Showing posts with label Caceres. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caceres. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Archbishop Legaspi airs opposition versus 5th district creation in Camarines Sur

11/02/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Reminding the laity of the maneuvers done by elected officials to push their political agenda, Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi expressed criticism in his pulpit message on October 25, 2009 in the division of Camarines Sur from 4 to 5 districts.

Made possible by legislation RA 9716, the redistricting of Camarines Sur into 5 districts will make it possible for pro-administration politicians like Dato Arroyo (son of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo) and Rolando Andaya (known supporter of the president) to pursue congressional seats without having to compete with each other as they run for office in the coming 2010 election. --- Vox Bikol (11/01/09)

Sponsored by old time politician Luis Villafuerte, the legislative move is looked upon by Msgr. Legaspi as self-serving and does not benefit the public well. Many citizens expressed similar opposition for the questionable creation of a congressional district which does not satisfy “constitutional requirements.”

In his homily, Legaspi reminds the people to be watchful of clever reelectionist politicians----Have they accomplished something good for the community? Have they used their positions to enrich themselves? Are these politicians greedy, arrogant, and self-serving to the detriment of the people? Did these politicians improve the peace and order of the community or did they make the people less safe? (Photo Credit: www.cbconline.org) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Baao Pintakasi 2009 in Las Vegas

8/04/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post




Inviting You All to Las Vegas, Nevada!

Baao Pintakasi
Saturday, August 8, 2009
St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church Hall
3950 South Jones Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
Contact: Naty Martires Uy (702)-617-9482; cell (818) 571-4515
Accomodation Booking: Rita (Deanna) Badiola (562)-324-8469

The 2009 Baao Pintakasi of Las Vegas this August 8, 2009 marks the 25th year of yearly celebration of Baaoenos in the United States. The wonderful tradition started more than two decades ago in San Diego, hosted by the generous Bismonte Family.

At that time, in their residence, the Bismontes regaled their few friends, guests, and families who spread around the good news to the Baao community. It was not long when enthusiastic kahimanwas came--- in droves to participate in a fiesta that since then became merrier and more memorable.

The crowd grew. It was time to get a grand venue to welcome the attendees. The jolly Baaoenos took pride asking to be the hosts of bigger events just the way they did in the especial town fiestas back home. Through the years, they took turns propping up happy fellowships which were held in great places like Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, CA, Monterey, CA, Lemore, CA, Hercules, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, etc. For this year a throng of 300 warm bodies are expected to come to Las Vegas. (Photo Credit: 5348Franco; Five Hundy)

It’s the Las Vegas Baaoenos’ turn to host the sparkling affair. Among the core group of organizers are Naty Martires, Sally & Joe (del Rosario) Valeras, Nilda & Michael (Torres) Chang, Ben & Myrna Ballesteros, Josephine Sanchez, Frank Banaria, and Rita Badiola. =0=

Will you be with us this time? Las Vegas here we come!



Core Group Photo: (from l-r) Nilda Torres-Chang, Jocelyn Sanchez, Deana Rita Badiola, Ben Ballesteros, Myrna Ballesteros, and Naty Martires.



Core Group Member Sally and Joe Valeras with Friends.

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PostHeaderIcon Baao & the Pintakasi in America : "Sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan!"

8/03/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post



by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
Astoria, New York

“Tibaad makaabot kamo sa banwaan kong tinubuan
dara pa gayon ag tinkad ninyong kolor na namasdan,
ta arayo kamo sa ragang kinabuklatan, nang-alisngaw,
namarong na amot, tibaad dagos nang naoda, nanlasaw.
An hamio ninyo, kalag ninyong tunay, di maisusuway,
di malilingangawan kan langit kun sari kamo nabuway.”
--- “Para sa Burak sa Heildelberg” by J.P Rizal (trans. Robosa, P.B.)
Baao Historical Society





“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)







BAAO IN BIKOL

National hero Jose P. Rizal didn’t refer to a specific place in his poem above, but when we read the last few lines of "To the Flowers of Heidelberg," translated in royal Rinconada dialect, we quickly feel the pure love for the land he called home, the Philippines. This also applies to our own Baao--- a beautiful town in Bicol which is worth a million words and a lifetime of memories.

Many of us will agree with Vicente Ll. Ramirez, Jr. (Baao Historical Society) who spoke of Baao and its wonderful people of about 55,000. He wrote about the memorable flatlands and rolling hills between the cities of Naga and Iriga in the province of Camarines where his beloved kahimanwas are. With undisguised pride, he described one of Bicol’s distinctive farming village with unfettered personal fondness.

Ramirez theorized the name Baao must have started during the Spanish occupation. In those days, a local who lived by the lake was asked by one of the foreigners how they called the green-brown turtles, thriving well in the emerald inland marshes of this interesting town, a part of old Nueva Caceres.







The native referred to the rounded hump-backed reptile as a “ba-o-o” which timidly inhabits the fresh waterways. Sustained by lush ferns (aru-agnow,) they were in harmony with the brown snails (kohol) on which the migratory waterfowls fed. Under the tilted stalks of ripening rice grains in the moist wide paddies, the “ba-o-o” lived aplenty.

Not very long the happy place with a distinctly enchanting allure was referred to by its people as “Bao.” Later, the name slowly morphed into what is known today as “Baao.”

Baao is a popular enclave of traditional families bonded by generations of kinship. Rich in religious tradition, it's a great place that's hard to forget.










A hub of activity where the National Road wiggles towards Albay and Sorsogon, it is a home of the white heron which sits beside the carabao and the blackbird clad with iridescent feathers in the fertile fields. Baao is a fabulous place where the wind is as gentle as the blue sky--- and the afternoon, as restful as the break of dawn.

In Baao, it is said the B’s reign. Family names like Barlin, Badiola, Bernas, Bacsain, Barrameda, Boncayao, Ballesteros, Badong, Badilla, Brillo, Briones, Bismonte, Britanico, Bigay, Blasco, Bersabe, Baesa, Bisuna, Barandon, Borja, Bulalacao, Bolo, Bedural, Botor, Bustilla, Bolalin, Babilonia, Beldua, Bersabal, Buena, and many others stood tall like the elegant upright top of the town’s historic stone cathedral.

Because they are part of the heart and soul of generations, from Agdangan to San Roque to Sagrada to La Medalla, Santa Teresita, Bagumbayan or Oras, closely-knit families live together in harmony and peace.

Their company thrives. Like the multitude of stars in the dark sky, the families of Gumabao, Dato, Guevara, Arroyo, Robosa, Llorens, Fajardo, Uy-Barreta, Esplana, Serrano, Gaite, Totanes, Perdon, Del Rosario, Sanchez, Palencia, Martires, Mendez, Peyra, Ramirez, Torres, De los Santos, Antioquia, Imperial and many more have become bigger, albeit more difficult to count. They are part of a growing network of extended families in the community, dating back from the ancient days of Handiong.









Returning home and reconnecting with relatives and friends don’t lose steam in Baao. A place for exciting reunions, it is about 444 kilometers south of Manila and is less than an hour ride from Naga City. By tradition, Baao residents are nurturing to their friends who come and go--- tracing familial and religious affinities with gusto. Like the gems in a jewel box, they guard their binding ties, wherever they are or have been.

When Ramirez described the character of the dazzling people of the town, he alluded to their pedigree of “patience, perseverance, patience, wit, passion, sensitivity, resourcefulness, ingenuity, adaptability and resilience.” He concluded they are part of the “Baao persona that we all must be proud of and grateful for.”

Yes! The Baaoenos are caring and adaptable people. Look at the photographs! They are fun-loving and gentle human beings. Their sense of community is strong and their closeness to their neighbor is unmistakable. Unity is reflected in their language, songs, dances, and perhaps, in their dreams.







PINTAKASI IN AMERICA

What more is a better example than when Baaoenos celebrate their Pintakasi---that colorful merry feast reserved to honor St. Bartholomew, their patron saint? Ask anyone who visits Baao in August 23 to 25. The red-letter dates in the calendar make the whole town boil with joy. That’s also true here in America.

Almost coincident to the town fiesta, expatriate Baaoenos celebrate these days with homey merriment and unrestrained fun. In an amiable display of oneness and faith, they break bread and share stories together.

In 2008, one of Baao’s upbeat sons Walter Mendez and a group of his ardent supporters based in the golden state paid host to a motley crowd of kahimanwas. The gathering comes annually. Baaoenos from different states in America join the event and follow their roots.







For this year, it’s the Las Vegas Baaoenos’ turn to host the affair on August 8, 2009 in Nevada. Among the core group of organizers are Naty Martires, Sally & Joe (del Rosario) Valeras, Nilda & Michael (Torres) Chang, Ben & Myrna Ballesteros, Josephine Sanchez, Frank Banaria, and Rita Badiola.

Pintakasi in America is a sparkling reenactment of the same religious observance of Baao’s famous feast. The food is always generously scrumptious as the laughter and stories which go with it. The event is never dull---not overly pompous, but always roaring hot as memory can tell!

The wonderful pictures posted herein speak even louder and more eloquently than what I can probably say----so I leave them to you to attend the next heart-warming big Pinatakasi. It’s fun to see countless sons and daughters of Baao gather together in a festive celebration which sizzles with a bang!







Those who attend say they are more than satisfied. The event kicks in with a solemn mass of thanksgiving and recollection officiated by priests and attended by guests, some traveling all the way from Bicol. There is the unmistakable warmth that binds those who are present. Young and old, they join the celebration.

Group dancing and talent shows set the happy tone of the Pintakasi fun. Even without the spectacle of performers, they get energized huddling together. More often than not, they bump on someone they have not seen for so long. Sometimes, they get teary-eyed upon hearing stories back home.

Etched on their excited faces which often find their best friends in unlikely places, on the day of the grand Pintakasi, one can hear them whisper ---- Baao, sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan. (Photo Credit: NMU) =0=


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PostHeaderIcon Libmanan raised as 57th diocese

6/14/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


On March 25, 2009, Libmanan in Camarines Sur had been established as the 57th diocese of the Philippines. According to Most Rev. Msgr. Jose R. Rojas, Jr., the declaration by the Vatican coincided with the feast of the Annunciation, making Libmanan the 5th diocese in the Archdiocese of Caceres.

The Canonical Erection of the Diocese of Libmanan is scheduled on June 19, 2009 to be held at Cathedral of St. James the Apostle, Libmanan, Camarines Sur with Naga Metropolitan Archibishop Msgr. Leonardo Legaspi presiding.

Msgr. Rojas is the first bishop of the newly created diocese over which he supervises 36 priests. Before its elevation, Libmanan became a prelature through a decree by then Pope John Paul II with 16 parishes in towns of Sipocot, Cabusao, Ragay, Del Gallego, Lupi, Libmanan, Pasacao, Pamaplona, San Fernando , Milaor, and Minalabac. (Photo Credit: Libmanantowards20decades) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon “Jueteng” thrives well in Camarines Sur

6/04/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


In an amazing revelation, an informer disguised as "Rod" revealed that at least P3.8 million is collected daily from “jueteng, ” the illegal gambling which operates in at least 31 towns in Camarines Sur. Jueteng sucks in poor man’s money from bettors who expect to win in the outlawed numbers game.

Protected by politicians and police officers in the area for at least 3 years now, Rod who is ready to be a whistleblower, claimed P1 million comes from the first district, P1 million from the second district, P700,000 from the third district, and P960,000 from the fourth district. The amounts included daily collections from the cities of Naga (second district) and Iriga (fourth district), he added. At least P280,000 is being collected daily from the capital town of Pili (second district) These amounts, Rod claimed, would be used to finance the upcoming 2010 presidential election. ----PDI (06/04/09, Soltes JC, Davila, JR; Cardinoza, G)

If true, this gambling operation is consistent to the endemic graft and corruption that goes from the provinces reaching up to the national level. Local and international groups have been pointing the unlawful practice to the government which stifles the progress of the country. Yet, in spite of many complaints, nothing tangible has been done to wipe out the corruptive gambling practice. (Photo Credit: Our simple journey in life) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Fighting corruption with "Moral Force Movement" Posted by mesiamd at 4/08/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Bicol Medical Center and its Surgeons

6/01/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


After years of painstaking build-up of the hospital, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC,) the region’s premier government and training center has established a remarkable team of doctors to serve the surgical needs of patients in Naga City and its environs.

UP Ibalon Bicol and friends extend its congratulations to Dr. Francisco Sales Jr. who currently heads the Department of Surgery. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Heritage celebration in Bicol

4/28/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post
In appreciation of the Filipino heritage, the Bicol region highlights the celebration with a 4-day extravaganza of songs, dances, visual exhibits, and cultural presentations. Starting on April 29, 2009, the events center on tradition which defines the origins of the Bicolanos and their customs.

In Naga, an exhibit of ancient artifacts will be showcased in the Museo Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Cáceres. In the city exhibit, a vast collection of vases, religious antiques, and books will be up for display.

Culinary fests and cultural shows will be staged as far as Legazpi City. In the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga, a Bicol night of pageantry and songs will be participated in by local schools and popular entertainment groups. On May 2, 2009, in Legazpi’s St. Michael Parish a Velada---an evening of song and dance will be presented.

Coordinating with the National Commisssion of Culture and Arts, a lecture series on history and the legacy of the past will be held at the Raul Roco Library and the Bicol University ampitheatre featuring historians Felipe de Leon , Jr. and Jose Barrameda, Jr. (Photo Credit: Limtigger) =0=

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