-and-away the coolness of the pollution-free breeze with its revitalizing effect soothing to weary souls. The oldies, however, didn’t even think trying - afraid the zip-line mechanical system would bog down; wary Lolo Fanny said he didn’t want his remaining borrowed life cut short with the plunge.<br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/?action=view&current=rcablecar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/rcablecar.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />Bohol ever since is always associated with the world-renown “chocolate hills.” And so Joseph relieved his brother from the steering wheel and raced the Sportivo from Loboc to Carmen town for the nature’s majestic viewing, and back home.<br /><br />Chocolate hills are considered one of the wonders of natures. During our visit, however, the over-a-thousand hills seemed no chocolate anymore; from a distance all were seemingly peppermint green candy hills, Nacing said in jest.<br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/?action=view&current=rchochills.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/rchochills.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />On our trip back home that day Nacing made sure we saw those tiny arboreal mammals endemic to the Province of Bohol – the tarsier with its big owl-eyes always protruding in life and on photos shown on tourist brochures. Yes, we took pictures; and oblivious of the warning signs, the camera-flush of Lolo Ome made the tarsier closed its sleepy eyes temporarily blinded until we were gone. Tarsier is so small it fits snugly inside one’s pocket.<br /><br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/?action=view&current=rtarsier.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/rtarsier.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />At twilight time we crossed the Tagbilaran-Panglao span and went down the nature-made-century-old “Hinagdanan Cave” but didn’t splash through its huge underground fresh water cave pool. As usual we just took pictures thereabouts underground. The tour-guide in Nacing reminded us always that farting is verboten there inside.<br /><br />The next day adventure stop was at the exclusive Bohol Beach Club in Bolod, Panglao Island. We enjoyed walking the white beach sand tickling our soles while coolly watching foreign ladies here and there sunbathing to the max almost the whole day; Lolo Ome in particular personally posing close-up with a new-found girl friend - Sayo San - a very young Danish Japanese beauty who swift his lonely septuagenarian heart away. Ruefully, he was born very much too early and she was born too late.<br /><br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/?action=view&current=BOHOL129-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/bluemoongazer/BOHOL129-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br />The young-ones, Nica and Kevin, clearly enjoyed the inviting freshness of the surrounding waters together, like fish in wide aquarium. While the once-young Fanny immersed for hours to clear hang-over after consuming a bottle of vodka with Kim.<br /><br />The sweet-Fanny (as in panotcha – a rounded sweet coconut delicacy made of coco-milk cooked in brown sugar syrup looking like a man’s bald head - panot means bald) enjoyed to the max this sojourn complete with beach crab hunting incident that gave him the moniker, truly “The funniest Fanny.” Here is what happened before Joseph’s eyes:<br /><br />"As we were walking along the Baluarte, I saw a dead sea urchin lying on the side of the pavement in half. Knowing that the slightest touch of the creature can cause painful pricks, I cautioned Fanny not to touch it. As expected, the ever curious Fanny bent down and felt the sea urchin’s exterior. Luckily, the sea creature being lifeless, he did not get pricked. Going down on the side of the Baluarte where it is just a step away from falling into the water, Fanny saw a tiny sea urchin floating nearby. Since he did not get wounded on his first attempt to touch a sea urchin (which was dead), he tried his luck once again and reached out for the little creature. This time, Fanny got a small and yet very painful prick on his hand. After having a firsthand experience on the pain of sea urchin injuries, Fanny then saw a vagrant of sea urchins near him as he walked along the side of Baluarte. Not wanting to get wounded again by the spiky sea creatures, Fanny panicked. The pavement being wet and slippery, he fell on the sea urchins he was trying to avoid, face down. Doing his best to hoist himself up from the fall, Fanny’s hands were painfully resting on the sea creatures’ spikes. As a result, Fanny left the Baluarte with pricks all over his abdomen and arms, a slight trauma of the area and an unforgettably interesting story to share with his close friends back home."<br /><br />Memorable was this Baclayon sojourn of the septuagenarian. It was a belated gift-trip, a travel, a journey, an experience filled with adventures in our remaining twilight zone of our life. We savor more those really hilarious true-to-life jokes about Baclayonons’ travel in the metropolis; especially those relating to Kim’s in his own Visayan accent revelation. Truly, laughter is the best medicine that makes septuagenarian’s heart grows younger.<br /><br />Early morning on our last day, we joined Pinong uphill trekking over-a kilometer-stretch to the tomb of his father made easy by walking idly and story telling with Kim along the way. After paying his homage and on the way down, he recalled and narrated “the story of the sepulcher and the parish priest” of Baclayon long, long ago as we pass by the century-old cemetery administration building.<br /><br />“One pitched dark night in November many, many years before, two mischievous men gathered two sacks of fresh peanuts from someone’s farm. They would divide the loot equally inside that building. As offering for the dead they left two pieces of peanuts by the door and locked the building.<br /><br />“To ensure fair division they would count the whole contents of the two sacks of peanuts one by one under a flickering candle light with the sound of the drizzling rain. They would thus count aloud: ‘This one is for me; that one is for you.’<br /><br />“Midnight crowing of the roosters awaken the sepulcher who heard two people talking. He tried peeping around but door and windows were closed and would not see what they were doing. He would listen intently and would clearly hear repeatedly – ‘This one is for me; that one is for you.’<br /><br />“Devout catholic as he was and superstitious, the sepulcher surmised it must be Satan and the Angel deciding who would go to hell and who would to heaven among the residents. Afraid and nervous he ran fast to fetch the priest from the convent at the town proper.<br /><br />“Rousted from bed the priest run uphill with the sepulcher to verify what was that all about. They both listened more intently and would hear repeatedly the same dialogue – ‘This one is for me; that one is for you.’ It went louder since the counting was almost finished.<br /><br />“Last they heard was – ‘Now we are finished, you would go your way and I would go my way. No, not yet, there were two more outside the door.’ Last words they heard, indeed, because they ran fast downhill so afraid that either of them or both would belong to Satan; and did not see the men opened the door and picked-up one each the peanut offering.”<br /><br />End of the story; we would have to catch our flight back to Manila that 8th day of cupid’s month in the year of our Lord 2011.<br /><br />Goodbye, Baclayon!Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-16167574840584798422011-04-16T14:15:00.003+08:002011-05-25T09:01:44.094+08:00RIZAL’S CALAMBA NOW AND THEN<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bf/Ph_seal_laguna_calamba.png/120px-Ph_seal_laguna_calamba.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /><br /><img src="http://calambacity.gov.ph/images/stories/thumbnails/images-stories-cityhall1-387x260.jpg" alt="photobucket" border="0" /><br /><br />April 21, 2001. The day Rizal’s Calamba became a first class component city of Laguna Province by virtue of RA-9024.The author of this law is now the third-termer City Mayor – the Honorable Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr. (2004-2013).<br /><br />June 19, 2011. The Filipino nation celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Calamba’s greatest contribution to Philippine history – Dr. Jose P. Rizal. On this day the tallest Jose Rizal Monument will be unveiled by His Excellency Benigno Aquino III.<br /><br />The people of Calamba takes pride this destiny. As a proud Calambeño this septuagenarian wonders what this cradle town of Rizal’s was then.<br /><br />Via the internet, the present city logo reveals two significant years embossed in the official seal of the City of Calamba; over two centuries apart. 1742, since Calamba officially became a municipality August 28,1742, having been a part of the town of Cabuyao (formerly Tabuco) in the early Spanish conquest; and 2001, when the town became a city April 21 in plebiscite in the new millennium.<br /><br />Within this seal the silhouette of the hidden profile of the portrait of the greatest Malayan hero, the pride of Calamba, stares the scrutinizers at the face.<br /><br />What was Calamba then? Page 3 of a historical adventure on the centennial freedom trail, “On the Trail to Freedom,” provides a glimpse.<br /><br />“Calamba in the 19th century was a sleepy agricultural town that lay in the shadow of the fabled Mount Makiling. A small town of only about 500 hectares of sloping hills and fertile plains on the southern shores of Laguna de Bay, it yielded bountiful harvest. It was in this idyllic setting that doctor, writer, artist, and National Hero Jose Rizal was raised.<br /><br />“. . . But life in the shadow of Mount Makiling was not all pleasure and ease. For all its natural beauty and abundance, the town was frequently marred by epidemics of typhoid, cholera and malaria. Overshadowed by the larger and more prosperous town of Biñan, the province’s rice granary, the farmers of Calamba had to work harder to turn a profit. Hence, the townsfolk of Calamba grew to be a hardy people used to difficult toil.”<br /><br />Today, this city by the shoreline of Laguna bay up to the upland territorial boundaries of Batangas and Cavite province has a total land area of 14,480 hectares. Two main rivers traverse Rizal’s cradle town. San Juan River originating from Batangas bisects the city proper about 100 meters north of Rizal Shrine. San Cristobal coming from Cavite passes through the northern part of the city. The recent population count is 360,281 inhabitants in 58,466 households.<br /><br />In the advent of industrialization part of its agricultural land has been conveniently converted into housing subdivisions, commercial areas, and industrial parks. Now it has nine industrial estates within its jurisdiction and three prestigious shopping malls. Rizal’s Calamba is also the site of the international standard Canlubang Golf and Country Club, venue of many Philippine open.<br /><br />Calamba has the highest annual income within CALABARZON growth area based on 2009 COA audit after about a decade as a city. Already in the city planning and development drawing board are the following projects: 1) Calamba Commercial Institutional and Recreational Complex, across the city hall, where the 20-feet Rizal monument will be unveiled; 2) Regional Center of Calabarzon at Brgy. Mapagong; and 3) Calamba Science High School.<br /><br />The cradle town of the great Malayan hero boasts of abundant mineral hot springs in its resorts, lodges and water pools, particularly in Barangay Pansol. Pansol is considered the bedrock of natural hot springs in the Philippines.<br /><br />The resorts and spas hereabouts are frequent host to visitors. Transients come and go and find relief from backbreaking business pressures and nerve-wracking activities. People from all walks in life and wanting to relax even for just a day come in groups. The therapeutic effect of mineral hot springs on one’s nerves and muscles plus the majestic view of Mt. Makiling and magnificent scenery surrounding the Laguna lake are reasons enough to consider Calamba regular summer destination.<br /><br />No wonder since early this millennium the City of Calamba is known as the Resort Capital of the Philippines. In this city by the bay, lodes of natural hot spring mineral waters are free-flowing in abounding swimming pools, spas and resorts. Lodes are steamed by the volcanic bedrock of the legendary Maria Makiling. It has 651 registered resort establishments located mostly in barangay Bukal, Pansol, and Bagong Kalsada.<br /><br />Water is undoubtedly one of the prime natural resources of Calamba then and now. The very reason it is considered the Resort Capital of the Philippines.<br /><br />Yet, in celebrating Calamba City’s foundation day this April, the Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment Protection and Waste Management - incumbent City Councilor Luis Vergel G. Baroro - is wary of the water crisis that hit metro-manila midyear of last year.<br /><br />He believes Calamba’s water resources must be protected, preserved, and developed, all the more. We should not be contented with what we have now. We must prepare for the uncertain future in the face of global warming and climate change in particular, Baroro adds.<br /><br />Baroro says potable water supply from Calamba Water District utilities is still not available to many barangays of Calamba. He proposes therefore a resolution pursuant to RA 6716 of 1989 – the “little-known law” that provides for the construction of water wells, rain water collectors, development of springs and rehabilitation of existing water wells in all of the country’s barangays. There are natural springs and water wells in Calamba still to be tapped and developed as alternative source of potable drinking water.<br /><br />Pro-active legislation is well emphasized by His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III when he signed recently the water governance declaration submitted to him during the “World Water Day” celebration March 22, 2011, Baroro concludes.Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-35548187173300926452011-03-15T17:19:00.004+08:002011-05-18T08:04:33.500+08:00BLOW-BY-BLOW: MAGELLAN VS. LAPU-LAPU<img src="http://www.balisongcollector.com/pabu/LapuLapu_Man.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Following is the continuation of </span>Lolo Ome’s<span style="font-style: italic;"> tribute to our national hero </span>Lapu-Lapu<span style="font-style: italic;">. Hopefully, to show to the present day readers and next generation that </span>“TONG,”<span style="font-style: italic;"> indeed, was the very root cause of Magellan’s death in the hands of a Pilipino chieftain Lapu-Lapu. This Magellan series is complementary to the present political revolution to do away graft and corruption in governance and follow the path of righteousness.</span></span><br /><br />Si Lapu-Lapu lamang, sa mga lider tribu ng karatig pulo ng Cebu, ang hindi dumalo sa miting na ipinatawag ni Magellan.<br /><br />Bilang ganti ipinasunog ni Magellan sa kanyang marino ang kapitolyo ng isla kasabay ang pag-gahasa sa ilang kababaihan.<br /><br />Matapos ang panununog, kagyat na nagpadala ng sugo at iniutos kay Lapu-Lapu na magbigay ng takdang bilang ng baboy, kambing, manok, bigas at niyog. Sa pananaw ni Lapu-Lapu ang atas na ito ay malinaw na matatawag na “TONG”. Kalahati lamang sa hiningi ang ipinadala ni Lapu-Lapu.<br /><br />Lalong nagalit si Magellan sa di pagbibigay ni Lapu-Lapu ng takdang “TONG” na kanyang kinailangan.<br /><br />Ito ay tahasang rebelyon at hindi n’ya dapat palampasin sa kabila ng pagtutol ng kanyang mga tauhan. Katuwiran nila, tatlong linggo na sila sa Cebu, tagumpay na nahanap na nila ang lagusan pakanluran at panahon na upang lumisan pabalik at mag-uwi sila ng maraming panlahok (spices) at sari-saring kalakal. Hindi na dapat personal na lumapag sa barko si Magellan upang tugisin si Lapu-Lapu. Labag ito sa kautusang militar at kaugaliang nabal.<br /><br />Matigas talaga ang ulo ni Magellan.Tinanggihan ni Magellan ang alok ni Raha Humabon na isang libong sundalo, gayun din ang tulong ng anak ni Humabon na pangunahan ang sabay na pag-atake sa likod ng Mactan. Tinanggihan din ang alok na tulong ng isa sa anak ng kagalit ni Lapu-Lapu, si Zula, isa pang lider sa pulo ng Mactan.<br /><br />Paniwala ni Magellan na tadhana ng Diyos na siya mismo ang mamuno sa maliit na pwersa, ngunit may higit na makapangyarihan armas, upang matigil ang rebelyon ni Lapu-Lapu at hindi pamarisan ng iba.<br /><br />Ang barkong Trinidad kasama ang dalawa pa ay umalis ng Cebu. Sa maikling oras ng paglalayag, nag-angkla sila sa may isla ng Mactan. Hating-gabi nang Abril 27, 1521, handa sa laban na sumakay sa tatlong maliit na bangka ang 60 armadong sundalo sa pamumuno ni Magellan. Humimpil sila malapit sa pampang ng Mactan. Sa di kalayuan ay nakahimpil din ang ilang bangka, lulan ang ilan katutubo kabilang ang mag-ama ni Raha Humabon, upang maging saksi sa pangakong tagumpay ni Magellan. <br /><br />Tatlong oras bago sumapit ang bukang-liwayway, isang sugo ang pinaahon ni Magellan upang himukin si Lapu-Lapu na isuko ang kanilang armas. Tinawanan at inaglahi lamang ito ni Lapu-Lapu. Sinabing handa silang ipagtanggol ang Mactan, kasabay ang hatid-pakiusap kay Magellan na hintayin ang sikat ng araw bago umatake dahil may hinihintay pang mga kakampi si Lapu-Lapu.<br /><br />Inakala ni Magellan na ito ay isang pakana upang sa halip ay sumalakay agad habang madilim pa at mahulog sa inihandang mga patibong ni Lapu-Lapu. Kaya naman iniutos ni Magellan na manatili sa bangka at hintayin ang pagsikat ng araw.<br /><br />Naging mahirap sa 60-kataong pangkat ni Magellan ang tatlong oras na paghihintay sa maliit na bangka suot ang mabigat na baluting bakal at pasan ang mabibigat na baril at iba pang armas pandigma. Dagdag pa rito ang tagaktak na tulo ng pawis dahil sa init ng gabi kasabay ang kagat ng naglipanang lamok sa bahagi ng mukha, kamay at paa na walang baluti.<br /><br />Bukang-liwayway na nang lumusong sa tubig si Magellan at mandirigmang Kastila dahil hindi makalapit ang tatlo nilang bangka sa pampang sa dami ng mga corals (bulaklak ng bato) o bahura at bato sa baybay. Hanggang baywang ang lalim ng tubig, pasan nila ang mabibigat na armas at lalong naging mabagal ang kilos sa suot na baluti. Labing isang tauhan ang naiwan sa bangka upang magsilbing arteleriya, proteksyon sa pag-ahon sa pampang.<br /><br />Sa kanilang pag-ahon, kanilang nabatid na hindi pala abot sa pampang ang bala ng artileriya. Bukas na bukas sila sa mga katutubo. Handang-handa si Lapu-Lapu. Tatlong maluwang at malalim na hukay o trenches ang dapat nilang tawirin. Sa pagitan ng bawat trentseriya ay hindi abot ang kanilang punlo sa naghihintay na katutubo.<br /><br />Marami sa mga sundalo ni Magellan ay hindi pala sanay gumamit ng krus na panudla o crossbow kaya pasimula pa lamang sa unang trentseriya ay batid na nila na ang ekspedisyon ng 60 armadong Kastila laban sa isang libong tauhan ni Lapu-Lapu ay pagsuong sa tiyak na kamatayan. Walang silbi ang maikling baril na madaling maubos ang pulbora at bala.<br /><br />Iniutos ni Magellan ang tigil putukan at labanan ang katutubo ng malapitan (hand-to-hand combat).<br /><br />Kinailangan bumaba at pumakabila sa unang hukay. Umatras naman ang grupo ni Lapu-Lapu upang lalong mapalayo sa baybayin ang lumulusob na kaaway. Kagyat na inatasan ni Magellan si Cristobal Rabelas at Juan de la Torre na sunugin ang malapit na bahayan. Di pa gaanong nakakalayo ang ilang tauhang inatasan ay napalibutan na ang mga ito ng pulotong ng mga katutubo at nasaksihan ni Magellan ang kamatayan ng kanyang mga tauhan.<br /><br />Bumulaga kay Magellan na wala silang laban. “Atras soldados” ang utos ni Magellan. Ang iba ay takbuhang pabalik habang ang iba ay lumalaban. Gayun na lamang ang hirap nila bago makaahon sa hukay-patibong ni Lapu-Lapu pabalik sa pampang kung saan sila ay pinaligiran ng pangkat ni Lapu-Lapu upang pigilan makabalik sa barko. Nagkanikaniyang karipas ng takbo ang mga kastila sa kabila ng utos ni Magellan na laban ang iba habang atras ang ilan.<br /><br />Naiwan si Magellan at walo pang sundalo kasama ang matapat na alagad – si Enrique at Don Antonio. Sa pakikipaglaban, tinamaan ng palasong may lason ang hita ni Magellan. Binunot n’ya ito at magiting pa ring lumaban habang ang lason ay tumatalab sa kanyang katauhan.<br /><br />Bilang tunay na Kapitan Heneral nanatiling siyang nagtanggol hanggang sumapit sa tubig patungo sa barko ang ilang nalabing sundalo. Saka pa lamang umatras ang natitirang pangkat ni Magellan.<br /><br />Pantay tuhod ang tubig, nakipaglaban pa rin ang pangkat ni Magellan. Dalawang ulit nalaglag ang helmet ni Magellan dahil sa ulan ng sibat ng kalaban sa isang oras na pakikibaka na walang katiyakan.<br /><br />Nagpadala ng tulong-pwersa si Raha Humabon. Subalit bago pa sumapit sa labanan ay sila mismo ang napuntirya ng maling asinta ng kanyon buhat sa barko at ang mga ito ay nagkahiwahiwalay ng walang katuturan.<br /><br />Lima na lamang ang nalabing lumalaban sa tropa ni Magellan. Apat ang nasawi sa tama ng sibat sa kabila ng kanilang suot na baluting metal. Si Magellan mismo ay may tinamong sugat sa mukha at hinabol n’ya ng sibat ang katunggali. Wala na ang ipinukol na sibat, pilit n’yang inabot ang kanyang sable sa kanyang baywang subalit hindi na nakuhang mahugot sa kaluban dahil tinamaan s’ya ng sibat sa kamay.<br /><br />Naging mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Sumugod si Lapu-Lapu at inundayan ng taga ng kanyang kampilan ang walang baluting paa ni Magellan. Bagsak patihaya, TIMBUWANG sa tubig si Magellan. Sinibat at inundayan ng saksak at sisinghap-singhap na naanod sa dagat ng Mactan hanggang bawian ng buhay.<br /><br />Sa puntong ito natuon ang atensyon ni Lapu-Lapu at mga kampon sa pagkagapi kay Magellan, dahilan upang makatakas ang apat na nalabing tauhan ni Magellan. Tulala at hindi makapaniwala ang mga nakasaksi sa kamatayan ni Magellan; “ang tumugis ang siyang napatay ng tinugis.” (“The hunter was killed by the hunted.”)<br /><br />Sugatan, halos agaw-buhay na nakabalik sa barko sina Don Antonio, Enrique, Filberto, at Escobar. Nasulat sa dayari ni Pigafetta ang kamatayan ni Magellan: Pinatay nila “ang aming salamin, ang aming liwanag at taga-alo, at siyang tunay naming patnubay” sa paglalayag. (They killed “our mirror, our light and comfort, and our true guide.”)<br /><br />Sa bawat kasaysayan, may mapupulot na aral. Aral sa buhay na dapat limiin at pakinabangan. Piliin ang mabuti, ang masama ay iwaksi. Malinaw na TONG o “LAGAY” ang nagsilbing mitsa sa kamatayan ni Magellan.<br /><br />Ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ni Magellan at Lapu-Lapu ay angkop pa rin sa ngayon. TONG ( LAGAY) ang dahilan sa kamatayan ni Magellan.<br /><br />Higit na angkop, sapagkat lalong talamak ngayon ang “TONG.” Bahagi na ng buhay sa pamahalaan, local o nasyunal, ang TONG lalo na sa mga pagawaing bayan. May komisyon daw buhat sa mga kontraktor bago mapili sa biding.<br /><br />Matapos manalo sa biding, TONG pa rin. Sa bawat pagsingil sa bahagi ng pagawaing natatapos (progress billing), TONG na naman.<br /><br />Sumbong ng ilang kontraktor: “sobra na.” Sana daw naman ang TONG buhat sa kanila ay maibahagi man lamang sa higit na nangangailang empleyado at hindi sa bulsa lamang ng ilan napupunta. Ilang kawani na pinagkakatiwalaan. Ilang kawani na siyang susi at ugat ng katiwalian. Katiwalian ng ilang grupo na nagiipon kuno ng pondo na tila bunton ng buhangin na siyang ikakalat (daw) sa tuwing halalan.<br /><br />Dagdag pa nila, paano pa sila kikita. Kaya ang uri at kalidad ng proyekto ay apektado. Ang sambayanan ang napeperwisyo.<br /><br />Ito diumano ay “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP) sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan na ang pondo ay galing sa kaban ng bayan, ng lungsod, o lalawigan, lalo’t higit kung ang pondo ay yaong tinatawag na “Pork Barrel” buhat mambabatas para sa proyekto sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad sa buong bansa.<br /><br />Walang kumpa-kumpare, walang kama-kamaganak. Ang lahat ay pantay-pantay sa ngalan ng “SOP.”<br /><br />Kahit daw sa ibang proyekto, na ang malalaking pondo ay utang o donasyon buhat sa ibang bansa, kadalasan TONG ang padulas upang isakatuparan.<br /><br />Madalas batikusin ang TONG sa radyo, telebisyon at pahayagan. Subalit patuloy pa rin ang TONG sa kasalukuyan. Naging talamak na ang korapsyon maging sa hanay ng militar.<br />Mahirap patunayan, sapagkat marami ang nakikinabang. Walang maglakas loob na magbulgar ng katiwalian, dahil daw ang tunay na hustisya ay hindi naman makakamtan.<br />May ilang nagbuking subali’t sila ngayon sa balag ng alanganin ay nakalambitin kung hindi sa tulong at pagkupkop ng mga may pusong anak ng birhen. Sila pa mismo ang sinampahan ng mga kaso na kanilang haharapin.<br /><br />Ultimong sa proseso ng ating hudikatura korapsyon ay bahagi na; tila umakyat na hanggang korte suprema.<br /><br />Ang ginatasang kontraktor hindi maka-alma dahil walang kontrata kung hindi makikisama at makilaro sa “SOP” ng proyektong pambayan.<br /><br />Isang Lapu-lapu ang kailangan upang ang TONG ay maglaho sa lipunan. Mabuhay si Lapu-Lapu, dangal ng bawat Pilipino!<br /><br />Bato-bato sa langit, tamaan ay hwag magagalit. Sa tumatanggap ng TONG, balang araw may isang LAPU-LAPU sa buhay mo ay hahanTONG at di papayag MAGLAGAY NG TONG. Baka ang Lapu-Lapung ito ang siyang magsilbing tinik sa lalamunan mo at maging daan sa iyong TONGbalelong.<br /><br />At dahil din sa “LAGAY” na TONG – tiyak ala Magellan ay timbuwang ka, pare koy. “Patay kang bata ka!” Goodbye!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">P.S.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dapat naman ang kasalukuyang kampanya ni P-NOY laban sa katiwalian ay totohanan talaga. Dapat hindi pamumulitika at gimik lamang pala. Dapat sa susunod na eleksyon, mga politiko na TONGkulin ang atupag sa halip na pag-ganap ng mahalagang tungkulin ay hwag nang iboto pa. Sila na naghahangad ng TONGkulin sa pamahalaan ay hindi </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">karapatdapat bigyang puwang pa.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nagpupugay sa may tunay na adhikaing maglingkod sa bayan ng malinis at tapat, Lolo Ome.</span></span>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-557417080085670252011-01-29T12:49:00.006+08:002011-05-10T17:54:08.208+08:00“ANG BAGONG CALAMBA” -<span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >(Note: As an aftermath of the so-called Calamba Land Dispute (1885-1891) – tenant farmers uprising against the imposition of higher tribute/tax by Dominican friars – </span></i><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >Rizal</span></i><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" > dreamt of founding a new Calamba, as a colony of his family’s tenants, relatives, other farmers, and friends. Following is Lolo Ome’s tribute to our esteemed hero whose death anniversary the nation commemorates 30<sup>th</sup></span></i><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" > </span></i><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >December. This tribute is in Pilipino.)</span></i></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXvEZRdi0WMUv6IuYYBMCzWL1g5DGkydm5MWvtL6wUh6jM77DCES9E_LHF_8-iYdeUSjrd1FP1R0k4H-iVSqYq6jAxBQGJz8Epzm3QHfKZS3In_6hAlqrqY0xAPpIqtV4GKba0qQfaveT/s1600/NCALAMBA+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXvEZRdi0WMUv6IuYYBMCzWL1g5DGkydm5MWvtL6wUh6jM77DCES9E_LHF_8-iYdeUSjrd1FP1R0k4H-iVSqYq6jAxBQGJz8Epzm3QHfKZS3In_6hAlqrqY0xAPpIqtV4GKba0qQfaveT/s320/NCALAMBA+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605022067640522002" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Tuwing ika-30 nang Disyembre ay ipinagluluksa ng sambayanang Pilipino ang kamatayan ng dangal ng ating saling lahi – Gat Jose Rizal. Kasabay sa pagluluksa ang pagdiriwang at pag-gunita sa <i>kanyang</i> kabayanihan; gayundin ang kamatayan ng maraming niyang mga pangarap. Isa sa pangararap na iyan ay itatag “Ang Bagong Calamba.</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Hindi po ang ating bagong Lungsod ng Calamba sa bagong milenyo ngayon. Sa halip ay “Ang Bagong Calamba:” Hindi sa Pilipinas na sakop ng kahariang Espanya noon, kundi sa lupain ng Hilagang <i>Borneo</i> (kilala bilang Sabah ngayon).</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Batay sa ulat ng ilang <i>historians</i> ang Sultan ng Brunei ay isa ring Pilipino. Dahil kaibigang matalik, tinulungan siya ng Sultan ng Sulu sa pag-gapi sa isang rebelyon sa Brunei. At bilang pagtanaw ng utang na loob, iginawad na gantimpala ng sultan ng Brunei ang pagmamay-ari sa teritoryo ng hilagang Borneo sa Sultan ng Sulu.</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >1871 naganap ang pormal na pagliliwat kapangyarihan sa teritoryo. Mula noon ang Sultan ng Sulu ang maykapangyahan, <i>pagmamay</i>-ari, at hurisdiksyon sa lupaing nabanggit. Ang lupain ng Hilagang Borneo buhat noon ay naging bahagi ng Pilipinas.</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >1878 nang mapadpad sa Sulu ang dalawang abenturero buhat sa Europa: <i>Oerbeck</i>, isang Aleman, at <i>Dent</i>, isang Briton. Ang mga ito ay tuso at oportunista. Hinikayat nila ang ika-27<sup> </sup>Sultan ng Sulu, Jamalul Ablam upang lagdaan ang isang kasunduan <i>to lease to them the vast territory of the Sultan of Sulu in North Borneo. The two sold the lease to the British government without the knowledge and consent of the Sultan of Sulu.</i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Sila ang naging bahagi ng masalimuot na pangyayari kung paano nagkaroon ng <i>lease agreement</i> ang <i>British North Borneo Company</i> at Sultan ng Sulu sa Hilagang Borneo na ngayon ay kilala bilang Sabah. Itinatag ni William Pryor ang <i>Sandakan</i> upang maging kapitolyo at sentro sa administrasyon ng kumpanya.</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Habang nag-aaral sa Europa, sinadya ni Rizal si William Pryor at kinaibigan. Inilahad niya kay Pryor ang isang panukala at programa upang magkaroon ng <i>Filipino</i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >Farming Community in North Borneo.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" > Sumang-ayon<i> </i>si Pryor sa paglipat ng buong pamilya ni Rizal, kaanak, at kababayan sa Calamba tungo sa Hilagang Borneo.</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Nagsadya si Rizal sa Sandakan. Pormal na nilagdaan ni Pryor at ilang Briton doon ang isang<i>lease agreement.</i> 5,000 hektaya na piling lupain sa North Borneo ang inilaan upang sakahin ng mga taga-Calamba. Pangunahing pananim ang palay, gulay, at ibang halaman. Itatatag “Ang Bagong Calamba” – isang pamayanang Pilipino doon. Wala munang renta sa unang tatlong taon. Sa ika-apat na taon magsisimula ang gradwal at liberal na butaw at karampatang upahan sa sakahan. Pangarap ni Rizal na mailayo sa kaapihan ang kanyang pamilya at kababayan sa kamay ng mga kastila bunsod ng <i>Calamba Land Dispute</i> (1885-1891). Sa kasunduang ito tuluyang makakawala sila sa gapos ng pagkaapi. Makikilala “Ang Bagong Calamba” – isang maunlad, tahimik, masaganang pamayanang Pilipino sa Hilagang Borneo. Agad lumihan si Rizal sa Gobernador General ng Espanya sa Pilipinas. Hiniling ang aprubal ng kanyang programa na magtatag ng isang <i>Filipino Farming Community in North Borneo.</i> Tatawagin itong <i>“El Nueva Calamba.”</i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Masusing pinag-aralan ng kinauukulan ang liham ni Rizal at kagyat na inaksyunan. DISAPROBADO. Ang <i>migration </i>o pag-likas ng mamamayan ng Calamba tungo sa North Borneo, kahit bahagi pa rin ito ng Pilipinas bilang teritoryo ng Sultan ng Sulu, ay malaking kahihiyan ang idudulot sa gobyernong kolonyal ng Espanya. Magpapakita ito sa buong mundo ng katotohanan.Napagalaman na kumilos agad noon ang <i>Spanish colonial authorities</i>. <i>“They pressured the British North Borneo Company, the corporation founded to administer the leased North Borneo from the Sultan of Sulu to withdraw the agreement between Pryor and Rizal.” </i>Malinaw na nakasaad ang nabigong pangarap na iyan sa siniping bahagi ng ilan sa kaniyang mga liham: (English excepts below)</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >1.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >Letter to Blumentrit, Hongkong, 23 February 1892.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" > <i>Epistolario Rizalino, V, Part II, No. 105, pp. 637-638.</i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >In Borneo I shall not be a planter but the leader of the planters who are thinking of emigration there with me . . . . . If it is impossible for me to give freedom to my country, at least I should like to give it to these noble compatriots in other lands. So I am thinking of emigrating to North Borneo. There are vast fields over there where we can found a new Calamba. When the exiles and persecuted have found an asylum in Borneo, then I shall write in peace and shall be able to look towards the future, if not happy at least consoled.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >2. Letter to the Governor and Captain General of the Philippine Islands, Hongkong, 21 March 1892. Epistolario Rizalino, III, No. 527, pp. 306-307</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >. . . I have the intention of founding a colony in North Borneo on the land which that State offers me and where there are already found many Filipinos. If those who can make my country happy believe that my presence and that of my friends and relatives are prejudicial to the peace of the Philippines, so much so that they are obliged to resort to violent means, always and oftentimes unjust, such as deportation and exile, we have no inconvenience in exiling ourselves forever, accepting the offer of the English Government. In this case, I request Your Excellency to grant us the necessary permission to change our nationality, to sell our little property that has been left to us by many disturbances that we have had, and to guarantee the emigration of all those who, for some reason or other, have incurred the animadversion of more or less powerful persons who will remain in the Philippines even after Your Excellency’s administration</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >3.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >Letter to his parents and brother, Manila, 29 June 1892. Epistolario Rizalino, V, Part II, No. 108, pp. 647-648.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:";color:black;" >The General (Governor General Eulogio Despujol) by no means wants us to go to Borneo, but I made it known to him that our situation was very painful. He promises to give us lands a league or half a league or two from Calamba, on any island that we want, but he does not like the Borneo plan.</span></i></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" >“Ang Bagong Calamba” na pangarap ni Rizal ay tunay na isang mapait na kabiguan. Kabiguang nalibing sa huling hantungan ng kaniyang makulay na buhay. Nalibing kasama ng iba pang mabunying pangarap para sa bayan ng Calamba, para sa kababayan, para sa buong sambayanang Pilipino. Sa araw na ito ay nagpupugay ang buong bansa sa iyong kadakilaan, kabayanihan, ka-apihan at kabiguan Lolo Pepe - Gat Jose Rizal.</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-23133161569137707712011-01-29T13:02:00.006+08:002011-02-03T10:30:42.496+08:00“HAGDANANG WALANG TAHANAN”<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTuq1mXluZF5Gn0paSWm7g60OD00J6bUx-zFNXteD4UtC0jQUqxNyWjeLc4NT7t5EVSO9d8IzgaVafykV_aYOuM-2kQMPcBUaKx_3X8K3JOtg0a7uekue8UyoFNtvX3m34mxqJA26_Bfq/s1600/104_5817.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567471313065442466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTuq1mXluZF5Gn0paSWm7g60OD00J6bUx-zFNXteD4UtC0jQUqxNyWjeLc4NT7t5EVSO9d8IzgaVafykV_aYOuM-2kQMPcBUaKx_3X8K3JOtg0a7uekue8UyoFNtvX3m34mxqJA26_Bfq/s320/104_5817.jpg" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><i>(Original stairs of ancestral home of a great Hero General Vicente Lim)</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><i>ISANG PAGPUPUGAY KAY HENERAL VICENTE LIM, DANGAL NG SALING LAHI NG CALAMBA, ISINILANG IKA-24 NANG PEBRERO 1888.</i><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Kapag kampo militar ang pag-uusapan sa lalawigan ng Laguna, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Camp Vicente Lim</i> </b>sa Canlubang ang unang sasagi sa ating kaalaman, ala-ala at kaisipan.</span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Maging sa <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Philippine Military Academy</i></b> sa Baguio City isang bulwagang gusali – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">General Vicente Lim Hall</i></b> – ang matatag na nakatayo dito at habang buhay na makikintal sa diwa’t isip ng mga mag-aaral at turistang dumarayo sa lungsod ng pino. Sa tapat ng gusali ay nakatayo ang isang bantayog ng magiting na Heneral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa Calamba matatagpuan naman ang <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">“HAGDANANG WALANG TAHANAN.”</b> Ito ay dating tahanan ng isa pang bayani ng lahi, sa kalye Del Pilar ilang daang-hakbang lamang buhat sa Dambana ni Rizal. Sa dati’y marangyang tahanang ito, na sinira ng kalikasan sa paglipas nang panahon, isinilang si Heneral Vicente Lim. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">“Dalawang matinding bagyo na signal #4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>noong dekada 1980 ang nagpagiba sa bahay na ito,” ayon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>kay Aling Belen Pablo ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">caretaker </i>mula 1971 hanggang 2004. Taong 1982 nang maglagay ng isang marker o monumento sa bakurang ito, dagdag ni Aling Belen. At sinabi n’ya sa akin na si Gng. Lulu Rillo, apo ng Heneral, ang dapat kapanayamin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Isang <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">LandMarker</i></b> ukol sa Heneral makapasok ng bakuran ang bubulaga at tatawag pansin sa sino mang gagawi sa pook na ito, bilang pag-gunita sa kanyang kabayanihan. Malinaw na nakatitik ang pagpupugay sa isa pang tunay na bayaning isinilang sa Calamba:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">“NATIONAL HISTORICAL INSTITUTE</span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">1982 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">HENERAL VICENTE LIM 1888-1944”</span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">IPINANGANAK SA CALAMBA, LAGUNA NOONG PEBRERO 24, 1888 KINA JOSE LIM AT ANTONIA PODICO. KAWAL. MAKABAYAN. ISA SA MGA NAGTATAG NG BOY SCOUTS OF THE PHILIPPINES AT UNANG PILIPINONG NAG-ARAL SA UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY SA <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">WEST POINT</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">NEW YORK</st1:state></st1:place>. IKINASAL KAY PILAR <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">HIDALGO</st1:place></st1:state> KILALANG EDUKADOR AT MAPAGKAWANGGAWA.</span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">“NAMUNONG HENERAL, IKA-41 DIBISYON NG IMPANTERIYA NOONG 1941; NAKALIGTAS SA <u>DEATH MARCH</u>; NAGTATAG NG PANGKAT NG GERILYA NOONG IKALAWANG DIGMAANG PANDAIGDIG; NABIHAG NG PATRULYANG HAPONES SA BAYBAYIN NG MINDORO; IBINILANGGO SA KUTANG SANTIAGO AT PAGKARAAN AY BINARIL SA SEMENTERYONG INTSIK NOONG 1944.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">“PAGKARAANG MAMATAY PINAGKALOOBAN NG MGA MEDALYANG <u>DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT STAR</u>, <u>DISTINGUISHED SERVICE STAR</u> AT <u>DISTINGUISHED LONG SERVICE STAR</u> AT GINAWARAN NG RANGGONG HENERAL NA MAY TATLONG BITUIN. BILANG PARANGAL ANG HIMPILAN NG KONSTABULARYA NG PILIPINAS SA CANLUBANG, LAGUNA, AY IPINANGALAN SA KANYA.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa tilamsik ng kasaysayan sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">National Historical Institute</i>, dagdag kaalaman sa buhay at kamatayan ni Heneral Vicente Lim ang ibabahagi ngayon ni Lolo Ome, aka Roman Romeo G. Nagpala of Calamba, Laguna.</span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Vicente Lim, isang bayani. Makabayan. Sundalo. Mula pinakamababang ranggo, umakyat bilang Heneral sa US Army – isang gawang katangi-tangi na di pa napapantayan ng sino mang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Filipino officer.</i> Nagdaan sa mataas na pagsasanay bilang opisyal na nagtapos sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">West Point</i> kung saan hinubog na buong-buo sa kaalamang militar, tugma sa tawag ng tungkulin para sa inang bayan. Ibinuwis ang buhay bilang katuparan ng moto: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“duty, honor and country.”</i> Tungkulin, dangal at lupang tinubuan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Lahing Intsik ang kanyang ama, may lupain at nakaririwasa. Gayundin ang kanyang Filipinang ina, supling buhat sa angkan ng mangangalakal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Nagkamalay at lumaki noong panahong ang pamilya ni Rizal at iba pa sa Calamba ay masidhing pinaguusig ng Kastila bunga ng alitang agraryo sa pagitan ng mga magsasaka at paring Dominikano.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Batay sa maikling panayam Setyembre 6, 2003 sa paboritong apo ni Heneral Lim, Gng. Lourdes “Lulu” Rillo, 67, nakintal sa kanyang murang isip noon “na sa tuwing papasyal sa matandang bahay si Lolo Vicente ay kumpleto uniporme at ako ay karga-karga, kinakalong. Nakatira kami noon ng aking Lola Olympia Lim-Rillo sa matandang bahay (likod-bahay namin ngayon).”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Ayon kay Lulu, ang iba pang kapatid ng Heneral bukod sa kanyang Lola Olympia ay sina Basilisa Lim-Quisumbing (unang asawa ng yumaong Eduardo A. Quisumbing, National Scientist) at Joaquin Lim.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">“At si Heneral Lim ay marunong ng wikang Intsik (<st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Macao</st1:state></st1:place>) tulad ng kanyang Lola. Dahil ayon sa kaugalian noon ng mga purong Intsik na nakaririwasang ama, ang mga supling nila sa Pilipinas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">in their early childhood</i> ay dapat mamuhay ng ilang panahon sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">mainland China</i> upang matutunan ang wika at kulturang Intsik,” dagdag pa ni Lulu.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Ayon naman kay Bb. Corazon “Baby” Rillo (nakababatang kapatid ni Lulu, kasalukuyang bakasyon buhat Amerika) ang kaalaman niya sa buhay ni Heneral Lim ay batay na lamang sa kuwento at pahina ng aklat kasaysayan. Bilang tugon sa aking pananaliksik sa kanilang dugong bayani, isiniwalat n’ya na ang kanilang ninuno sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">mother side</i> (Jovita Ochoa) ay buhat naman sa orihinal na pamilya “Bangkain” ng Calamba. At si Pepe Rizal mismo ang siyang isponsor ng ninunong Bangkain sa panliligaw kung saan upang masolo ang dilag na pinipintuho sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">pondahan</i> ay pinapakyaw lahat ni Rizal ang paninda sa tindahan ng dalaga</span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Hango sa talambuhay, si Heneral Lim ay tahimik na bata ngunit pilyo. Matipuno at may pagka-barumbado sa kilos at ugali. Mahilig maglaro ng patas (isang katutubong <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">toy gun)</i>, patintero at iba pang aktibong laro. Nagtapos ng primarya sa Calamba; intermidyet sa Tanauan, Batangas at hay iskul sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Nag-enrol sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Liceo de Manila</i> bago pumasok sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Philippine Normal School </i>taong 1908. Pagkatapos ay tagumpay na nakalusot sa entrans eksaminasyon para sa kadete sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">US Military Academy</i>. Ipinadala siya sa <st1:place st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">West Point</i></st1:place> taong 1910 bilang pensyunado ng gobyerno. Nagtapos sa <st1:place st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">West Point</i></st1:place><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> </i>1914, isang taon ang una niya kay General Dwight Eisenhower. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“Cannibal”</i></b> ang naging bansag sa kaniya sa panahon ng pag-aaral sa Amerika.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Komisyonado bilang segunda tinyente at naglalakbay sa Europa nang sumiklab ang unang digmaang pandaigdig. Nagpatuloy sa kanyang lakbay-rota <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">lagos</st1:city></st1:place> sa Rusya sakay sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Trans-Siberian </i>Railway at nakabalik siya sa Pilipinas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Promoted na primera tinyente Abril 12, 1914 sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Philippine Scouts, US Army</i>. Fort San Pedro, <st1:city st="on">Iloilo</st1:city> ang una niyang destino; nalipat sa <st1:placetype st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Millas</st1:placename>, <st1:place st="on">Corregidor</st1:place>, 1916. At di nagtagal ay ipinadala bilang instraktor sa Philippine Military Academy, <st1:city st="on">Baguio</st1:city>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype st="on">Province</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa PMA n’ya nakilala ang nakalulugod at magandang bakasyunista, isang instraktor sa matematiks sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas – Pilar Hidalgo, buhat sa isang mariwasang pamilya ng Boac, Marinduque. Agosto 12, 1917 idinaos ang unang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">military wedding at the metropolitan Quiapo Catholic Church</i> sa kasal ni Heneral Vicente Lim at Binibining Pilar Hidalgo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa madaling panahon, dahil sa mahusay na pagganap sa tungkulin iniangat si Lim sa mahahalagang pwestong higit na mabigat ang naka-atang na pananagutan. Ipinadala sa Jolo, Sulu; sa baraks sa Zamboanga; at sa <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">McKinley</st1:placename></st1:place>, Rizal. Bilang pagkilala sa kanyang galing sa pagtupad sa serbisyo, napromowt si Lim na Kapitan Disyembre 18, 1922; at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Major </i><st1:date st="on" year="1923" day="24" month="4">April 24, 1923</st1:date> habang kasapi sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Far Eastern Games in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Osaka</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Japan</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">1926 tumulak patungong Amerika at nag-enrol sa <st1:placename st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Infantry</i></st1:placename><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> <st1:placetype st="on">School</st1:placetype>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Fort Benning</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Georgia</st1:country-region></st1:place></i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">for advance military training</i> at nagtapos 1927. Nag-aral din si Lim sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Command and Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he graduated in 1928; later he took higher courses in the Army War College at Washington D. C. and finished in 1929.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Bumalik sa Pilipinas si <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Major</i> Lim at napromowt Nobyembre 1, 1929 bilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Lieutenant Colonel</i> nang siya ay <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Commandant of the ROTC Unit in the College of San Jan de Letran. He was already a full-fledged Colonel in 1935 prior to his retirement on June 30, 1936.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Dahil sa kanyang treyning, ekspiryens at makinang na rekord militar, tinawag si Lim na maglingkod sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Philippine Army</i> ng Gobyernong Komonwelt bilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Chief of the War Plans Division, with the rank of Brigadier General.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Tadhana ng Diyos marahil na ang pamilya ni Lim ay naiwasan ang pagkapugnaw sa giyera (holocaust of war). Gradweysyon ng anak na si Roberto sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Merchant Marine Academy at Annapolis, Maryland</i> kaya noong Mayo, 1941 ay tumulak si Ginang Lim kasama ang ibang anak patungong Amerika. Ito rin ang pagkakataong ipahospital ang may poliong anak na si Eulalia at madalaw ang anak na si Luis na nag-aaral sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Massachussetts Institute of Technology</i>. Nang sumabog ang giyera Disyembre, 1941 nasa PMA, <st1:city st="on">Baguio</st1:city> si Vicente, Jr. at ipinadala sa <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">San Francisco</st1:city></st1:place> kaanib sa Pwersa ng Alyado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Si Heneral Lim ang siyang naiwan sa Pilipinas bilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Commanding General of the 41<sup>st</sup> Division, USAFFE.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Pinatunayan ni Heneral Lim ang katapangan at kagalingan sa pamumuno sa madugong labanan sa makasaysayang pagbagsak ng <st1:place st="on">Bataan</st1:place>. Magiting na pinangunahan ang pagtatanggol sa huling hanay laban sa mga kaaway buhat Abucay patungong Bundok Natib. Bagama’t nasasalikupan ng higit na marami at makapangyarihang kaaway at kulang sa kagamitan, si Heneral Lim at kanyang mga tauhan ay matapang na nakihamok sa labanan hanggang sa atasang sumuko Abril 9, 1942.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Matapos makalaya buhat sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Concentration Camp </i>sa Capas, Tarlac, pumasok siya sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Canser Institute, Philippine General Hospital, </i>hindi upang magpagaling kundi upang magtatag ng lihim na pagkilos laban sa pamahalaang Hapones. Sa pagkukunwang maysakit at sa pakikipag-ugnayan <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">ni Dr.</st1:address></st1:street> Gregorio Lanting at sa tulong ng mga narses sa <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Infirmary</i>, nakuhang ipahatid sa kasamahang gerilya ang mahalagang impormasyon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Di nagtagal inialok kay Heneral Lim, sa pamamagitan ni Senador Benigno Aquino, ang pagiging <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Chief of Staff of the Japanese Imperial Forces</i>. Tinanggihan ito ng Heneral sapagkat <st1:time st="on" minute="0" hour="12">noon</st1:time> siya ang Kumander ng <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Fil-American Regular Troops, with the assumed name, Edmund P. Ellsworth.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Bandang Hunyo, 1944, sina Heneral Lim, Koronel Antonio Escoda, Emilio Borromeo, Pedro Manalo, Bienvenido Rillo, Jose Mariano, Pedro Villena at Ramon Roque ay naglayag buhat Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas. Sila ay patungo kunwari sa Boac, Marinduque. Ang totoo sasanib sila sa organisasyon ng gerilya sa <st1:place st="on">Samar</st1:place> at buhat Bisaya ay sasakay sa submarino tungong Australya. Kumpleto ang grupo sa pases. Handa at nasa-ayos ang lahat. Subali’t nahuli nang dating ang kanilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">radiomen</i> kaya sumala sa tamang oras ng agos ng dagat ang kanilang paglalayag upang <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">sana</st1:city></st1:place> ay naging mabilis ang biyahe tungong Marinduque. Nasabat sila sa baybayin ng <st1:place st="on">Mindoro</st1:place> ng patrulyang nabal Hapones. Natuklasan ang mga nakatagong baril, armas, radio at transmitter at pinaghinalaan silang gerilya. Dinala sila sa Calapan, Oryental Mindoro, nakilala at ikinulong. Tapos ay ipiniit sa <st1:placetype st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Santiago</st1:placename>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>. Kahit pinahirapan at binugbog sa kulungan ay hindi nila isiniwalat ang mga kasapi at ano mang impormasyon ng gerilya organisasyon. Matapos ang ibayo pang parusa, inilipat sila sa Bilibid compownd <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>sa Azcarraga (Claro M. Recto ngayon) bago tuluyang isinama sa mga pinatay ng Hapones sa sementeryong Intsik taon 1944.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Si Heneral Lim ay tunay na istrikto at disiplinaryan. Nais n’yang igawad ng mga tauhan ang pinakamataas na pag-galang sa isa’t-isa. Kinilala sa kanyang husay sa palakad at pagpapatupad ng tungkulin sa pagsasanay ng mga tauhan. Matapat. Episyente. Masigasig. Isa siyang mahalagang kaagapay sa pagpapatupad ng kapangyarihang sibil</span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Bilang sundalo, paniwala n’ya na ang lakas ng bansa ay nakasalalay sa pambansang karakter, na ang pagka-makabayan ay katangiang moral na dapat isa-puso ng bawa’t mamamayan at ligayang taglayin higit sa lahat ang tunay na damdaming ipaglaban ang inang bayan.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Isang mapagmahal na ama si Heneral Lim. Kasiyahan n’ya ang pagluluto at mahilig sa pagkain; mahilig humithit ng tabako tuwina; mahilig din sa poker at bridge at malimit kalaro nina Heneral Eisenhower at Heneral McArthur sa panahon ng kanilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">tour of duty</i> sa Pilipinas. At tuwing mananalo sa kanilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">card games</i>, bumibili siya ng telang pandamit o ibang bagay para lamang sa kanyang maybahay.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">For gallantry in action and his valuable service to the nation, he was the recipient of military medals of which three were posthumously awarded: The Distinguished Conduct Star Medal, Distinguished Service Star Medal and The Long Service Medal for completion of thirty-five years, eight months and eight days prior to his posthumous retirement in November, 1945.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Ang huling mensahe ni Heneral Lim sa kanyang pamilya ay ganito: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">PLEASE TELL MY FAMILY THAT I HAVE NOT TARNISHED THE WEST POINT MOTTO: DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Naiwan n’yang buhay ang kanyang maybahay, Gng. Pilar Hidalgo-Lim, naging pangulo ng <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Centro</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Escolar</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> hanggang abutin nang kamatayan taong 1974. Naulila niya ang mga anak na sina: Luis, Chemical Engineer, namatay sa pagbagsak ng eroplano sa Bislig, Surigao dekada 1980; Captain Roberto Lim, naval graduate at Executive of the Philippine Aerospace Development Center; Vicente, PMA graduate, executive sa Pulp and Paper Corporation; Father Patricio Lim, Rector sa Guadalupe Minor Seminary; Eulalia, Executive of Mondragon Industries; at Gng. Maria L. Ayuyao, Vice-President Student Affairs, Centro Escolar University.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Bilang walang kupas na pag-ala-ala sa magiting na kawal, ang Ika-lawang PC Zone Headquarters sa Canlubang, Laguna ay pinangalanang CAMP VICENTE LIM.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa kabila ng lahat ng kabayanihan ni Heneral Lim, ang kanya mismong duyang-tahanan sa Calamba ay napabayaan. Naluma at nagkasira-sira sa paglipas ng mga taon hanggang sa pagpasok ng 2004 ay tuluyan nang nawala sa lupa. Naiwan na lamang ang matibay na hagdanan ng tahanan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sayang na tahanang sinilangan man din ng isa pang tunay na bayani ng Calamba. Ito <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">sana</st1:city></st1:place> ay isa ring <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Dambana ng Bayani</b> na dinarayo ngayon ng mga turista kung ito ay napanatili sa orihinal na kaayusan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Huli na kaya sa panahon ang lahat para sa isang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Restoration Project</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">May magagawa kayang hakbang ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Calamba upang maibalik sa dating anyo ang “HAGDANANG WALANG TAHANAN:” The ancestral home of a great hero?</span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa aking palagay ay kayang isakatuparan ito kung mayroon lamang dugong maka-bayan ang nasa Pamunuan ng Lungsod at kaloobang politikal upang isulong ang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Restoration Project</i> na ito. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Malaki ang dapat kitain ng kabang lungsod buhat sa maunlad na pamayanan, kalakalan, ilang <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Industrial estates and International Commercial Parks</i> sa buong nasasakupan ng Calamba (9). Hindi hadlang ang pananalapi ng pamahalaan kung tamang nalilikom at nasa ayos ang pondo ng kabang lungsod.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa pakikipagugnayan sa <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Office of the President, Department of Tourism, and Department of Education, Culture and Sports,</i></b> and both houses of Congress, gayun din sa mga kaangkan ng yumaong Heneral, dagdag pondo ang malilikom at iba pang tulong gaya ng <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Memorabilia </i></b>ng yumao na dapat kaagapay sa katuparan ng panukalang ito. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Maitatayo ang</span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“GENERAL VICENTE LIM SHRINE” - </i>“DAMBANA NI HENERAL VICENTE LIM.” <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Mawawala ang di kaaya-ayang pagmasdang tanawin – “HAGDANANG WALANG TAHANAN” – Ancestral Home pa man din ng isang magiting na bayaning Calambeño.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Sa tulong ng DECS, daragsa ang maraming lakbay-aral at turista sa lungsod ng Calamba, sapagkat sa halip na “DAMBANA NI RIZAL” lamang, ay mapapasok pa nila ang isa pang makasaysayang tahanan – ang “DAMBANA NI HENERAL VICENTE LIM.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Isang pagpupugay ni Lolo Ome sa isang magiting na sundalo, kauna-unahang Pilipinong nagtapos sa U.S. Military Academy sa <st1:place st="on">West Point</st1:place> at isang Dakilang Bayani ng Bayan.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2in" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Dalangin ko ang magkaroon ng katuparan ang panukalang ito; kundi man para sa ating nalalabing panahon, manapa’y sa susunod pang mga henerasyon</span></b></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-78016675845829184842008-04-24T16:49:00.011+08:002008-04-28T17:15:08.899+08:00Calamba: Center point of lake tourism retold<b><span lang="EN-US">By: roman romeo g. nag<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uHR1z-OsMDrT_8PN2Voa2yqLY6lq1QArQoKxpirvFwbLPzpLfT937WKzbd7C98cK1x4VdPPaVacDsEqfMaqOQCsraLnCbGQdZOnTHertsvFzbgbCZGNyC-hopywajycbhA6ScknYgTq/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192746241976840162" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 248px; height: 155px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uHR1z-OsMDrT_8PN2Voa2yqLY6lq1QArQoKxpirvFwbLPzpLfT937WKzbd7C98cK1x4VdPPaVacDsEqfMaqOQCsraLnCbGQdZOnTHertsvFzbgbCZGNyC-hopywajycbhA6ScknYgTq/s320/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+006.jpg" border="0" /></a>pala*<o:p></o:p></span></b><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US">CALAMBA</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> in Laguna is indelibly etched in the pages of Philippine history. The old Calamba town gained its international renown as the birthplace of the Great Malayan, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, June 19, 1861. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span lang="EN-US">This coming 147<sup>th</sup> Rizal Day again provided the pride and the strength to this septuagenarian (almost!) to write about our national hero’s place of birth – Calamba, now a city since April 21, 2001. The lawmaker of the Calamba city hood, Honorable Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr., is now the City Mayor.<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tourism campaign</b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The city government fully supports the promotional campaign of the Department of Tourism selling the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region> to the world as tourist destination.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Since <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Laguna</st1:placename></st1:place> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place> is now a member of the world’s living lakes organization, why not develop lake tourism in Laguna and make the birthplace of our national hero its center point?<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Undeniably, Calamba has the solid grounds as tourist destination, namely:<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 41.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -23.75pt;">1. Important historic landmarks – the Rizal Shrine and the century-old Spanish-built church, where a marker shows the exact spot where Rizal was baptized June 24, 1861.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></p> <u2:p></u2:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 41.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -23.75pt;">2.<span style=""> </span>Proximity from international and domestic airports; accessibility via highway infrastructures, and facility of modern telecommunications.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></p> <u2:p></u2:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 41.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -23.75pt;">3.<span style=""> </span>Calamba practically becomes the jumping board to tourist spots in Laguna, e.g., <st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Pagsanjan</st1:placename></st1:placename></st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Falls</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placetype>, <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Caliraya</st1:placename></st1:placename></st1:placename>, Hidden Valley of Alaminos, <st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Sampaloc</st1:placename></st1:placename></st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placetype> in <st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on">San Pablo</st1:placename></st1:placename></st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placetype>, Enchanted Kingdom of Santa Rosa City, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Nagcarlan</st1:placename></st1:place></st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Underground</st1:placename></st1:placename></st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Cemetery</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:place></st1:placename></st1:place>, and many other scenic views.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></p> <u2:p></u2:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 41.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -23.75pt;">4.<span style=""> </span>The traditional hospitality and the general attitude of its people with welcome smile, honesty and integrity of the national hero.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></p> <u2:p></u2:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 41.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -23.75pt;">5.<span style=""> </span>The prevailing peace and order in our hero’s hometown and province; definitely, no dreaded Abu Sayyaf in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Laguna</st1:placename></st1:place></st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:place></st1:placename></st1:place>.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></p> <u2:p></u2:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 41.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -23.75pt;">6.<span style=""> </span>Above all, <i>Laguna de Bai</i> is the strongest point in this proposition; being a member now of the “World Living Lakes Organization.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -24pt;"><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p> <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p> <u1:p></u1:p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><b><span lang="EN-US">Lake</span></b></st1:placetype><b><span lang="EN-US"> <st1:placename st="on">Tourism</st1:placename></span></b></st1:place><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><span lang="EN-US">With the advent of modern transportation and communication facilities, it is now time to convert the lake into a veritable playground, a playing field for local and foreign tourists – the center of lake tourism in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>, particularly as a safe venue in water sports activities and competition. The waterways of the lake could be the solution to the perennial traffic problems of Metro-Manila.<o:p></o:p></span> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span><i>Laguna de Bai</i> played vital roles in Philippine history.</li></ul> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span>It is through the lake via the <st1:placename st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Pasig</st1:placename></st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:placetype> from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place></st1:place></st1:city> that the Spanish <i>conquistadores</i> landed in Laguna and converted its natives to Christianity.</li></ul> <u1:p></u1:p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span>Ancient Chinese merchants used the lake as their trading routes to the shoreline villages.</li></ul> <u1:p></u1:p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span>Coastal residents plied the waterways to reach various barangays surrounding the lake and the prosperous Maynilad. <o:p></o:p></li></ul> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""></span></span>Remember <i>Bapor Tabo</i> of Pepe Rizal’s fame? Historically mentioned in Rizal’s <i>Noli Me Tangere</i>, <i>Bapor Tabo</i> was the big ferryboat <i>(casco)</i> of olden times plying the pristine waters of <i>Laguna de Bai </i>to <st1:city st="on">Manila</st1:city> through the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Pasig</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<u1:p></u1:p><u1:p></u1:p>Why don’t we relive Pepe’s wonderful experience plying the lake? Not in yesteryears’<i> Bapor Tabo</i> but in today’s modern ferry boats.<u1:p></u1:p>This simple heritage luxury is now available from the shoreline of Calamba. A private houseboat that can accommodate safely and comfortably groups of people on board is providing a unique travel experience – <b><i>Cruising Laguna de Bai.</i><u1:p></u1:p></b>In full cooperation and serious coordination with the Department of Tourism, <b><i>Cruising Laguna de Bai</i> </b>can be a simple, yet successful domestic tourism linkage hereabout.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is a Filipino-type development. The modern-day <i>Bapor Tabo</i> in Laguna is now a reality. It was built by local craftsmen at the shoreline Barangays Palingon, Lingga, and Sampiruhan using fiberglass technology.<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal">In 2-3 hours-cruising, one would capture the naked beauties of Maria Makiling – the mountain; and talim – an island within the lake with its own “<i>Bundok ng Susong Dalaga” </i>proudly erect on her top for viewers to behold; plus the 3-hectare Wonder Island Resort in Calamba – an island hideaway in Laguna de Bai.<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This rare water travel opportunity is now offered by Wonder Island Resort in Calamba. The Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, the marketing arm of DOT, can organize exciting <i>Lakbay-Aral </i>package tours for students, LGUs, and tourism private sectors. <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Wonder</st1:placename></st1:place> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place> welcomes such arrangement with open arms apropos <i>cruising Laguna de Bai</i> aboard its modern-day <i>Bapor Tabo</i> as a special treat.<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal">Corporate planning sessions, workshops, conferences, and simple meetings and outings aboard the island’s houseboat now become especial requested arrangement. On special occasion, island garden weddings and receptions have been accommodated.<i><u1:p></u1:p>“Cruising Laguna de Bai,” </i>complete with traditional<i> Pinoy agahan</i>, awaits the young, energetic Tourism Secretary Ace Durano – courtesy of the island hideaway in Laguna de Bay.<u1:p></u1:p>According to the island father Rudy Pua, his invitation is open for the tourism secretary to discover and experience personally the blissful joy of Pepe’s lake cruising on board <i>bapor tabo.</i><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Cruising Laguna de Bay is a new product. It is an answer to what the tourism private sector is searching for. It is a pro-poor thrust to uplift economic life of marginal fishermen around the lake with the expected influx of domestic and international tourists.<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jointly, the city mayor and the island father recently developed the city landing area of the island resort into a shoreline park and fish port. The park is now a regular promenading area of local folks and fish port of produce from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Talim</st1:placename></st1:place> <st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place>. <u1:p></u1:p>It will soon become a tourist plaza; a haven of souvenir items to showcase Laguna’s craftsmanship: Paete/Pakil’s wood carvings/paper maches, Liliw’s abaca hemp shoes/slippers, Lumban’s jusi barongs; sweet-tasting tropical fruits, native delicacies, cut-flowers, exotic ornamental plants, woven baskets, and other produce.<u1:p></u1:p>*<b>(Note: Lolo Rom is PR Consultant, Wonder Island Resort, Mobile # 0916-627-3433); E-Mail add: nagpalaromy@yahoo.com.ph </b><o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">-30-<o:p></o:p></p> <u1:p></u1:p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-6659924720326456082008-04-22T16:59:00.009+08:002008-04-24T18:43:32.986+08:00THE TRAIL TO FREEDOM: WHERE DO I BEGIN?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJC7aypIKyZOqzUKSFyt5muIyWNx44fMjytGVPr315ZkoHo0m5yT2VLB9xqYqqqR_P0qayqNFYuX_9ywamelMfAilgz6-_KI3hpAXseLPCltpbaymtC-kEdNXIB8Y93e3_PsLYgVSTqot/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+013.jpg"></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5jQBQzV2QwnRcsINmjSNfwaRyMLbiEyEcC5HmHMFEQcK_g8Mg9PFrn1JyzpmYJ2YYqWMhNlN1c4rpTZ2KFOH8JHrGLLO5vm3Lf9ppMQgMQ6t-IKg3fUzC78G-6FbO7PYVszny1PFhN_N/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192754423889539090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5jQBQzV2QwnRcsINmjSNfwaRyMLbiEyEcC5HmHMFEQcK_g8Mg9PFrn1JyzpmYJ2YYqWMhNlN1c4rpTZ2KFOH8JHrGLLO5vm3Lf9ppMQgMQ6t-IKg3fUzC78G-6FbO7PYVszny1PFhN_N/s320/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> <b>By roman romeo g. nagpala</b><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">June 12, 2008: </span></b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">The country celebrates the 110<sup>th</sup> Philippine Independence Day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">June 19, 2008</span></b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">: The 147<sup>th</sup> birthday of the national hero is commemorated. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">These double historical festivals this bridal month June, drove me back to the so-called centennial freedom trail of the Philippine revolution. Browsing “On the Trail to Freedom,” a historical adventure on the centennial Freedom Trail, this senior citizen (Lolo Ome) focused on Laguna, the first chapter of the source book. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Laguna takes pride of Calamba, the cradle town (now a city) of our national hero Gat Jose Rizal<b>. Is Calamba, indeed, the place where the seed had been sown for the indelible trail to freedom?</b> <b>Remember that Rizal’s writings sparked the deepest fervor of patriotism among Filipinos; his gallant death ignited and sustained the burning spirit of the long and arduous Philippine revolution.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Let us look back how the trail to freedom had really begun since 1861.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><i><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Bahay-na-bato</span></i></b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">In the 19<sup>th</sup> century stood the first bahay-na-bato (stone house) in the heart of Calamba. It was a sign of prosperity for the industrious Mercado family in this rural town. This stone house was a happy home filled with the joy and laughter of eleven children, namely, Saturnina, Paciano, Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, Maria, Jose (Pepe), Concepcion (who died at the age of three), Josefa, Trinidad, and <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Soledad</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">This is where Pepe Rizal grew up and was raised. Here are some trivia in his birth and boyhood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Pepe’s birth<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">It was said that Rizal announced his birth in a most unusual way. It was customary in women about to give birth to visit the church for confession and communion. Doña Teodora went to church on the eve of her seventh childbirth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">The legend goes that in the middle of her confession, a soulful wail was audibly heard from her womb. The startled priest was interrupted and asked Teodora if she had brought along a child. On her way out of the confessional, an old woman also asked why her unborn child mournfully protested. Could this be the omen of Rizal’s historical cross path with the church? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Doña Lolay hurried home just across the street embarrassed, confused, and worried as the pangs of labor had started which lasted until the next day. Her labor ended with a difficult delivery just before midnight of June 19, 1861.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">The Mercado family welcomed as their second son a tiny delicate child whose head was unusually large in size. On June 22, 1861 the baby was baptized as Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda by Padre Rufino Collantes. Padre Pedro Casañas stood as <i>Ninong</i> or main sponsor as attested to by a national historical marker in the parish church across the Rizal Shrine in Calamba.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">The unusual size of the bab<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDt23slTHNpPHcMBtoxP0RYPN_6mpzbqjcYEc2_AJLc_KGTFxwlcbrHqR1rDXmJfK8_qZ9DDPOGOPCgnZS1NqXgq7T-prtpUSecLRx_RPommfiVEXOqT9Xy5KDHMuiH_Oo90JhgzQbU2c/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+013.jpg"></a>y’s head solicited a remark from Padre Collantes: “Lolay, remember this. Take good care of this child, for someday he will be a great man.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Rizal’s boyhood<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Rizal’s grandniece, Asuncion Lopez-Bantug shares many intimate stories told by her <i>Lola </i>Narcisa in her book <i>Lolo Jose</i>. The story goes that Pepe’s head grew disproportionately, and when he begun to walk by himself he often fell, his head being too heavy for his frail body. Thus he needed an <i>aya</i> to look after him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJC7aypIKyZOqzUKSFyt5muIyWNx44fMjytGVPr315ZkoHo0m5yT2VLB9xqYqqqR_P0qayqNFYuX_9ywamelMfAilgz6-_KI3hpAXseLPCltpbaymtC-kEdNXIB8Y93e3_PsLYgVSTqot/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+013.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJC7aypIKyZOqzUKSFyt5muIyWNx44fMjytGVPr315ZkoHo0m5yT2VLB9xqYqqqR_P0qayqNFYuX_9ywamelMfAilgz6-_KI3hpAXseLPCltpbaymtC-kEdNXIB8Y93e3_PsLYgVSTqot/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+013.jpg"></a>Aquilina Alquitran, Pepe’s nursemaid, spent days with the little boy with a big head in the backyard orchard in h<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMS3Ww7225_WblF8qcZLyBuRJOZNk03HIfcVEq8CeOSH_9udFZIZJaxqmZpXn4tzBiWsUgPV9Z3a97Ee8YH9ojv6ffYs9a649cW5H3BSELmBumhuMuyP3mxcGvxvPg8xJEbpBwOZvwzFN/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192758328014811202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="166" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMS3Ww7225_WblF8qcZLyBuRJOZNk03HIfcVEq8CeOSH_9udFZIZJaxqmZpXn4tzBiWsUgPV9Z3a97Ee8YH9ojv6ffYs9a649cW5H3BSELmBumhuMuyP3mxcGvxvPg8xJEbpBwOZvwzFN/s320/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+013.jpg" width="227" border="0" /></a>is small <i>bahay kubo </i>playhouse as he grew mischievously. Maybe to frighten obedience into the mischievous boy, she told folklore tales about men on the moon, giants, and monsters. Some of these legends would later be found in his novels. What fascinated Pepe was “<i>Tantes,”</i> his word for <i>Gigantes </i>or Giants, as he would stretch his tiny body up to his father’s waist in hopes he would grow big and strong. It was evident Pepe was sensitive about his height.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Wiz kid trivia </span></b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Pepe at the age of two had learned the alphabet being taught by his mother to his 4-year old sister Maria while he was playing quietly nearby. One morning, Doña Teodora included him in the lesson and by supper time, he had memorized most of the alphabet in the <i>Cartilla</i> (spelling book). One day, his sisters found him lying on his stomach with Maria’s <i>Caton</i>, a basic reader with pictures. Using the <i>Cartilla,</i> he spelled out the words in one book using the letters in the other. Pepe taught himself to read.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Doña Teodora started honing his talent early. He was real bright, curious, and inquisitive but sometime got into mischief.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Little kid mischief<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Listening to his mother prayed the rosary one night he suddenly called out: “Mother.” “Yes son?” as she paused in her prayers but he was silent. Minutes later he again interrupted with” “Mother.” She frowned at him: “Well, what do you want?” Again there was no reply. After the third “Mother,” she was quite annoyed: “But what is it Jose? You keep repeating Mother!” The boy looked at her and said: “I was only wondering, <i>Inay</i>, if God becomes annoyed when we keep repeating and repeating the <i>Padre Nuestro</i> (Our Father).”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Mind and body<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">It was his uncle Manuel who sought to relieve Rizal’s anxiety about his puny body by making him skip, jump, and run. It was difficult for the frail boy but his will bit his flesh and soon became robust and vigorous, yet lighter and quicker. He got into sports to build his body: swimming, riding, wrestling, and boxing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">For the rest of his life Rizal balanced the development of both mind and body. He stood tall at five feet and three inches, broad shouldered, yet slim with only 25 to 26 inch waistline.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Doña Teodora played vital role in the intellectual and spiritual growth of her children. The family had a library of books, a luxury for a rural town household. She would often read poetry and stories to her siblings. She nurtured their creativity in the fine arts: music, painting, and sculpture. The children were encouraged to speak up, inquire and argue with reason and enlightenment. In those days, children were normally seen but not heard. She taught them to be practical, industrious, and thrifty.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Caned by schoolmaster<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Rizal attended school in Biñan at the age of nine. He stayed with relatives there. This kept him away from his “beloved Calamba,” so he did not care for his studies. Although he was bright for his class, Jose paid for his pranks, as even he admitted that not a day went by without his getting caned by the schoolmaster. He learned to channel his mischievous behavior into something more positive. He was often discouraged but never gave up easily, as he later wrote: “I had entered school still a boy…by dint of studying, of analyzing myself, of reaching out for higher things, and of a thousand corrections I was transformed little by little…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Walk the freedom trail?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">The young Rizal was a serious fellow whom neighbors dubbed <i>“Hermano Jose”</i> because he was usually wrapped in thought as he walked down the streets of Calamba. In those deep thoughts, had he in mind how the streets he plodded on in his “beloved Calamba” would bear the initial thuds of the indelible trail to freedom?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">Rizal, even as a little boy, was already creative and artistic. He wrote simple poems and stories. He would sketch and draw cartoons to illustrate his tales.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 150%">No wonder, not only the Filipino nation but other nations, too, acknowledged the greatness of his immortal novels – the Noli and the Fili! Historians realized that Rizal was, indeed, the Filipino trailblazer to freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br /> </p></div></div>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-29295271531170881712008-04-24T16:15:00.002+08:002008-04-24T18:01:45.382+08:00The Cradle Town of the Great MalayanFollowing is the historical note on Rizal,s place of birth.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQjuRlbLsDjPWn-yTzjT_nhixaL9vtozVpuITIG1rrICuA-i-DWOQA9Uo-QEUu68gy5-AtN17Ag3o5hqKBKpo9FBo4xtzxXBFYsFMJMBAVcoxAIW8U4Zw_EgTl5dp1cPCkUj_v6WIp_9H/s1600-h/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192748788892446706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQjuRlbLsDjPWn-yTzjT_nhixaL9vtozVpuITIG1rrICuA-i-DWOQA9Uo-QEUu68gy5-AtN17Ag3o5hqKBKpo9FBo4xtzxXBFYsFMJMBAVcoxAIW8U4Zw_EgTl5dp1cPCkUj_v6WIp_9H/s320/CALAMBA+CITY+BY+THE+BAY+030.jpg" width="284" border="0" /></a><br />“THE PLACE OF BIRTH<br />Here in Calamba, Province of Laguna, Jose Rizal was born on 19 June 1861. The National hero dearly loved his birthplace.<br /><br />‘Oh, tender youth, oh beautiful town rich spring of my delight’<br /><br />“Calamba is one of the towns and cities of Laguna. It is in Luzon, the biggest of the Philippine Islands. Calamba has always been beautiful. It has been planted with sugar cane and rice that turned alternately green and gold. The breeze from the lovely Bae Lake is fresh, and Mount Makiling is enchanting to behold.<br /><br />“THE TOWN OF CALAMBA was part of an estate owned first by the Jesuits from 1759 till 1768, then by a Spaniard from 1803, and the Dominican order from 1883. Though their families were from Binan, Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo settled here in Calamba after getting married in 1848. They rented land to till, and spent for everything in the farm. Their life flourished because they were hardworking and frugal.<br />They built the first stone and hardwood house in Calamba.”<br /><br />(From the album of the explorer of J. A. Karuth, courtesy of the Ayala Archives)Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-21318763516356390242007-07-10T20:20:00.000+08:002008-04-22T20:56:04.977+08:00Wonder Island, bookings & inquiries<p style="font-weight: bold;"><span>Wonder Island, offshore of Calamba City</span></p><p><i><span><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span>Whole-day package,</span> 8 AM to 5 PM only</i></p> <p class="firstline0">Rate includes boat transfer (2 ways); use of swimming pools, picnic umbrellas, picnic huts, pavilions; managed buffet meals: morning snacks, lunch, afternoon snacks. Adults <s>P</s>784; Kids <s>P</s>700; Senior Citizens <s>P</s>690.</p> <p class="firstline0"><i>Overnight package, check-in 2 PM, check-out 12 noon</i></p> <p class="firstline0">Rate includes boat transfers; use of swimming pools, picnic umbrellas, picnic huts, pavilions; managed buffet meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch); air-conditioned rooms.</p> <table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border: medium none ; border-collapse: collapse;" mce_style="border:medium none;border-collapse:collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" mce_style="border:1pt solid windowtext;width:135.6pt;padding:0 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: center;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;text-align:center;" align="center"><b><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Room Types</span></b></p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: center;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;text-align:center;" align="center"><b><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Minimum Occupants</span></b></p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: center;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;text-align:center;" align="center"><b><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Rate Per Head (<s>P</s>)</span></b></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Twin Sharing</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">2 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">2,380</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Double Sharing</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">2 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">2,380</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Family Unit</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">6 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">2,212</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Dormitory Unit</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">8 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">1,652</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Bamboo House</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">12 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">1,792</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Dormitory Unit</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">12 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">1,512</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Dormitory Unit</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">14 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">1,492</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Dormitory Unit</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">18 persons</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">1,465</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Extra Person/Bed</span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></p> <br /></td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0pt 5.4pt; width: 135.6pt;" valign="top" width="181"> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">1,540</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 6pt;" mce_style="margin-top:6pt;"><i><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">All rates are VAT-inclusive and subject to change without prior notice. </span></i></p> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Advance reservation and down-payment are required.</span></i></p> <p class="firstline0" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i><span mce_ style="font-size:10pt;">Other packages are available upon request.</span></i></p> <p class="firstline0">For booking and inquiries, visit or contact us at 211 Rizal Street, Calamba City. Call Laguna lines: 049-545-1766 / 545-6491 / 545-6492. Manila line: 02-520-8556. Mobile phone 0922-503-3151</p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-36747097921963769192007-07-13T20:29:00.000+08:002008-04-22T20:29:52.242+08:00Where's the island?<p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/wonder-island-red-boy-307.jpg" mce_href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/wonder-island-red-boy-307.jpg" title="wonder-island-red-boy-307.jpg"><img src="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/wonder-island-red-boy-307.jpg" mce_src="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/wonder-island-red-boy-307.jpg" alt="wonder-island-red-boy-307.jpg" /></a></p> <p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">By Frank A Hilario, guest blogger</span><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal">Never mind the heads ‘cut off’ by the photographer (that would be me) – mind the items that the three boys are minding while squatting on concrete with a tricycle waiting nearby. There is commerce going on; there is buying and selling on a concrete island in the middle of somewhere.</p> <p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal">You are looking at an island figuratively; the concrete is bounded on three sides by water, because this is the wharf built by the owner of Wonder Island, Rudy Pua, who wants the wharf populated by promenaders and hawkers of goods like these – it’s a pleasant walk in the morning and in the afternoon when you can look at Wonder Island from a distance; it’s a pleasant feeling to watch a leisurely, noiseless display of wares for the passerby to buy or simply look at.</p> <p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal">This is a street scene which dramatizes one of the concerns of Rudy, which is to help his city-mates derive extra income from the traffic going to and from his island, the traffic of vehicles and people – a small contribution from a small island in the middle of a big lake.</p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-48228350515605948442007-07-10T20:15:00.001+08:002008-04-22T20:16:38.053+08:00We're more in love than before<h3><a href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/square-heart.jpg" mce_href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/square-heart.jpg" title="square-heart.jpg"><img src="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/square-heart.jpg" mce_src="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/square-heart.jpg" alt="square-heart.jpg" /></a></h3> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">By Frank A Hilario, guest blogger</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Here’s a letter from one of our recent visitors:</p> <blockquote> <p class="quote0"><i>Dear Wonder Island,</i></p> <p class="quote0"><i>I did thoroughly enjoy my two-day stay in your wonderful resort together with my girl friend. Especially your Jacuzzi, your swimming pool. The breakfast was swell too, in fact it was very good. And our last night together was the best of all, cruising Laguna de Bay just the two of us (almost). Sheila thinks we have not enjoyed ourselves together just as much we did in your place. We’ll remember our hours together there when we raise a family and come visit your beautiful island in the near future. Because of the loving atmosphere in your island, I think we’re more in love with each other than before.</i></p> <p class="quote0"><i>I remember our calling your booking office at 0800 hours and getting a very prompt response from your secretary. That made us feel good, knowing that you care about your clients by observing your own rules. It’s so frustrating calling an office during office hours and nobody answers. </i></p> <p class="quote0"><i>There is one thing, though, that we noticed, I hope you don’t mind our telling you. To describe Wonder Island as ‘a perfect island hideaway’ is inaccurate in that it’s really very public, not very private – notice that your brochure shows the swimming pool, the picnic area with the many umbrellas close to each other. In any case, Sheila and I were alone together and felt the whole island was ours simply because we are in love, and will always be.</i></p> <p class="quote0"><i>Bobby, Australia</i></p> </blockquote> <p class="firstline0">Bobby, we thank you for your kind words. Rest assured that we will always be there for our guests. As to the matter of our resort being ‘a perfect island hideaway,’ I’ll put it this way: it was simply a metaphor. - <i>Wonder Island</i><b><i><br /></i></b></p> <p class="quote0"><i> </i><br /></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-817301814906977152007-07-10T20:13:00.000+08:002008-04-22T20:14:07.409+08:00I wonder who is the Godfather?<p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">By Frank A Hilario, guest blogger</span><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal">We have among us a ‘silent’ Godfather, someone who has the heart of a boy and the head of a father who loves his family, his extended family, and especially the poor who live near and around his dream island.</p> <p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal">Well, it used to be a dream island; now he owns it, this little-big island in the middle of a legendary lake being watched over by a lady of legendary beauty and love. He fell in love with the lady – and the island, not necessarily in that order.</p> <p style="margin-top: 12pt;" mce_style="margin-top:12pt;" class="MsoNormal">When he was a boy … <i>watch for our series of true stories about and related to Wonder Island. </i></p>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306955094206212189.post-67238151331110553762007-07-10T20:09:00.001+08:002008-04-22T20:10:50.806+08:00Wonder Island: What's in it for me?<p><a href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/copy-of-wonder-island-logo-all.jpg" mce_href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/copy-of-wonder-island-logo-all.jpg" title="copy-of-wonder-island-logo-all.jpg"><img src="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/copy-of-wonder-island-logo-all.jpg" mce_src="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/copy-of-wonder-island-logo-all.jpg" alt="copy-of-wonder-island-logo-all.jpg" height="182" width="258" /></a><a href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/wonder-island-boat-cruiser.jpg" mce_href="http://thewonderisland.wordpress.com/files/2007/07/wonder-island-boat-cruiser.jpg" title="wonder-island-boat-cruiser.jpg"> </a></p> <p class="firstline0"><span><span style="font-style: italic;">By Frank A Hilario, guest blogger</span><br /></span></p><p class="firstline0"><span>Can you imagine a resort that has a thousand and one appeal? This one has a hundred and one:</span></p> <blockquote> <p class="quote1" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i>Has the quiet for writers of books, biographies, autobiographies, anthologies</i></p> <p class="quote0" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;">Has the facilities for the conduct of modern workshops with the use of desktop computers as an integral part of the proceedings</p> <p class="quote1" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i>Has the ambiance for honeymooners who would like to stay on an island for a day or two </i></p> <p class="quote0" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;">Has the amenities for family gatherings and reunions, including golden wedding anniversaries</p> <p class="quote1" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i>Has the scenes for great pictorials whether for fashion or for tourism purposes</i></p> <p class="quote0" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;">Has the religious atmosphere for getting married, being baptized in a chapel on the hill</p> <p class="quote1" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i>Has romantic lights for many romantic nights</i></p> <p class="quote0" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;">Has enough rooms and spaces for workshops of almost any kind</p> <p class="quote1" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;"><i>Has a multiplier effect in terms of jobs created, such as more fishing, more growing of vegetables, more raising of animals, more cooking – jobs and undertakings related to tourism</i></p> <p class="quote1" style="margin-top: 0pt;" mce_style="margin-top:0;">Has everything for company affairs out of the office, including celebrations and trainings.</p> </blockquote>Lolo Rom, browse on "The Sojourn of a Sexagenarian"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16217979740682330707noreply@blogger.com0