The
CAGAYANTIMES DE ORO
Lifestyle Weekly
PHOTO BY GLENN PALACIO
Catalino ‘Butch’ E. Chan III Tourism Regional Director
EXTRAORDINAIRE
GOVERNOR JESUS JURDIN “JJ” M. ROMUALDO FATHER OF CAMIGUIN PROVINCE
The Island Paradise of the Pacific T
hrough the efforts of the dynamic “Father of Camiguin”, the Honorable Governor Jurdin Jesus “JJ” M. Romualdo, Camiguin Province, Philippines is now soaring up high, reaching the ultimate altitude for global tourism competitiveness. Governor JJ Romualdo being the “Father of Camiguin” is now connecting the puzzles being visualized by his father, the Man of Vision, the late Honorable Congressman PP Romualdo. He visualized that someday the Province of Camiguin will become a prime tourist destination with sustainable socio-economic development and effective management of resources, while ensuring the safety, dignity and moral values of the populace. Over the years, the hard work of Governor JJ Romualdo, his dedication and undying love for the perpetual promotion of the tourism industry of the province has paved the way for Camiguin Province to be in the mainstream for global tourism business and industry. To ensure continued growth in tourism, it is emphasized by the Father of the Province that protection of water resources, community and environmental health, requires effective and efficient urban infrastructure and the initiative to improve waste management services are top priorities for development. The tourism-based economy of Camiguin Province is a fast growing sector resulting to a yearly increase in
PHOTO BY GLENN PALACIO
tourist arrivals, and as the number of tourist increased, if it also expected that garbage/waste will also increase, thus, the island fragile environment could be affected, if waste/garbage is not given importance particularly on proper waste disposal. Uncollected and improper disposal of waste poses a great threat to our health and environment. With pride, the Provincial Government of Camiguin Province solid waste management disposal is given top priority to ensure, clean, green and healthy environment of the Province. Proper education for the preservation of environment is a parallel concern together with the government, the teachers and the parents in every school of the province. They work together as ‘ONE’ family for the progress of the province to maintain an ecologically- balanced environment of the province amidst urban development for the tourism industry. Peace and order condition is at the highest level of recognition, beautiful places, point of interests and destinations to visit and a lot more to experience when tourists are in the province. Services of professional tourist guides are always available anytime to guide the tourists to their destinations and points of interests. Soon, eco-tourism hotels, golf course, and many other eco-friendly
establishments will soon rise in Camiguin to cater to the growing tourism industry of the province. Philippines Airlines will have its air-route soon flying Manila to Camiguin and Camiguin to Cebu and vice versa. Negotiations are now being undertaken by the Airlines Company and the Government of Camiguin. Acquisition of ROROs is now being considered by local government of Camiguin to help facilitate the arrivals of tourists in the years to come. Amidst the gigantic up- coming developments for the tourism industry of the Province, as assured by the Father of Camiguin Province- the Hon. Governor Jesus Jurdin “JJ” M. Romualdo that Camigiun will still remain to be an unperturbed island. The Province will continue to preserve its world of wonders, its untouched natural beauty, the flora and fauna, exciting adventure, unique and endemic wildlife up close in natural environment, the richness of its heritage and its unique arts and crafts. Its mystic and magical beauty will captivate the world. CAMIGUIN PROVINCE: “ISLAND PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC.” COME AND SEE CAMIGUIN! AGAIN, AGAIN & AGAIN.
CATALINO ‘BUTCH’ E. CHAN III Tourism Regional Director
EXTRAORDINAIRE
M
ore than two decades in public service in the tourism industry, Director Catalino ‘Butch’ E. Chan 111 has catapulted the Region as one of the top five tourist destinations in the country. The unprecedented growth and zenith success of the tourism industry in Northern Mindanao is attributed to him. His dedication and love for work, his brilliance in planning and achieving the Department of Tourism mission to be responsive to the demands of the progressive communities for tourism growth makes him a very extraordinary Regional Director of the country today. To date he works in achieving the VISION of the Department of Tourism to be equipped with a globally competitive communications and transportation network in an environment conducive to investments with highly diversified tourist attractions providing world class facilities and services for the increasing number of foreign tourists coming to our country. He is drumbeating for the completion of the airspace lighting facilities of Laguindingan Airport. This would propel for more domestic and international flights in the region. The region will be more competitive for more domestic and international flight arrivals of tourists to Northern Mindanao.
In the coming months, extraordinaire Director Butch will help propel and reach to the highest level the extreme adventures of the Region. White water rafting, zips, scuba diving, mountain climbing, trekking, spelunking, motor cross and other extreme adventure challenge activities will be supported by the tourism industry. For him more extreme activities, more local, domestic and foreign tourists will visit the Region and boost our local economies. He is behind the success for the Search of Singing Ambassadors of the Region, Pasundayag, Colorful Festivals, P.E. Rhythmic Dance Festival, and the Educational - Tour for the Less-Privileged Children in the region. He supports the enrichment and preservation of the indigenous peoples’ (IPs) culture, arts and traditions through festivals. Received a Special Award for Tourism Promotion-March 20121st ever Business Leaders’ Awards given by Business Week Mindanao. February 17, 2013, he was officially adopted as the new ethnic leader with an investiture ceremony “Paratuan Ritual” with a red ‘tubaw’ on his head as “DATO MAKAOGHOP” kind and progressive leader of the Manobo tribe in Quezon, Bukidnon, Philippines. September 27, 2014-
PHOTO BY GLENN PALACIO
Received a Framed Feature Citation being the TOURISM CZAR Region 10 from Business Week Mindanao Group of Publications during the Tourism Week Culmination at Atrium SM, Cagayan de Oro City. At a glance – Butch or Dong, as his friends fondly call him, was born in Mambajao, Camiguin to the late Retired Judge Caferino Dagondon Chan and to the late Mercedes Paras Echaves who was the founder of the Mambajao Community Rural Bank. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in marketing at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. Director Chan completed his Masters in Public Administration in the year 2000. His thesis was “The Proposed Five Year TOURISM Development Plan in the Province of Camiguin.”
He started working as a tour guide and after his graduation he was working as Managing Tour Director of Baron Travel Corporation for three years. Being a true blooded Camiguinon, he went back to his province and work as Tourism Officer. At this point in time, he made an inventory of Camiguin’s Tourists assets, and here he found out that Camiguin has everything except the rice terraces. He then started to develop its tourism potentials. Director Butch is one of the founders of the 35 year-old CAMIGUIN LANZONES FESTIVAL, one of the longest running fruit festivals in the country. Butch’s extraordinary expertise and experience in the travel and tourism industry has made Camiguin one of the top domestic destinations in the country today.
ALDRICH CHAN with Miss Amadea Piatti- Miss CDO 2013 Photo by GLENN PALACIO
Butch was a Group Study Exchange Scholar of Rotary International and was sent to Rotary District 544 in Wyoming, Colorado and the path handle of Nebraska, all in the United States of America. After the scholarship grant, he went home and was elected President of the Rotary Club of Camiguin Province. Also he was a principal member of the Regional Team that visited Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney to the study the
development of tourism and its infrastructure support to tourism funded by AUSAID. He has represented the country to various trips abroad like Australia, three times to the USA, two times to the Peoples’ Republic of China, six times to Brunei, two times to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and two times to Singapore and two times in Indonesia. He is a team member of an international organization “TAPOK CAGAY-ANON” and is
busy preparing for the event next year in Canada and in United States of America. As a rural banker, he was elected member of the Board of Directors (National Level) of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, he was also elected as member of the Board of Directors (National Level), Public Relations Organization of the Philippines. Adding more feathers to his cap in the tourism industry, while he was the Provincial Tourism Officer of the Province of Camiguin, he organized the tourism officers of the country and became the founder and the first President of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines. Being an extraordinary public servant for development in the tourism industry, in July of 2005, he was appointed Regional Director of the Department of Tourism in Region X.
His priority project is to develop potential destination in the Region and concentrate in promoting and selling the outstanding destinations of the region. And after five (5) years, September 3, 2010, his Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino 111 re-appointed him as RD of Region X. His appointment is both a call for greater effectiveness in government and as affirmation of his extraordinary abilities and commitment. Catalino ‘Butch’ E. Chan 111 is blessed with a son - ALDRICH CHAN. A son he loves so dearly, for him, Aldrich is his strength and sole inspiration in his work for tourism development. Aldrich at fourteen (14) years old is a budding young adult and is aiming to be like his father in the near futurebeing an extraordinary person for service for the continuous development of the country.
Most favored tourist destination
T
he tourism industry in the region is soaring up high as Camiguin Island is now becoming the most-favored tourist destination for the second quarter of 2014, accounting for 45 percent share of 201,881 tourist arrivals for the period. The second preferred cluster is Cagayan de Oro-Gingoog-Misamis at 23 percent with 103,989 tourist arrivals. At the regional level, tourist arrivals for the second quarter increased by 96 percent to 443,977, year-on-year, mainly due to the 100 percent increase in the number of domestic tourists.
Domestic tourists accounted for 98 percent (434,141) of the total tourist arrivals while the remainder was shared by foreign tourists. Most of the foreign tourists for the quarter were from East Asia, North America and Europe. Among the regional blocks, notable growth in tourist arrivals was recorded from the ASEAN (269 percent). Meanwhile, Balikbayan arrivals sharply declined by 99 percent compared to the same period last year. In a nutshell, Camiguin is said to be
the Philippines’ most beautiful island enriched with the natural wonders and historical riches. A peaceful dream land of lush rainforest, volcanic splendor, eternal hot and cold springs, majestic waterfalls, coral reefs, exotic marine life and pristine coastline. In an interview with Director Catalino ‘Butch’ Chan III, now considered as the Czar of Tourism of the Region for his undying love in promoting tourism said that let us not be dissuaded by the remoteness, to both the adventure and the urban dweller, “Camiguin is my paradise”. n JOE PALABAO
TourismCzar DIRECTOR CATALINO ‘BUTCH’ E. CHAN III
T
he unprecedented growth and zenith success of the tourism industry in Northern Mindanao is attributed to the man of vision, man of action, man of the hour – Tourism Czar of the Region , Director Catalino ‘Butch’ E. Chan 111. His brilliance in developing potential destinations, undying love for promotions, and selling destinations catapulted the Region as one of the top five tourist destinations in the country today. He has achieved the Department of Tourism mission to be responsive to the demands of the progressive communities with TOURISM as an engine with qualified manpower resources; upgraded standards of facilities and services; professional tour guides and attractive tour packages like sports tourism, industrial tours, eco-tourism, cultural festivals and farm tours; promotions of tourist destinations, inculcation of the culture of tourism. To date under his leadership and being a TOURISM CZAR, the region is now equipped with a globally competitive communication and transportation network in an environment conducive to investments, commerce and tourism and with highly diversified tourist attractions and provided world-class facilities and services for local and foreign tourists. With Laguindingan International Airport now operational and being a new landmark for tourism development- Northern Mindanao is now the next destination here in Asia and in the region has embarked into the new challenge of global competition. As a Tourism Czar, he has earmarked Northern Mindanao as the center of Tourism Festivals in the country. He is one of the founders of Camiguin Lanzones Festival. The country’s biggest and longest Festival running three decades, the most watched and sought after festival in the region. DebonaireTourism Czar: Butch Chan 111 together with the contingents coming from Camiguin Province will showcase “Lanzones Festival” to the forthcoming World Trade Mart and World Tourism Festival come November 2014 to London. He played a pivotal role for annual successes of ‘KUMBIRA’ running two decades now. It is an annual culinary event of Cagayan
de Oro Hotels and Restaurants Association (COHARA). KUMBIRA promotes the best cuisines in the region and showcase the best Sinuglaw. He supports all other festivals in creating niche in the tourism industry: Kaamulan Festival of Bukidnon, Sagayan Festival of Lanao del Norte, Grand Kaliga Festival of Gingoog City, Dalit Festival of Tangub City, Pasungko Festival of Misamis Occidental, the Kagayhaan Festival of Cagayan de Oro City and the grandiose Christmas Symbols Festival of Tangub City. In 2009 & 2011; – Tourism Czar Butch Chan brought to the Mall of Asia PASUNDAYAG Northern Mindanao. It showcased the region’s best tourist destinations, festivals, extreme tourist adventure packages, delightful cuisine, and products. Both venues reached the zenith of success as PASUNDAYAG 2011 Power 10 earmarked the highest gross receipts sales of over P500,000.00. In March 2012, he received Special Award in Promoting Tourism in the region from BusinessWeek Mindanao Group of Publications during its 1st ever search for Outstanding Business Leaders in Mindanao. Achievements are always coupled with trials and tribulations as our Czar had a stroke-June of 2012. It took him six months
to recover from the malady. It was at this trying moment of his life that he felt loved, cared for by the people who supported him in bringing the region to its peak. After more than six months of hiatus for health recovery he came back with renewed strength, commitment and faced the challenge of being a Czar to the Tourism Industry. To date he still holds the undisputed crown being a CZAR for according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Northern Mindanao posts 587% increase on its investments on the second quarter of this year, in which TOURISM marks a valuable contribution. MABUHAY! Words by JOE PALABAO Photos by GLENN PALACIO
STORY & PHOTOS BY GLENN PALACIO
Lanzones ‘unites’
Camiguin Isle “UNITED”, the words of Provincial Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo of Camiguin echoed across the grand stand as he gave a speech during the UGMAD sa Kalikasan Beauty Contest. The beauty contest held at the Ugmad Site last October 20, 2014 is one of the many activities in the 9 day long 35th Camiguin Lanzones Festival. During his speech the provincial governor pointed out that the island is preparing for bigger developments and with the help from both the government and the private sector, the island will be an even greater pride not only to the inhabitants but also to the country. The government with all its
officials could not elevate the individuals by themselves, but rather they must do so hand in hand in a positive manner. Reforming the mindset by starting in the homes through discipline and example would garner to a tourist friendly environment, such examples would be garbage collecting, to not using of plastic bags in the province and even by giving out a simple greeting of welcome to everyone that comes into the island. Investments from both international and domestic sources are now being planned for the betterment of the province and with the substantial aids the future generations are blessed.
Lanzones Festival, a vibrant color of yellow and a sweet smile is natural to the festival queen during the Kalanrakas sa Kabataan.
Provincial Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo samples a piece of the lechon at the UGMAD site.
CAMIGUIN PROVINCE:
THE NEWEST DIVING DESTINATION OF THE WORLD
C
amiguin Province: a mystic island known as the “Galapagos of South East Asia” is the newest diving destination of the world today. Dive enthusiasts from all over the world are fascinated by its magical underwater world with beauty and spectacular seascapes which are beyond the capacity of human describing. Camiguin Province as the “Island Paradise of the Pacific” is the home of at least twenty (20) quality top dive sites in the Philippines. The dive sites are just within 10 to 45 minutes by boat from resorts at Agoho, Yumbing, and Mahinog. WHITE ISLAND beautiful dive site offers Black Forest with a gentle slope and a wide variety of hard and soft corals in right side direction towards Camiguin. Rich marine life with schooling banner of fish, hawksbill turtle, sea snake, frogfish, ribbon eel, grouper, fusiliers, long nosed emperor,
eels and cuttle fish. Its depth is only 25-6 meters with 25-30 visibility with current ranging from none to strong depending on weather conditions. Its MARINE SANCTUARY is a continuation of black forest and its shallower to the left side direction towards Bohol Sea. Experience the richness of its marine life with the presence of frog fish, stingray, mimic octopus, fusiliers, commensal shrimps and amazing school of chubs. Its depth is 18-8 meters with 25-30 visibility with current from none to strong. Boat ride from tourists’ resorts is eight minutes. OLD VOLCANO dive site is made up of sharp pinnacles, huge rocks form by a lava as divers descend from the small walls rocky and sandy slopes with directions towards the left side. Its marine life is the home of pygmy seahorse, ghost pipefish, batfish, fusiliers,
garden eels, hawksbill turtles, white tip sharks, midnight snappers and frogfish. Its depth is only 35-5 meters with 25-30 visibility and current from none to strong. Boat rides is only 20 minutes by boat from Agoho tourists’ beach resorts. MANTIGUE ISLAND (Marine Sanctuary of Camiguin Province) - A Maldives-like island and surrounded by spectacular “drop-off” reefs. Its healthy coral reefs is covered with different school of marine life where as you go down deeper you will see the amazing small caves a nd short walls with cliff overhangs. Rich marine life is tremendous and magnanimous with school of trevally, school of rudder fish, school of barracuda, school of fusiliers, sweetlips, batfish, midnight snappers, frogfish, unperturbed giant clamps, hawksbill turtle and long nosed emperor. Its depth is 25-3meters, visibility is 25-30, current ranging from none to mild.
Boat is 60 minutes from Mahinog beach resorts. For dive enthusiasts from all over the world other dive sites like SUNKEN CEMETERY: just a name, there are no graves or structures to be seen underwater. It has wonderful coral reefs with plenty of soft coral and often you will see turtles here in different sea genre. Great and relaxing dives are found in TANGUP HOT SPRING, with nice and wonderful reefs, soft corals along the coastline of Camiguin Island; TANGUP BAY, a place for beginners: Nice reef with hard and soft corals with some amazing rock formations in depth of 10 meters and JIGDUP REEF, under water reef with beautiful drop-offs on one side and slope with strong current on the other side IT’S MORE FUN DIVING AT CAMIGUIN PROVINCE: “ ISLAND PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC”
DIVESPECIAL Sales | Rentals | Lessons | Tours
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
Dante M. Sudaria Publisher Joe P. Palabao Project director
RER Subdivision, Phase 1, Kauswagan Highway Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Contact Person: Mario E. Jugador/PADI Scuba Instructor Cell # +63 09053827015 Email add: divespecial@gmail.com Web www dive-special.com Fb: Divespecial Divingcentral In Camiguin Province contact us at Divespecial Camiguin San Roque, Mahinog Fronting Jetti Gas Station Contact Person: Elvin Vistil (PADI Scuba Instructor) Cell # +63 09177035925
Editor Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy Art Director | Layout Artist Ronald B. Mastail Photographer Glenn Palacio Marketing Staff Shan Belarmino Shade Masiar Grace Mae Beber Legal Counsels Atty. Mario T. Juni Atty. Roberto A. Cantago, Jr. The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Lifestyle Weekly is published at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa Street, Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Philippines. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Registration Plate No. 17211 with Business License Certificate 2014-00691. TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Tele/Fax #: (08822) 74-53-80 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at : thecagayantimes@gmail.com Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)
PHOTOS BY GLENN PALACIO
SEABLINGS SEAFOODS RESTAURANT: Home of Best Seafood Gourmet Cuisines “COME, DINE, ENJOY & RELAX� Situated along the sea boulevard of the progressive town of Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. SEABLINGS SEAFOODS RESTAURANT is the home of the best epicurean seafood cuisines in the region. Daytime diners- as they taste the delectable seafood cuisine prepared for them, they will enjoy the wide beautiful seascape of open seas facing Camiguin Province while nocturnal diners will enjoy the ambience of psychedelic hues of lights, while listening to the live acoustic soothing music. CUSTOMERS SATISFACTION is a prime and foremost consideration of this known restaurant as the
valued customers dine along with their friends, families, loved ones, the businessmen, the affluent people and high end diners of the region, the local, domestic and foreign tourists. An array of Basket Full of delectable dishes awaits the customers. Try, their fried crablets, adobong octopus, grilled fish, grilled squid, steamed shrimps and the yummy grilled tuna belly, calamares, breaded shrimps, fish sweet and sour, and a lot more of their delectable seafood cuisines. For merienda and snacks, their OPOLANON SUMAN with ripe mango as fruit side dish, taken
with Hot Chocolate is a must try for the diners. It is so delicious and heavenly that you will ask for another serving. Cooling yourself... take their Buko Halo-halo, the only halo-halo in town to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings for cooled delicacies to satisfy your cravings. On the 5th year anniversary of Seablings Seafood Restaurant, October 1-31, 2012, hundreds and hundreds of customers dined and enjoyed the LUNCH & DINNER BUFFET for only Php 140.00. All the customers, children, men and women were satisfied of the gourmet seafood cuisines prepared on the occasion.
Main Course: Adobong Pusit, Smoked Fish, Steamed Crabs, Shrimps Kebabs, Vegetable Fresh Lumpia, baked scallops, and bornay shell soup, Appetizers Salad of Guso-guso and cucumber salad and an array of desserts. Seablings Seafoods Restaurant accepts functions (wedding, birthday, baptismal and others) for catering services. For reservations and orders: Call or visit them at Boulevard, Poblacion, Opol, Misamis Oriental with Tel. Nos. (08822) 754901/5550291: Cell Numbers: 0918-376-2460/0936-288-5786 or email them: seablingsseafoods09@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/ seablings-seafoods-restaurant
MIMI PARREL-PIMENTEL:
Fashion Icon M
imi Parrel-Pimentel is one of the brightest and one of the most sought after designers of the upper echelon of the society today. She is by far considered as a fashion icon par excellence of Cagayan de Oro and in Mindanao. Her designs and creations are always ahead of the fashion trend. She is not using catalogues and guides to her creations and collections. Her designs are unique and always are based on the clients’ body physiques, aura and personality
that when her creations are over, when fitted, a stunning and mesmerizing look can be gleaned on her creations. Her designs exude sophistication and beauty which is beyond the capacity of human describing. She creates a design for every client she has, a creation before a fashion trend arrives to the industry and to the fashion scene. Her designs and creations are always anticipated ahead of the present fashion trend. Her creations are coming from the heart
and ingenuity, rich and creative mind that comes out very original which fits to the personalities of her clients. Her creations exude elegance, high end fashion, stunning look, quaint beauty and carpet head turner. She uses high end fabrics from known suppliers from Hongkong, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Europe and recently during her travel, October 2014 she was able to acquire high end fabrics from Dubai. January of 2011, she visited a bead factory in Japan, a high end manufacturer of beads used for embellishments of her creations, and accents of her gowns. She specializes in wedding
gowns, party gowns and formal attires. She travels to different countries to acquire high end fabrics, beautiful beads for embellishments and get inspiration from the country’s fashion design, fashion trends, its cultural aspects, cultural tradition in fashion designing its intricate arts and design applications which she uses in designing her quaint creations to her clients in the Philippines. She has dressed known politicians of the country, former Senators like Nene Pimentel, local government officials, businessmen, the elite women of the society and the Royal Muslim Families of the Region for weddings and royal function creations.
Her creations always exude beauty and elegance. At A Glance – Melody May “Mimi” Parrel-Pimentel is an International Studies (IS) graduate from Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan and spent precious time assisting in her family’s construction business at Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City where her aunt’s Jesse Sia shop, the known fashion pillar of Cagayan de Oro City was situated alongside. It is in this setting that Mimi found herself working on her design sketches more for fun than developing a serious career option. Her aunt noticed her attempts and enthusiasm and encouraged her to develop her burgeoning talent. Her parents have likewise recognized her potentials and offered strong support. Consequently, they sent her to Madonna School of Fashion in Ayala, Makati City, Metro Manila from 1992 to 1994 where she studied and pursued her aspirations. After finishing the course, she worked as a designer for Aunt Jesse Sia where she further developed and honed her skills and talents into an art form, becoming savvy with the managerial aspect of the business in the fashion world. And when her aunt left the country Mimi assumed the responsibility and took on the business. In 1997, she established the Mimi
Pimentel Boutique and Dress Shop and confident in her independence and honed skills, anticipating difficulties but believing in her ultimate success she started in a small with a single mannequin and old sewing machines scattered around. Not allowing this minor details to distract her from her goals, she conscientiously attended to her clients-treating each one uniquely with specific needs and attended to details and high regard for individual sensibilities has earned Mimi the confidence and admiration of loyal clienteles who has spread the good work around, making Mimi’s work a topic and interest in fashion conversation in the industry and for many years to come. For what she is now, Mimi improved her skills and continues to attend fashion training and conferences here and abroad. She is constantly updating with the latest fashion trends and designs. She also enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology, a premier Fashion School in New York where she learned to anticipate fashion designs and trends and fabric orientation. She took up the London 2010 Pattern Making, Shoe Designing (customized) and Period Corsetry from London College of Fashion in Central St. Martin. For her entrepreneurial work
and success she received the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation as Best Female Entrepreneur in Region 10. She is a member of the Oro Designers Guild of Cagayan de Oro City (OFDG) and presently the Director of Fashion Institute of the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro Branch, the best and biggest Fashion School in the country today. Recently, she opened the Philippine Institute of Skills and Arts in Cagayan de Oro, a TESDA accredited school. March 2012, she received a Special Award for Fashion Design given by the 1st ever Business Leaders’ Award for Mindanao spearheaded by Business Week Mindanao Group of Publications. Mimi Parrel-Pimentel is now the Fashion Icon of Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao whose legacy with only one mannequin when she started in 1997 in town and now becoming practically a household name in the upper echelon of the society and in Mindanao is a testament that indeed talent and hard work makes her extraordinary. She continues to weave a tapestry of awe and inspiration for many people aspire for more beauty, more success and more glorious creations in the fashion industry. n JOE PALABAO-FASHION ENTHUSIAST/ PHOTOS SUPPLIED
The Vibrance of Tangub City’s
DALIT FESTIVAL PHOTOS BY GLENN PALACIO
M
isamis Occidental - Dalit Festival is Tangub city’s yearly celebration and thanksgiving for their bountiful harvests in both water and land produce. In honor of Saint Michael the Archangel, the celebratory festive spirit of the Tangubanons entice tourists and passersby from nearby cities and municipalities to celebrate with them. The festival, which is held every 29th of September, consists of street dancing, awarding of a festival queen and a ritual showdown amongst participating groups in their stadium. A vibrant feel of color, a stimulating array of sound and a fresh presentation each year, the
celebration and the individuals behind it are always serving something fresh on the table. Brilliant, calm and composed is Mayor Philip T. Tan all throughout the day, as he is alongside the festive (L-R) Hon. Mayor Philip Tan, Jennifer Wee Tan (Chairpersonpopulace of the city in celebration for Northern Mindanao Regional Tourism Council (NMRTC) the abundance in their harvests. and Dir. Catalino E. Chan III. With an 8,000 seating capacity, the grandstand housed fans, with other notable and key judges for the various onlookers and people of Tangub as competitions in the festival. the contingents gave their all in their Region 10 could not be prouder as this presentation pieces. festival is improving in leaps and bounds each This year’s celebration appointed year to deliver entertainment to both locals and one of the region’s go-getter and czar foreigners alike. of tourism in judging some events Tangub city’s Dalit festival is now a must see in the festival, Tourism Regional event for tourists who wants to experience a rich Director Catalino E. Chan III was taste in culture and tradition which is more fun in present during the festival along the Philippines.
Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Philippines +63917-815-9759 / +63999-8760904 regattatours@outlook.com www.MediterraneanTravels.com
PHOTOS BY GLENN PALACIO
UGMAD 2014: PASIGARBO SA CAMIGUIN
DINUGUAN COOKING CONTEST
Chef Roldan Chan/Vice Mayor of Mambajao
LECHON BABOY MAKING CONTEST
UGMAD SA KALIKASAN BEAUTY CONTEST Candidates Wearing recycled indigenous materials to preserve Camiguin Province Environment
MS. NELIA LEE
President- COHARA Restauranteur AH FONG ASIAN CUISINE RESTAURANT
KUMBIRA 2014 NOW ON ITS 18TH YEAR- THE LONGEST RUNNING CULINARY FESTIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES
ARCHITECT
‘COCOY’ PAANO FILIPINO SYNERGY-ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE
A
synergy and fusion of artworks, modern designs in architecture, majestic portraiture, artistic integrity, mystical paintings, landmark sculptures and all forms of arts he creates catapults Architect Melbourne ‘Cocoy’ Paano as one of the country’s extraordinary Filipino synergy-artists. He is one artist who believes in the synergy of art and architecture. He combines synergistically art and architecture into one beautiful and majestic master piece. His modernistic structures are replicas of landmark sculptures-public art works. The majestic beauty of every design he creates lies in the symmetry, proportion and composition of his work. In every piece of art and architecture design, he challenges himself to do the most difficult intricacies in his work – resulting to excellence and integrity. His modern design in architecture is as challenging as he perfects realism. Architect Melbourne ‘Cocoy’ Paano as a Filipino synergy-artist had experienced a “whole range of art”, so he could stand with conviction to the artworks and designs that he creates. He has prepared himself to be in the mainstream in this
flourishing field. He has the rich knowledge and experience from his mentors who harnessed his skills in “handling the technique” for painting and design for architecture. Cagayan de Oro as one of the upcoming intermediate global cities in the world needs his master pieces to create extraordinary designs and artworks as architectural landmarks. He is one artist who never stops learning in enriching his craft to perfection and giving justice and satisfaction to his clientele. He paints, and designs art in the wee hours of the night-and he implements his knowledge through perfect work of art. He went to study animation and 3D presentation which he uses as a tool to enhance his designing capabilities to perfection. Green architecture is always the essence of his designs as he considers the detrimental effects of climate change which has become a global challenge for architects today. His architectural designs always blend with the function according to clients preferences, in perfect match between the owner’s desire and to the architect’s delight.
Patrons and patronesses of the art consider his artworks as priceless life time collections. His majestic portraiture always achieve apotheosis of the soul which makes him a great and unique painter in his approaches to his master piece. He has that artistic integrity which demands from him to capture not only the likeness but a soul that is essential to the process in making majestic portrait painting. “The synergy of art and architecture masterpieces of Architect Melbourne ‘Cocoy’ Paano apotheosized art appreciation which is beyond the capacity of human describing”. n JOE PALABAO
This work shows geometric and organic forms carefully proportioned to exhibit a sense of balance despite its assymetry.
SOME OF ARCHITECT
COCOY’S
ARTWORKS
“Shipyard” Watercolor on arches paper Private Collection of Miguel Zubiri
“ Revival” Mixed Media
XARIS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL COVERED COURT AT TIPOLOHON, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – URBAN VISION UPTOWN LANDMARK
“ Bestfriends ” Watercolor on arches paper Personal Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Aguilar
AGUILAR’S HOUSE, XAVIER STATES, CAGAYAN DE ORO- A TROPICAL DESIGN TWO-STOREY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT-USING WOOD IN MAJOR AREAS
CAMIGUIN PROVINCE:
ISLAND PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC
C
amiguin is a pear-shaped island province located at the Northern tip of Mindanao and is blessed with great vistas, exotic waterfalls, hot and cold springs, majestic mountains and volcanoes, coral reefs and pristine beaches. A province teeming with natural wonders, diverse activities, affectionate folks; nostalgic scenes and romantic aura. It is also popularly known for its sweet lanzones, seafood’s and unhurried lifestyle as well as friendly and God-fearing population, thus most tourist called this beautiful island province as an “Island of your imagination” and ‘”Island Born of Fire”. THE ISLAND PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC. Camiguin Province, Philippines is located at 90 degrees 12’ North Latitude and 124 degrees 45’ East Longitude and could be found in the Northern tip of Mindanao. This island province is approximately 54 kilometers south of Bohol Island, ten (10) kilometers north of Mindanao, 90 kilometers northeast of Cagayan de Oro City, and 120 kilometers southwest from Cebu Island. It is found in the southern area of Bohol Sea.
NATURE Camiguin is gifted with world wonders. Its untouched natural beauty and actionpacked adventures lies in wait for its visitors. ADVENTURE Uncover for yourself the island’s world of wonders. Serious trekkers and lazy beach bums have a range of options. WILDLIFE Get a chance to encounter Camiguin Island’s unique endemic wildlife up close in their natural environments. The experience is once in a lifetime! HERITAGE The richness of the Island’s heritage is reflected in the remains of Mr. Vulcan Daan’s eruption, the SUNKEN CEMETERY and OLD CHURCH Ruins. Century old houses are still present in the island. ARTS & CRAFTS Camiguinons are creative artists. Our unique arts give one a glimpse of Camiguin’s distinct culture, rich history and solidarity weaved together and create a story about Camiguin.
PRODUCTS & DELICACIES Indulge in the flavors of Camiguin and marvel in its world-class products. Complete the ISLAND PARADISE experience with the taste of the island’s exotic delicacies that will surely get you coming back.
ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE
SWIMMING DAY A sp i r a
Enjoy your Avida home everyday. End the week right with a relaxing dip in the pool. Swim to your heart’s delight at Aspira’s pool.
A L O N G R A M O N C H A V E Z S T. C A G AYA N D E O R O
Set at an elevated location, it offers a different kind of pool experience in Cagayan de Oro, close to the clear skies and closer to home.
Call (088) 323-3561 today.
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HLURB TLTS No. TLS-13-001 (NMR10) This advertisment has been approved and authorized by the Housing Land Use & Regulatory Board.
35TH
Lanzones
Festival C amiguin’s Pride, the LANZONES FESTIVAL is the island’s grandest festival. Held every 3rd week of October, Lanzones Festival is celebrated as a way of thanksgiving of the abundant harvest of sweet Lanzones, which are only found in the island for progress that the island has been experiencing for years. More than the usual Street Dancing, Ground Presentations, Kalandrakas sa Kabataan and the Mutya sa Buahanan (Miss Camiguin Tourism) Beauty Search, and many more.
Photo by GLENN PALACIO