A young network

My Autobiography

2011-08-17T02:28:00.000-07:00

Ako si Mary Jane Coraza ang bunsong anak nina Norberto Baguio Coraza at Pacita Tagalog Coraza. Bunso ako sa labing apat na magkakapatid, na binubuo ng 7 lalaki at 7 rin sanang babae kaso namatay ang dalawa kung kapatid na babae na kambal.

Gusto ko sanang sabihin sa inyo na hindi talaga or wala talagang ka interes-interes ang buhay ko. Simulan ko ang kwento ko nung bata pa ako! syempre!!

Sa pamilya namin masasabi kung iba-iba talaga ang mga ugali naming lahat. Start from my mama ang papa, they loved children tulad nalang ng mga apo nila o mga pamangkin ko. Minsan naiinggit ako sa mga pamangkin ko dahil nung bata pa - ako lagi nalang walang oras ang mama at papa ko sakin. Kahit hanggang ngayon ganon parin malayo ang loob nila sakin hanggang sa naghighskul ako ganon parin.

Nung elementary ako nag-aaral ako sa cawit, pilar, cebu, camotes island kung saan doon kami nakatira. And when im was in highschool 1st-yr-2nd year, sa lanao national High School ako nag-aaral at nung 3rd-4thyr ako sa NOCNHS naman ako nag-aaral. At after graduating highschool in nocnhs nung 2009-2010. I work for in one year in a laundry shop at lopez jaena st. Oc. As a sales lady. At nung june nag-enrol ako dito sa evsu dahil sa kagustuhan ng ate ko at gusto ko rin.

My Sadness Moments.

Hindi palang ako ipinanganak nung panahong isinilang ang namatay kung dalawang kambal na kapatid at siya ring kinuha sa amin ng maykapal. Naikwento ng mama namin minsan na nagsisimula daw ang sakit sa puso ng papa ko nong mamatay ang kambal. Dahil sobra daw na mahal ni papa ang kapatid kung kambal.

Elementary ako nung madalas aatakihin sa sakit sa puso ang papa ko, dahil narin sa mga problema ng pamilya namin. Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang papa na nahihirapang huminga walang tigil rin ang pagtulo ng aking mga luha at dalangin na sana wag siya konin sa amin sa kabutihang palad dininig naman ang aming mga dalangin.

Hanggang sa mag highschool ako 2nd year. Taon na gumuho ang galit at awa ko sa sarili ko lalo na sa mga kapatid ko. Nangyari ang hindi namin inaasahan, isa sa kapatid kung nag-aaral ang nabuntis 2nd year college studying midwifery at graduating siyang mga panahong yon. Pinapaaral siya ng isa kung kapatid na babae na nandoon sa ibang bansa.

Simula sa araw nayon, I note everything about my life.

Until now I haven't heard my papa and mama tells me that they love me. How unfair.

Pasalamat nlang ako dahil may boyfriend ako na nagmamahal sa kin, naging bf ko siya since when im was in 4th year highschool

Im happy to be with him cause he understand about me, he knows my sadness and my happiness.

But im afraid cause my mama and papa didn't know about that I have a boyfriend.

MY PERSONAL HISTORY

2011-08-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

My life begins when I was born on November 9, 1993. I am the youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C. Let me start my story when I was at my elementary days. I graduated elementary at Calunangan Elementary School. Whenever there was a singing competition, I am always the school representative. And humbly speaking, I also won several competitions. and thankfully, I graduated as 4th honors. Next, was when I started my secondary education at Isabel National Comprehensive School. When I was second year, I joined singing contest at Palo, Leyte. And thanks to God I won. I gave my prize to my mother, thinking that it can give so much help for our family.. 3rd year highschool.. these is my most unforgettable moments in my life. I was always beaten by my father and the very first thing that made me really hurt, was not by how rude my father beat me, but because I don't know what's the reason why he always beat me. Until the day that I was admitted to the hospital because of high fever for almost 2 weeks, and sadly I was diagnosed with a disease, that until now, I'm still suffering from it. My parents, already knew from the start that I have severe anemia. But because I was always beaten by my father, my severe anemia had became more worser.

So much for that, I am now at my tertiary education. I don't know what's my future here... but I will do my very best to achieve my goal in my life. Maybe this course was really not meant for me, but I won't give up, until I will be one of the proud registered civil engineers here in EVSU-OCC, in the near future. THANK YOU!

Hi!

2011-08-17T02:02:00.000-07:00

I'm Karen 16 years old I live in Barangay Lilo-an Ormoc City. My father's name is Randy a driver of Uniliver company and my mother Nora a secretary at VMB Pizzeria company. My parents have (4) four children namely Kimberley C. Rosal my eldest sister Katherine who is working in Natashia company and me, Karen studying at EVSU (Eastern Visayas State University) taking up BSCE (Bachelor of Science and Civil Engineering) and lastly, my younger sister Kassandra who is running (2) two years old this August 31, 2011.

My life wasn't too exciting to hear but to be fair, I have to tell my story to everyone. In the 4th of December 1994, I was born in Barangay Licuma Ormoc City. So when I was growing up, I noticed some of my characteristics or personalities. i don't like people that has bad attitudes. I like people who likes me or accepts me as me. I like also people that has good attitudes and people who are jolly, kind, gentle, have positive outlook in life and most of all has sense of humor. My favorite dress is pants, shorts, t-shirts and I like to wear shoes, high cat and low cat or whatever it is "basta simple". My favorite color are skyblue, black, white, brown, pink and yellow. my hobbies are reading books, txting, watching t.v or movie marathon, foodtrip with friends and most of all listening musics or soundtrip hehehe..., when I was in 1st year highschool, my bestfriend "sherwin" courted me but I never took it seriously because were too young to get in to a relationship and for a reason that I only love him as my bestfriend that's all. As my highschool life's goes on, when i know that I'm weak at that subject I try to make "bawi" through projects, activity, quizes and assignments hehehe..

As I graduated high school at NOCNHS (New Ormoc City National High School), I know it's not the end of everything because a new chapter of my life has now opened and that's my college life. Im looking forward having partners, friends, bestfriends. And davarkads hehehe.., and also as my college life continue to goes on, I hope I can finish my studies and face a brighter and beautiful future!.., That would be all thank you.

How I was Born

2011-08-17T01:39:00.000-07:00

First let's start with my dad, he was the man named as "Mr. Jose T. Gentica, Jr.". He was born at the year 1932, lived a prosperous life. But at the young age of 16, he fell in love with a beautiful woman and got married in the year 1948. It was ok for my dad's parents for him to get marry so that he would become an honorable man after it. Then as time passed by, my dad's first son was born and so he named it after him. time went on again until my dad's offsprings from his first wife was already 10 of them. six was boys and he named all of them after him. In the year 1990 my father's first wife died and so he was 58 years old. A year later, my dad met my gorgeous mom and they turned lovers until got married again. My mom was 28 years old at that time and as you can see, the age gap is more half way but still my dad's first son from my mom was born at the year 1992 and he also named my big brother after him. A year passed, my elder sister was born and was named as "Genevieve B. Gentica". Then lastly, I was born and was also named after my dad was "Jose B. Gentica X". One big question about our names was "why". Many have asked, "Why do you continue such common name" and I have asked also my dad "why". he just answered my question with just a smile. and until now that smile for me still remain as a mystery. In my own opinion as the youngest and have only the power to continue the legacy about our name, I want to continue it for my grandpa's and father's memories to be remembered always by our future grandsons through our names. Anyways, some of my siblings from the first family had already sons and daughters and even grand sons and daughters. I was born at the year of 1994, third day of August (Sunday it was, I think). I was actually born Sampaloc Laguna, but registered on Binalbagan Because we transfered when I was still a young boy. for me, the most memorable and peaceful place I could consider, is the place where I grew up, Celine Homes was the name of the subdivision. That place taught me how to make new friends, enemies and barkadas. Friends I had that turned to be the only friends that i ever grew up with. My hobbies are playing arcade games (such as Tekken), Basketball, computer, chess, volleyball, badmenton, GG, EatingP, sleeping, roam around, and most of all stare at the fan doing nothing. One odd thing about me, is that I always loved to sit in front of a blackboard with no one around to disturb me, just thinking freely about things. I also love to tease other people but now I don't do it much 'cause I'm not really that familiar with the dialect. Oh by the way, I studied my elementary years at Don Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. Elem. School. Then studied my highschool at St. Joseph School - La Salle. Now I'm studying my Bachelor of Science Major in Civil Engineering at Eastern Visayas State University. At first, I never really imagined myself being here way back in highschool. I was shocked at first when my elder half sister who is living in Tacloban, suggested that study in Tacloban my college life. It was May 16, 2011 when they informed me that I will study their instead in USLS, despite the effort I made in enrolling their. It wasn't me who was just shocked. Even my barkada's and close friends yet we have no choice but to follow. all of my friends were mad at me, thinking that I've gone 'cause of such heart-ache I recently encountered. Then so I tried to explain to them, then they understand. I know, I have many-many un finished business way back their and first I was really frustrated but then I tried to understand that it was for my own good and I'm thankful to my family who had planned well for me in order for my future to be successful. One main thing I learned about life is that, "Everything has a time for it".

PERSONAL HISTORY

2011-08-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

I am Jerald, 17 years of age. I leave in Lamanoc Merida Leyte. I have two brother and one sister. But sad to say my mother and my father was separated since I was in Grade one. They was separated because my father is a buli person and he is a chickboy. When it's happen my mother is the only one stand as my mother and my father. We're very proud of her in the reason that eventhough we're lack of money she sacrifes her time to find more money so that she can give our needs in our schooling and to our needs in our family. But because of this I've learned how to be independent in order to help her. We've meet struggles and challenges in our life, eventhough we've meet this we still continue find a way so that we can overcome this problems, but in God's faith he create a thing that can help our family. and that's my Auntee. she help my sister for her college schooling and because of that my sister didn't waste it. She become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) I'm also proud of my sister because she didn't surrender in the challenges that she have meet. So now I & my two brother is in college level for the help of my sister.

And I am very thankful about that. "I beleived the saying that poverty is not the hindrance to success".

MY PERSONAL HISTORY

2011-08-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

I am Jerome I'm 16 years old. I live in Barangay Camp Downes, Ormoc City. My mother is Elenita and my father is Eugenio. I have four brothers and sisters. I love playing computer, basketball and other outdoor activities. My favorite colors are blue, white and purple.

Actually my life is so boring, that's why I always went to different places. In my elementary I only enjoyed playing with my classmates and no extra activities.

In my highschool I started falling in love, have crushes and started into a relationship, but its not my priority that I went to school so I study hard and forget about them.

And now my college life is already started. I expect it to be more challenging and full of many struggles but most of all many happy moments.

"Experience is the Best Teacher"

2011-08-13T01:42:00.000-07:00

Just as they say, "Experience is the best teacher". You'll never learn your lesson without any examples. Before anything else, I would like to introduce myself. I am Jeaneme, 15 years young and was born on the 12th day of December 1995. My family and old best friends call me Mik-mik but I'd rather prefer being called by my last name "Chu". My dad is Jaime and he was born on the 5th day of January 1968. He's kind of strict and protective especially on his daughters. Before my mom took dad as her lawful husband, her complete name was Jean V.A. and she was born on the 6th day of march 1973. "A" wasn't really their real family name. It was "F". But since Filipino families were required to use Spanish words as their family names during the Spaniards' ruling here in the Philippines, they changed it into "A". In my own understanding, I believe "A" means "God" (well.. you're free to correct me if I'm wrong). By the way, I have an elder brother and two younger sisters namely: Joerjean, a Mechanical Engineering student, 17 years young, Jeanine Aihsha, 11 and Jeanine Kim, 3. I don't actually classify myself as a good sister to them. I'm bossy and quarrelsome at times especially when I'm frustrated and not in the mood. But, though we rarely get along, we still enjoy few things together like playing video games and watching our favorite tv shows like "Phineas & Ferb) and "The Suite Life on Deck". But most of the time, we only get along whenever our parents are around.

Everybody knows me as a friendly fellow since my childhood life was a happy one though there was a time that I got drowned at the age of 4 while celebrating my cousin's birthday at the beach. On the brighter side, I'm still alive and I never had that so called childhood fear as I grew up. I thought life would get easier as time passes by but I was wrong. When I was in second year high school at the age of 12, I had my first boyfriend whom I never really loved, actually. I just got a little carried away by my buddies' persuasions. I broke up with him after my parents found out about what was between me and him. They scolded me for breaking their second rule which is "no boyfriends allowed". My dad even tried to threaten me that he'd confiscate my cellphone if I'd do something stupid again. I promised him that I'd never do it again so he got satisfied. But when I reached third year high school, I made my parents disappointed again. I had another guy who lasted as my boyfriend for like a day and a half. My parents found out about it but they were too late. i already broke up with him, one day before they knew. My dad confiscated my cellphone and didn't return it for the rest of the year. That's why when another guy suited me, I refused for I learned my lesson. I had a big crush on him but since I don't want to get my parents disappointed again, I had set that feeling aside.

When I reached fourth year high school, my parents got more overprotective on me. They asked for a copy of my schedule of all the activities I need to attend. They even wanted me to be home before 5 o'clock in the afternoon and they ordered me not to get out of the house to have a talk with my peers. At first, it seemed unfair and like they don't trust me since they're allowing my brother to loitter whenever he wanted to and me, not. But as time went by, I finally understood how grateful I should be for having such caring and loving parents, who were always there to make me smile and hug me whenever I'm upset and in despair. They were the reason why I took up "civil engineering". They suggested this course and since they never permitted me when I told them that I would like to take up "veterinary medicine" which was available at another school, far from home. I decided to take up "civil engineering" instead. Besides, I want to make them feel special and appreciated. I also want to prove them that I'm all grown up now and that I can stand up with my own barefeet. Now, I'm starting to love this course myself and just trying to go with the flow while enjoying my new buddies' company.

History of Myself

2011-07-19T01:18:00.000-07:00

When my mother got pregnant, my father was overjoyed because they bore the second child who was a baby boy and that was me.

She labored for two to three hours, that was November 2, 1992 when I first saw the light of the world. They gave me a name followed the saint name in the Holy Bible as they believed in the old traditions that giving a name taken from the bible will bear good sons and daughters. So they gave me this name John Philip who were the apostles of Jesus Christ as we all knew that.

As I grew up into a little boy, I loved to strumm a guitar and loved to sing. At the age of nine, I asked my mother to buy me one guitar and she never failed me. As I grew my desire also grew not only strumming a guitar but also I loved to play other musical instruments like electric organ, electric guitar, drumms and sometimes in our band group I am the vocalist.

And now I am in college. I collected songs, I can compose too. My hobby now was changed to internet. I played different games. I burned CDs and DVDs from the computers. I can manipulate well in the computer. Many of my friends came to my house to asked a little favor and from that time I earned a little. Thanks to God for giving me such talent that is different from the others. I was able to share these to those who asked my help. That's all.

"My Own Life"

2011-07-19T00:49:00.000-07:00

A blessed morning to all of us. The sun smile at us the winds blows gently on us like a mother whisper to her children.

My name is John Mark, I came from a very simple family. My mother's name is Trinadad and my father's name is Marcos. Trinadad and Marcos produces three children, namely Liezl our eldest, Cyndy, the next to the eldest and obviously me, their youngest brother. My family and I are not Ormocanon, we are Cebuano, we live in Naga City, Cebu but the parents of my parents decided to go to Ormoc and live there.

I graduated my elementary and high school life at the Institution of Ipil. Everyday I spent my day on books, eating and making siyesta at noon when there is no class. And when the classday comes, all of us were happy, happy of being seeing with friends and classmates.

Making my day complete with the help of my friends beautiful smile and also the tender loving care of my parents to me, a love that cannot be change by seasons and even by calamities. And when the night comes I washed the dishes and fitch water for drinking porpuses. And when I finished all of that, I open my books and read- read - and read all the time and the sleep.

Waking up early is my hobby, because I believe in one saying time is gold, and because of that saying I learned how to manage and to my control my precious time. My mama always told me that just be safe and be thankful to God of all the things that you receive from him, even if it is good or bad.

And now in my college year. I took the course of engineering with a doubt of failing this course because I dont love analizing numbers. Some people says that Engineering doesn't deals numbers all the time, they usually said that. The course which I like and decided to took up is Education but my parents likes engineering for me. My dream of teaching and sharing my knowledge has ended in that time.

But now I never regret I took this course because I've meet new faces, new friends and new classmates to barewith and a friend that I can lean on all the time.

And now, thanking God with this great gift.

And that's all. Thank you!!!

########

JM's identity is withheld. He is only 17.

Autobiography

2011-07-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Ang buhay ay isang kayamanang pinagkaloob sa ating lahat kaya ito ay ating pahahalagahan

Una sa lahat, ako si Arjeelyn Suallo Sanque, 18 years old. Ako ay ipinanganak noon February 10, 1993 sa De los Santos Medical Center in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Ako ang panganay sa aming tatlong magkakapatid. Ang pangalan ng aking lalaki na kapatid ay Argel John Sanque at ang aking bunso na kapatid ay nagngangalang Areneth Jane Sanque. Ang aming mga magulang ay nagngangalang Arner Sanque at Janet Sanque. Ang aking papa ay dito ipinanganak sa Ormoc at ang aking mama ay sa bayan naman ng Rizal.

Para naman sa aking educational background. Ako ay nag-aaral ng aking nursery hanggang Grade six sa Kiddie Inter-Development School of Montessori. Dito sa school na ito ay nagkaroon ako ng mga experience na hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan. Experience na ipinaramdam sa akin ang pagiging bata. Sa school na ito ako ay talagang natutukan sa aking pag-aaral. Dahil nang ako ay mag-Grade one hanggang Grade four lima lamang kami na magkaklase. Nang ako ay nag-Grade five kaming magkakaklase ay naging sampu. At nang kami ay grumaduate kami ay labing tatlo lamang. At nang ako ay grumaduate ng Grade six ako ay nakakuha ng ibat-ibang klase ng award. At para naman sa aking secondary education, ako ay nag-aral sa Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College.

Dito sa paaralan na ito nakumpleto ang pagiging hayskul ko. Nung una siyempre naiilang pa ako ngunit ng malaman ko na ang apat kong kaibigan ay akin pa din naging classmate ako ay naging masaya. First year life is just an easy part of being hayskul. Grabe ang hayskul first year ako nung una akong maging class treasurer at hindi ko akalain na mula ng ma-appoint ako bilang class treasurer ay maaapoint din ako bilang year level Treasurer. Nanatili ang pagiging Treasurer ko hanggang 4th year. 2nd year life is one of my complicated time. Kasi nung 2nd year ako ay nagsimulang magmahal ng sobra. 2nd year ako ay nagkaroon ako ng boyfriend na seven years ang tanda sa akin. Ngunit nung ako ay nag 4th year kami ay hiniwalayan ako ng aking boyfriend ng dahil sa selos. Nung 3rd year ako, ako ay na-involve sa isang school scandal at iyon ang isang dahilan na muntik akong ma-expel sa school pero so far hindi nangyari iyon. At nang nag-fourth year hindi na dapat ako makakagraduate dahil ako ay napa-away sa loob ng campus. Ang masakit pa noon ay ako na ang running for 2nd Honorable Mention pero ng dahil sa away na iyon natanggal kami. Ang hirap isipin na dahil sa katigasan ng ulo nawala lahat.

Para naman sa aking ayaw at gusto, ako ang taong ayaw na pinapakialaman ang buhay ko, pinapakialaman ang gamit ko at kung anung meron ako. Ang gusto ko naman ay yong taong simple at totoo sa sarili. Yun lang.

Iba pa...

Ang isang Arjeelyn Sanque ay hindi materialistic na tao. Sabi nga nila simple pero rock.

I really love the color blue and pink. I'm a kind of person who is born as a leader. Some says I'm jolly. Some says I'm a serious type of girl. They say that I'm kind. Generous, cheerful and has a long patience. Ako yung girl na naniniwala sa kasabihang "Don't judge a book by its cover, instead judge the book what's inside it."

The End.

MY PERSONAL HISTORY

2011-07-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

My personal history starts from my grandparents, but first of all I would like to introduce myself. I am Apple....., 16 years of age. I have a very complicated situation in my life and this personal history of mine is a little bit dramatic.

My grandfather's name is Arturo. He was born on September 10, 1939. He was already had two sibblings named Teofilo and Chebum when he was got married to my grandmother named Lourdes. She was born on February 8, 1951. They had five sibblings named Gerardo, born on Septembe 27, 1968, Arturo, born on January 24, 1974, Ariel born on March 11, 1976, Rizalde born on December 30, 1978 and the last one is my mother Jennifer born on August 1, 1970.

At the early age of 16, my mother got pregnant and she gave birth on November 20, 1989 named her first son "Jimbo", my elders brother. He is a 2nd year college student of EVSU taking up BSED major in Biology. Year 1992, 16th day of July, my Kuya Japhet was born and years later my complicated story started.

My mother Jennifer and his husband suddenly decided to broke up, when they separated my mother was pregnant. January 1, 1995, one o'clock in the morning my mother gave birth but unluckily, after 3 months she decided to leave and left her 4 sibblings including the baby to her parents and her brothers.

My grandparents decided to baptize the baby, they stands as parents and named the baby "Apple".

As I reached 3 years old, I never knew my real mother personaly, my grandparents whom I called "mama" and "papa" always told me about her. But I've never got interested to listen because I am already contented of having them as my "mama" and "papa".

One day, we were in the terrace when suddenly an unfamiliar face came and she hug "mama" and "papa". She asked mama while looking at me, "Ma, who's that little girl?" But when mama answered her I've never seen any reactions from her faced. She just let papa lead her inside the house.

2 months later, my real mother decided to go back to Manila, then she finally left again without giving me that chance to hug her or even talk to her.

Year 2002, when papa died, my real mother came back with her new husband and their baby. When I saw real mama hugging my brothers and my ate, I got jealous. I've tried everything just to empressed real mama but it doesn't work. Until the day that she left again. As what she always did.

Year 2005, mama died and as usual my real mother came. I am so helpless at that time, and all I did was to cry. Real mama never comforted me. Real mama always made me feel worthless. And when the day that she's going to leave, i told her, "Ma, someday you'll realize how it really hurts to be rejected." But that words doesn't affect her. She just smiled and answered "you're not my daughter." Then she walked away, she left me in my uncle.

Until now, that words still stays in my mind... I thought that words came from her mouth will never be changed into a word "sorry". But one time, I got into a trouble, my uncle knew that I was committed in a relationship and he wants me to broke up with my boyfriend. I've never got affected with that issue, when unexpectedly I got a message from my real mother, she gave me some advice. I cried and replied her message. A message that can make her realized her mistakes. "Ma, I want a mother who can guide me and support me. I want to remind you that you had 4 sibblings and the last message from her was, "I never rejected you, sorry for what I did, I'm sorry if that's what I made you feel. Thank you for telling me everything and for making me realized the biggest mistake that I've done to you."

I don't know if that "sorry" is already enough, but all I know is that I love her and I need to forgive her. I want to feel her love and care or even a one second hug from her.

#########

Typing this story was difficult for me. I had to force back some tears....

I have to hide her identity because she is only 16.

"Hey, It's Me!!!"

2011-06-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

In every second, in every minute, in every hour of a day a child is born in this world. Achild that will bring a new hope for our country and joy to many. But aside from this face my parents simply felt happiness when I was born in the Twenty-seventh day of April in the year 1995 here in Ormoc. Happiness for I symbolize the fruit of their love, and from me, our family started to grow.

Ours is a family of five with my parents, me and my younger brothers. My father used to be a research assistant at the Visayas State University but only for a few years. He eventually became a farmer while my mother is a vendor, specifically a flower vendor. Because of our situation I already learn now hard living in this world is at an early age, that's why I am studying very well to help my parents. I see to it that the money they're spending for me won't be wasted but still enjoying my childhood life. Many say that I'm an above average student for I always belong to the honor's wall, etc. But for me I can't say I'm smart or anything else, I'm just studying very well. Extra-curricular activities like Damath, Quiz Bees and dancing were my favorite things. I enjoyed understanding concepts more than just memorizing ready made notes. I prefer subjects like math specially Algebra and Calculus.

I'm the type of person that always want to make friends with others and make them smile. That's the reason why some people call me "pilya" or "pasaway" but not in a bad way. I also love eating different kinds of foods specially spicy foods.

After my completion in high school I chose to have a course to be an Electrical Engineer someday. It was a weird decision everybody may say, for they thought that I'm too girly for this job. But I think it's not an issue as long as I know in myself that I can do this. Aside from being an engineer I also have a dream to tour around the world. I do also want to help my family specially my brother so that they can achieve their dreams in life.

Today, I am happy with my life and I'm enjoying it to the fullest. I am looking forward to face the challenges of life in a positive manner.

Signed, but identity withheld because she is only 16 years old.

"I grew up under the care of my grandmother"

2011-06-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

This semester I teach Philippine History to first year Civil Engineering students. To make the course more interesting I added a "personal touch" like letting the students write their own Personal History.

Featured starting with this story are Personal Histories written by my students - with their permission, of course. All featured stories are un-edited and as is, as I promised them.

I know many Social Scientists will get something out of these. So let's get started.

June 22, 2011

I am Emmanuel Montecillo Macias, 21 years of age, born at Ormoc City on January 01, 1990. I am an illegitimate child of Verna Montecillo Macias, my mother was the second child of Genaro Funda Macias and Virginia Lacerna Montecillo. Both a native of Ormoc City. I grew up under the care of my grandmother because my mother left for Manila. I am bonafide resident of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Isabel, Leyte.

I finish my elementary education at Relocation Site Community School of Isabel, Leyte and my secondary education at Isabel National High School also of Isabel, Leyte. Unfortunately after I graduated from high school, I wasn't able to pursue my studies in college because of financial difficulties. Although it has been my biggest dream to go to college and become an engineer someday, I'm left with no choice but to accept it, my grandmother can't afford to send me to college.

During wherein i was out of school, I tried my luck in job hunting in Manila. But since I have only my high school diploma and no job experience, I really find it hard to land into a better job. I only end up working in construction as an ordinary laborer under contract. Upon the expiration of my contract, I again tried searching this time in Davao. But then again I failed, so I decided to go back home to my grandmother in Isabel, Leyte.

Now I am enrolled at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) of Ormoc City Campus with the course of Electrical Engineering. I've made a promise to myself, with the opportunity that my grandmother gave me this time, I'll do the best I can in order to reach the goal of success in the field I've chosen.

From Jojo Binay's Facebook Account

2011-04-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

Four more feathers to the AGYLA cap

2011-03-07T01:43:00.000-08:00

Active Genuine Youth Leaders (AGYLA) have, since 2009, taken over the Alternative Learning System classes of Pagtinabangay Foundation. They have already graduated more than 60 Out of- School - Youth (OSY).

Last year (2010), they had 21 enrollees. Out of the 21 eleven took the Acceleration and Equivalency Exams of the Department of Education (DepEd) four passed.

AGYLA's 4 A&E passers are the following:

1. Anna Mae Guanzon. Anna is a domestic helper whose boss is owner of a private high school in Ormoc;

2. MayAnn Dacaymat. MayAnn is a high school dropout.

3. Jerome Verano. Jenny (his gay name) has a colorful life. He is a son of an Overseas Filipino Worker and lived in affluence while growing up. They had a big house, a nice car and lots of money to spend. He did drugs. When his father came home very sick and had to be taken to the hospital, all their dreams collapsed. They lost all their wealth for his father's constant hospitalization.

AGYLA gave him a second chance to pursue a straight path. He attended our 2010 Summer Youth Camp.

4. Axell Ebo. Axell attended our 2010 Summer Youth Camp. His parents are busy making a living and he is alone in their house tending to his two little brothers. He is 16 years old.

Christine Inspires Ormoc High School Kids

2011-01-10T02:41:00.001-08:00

This morning seventy-five kids who are “Kiddie/Youth Savers” of the Ormoc Community Credit Cooperative, Inc. (OCCCI) including 10 special kids (deaf-mute) listened to Christine Della Vedova, of Business and Professional Women’s Club, Belmont, Western Australia.
Christine is in Ormoc with Carol Hanlon who facilitated the donation of 2 container vans of electric sewing machines and materials from Perth in 2006 and 2008.
She spoke to the kids of her experiences being a self-starter and volunteer. Speaking before them to become good citizens by helping others without thinking of returns, Christine motivated the kids who listened intently to her talk, become a self-starter and practice volunteerism.
While an English teacher in Korea, Christine encouraged kids of very rich parentage to come down from their pedestals and share their talents, time and effort to reach out to poor school kids in government schools and she succeeded in making them do volunteer work.
In Peru a person with HIV/AIDS is considered dirty and has to be avoided. That was the general understanding.So, while teaching English to rich kids in Peru she volunteered with an HIV/AIDS NGO. But because she couldn’t understand nor speak a word of Spanish and concerned that she couldn’t help, she brought 5 people living with HIV/AIDS to a small group meeting and let them talk about their affliction. That wonderful initiative of Christine enlightened the group about HIV/AIDS that made the word spread out to other people in Peru.
An important person in her life made her go back to Australia. She returned to Australia and taught English at the Australian Islamic College for four years. Relentless of her desire to do volunteer work and help other people, she volunteered with Textile Clothing Footwear (TCF) after meeting Carol Hanlon through the Business and Professional Women Belmont.
At the TCF she helps teach women from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia how to sew and teach them how to start their own business.
She now teaches English to kids 8-12 years old. But on the side, she volunteers as Secretary of BPW Belmont.
Founded by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips in 1930, Business and Professional Women Clubs are present in 80 countries, in 5 continents. It provides trainings and help women build their own businesses. In Italy alone, BPW has 7,000 members. Christine is an Italian-Australian.
Christine Della Vedova arrived in Ormoc with Carol Hanlon 8 January, a Saturday. While in Ormoc the two have a hectic schedule.

Jean V. Justimbaste
Member, BPW Belmont
Coordinator, TCF Ormoc
January 10, 2011

TCF Volunteer Monitor Passes Mechanical Board Exam

2010-11-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

Engr. Reinheart R. Malate

Reinheart R. Malate, 22, passed the recent Board Exam for Mechanical Engineers. Reinheart is now a licensed Mechanical Engineer!

CONGRATULATIONS, REINHEART.

Reinheart volunteered for a year, to the Textile Clothing Footwear Ormoc project. As a volunteer, he received a food and transportation allowance provided by Dr. Jaap Poll, CEO of Ottoman Energy Limited who granted us with P150,000 to pay for the allowances of eight Volunteer Youth Monitors for the Textile Clothing Footwear (TCF) project. For one whole year Dr. Poll enabled 8 kids to enroll in college and in high school. That money also made sure that the 25 Community Livelihood Sewing Centers were monitored. The money lasted from June, 2008 to May, 2009.

Reinheart was one of those kids who benefitted from Dr. Poll's grant. Now, Reinheart is reminded how his allowance helped him and his family for a year. He is very grateful to Dr. Poll.

Reinheart with Father of Ormoc Youth, Xerxes Solon and an AGYLA volunteer.

I asked Reinheart to write his short autobiography for this blog and here goes:

I am Reinheart R. Malate, 22 years of age, and was born on

March 6, 1988. I now live temporarily at our church - United

Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ located in Barangay

Punta, Ormoc City.

I studied and graduated Bachelor of Science in Mechanical

Engineering from the Eastern Visayas State University Ormoc

Campus.

My mother's name is Nilda R. Malate and my father's name

was Rodolfo P. Malate, who died last May 26, 1999 due to

heart failure.

My younger brother's name is Rodolfo R. Malate, Jr. presently

taking up Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the

same university where I graduated.

I usually refresh myself up by listening and playing musical

instruments. I love music and this helps me unwind my

whole day hang ups. Sometimes, I spend my leisure times at

home reading books, scanning and skimming through my old

class notes and tracks, texting, and even solving "Sudoku"

booklet. These things make me feel being fruitful during idle

moments for I really love to tap my brain at times when I

frozen.

Another thing that breaks my time is bible reading. I am a

bible teacher in our church and it's fulfilling partaking and

sharing bible infos to everyone.

I took the board examination for Mechanical Engineering

students last September 9 and 10, 2010. Fortunately, I passed

the exhausting exam with an average rating of 80.03%.

Right now, I keep myself busy searching and applying for

jobs that would fit my preferences and qualifications and is

in line with my profession. I am hopeful seeing myself in the

near months as a stable Mechanical Engineer in a prolific

company.

2010-08-08T01:13:00.001-07:00

Ormoc’s guest designer makes it BIG!

With so much pride and glee I am presenting here Pia Gladys Perey’s 2010 Spring Summer Collection.

I remember Carol Hanlon, TCF Ormoc Mentor, Primemover and Inspiration, having responded to Pia’s request to participate and present her collection in an Australian Fashion Week. It was in one of the emails that were shared by a few among us.

In 2009 she was invited by Carol to come to Ormoc to showcase her designs and even brought her modelling assistant to train STI students to model her collection and the clothes made by women being assisted by Carol’s TCF Western Australia and master dressmaker to train the TCF Ormoc women on pattern-making.

She then went on to parade her dresses in different fashion festivals in the world.

On August 6 Pia posted on her Facebook page this:

Pia Gladys Perey waaaaaaaaaaaaa angelina jolie wants to wear PGP for SALT premiere! heart attack!

And since, it has attracted 43 comments as of this writing. This wonderful news came a day after she came back from the hospital being gifted with beautiful twins.

Below is from one of her emails to us:

Pia Gladys Perey debuted in the international fashion scene at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in 2008 and 2009 followed by a launch in the USA at the Miami International Fashion Week and FOCUS Apparel Show in LA in early 2010 which received rave reviews from the media. Pia has also been cited as one of the top 10 designers for 3 consecutive years at the Philippine Fashion Week and is being stocked at the store of the infamous Patricia Field in New York.

Kind Regards,

Earnest Samson

Sales Manager

Pia Gladys Perey Enterprises

http://piagladysperey.net/about-us.html

Some of her 2010 Spring Summer Collection are featured below:

Summer Camp Stories

2010-06-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

A highlight to our Summer Youth Camps is the Story-telling segment. With fire burning (literally) and out in the cold Danao climate, the participants snuggled together and pour themselves out.

Only a few photos were taken because the camera had a battery problem. Lack of money to buy camera rechargeable batteries, chos! We did our camp on a very tight budget, see?

So in the still of the night the young ones poured their hearts out. Can you imagine growing up beaten up by your father and slaved by your siblings just because you are gay? But this did not hinder our friend to finish Mechanical Engineering and work abroad to earn money for his family! Tsk, tsk, tsk, beaten and slaved but in the end becomes the family savior.

Being the youngest of 10 siblings, Mar (not his real name) could not go to college and became the family's cook, cleaning maid and laundry person. But one day he was invited by his friends to go to Tacloban City. His friends were enrolling for college. One of his friends left the interview line and left our friend to stand in his stead. His friend did not come back until it was his time to be interviewed. So he took the interview. He said he wanted to enroll but his parents could not afford it, was there a scholarship available?

The newly-created dance troupe needed a trainer? He said yes. His tuition solved, what about his food and lodging? He came back to Ormoc and applied for a scholarship from a politician that he helped put to office. Lacking training on folk dances, he became the Dance Troupe Master of his university! And the rest was history.

Another gay participant is now enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education because of financial deprivation. His family had a good life when he was growing up. His father was working abroad and earned dollars for the family. They had a big, beautiful house and a car. He thought they had lots of money. Until one day his father came home sick. He was hospitalized and needed constant medical attention that lapped up all their money. His mother even had to sell their house and car. Eventually, his father died.

His mother married another and left for Manila. He became a bum - a street urchin and a drug addict. He hopes to be a changed person this time - he met good people who invited him to the ALS.

PFI Summer Youth Camp 2010

2010-05-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

With Five Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (4,000 from Ammado and 1,500 from STI-Ormoc) and only two weeks to prepare, this year's PFI-AGYLA Summer Youth Camp was held only for a day and able to bring in a dozen out-of-school youth but was very productive.

This article only scrapes the brim of what has transpired:

Registration with Xerxes Solon, father of Ormoc youth

This year's participants came from different upland villages and urban barangays.

Group 1 in a workshop. They are enrollees to the Alternative Learning System continued by AGYLA with classes at one of the classrooms in the Eastern Visayas State University - Ormoc Campus.

Group 1 members rendering their report

Group 3 rendering their report to the workshop questions on the incoming Aquino administration.

Group 3 members. Check on the pose of Junjun Jandoc in red shirt!

This is group 2. Remember Michael Francis (Dodong) Alvarado in the 2008 Summer Camp (middle guy in the photo)? He is one of the facilitators this year but is here joining this group for the workshop. Check out the kid (15 year old) Axel in checked shorts. He is this year's kid to watch like Dodong in 2008.

Group 2 posing after rendering their report.

Group 4 in a discussion. In blue shirt is Rodelio J (RJ, Arjay, Argee) Clemente. Check the archives and see how RJ did in the 2008 Summer Camp and the Christmas Camp that year.

"Jenny" (Jerome) volunteered to present Group 4's report.

First one to tell his story - Dodong Alvarado.

Tell me your story....

The breakfast after....

After this breakfast, they'll be off to hug nature... and then homeward bound. 'Til next year folks!

PFI Summer Youth Camp 2010

2010-05-12T05:27:00.001-07:00

In partnership with Active Genuine Youth Leaders Association (AGYLA), Pagtinabangay Foundation is once again conducting a SUMMER YOUTH CAMP to be held on May 28-30, 2010.

Theme for this year is “Ormoc Kids on the election just past”.

Participants to the camp will come from kids of low-income families and out-of-school youth members of AGYLA. Please sponsor one or more children.

Training for ramp modelling

2010-01-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

On the same day, while Carol was in the other room for her business workshop with livelihood center participants, students from STI Computer School were doing the catwalk with Pia Gladys Perey, guest designer for the fashion parade on the 15th.

Sixty students came for the training.

USE A BIG HEART AND GIVE A BIG SMILE THIS CHRISTMAS

2009-12-23T03:30:00.000-08:00

US$53.64 can sponsor 1 young person to the PFI 2010 Summer Youth Camp on April. For 6 days, your sponsored kid will learn about Adolescence, Love of

God, Love of Country, Enjoy Nature and have Fun, Fun, Fun.

PLEASE USE YOUR AMMADO GIVING CIRCLE TO DONATE TO US! THANK YOU.

Merry Christmas,

Pagtinabangay Foundation

Ormoc City, Philippines

Posted by Hera Zulueta, Core Team at Create Abundance 2020

2009-12-23T01:56:00.000-08:00

Please vote for KOLISKO WALDOF SCHOOL, the ONLY Filipino entry for Pareto Fundraising and competing against PETA, World Vision etc. Currently on 7th place. Voting ends DECEMBER 24.

Here's the catch: If Kolisko will get the highest votes, they will win $2,000 which they can use to send more INDIGENOUS, DISABLED and STREET CHILDREN to school.

Please click this link and vote for KOLISKO WALDOF SCHOOL:
http://apps.facebook.com/paretofundraising

(Note: I am doing this in behalf of a friend who is one of the founders of this school.)

Best Regards,
Hera

Metro Modelling Academy Certificates of Completion

2009-11-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

Adam Barralet

Adam Barralet of Melbourne, Australia has been kind enough to provide Certificates of Completion to the participants to his modelling workshop done in Ormoc City in July, 2008.

The following may now please collect their certificates from the office of Pagtinabangay Foundation, Cataag compound, San Joaquin Street, Ormoc City, Philippines. Please look for Jean Justimbaste. Contact numbers: 255-3516 or 561-3363:

1. Michael Francis M. Alvarado

2. Bonard B. Torres

3. Xerxes M. Solon

4. Victor S. Recaña

5. Ingrid Martina Alyanna S. Luna

6. Rozenie T. Lavezares

7. Fatima B. Jaballa

8. Rogelio A. Mangpoc

9. Arden M. Generale

10. Maragusan Daffon

11. Rodelio Jr R. Clemente

12. Raquel Anna M. Buzon

13. Marian Lou P. Beslig

14. Jan (Ian) Bacho

15. Ma. Angelica Solace C. Alcuino

16. Joselie T. Ando

17. Kara R. Asinas

18. Jacqueline P. Gabriel

19. Raymond P. Torres

20. Roger Arellano Ladarde

21. Giresi Janin G. Sanchez

22. Candy C. Sotto

23. Clint C. Sotto

24. Ma. Virginia C. Sotto

25. Rica Rose Torcino

26. John Ray Yap

27. Louie Aaron C. Yauna

28. Patricia C. Zamora

29. Anita Marie M. Lucero

30. Ma. Teresa Fe M. Lucero

31. Rans Dane Benedict M. Lucero

32. Windee Mendoza

33. Charline Meting

34. Joy B. Meting

35. Angelie M. Monte

36. Jess Muyrong

37. Katherine Rose Araba Nabong

38. John Paul M. Pole

39. Dormie A. Ricarte

40. Gina M. Ronquillo

41. Maida Sabenicio

42. Elmerita Moreno Abapa

43. Jonathan D. Aparis

44. Cecil V. Bantiles

45. Michaela S. Berndt

46. Edwin Butad

47. Analie Cormanes

48. Joan Marie Cormanes

49. Jennilyn C. Delmo

50. Analyn P. Ejada

51. Lina Gendoy

52. Razella L. Gatmaitan

53. Jose Paulo Gatmaitan

54. Ervielyn G. Mansueto

55. William B. Joseph

56. Jennifer P. Hingaray

57. Flordelyn A. Lacorte

58. Michelle Labrador

59. Norjee Marie D. Llanos

60. Rose May D. Llanos

61. Wildy Lopez

62. Alyssa Marie M. Lucero

Sorry, these have been on my desk for some time now. I have no idea how to contact you.

Anybody reading this and knows people in the list please let them know. Thanks!

Geraldine Castañeda

2009-11-19T22:47:00.000-08:00

Geraldine Castañeda

With piercing eyes, matter-of-fact facial expression and without any bitterness she declared: "I was born illegitimate".

At 19 years old, Geraldine Castañeda is advanced. Most Filipinos finish their first college degree at age 21. She is graduating on March, 2010 with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education.

Okay, so she was born out of wedlock. Her mother got pregnant at age 15 and at that age it is against Philippine Law to get married. Her father comes from a more or less well-to-do family and died when she was 3.

Her mother got married and moved to Manila without taking her with them. She was left behind with her grandparents who lavished her with their love despite the hardships. Her grandparents are tenants of a landed family in Ormoc City.

"I grew up in hardships", Gera said. But hardships in life could not stop her from getting away from her schools' honor rolls. She represented her school in Quiz Bees, Math competitions, Declamation contests and always ran off with a prize up to the regional level and finished First Honor in Elementary.

She praised to high heavens her teachers at the Sabang Bao National High School "because they taught with conviction and determination without thinking of themselves nor the money they get from teaching". (Nice one there, Gera.)

In High School she was consistently in the student publication as either Contributor, Associate Editor and Editor-In-Chief. In her senior year in high school she was elected President of the student government. As in Elementary, in high school she represented her school in competitions. As a high school senior she was the school's bet in the First Ecology Quiz and garnered the Third Place. She was so happy, it was the first time in her life to hold in her hands One Thousand Pesos in cold cash that came with the prize. She also made it to the National Press Conference in 2006 held in Kalibo, Aklan.

After her high school graduation a tragedy struck in the family. The only aunt that lived with her grandparents which she considered her second mother died from a "heart attack". She was so devastated that she sulked and cried for weeks. Obviously, she recovered from that tragedy. She is now graduating from college.

In college, she's been a consistent and active Student Leader. But Education is not her choice of a degree. She wants to be a lawyer someday. At the 2007 PFI Summer Youth Camp she was our Attorney.

She's currently teaching higher level KUMON here in Ormoc. Kumon is a Japanese method of teaching math.

Gera dear, hope you will find means to pursue your dream of becoming a lawyer because we will definitely need your lawyering expertise.

GO, GERA GO!

KAIBIGAN of NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, ILLINOIS, USA - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

2009-11-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

Last month (October, 2009) the second batch of Accreditation & Equivalency students took the exams.

On the 4th week of May, 2009 the A&E review classes started. It was held in one of the classrooms at the Eastern Visayas State University, Ormoc City with the following AGYLA (Active, Genuine Youth Leaders Association) teaching volunteers through the efforts of Mr. Xerxes Solon, PFI's Volunteer Youth Coordinator:

1. Reinheart Malate - Math

Reinheart is a 5th year Mechanical Engineering student at the

Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU)

2. Geraldine Castañeda - English

Gera is a graduating Secondary Education student of the same school

3. Rogerberto Suson - Math and Science

Adon is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student of the same school

4. Rodelio Clemente - Math and Science

Arjay is a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student of the same school

5. Paul Arias - Math & Current Events

Paul is a graduating Mechanical Engineering student of the same school

They were joined by a Department of Education regular Mobile Teacher who took on the Filipino subjects.

DepEd mobile teacher

They had 30 enrollees. In October 5, a week before the A&E Exam itself, they conducted a Mock Test among their enrollees. Unfortunately, only 5 passed the Mock Test among the 30 enrollees.

Of the 30 enrollees, only 10 actually took the A&E Exam which was held at the Ormoc City Central School last October, 2009.

Last November 14, 2009 we held a simple Awarding Ceremonies for our Volunteer Teachers with some of the ALS enrollees and the Ormoc Student Leaders' Organization (OSLO - composed of Supreme Student Government from different schools in Ormoc), and DepEd teachers in attendance.

OSLO members from the student governments of St. Peter's College and Western Leyte College

Awarded with Cash Gifts for volunteering to conduct Accreditation & Equivalency review classes are:

1. Reinheart Malate

2. Geraldine Castañeda

3. Rodelio Clemente

4. Rogerberto Suson

5. Paul Arias

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO KAIBIGAN! You have made a lot of difference to the lives of these kids.

During our November 14 simple awarding ceremony AGYLA, through Gera informed us that they are going to pursue this project. They will be joined in by the next generation AGYLA as many of them will graduate this March, 2010. The DepEd regular teachers also promised to help AGYLA with this project.

Most importantly, Gera said they will formally request the Eastern Visayas State University Ormoc Campus Administration to grant them the use of one classroom for the purpose.

EVERYBODY HAPPY!

Manifesto of the Movement for a New Ormoc

2009-11-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

M A N I F E S T O F O R C H A N G E

Kalihukan Alang sa Bag-ong Ormoc (KAABAG Ormoc)

“Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope,
and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring,
these ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance.”
~ Robert Kennedy ~

WE, the People of Ormoc, sharing a common desire to improve our lives and safeguard our posterity through responsible civic action and good governance, hereby issue this MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE:

WHEREAS, this peoples’ movement for change is spurred by the urgency to act and to launch a positive and unparalleled campaign both for good governance and good citizenship;

WHEREAS, we hereby manifest that to be indifferent is no longer an option;

WHEREAS, we seek to emulate other municipalities, cities and provinces that have veered away from the traditional way of practicing politics and have emerged successful in being more progressive and effective in their governance;

WHEREAS, we have enlisted all sectors of Ormoc, including profess-ionals, businessmen and religious lay people to join this movement, hopeful that its membership would expand to embrace the multitudes who share the same desire to see a more developed and progressive Ormoc.

NOW, THEREFORE, we hereby declare the following:

1) That, this peoples’ movement for change in Ormoc shall be known as “Kalihukan Alang sa Bag-ong Ormoc” or KAABAG Ormoc to highlight its for partnership with empathy and solidarity – the very spirit of togetherness espoused by a shared desire to see mutual advancement;

2) That, we envision Ormoc to be a city of value-driven and empowered citizens working together for a well-governed community;

3) That, as our Mission, we declare to be committed to find solutions and create opportunities that will ensure a progressive Ormoc;

4) That, to achieve its vision and mission, our Core Values shall be:

Love of God, family and fellowmen,

Integrity,

Good Governance,

Honesty and

Transparency

5) That, KAABAG Ormoc is firm in its resolve to achieve change by starting with us, committing to maintain consultative and democratic processes in its decision-making, being firmly guided by its VMC and with the interests of the public primarily in mind;

6) That, KAABAG Ormoc hereby rallies all political classes to go beyond the conflict between the elites and the masses and to pursue a type of politics that is insulated from political dynasties and interest groups;

7) That, KAABAG Ormoc prefers the long-term efficiency of a professionally-run and autonomous public bureaucracy, as we believe that politics must not be a contest of personalities; rather, it should be a competition of ideas of political groups and parties with clear ideologies and coherent programs of government;

8) That, KAABAG Ormoc vows to totally eliminate all forms of violence and arbitrariness from the political system;

9) That, KAABAG Ormoc vows to make sure that development plans and roadmaps are developed with good faith and with the intent of truly benefitting all constituents;

That, KAABAG Ormoc vows to craft ordinances in consultation with the people and to be transparent in all public dealings and transactions;

That, Kaabag Ormoc aims to achieve a freer market and an atmosphere where businesses can securely thrive;

That, Kaabag Ormoc believes the people deserve a city free of crime and sheltered from threats of harassment from the very people who should protect and care for them.

That, Kaabag vows to deliver public service at its best and at par with the more progressive cities in our country.

AND, FINALLY, WE HEREBY COMMIT to make our legacy not only hope, but real and measurable change so that our children and their children’s children shall forever be proud of us. Henceforth, we shall let pride, honor and dignity be our only currency.

SIGNED this Thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord Twenty Hundred and Nine.

Ondoy and Uring parallelism by Emil J

2009-09-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Ondoy reminds me very much of Typhoon Uring 18 years ago when Ormoc was devastated by a horrendous flood that took thousands of lives and destroyed millions worth of property. Like Uring, Ondoy was estimated to be a minor typhoon that had a center wind of 55 kph, moving at the speed of 12 kph. Uring was moving at the speed of 11 kph. Pag-asa's announcement didn't create much stir because the figures were not threatening enough.

Thus, people were caught by surprised when Ondoy brought torrents of rainfall that broke records, flooding entire cities that spared no one. Rich and poor alike share similar fate. While Uring left thousands killed and wiped out entire families, Ondoy devastated properties that left hundreds of thousands homeless and nowhere to go. Its flood didn't subside until days later, and hundreds could not be rescued because the waters had not subsided. Uring's flood lasted only for 30 minutes, leaving sprawled bodies in their agonies of death.

But Uring's flood was not caused by heavy rainfall. In fact, there was only a slight drizzle in the city. The heavy rain fell in the upstream sections of the two river systems, Anilao and Malbasag rivers, cascading down to the city in a rampage that caught those living along the riverbanks swimming for dear life. In Ondoy's case, the heavy rains fell on the helpless population and on cities built near the riverbanks of Marikina, Cainta and Pasig, flooding even middle class subdivisions once thought to be immune to floods.

The cities' drainage systems simply could not cope with so much rain water. This was made worse by the clogging of water ways and esteros caused by human settlements Add in the climate change factor, a phenomenon recognized only recently, and you have a perfect recipe for disaster. The media called the event a "deluge", comparable to the Biblical Noah's great flood. It is a shocking wake-up call to the realities of climate change especially to those who treated issue as an academic one. All along, a lot of people thought that the issue was still debatable and that its impact would not reach our shores until decades later.

But Ondoy is probably just a precursor of things to come. To me the Metropolitan Manila is a disaster waiting to happen. It is simply too congested, and its infrastructures are bound to give way under extreme conditions. Millions work and live in areas unfit for human habitation - near riverbanks, under bridges, in squatter colonies in makeshift hovels, over esteros - clogging waterways with tons of wastes and plastics, so that drainage systems malfunction and flooding occurs even during slight rainfalls. All of these because factories, offices and schools are all in the big cities, attracting hordes of migrants from the country's rural areas.

I used to live in the big city for 11 years in the '70s, and even then, I thought Manila needed to decongest itself of its factories and schools. Now more than 30 years later, the congestion continues as Metropolitan Manila continues to attract job hunters and fortune seekers. I have not heard of any government policy encouraging manufacturing firms and offices to relocate themselves to the poorer, less developed but labor-rich provinces.

Maybe Ondoy is that alarm call telling our government policy makers to heed the call of nature. In the light of the climate change phenomenon, maybe government should rethink its policies. Maybe, just maybe, it's time for an exodus from the big city.

78 dead in devastated Marikina

2009-09-27T23:21:00.001-07:00

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/28/2009 12:47 PM

Printer-friendly version | Send to friend | Share your views

MANILA - Mang Emilio could not stop crying as he surveyed what remained of his home in Provident Village in Marikina City.

"Walang natira sa lahat ng aking pinaghirapan (Everything I've worked for is gone)," he told ABS-CBN's Sol Aragones. He said he barely had time to escape to the roof of his home when the flood hit the village on Saturday.

He said, however, that he is thankful that he was able to bring his two in-laws to the roof before they got carried away by the flood.

Another Marikina resident, Bartolome Robias, also could not stop crying as he searched for his mother in an evacuation center and among the corpses that had been retrieved from Provident.

Robias said he last saw his mother, Leticia, when she went to Provident last Friday to iron clothes for some of the residents. Fearing that she was affected by the flood that devastated the area, Robias went to the village early Monday to see if she had been rescued.

Hours later, he finally received a call from his brother who said that Leticia had finally come home to their house in Antipolo.

Two days after tropical storm Ondoy brought the worst floods in Metro Manila, life has yet to return to normal for many residents of Marikina City. In a little over six hours, hundreds of lives were changed as the floods swept away houses, vehicles and people in the city.

One of the worst hit areas in the city was Provident Villages where most of the residents climbed on rooftops to escape the deluge. Unofficial figures received by ABS-CBN News said as many 58 people were killed in Provident and a total of 78 dead in the whole of Marikina.

Scores of overturned vehicles on mud-streaked streets paint a picture of the devastation wrought by the flood. Power lines in the area are still streaked with debris, which showed how high the flood reached on Saturday morning.

On Monday, Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando appealed for more food, water and blankets for residents staying in evacuation centers. She also appealed for more volunteers to help in the task of clearing the roads of debris and retrieving bodies in various parts of the city.

Some residents of Provident Villages have returned to their homes to clean up and guard their houses from looters. Others also lined up at a local market to buy food and get their first meal after two days.

One rescuer, Manuel, however said it will be a long time before everything returns to normal in Marikina.

"We found one corpse, a man. His hand was still clutching to a tree but his whole body was submerged in mud," he said.

He added: "We weren't hit by the flood so we came here to help. This is something that will affect us for a long time to come." With a report from Sol Aragones, ABS-CBN News

as of 09/28/2009 1:45 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/28/09/78-dead-devastated-marikina

AGYLA Conducts ALS Review Classes

2009-08-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

Argie Capao

AGYLA member

A&E Volunteer Review Class Teacher

Active Genuine Youth Leaders Association (AGYLA) review classes for the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Exam of the DepEd started in June this year. This review class is for the October exam.

Student members of AGYLA take turns in handling the reviewclass. At the start it was Reinheart Malate who handled the class with a handful of participants. Word got around and every Saturday (schedule of the review class) new faces come to the class.

AMMADO HELPS RAISE MONEY

2009-07-29T02:52:00.000-07:00

Twenty-four year old Glenn Ymas, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering student of the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) couldn’t be happier. Pagtinabangay Foundation informed him that he can continue being the Textile Clothing Footwear Ormoc Volunteer Monitor. This means he can also continue his college education for at least one semester.

Glenn is working his way through college doing odd jobs from gathering news to messengerial work.

Last year, Dr. Jaap Poll, CEO of Ottoman Energy Limited granted us P150,000 to pay for the allowances of eight Volunteer Youth Monitors for the Textile Clothing Footwear (TCF) project. For one whole year Dr. Poll enabled these 8 kids to enroll in college and in high school. That money also made sure that the 25 Community Livelihood Sewing Centers were monitored. The money lasted from June, 2008 to May, 2009.

Ammado.com raised US$ 296 for Pagtinabangay Foundation which was remitted to PFI in June 30, 2009. Converted to Philippine Pesos this amounts to Twelve Thousand – 3 months worth of allowance for Glenn to be able to monitor/visit all 25 Community Livelihood Centers of the Textile Clothing Footwear Ormoc project. These 25 CLCs are located in 21 barangays (villages) in Ormoc five of which are hard to reach.

With the 296 US Dollars, donors at ammado are helping Glenn achieve his ambition of finishing his dream of becoming a Mechanical Engineer - - - soon, very soon.

With the US$ 296, ammado.com donors are helping reach out to the 25 CLCs encouraging the garments makers to continue making garments which are providing them with additional income.

This is just great! 296 US dollars! 126 individuals assisted directly and indirectly! THANK YOU, AMMADO. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS AT AMMADO.COM

Glenn with Carol Hanlon and members of the Valencia CLC during the visit of Carol to the CLCs in July, 2008

A BAGET AMONG LAGETS (A young man among the Old Ones)

2009-07-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

Our Chess Master at work

Explaining the "Rules" before the tournament begins

RJ Clemente, AGYLA’s (Active Genuine Youth Leaders Association) chessmaster, has come a long way indeed from being taken as a very young nobody whose sport, chess, shunned as a non-entertaining game, to the Chief Arbiter of the 2009 Ormoc City Fiesta Chess Open. Ormoc City’s Fiesta (a day or days celebrated annually with lots of food and merrymaking) is celebrated every June 28-29 of every year.

An AGYLAn taking a much-needed nap before the games began.

Some registration issues....

To the lagets - some mechanics of the tourney...

At 18 years old, he stands tall among the late 20ish to the 70ish. The Ormoc City Sports Council decided to include Chess as one of the games to be played for the 2009 Fiesta celebration. RJ’s under a Coordinator who’s the elder brother of the City Vice-Mayor. He had two Assistant Arbiters – one is a member of the defunct Ormoc Chess Club and the other is from his very own EVSU Knights Chess Club.

Eleven teams vied for the Fiesta Chess Open Championship with five players per team. The 11 are: EVSU Knights Chess Club, District 12 Chess Team, Energy Development Corporation, San Miguel Beer Team A, Bagong Buhay Chess Team, Hilongos Sugar Milling Co. (HISUMCO), Cantubo Chess Club, Ammon Builders, CYPREA Chess Team, Naval Chess Club and Western Leyte College (WLC) Knights.

Prizes at stake were P5,000 for the first Prize, P4,000 for the second, P3,000 for the third, P2,000 for the fourth and P1,000 for the last placer. The prizes were sponsored by the City Sports Council. Worth mentioning also is the sponsorship of STI Computer College of water with dispenser and a laptop computer with matching printer used during the entire tourney.

As Chief Arbiter RJ laid down the rules: Touch-move using the Swiss System. From June 12 to June 21, the teams played the boards with the following coming out as the winners:

1st place (P5K plus Trophy) - Cyprea Chess Team of Naval, Biliran

2nd place (P4K plus Trophy) - Naval Chess Club

3rd place (P3K plus Trophy) - San Miguel Beer Corporation

4th place (P2K plus Trophy) - Eastern Visayas State Univ Knights

5th place (P1K plus Trophy) - Energy Development Corporation

For sure more teams will be joining next year’s Chess Open.

Another feather on our Chessmaster RJ’s cap!

RJ, our Chess Master Writes

2009-06-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

Rodelio J Clemente

Imagine a world where people all have excellent problem solving skills, where they are patient and respectful of each other on a daily basis. A society where citizens live for the future and plan long term, thinking of where their children’s children will be, following through, seeing each goal to its conclusion with ease.

Now add to that an indefinable quality of artistic imagination, dreaming for more than can be reasonably expected, reaching beyond the status quo.

What does this have to do with chess? Everything!I learned the game when I was young and to this day I see the world as a giant chess game where any barrier can be conquered and any victory can be achieved. No goal is impossible and when I have a target in sight there is no stopping me. The same glint I had in my eye when I faced an opponent at a chess tournament still exists today when I face a challenge, along with the insouciant grin that comes from the pure joy of the experience. Intuitively most would agree that chess improves a student’s grades and ability to study.

Numerous studies have been done over the years throughout the world that show this to be the case. IQ increases, reading test results improve as do math and science scores. However there are so many other skills children pick up naturally from learning and becoming good at chess.

Imagination is a must in chess. You cannot form strategies and tactical plans without being able to envision your goals. It is impossible to win a game without first imagining the victory. You are the one to make the pieces dance to the rhythm you choose. Without the player the pieces just sit dormant on a dusty board.

A child’s self confidence soars as the victories pile up, especially when that child can routinely trounce adults. Allow that child to teach other children or perhaps even adults and he or she will master the game quickly. Nothing helps someone learn faster than teaching others and nothing does more for one’s pride than to see someone improve under one’s tutelage. In order to achieve a victory one must consistently play well throughout the game. You can make forty excellent moves and one thoughtless blunder and lose the game instantly. As a result you quickly learn to be thorough in your analysis and patient with your moves. Imagine if we all applied this little lesson to our daily lives. Thoughtless comments, heat of the moment bursts of anger, crimes of passion might just become things of the past to be studied as a part of a history lesson.

If every parent initiated regular family chess nights and if every school taught chess as part of their daily lesson plan imagine where our country could be.

Children naturally are drawn to chess. If you don’t believe me try an easy experiment. Go to an area populated with children, put out a chess set and see what happens. I promise you they will flock to the board and become immersed in a game. We all have the power to fuel our children’s existing passion for learning and help our next generation soar.

Let’s make a difference!

Rodelio J Clemente

Chess Master

AGYLA

(Active, Genuine Youth Leaders Association)

Saga of a Young, Campus Leader, Friend and Survivor

2009-06-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

That's Jose (pronounced jow-see) Paul Taba Arias born January 19, 1988 in Barangay (village) Libertad, Ormoc City, Philippines. His parents are Cecilia Taba and Silvino Arias.

His peers call him names but I am fascinated by his leadership and survivor instinct. He is what Ormoc youth should be.

During the Ormoc Killer Flood of November 5, 1991, Paul was only three years old. The only thing he could remember then was that he noticed the shaking of their house, he was afraid the strong winds would blow their roof. He cowered with fear seeing the big planes passing by their house as if it would land on their roof.

His mother being a teacher, he started going to school at the age of 5 in a Day Care Center in their barangay. He finished Third Honors that year and delivered a "Tula" (poem) about a "Kalabaw" (water buffalo) which he has already forgotten.

When he was in Grade 1, a dog bit him and had to undergo the usual 20 days injection at that time, so he stopped schooling altogether. So, the next year, he was again in Grade 1 and was so by himself. He fretted on the thought that his classmates were now in Grade 2 and he's left in Grade 1. The bullies were at it again. No honors for him this time.

Despite his domestic responsibilities - he had a new baby brother and was assigned to watch over him - still he managed to finish Second Honors in Grade 4. He remembers one day when he was putting his baby brother to sleep, he was the first to sleep so the baby fell and that left a small dent on his brother's head.

At age 11 and now in Grade 5, his elder brother was implicated in a robbery in one of the stores in the city and was sent to jail. This brother of his is a frustrated Philippine Military Academy aspirant but his father who is a military man himself did not permit him to enter military service.

He was so affected by this incident that he lost the desire to go to school factor in the school bullies and it was a perfect emotional drain on his young (11 years old) capacities. Despite this, he again finished First Honors in class. The emotional drain took its toll the next year when he was in Grade 6 because of the bullies. He only got home the 2nd Honorable Mention that year.

Was he glad to enter High School. It meant leaving the bullies because he would now be in the same school where his mother is teaching - Ormoc City National High School. He was the school's Mama's Boy and he didn't mind at all. It was a joy to him to be his mother's assistant - bringing her things for her. That was cool, he didn't have to do it to another teacher.

News of a jailbreak by his "Kuya" (elder brother) shoke him again. But this time he made it a point to excell in something else to steer his attention from his brother's mess.

On his second year in high school he was expecting to be listed in the first section but he was not listed in any section at all. Of course he was in the list of enrollees at the Registrar's Office but not in any of the class section. Crying was his best option, because no teacher would admit him in class - that made him land in Section 3. The clerk printing the list of students in a class section admitted the fault. His name was in the last portion of the page of Section 2 but was cut during the printing.

The volunteerism spirit in him started when he was in 3rd year high school. Because it was mandatory for all boys to join the Boy Scouts, so he was involved in boy scouting too and enjoyed it a lot. This gave way to his joining the Red Cross.

At last in his last year in high school he was again back to Section 1 and was so proud to have graduated.

But entering college wasn't as smooth as graduating from high school and proud of it.

When interviewed for the College of Mechanical Engineering the interviewer only look at his grades in Math (94%), Science (88%) and English (81%). He could have manipulated his grades in Math and Science because how could he have understood the subjects when his English was only 81? That was the logic of the interviewer. No amount of reasoning could sway him to accept his grades. Almost in tears now, he collected his documents and decided to go home when another interviewer from the other table overheard his family name: "Arias?".

It turned out that his elder sister who just graduated from the same college in the same university was a Dean's lister! He was accepted, pronto. Thinking about it he said "I shouldn't have shown them my grades, I should have only told them that I am the brother of Ma. Consuelo Arias having graduated with the honor of Academic Excellence the year before.

That semester he was elected the Mechanical Engineering Department's Representative to the Supreme Student Government (SSG), he was the Class President and Veep in the Math Club. This was in Tacloban City, Philippines.

The Eastern Visayas State University campus in Ormoc City opened on the 2nd Semester. He has transferred to Ormoc. To make use of his vacant time he applied and was accepted as Student Assistant assigned in the Campus Library where he had all the time to read as many books as he wanted. And read he did.

The next semester he's now 2nd year college and again he was elected the ME's Representative to the SSG. He stopped being a Library Student Assistant and was heavily involved volunteering with two NGOs working on HIV/AIDS awareness. He attended Learning Group Sessions and helped distribute condoms to organized groups of the two NGOs. His first Learning Group "speaking engagement" was with the Nursing students of San Lorenzo College and is so proud about it until this day. He passed being a Speaker on HIV/AIDS awareness with flying colors!

On his 3rd year in college, together with Joey Motel, Maricris Bonjoc and College Instructor Xerxes Solon, he initiated the formation of the Ormoc Student Leaders' Organization (OSLO) and drafted the members' qualification himself - which, to his dismay, disqualified him. They had the numbers and involved 6 other schools and colleges. They had the Mayor as their Inducting Guest of Honor. And they had the best of intentions - to lobby for the passage of a Local Magna Carta for Students. The city government under Mayor Eric Codilla probably did not find it important and no assistance came from the city government. Frustrated, he abandoned the organization.

I hope he will listen to my suggestion of reviving the organization and I will help them in any way I can.

This same year he was again elected to represent the ME to the SSG. He led student mobilizations from small issues to bigger ones which made the SSG President feeling by-passed. But the SSG president at that time did not listen to the unexpressed sentiments of the students. He did. They were able to bring back the Wash Day (where students don't have to wear uniforms because it's laundry day) from Friday to Wednesday which was the sentiment of majority of the students.

He led the students in asking the Campus Administration to increase the number of student representatives to the SSG per Department from 5 to 6. This is good news to the elected representatives because this means 80% scholarship to them but of course bad news to the administration. But EVSU is a state-run university.

Elections to the SSG for the next school year are held every second semester of the current school year. He aimed high and ran for President. He asked his fellow AGYLAn (Active Genuine Youth Leaders Association) to slide down to the vice-presidency which Reinheart "Archie" Malate did. He campaigned hard - went to every classroom and said hi and talked to every student he met. His opponent was so relaxed and was not even seen campaigning. Still he LOST! What a devastation. What he didn't know is that although he is popular among the ME students, ME is just a minuscule compared to the department of his opponent. That was a miscalculation on his part.

He lost, yes, but the SSG Adviser, a college instructor created an office for him - Commission for Projects and Development directly under the Office of the SSG President. His first project was the establishment of a physical office of the SSG which until now is unfinished due to lack of funds.

He prepared for the election come next semester (his 4th year) and worked out a strategy. He did not want to lose again and badly want to sit as President of SSG next school year (his 5th year, graduation year).

Since he is no longer holding a legislative position being Lone Commissioner for Projects and Development, he drafted two Resolutions that he lobbied with his friends in the legislative body of the SSG - the representatives. The 1st resolution was prohibiting any student who has done an On-the-Job Training (OJT) in the 1st semester of the current school year to run for SSG President. This was unanimously approved. So, his strongest potential opponent can no longer run because he has just finished doing his OJT in the first semester.

The second resolution was prohibiting a current member of the SSG to run for a higher position if he/she has no experience in that position. So even the current vice president could no longer run for president, clever. Again, this was unanimously approved. And having been approved by the Representatives in session, the two Resolutions were ultimately approved by the Campus Director (equivalent to school president, only this is just a campus of a university).

The second semester that year found our Jose Paul Arias running for President of SSG unopposed! He is the current president of the EVSU SSG Ormoc City Campus. How does he feel winning without an opponent? "It's the best way to win rather than putting yourself in danger". That's our survivor Paul!

There's one more story to tell. This year is his 5th year in the College of Mechanical Engineering and the SSG President. He is also going to do his OJT this semester.

EVSU submitted the names of the Top 5 of the ME candidates for graduation to the choicest company in Ormoc to do an OJT for - Energy Development Company, the company operating the biggest geothermal plant in the country and one of the biggest in Asia and our Paul is not in the list because he is just 7th in the list. But he wanted very much to do his OJT at EDC. He again showed his maneuvering skills and power and got the job training. All names in the top 5 did not. So what did he do, what maneuvering did he do? He used his common sense and went straight to the Resident Manager of EDC. Simple. The next week, EDC's Human Resources Department rang him up for placement. While the top 5 in the list are making do with government offices doing nothing but stare at the clock, while he is learning a lot over at EDC.

People who become successful in life are the one's with our Paul's stamina and determination. Most of them are not in the Dean's list. Look at Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg to name a few.

Let's wait and see how our Paul is going to lead his life.

AGYLA - EKCC TAKES ON THE STI INTER-HIGH SCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT

2009-04-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder what happened to the STI Inter-Highschool chess tournament that we featured in February, 2009? Well, here's what happened next - the finals.

Father of Ormoc Youth and AGYLA Master Adviser, Xerxes Solon, of course cannot be absent. Here, he delivers his "fatherly" inspiration before anything else.

To mark their sportsmanship, a handshake. No hard feelings, huh?

The finalists enter the "Swiss system" round

... with Ormoc's Chess Master, RJ Clemente doing the ceremonial game to officially open the tournament...

So the games begin:

Right on, girl. Beat the guy!

That's her from another angle, determined to win.

She might be young but she's mature enough to handle this.

... can't play without his knapsack. It gives him comfort and concentration... Got to stand up for a vantage view

here are some of the moves... dig? contact RJ at the Eastern Visayas State University, Ormoc City

freshmen rule!

Got it, got it... MATE!

Are you the young engineers? Engineering the scores, huh?

... Hhhmmm, let's see who's winning...

... and now, the much-awaited awarding of prizes...

The following report is from our Chess Master himself:

The STI INTER-HIGH SCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT is the principal team contest organized by the STI of Ormoc City in cooperation with the AGYLA - EKCC CHESS CLUB for the different schools from the 4^th District of Leyte, Philippines. This is a team event and is open to all High Schools in the 4^th District of Leyte.

Each school team provided three (3) chessboards/mats, 1 chess clock and five players: four players and one reserve from the same school. Teams with less than four players were not allowed to participate.

The tournament was from February 21 to March 22, 2009.

Thirteen schools participated from the city of Ormoc, and the municipalities of Albuera and Kananga. A record 65 students played for their respective schools.

In the Team Category the following were declared winners:

1^st Kananga National High School

2^nd New Ormoc City National High School

3^rd Damulaan National High School

For the Individuals Category the following are the winners:

1^st Chrys Suico - New Ormoc City National High School

2^nd Elmer Nazario - Margen National High School

3^rd Mark Corrales - Seguinon National High School

4^th Reuben Ensoy - Kananga National High School

Interestingly, Margen and Sequinon National High Schools are situated in barangays (villages).

RJ is grateful to all his friends who have supported him through thick and thin.

Carol Hanlon Elected National President of Australasian Institute of Enterprise Facilitators

2009-03-31T04:57:00.001-07:00

Carol Hanlon has a vast and impressive resume which has seen her serve the local Belmont community in numerous roles for 15 years. Carol’s diverse experience also includes being Founding Manager and Facilitator of the Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc. (BEC) - Small Business Centre Belmont (SBC), Textile Clothing Footwear Resource Centre of Western Australia Inc. (TCFWA) and the designedge fashion incubator.

Carol has now been elected the National President of the Australasian Institute of Enterprise Facilitators (AIEF). Founded in 1997 as a result of the recommendations of the Industry Task Force on Leadership and Management Skills, the AIEF has a mission to advance the profession of enterprise facilitation.

Of the appointment, Carol said, ”I have been an active member of the board of the AIEF, and am honoured to now be elected Australian President, and look forward to this role”.

The aims of the AIEF revolve around establishing and upholding professional standards of competence, responsibility, objectivity and integrity in enterprise facilitation. They advise and inform government, industry and business at all levels on matters relating to the development of business facilitation and development of an enterprise culture in Australia.

Carol Hanlon has always been a strong community leader, serving on numerous Advisory Committees including restructuring of TAFE courses, tourism and regional economic development. Carol has received extensive community and business recognition for over 35 years and in 2006 Carol was a nominee of the Western Australian Citizen of the Year Awards - Industry and Commerce category and awarded Best National BEC Manager in 2004 and 2008.

Other community based projects inspired by Carol have included the creation of the Belmont Clothes Library, a Racing Industry Business Development project and Multicultural Business Services Support Services and various Indigenous projects.

For more information on the AIEF, www.aief.org.au.

Father of Ormoc Youth Declares Youth Day!

2009-03-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

Xerxes Solon, Father of Ormoc Youth orients these young people on the virtues of volunteerism and declares March 1 of every year as Ormoc's Youth Volunteers' Day.

Dr. Rogelio Marson, recently retired City Health Officer of Ormoc volunteered to be the physician of the day for those who would like to donate blood to the Red Cross. Most of the kids here are Red Cross volunteers where Xerxes is a member of the Board.

While others "volunteered" to take the pain of the needle and gave their blood

... the rest took the pain of the piercing sun to paint highlights of the side walks fronting the city stage

... and of course, AGYLA is behind it all...

ACTIVE, GENUINE YOUTH LEADERS ASSOCIATION

SUMMER YOUTH CAMP 2009

2009-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

Jose Rizal, the great Filipino hero once said: “The youth is the hope of the Fatherland.” He said this with a lot of faith and conviction that, indeed, the Filipino youth of today is the beacon that brings hope for generations to come.

Filipino Parents do everything in their power to make this hope come true. Parents, however, are hard at making both ends meet that sometimes our children and youth are left to the harsh realities of life, realities that thrust them to fend for themselves in a world that is often not kind on their sensibilities.

Our experience in the 2008 Summer Youth Camp was profoundly humbling. Almost always many of us think of our youth as insensible, dependent, irresponsible brats. The 2008 Summer Youth Camp proved all these wrong.

Our children and youth are a dynamic, resourceful and talented lot! Even the most loud and problematic of them all is actually a very energetic and talented young man.

We found out that whatever problems their families face, these young people bear the brunt - they can stop schooling and fend for themselves. They go with their friends for some “trip” or just have fun or sulk in their lonesome and become a problem child. The most unfortunate is for them to work for their families and become breadwinners at a young age.

Thirty young souls listening, playing and discussing a barrage of topics intended for them to assimilate, is a sight and memory to recall in our silent moments. Listening, playing, working, joking, dancing and discussing with them filled us with more resolve to do this over and over again catering to different names and faces every time.

Friends, help us on this endeavor. We can’t do this without you. We couldn’t have done the 2008 Summer Youth Camp without the financial assistance of generous people like Jaap Poll of Australia, Ed Stanton of England, Mayor Saturnino Medina of Isabel, Leyte, Mayor Susan Parilla of Naval, Biliran, Mayor Benjo Remandaban of Tabango, Leyte, Representative Glenn Chong of Biliran and the Energy Development Corporation of Tongonan, Ormoc City.

For your donations to the 2009 Summer Youth Camp please contact:

Pagtinabangay Foundation

Cataag compound, San Joaquin St.

Ormoc City 6541 Philippines

Telephones: (6353) 561-3363; 255-3516

Mobile phone: (63919) 394-2019

Emails: pagti@lycos.com

pagtinabangayfoundation@gmail.com

HTML Website: www.geocities.com/pfft_2000

OR TO:

Ammado.com

Giving Circle

http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/pagtinabangayfoundation

AGYLA-STI Chess Tourney

2009-03-01T01:58:00.001-08:00

RJ's Baby, Chess once again surfaces as a sport to watch. Judging from the turn-out in the STI College-Ormoc and AGYLA partnership Inter-School Chess Tournament, February, 2009, chess is definitely a sport to reckon with.

Rodelio J. Clemente, Ormoc's Chess Master speaking before the tournament starts.

Ormoc City Councilor Atty. Ruben Capahi speaking before the tourney would start. When RJ and his chess friends approached him for financial, moral and other logistical support to mount a chess tournament last year, he gave the kids his cold shoulder telling them that chess "has no entertainment value" unlike basketball. Now, however, a change of heart....

The kids are waiting for the support to show up.

Father of Ormoc Youth in gray stripe polo shirt, left, Xerxes Solon lends a moral support. Unshaken and not to be beaten by the cold-shoulder treatment of the City Council's Sports Committee Chairman and the absence of support from national as well as local government units, RJ turned to the private schools for the much needed support and found it with the STI College-Ormoc.

... and the tournament begins

From the barangays (villages) they came: New Ormoc City National High School versus Dolores National High School

Valencia National High School versus the Santo Niño College

From neighboring municipalities, they came: Margen National High School versus Seguinon National High School

Girls against boys...

RJ, our chessmaster at the head of the table (in black) mediating

... and look at these girls play. Yet, they don't have the heart to support and develop their skills!

Their actions speak louder than words.

Doing it like pros...

AGYLA in action once again!

A & E PASSERS

2009-02-16T04:25:00.000-08:00

Last June 12, 2008 (Philippines Independence Day) a few of our young friends took the Accreditation and Equivalency Examinations.

This examination is conducted by the Department of Education to Out-Of-School people aged 17 and up who have not finished elementary or high school. The passers may enroll in a college of their choice with their passing certificates in hand.

Here are the Ormoc City passers of the June, 2008 A&E exams:

1. Araño, Jeneline Salazar

2. Bantiles, Kristine Grace Villota

3. Barsaga, Junalyn Despi

4. Bernales, Ma. Lorena Colarte

5. Bio, Walter Mangca

6. Cabahug, Martin Allan

7. Cabonce, Jilliane Kay Miguel

8. Cañete, Marissa Apas

9. Casimong, Maryeil Gonzaga

10. Catayoc, Jovanne Pasturan

11. Codilla, Ryan Aparis

12. Dela Cruz, Ernesto Galvez

13. Dela Cruz, Tomas Jr. Galvez

14. Ecot, Aprille Lumanta

15. Estrera, Ervin John Dejaño

16. Catayoc, Jovanne Pasturan

17. Ibañes, Milgar Gervas

18. Indolos, Analou Dejaño

19. Kardante, Manilyn Malinao

20. Laurente, Jenetha Largo

21. Leyson, Melody Mansan

22. Manigao, Lorena Apas

23. Mistola, Cherrybec Obeda

24. Montegrande, Susan Navia

25. Morada, Joan Rivera

26. Ogdamina, Marilou Ilesan

27. Omambac, Ian Joseph Ubay

28. Peñalosa, Anselma Ducalang

29. Polgo, Mazie Petilos

30. Sevilla, Randy Gubalane

31. Tecson, Armechilyn Jeminez

32. Verano, Jonathan Simagala

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU - A young Network. You belong to the 8% of A&E takers who made it.

Jonathan's sketches

2009-02-03T19:27:00.001-08:00

Jonathan's high school crush

Philippine actor Dingdong Avanzado

Philippine actor Aga Muhlach

Attention Chess enthusiasts in Ormoc City, Philippines

2009-01-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 25, 2009

STI INTER-SECONDARY CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

STI INTER-SECONDARY CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
4TH DISTRICT OF LEYTE
“TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS”

FEB. 21-MARCH 15, 2009

1. The General

The STI INTER-SECONDARY Chess Championship is the principal team contest organized by the STI of Ormoc City in cooperation with the AGYLA CHESS CLUB for the different schools from 4th District of Leyte, Philippines.

2. Team Composition

This is a team event and opens to all High School in 4th District of Leyte. Each school team should provide three (3) chessboards/mats, 1 chess clock and have five players: four players and one reserve from the same school. Teams will not be allowed to participate with less than four (4) players.

· Teacher-in-Charge: The schools take full responsibility for the conduct of their players. Every School shall be represented by a Teacher-in-Charge; it may either appoint a member of staff from the school or parent or representative exclusively to this office. Duties of the Teacher-in-Charge include appointment of Team Managers and Team Captains, administrative supervision of all the teams entered and their equipment, liaison with the organizing authorities and the Chief Arbiter/Tournament Director.

· Team Managers: Each Section should have a separate Manager appointed by the Teacher-in-Charge. Duties of the Section Manager include administrative supervision of the teams and its equipment; ensuring players are punctual, follow-up of late arrivals and defaults, maintaining contact information for team members and their parents, liaison with the Teacher-in-Charge and the Match Arbiters.

· Captains: Each team shall have a captain, who may also be one of the players (or reserve). The captain’s duties include leadership of team matches, informing team members of which room, row, board number and side they are playing on, verification of results at the conclusion of matches and liaison with the Team Manager and Match Arbiter.

3. Notice of Participation

· No later than ____________________________________________

· For every team that a school has entered, the Team Registration Forms must be completed with the following details:
· Name of the Teacher-in-Charge.
· Name of the team captain.
· Name of each team member (Christian name and surname).
· Date of birth, gender, address, telephone number and parent/guardian’s name for each team member.
· Late notification of team particulars shall be accepted up to ____________________________________________ before the start of Round 1. After this deadline only corrections of details submitted shall be permitted.
· The pairings for the first round and verification of Board Order shall be finalized before the first day of the Tournament and shall be published by the AGYLA Chess Club.

4. Penalties
The arbiter can apply one or more of the following penalties:
a. Warning.
b. Every Illegal move; King to move.
c. Declaring the game to be lost.
d. Reducing the points scored in a game by the offending party.
e. Increasing the points scored in a game by the opponent to the maximum available for that game.
f. Expulsion from the event.
g. The arbiter may award either or both players additional time in the event of external disturbance of the game.
h. Spectators and players in other games are not to speak about or otherwise interfere in a game. If necessary, the arbiter may expel offenders from the playing venue.
5. Technical Regulations

· This tournament will be competed as an 11 rounds Swiss.
· Point system:

SCORE BY INDIVIDUALS SCORE BY TEAMS
4.0-2.5 (individual 4 boards) = 1 point (team)
2.0 (individual 4 boards) = 0.5 point (team)
1.5-0 (individual 4 boards) = 0 point (team)

· The game scores of the ‘best performing’ team will be the Over all champion.

· The Chief Arbiter will make every effort to start the rounds on time. However, if there were to be any unavoidable delays, the Chief Arbiter will declare the start time and the default time at the beginning of each round.

· Arbiters will be on the tournament floor at all times to assist you in the event of any problems or questions.

· When making a claim, or in case of any dispute, either player may stop both clocks and raise a hand to summon an Arbiter. Keep it up until an Arbiter comes to assist you. It is up to you to make a claim. If you think that an Arbiter has made an error you should ask to appeal to the Chief Arbiter his decision shall be final and play shall resume. After the game the captain may appeal to the Appeals Committee. Improper or frivolous claims maybe penalized by adding time to the opponent's clock.

· Start your opponent's clock as soon as the start of round is announced. Do not wait for your opponent to arrive. Face all clocks in the direction specified by the Assistant Arbiters.

· If both players are late for the start of a round, the first player to arrive must split the elapsed time and then start the opponent's clock. If neither player has a clock, the elapsed time from the start of the round must be split according to the arrival times when one is obtained.

· Only a player or Arbiter may claim a time forfeit. No parent, coach or team member, etc., may make such a claim.

· A player who does not arrive within ½ hour of the scheduled start time of the round or the default time announced by the Chief Arbiter where there is a late start forfeits the game. The player winning on forfeit must report the result as a forfeit win. Any team which forfeits a match will not be paired for future rounds unless reinstated by the Chief Arbiter. If you are unavoidably delayed contact the Chief Arbiter as early as possible.

· Touch move rules apply. When castling, it is proper to touch the king first, but there is no penalty for touching the rook first.

· Players must keep move-by-move score.

· If you want to offer a draw to your opponent, you should do so after you make a move but before you start your opponent’s clock. Your opponent may refuse the draw by saying so or by moving a piece. You are not allowed to take back a draw offer until your opponent moves or say “No”. The game is over if both players agree to a draw.

· Never leave the playing area during your game without an Arbiter’s permission.

· When your game is completed immediately report your result to the room Arbiter (the game is considered completed only after the score sheets are signed by both the players and the arbiter).

· Analysis in the playing room, even quietly, is strictly forbidden. Take it to the analysis areas.

· Do not remove boards, sets and clocks from the playing room. Any board, set or clock removed from the playing room will be considered stolen.

· Smoking is not permitted in the playing rooms, foyer, analysis, or meeting rooms. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited.

· The first round pairings will be done manually; the ‘A’ team will be paired against ‘B’ team. The computer will make the remaining Pairings. No two teams from the same school will be paired against each other from round 2 onwards. Pairings review by Chief Arbiter will be considered official.

· Every participating team is in principle under obligation to play in the tournament from start to finish. If a team is, however, compelled to withdraw from the tournament through circumstances beyond its control, the Chief Arbiter shall settle the treatment of any unplayed matches for the purpose of scoring.

6. Common rules for players

When in doubt, ask!
Never hesitate to ask a tournament director (TD) to clarify any confusion you may have about the rules. If you and an opponent have a disagreement, stop the clocks, find a director, and ask them to make a ruling.

If you touch a piece, you must move it.
This is known as the touch-move rule, and is often a source of difficulty for players new to tournaments. It also requires you to capture an opponent’s piece if you touch it. This rule only applies if you can make a legal move with the piece you touched.
There are some exceptions. If you accidentally brush a piece, you are not required to move it. If a piece is awkwardly placed, you can adjust it; simply say “I adjust” before touching the piece to make it clear to your opponent that you don’t intend to move it.
Never interfere with a game in progress.
In most chess tournaments, you’ll be able to walk around the playing area and watch other games, provided you do so quietly. Observers are forbidden from telling players anything about their games, even if they notice a violation of the rules.
Turn off your cell phone.
In recent years, new rules have been written to deal with loud phones, which can break the concentration of chess players. If your phone rings in the playing area, you will likely be subject to a penalty, and may even have to forfeit your game.
Understand how to use a chess clock.
Tournament chess is played with time limits, which vary by event. Time is kept by using a chess clock. Using these clocks can be distracting at first, but will soon become second nature. Most importantly, remember to hit your clock after each move you make – this stops your clock and starts your opponent’s time. Also, be sure to use the same hand to move your pieces and touch the clock.
After the game is over, record your result.
Win, lose, or draw, both players are required to make sure the proper result is recorded. If you’re not sure where to mark down your result, ask a director for help.

Prepared by:

MR. RJ CLEMENTE
Tournament Director/Chief Arbiter

(ACC) AGYLA Chess Club

More talents in AGYLA

2009-01-11T02:46:00.000-08:00

KAHOY's chicks did us in with all those piety .... all of a sudden "I have two hands!"

AGYLA's singers/dancers .. tsaaaraaan...

Ma'am Carina and soon-to-be-accountant Riza.

AGYLA's stand-up comedian - Dodong (Michael Frances) Alvarado with his antics

Meet AGYLA's Dancer/Choreographer

2009-01-11T00:14:00.000-08:00

Born under the sign of Aries, headstrong though soft-spoken and always a leader, Jonathan Ecalme Delotina is a leader in the dance floor.

Sixth of 11 kids, Jonathan had to help his parents send all his older siblings through school by stopping in between thus graduated Third Honors from General Vicente Lim Elementary School in Tondo, Manila at the age of 14.

Originally from Dasmariñas, Cavite, his father had to relocate his family to Ormoc after his elementary graduation. That was in 1999. His father is a crane operator of a construction firm.

Dancing has always been in his blood since in first grade and seeing his oldest brother danced on the noon-time show Eat Bulaga at the ABS-CBN tv network. He dreamed to be a professional dancer but opportunities never came. Dancing is still his passion even today and is always on stage during school activities.

In Ormoc he enrolled at the Western Leyte College for his first year in High School. It was there that he joined the Yahoo Group of Talents. They probably were fans of Yahoo thus the name.

He has to stop schooling again in the middle of his second year high school due to his family's financial troubles. But he never stopped dancing. He danced with other kids in his village.

Because his family was not able to pay his tuition at the Western Leyte College, he was not able to claim his school card and when he was again enrolled at the Ormoc City High School, he had to start high school all over again at the age of 19. In high school, he graduated with honors in 2007. He was 23.

To earn money, he accepts dance and cheering squad coachings. He has already made money, albeit small, as choreographer of the St. Peter's College Fouth Year High School and the SPC Education Cheering Squads. He has choreographed dances for the employees of California Energy, Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation, EMCOR, Ormoc Community Credit Cooperative Inc, Ormoc Cable and others.

Nobody taught him to dance. He just watches dance shows on tv and follows the steps. His favorites are Wade Robson and the Street Boys. His current dance group finished as finalist in the Penshoppe Dance Slam in Cebu a year ago.

He is currently enrolled as a freshman of the Education Department of the Eastern Visayas State University. He is determined to finish college and become a teacher someday even if he does not like the program that he is enrolled in. There is not much choice at EVSU so he is majoring Science and Technology.

He aims to finish college, get a job and pursue his first love which is Fine Arts. Right now, he does sketches which are piled in their house fed to the rats. He dreams of having his own dance studio and art gallery someday, however long it will take.

He was at the PFI Christmas Young Managers Camp because he is president of the Filipino Club. Now armed with a vision, mission and a plan for the club, he wants to reach out to other schools and make the Filipino Club an outlet to bring out, recall and preserve the Filipino culture in Ormoc's youth.

At 24, Jonathan is still single and has no plan of entering into a relationship yet. Another of his dream is to take his family out of their current difficult economic situation. His parents married young and his mother's family questioned his father's ability to raise a family thus no help came from his grandparents ever since. He wants to help his parents in behalf of his grandparents.

AGYLA oozes with talents

2008-12-30T04:40:00.000-08:00

These are AGYLA's talented managers.

John Malazarte, AGYLA's gymnast

Lyndon Keith Rosquites, AGYLA's rapper

Jonathan Delotina, AGYLA's hiphop dancer/choreographer

d next Pacman... Benito "JJ" Nayre, AGYLA's boxing champion

New member of AGYLA

2008-12-25T17:40:00.001-08:00

AGYLA or Active, Genuine, Youth Leaders Association is a federation of 22 youth organizations mostly from Ormoc City. But it has a new recruit in KAHOY, a youth organization based in a neighboring municipality - Kananga.

KAHOY is a multi-faceted youth organization. Anyone can judge it by its name alone: Kananga HELP Organization of the Youth in short, KAHOY. The H in KAHOY is a contraction in itself which means HELP and spelled further as Health Environment Livelihood & Protection. By "Protection" they mean protection of the members from outside forces - whatever that means, it's for them to explain.

KAHOY was organized by the energetic Richard Impas, former community organizer of Pagtinabangay Foundation. He started it in July, 2008 after the PFI-AGYLA Summer Youth Camp.

At the PFI Christmas Youth Camp, it was represented by Riza Monares and Carina Romero both from Kananga. It was easy for Xerxes Solon (Father of Ormoc Youth) to contact Riza because she is a student at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) where Xerxes teaches.

Riza

Carina

PFI Christmas Youth Camp

2008-12-24T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Youth Camp was scheduled on December 19-23, 2008. We did not anticipate the christmas parties and other christmas activities, oh my God! Nobody came on the 19th!

On the 20th only 4 arrived. We had to wait another day. meantime the four enjoyed eating, talking, texting, and nature.

On the 21st seventeen arrived. And we started the sessions, thank God. But 4 went home in the afternoon.

The next day, 22nd, only 13 were left.

From 17 only 10 actually "graduated" from the Management Camp and given certificates.

Introducing.... RJ Clemente EKCC-AGYLA's chessmaster

2008-11-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

Rodelio J. Clemente or RJ was born on February 25, 1991 to educator parents in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

At a young age of eight years old and in Grade four at that time in Jose Rizal College (University now), he joined a team of elementary pupils under training by Grand Masters Bong Villamayor and Pacis. They were "discovered" after a try-out in the college among elementary and high school children. He was lucky enough to be chosen and trained by the Grand Masters for two years.

After two years of training and already in Grade six, he became the chess champion in the elementary division of Jose Rizal University. After that, he went on to bag the Silver Medal in the inter-city category.

On his first year in high school in the same university he was again the champion during intramural games for chess and went on to make it to the top 45 list in the whole of the National Capital Region.

For two years he was in the Junior Varsity Team of the Jose Rizal College (JRC) competing for prizes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

JRC's loss was St. Peter's College (SPC) gain. On entering third year high school his parents moved to Ormoc City and enrolled him at the St. Peter's College. Again, he showed his prowess at the chess board and conquered every contestant to get the much-coveted Gold Medal. He was SPC's bet to the Division Meet (city-wide athletic competition) and brought a Gold Medal for the school. He also brought home the Gold and made Ormoc proud in the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) meet. Without a coach, he landed 11th at the Palarong Pambansa (National Athletic Meet) which was held in Iloilo City that school-year.

On his fourth and last year at the SPC, again, he was the school's chess champion, and Ormoc's chess champ. This time around he took home the Gold Medal for the individual category and helped his team mates from Ormoc City bag the Silver Medal at the EVRAA. He was now at the top 7 in the Palarong Pambansa.

Without an engineering program, he left SPC after graduation and enrolled at the Eastern Visayas State University. As in any school where he was enrolled, he again became EVSU's chess champ in his first year in college. He represented EVSU at the Regional chess competition and got the Silver Medal. He helped his team mates bag the Gold Medal in that competition. Shamefully however, they did not have a chance to compete at the national level because the Department of Education regional office did not have a budget for the chess athletes. Shame, shame, shame!

Frustrated with the kind of attitude the government school officials portrayed, he stopped competing and turned his efforts at organizing and training chess enthusiasts. On his second year in college, together with his chess-enthusiast friends, they founded the EVSU Knights Chess Club and established chapters in different schools in the city - SPC, Western Leyte College (WLC), STI Computer School and Syntacs Computer School with high school and elementary levels. There were more invitations for them to organize in the neighboring municipalities. So now they also have chapters in the municipalities of Kananga and Isabel.

On his third year in college now (School Year June, 2008-March, 2009) he is continuing his mission of training more kids to learn how to play chess which he considers a game about life itself.

He plans to produce more good chess players because Ormoc is "weak" in chess. Lacking in logistics, his group approached the Ormoc City Schools Sports Organization which is supported with funds from the city government for material support but Atty. Ruben Capahi, a city councilor and chairman of the said organization, turned them down. Capahi reasoned that chess has no entertainment value compared to basketball, so there is no way their group can get support from the city government-funded organization.

The host schools of these chess chapters are in no mood to support them either. They need a coach, a trainer and some chess materials like the boards, the clock and prizes for chess competitions that EKCC holds regularly.

After graduation next school year, RJ plans to go home to his parents who returned to Mandaluyong when he was 16 years old. He believes chess enthusiasm among the kids in Ormoc will not die down when he will no longer be in Ormoc because of the seeds he has planted early on.

Asked why and how he learned to play chess, RJ answered by saying that as a kid he also played basketball but his interest in basketball was not as much as his interest in "Dama", a Filipino board game. It was one of his cousins back in Mandaluyong who introduced him to chess. His cousin gave him a book on chess and self-learned from it.

As mentioned earlier, he considers a chess game as a game of life itself. "Like when there are problems in the family, pieces fall. And even if only one piece is left, there is still a chance to win the game. Gambits in chess just to advance a position, can be compared to real life situations" RJ explains.

RJ was left to fend for himself in Ormoc when his parents decided to go back to Mandaluyong. Without money and pitted against a powerful clan, he ran as Chairman for the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) of Barangay (urban village) Cogon and handily won!

When he is out of money, he goes to the market, spreads out his chessboard and calls on anyone to compete with him for money. He always wins!

In his coachings for the chess enthusiasts the first orientation is about PERSONHOOD and he emphasizes to put a priority always to family, studies and chess in that order. He warns his trainees not to use chess as an alibi to get permission from parents to go elsewhere.

"I am still a victim of chess. It has all the beauty of art -- and much more. It cannot be commercialized. Chess is much purer than art in its social position." - RJ Clemente, 2008.

Check out RJ's blog: http://ekcctips.blogspot.com/

EKCC - AGYLA

2008-10-28T06:27:00.001-07:00

EKCC is short for Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Knights Chess Club. This is a pioneering organization of a school-based chess club.

Founded by five energetic young college freshmen namely Erman Baulita, RJ Clemente, Joey Vincent Motel, Glenn Ymas and Robert Navarro, EKCC is currently, as of this writing, in 5 colleges and high schools in Ormoc City and has even expanded to the municipality of Isabel, Leyte with corresponding women teams to boot.

The purpose of EKCC is "To provide all members of the EKCC (Ormoc City) area community an opportunity to meet and play chess in an informal and friendly atmosphere. The club offers monthly meetings, instructions, tournament and special events for players of all skill levels."

Sorely lacking in resources and without any financial support from the schools where they have chess clubs, these kids are doing their best to keep afloat. From a small a mount collected from membership fees below is a list of the benefits they provide to their members:

1. The EKCC is open to players of all ages and skill levels.

2. The EKCC is not only for all chess players but to all non-learners of this sport interested to know how to play chess.
3. The EKCC meets monthly where members can socialize and play chess.
4. EKCC members receive an annual calendar packed with chess tournaments and activities.
5. The EKCC encourages scholastic participation by organizing special events like local scholastic tournaments, chess camps, and school clubs.
6. The EKCC sponsors Active Genuine Youth Leaders Association (AGYLA) rated tournaments like the EVSU Knights Chess Championship, and frequent "tornado" 1-day weekend tournaments.
7. EKCC members receive and provide free individual instruction for beginners and free group study and game analysis programs for intermediate and advanced players.
8. EKCC members have the honor of being part of the best and 1st chess club inOrmoc City. Our club has National Champions! The average rating of the top five players is high Expert class.

9. EKCC members help administrate and direct local tournaments, serve as club officers, teach chess at local schools, coordinate attendance at area tournaments, promote chess, etc.

For more of EKCC visit RJ's blog at http://evsuknightschessclub.blogspot.com.

By the way....

2008-10-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

RJ contacted me to inform us about their activities as blogged about a few days ago. Thanks, RJ, that's very kind of you.

So kids from the 2008 PFI-LEYAN Summer Youth Camp, please inform me by email your activities so all of us will know. We have no idea what you are doing out there in Tabango and Baybay. Please do put those activities down in writing and send to me at dayjean455@yahoo.com.

Barkada kontra druga is a Cebuano dialect in the Philippines and means Gang Against Drugs.

SK Cogon Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign "Do Drugs Control Your Life?"

When: Sept. 28-Oct. 08, 2008

Who: SK Cogon especially Out of School Youth (Barkada Kontra Droga)

Where: Brgy. Cogon Gymnasium

Sept. 28- Opening Ceremony (participated by 144 Out of School Youth and 14 students)

Sept. 29-30- Basketball Tournament (4 teams for OSY), Poster Making Contest (5 participants)

Oct. 01- Volleyball (4 teams for OSY) and Table Tennis Tournament (8 participants)

Oct. 02- Chess (8 participants) and Badminton Tournament (8 participants)

Oct. 03- Slogan Making Contest (6 participants)

Oct. 04-06- Championship Game for all sports festival

Oct. 07- Culminating Preparation

Oct. 08- "Symposium about Drugs" by Philippine Army (1pm-5pm), Culminating Activities (7pm-2am) Awarding Ceremony, Debate Contest Pro vs. Anti Drug and Disco.

Visitors: CSWDO staff, cable, Philippine Army and Brgy. Officials

COGON SK - AGYLA

2008-10-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

If you go to the archives of this blog, to the bottom page of the May entry, you will find photos of the kids in the PFI-LEYAN Summer Youth Camp doing their plans. The following are part of the Ormoc Group Plan (June, 2008 to April, 2009):

This is RJ presenting the Ormoc Group's plan to the rest of the summer 2008 campers

Beautification (clean & green/tree planting)
- Seminars/trainings/capability building
- Symposia on issues concerning & affecting the youth
- Livelihood program (out-of-school youth)
- Sports development (PEP)
- TREE on wheels (peer counseling)
- Religious program/liturgical activities (youth socials)- Scholarship grants
- Feeding program
- Visitation by barangay &
- Ormoc Fund raising
I hope they’ve done or are still doing what they planned last April. But what I know is that just last week (1st week of October, 2008) the Cogon SK under Chairman RJ Clemente held a closing ceremony of their Anti-Drug Campaign.
Atty. Gera’s group also had an in-school Journalism Workshop. It was their group – Supreme Student Government – where she was president, that initiated the activity.
Here are some photos of RJ and company’s Anti-Drug Campaign.

Presentation of Prizes to the Poster-making contest as part of the group's Anti-Drug Campaign

RJ, Cogon SK Chairman making his speech before his constituents and guests

Peace in Southern Philippines

2008-08-29T20:35:00.001-07:00

jean
www.ammado.com/pfi
www.ormocwomen.blogspot.com
www.evyouth.blogspot.com
www.tcfoc.blogspot.com
www.pfi.blogspot.com
www.geocities.com/pfft_2000

visit my blogs and leave your comments.

Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 7:22:08 AM
Subject: Armed Conflict in Southern Phils, signature campaign

August 28, 2008

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
UN Headquarters
New York, USA

Dear Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,

Subject: armed conflict in Southern Philippines

We would like to express utmost concern about the recent breakout of violence in Southern Philippines (parts of Mindanao island) following the issuance of a temporary restraining order against the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on August 4, 2008.
Thirty-eight people, most of whom are civilians, have been killed and some 220,000 have been displaced by the recent attacks in Lanao and North Cotabato provinces.

While we believe that MILF units that targeted villages have engaged in serious violations of international law and should be held accountable, we are also seriously concerned about the formation of armed militia units with support from the Department of Interior and Local Government. The setting up of armed groups will not protect civilians as some local government officials believe. Rather, it will lead to more chaos, insecurity and division among local communities. The protection of civilians is the responsibility of the State and its security sector such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

We thank you for your statement of 13 August where you expressed concern about the unfolding humanitarian crisis and your appeal for restraint, protection of all civilians as well as access for the provision of speedy humanitarian assistance to the affected population.

We now call on your office to bring the government of the Republic of the Philippines and MILF back to the peace negotiation table as soon as possible. We also call on you to demand both parties to honor their obligation under Security Council Resolution 1325 which is to ensure women’s equal and fair participation in peace processes.

Yours sincerely,

PAGTINABANGAY FOUNDATION, INC.
WOMANHEALTH PHILIPPINES - LEYTE
WOMANHEALTH PHILIPPINES - ORMOC CITY
COALITION OF ORMOC WOMEN (COW)
Social Organization Safeguarding Ecological Advancement Related to Humanity (SOS-EARTH)
Textile Clothing Footwear Ormoc City (TCF Ormoc)
Center for Peace Education, Miriam College
Katungod Han Samareña Foundation, Inc. (Rights of Samar Women)
Mindanao Commission on Women
Mindanao Peoples' Peace Movement
Mindanao Tri-People Women
Mindanao Young Women Leaders Forum
Mothers for Peace
Muslim Women Peace Advocates
Peace Education Network, Philippines
Philippine Action Network on Small Arms
Philippine Campaign against Cluster Munitions
Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy
Political Caucus of Women Leaders in Mindanao
Women's Crisis Center Manila

Individual signatories:

Abdulbasit R. Benito, Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace Inc., Philippines
Antoinette Brem, Switzerland
Barbara Lehner, Switzerland
Bianca Miglioretto, Switzerland
Chan lean heng, Science University of Malaysia
Dr. Jan Marie Fritz (USA)
Dr. Susana Salavador-Anayatin, Graduate Schools of Notre Dame University and Mindanao State University, Philippines
Benedicto Q. Sánchez, Broad Initiatives for Negros Development, Philippines
Elvie Villarido-Manaytay, The Zamaboanga Sibugay Tribune, Philippines
Franciska Keller, Switzerland
Jane Prichard, Convenor Pacific Women's Watch, Inc, New Zealand
Katja Schurter, Switzerland
Lourdes Portus, University of the Philippines
Llili Bienz, Switzerland
Nathan Gilbert Quimpo, University of Tsukuba
Sebastian Becker, Germany

with endorsement from:
AMARC Women’s International Network
Asian Circle 1325
Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights
Center for Women's Global Leadership
Central American Secretariat, Zurich, Switzerland
Comunica-ch, the Swiss Platform on the Information Society
Femlink Pacific
Hague Appeal for Peace
International Presentation Association Sisters of the Presentation (USA)
International Women's Tribune Centre
Isis International
JC International English School Nepal
Liberia Women Media Action Committee
Peace Boat US
Peace-communication.eu - Germany
Radio LoRa (Zurich, Switzerland)
Sri Lanka Women and Media Collective
Women Action for New Directions (USA)
Women for Justice in Africa (Kenya)
Women for Peace (Switzerland)

International Women's Tribune Centre

- as many NGOs and women’s groups from around the world and networks such as the New York-based NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security

Cc:

• the president of the UN General Assembly

• members of the UN Security Council; the Philippine mission to the UN; the following country missions to the UN: Australia , Brunei , Canada , Japan , Libya , Malaysia , Norway , Sweden , USA

• the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the embassies of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Japan, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, and USA in Manila

• World Bank

US Contacts
International Women’s Tribune Centre
Mavic Cabrera-Balleza mavic@iwtc.org ; tel: 1 212 687 8633
Sarah Nagadya sarah@iwtc.org; tel: 1 212 687 8633

AGYLA members plant trees

2008-08-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

Twenty-five members of the youth umbrella group Active, Genuine, Youth Leaders Association went tree planting at the Pagtinabangay Foundation Ecology Farm. They planted 50 tree seedlings from the PFI tree nursery.

This is part of the plan that they formulated during the Summer Youth Camp last summer, April, 2008.

AGYLA is slowly moving onwards.

Hideaki Collection Auction

2008-07-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

HIDEAKI LIM
Hideaki Fashion Studio
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bid for the hideaki collection. All proceeds go to the TCFOrmoc Project to build more village-level livelihood centers. Starting bid price is US$250 per set.

The Parade

2008-07-24T23:00:00.001-07:00

Let us now see how the young ones fared with their Adam Barralet training on modelling.

They are great! And the clothes from the village designers are just great!

Young modeling enthusiasts

2008-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Textile, Clothing, Footwear Western Australia just had to come back to Ormoc. This time they're back with a big bang. Through Carol Hanlon, Adam Barralet of Metro Modelling Academy of Melbourne, Australia conducted a series of modeling trainings for the young "enrollees".

Adam trained close to 200 young, mature women and men and children to model the clothes made by the Community Livelihood Centers and some boutiques in Ormoc City.

And at curtain time, these models "catwalked the ramp".

AVYD's Awesome Launch

2008-07-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Jovel pushed through with his plan from the Summer Youth Camp. Alliance of Volunteers for Youth Development was launched in July 5-6, 2008. Three thousand young souls came to the launch - awesome!

Registering 3,000 young participants!

The young crowd

The torch parade

... and the man behind it all ---- Jovel.

A & E Test

2008-06-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

Eighteen of the initial 30 Alternative Learning System enrollees took the Acceleration and Equivalency Test of the Department of Education dated June 12, 2008, Independence Day.

So, while government officials and employees attended the flag raising ceremony at the Ormoc City Plaza, our A & E takers are nervously waiting for the exams to begin.

At last the exams began - 300 questions in 3 hours!

In between exams, the much needed energizer - food!
Thank you, KAIBIGAN of Northwestern University, Illinois, USA! You have made 18 souls happy. You have made them hopeful of getting hold of a diploma soon.

One month of waiting and crossing our fingers!

ALS enrollees to take A&E

2008-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

The alarming dropout rate of kids from Ormoc barangays prompted Pagtinabangay Foundation to partner with the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System (ALS). The class which started last year are now going to take the Acceleration and Equivalency Test tomorrow, June 12 at the Ormoc City Central School

We started the ALS classes with 8 enrollees from within the vicinity of the PFI Ecology Farm. That was in January of 2006. It did not prosper as there was no assigned regular mobile teacher to us.

So, again, on January, 2007 we started the ALS classes with full backing from the Department of Education regional office. Initially, 30 kids from 5 neighboring barangays near the PFI Ecology Farm in Cambantug, Danao started the once-a-week ALS classes with an officially-assigned Dep Ed mobile teacher. As the weeks passed by the kids and adults came in trickles. We learned that transportation costs prevented most of them from coming.

There are only 3 mobile teachers of the DepEd's ALS. The foundation does not have funds enough to hire additional mobile teachers. So, instead of the teachers going to the respective barangays, the kids and adults now come to the PFI training house in Sitio Cambantug, Barangay Danao. The enrollees come from the 5 neighboring mountain barangays.

KAIBIGAN, a school-based organization of Filipino-Americans from Northwestern University in Illinois in the U.S. took notice of us and sent $600 to assist further the ALS classes.
The review class yesterday (June 10, 2008) was the first activity that was supported by the cash donation remitted by KAIBIGAN on May, 2008.

With the cash donation from KAIBIGAN we were able to provide snacks, lunch and cash transportation reimbursements to the reviewees.

Those who will pass the test will be provided with elementary or high school diploma by the Department of Education depending on the grade level they are able to pass.

Those who will not pass will begin another year-long of ALS classes until they pass the grade level suited for them.

AVYD's avid work

2008-06-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Jovel is launching AVYD (Alliance of Volunteers for Youth Development) on June 21-22, 2008 at the Naval Institute of Technology in Naval, Biliran, Philippines.

All summer campers at the PFI-LEYAN youth camp 2008 are invited.

Let's support Jovel's efforts. Let's join him in Naval on June 21. Registration starts at 1:00 P.M. of June 21.

Congratulations, Jovel! You're doing a wonderful job.

Our tsokarans...

2008-05-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Dodong, Eling and two other youth volunteers have started doing some responsible acts: reporting to the Textile, Clothing, Footwear Ormoc City. This was on May 24, 2008 at the EVSU multipurpose hall.

AGYLA's Ingrid, budding entrepreneur

2008-05-24T03:33:00.001-07:00

Seventeen year old Ingrid Luna is the newest entrepreneur in Ormoc City. Through the umbrella organization of Ormoc's youth Active, Genuine, Youth Leaders' Association, Ingrid received bead work materials from the Textile, Clothing, Footwear Ormoc City.

She creates bangles, fashion earrings and necklaces with the beads supplied by TCFOC. AGYLA will help market her products and will receive a certain percentage from the sales which they will use to help send their fellow youth to school.

These are some of Ingrid's creations. We hope she will have her own line of fashion accessories soon. With the help of Mel Rom, no doubt she will, and real soon.

To Ingrid's parents, please support her. She is one talented girl.

Very good, Ingrid! Keep it up, girl. We are proud of you.

A young network

My Autobiography

MY PERSONAL HISTORY

Hi!

How I was Born

PERSONAL HISTORY

MY PERSONAL HISTORY

"Experience is the Best Teacher"

History of Myself

"My Own Life"

Autobiography

MY PERSONAL HISTORY

"Hey, It's Me!!!"

"I grew up under the care of my grandmother"

From Jojo Binay's Facebook Account

Four more feathers to the AGYLA cap

Christine Inspires Ormoc High School Kids

TCF Volunteer Monitor Passes Mechanical Board Exam

On August 6 Pia posted on her Facebook page this:

Pia Gladys Perey waaaaaaaaaaaaa angelina jolie wants to wear PGP for SALT premiere! heart attack!

And since, it has attracted 43 comments as of this writing. This wonderful news came a day after she came back from the hospital being gifted with beautiful twins.

Below is from one of her emails to us:

Summer Camp Stories

PFI Summer Youth Camp 2010

PFI Summer Youth Camp 2010

Training for ramp modelling

USE A BIG HEART AND GIVE A BIG SMILE THIS CHRISTMAS

Posted by Hera Zulueta, Core Team at Create Abundance 2020

Please vote for KOLISKO WALDOF SCHOOL, the ONLY Filipino entry for Pareto Fundraising and competing against PETA, World Vision etc. Currently on 7th place. Voting ends DECEMBER 24.

Metro Modelling Academy Certificates of Completion

Geraldine Castañeda

KAIBIGAN of NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, ILLINOIS, USA - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Manifesto of the Movement for a New Ormoc

Ondoy and Uring parallelism by Emil J

78 dead in devastated Marikina

AGYLA Conducts ALS Review Classes

AMMADO HELPS RAISE MONEY

A BAGET AMONG LAGETS (A young man among the Old Ones)

RJ, our Chess Master Writes

Saga of a Young, Campus Leader, Friend and Survivor

AGYLA - EKCC TAKES ON THE STI INTER-HIGH SCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT

Carol Hanlon Elected National President of Australasian Institute of Enterprise Facilitators

Father of Ormoc Youth Declares Youth Day!

SUMMER YOUTH CAMP 2009

AGYLA-STI Chess Tourney

A & E PASSERS

Jonathan's sketches

Attention Chess enthusiasts in Ormoc City, Philippines

EKCC Chess News

Sunday, January 25, 2009

STI INTER-SECONDARY CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

More talents in AGYLA

Meet AGYLA's Dancer/Choreographer

AGYLA oozes with talents

New member of AGYLA

PFI Christmas Youth Camp

Introducing.... RJ Clemente EKCC-AGYLA's chessmaster

EKCC - AGYLA

By the way....

COGON SK - AGYLA

Peace in Southern Philippines

AGYLA members plant trees

Hideaki Collection Auction

The Parade

Young modeling enthusiasts

AVYD's Awesome Launch

A & E Test

ALS enrollees to take A&E

AVYD's avid work

Our tsokarans...

AGYLA's Ingrid, budding entrepreneur