Mindanao Daily Set A (January 21, 2017) by Mindanao Daily News

Marco Alcaraz, unfazed by Katrina Halili’s snake twin in Wagas

Darren Espanto wins big at the second Wish FM Music Awards, gives back to World Vision children FULL STORY | PAGE 2

Katrina Halili and Marco Alcaraz banner the spinechilling episode of Wagas this Saturday (January 21). Katrina’s character, Conchita, is said to be born with a snake twin. She grows up to be a traditional doctor who treats people who have been bitten by snakes. She becomes close to snakes that even her house looks like a snake’s nest. Aside from having a snake for a twin, Conchita has earned the admiration of many men because of her beauty. But having a reptile as a sibling has discouraged men to court her—all except for Simplecio (Marco). Unfazed by Conchita’s reputation and not minding See WAGAS, page A11

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WEEKEND

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Saturday

January 21, 2017

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NSPC 2017 goes to Zampen, opens on January 23 One Family, MOTORING | A3

For work and play – Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4 AT

BUSINESSNEWS

HE Department of Education (DepEd) Region IX, Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) will finally take its turn to host a landmark activity, the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) dubbed as “Strengthening Freedom of Information through Campus Journalism” at Pagadian City on January 23-26 and is expected to stand off more or less 5,000 participants including officials and the National Technical Working Group. The journalism competition will be graced by DepEd Secretary, Leonor M. Briones, Undersecretary for Administration, Alain Del B. Pascua, Undersecretary for

Curriculum and Instruction, Dina S. Ocampo, Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Tonisito M.C. Umali, and Undersecretary for Accounting and

Employee Account Management Division, Victoria M. Catibog. DepEd Regional Director Dr. Isabelita M. See nspC, page A11

One Message ‘Across The Crescent Moon’ crosses boundaries to bring message of hope and peace

Gov. Antonio H. Cerilles

Cerilles to welcome NSPC guests, participants Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles is scheduled to welcome guests and participants in the upcoming National Schools Press Conference(NSPC) with the theme “Strengthening Freedom of Information through Campus Journalism” come January 22 at Megayon, Dao, Pagadian City which expects more

or less 5,000 participants nationwide including visitors and technical working group. The said event will last from January 23-26. This is a landmark activity of the province after a distant 32 years since its last conduct way back February 1985 in Zamboanga Peninsula.

1st Hiscom General Assembly looks to future with an eye to the past

The journalism competition will be graced by the presence of DepEd Secretary, Leonor M. Briones, Undersecretary for Administration, Alain Del B. Pascua, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, Dina S. Ocampo, Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs,

In today’s world marred by chaos, bullying and divisiveness, the Filipino motion picture “Across The Crescent Moon” dares to bring the message of peace and unity. Opening on January 25 in cinemas nationwide, “Across The Crescent Moon” tells the story of Abbas (played by heartthrob Matteo Guidicelli), a Moslem Special Action Force (SAF)

Exemplary Officer who is married to a Christian. Abbas is tasked to investigate a human trafficking syndicate. In the process of carrying out the mission, he runs into conflict with his family, tests his fidelity to Islam, and even endangers his life. Veteran screenwriter Baby Nebrida (who wrote See moon, page A11

See WELCOME, page A11

FULL STORY | PAGE 8

French business delegation due in Davao n

FULL STORY | PAGE 6

Dina Bonnevie and Gabby Concepcion.

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In Focus

Saturday, January 21, 2017

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Xavier Ateneo teachers represent Normin in 1st national boot camp for young educators

CAGAYAN de Oro City-Two Xavier Ateneo Junior High School teachers were selected from applicants across the country to represent Region 10 and participate in the 1st National Young Teachers’ Boot Camp at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna from January 7 to 13. Anito R. Librando Jr and Juanito R. Oliveria II, both faculty members of the English Department, were chosen to be part of the Northern Mindanao delegation for YOUTeacH Philippines Boot Camp 2017. Librando served as mentor to the Region 10 delegates composed of Oli-

veria and three other young educators from the region. Close to 80 participants were picked from almost 1,500 applicants. Founded and led by young teacher and social mover Gian Erik Adao, YOUTeacH is a movement of young Filipino teachers committed to helping each other preserve ideals while pursuing dreams. #YTBootCamp2017’s goal is to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills, and provide them with tools that they can use in launching YOUTeacH in their respective regions. The week-long gathering of teachers was packed with

inspirational talks and workshops from Dreamagineer Prim Paypon of The Dream Project PH on the “The Art of Filipino Dreamagineering,” Sabrina Ongkiko on addressing context, former DepEd assistant secretary Elvin Uy on the status and ongoing reforms of the Philippine Basic Education, teacher Carla Araniego of blissfulguro.com, Aurell Ross Angcos of Splice Business Solution, Lynrose Jane Genon of the Lake Lanao Project, Tisha Cruz of Alpabasa, Potie Guariña and Chat Pinalas of E-Net, and Gerson Abesamis on Design Thinking (project ideation). All mentors and See TEACHERS, page A10

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XAVIER ATENEO TEACHERS. Anito R. Librando Jr. (left) and Juanito R. Oliveria II (right), both faculty members of the XU Junior High School’s English Department, were chosen to be part of the Northern Mindanao delegation for YOUTeacH Philippines Boot Camp 2017. Supplied photo

Darren Espanto wins big at the second Wish FM Music Awards

Proving that talent knows no age, 15-year-old Darren Espanto, yet again, wins big at the 2nd Wish FM Awards last January 16, 2017, taking home three wins including Best Young Artist of the Year. Winning Best Wishclusive Performance by a Young Artist, Wish Original Song of the Year by a Male Artist, and Best Young Artist of the Year, Darren is truly one of the best performers of his generation today. Beyond his God-given talents,

Darren is also gifted with a good heart as, for a second year in a row, he shares his blessings with World Vision Philippines. Darren has selected World Vision Philippines to be his beneficiary for the Wish FM Awards again this year. His generosity will aid in our mission to help more Filipino children in 2017. Truly, all World Vision ambassadors have been an integral part of World Vision’s continued success

in helping more and more children in need each year. Other World Vision Ambassadors and Sponsors nominated were Mr. Ogie Alcasid, Sam Concepcion, Matteo Guidicelli, Jed Madela, Julie Anne San Jose, Aljur Abrenica, and Nyoy Volante. World Vision offers its big thank you and congratulations to all the winners and nominees. To know more about World Vision, please visit www.worldvision.org.ph

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GILBERT Y. CHAO - Motoring Editor

Saturday

motoring January 21, 2017

For Work and Play – Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4 AT If you are in the market for an efficient but capable daily workhorse which can double as a practical recreational vehicle during the weekends, then you better check out Ford’s truck line-up. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L may very well be considered as the “alpha” of pick-up trucks with its imposing dimensions and its 3,198 cc TDCI diesel engine which produces 197.18 hp @ 3,000 rpm and 470 nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm. It has a 1,000-kilogram payload capacity and a 3,500-kilogram towing capacity. Most of us probably won’t be hauling that much cargo in our day-to-day life but as they say, it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Yet, don’t be intimidated by all those numbers. The Ranger Wildtrak is equipped with electronic nannies to help you control all that power under the hood.

The Electronic PowerAssisted Steering (EPAS) system makes steering light and responsive for city driving and when parking, and firmer and easier to control at higher speeds on the open road. If traffic slows in front of you, Adaptive Cruise Control automatically slows to maintain a safe distance. Once traffic clears, it returns to your cruising speed. If the system detects the potential for a collision up ahead, it will flash a red warning signal on your windscreen and pre-charge your brakes, ready to stop quickly. The comprehensive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ensures that you have sure-footing even in varying conditions. The 6-speed automatic transmission wasn’t as responsive as I would have liked but it is not much of an issue as shifting to S mode enabled me to manually move up and down the gears. The seat offers a commanding view

of the road ahead and the 237 mm ground clearance gives you the confidence to take on any terrain. You can also shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive on the fly with a turn of a knob. Of course, the Ranger Wildtrak’s 800 mm wading depth capacity has to be its most relevant selling point. Even if you have no plans of crossing rivers and streams to explore the wilderness, there is no escaping the yearly monsoon floods. At a price tag of P 1, 709, 000, you also get creature comforts like dual climate control, a built-in cooler box and an android-compatible entertainment system with an 8-inch touch screen display. You also get Ford’s SYNC system to keep you hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while you operate all those electronic gadgetry. To know more about the Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4 AT, visit www.ford.com.ph

Photos by Kit Pilla

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Opinion

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Think A Minute The Mindanao Daily is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. It is Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735. With Business Plate No. BP-28984, Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN No. 464682-324-000. Main Business address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 857-8447, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President TERESA ZAFRA PELONE Comptroller melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising WEMALYN GARCIA Marketing Rolando sudaria Production felix santillan Layout Artist manila marketing office 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860

Above the law

THINK a minute. Does a thief steal because he’s a thief? Or, is he a thief because he steals? Studies show that over 80% of criminals who have been in prison and then freed after serving their time are back in prison for the same crime in less than 1 year! So back to our question: Does a thief steal because he’s a thief? Or, is he a thief because he steals? The answer: he steals because he’s a thief. We do what we do because of what we are inside. Jesus said that you and I can still be a murderer even if we don’t murder anyone. If we hate somebody and wouldn’t mind if someone else killed that person, then

MIJIE JUAT MAY IGLECIAS Account Executives

When you and I do something good to impress and look good in front of others, Jesus sees and judges our wrong heart and motives even for doing those good things. Jesus wants us to do them because we genuinely love Him and others, not for our own self-centered pride and good image in front of people. You’re probably thinking: “If Jesus’ commands are that high above the law, then is anyone that good and perfect?!” Of course not! No one is! That’s exactly why Jesus came: to finally change our heart and character inside. The law can only punish us for our crime, but it cannot change us on the inside.

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

Jesus came to finally take the dishonest thief out of us, so to speak. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you for your wrong heart and way of living right now? Ask Him to start changing you inside into a new person. It’s only with His character and nature in charge of your heart, that you can finally enjoy the freedom of living above the law for the rest of your life. Just Think a Minute.

Marginalia

Islamic, un-Islamic, or Islamist?

By Mansoor L. Limba of MindaNews

MAKATI City––At the sideline of a peace-building symposium-workshop at the height of the national DAVAO OFFICE: ILIGAN OFFICE: electoral campaign pe Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., G/F IBJT North Terminal riod last year, the casual CM Recto Ave., Davao City Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City conversation between two SARA CASTOR long-time friends, a Muslim Manager SONNY SURDIA NGO worker and a Mind 0926-398-8293 Manager anao-based non-Muslim journalist, turned into a EDITORIAL heated argument over an ALLAN M. MEDIANTE ‘accurate’ descriptive word Editor-in-Chief for such groups as the Abu Sayyaf Group and others. ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ The NGO worker pro Managing Editor Executive Editor tested against the journal CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO ist’s use of the term ‘Islamic Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor extremism’ to describe such GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit groups or their activities. Motoring Editor Photo Journalist “They cannot be ‘Islamic’ because what they are doing PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN are clearly against the teach Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao ings of Islam!” he would Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING complain. Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor “But they are using Is AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA lamic symbols, metaphors Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant and justifications!” the journalist would reason out. ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI As I was attentively lisNOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE tening to both arguments, CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 I can’t help but call to mind CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY postmodernism’s recurring Legal Counsel themes, particularly Jacques --------------------------------------------------------------Derrida’s ‘grammatology’ or bureau and mktg staff semiotic analysis given in candy macabale - 09161326483 his various writings. RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 Derrida’s grammatology MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 According to Derrida, GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 who was a preeminent postNorth Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0936-303-0410 modernist figure, textual is VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 the way in which the social quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON world is constructed. For Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 him the world is constituted tangub city - bobby mag usara like a text such that interOROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 preting the world reflects ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 what he calls “the textual cotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 interplay at work,” or the davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 concepts and structures of davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 language. digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez In order to expose these davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) textual interplays, Derrida butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 advances two ways, viz. san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 deconstruction and double San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 reading (Derrida, Of GramZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO -09177103642 matology, 1976). Anchored Member: in the idea that seemingly ORO CHAMBER stable and natural concepts Philippine Press Institute and relations within lan lani vallido Marketing and Sales Manager

we also are a murderer in our heart. Jesus said that if we lust and desire to have sex with someone who’s not our wife or husband, then we’ve already committed adultery because in our heart we are an adulterer. Jesus’ way of living is far above the law. It goes beyond just the minimum, small requirements of the law which simply try to keep society civil. But God did not create you and me just so we would not cheat or steal from our enemy. He designed us to love our enemy. Jesus knows that if we truly love and care about a person, then we don’t need a law to keep us from cheating or stealing from them!

guage are in fact artificial constructs, arranged hierarchically such that in the case of opposites in language one term is always privileged over the other, deconstruction is a means of showing how all theories and discourses rely on artificial stabilities produced by the use of seemingly objective and natural oppositions in language; for example, light/ darkness, knowledge/ignorance, white/black, friend/ enemy. In a bid to demonstrate how these stabilizations operate, Derrida subjects the text to double reading, the first being a repetition of the dominant reading to show how it achieves its outward coherence and the second being the demonstration of the internal tensions within a text that result from the use of ostensibly natural stabilizations. His aim is not to come to a ‘correct’ or even ‘one’ reading of a text, but to show how there is always more than one reading of any text. Applying both deconstruction and double reading, one would venture to ask, “If used to modify something praiseworthy, which term is privileged over the other – ‘Islamic’ or ‘un-Islamic’? How about if it is used to describe something blameworthy?” “In between ‘Islamic’ and ‘unIslamic’ at both ends of a spectrum, is there any possibility of a third modifier? In other words, is there a possible gray in between white and black?” Islamic? The argument goes, “They are ‘Islamic’ groups in the sense that their members are Muslims, or at least, they claim to be such; they use Islamic symbols and metaphors such as the black flag with religious inscription in Arabic, and the utterance of ‘Allahu akbar’

(‘Allah is the greatest’) in their propaganda materials; they justify their acts as part of ‘jihad’.” Backed up by this kind of reasoning, the label ‘Islamic’ inevitably gives the impression that the term being described is ideally representative of, or in line with, Islam and that there is a unanimous view of Muslims or the majority of them in this regard. But the truth of the matter is that it is not so. In fact, many Muslims, if not most of them, take offense with the media hype ‘Islamic terrorism’ or ‘Islamic extremism’. As an expected drawback, such a label provides such groups an axe to grind about the allegation that “there is indeed a foreign (Western) conspiracy to demonize Islam and the Muslims,” thereby aptly dragging the ‘victimized’ typical Muslims into the warm embrace of those groups. ‘Maute Group’ The appellation ‘Maute Group’ also works the same way. What is the origin of the appellation? Do the leadership and members of the group explicitly identify themselves as such? A background study of the group shows that since 2013 it has been identifying itself as ‘Dawlah Islamiyah’ (‘Islamic State’) [in Lanao] while its precursor was Khilafah Islamiyah Mindanao-Black Flag Movement (KIM-BFM). Then, who originates the ‘Maute Group’ appellation? If Google search were the basis, the media that oftentimes erroneously describes ‘Khilafah Islamiyah Mindanao’ as ‘Khalifah’ (Caliph) (instead of ‘Khilafah’ (Caliphate)) is also the one that cogently coins the appellation, obviously for convenience’s sake. What’s the justification?

“Well, the founders of the group are two Maute brothers, Abdullah and Omar, and a good number of its members are the founders’ relatives,” one might be put forth. Granted that tens, say fifty, members of the group bear the family name ‘Maute’, is this hasty generalization justifiable? Is it reasonable to implicitly implicate in the popular court of public opinion the hundreds, if not thousands, of members of the clan to the group and its notoriety? Is this not playing the very game of the players one refuses to play with? No wonder, for individuals for whom drowning in the deep blue sea of stereotyping and guilt by association is imminent, befriending the ‘devil’ of violent extremism is by far ‘a lesser evil’. Un-Islamic? The binary opposite of this ‘Islamic’ appellation is the simplistic dismissal and dissociation of such groups with Islam: “The ISIS is un-Islamic. The activities of such-andsuch groups are against the teachings and principles of Islam. Those who commit such acts are not Muslims, even if they call themselves ‘Muslims’. Terrorism is ‘haram’. No Muslim is a terrorist!” The fact is that with all their doctrinal sophistication and communication astuteness, these groups use Islamic symbols and theological bases in such a way that awfully appeal to the innate idealism and heroism of young Muslims. As you condemn terrorism, they would instantly present you with a plethora of Qur’anic passages, citations from the Prophetic tradition (hadith), and/or selective historical See ISLAMIC, page A11

In Focus 5 FAO, New Zealand partner to support conflict-and drought-affected towns FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Saturday, January 21, 2017

IG KAWAYAN, Cotab ato pro v ince--Farming and fishing families in Mindanao are no stranger to natural and human-induced disasters. For over four decades now, their lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by periodic armed clashes. In the past five years, strong typhoons and w idespre ad drought have worsened their struggle.

“Equipping farming and fishing communities with skills, knowledge and resources to recover from crises, to minimize losses from future disasters, and to eventually rise from poverty is among the most important programs of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the country,” said FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández. Through a USD3-million grant from the New Zealand Government, FAO is currently supporting the recovery of 10,475 farming and fishing households in the Province of Cotabato. The project, which will operate until October 2017, aims to re-start agricultural livelihoods and improve the coping abilities and resilience of smallholders in five municipalities: Aleosan, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan and Pikit. The distribution of farm and fisheries inputs is currently underway. This includes rice, corn and

Distribution of farming and fisheries production inputs are currently underway in the Province of Cotabato. Photo credit: ©FAO/Saudi Ampatuan

vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings, fertilizer, drying nets, small farm machinery, post-harvest equipment, hand tools, livestock and poultry, tilapia fingerlings and gill nets. To complement these resources, FAO is also conducting climate-smart farmer field schools and other livelihood skills trainings, training on basic planning for disaster risk reduction and management in agriculture including in agriculture hazard and vulnerability mapping and analysis, good

practice options and technologies, and early warning and disaster preparedness. “We have seen how peace, food security and economic growth are often mutually reinforcing. It is from this perspective that we emphasize the need for communities to be provided the kind of support that the Government of New Zealand is enabling us to deliver,” Fernández added. Food security situation National accounts reveal that 11 of the 20 poorest provinces are found

A woman fisher stands by a lake in Sitio Bulogo, Baranggay Matilac in Pigkawayan Municipality and shows a gill net she received through FAO’s New Zealand-funded project, which supports the resumption of agricultural livelihoods affected by natural disasters and armed conflict. Photo credit: ©FAO/Dante Diosina

in agriculture-dependent Mindanao. Some threefourths of the population of Mindanao or about 12.6 million people fall under levels 2 (mild chronic food insecurity), 3 (moderate chronic food insecurity) and 4 (severe chronic food insecurity), on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Of these, 1.96 million were found to be suffering from severe chronic food insecurity in 2015. FAO program in Mindanao

Since 2015, FAO has been working with the Government to address priority agricultural development issues in the region through its Mindanao Strategic Program for Agriculture and Agribusiness (MSPAA). While yet to be fully-funded, the MSPAA has served as a framework for the implementation of at least five projects in areas most severely affected by natural and man-made calamities. FAO’s work in Mindanao is implemented in close

partnership with the Government through its various agencies on the national, regional and local levels. FAO also coordinates with the Mindanao Development Authority and works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the Bangsamoro Development Agency, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and other pertinent agencies and local government units.

A farmer at Sitio Bulacayon in Pigkawayan Municipality walks next to a carabao she received through FAO. The primary objective of this New Zealand-funded FAO project is to contribute to the attainment of sustainable peace and development in the province by supporting the government in the restoration and building the resilience of agriculture- and fisheries-based livelihoods affected by conflict, drought and flooding. Photo credit: ©FAO/Dante Diosina

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Culture & Arts

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The Night Stalker

1st Hiscom General Assembly looks to future with an eye to the past T

he Cagayan de Oro Historical and Cultural Commission’s (Hiscom) civil society counterpart held their first general assembly last Sunday, 16 January 2017 to firm up their organizational structure and future events. Hosted by Hiscom Chair Dr. Erlinda M. Burton at the XU Museo de Oro of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan, the event was also graced by Local Economic & Investments Promotions Officer Eileen E. San Juan and City Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, chairman of the city council tourism committee, representing City

Mayor Oscar S. Moreno. “We really need the assistance of our stakeholders since there are only five of us commissioners in the Hiscom and there’s so much to do,” said Dr. Burton in her welcome remarks. “We are also constrained by our approved budget which cannot even provide us with funds to conduct events on our own so we are going to definitely need the support of our stakeholders for possible private partnerships.” The Hiscom Stakeholders were first consulted by the Hiscom September last year and they have

since participated Hiscom activities notably the groundbreaking for the new Museum Annex building and tree planting along the river banks of Duaw Kagay-an Park. The group is headed by Ludy Jongco-Quiblat as chairperson and Jesus Christopher Salon as secretary-general. During last Sunday’s general assembly, those present updated their committee memberships following the same structure along which the Hiscom is organized. In her brief talk, Ms. San Juan briefed the stakeholders on the City’s four major

The XU Cultural Dance Troupe performs during the 1st General Assembly of Hiscom Stakeholders

Hiscom and Stakeholders take a souvenir pose ff the 1st General Assembly 1-16-17 at XU Museo de Oro

tourism events: the 2nd Cagayan de Oro Chinese New Festival on January 21-28; Himguso on June 12-15; the Higalaay Festival on the fiesta month of August and Pasko de Oro for December. For his part, Councilor Pascual stressed the city council, especially the tourism committee which he chairs, is ever ready to support the Hiscom’s endeavors. “In fact, during our special ses-

sion last 13 January 2017, the city council unanimously approved the resolution I sponsored endorsing 13-17 March 2017 as General Douglas MacArthur Week,” he said. The meeting concluded with a dance presentation of the Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe relating the story of Datu Salangsang, the Higa-onon chieftain who founded the first settlement of

Cagayan de Oro called Cagaiang, at the present site of the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral complex and Gaston Park. The Hiscom and the Stakeholders are now developing a decade long series of events celebrating the founding of Cagaiang to start on 2018 dubbed Kagay-iyang 390, marking the 390th founding of Cagayan de Oro’s original settlement.

Hiscom and Stakeholders take a souvenir pose with the XU Cultural Dance Troupe ff the 1st General Assembly 1-16-17 at XU Museo de Oro

Education

Saturday

January 21, 2017

Kagayanon International Feature:

TAPOK 2017 will be in San Francisco, California By Gwendolyn R. Garcia

A Brief History of TAPOK The idea of gathering Kagay-anons living abroad was a seed planted by the late Roy C. Gaane, founder and president of Kagayanon International (KI). Roy was instrumental in drawing up a list of Kagay-anons who had migrated to the United States by keeping track of new arrivals ultimately connecting everyone via his KI Newsletter. It was thru said newsletter that homesick Kagay-anons not only heard fresh news about recent happenings back home. They also learned

about recent arrivals. Remember that all this took place before the age of computers, emails and Facebook. Everything had to be done manually through a typewriter and painstakingly sent out by snail mail. One thing led to another setting off the first big gathering of Kagayanons in Chicago in 1982. This reunion of sorts evolved through the years and is now popularly referred to as TAPOK. This biggest gathering of town mates from the old hometown is now on its 16th event, covering a span of 34 years from its initial inception.

TAPOK through the Years 1982 Chicago 1984 Los Angeles 1986 Toronto 1988 Seattle 1992 New York 1996 San Francisco 1998 Las Vegas 2001 Houston 2003 San Diego 2005 Honolulu 2007 Las Vegas 2009 New Jersey 2011 Los Angeles 2013 Toronto 2015 Vancouver And this coming August 4 to 6, 2017, the Kagay-anons of Northern Kagay-anons in West Covina, California gather in remembrance of the late Roy C. California, headed by Gaane, founder of Kagayanon Int’l led by his wife Gerlou during his 1st death antapok/PAGE 11 niversary last Jan. 11, 2017.

The Night Stalker

Loreto’s Hosts Meet-and-Greet with Kagay-anon author KK Levis Fans and friends of a Kagay-anon author now based in Sydney, Australia had a rare chance to hobnob with her in per-

The Praternal Order of Eagles national president Kuya Louie Ceniza andministers the ceremonial turn over of leadership of the NMR1 outgoing Governor Kuya Maximo Dondon Allorin to the incoming Governor Kuya Anjun Gomez.. MD photo.

son during a meet-andgreet hosted by Loreto’s Grill and Restaurant last Saturday, 14 January 2017.

KK Maslog-Levis autographs her book amidst stories about it published in some local newspapers.

Kristyn Kay “KK” Maslog-Levis is the author of “The Girl Between Two Worlds”, published locally by Anvil Publishing House and marketed by National Book Store. The event was organized by Donna Ocampo, KK’s former colleague at ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao who is now the station manager for Cagayan de Oro. Later in the evening, KK had a “jolly good” reunion with her former colleagues in the ABS-CBN news department later the same loreto’s/PAGE 11

business

NGCP weighs cost impact of power line interconnections Editor: Nelson V. Constantino

Saturday

January 21, 2017

By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

RIVATE concessionaire firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has indicated that it is supporting the studies of its technical partner State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) on power lines interconnection within the Southeast Asian region, but its bigger concern is actually premised more on its cost impact to Filipino consumers. line interconnection for the country’s Visayas and Mindanao power grids. This has been the recently reiterated mandate given to NGCP, as verbalized to the media by Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi last month. The planned Negros-Zamboanga Interconnection Project (NZIP) City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio receives Laurent Le Godec, Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy is currently under study Davao to the Philippines, where they discussed possible economic cooperation and strengthening cultural ties. based on an imprimatur set Photo courtesy of Davao City Information Office by the Energy Regulatory Commission. An earlier interconnection plan via submarine By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO cable from Leyte to MindPrime Minister Shinzo Abe last week is foreign and local investors. Correspondent anao was abandoned due The forum, with the date and venue expected to usher in more investment. to cost implications “We are confident as Davao City still being finalized, is intended for See NGCP, page A10 DAVAO City -- A delegation of French local and foreign businessmen “to has successfully gained more interinvestors is set to arrive in this city find room to expand their economic est from the Japanese businessmen,” to explore business opportunities, cooperation.” said Lemuel G. Ortonio, head of the Republic of the Philippines the city government confirmed folREGIONAL TRIAL COURT Mr. Le Godec said the French Davao City Investment and Promo12th Judicial Region lowing Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s investors are coming “to see for tions Center, who was among those Branch 11, Malabang, Lanao del Sur meeting with French Embassy Deputy themselves what projects they can who briefed the Japanese business RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION Head of Mission Laurent Le Godec put up” in the city. delegation on opportunities in the city. OF DATE OF BIRTH IN THE BOOK on Monday. In the briefing, Mr. Ortonio deHe also told Ms. Duterte-Carpio OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF BINIDAYAN, LANAO DEL DUR A statement from the City Infor- that cultural ties can be strengthened tailed the investment areas that the SPECIAL PROCEEDING NO. mation Office quoted Mr. Le Godec with the city’s hosting of the annual city government has identified as 2016-0076 GAMORANAO HAMDAG SANGCOPAN, as saying that the delegation will French Film Festival. priorities. These are: agriculture; Petitioner, participate in a business forum that tourism and recreational Meanwhile, the city government -versusthe city government is planning for also said that the visit of Japanese See BUSINESS, page A10 THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

“We are supporting the conduct of such studies. But our concern is how much would it cost consumers, because if it’s too expensive, then we really have to consider that,” NGCP President Henry T. Sy Jr. has noted. He emphasized that cost would certainly be an issue because the Philippine power lines could be the farthest that can be linked to the electricity system of the region. In fact even before jumping into that monumental ambition of linking up ASEAN power grids, NGCP has more pressing agenda to explore the transmission

OF BINIDAYAN, LANAO DEL SUR. Respondent. X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X

ORDER Before this Court is a verified petition for correction of date of birth of petitioner GAMORANAO HAMDAG SANGCOPAN who was allegedly born on March 18, 1957 in Tambac, Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, but whose date of birth was allegedly erroneously indicated as Dec. 25, 1952 in his Certificate of Live birth which was registered with the office of the Mun. Civil Registrar of Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, on April 11, 2006. Finding the aforesaid petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby set for hearing before this court on February 6, 2017 at 8:30 in the morning. Let copy of this order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a Newspaper of general circulation Lanao del Sur or Marawi City or Iligan City for three (3) consecutive weeks. The Municipal Civil Registrar of Binidayan, Lanao del Sur the Civil Registrar General, or any person or party who has an interest in the petition may file his/her opposition there to within 15 days’ notice of this petition or from the last day of the publication of this order. Further, let this order be posted for 15 days prior to the date of hearing on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Hall of Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, Bulletin Board of the Barangay Hall of Tambac, Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, Which is the place of Birth of the petitioner; and to the Bulletin Board of this Court, also at the expense of the petitioner. The petitioner is directed to notify this Court of the Publication of this Order not later than three (3) days before Feb. 6, 2017. Furnish copies of this Order together with copies of the petition and its annexes, to the Municipal Civil Registrar of Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, the Hon. Solicitor General, Makati City and the Hon, Civil Registrar General, (NSO) National Statistics Office, Manila. SO ORDERED. Malabang, Lanao del Sur, Philippines. December 15, 2016 (SGD.) LACSAMAN M. BUSRAN Presiding Judge MDN: Jan 7, 14 & 21, 2017

French business delegation due in Davao

Education

Saturday

THE GRADE ONE 3-IN-1 ACTIVITY By Eva Marie M. Gapulan Master Teacher ll Don Carlos Central Elementary School

For three years now, the Grade One Teachers have initiated the 3-in1 activity; the Fun Run/ Walk, the clean-up Drive, and The Tree Planting/ Tree Growing Activity. This Activity is held only once every school year. The parents and most of all, the pupils are always excited looking forward to this activity. The Fun Run/Fun Walk is designed to instill in the minds of the pupils the value of a healthy body and healthy mind. The

Pupils were to run/walk around the Lake Pinamaloy together with their parents. The clean-up drive is also designed to inculcate in the pupils mind the value of cleanliness. The parents and pupils were to clean to surroundings of the lake Pinamaloy. The tree Planting/Tree Growing is also designed to educate not just the pupils but also the parents the value of nature preservation. During the first year of this activity, the pupils and parents planted trees

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

By Ruel A. Acera ESHT –ll Mabuhay Elementary School Division of Valencia City

All eyes are on the government as it’s fully implements the K to 12 program. The Department of Education (DepEd) started preparations for the additional two years of high school as soon as the Enhanced Basic Education Act was signed in 2013. Learners are the center of this education reform. By the end of 12 years basic education high school graduates are expected to have a basic skills needed in the workforce. Senior high school refers to grade 11 and grade 12 the last two years implemented by the Department of Education. Students begin to study in Senior High School (SHS) the subject that will introduce them to their preferred career path. High school

in the old system consisted of First year to Fourth year. What correspond to four years today are Grades 7 to 10, also known as Junior High School (JHS) Furthermore, Under Republic Act No.10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013) you will have complete kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6 (Elementary) , Grades 7 to 10 ( Junior High School),Grades 11 to 12 (Senior High School) in all 13 year before you can received a High School Diploma. Is it compulsory? Students cannot be force to spend two or more years in school but if they stop at Grade 10 they will only receive Junior High School Certificate not a High School Diploma. Students who belong to K to 12 generation but do not complete Grade 12 will be disadvantaged, in that they will not be accepted into

along the banks of Lake Pinamaloy. In the second year, the parents and pupils planted or replaced those plants that did not thrive. And this year, they watered the plants, and some made tree guards to help them thrive/grow. The Fun Run/Fun Walk and the clean-up drive were contested, and so there were winners who were given prizes. But the non-winner participants were given consolation prizes also. Kudos to the parents, pupils and teachers who actively participated in this endeavor. college degree or Technical Vocational Certificate Program without a SHS diploma. They will also miss out the opportunity to learn skills that qualify them for employment right after senior high school or prepare them to put up their own business. Advantages of K to 12 education students, they can apply for a work(employment) after senior high school since he/she has already skills in working such as computer hardware services, cooking, dressmaking etc. Students can teach entrepreneurship because he obtained entrepreneurial skills, can start his own business rather than looking for a job and its disadvantages, a students who want to pursue BS degree will spend longer years to finish depending on the subject he got if credited after taking Senior High School.

MOTHER TONGUE: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES By Donna Liza M. Rosell Master Teacher I Don Carlos Central Elementary School

Research has shown that students who are taught in the same language spoken at home and the community develop better languages abilities in other languages and even do better in other areas of study of study. Further advantages includes: Children are more likely to enroll and succeed in school , if the language instruction is the same as the child’s mother language. There is a better chance for the child to fit in and continue with education. Secondly, the parents are more likely to participate in their children’s learning. Parents will feel they can actually make difference

in the child’s education, if they are freely able to communicate the teacher and be able to help their children at home. Children’s tends to developed better thinking skills. Thirdly: Expand the reach of educationmany rural kids would have their parents and relatives no knowledge of English so they cannot help their children in doing their assignments and other school related activities. Improve learning outcome during primary school, having a mother tongue education enable the kids to grasp the course context as they are used to vocabulary. In using Mother Tongue,

there are also disadvantages. The students have a painful shift at high school or college, they had to keep translating all the concepts from Mother Tongue to English. Mother tongue-based education promotes the Mother Tongue at the cost of bridges languages, will enable the students to connect with the rest of the world. If school don’t expose the students to English, they will find it hard mastering the language. Getting greater opportunities in this highly fluid world,we are people need to be coversant in English. Ideally, we should have to blend English and Mother Tongue as languages used in school.

EFFECTS OF POVERTY ON SOCIETY By Donna Liza M. Rosell Master Teacher I Don Carlos Central Elementary School

The vicious cycle of poverty mentioned mean that lifelong handicaps and troubles that are passed from one generation to another. To name just few of this hereditary plagues; no school or education, child labor to help their parents, lack of basic hygiene, transmission of diseases. Unemployment and very low income create an environment where kids can’t simply go to school. As for those who can actually go to school, they simply do not see how hard work can improve their life as they see their parents fail at the

task everyday. Other plagues associated poverty: alcohol and substance abuse from kids slums to adults.This is a very common self distructing habits often taken as a way to cope huge amount of stress and despair. Crippling accident due to unsafe working environment as well as other work hazards .Poor housing and living conditions, a classic cause of disease, water and food related diseases simply because the poor can’t always afford “safe foods” In the end poverty is a major cause of social tensions in the society . This happens

wealth in the country is poorly distributed among its citizen-in other words when a tiny minority has all the money. Ever since the share of children affected by poverty has only got bigger and bigger. Children are those who have least choice and ability to change what happens to them. Their isn’t much they can do to help their parents. All possible effect of poverty have an impact on children lives .Poor infrastructure, lack of education, malnutrition, violence at home and outside, child labor and so forth. They are the powerless victim of this global problem poverty.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS By Eva Marie M. Gapulan Master Teacher ll Don Carlos Central Elementary School

Pawikan nest discovered. Davao Light and Power Company delightfully welcomed the newly found pawikan eggs last January 10, 2017 at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. Pawikan tracks were spotted along the shore which led to the discovery of the nest. The mother pawikan is expected to be back in two weeks to lay her next batch of eggs. A female pawikan usually lays eggs three to five times in two-week interval during their mating season. supplied photo

January 21, 2017

Christmas in school is usually celebrated through classroom parties where pupils and parents being their own food to share with their classmates and friends. But Christmas 2016 was celebrated by Don Carlos Central Elementary School Grade 1 teachers and some kindergarten Teachers, pupils and parents very differently. The parents, pupils and teachers donated in kind like used clothes, toys, bags, shoes, food items, and cash for the benefit of pupils in kabalansihan Elementary School, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. This school was chosen to be the recipient of the “giving gift program 2016” in view of the fact that these pupils were seen asking/begging alms along

the streets during Christmas season. Early in the morning of December 19,2016,the teachers went to Kabalansihan Elementary School to give the gifts which were individually packed. The pupils were very excited and happy to received their gifts. Aside from the gifts they received, they were also given snacks to enjoy. The teachers together with the principal of Kabalansihan Elementary School were also very thankful that they were the beneficiary of the gift giving program. Likewise, the Grade 1 and kindergarten teacher of Don Carlos Central Elementary School were also grateful that they were accommodated heartily and they also hoped that Gift- giving Program will

not be the end but will only be the beginning so that many children will benefit from this program. The Grade 1 Teachers who joined this program were Mrs. Mary Lolyn T. Bermejo, Mrs Carolyn J. Cimafranca, Mrs. Arlien A. Flores, Mrs. Eva Marie M. Gapulan, Mrs.Donalyn C. Lacorte, Mrs. Carmelita J. Noval, Mrs. Elvie D. Pacala, Mrs. Donna Liza M. Rosell, Miss Cynthche Mae J. Salga, Mrs. Irene H. Segura and Miss Celisa Y. Suello; the Kindergarten Teachers were Mrs. Anne Klien L. Tusoy, Mrs. Halilie T. Caburnay, Mrs. Rizelle Kineth a. Navia,Mrs. Jelly Capio and Mrs.Tess Patti S. Dela Cruz. God bless the kindhearted pupils , parents and Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers.

A10

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Saturday, January 14, 2017

Teachers...

Business...

participants embarked on community visits and immersion activities in the relocation sites in Calauan, Laguna and they were also divided into groups for breakout sessions for possible partnerships with The Storytelling Project, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, Silid Aralan, Youth for Human Rights Ad-rem, and I am Sam Foundation. Each regional group was then given the opportunity to conceptualize regional projects and pitch their ideas to a panel with representatives from SM Foundation, UP-NCPAG and the US Embassy Manila. The group pitched for a project aptly named KatuTURO to help teachers of indigenous communities to come up with locally made learning materials. The formal launching of YOUTeacH Philippines held on the last day of the boot camped was attended by DepEd USec. Alain Pascua, USec. Phillip Dy from the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines, and Carolyn Glassman of the US Embassy. The national launch of YOUTeacH in the Philippines and the 1st National Young Teachers’ Boot Camp were funded by the US Embassy in the Philippines through its Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund.

facilities; light manufacturing and assembly; property development; health and wellness; education; sports facilities; environmental protection-related projects; information and communication technology; new sources of energy; and transportation and infrastructure. The city government said among the Japanese companies that were represented in the meeting were Marubeni Corp, Mitsubishi Corp, Itochu Corp, Sumitomo Corp, Toyota Motor Corp, and Mizuho Financial Group.

from page A2

Unit 2A, Bldg. #4 Pueblo de Oro, Masterson Ave., 9000 Cagayan de Oro City | Telefax No. (088) 850.3233 | wolanddevelopment@gmail.com

This is to inform the public that Woland Development and Trading Corporation was amended to Woland Construction and Development Corporation effective December 02, 2016 with SEC No. C.S 2011333629. (SGD). NORMEN P. MENDEZ President / CEO

MDN: Jan 21, 2017

from page A8

NGCP... from page A8

as well as on the challenges of physical interconnections of facilities. For the ASEAN power grid interconnection, Chi-

nese firm State Grid has noted that it is integrating in its study the possibility of linking Philippine electricity system to the rest of Southeast Asia. State Grid has palpable grand targets of connecting the world’s power line networks via its Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) initiative that was laid down by its top executives in a gathering of world energy leaders in Houston last year. It was noted that the GEI proposal “not only depicts a new blueprint for green and low-carbon development of world energy, but also paves a new roadmap for combating climate change.” The Chinese firm said this undertaking is highly feasible with the deployment of ultra-high voltage (UHV) power grid, smart grid and clean energy technologies.

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Islamic... from page 4

accounts in order to doctrinally justify their violent acts. Worse still, they might even declare that it is you who actually went outside the pale of Islam and is condemned to death for being a ‘murtad’ (apostate)! No doubt, a regional Muslim authority’s issuance of a religious edict (fatwa) against terrorism in 2015 can be considered a laudable bold step. Yet, the fact that the said fatwa is written in Arabic and that no official English and Filipino translations of it have been so far posted in the same website two years since its issuance is something regrettable, as it dismally fails to reach a wider audience – the overwhelming majority of local Muslims, the youth in particular, who are not Arabic literate. In this age of information overload and unprecedented speed wherein religious sermons delivered on top of the wooden ‘mimbar’ (pulpit) of the mosque are replaced (or supplemented) by Facebook posts and Tweets in the cyberspace, the ‘khatib’ (preacher) needs more than a loud speaker. The middle ground After doing Derridian ‘deconstruction’ and ‘double reading’ of the terms ‘Islamic’ and ‘un-Islamic’ to describe certain groups, is ‘a third reading’ possible? Can we come up with a middle ground? Can we find a neutral platform? As I was passively listening to the arguments of the journalist (who uses the appellation ‘Islamic’ to those groups) and the NGO worker (who, in contrast, prefers the label ‘un-Islamic’ to describe the same), I was imagining myself telling them both, “In my personal opinion, both of you have valid points in your arguments. Apart from ‘Islamic’ and ‘un-Islamic’, ‘Islamist’ is a due candidate to describe those groups – more accurately. The modifier ‘Islamist’ suggests that those groups adopt Islam – implicitly or explicitly – as their overarching ideology (‘ism’) but whether this adoption is religiously correct or not on the basis of the textual sources of Islam is a different story.” In other words, the universe is not a monopoly of binary equations. The world is not always a case of “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Zero-sum is not always the game in town. In the Derridian jargon, there is always a multiple reading of a text. ••• [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Mansoor L. Limba, PhD in International Relations, is a writer, educator, blogger, chess trainer, and translator (from Persian into English and Filipino) with tens of written and translation works to his credit on such subjects as

international politics, history, political philosophy, intra-faith and interfaith relations, cultural heritage, Islamic finance, jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (‘ilm al-kalam), Qur’anic sciences and exegesis (tafsir), hadith, ethics, and mysticism. He can be reached at mlimba@ diplomats.com, or http:// w w w.m limb a.com and http://www.muslimandmoney.com.]

TAPOK... from page A9

President Peter Garcia, are elated to host the upcoming TAPOK because it has been 20 long years since it played host way back in 1996. The organization is committed to provide attendees with a unique and enjoyable affair that they will remember for years to come. The 3-day event will be at the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront which offers a lovely view of the bay, in addition to convenient access to airports and San Francisco city proper. Activities are geared to enable participants to maximize their time during their stay. TAPOK activities for the first two days will start later in the afternoon so that there is plenty of time to go sightseeing for several hours. Welcome to the 16th TAPOK in one of the most beautiful places in the world: San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Experience the vibrant City by the Bay, pose by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable car in Union Square, eat clam chowder at Pier 39, delight at the sight of the Painted Ladies and the world’s crookedest street or take a quick boat ride around Alcatraz. All these and more will be yours when you join us at the 16th TAPOK on Aug. 4-6, 2017. What is it about TAPOK that generates so much interest and excitement? It is during TAPOK where you will encounter childhood friends and neighbors, classmates and cousins and make new friends. It is akin to being “home” because for 3 full days, you will be in the company of people who are like family since you all share a common town, common friends and similar childhood experiences and memories. That is TAPOK’s magnetic and enduring allure. Every single TAPOK has been unique, successful and special in its own way. The forthcoming one will be no different in that it will be just as fun and memorable and perhaps even more. The Kagay-anons of Northern California promise you an affair to remember at this 16th TAPOK. And as the song goes, you might even leave your heart in San Francisco!

Loreto’s... from page A7

day. “The Girl Between Two Worlds” is actually KK’s

Saturday, January 21, 2017 third book, the first two being self-published children’s books, “The Dragon and the Lizard” and “We Have It All (A True Story).” The two latter books can still be purchased through Amazon, as is the e-book for the latest. “For the last couple of years I’ve been working on my first ever novel that included the Filipino mythology and takes it outside of the Philippines. After four years of writing, editing and pitching, Anvil Publishing picked up my book last year.” “I vividly remember where the concept came from. I was wondering why when Filipinos migrate to other countries we stop ‘seeing’ spirits, ghosts and monsters everywhere. I remember saying tabi apo as a child and being scared of kicking ant hills because a Nuno sa Punso might be living there. I remember freaking out when I heard bat wings because it might be a manananggal! And who wasn’t scared of the harmless banga in the corner of the house? A Tiyanak might be living in there, you never know.” “But when I moved to Australia, all of those creatures suddenly disappeared. I stopped saying tabi apo and highways at night weren’t homes of the white lady anymore. I did feel a bit sad.” “So I wondered, what if even after you migrate to another country, these creatures still haunt you. What if there was a Tiyanak in the park where you take your kids? What if there was a manananggal living close to your house? That was how “The Girl Between Two Worlds” was born.” Though originally conceived as a trilogy, the story will not be limited to a sequel. Still, KK hopes to “spread the wonderful fear that our stories provide.” In lieu of a third book in a trilogy, KK has practically finished a third novel inspired by Ibong Adarna is an epic written in the 15th Century about a magical bird (i.e., the Ibong Adarna). Though attributed to José de la Cruz a.k.a. Huseng Sisiw, the real author remains unknown. Legend says that the story was written in Spain during the mid 15th century by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and was brought to the Philippines during 1565. The story tells the story of the mythical Ibong Adarna which has magical powers like changing itself to many forms and sings seven songs which can either enchant anyone to sleep, turn into stone or heal a deadly sickness. Thus, the dying King Fernando of Berbania tasked his three sons to catch the magical bird. However, KK has placed a modern twist in the story which is set in the modern USA, and the three sons have become three daughters a la the Kardashians. Their dying billionaire fa-

ther now asks them to go back to the land of their origin (siempre sa Pinas!) and catch the Ibong Adarna to heal his fatal sickness (are you reading this Donald Trump?) If KK can submit the manuscript within Anvil’s first quarter deadline, chances are it will hit the bookstores either late this year or early next year. But can we wait that long? Kristyn Maslog-Levis is a freelance journalist/ photographer/editor who used to be a field reporter for ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro and the first journalist to reach the captured rebel camp in Sultan Gumander in Lanao del Sur in 2000. She Hosted shows and wrote scripts for some of the TV specials featuring various municipalities in Northern Mindanao, and festivals in Dumaguete city, and a weekly health talk show sponsored by the Department of Health She blogs at kmlevis.com and tweets as @kmlevis. A graduate of Silliman University, she took her Masters in Communications from Nanyang University in Singapore.

Wagas... from page A1

the snakes that take up the space of their house, Simplecio courted her. Soon, the two marry. Simplecio completely loved and accepted Conchita despite the mystery and danger that surrounds the identity of his wife. Watch this exceptional love story in Wagas this Saturday, 7 p.m., on GMA News TV.

Welcome... from page A1

Tonisito M.C. Umali, and Undersecretary for Accounting and Employee Account Management Division, Victoria M. Catibog, DepEd Regional Directors, Regional Officials and personnel, and other dignitaries invited to witness the grand affair. Meanwhile, a banquet will be tendered on January 22 at the Subanen Hall, Farmers’ Haven, Dao, Pagadian City sponsored by the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and the city of Pagadian which will follow right after the opening ceremony of the same date. The said festival will showcase diverse categories in journalism both in elementary and secondary.

NSPC... from page A1

Borres for Region 9 made a series of consultations as part of the preparation along with the DepEd Regional Officials, Schools Division Superintendents as well as local government officials as the said occasion requires synergy and collaboration with them. Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles and Pagadian City Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones have already expressed their intent to support the hosting

of the press conference. It was not the first time of DepEd-Region 9 to host the NSPC in the course of history though it can be noted that its first holding was yet on January 19-23, 1964 which was followed on February 18-22, 1985 and to date on January 23-26 which obviously the gap of its occurrence was outlying 21 and 32 years. Briones expressed in one of her speeches that “we have the right to know what is going on, the right to know of the developments but remembering that freedom always comes with accountability and responsibility that entails being truthful, accurate and unbiased.” She further encouraged students to write more stories that would ignite nationalism and cultural pride. Me anw h i l e , Pa s c u a pointed out in his message that “knowledge is not meant to be kept, instead it should be nurtured for everyone else to also learn from and appreciate.” On one hand, Ocampo in her NSPC message emphasized “the highest standards of journalism that will allow information that leads to genuine public enlightenment.” In addition she stressed that, “when people have access to information, they are encourage to actively participate in decisions that will affect them.”The writer’s festival will feature different categories in journalism both in elementary and secondary. NSPC is an activity pursuant to RA 7079 known as the “Campus Journalism Act” which advocates free and responsible journalism at the school level. It encourages students to practice and hone their journalistic skills in writing and critical thinking while strengthening their ethical values and developing discipline. The conference activities Include-Individual Contest; Radio Script Writing and Broadcasting Contests; Collaborative Desktop Publishing Contest; Online Publishing Contest (exhibition for secondary level); and TV Script Writing and Broadcasting Contests (for secondary level).

Moon... from page A1

the classics “Langis at Tubig,” “Init o Lamig,” “My Only Love,” “Epimaco Velasco: NBI,” “Chop-Chop Lady: The Elsa Castillo Story,” “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” and many other notable films) is the writer, director and producer of “Across The Crescent Moon.” The movie is Direk Baby’s first action-drama film. Direk Baby was motivated by Pope Francis’ plea to end modern-day slavery. She became more concerned when she learned through research that one out of every four victims of human trafficking is a Filipino. “Across The Crescent Moon” brings together the

biggest stars and the finest Filipino filmmakers to make this important film. Aside from Matteo, in the cast are: Christopher de Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Sandy Andolong, Alexandra “Alex” Godinez, Joem Bascon, Ivan Carapiet, Jerico Estregan, Leo Martinez, Rex Cortez, Jackie Aquino, Garie Concepcion, Jerene Tan, Mariel de Leon, Ku Aquino and many more notable actors and actresses. Direk Baby has also assembled a group of acclaimed Filipino filmmakers. Topel Lee is the director of photography. Erwin Sanchez who designed “Binhi,” “Elemento” and “Violator,” is the production designer. Award-winning musician Von de Guzman is the musical scorer. Renowned audio engineer Mike Idioma of Wild Sound created the sound. While John Wong of Edge Manila studios is the film editor. Direk Baby even flew in Hollywood stunt directors Shawn Bernal and Tim Waid to devise the fight scenes. Snooky Cruz, a noted Filipino fitness and stunt expert, was tapped to choreograph the encounter scene involving the SAF and rebel groups. “Across The Crescent Moon” was shot on location in Tanay, Subic, Zambales, Clark, and Tawi-Tawi, including Sheikh Makdum Mosque in Simunul Island which is the first and the oldest mosque in the Philippines. An original theme song entitled “Watching The Crescent Moon” (lyrics and melody by Baby Nebrida, arrangement by Von de Guzman and sung by Bituin Escalante) was also composed to drum up the film’s advocacy. Indeed, Direk Baby and her cast and team pulled out all the stops to send a very important message. She declares, “We are promoting love because we are one family. We have to respect each other’s beliefs. We want our film to serve as an inspiration and enlightenment to what Filipinos should value most— lasting peace, love, preservation of family unity, and displaying the respectability and acceptability of each other’s faith. Most of all, to embrace a strong sense of mission to please God or Allah and instilling in every Filipino’s heart and mind— true patriotism in loving and serving the country well in every chosen field of endeavor people choose, should be in our spirit.” “Across The Crescent Moon” is produced by Gold Barn International with Amado Tan and Ana Clemena as executive producers. For updates about the film, like and check out facebook. com/CrescentMoonMovie.

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