January 2018

The Power of Self- Encouragement

By Apolinario  Villalobos

Mag-ingat sa Paggamit ng Salitang “Festival”

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

The word “festival” connotes pageantry, a showy presentation about a certain thing being promoted. If something is ATTACHED to it such as “rice”, for example, to come up with “Rice Festival”, dapat ay may maipakitang iba’t ibang uri ng “rice” – mga bagong ani na nasa tangkay, hindi pa nagiling o palay pa lang na bagong ani pero wala na sa tangkay, mga iba’t ibang variety ng bigas, mga iba’t ibang kakaning pang-meryenda gawa sa bigas na malagkit, o iba’t ibang uri ng pagluto nito gamit ang kawayan, palayok, o tela na ginagawa ng mga sundalo sa kabundukan.

If the festival is about egg, halimbawa pa rin…then, let it be called “Egg Festival”. But make sure that the egg is among the primary products of the place that is promoting it para hindi nakakahiya at lumabas lang na naggagaya sa iba pang lugar na MARAMING FESTIVAL. Kung “Egg Festival”, dapat ay may iba’t ibang uri ng itlog – manok, itik, pato, pugo, bugok, balut. At, iba’t ibang pagkaluto tulad ng torta, leche flan, sopas….o, pagpinta ng design sa shells. Pwede ring magpakita ng mga handicraft na ginamitan ng egg shells.

Sa kapistahan ng Our Lady of the Candles o Seῆora de la Candelaria ay napansin ko ang kasamang  nakasulat na announcement sa tarpaulin na, “Candela Festival” ….at ikinagulat ko. Kung ang ibig sabihin ng “candela” ay “kandila”….nasaan ang mga kandila?...iba’t ibang hugis o kulay man lang ng kandila? At isa pa, hindi produkto ng Tacurong ang kandila. Hindi na dapat gumamit pa ng “candela festival” para lang magkaroon ng impression na malaking event ang kapistahan ng Our Lady of the Candles. KUNG ANG “CANDELA” AY PINAIKLING “CANDELARIA”, ITO AY ISANG OUTRIGHT NA MISINFORMATION!

Hindi dahil ang patron ng Tacurong ay Birheng may hawak na kandila ay kailangan nang magkaroon ng “candela festival”…o “kandila festival” kung ito ang ibig tukuyin, dahil lalabas ito na pagta- “trying hard” o pagmamaang-maangan. Sa uulitin, hindi produkto ng Tacurong ang kandila, dahilan para ma-promote ito.  Okey na kasama sa pista ang singing contest, tiyangge, perya (Spanish –feria) na may mga palaro, ferris wheel, etc., at beauty contest dahil talaga din namang kasama ang mga nabanggit sa pagdaos ng pista mula pa noong panahon ng Kastila.

Ang kapistahan sa February 2 ay pagbubunyi sa Birheng Maria at kung mayroon mang mahalagang dapat gawin ay ang pagdasal ng rosary sa mga barangay…palipat-palipat ng imahen niya sa mga barangay na pagrorosaryuhan at ang pinaka-bisperas ng pista ay para sa pagbalik  nito sa simbahan. Para naman sa prusisyon, dapat ay i-encourage ang mga dadalo na magdala ng imahen ni Birhen Maria na nilalagay sa altar ng bahay upang maisali sa okasyon pagkatapos basbasan ng pari sa simbahan.

ANG BIRHENG MARIA NA MAY HAWAK NA KANDILA  AT BATANG HESUS,  AY TANYAG NA SA BUONG MUNDO KAYA HINDI NA KAILANGAN PANG GAMITAN NG KUNG ANU-ANO PA UPANG MAGKAROON NG ANYONG “FESTIVAL” ANG SAGRADONG OKASYON PARA SA KANYA.

KUNG ANG LAYUNIN NAMAN AY PARA MAKAHATAK NG MGA TURISTA, HAYAAN ANG MGA ITONG HUMUSGA KUNG KARAPAT-DAPAT BANG BALIK-BALIKAN….HUWAG MAGING “TRYING HARD”.  HIGIT SA LAHAT, DAPAT ALALAHANING DINADAOS ANG PISTA BILANG PAGPAPAKITA NG MGA TACURONGNON NG MASIDHING PANANAMPALATAYA NILA SA BIRHENG MARIA DAHIL SA KADAKILAAN NITO….AT HINDI DAHIL SA KUNG ANU-ANO PA.

SI BHAI GUIANIDA TULINO AT ANG MABABAIT NIYANG MGA ANAK
ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nagkakape ako sa paborito kong pastillan this morning, bandang 5:30AM nang may dumating na isang tricycle at nagsibabaan ang mga pasahero na ang nanay ay halatang nag-oopisina at ang tatlong kasama ay mga estudyante, pero ang pinakabunso ay halatang hindi pa pumapasok sa eskwela.

Ang dumating ay sina BHAI GUIANIDA TULINO, mga anak niyang siya BHAI PRINCESS, BHAI QUEEN, DATU HARIPHEN, at ang bunso na si DATU PRINCE. Si Bhai Guianida ay isang teacher sa Datu Saudi (Maguindanao), Si Bhai Princess, 16 years old ay nag-aaral sa SKSU, si Bhai Queen, 14, ay sa SMIT, at si Datu Hariphen, 12 ay sa Tacurong Pilot Elementary School. Ang bunso na si Datu Prince ay hindi pa nag-aaral at isinasama ng kanyang nanay sa school. Parehong consistent top students sa kanilang school sina Bhai Princess at Bhai Queen.

Umaalis ang mag-iina sa kanilang bahay pagkatapos nilang magdasal sa madaling araw, bandang 4:30AM. Pagdating sa pastilan ay pinapakain niya agad ang mga anak at binibigyan ng baon. Tila ritwal na sa kanila ang kanilang ginagawa tuwing umaga, kasama ang pagmamadaling pag-alis ni Bhai Guianida upang humabol sa first trip o second trip man lang ng aircon van na may biyaheng Cotabato City. Pagdating daw sa junction na patungo sa Datu Saudi ay sumasakay na siya sa tricycle papunta sa school nila.

MATINDING OBLIGASYON ANG GINAGAMPANAN NI BHAI GUIANIDA NA ISANG WIDOWER...SINCLE MOM...PERO DINADAAN NIYA ANG LAHAT SA NGITI.

Nang magkita kami sa pastilan ay nagtiwala agad sila sa akin kay pinagbigyan nila ang hiling kong kuhanan sila ng larawan na kailangan ko sa blog na sana ay maka-inspire sa mga single moms at mga estudyante upang maging seryoso sa kanilang pag-aaral.

MABUHAY KA BHAI GUIANIDA AT ANG IYONG MGA ANAK!
CONGRATULATIONS DIN SA PAGKAROON NG MABABAIT AT MATATALINONG MGA ANAK!...AT SA MGA ANAK NAMAN...ANG PAYO KO AY MAHALIN NINYO ANG INYONG NANAY DAHIL MAPALAD KAYO SA PAGKAROON NG ISANG URI NG NANAY NA TULAD NIYA...HANDANG MAGSAKRIPISYO PARA SA INYO!

The Propagation of Catholicism in Tacurong

And How It Became the Nuestra Seῆora de La Candelaria Parish

By Apolinario Villalobos

Before Tacurong became a parish, the Mass held at the makeshift chapel was celebrated by priests from Marbel (today, Koronadal City) and Cotabato City. The propagation of Catholcism in the struggling town whose political development began as a sitio of Buluan, was hastened by the opening of the Notre Dame campus for boys by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and girls by the Dominican (OP) nuns. The church stood between the mentioned campuses. The priests’ convent doubled as office and quarters for the Director of the Notre Dame for boys and the parish priest. On the other side of the church was the convent of the Dominican nuns. The Mass for the boys and girls was celebrated separately. Much later, when the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) arrived, a convent for them was built beside the stage of the the Boys’ department.

The Nuestra Seῆora de la Candelaria became the patroness of Tacurong upon the recommendation of Mrs. Josefina Lechonsito who was enthralled and impressed by the Virgin’s image at Jaro, Iloilo. Mrs. Josefina Lechonsito was among the pioneer and well-loved teachers of the Notre Dame Boys’ and later, the College Department. Her suggestion was considered and soon as if on cue, prominent families, such as the Montillas, Lapuzes, Tulios, Velascos, Talmadges, French, Jarrels, Garcias, Espinosas, Lechonsitos,  and many others pitched in their resources for the establishment of the parish foundation and the transformation of the church into what it is today.  The bell was donated by Don Vicente and Doῆa Salud Garcia, Don Juan Garcia and his wife, Mrs. Maria Montilla, and Mrs. And Mrs. Roberto Tulio. The four massive posts for the bell tower were donated by Mr. Menandro Lapuz. A little later, other families joined the enthusiastic movement that led to the formation of civic and religious organizations.

The Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Cursillo-Samaria, Legion of Mary were organized, as well as, their counterparts for the youth and students such as Student Catholic Action (SCA), CHIRO, The Encounterers’, and Columbian Squires. To ensure the consistency of the effort, senior high school students of the Notre Dame Girls Department were required to conduct catechism at the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School. The catechism was conducted even during school breaks and to encourage the attendance of the children, free cookies were given them, as provided by the Garcias who owned the first bakery in Tacurong. Much later, the PREX was also organized and whose effort was felt even in other parts of the province. Today, church groups are organized for specific purposes such as those for the family and youth, in accordance with the Vatican’s direction.

The early activities that involved seminars for the recruits of the SAMARIA and CURSILLO were alternately held at vacant rooms of the Boys and Girls Department. When enough fund was collected, a SAMARIA HOUSE was built at the back of the church. It was later used by Theology students of the College department for some of their activities. The other activities of the groups were held at Tamontaka in Cotabato City. During seminars, the “working committee” was always led by Mrs. Dominga Espaῆa who did the budgeting for the food and Mrs. Bonoc Cajandig who led the prayer before meals and taking care of the utensils.

The Girls Department of Notre Dame had their own organist during their Mass while the Boys Department had Ms. Tan, a pretty teacher as its own. When the Training Department (Elementary) was opened, separate Masses were also held for the pupils and their singing was conducted by Ernesto Cajandig. On the other hand, convent assistants, Agustin Carvajal, Romeo Balinas, Noel Niervo, and two other colleagues, as well as, members of the Knights of the Altar assisted the parish priest or his assistant in celebrating the Mass in the barrios. They were driven on the hardy jeep by a certain de los Reyes who also tinkered with the noisy generator every time it conked down. Agustin Carvajal also served as the soloist of the parish choir during the time, providing accompaniment with his guitar if the organist was not around.

During the fiesta for the patroness, “live” personification of the Virgin Mary enlivened the procession. Among those who played the role of the Virgin Mary were a certain Mojado, one of the pretty Tarrosa sisters who are known for their long hair, Concepcion Betita (Cainglet). The Notre Dame band with its few instruments provided the solemn processional hymns.

The feast for the patroness is held every February 2 and Tacurongnons are wishing that it should be consistently held without much fanfare and less expenses that would definitely come from their pockets. For the procession, simply decorated float for the image of patroness should be enough, with the CHURCH ACTIVITIES REVOLVING around her, and the feast not taking several days to celebrate to maintain solemnity that veils her.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WHAT IS BEING CELEBRATED, IS THE GLORY OF THE RECOGNITION GIVEN TO THE PATRONESS AS THE BEARER OF THE CANDLE THAT SYMBOLIZES THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD AND THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING THE PATH THAT LEADS TO SALVATION…NOT ANY DELICACY, FLOWER, BIRD, MUSIC, ETC. IF SOME SECTORS WOULD LIKE TO RIDE ON THE POPULARITY OF THE PATRONESS, THEY SHOULD DO THEIR CELEBRATION OUTSIDE THE CHURCH PREMISES, SO AS NOT TO TAINT THE RELIGIOSITY OF THE FEAST.

Ang Kapistahan ng Imahe ng Patron Saint

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Suggestions kung ano SANA ang mangyari sa isang kapistahan ng patron ng isang barangay, bayan, o lunsod:

Sana ay matakot sa Diyos ang mga taong ang iniisip para sa kapistahan ng isang patron saint na DAPAT ay payak o simple pero ginagawang parang pista ng mga pagano.

Huwag Mong Pagnasahan Ang Hindi Iyo

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Instead of Totally Relying on the Government,

We Should Also Do Our Share of Action

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Philippine government in general, is corrupt. Even with Duterte, known for his abhorrence of corruption is around, the grime that for long has soiled the image of the country still sticks. This is because those who are being used as instruments in the perpetration of this hideous anomaly are still in place, “licensed” by the civil service eligibility. And, that is the sad reality….

The aforementioned fact should make us realize that it is futile to be always blaming the government for everything that we find not pleasing to our eyes. It is true that the government should take care of our needs as tax payers….short of saying that we pay ALL government employees from the topmost down to the lowest rank to serve us using the tax we pay. But, are we doing our share of action FOR SOME MATTERS THAT WE CAN DO AT OUR END?

We blame the government for the obnoxious public market and uncollected garbage…but are we cleaning our backyard of the long-abandoned and rotting garbage or ridding our front yard of the waist-high grasses that for long have grown thick or cleaning the street in front of our home or planting flowers or shrubs to help prettify our community or reporting to the police anomalies that we observe around us? Have we tried segregating our garbage and keep the recyclables and bury for composting those that should be, to lessen what are collected for dumping at the garbage site? Etc. etc. etc. Some of us even put fish scales and entrails in the garbage instead of burying them outright…simple act, yet, intentionally disregarded.

We blame the government for the drug problem in our community..but have we disciplined our children enough to veer them away from bad barkadas that introduce them to drinking, smoking, and finally, drugs? We blame the government for the internet cafes that are frequented by students who skip classes….but have we ever thought that such addiction started when we gave in to their whims to have expensive  “touch phones” that developed their fanatical adherence to this woeful technology?

We should realize that every time we point our forefinger to somebody as an act of accusation, our three fingers are pointing at us. There is a need to take a second look at ourselves…there is a need for a reflection to know, if at least, we have been or are….GOOD FILIPINOS! IF NOT, WE SHOULD STOP CALLING OUR GOVERNMENT BAD, BECAUSE WE ARE PART OF IT…INSTEAD, WE SHOULD DO OUR PART OF ACTION!

WE ARE THE PHILIPPINES. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS, PARTICIPANTS ARE CALLED BY THEIR COUNTRY’S NAME.

The Touching Courtesy Call of Prep Kids

To the Honorable Governor, Sultan Pax Mangudadatu

By Apolinario Villalobos

What I like with the ambience of the Sultan Kudarat Capitol is that the Honorable Governor, Sultan Pax Mangudadatu is such a fatherly guy that even while having a meeting for as long as it is not a matter of life and death, he can be interrupted, especially, if the unannounced visitors are kids. It happened when I was having a meeting with him. When one of his staff whispered that there were kids who would like to have their photos taken with him, he smilingly obliged.

The pupils of a Methodist Prep school in Esperanza were having an educational tour in the Capitol Building with their parents and a teacher/coordinator, the morning of January 19, 2018. When they learned that the kind-hearted Governor was in his office, the pretty staff who was guiding them around brought them to his office. The governor immediately stood up when the door opened wide and the kids without much ado went to him to put his right hand to their forehead as a sign of a blessing from him. The kids were all well-behaved, while Sultan Pax exuded a picture of a happy grandfather! The group gave him a certificate of appreciation for being a great Patriarch of the province and a gift. As his habit, he read aloud what is printed in the certificate.

With the kids around him, some already having claimed a space on which to slump on the floor in front of his desk, he began his pep talk, as if addressing professionals. He expertly condensed his historical speech into one that fit his audience. And, he did it on the spot without much effort, as if he was speaking to a friend. He even advised the teacher to teach the kids the basic rudiments of physical hygiene such as brushing of teeth.

The scenes that I witnessed that morning were just emotionally touching…inspiring!

The Exotic Deep-fried Locust

By Apolinario Villalobos

Locusts (apan in Bisaya; balang in Tagalog) contain a high level of chemicals known as phytosterols that could control heart-related diseases. The chemicals block the absorption of cholesterol, a chemical which increases one’s risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. This exotic delicacy is also loaded with fatty acids, minerals that boost immunity, fights cancer and prevent the onset of inflammation in body organs, aside from protein.

These insects are patiently caught in the evening during which they rest on the ground. The gatherers use flashlight to light their way around, practically, picking up the sleeping locusts from grassy fields.

The first step in cooking is by killing them through suffocation in sacks after which they are cooked in tamarind leaves enhanced with a little vinegar, after which they are sun-dried. When they are thoroughly dry, deep-frying follows which takes from forty minutes to an hour, to ensure crispiness.

The locusts thrive on leaves. Woe then, to bamboo groves, trees, rice and corn fields that they spot along their path as they darken the sky with their vast number. Interestingly, the locust is mentioned in the Bible as part of the diet of the Chosen People.

A small plastic pack of deep-fried locusts costs Php20 in the public market when it is in season. In southern and central Mindanao, the sources of this exotic delicacy are Polomolok, General Santos and Isulan.

The Barangay Griῆo of Tacurong

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Barangay Griῆo was formerly known as Gansing that lies at the boundary shared with the town of Lambayong, formerly, the gateway of settlers from Visayas who settled first in what is now known as New Passi before spreading out to other parts of the once sparsely populated areas that include Tantangan, highlands of Magon and Tacub, and the lowlands of Tacurong. The area was thickly covered with talahib, talisay, cogon and “enyam” (bignay}. Among the pioneer families that settled in the area is the Griῆo, whose patriarch was the late Dr. Manuel J. Griῆo. As he found the land promising, he invited friends in Iloilo to join him. Soon, others who came from Negros also came. Accordingly, the first classes were held in a “bodega” (warehouse) of the Griῆo family where about 50 pupils were taught, and one of the teachers was Ernestina Davala-Alvarez.

Today, Griῆo is a flourishing barangay with the expanse of fertile land shared by rice fields and African palm plantations. Observably, the barangay has a well-maintained system of irrigation canals that provide sustenance to the plantations. It is also among the barangays of Tacurong where Christians live peacefully with Muslims.

The barangay has two Catholic chapels, the Immaculate Conception (main) and San Isidro Labrador, both situated along the highway. According to one of the lay Catholic leaders, the parish priest of the Our Lady of the Candles of Tacurong officiates the Mass during the first and last Sundays of the month. The two Muslim communities have their own respective mosque.

The barangay has an elementary school, the Dr. Manuel J. Griῆo Memorial Central School and a high school, the Virginia F. Griῆo Memorial National High School which has facilities for the senior students of the K-12 educational program of the government. The most popular courses of the senior high school are electronics, welding, cookery, masonry, and hotel housekeeping.

When I went around the barangay, I was fortunate to have been driven on his tricycle by Fernando Gulac, the CVO Unit Commander of Barangay Griῆo whose chairman is Romeo Panes.