For the first time in his checkered life and as far as he can recall, Bariles never had somebody do me a caricature of himself.  But now, somebody just did and he is proud to show it to the readers and his friends here at GenSan News Online Mag.

Dyaaaaraaaaan…….

This artwork is a product of Ms. Joanne Antonio (j. ant for short) a pretty nurse who doodles and draws on the side. You may want to have your caricature drawn by her or make one for a loved one and give it to him/her as a gift.

Interested readers may leave a message below and we will email you her contact #s.

Thanks Joanne for this caricature.   Hope it gets you more clients. 

It has barely been two months since the new mayor of General Santos City, the Honorable Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio took over the reins of running the city affairs from now Congressman Pedro Acharon, Jr. of the first district of South Cotabato.

During these times, the lady mayor has been holding orientation meetings with the different departments of the city hall, with the business, civic and community leaders; and, going around the city’s 26 barangays, all in a move to consolidate her new administration’s efforts to streamline and improve the way it renders service to the city’s constituents.

On the side, she had to squeeze in not a few inaugurations of new business establishments and personally meet visitors from local and foreign shores who drop by her office to make the mandatory courtesy call as well as welcome delegates and guests of the numerous regional conferences and conventions being conducted at the Tuna Capital.

These, plus a million other consultative conferences from different sectors to orient herself on the intricacies of her new role as administrator of the South Central Mindanao’s premier city.

Through it all, Mayor Custodio has remained nonplussed and unperturbed and focused on the tasks at hand.  Being a workaholic just like her parents, the former Mayor Adelbert W. Antonino and former Representative Lualhati Antonino, her diligence and fresh work ethics have rubbed off on to her staff and co-workers.

Here then are some photos chronicling her first few weeks as the 8th City Mayor of General Santos City.  Although not complete, they show us the portrait of a young hard-working official who even just at the start of her term is proving to us that we were all right in getting her elected.

"Mayor Darlene addresses the assembly of City Government employees during her first Flag Raising ceremony at the oval covered court with the "Magandang GenSan" logo behind her. She thanked them for their support and warm welcome even as she urged them to think "global" when performing their duties."

"Here, Mayor Darlene pores over her notes during her first in a series of meetings with her department heads. Also in photo is the new city treasurer Gloria Castellano. Usually a bottle of water is all she asks as nourishment during the course of a meeting, which could be one of her secrets to her svelte figure."

"CSWDO Chief Becky Magante, City Hospital OIC Dr. Jacinto Maquilang and Dr. Ben Pagarigan are all ears to the new mayor as they discuss ways to improve the City Hall sa Barangay at her first CHB sortie at Barangay Dadiangas North and make it more significant to the lives of their constituents."

"The GenSan Mayor observes how the City Health Office staff handle their clients from Barangay Dadiangas North during the City-Hall-sa-Barangay at North Elem School."

"Mayor Darlene sharing a good laugh here with Barangay Captain Rommel Pacquiao of Apopong during a meeting with barangay officials at the City-Hall-sa-Barangay at the latter's Barangay Conference Room. Their meeting tackled the pending infra projects of the barangay, among other topics."

"With ABC President Lulu Casabuena and City Councilor Meg Santos, Mayor Darlene thanks educators from Manila who flew in to assess the city's much-heralded education program."

"This time, SMART Communications' Corporate Relations Officer Haydee Bernabe, and SMART GenSan's Jonette Almonia and Pritte Mae Rulete meet the Mayor for the first time after her meeting with them together with DepEd officials. SMART provides FREE WIFI at the City Hall lobby and CMO."

"The female members of the City Hall Press Corps smile for posterity in this photo taken after Mayor Darlene's first Press Conference with them. The CMO Press Conference is held regularly twice a month, on Tuesdays. Among those in the photo are RPN's Faith Barcelona, RMN's Ina Daven, ABS-CBN's Chat Ansagay. Also in photo is former radio broadcaster and now Councilor Beth Bagonoc."

"Raising their plates containing grilled Pangasius fish are SMED Council Prexy Tess Pacheco, Lagao Brgy Captain Meynard Avila III, Calumpang Brgy Captain Cirilo Forones, Bawing Brgy Captain Jerry Jugarap, DTI 12 ARD Doris Delima & GSC Chamber's Pilar Afuang, among others together with Mayor Darlene at Yaman GenSan's Pangasius Sinugbahan Night."

"Mayor Darlene signs an MOA accepting the donation of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the SoCot Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, of six 2-room school buildings during turn-over ceremonies at FVR Elem School, Brgy Fatima. Together with her in the photo are SCFCC Prexy Kerwin Cue, past prexy Doming Teng, school principals of the recipient schools, among others. The recipient schools are H. Bayan, FVR, S. Saway, F. Oringo Sr., Upper Tambler and Katangawan Central Elementary Schools."

"Members of XB GenSan, the dance crew which won the Grand Prize of 1 Million at ABS-CBN's talent show "It's Showtime" make a courtesy call on Mayor Darlene right after their arrival at the GenSan Airport. The Mayor encouraged them to continue their studies while honing their skills, and suggested to do it through the Home Study Program of the DepEd. As the new Ambassadors of Goodwill of General Santos City, they were challenged by the mayor to be good examples of their fellow young generals. Also in photo is Bing Carino, XB's mentor and trainer."

All these photos were taken by Bariles, by the way.

In the latest weekly finals for the new ABS-CBN pre-nooontime hit, IT’S SHOWTIME, a dance crew from Barangay Bula, General Santos wowed not only hosts Vhong Navarro and Anne Curtis but also the whole studio audience and the members of the Board of Judges, who all gave them a 10!

Generals, watch, marvel and be proud as Bariles presents to you this XB-GenSan Dance Crew video of their winning performance at the weekly finals of ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime”.

The XB-GenSan dancers who are under the tutelage of Teatro Ambahanon’s artistic director Bing Carino brought their knowledge and skills of ballet-jazz to the fore, mixing them with their hip-hop moves and making their performance truly a showcase of GenSan talents with their shouts of the word “GenSan” all throughout their repertoire.

Definitely, the whole country and the rest of the world is taking notice on the amazing ability of the people of GenSan to shine in various fields.

The word “GenSan” was merely a short cut for “General Santos City before”, but has certainly become a “victor’s trademark”, a “winner’s tag”, a “seal of excellence” and a “champion’s badge” which every wearer should be proud of.

Bariles had goose bumps while watching this XB GenSan Dance Crew Video of their “It’s Showtime” performance and is pretty certain that the rest of you, especially if you are from the Tuna Capital, also felt the same for our fellow generals.

As of this writing, the XB-Gensan Dancers are back here at home and are trying to raise funds to shoulder their fare to attend the monthly finals next week. If you want to help them with whatever financial assistance. please leave a message here and Bariles could hook you up with their representative.

Congratulations to the XB-GenSan Dancers again and good luck on your next hair-raising exploit in Manila.

Mabuhay kayo XB GenSan Dancers,!!!! Mabuhay ang mga generals! Mabuhay ang GenSan!

UPDATE:  February 13, 2010.  Melissa “Melai” Cantiveros is the new Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner/Grand Winner as announced inside a jampacked Araneta Coliseum Ninoy Aquino Stadium, aired live over ABS-CBN!  She got a total of 1,226,695 votes (32.08%)!

The next winners are Paul Jake (1,044,295 votes or 27.31%), Jason (954,961 votes or 24.97%), Johan (303,751 votes or 7.94%) and Tibo (294,161 votes or 7.69%).

Mabuhay ka Melai!!!! Tunay kang General dahil pinakita mo ang totoo mong pagkatao!!!

Thanks to all who voted for her, whether here or abroad!!!  You rock guys!!!

Congratulations GENSAN!!! CONGRATULATIONS GENERALS!!! GenSan is indeed the WELLSPRING OF WINNERS!!!

By the way, please leave your messages for Melai below.  For sure, she will read them!

Here’s the video of the announcement!

With only two weeks left before BIG BROTHER announces the Grand Winner of the Pinoy Big Brother Double Up reality TV show over at ABS-CBN, the people of General Santos are already rejoicing because their kababayan, Melissa “Melai” Cantiveros, who hails from Barangay Calumpang, has already been declared as officially a member of the Top 4.  That means, she already has a crack at the Grand Prize along with 3 others, including her love team partner, Jason.

Read about how she was chosen by PBB by CLICKING HERE.

The generals should not be complacent however and so Bariles is urging everyone to vote for Melai to be the GRAND WINNER.  Here is a poster below, emailed to us by her colleagues at CALYE, detailing the voting procedures.

Anyway, just to remind everyone to keep on voting for her, here are some of Melai’s funny pictures which were photoshopped by her admirers from all over the Philippines.  Most are crudely done compared to the Manny Pacquiao photos but we are sure that better ones will crop up one of these days.

Meanwhile, here are some of Melai’s funny pictures from the Internet.

"A VERY SEXY MELAI IN A STEP UP2 MOVIE POSTER SPIN-OFF!"

"MELAI AS ONE OF THE KID WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE, A DISNEY CHANNEL TV SERIES"

"MELAI AND JASON TOGETHER IN A SPOOF FOR JUST MARRIED"

"FROM THE DISNEY MUSICAL ON TV"

So what are you waiting for?  Vote now to make Melai the PBB BIG Winner!

Who the hell does not know Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao?

She is considered as the Philippines most famous mother celebrity today, not necessarily because her offspring is World Boxing Champ and national hero Manny Pacquiao but because she is, by herself a quirky, lovable character, a truly Pinoy original which makes her a newsworthy personality.

Her trip to the US of A and back hugged a good number of headlines and even HBO Sports special 24/7 has featured her arrival in Las Vegas after having included her in their previous special on the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya fight. Various news crews assigned to cover the boxer have also been dispatched to get hold of his mother and include her in their interviews. Indeed, Mommy Dionisia, just like her famous son has already acquired a mystique all her own. Men seek her autographs, women want to be pictured with her and reporters fall in line to capture each word that comes out of her mouth.

Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao at her grandchild’s Queenie’s christening party

Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao has arrived! Being Manny’s secret weapon,and his staunchest prayer warrior was not lost on the boxing champ and has been showering her with gifts that only a few mothers in the world could ever imagine receiving from their sons.

Today, May 15, 2009, Mother Dionisia, is celebrating her 60th birthday and the World Boxing Champion is making sure she gets the grandest celebration that she deserves. The party will be held tonight at the Phela Grande Convention Center and no less than former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos has been invited to be there, being Mommy Dionisia’s idol when she was just a struggling young mother trying hard to make both ends meet in her small shanty in Labangal, General Santos City.

Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao with her amiga Dyan Castillejo during son Manny’s birthday party last December 2008

Daughter in law Jinky has been reported to have arranged all the preparations to the affair, from the catering to the decorations and has commissioned the best make-up artists to make sure that her fashionista mother in law comes out as the most beautiful and dazzling celebrity birthday lola tonight.

Inquirer’s artist’s rendition of Dionisia Pacquiao in designer garb

From all of us here at Bariles Republic’s GenSan News Online Mag, a very, very happy and star-filled birthday to you, Mommy Dionisia and may all your wishes continue to come true!

Young general Philip Cesar Nadela who is the first Litle Grand Winner of ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Dream Academy was recently in the land of Asian telenovelas, Korea to guest in the top-ranking TV show, Star King.

He was with Amy, who placed 2nd to him in the talent competition.

Philip, all of 8 years old, the son of a local policeman in GenSan City and a teacher came home last year to a hero’s welcome a few days after winning the Grand Title.

GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon and PDA Little Grand Winner Philip Nadela during his hero’s welcome at the Gen.Santos City International Airport last year

You can read about that homecoming by CLICKING HERE.

Philip and Amy follow the footsteps of Charice Pempengco who was discovered by Americal talk-show host Ellen de Generes when a video of the talented young singer’s performance at Star King landed on YouTube early last year.

Check out then these Philip Nadela videos below, and that of Amy while they perform their numbers at Korea’s Star King TV show and in the process, mesmere the visibly appreciative Koreans in the audience. Here is a low-quality video of all of Philip Nadela’s performances. The audio is good though.

Now here is the High Quality but longer 2-part YouTube video of the uncut performances of both Philip and Amy. The first one shows Amy singing “And I Am Telling You” from DreamGirls and Philip doing his signature song “Diana” plus Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Ben“.

This is the 2nd part showing Philip and Amy doing a duet with “How Could You Say You Love Me“.

Now, the only thing to do is to wait and hope that Oprah or Ellen or Jimmy Kennel or David Lettermen discover any of these Philipp Nadela video performances in Korea’s Star King and maybe, just maybe, invite him to perform for them in their highly rated TV shows.

Another “general” has again given recognition to the city and this time, it’s our very own Miss GenSan 2008,  Romarie Ivy Cunanan!

Romarie receives her mock gift cheque and poses with the Elizaldes, owner of MBC which owns the Aliwan pageant (photo by Jun Pilapil)

18-year old Romarie Ivy bagged the 1st Runner up crown in the 2009 Festival Queen Beauty Pageant at the annual Aliwan Festival held at the Aliwan grounds, Roxas Boulevard in the city of Manila. She represented the “Tuna Festival“ which General Santos City celebrates during the first week of September in time for its City Charter Anniversary. Ivy received P50,000 in cash!

Miss GenSan 2008 in her Festival Costume at the Aliwan Festival Search for Festival Queen (photo by Earicheta)

Miss Sinulog, from Cebu, 23-year old Sian Elizabeth Maynard was adjudged  of Queen of the Festival and got P100,000.

Queen of Aliwan Festival winners (from left), Miss Panagbenga, Miss Kadayawan, Miss Sinulog (Queen), Miss Tuna Festival Romarie (1st Runner-up) and Miss Pamulinawen  (photo by Jun Pilapil)

Bagging runner-up honors are:  Aliah Heitz (Kadayawan, Davao City), Parul Framil Shah (Panagbenga, Baguio City) and Kate Lao (Pamulinawen, Laoag City).  Each of them received P10,ooo.  A total of 23 candidates representing their locality’s different festivals joined the pageant.  Miss Aliah who represented Davao City by the way, is actually from General Santos City!  How’s that?

Romarie shows her winning form in the Queen of Aliwan Festival Swimsuit Competition (photo by ritratostudiophotography)

Please check back in a few hours…. will be adding more pictures.  Promise!

Bariles is reposting this article he wrote earlier this year during his mother’s death anniversary, as a tribute to the former President Cory Aquino, who was first and foremost a mother to her children and a lola to her grandchildren.  This is for Kris Aquino and her bereaved family, as well.

Tomorrow, April 26 being  the 2nd death anniversary of my mother, Maria, allow me, my dear readers, to post here the exchange of email between me and my friends, days after I informed them of her worsening condition in the hospital up to the days when she finally met her Maker. I hope they could provide comfort for those experiencing the loss of a loved one right now, as it did they to me.

“Maria Ortega-Manansala, 1926-2007″

It was just a few months away from her 82nd birthday on October 17th, 2007 where we were planning something memorable for her.  But with her health gradually fading away, it was just  too much for me, her eldest son to bear.

Here then, is the email I wrote  to my friends, sharing with them my innermost fears, doubts and uncertainties.

Email of Bariles to his friends..

April 13, 2007

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your concern and prayers.

Cirrhosis of the liver is something like cancer.  It’s been wasting away mommy’s body and mind but not her mother’s instincts.  All these times with a lot of needles and tubes stuck into her at her hospital bed, she still worries about us, our jobs, her granddaughters’ welfare, the open gasul, the food for our dog and cat, the unlocked doors and windows and even says sorry for being “samuk” (nuisance).

Visibly, it is her who is suffering but deep inside, it is me as her eldest son who is suffering the most.  Ever since daddy died in 2004, I have held off any plan of working outside of Gensan inspite of the lucrative offers and vowed instead to be as close to her as possible.

I just wanted her not to suffer this way for in her suffering we are also suffering…. for in her pains, we are also in pain… and in her every moan, we are crying.

God is good for giving me a job which gives me flexible working hours.  That way, I could tend to her needs and spend more time with her as my schedule permits.  It was a continuous bonding session with her, to say the least.

Thus, this ordeal she’s going through is something I couldn’t fathom or understand initially.  I kept blaming myself for anything amiss, for something I might have done or not do which could have caused this disease to gradually take her away from me, from us.  I keep on wishing that the tears I am shedding for her each time I witness her feeble attempts at communication could at least wash away any pain, any discomfort that she must be feeling right now.

I couldn’t even lift her up to God fearing that He might take her away from us.  I just wanted her not to suffer this way for in her suffering we are also suffering…. for in her pains, we are also in pain… and in her every moan, we are crying.

Until I opened my email today and read a Daily Devotional message about sanctification…

“Suffering is another tool God uses for our good. A suffering believer runs directly to the heavenly Father for comfort and aid. God freely offers us comfort and help. But He also uses our painful circumstances to shape us even more.

When we submit to His work, we exit our suffering by looking more Christlike than ever
God’s transforming work goes on all the time. If we wish to glorify our Lord by faithfully reflecting Him, we must yield to His sanctification tools.”

This somehow opened my eyes to what our family is undergoing now.  It still won’t be easy, my dear friends.  She might lapse into coma any time and that is one thing I dread the most… not being able to hear her voice again, not being able to look into her eyes  and see their glow at my presence and not being able to clasp her hand and feel her clasping back.

Through all these, my younger bro Orman has been holding us together, veering us away from depression and hopelessness and making us laugh at the right times.   He is one treasure of a brother.

I also want to be strong for mommy and for my siblings, dear friends.   If this is a form of sanctification, so be it.  God knows what’s best for us and I am submitting myself to His holy will.

There’s just one last thing I am asking from you.  Please pray for me too.

Avel

Email from Erickson, Davao:

April 13, 2007

To my dear friend Avel,

I know it has been a long time since the last time we saw each other and it’s been a long time since i have been reading your emails. some of which really amaze me but required me not to reply but to just digest the information you give to me and to your friends.

this time, i was truly moved by the thoughts you have on this email. please allow me to share with you the feelings i had the time i read your email.

Our mother is also sickly but thank God, she has been keeping herself together. keeping strong despite of the normal ordeals our poor family face in our daily lives. our father died a long time ago, but she never re-married. up until this day, i can very well remember what she told us about not getting married again, to quote “i don’t want you, my sons, to adjust to somebody you cannot understand you and who m you cannot understand as well. i can raise you well by my own efforts and i want you all to be safe always, under my care.”

very simply said, but as i have aged, i have come to realize what our mother meant when she uttered those words. she so deeply cares about us that she is willing to give us her lifetime just to see us grow with the discipline and the grace of a Christian individual.

Vel, what you are going through now is one thing I most fear for our own mother. she is sickly and it really isn’t easy everytime i receive news about her having health concerns. i salute you for being brave enough to stand by your mother’s side.

Reality is, we will all pass away for we all came from our Great God, and it is in Him we all belong.

very few people would sacrifice wealth and career progress just to care for their mothers. our mothers will always be our mothers, we are their own blood and it is our duties, being their children, to take care of them. to show gratitude of what they have done for us. had they been careless during our younger days, we would never be who we are now.

Reality is, we will all pass away for we all came from our Great God, and it is in Him we all belong. What i have always been telling myself is to exert extra efforts in giving my mother a better life than what she is having right now. to give back what she had sacrificed for us and to show her how much i truly love her. we are not that expressive of our feelings, but i know my mom knows how much i truly care for her.

be strong my friend, everything happens for a reason. and yes, it is only God who knows what is best for us. all the trials you/we are having now are to test the faith we have for Him. just believe in Him. draw strength from Him. and you will see, everything will be just fine.

You have my prayers for your mother, my  friend. i am always here for you. be strong and be proud.

sincerely,

erixon

Email from Nuel, Metro Manila…

Dear Friend,

First, thank you for entrusting to me the prayers for your Mom. I am deeply touched with the devotional message you shared.

True enough, suffering is painful for people who dont really understand it. But for Christ believer, suffering is a tool for them to draw closer to Him. To pray and ask for strength. When we understand the meaning of suffering, it is easy for us to understand God’s way regardless of the questions in our mind.

Continue going God’s way and I’ll assure you that His light be upon you. Rest assured that I will always include you and your whole family in my prayers.

Be strong.. God knows best and God has a purpose for everything.

God Bless..

Nuel

Letter from Boyet, Cavite…

April 13, 2007

Hi Avel,

You made me cry Avel.

Three years ago, we were in the same situation. We almost lost our father.

My brothers and sisters have succumbed to the idea that we will lose him any day.

When I went home and saw my father, I can’t help but kneel in front of him and cry. I never expected to see my 5?11, large-framed father to turn into a shrunken person, my arms being bigger that his legs.

It was painful, I also felt the same way and I know that it’s hard.

As I said, yes we offered him back to our Lord but deep inside, we really want him to get out of that bed and walk.

Tender loving care, prayers can do a lot. a miracle that is. If you wish it, it will happen.

I’m very touched by your letter my friend. I salute you.

You’re a great son.

For now, I will offer you my prayers, first for you so you will have the strenght to handle things and for Mommy to be well.

Regards,

Boyet

Email from Kimberly, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia…

My dearest Avel,

I’ve been doing this letter for you for quite sometime…I just couldn’t seem to start it right, lest of all wouldn’t know how to end it…

Looking at your fotos with Mommy is breaking my heart…. I can see the sadness in your eyes… the bravery of putting up a smile despite the pain that’s hurting you deep inside your heart. I can feel for you Vel! My heart hurts for you as well right now… if only there’s anything i can do to change the circumstances. How I wished that I’m there with you at this moment… I just want to put my arms around you and tell you that “everything will be alright.”

“When you face hard times, there is no burden beyond His strength… no boundary to His Love… no limit to His mercies…no problem outside His solution… no need beyond His care!”

So, when I think of you… I do the best thing I can – I pray for you and for Mommy.

Vel, it’s not easy and we don’t like to say “goodbye” to those whom we love especially to a beloved mother. Sometimes words are just too deep or heavy to get out… or to say; Sometimes things are just too hard for us to talk about.

We sometimes want to touch a soul or soothe a wounded heart, but we don’t  even know the words or where we ought to start. This is a wordless sometimes… and I really don’t know what to do- so I just  pray for you.

Sometimes it’s hard to understand why God allows us to go through certain painful situations… but please do remember that, no matter what, God is there with  you through it all  and that others (batchmates & friends) who truly care are keeping you and your family in their prayers.

“When you face hard times,  there is no burden beyond His strength… no boundary to His Love… no limit to His mercies…no problem outside His solution… no need beyond His care!”

You are not alone Avel… we are all here for you… sharing your sadness and praying for your comfort… praying that the Lord will see you through this difficult times. God loves you and we all love you! Take care of yourself always and God bless!

Love always,

Kimberly

Email from Jerome, Zamboanga City...

Avel,

you know i couldn’t help myself but cry reading your letter.  but truly your attitude towards all these things humbled me so much.  how you face your predicament is worthy of emulation.

i know GOD is working into your lives because we are big in HIS eyes.  i will always pray for you and your family.

GOD bless

jerome

Email from Ito, Manila…

Dear Avel,

I am sorry to hear about your mom and, yes, I shall include both of you in
my daily prayers!

It is truly difficult to fathom the Plan of God. Only He knows what is best
for all of us. Whatever your mom is going through right now, elevate it to God
that He may give you comfort.

IF ever your mom is suffering now, I believe, that this is already Purgatory (on earth) so that when the Creator calls upon her, she shall go straight to heaven. All her suffering now is not for nothing.

Be strong. God wants you to be optimistic and hopeful despite the trials He hurls on you.

Warmest regards,

Ito

Email from Gigi, US of  A…

Dear Avel,

I am so sorry to read about your Mom.

You wrote an insightful letter which endeared you more to us.

I have empathy with what you and your family is going through.  My mom was in a coma for ten days until we decided to pull the plug.

To date, i regret not having loved her more, not having served her more, not having held her more.  You, on the other hand, have unselfishly given yourself to her.  She is blessed.

Strength comes from the support of family and friends.  Most of all, it comes from God.  This and peace i pray for you as well as for your mom.  In suffering, we become more blessed.

This may be difficult to understand; just pray and your faith will answer you.  Let go… let God, Avel.  I continue to pray for your mom, your family and you.  May God enlighten you all and bless you in His Abundance.

Thanks for sharing and I wish i had a son just like you! )

Love,

Gigi

Email from Momots,  Cagayan de Oro

Hi avel,

i’m so touched and feel so helpless at the thought that i couldn’t be there with you to at least make you smile lang naman.

sometimes bad things happen to good people … and we cannot find the reasons why..

we can only pray  that the pain will be brief or far in between…

my words, i know, may not be enough to mend your broken spirit or heal mom’s physical pain… but i can pray, my friend… for you…for mom…for us…

hold on…

love you,

momots

Email from Belle, Iloilo City

Dear Avel,

I can deeply empathize with what you’re going through right now regarding your Mom. I also went through that many years ago.

But do not hold on too tight.  Let God’s will be done.  He knows better and He knows what to do, and when to do it.  Just pray, pray, pray hard.  We will also pray for her…. take faith my friend.

Love,

Belle

Email from Lelen, Canada

Dearest vel,

You and your family, esp your mommy is with us, in our thoughts and in our prayers.

Like belle said, mahirap kase pinagdaanan niya na rin yon. Much as we would like to help you lighten your paghihirap dahil nakikita mo ata nararamdam mo ang paghihirap niya, we can only extend our love and support (spiritually and/or financially) kase malayo kami physically.

Thank you for sharing with us your personal experience reading God’s word through the daily devotion. It may not mean as much to other people, but I am glad that it has blessed you at your point of need. Truly, God’s word is our comfort. And whatever process God may use, whatever plans are in His will, we have no right to question because He is the author and finisher of life, being Alpha and Omega.

Kim said stop na daw sa pag ngawa mo… she was just trying to comfort you. Smile naman.

Thanks also to jes, belle and tale for writing.

May God be gracious to us always.

Peace and blessings,

lelen

Email from Kenneth, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dear Avel,

I have been apprised of the situation these past days by Kim and want to tell you that you and your family
are in my thoughts and prayers.

I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through and won’t even volunteer to offer any of the usual platitudes because my own life’s journey has not brought me to face what you are facing at the moment.

But I can say to you, my dear friend, that the depths of depression and sorrow that you are going through is never going to be permanent. In this fact we can all be steadfast in the knowledge that there is always going to be something to live for, even if we don’t know yet what it is.

My Christian inclinations tell me that there is an afterlife. I do believe in this deeply. Life as we know it is a transition. Your mother’s journey and the pain she is going through is a necessary part of that transition and HER life’s experience. It may seem odd, but we can rejoice in the fact that God has given her this opportunity to go through what she is now going  through. So my friend, don’t beat yourself up over what she is going through, because when you realise that its all due to His will, how could it ever be due to something you had done or omitted to do?

The very fact that you are there now tending to her, seeing her in pain, may be as much meant for you as it is for her…

Be strong my dear Avel.

Love,

Ken

Mommy passed away a few days after we took her home from the hospital, which was her last wish before she lapsed into coma.  She died inside my room while my sister Mara was trying to feed her.  The day was April 26, 2007.  The time was 2:20pm.

To this day, I still feel grateful for these outpouring of messages of comfort and love from friends near and far.  The ones posted here are just a fraction of what I received and they have kept me stronger all throughout our ordeal.

Reading them again now made me realize more of the need to share them with the world hoping that they could also comfort a grieving soul out there who happen who drop by this blog.

And as for you Mommy,  we love you more than ever but you can rest easy now.  Tell Daddy we are ok.  The kids are fine.  The Lord has continued to bless us with His love through our memories of you.

And that is all that really matters now.

FORMER PRINCIPAL HONORED. Retired DedEd Superintendent of Schools Leonora Peñalosa hands over to Avel Manansala, of the City Mayor’s Office a Philippine flag at the necrological rites during the funeral of his mother, Maria Ortega-Manansala at the Forest Lake San Carlos Memorial Park..  Mrs. Manansala, who was 80 at the time of her demise, was principal for 10 years of the Datu Acad Dalid Elementary School in Buayan and was instrumental in the establishment of Buayan National High School in the early 80′s during the term of then Congressman Adelbert Antonino.  A native of Guiuan, Samar who migrated to Dadiangas in the late 40s, she was married to the late Avelino Manansala (of Pampanga) and devoted over 40 years of her life as an educator.  She is also survived by her two other children, Orman and Maravel and five nieces.  Together with Mrs. Peñalosa in the foto are other officers of the Retirees Association of Gensan, Mrs. Josefina Datago and Ms. Priscilla Mari.

First-time visitors to General Santos City, wanting to be treated to its famed tuna, will surely be ushered off to a restaurant called Jam’s Resto Bar, a few kilometers away from the barangay wet market area along Nunez Street in Barangay Lagao.

There, they will be served various tuna dishes they probably have not tasted before. There is the tuna kare-kare (stewed tuna with peanut sauce & veggies), the adobong bihod (tuna roe), adobong bagaybay (tuna male eggs), the uniquely spicy palikpik (fins), the crispy deep-friend tuna tail, the sizzling tuna kusog sisig (tuna tendon) or most likely, the famed inihaw na panga (grilled tuna jaw), and fresh tuna kinilaw (unmixed), among others.

Spicy Sauteed Tuna Innards

Jam’s Resto Bar is owned by Soledad “Sol” Manangquil, a tuna processor in General Santos City. “I put this up to entertain my friends and visitors,” she said.

Of course, that is quite an understatement considering that she has done more than that. Everyone in the fishing industry knows that Sol is Gensan’s “Queen of Tuna Cuisine”.

Soledad was an enterprising teenager from the fishing village of Bula in General Santos, peddling “maruya” (fried bananas coated in batter) to fishermen who land their catch early at dawn at the nearby Fishlanding area along Lion’s Beach during the early 80s.

Extroverted, sociable and with a natural talent for business, her maruya which she prepared and cooked herself was usually sold out in time for her to rush to her first subject in college. Even then, her easy-going and friendly nature earned her a lot of friends among the fisherfolks who were taken by her generosity.

“I usually give out extra pieces of maruya to my loyal clients or give discounts when the catch is not that good,” she recalls.

Fresh Tuna Kinilaw with Cucumber

It was not long after when the Congson and Damalerio families that were jointly involved in fishing ventures noticed her industriousness and took her under their wings. They assigned her to various tasks at the fishlanding whenever their vessels arrive from their expeditions. All these, she admirably handled with ease.

Her working hours eventually caught up with her studies and so she decided to drop out of college with only a year left before graduation.

Gradually, her employers started entrusting her with bigger responsibilities. Eventually, she became in-charge with their exports business, involving large tuna, to Japan and the U.S.

Tuna Bagaybay (fish roe), photo by Lyle Santos

“The Gensan airport at that time was at the old Buayan area and the solitary PAL plane then flying in and out of GenSan daily could not handle large cargoes,” Sol explains.

Because of this, she had to bring the tuna to Davao airport and have it flown from there. This became a regular and tiring chore for her.

Finally in 1987, with her employers’ blessings, she ventured in the world of business by herself and partnered with high school friends, Tito and Joel Santos. They put up SSB Traders, a small tuna-processing and exporting company.

Sol, being the more experienced and outgoing among them was in-charge of buying raw materials. Her partners handled the processing and marketing aspects of the business.

With only a limited capital, whatever profits they made were immediately plowed back into the business. Thus, Sol had to augment her earnings by doing what she did best, peddling wares and everything.

She sold everything she can: fishing accessories, designer-labeled clothings, make-up kits, perfumes, shoes and foods and many more.

Sizzling Tuna Tendons, photo  by Lyle Santos

It was during one of her selling and buying sorties that she met one of Joel Santos’ high school classmates, 1st Lieutenant Jess Manangquil. A PMA graduate who was just recently assigned at the 601st Brigade, the army lieutenant liked what he saw in the pretty businesswoman and immediately wooed her.

On May 28, 1988, the wedding bells were heard and people saw Sol and Jess before the matrimonial altar.

Tuna tendons Kilawin

In less than a year, first son John Ray was born and was followed immediately by Jefferson.

Things started changing for Soledad. Now as a junior officer’s wife, she had to learn to juggle her time between dealing with her suppliers at the fish landing and entertaining Jess’ military superiors and colleagues who are the frequent visitors in their home. Luckily, their processing plant was just within their yard and it was easy for her to whip up a tuna dish or two at short notices.

Later on, with a lot of fresh tuna within reach to work with, she also started experimenting with the tuna by utilizing it, with the usual Pinoy fare.

Crispy deep-fried Tuna Tail, photo by Lyle Santos

She says: “I substituted the usual pork and chicken with tuna in a variety of Filipino dishes. Some actually worked and some simply didn’t taste right. I also used the entrails and the innards plus some other usually “unwanted” parts. I felt that it would be a senseless to throw these parts away. Finally, I had compiled more than a couple of recipes to fill up my own menu.”

Word eventually got out that the new Mrs. Manangquil prepares exotic tuna dishes in town. Soon, lunches and dinners at their home at Rosario Subdivision were like mini-parties since friends keep dropping by to taste her inventions using different parts of the tuna.

In 1992, she decided to establish her very own Sol Fish Traders. Then, upon the coaxing of friends who were fans of her recipes, she also put up a native nook along the Lagao National Highway called Jam’s Ihaw-ihaw.

There was no looking back for the “maruya” seller from then on.

Jam’s Resto Bar at night, in a photo by Lyle Santos

Now, 17 years after that small ihaw-ihaw venture, on a daily basis, Sol still shuttles back and forth between Market 1 of the Gensan Fishport and her Jam’s Restaurant at its current location at Nunez Street, in the suburbs of Lagao.

In this fine-dining restaurant situated in a 1,000 square meter lot,  things usually perk up during the weekends when groups rent it for functions such as parties and other gatherings.

Now blessed with three kids, the youngest being Jim Claude, Sol feels she still has a lot going on for her, especially with regard to her restaurant business.

“With this new restaurant here, I am highlighting my tuna dishes at a far more pleasing ambience. I am bringing tuna cuisine to the next level.”

With her track record, there is no doubt in mind that Sol will continue to fascinate GenSan’s palate and soon of the world with her delectable and sumptuous recipes that have put the tuna in a whole new, different light.

UPDATE April 18, 2009:  Jam’s Resto Bar which opened last year now caters to families and groups who want to enjoy a relaxed and classy ambience and be served with various native, oriental and mediteranean dishes and a wide array of Soledad’s famed tuna concoctions.  It’s located at Nunez Street, Purok Malakas, Barangay San Isidro.   Watch out for its upcoming shows featuring stand-up comedians  Jam’s Restaurant has a large function room for private occasions and a videoke bar on its balcony.  (Photos by @marzz, unless otherwise stated)

Do you know that on the evening of that fateful Sunday in December 2008 when the whole country was raving over Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Oscar dela Hoya in Las Vegas, USA, another group of “generals” was also fighting brilliantly in their own battlegrounds in Sydney, Australia and later taking home the Silver?

The group -  the EXQUIZYTH Dancers, General Santos City’s top hip-hop artists who were representing the Philippines at the 5th World Supremacy Battlegrounds (Hip-Hop Dance Competition) at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in Sydney, Australia.

The Exquizyth Dancers during their courtesy call on Mayor Jun Acharon, a week after their victory in Sydney, Australia.

The Exquizyth Dancers, all 16 of them including manager Richie Mulders arrived at Sydney two days ahead of the date of the competition and were mobbed by fellow Pinoys and Fil-Australians everywhere they went.  The Pinoy factor was crucial during the competiton since they provided the GenSan hip-hop performers with the morale support by way of their presence and collective cheers.

Making their trip to Sydney a reality were assistance from various groups such as GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon and the local government,  Congresswoman Darlene Custodio, former Mayor Adelbert Antonino, Barangay San Isidro Captain Renato Salangsang and other generous generals.

Below is the video of  performance of the Exquizyth Dancers.

In the end, however, Auckland, New Zealand’s SWEET & SOUR, captured the prestigious Open crown while Australia’s PSYKE! placed third overall to gain the bronze.  Not bad though since 32 groups competed for the championships.

Below are the actual results of the competition.

WORLD SUPREMACY BATTLEGROUNDS HIPHOP DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Dec 7 2008 Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

OPEN DIVISION

1. SWEET & SOUR (New Zealand)
2. EXQUIZYTH (Philippines)
3. PSYKE! (Australia – NSW)
4. FEARLESS (New Zealand)
5. DVP (Australia – VIC)
6. TMC (New Zealand)
7. CLOCKWORK (Australia – QLD)
8. ELECOLDXHOT (Singapore-Malaysia)
9. DEJA (Australia – NSW)
10. ALPHA DELINKWENTZ (Australia – VIC)
11. Odyssey (New Zealand)
12. Reborn (New Zealand)
13. Infinite Dance Crew (New Zealand)
14. Dance Central (Australia – ACT)
15. Celcius (Australia – NSW)
16. Unbreakables (Australia – WA)
17. Vikings (Australia – VIC)
18. KaLADYscope (New Zealand)
19. Trick Nasty (Australia – QLD)
20. Grand Jester (Australia – ACT)
21. XC!TE (Australia – WA)
22. Limited Edition (Australia – NSW)
23. Flava (Australia – SA)
24. Raw Flava (Australia – SA)
25. Bounce (Australia – QLD)
26. Lockdown (Australia – ACT)
27. Fresh Funk Flava (Australia – ACT)
28. Fresh Funk Force (Australia – ACT)
29. Chaotic Funk (Australia – NSW)
30. B3BOP CR3W (Australia – NSW)
31. Sweet (Australia – NSW)
32. Pure Funkstaz (Australia – SA)

Now, if you want to compare the Exquizyth  with the declared Champion, New Zealand’s Sweet and Sour, watch first this video below of that group’s supposedly gold medal-winning performance.  Then, tell the whole world what you think.

A few weeks from now, General Santos City’s very own Exquizyth Boys, will be flying to Sydney, Australia to represent the country in the 4th Annual World Supremacy Battlegrounds – International Hip-hop Dance Championships.  Below is the poster for that event.

These young generals, all 15 of them who have proudly declared Barangay San Isidro in GenSan as their home base, earned the right to compete in the land down under after topping the Philippine National Hip-Hop Dance Finals held at the Cross Road 77 Convenarium in Quezon City.

They were at the General Santos City Hall recently for a courtesy call on Mayor Jun Acharon who gave his whole-hearted support for their trip to Australia.

To describe the national finals in CQ, here is what GrooveTv.com.au, the event organizers in Australia, has to say:

The cream of the crop of Filipino dancers gathered last night at the Cross Road 77 Convenarium in Quezon City to determine the best of the best in the Philippine National Hip-Hop Dance Finals. It was the most unpredictable championship yet because of the remarkable, undeniable and spectacular talent and skills of many dance groups in the country all under one roof. MINDANAO stood tall as they took out the Top 2 positions, with new champion EXQUIZYTH and runner up NEXT BLOCK finishing 1 and 2. LUZON’s very own ATENEO (CADS) and CREW MECHANIX edged the rest of the field to finish 3rd and 4th respectively. Rankings will be published next week. One thing is for sure – the PHILIPPINES will become the future hub of hip-hop dance in Asia with the announcement of the newest hip-hop grand slam event to open doors in 2009.

The final scores of the top 4 dance teams are: (source: DanceManila.com)

1st: Exquizyth – 92%

2nd: Next Block – 88%

3rd: Company of Ateneo Dancers – 85%

4th: Crew Mechanix – 84%

Meanwhile, the 4^th Annual WORLD SUPREMACY BATTLEGROUNDS Hip Hop Dance Championship is the biggest event in AustralAsia with over fifty dance groups and five hundred dancers from six Australian States, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines meeting in Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on December 7 to stage the biggest hip-hop international championship in the region.

Below is the promotional video of the Sydney ultimate showdown.

This is another testament to the GenSan’s growing reputation as the “Wellspring of Winners” and the “Home of Champions”.  We here in Bariles Republic has only this to say, “Mabuhay ang Exquizyth!  Mabuhay ang mga generals!  Mabuhay ang GenSan!”

Good luck and Godspeed guys!

When 9-year old Philip Nadela was announced the first grand winner of the Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers during an exciting Finals night earlier this month, I was at that time at the residence of Gen. Santos City Mayor Jun Acharon together with his wife, Dra. Rose and some household members.

We were at their living room all busy trying to send the last of the text messages we could to ensure that Philip wins.  Earlier, while the First Lady was calling and texting all her friend and relatives in Cebu to support Philip, the good mayor was then busy reminding his barangay captains to go all out for the young “general”.

When his name was finally announced as the GRAND LITTLE WINNER, I and the rest let loose shrieks of delight. While glancing at the mayor, I noticed that he was misty-eyed but grinning from ear to ear, obviously proud that another champion emerged from among his constituents.

So when the young singing sensation, now known by his screen name Philip Nolasco came back home with his parents, no less than Mayor Jun Acharon was there at the General Santos City International Airport to welcome him.

Later, he was whisked off to a waiting vehicle for his motorcade, the same one used by Manny Pacquiao every time he wins his fights.  Joining him were Ms. GenSan 2002 Ivy Cunanan and her court Kitel and Faye, together with Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Jane Calunsag.

I had the rare chance to ride the same car and so I took shots of the people of Gen. Santos waving at him from the roadsides, all wanting to take a good look at him.   Philip was a trouper, gamely waving at everyone while his pretty “yayas” were beside him, acting as his consorts.

The scenes of the crowds greeting us wherever we turn were reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao’s hero’s welcome everytime he goes home to GenSan after every fight.  I had goosebumps all over with the similar kind of adulation that this 9-year old singing sensation received during the motorcade.

The motorcade eventually winded up at the Oval Covered Court where his fans, schoolmates, teachers, etc. and the Gen. Santos City media were waiting for him.  They were later gifted with a couple of songs from the Grand Dreamer after answering a few questions during the mini press conference.

Later on in the evening, a Grand Feast was tendered to him by the mayor at the 6′Blings Restaurant, owned by Mr. Bebot Haw.  There, GenSan’s youngest pride mingled with his guests and in between photo ops, lest we forget that he is still a child, focused on playing with his new portable PlayStation.

In one of my earlier posts this year, I featured Leonard Pe, a talented young general who was mounting his first solo photo exhibit dubbed as “Earthscapes“ at the City Hall lobby, in celebration of the Earth Day.

During that time, one of his works, won the Silver Award in the 2007 Project Clean Water Photography Contest of the Greenpeace Southeast Asia making the exhibit even more signifact.

Just very recently, Leonard was once again in the news when no less than the Manila Bulletin published a 4-page spread about his works and his passion for photography in its Picture Perfect Section, in its October 14 edition.

Written by Yugel Losorata, the article was entitled “A GenSan pride“.

Here is an excerpt:

One artistic gem is Leonard Pe, born and raised in General Santos City.  His photographs of nature capturing the sceneries within the area has been his way of saying there is more to see in his hometown and that the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” showcases more than being associated to the admired “National Fist”.

Below is the scanned picture of the front page of the newspaper insert.

FRONT PAGE

Here are two of Leonard’s photographs featured in the spread.

“Bahay Kubo”.  This photo was shot in a field in Barangay Tambler.

“Siquijor”.

To read the full Manila Bulletin article, please CLICK HERE.

Congratulations Leonard! Bariles Republic and am sure, the whole of GenSan are very proud of you.  Now for those one-on-one photography lessons you promised, I am more than ready.  

For more of Leonard Pe’s work, please CLICK HERE

Do you know that General Alexander B. Yano, the current Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines used to be assigned here in Socsargen?

Yes sir!

In the year 2002, he was the commanding general of the nearby Army station in the municipality of Malungon, then known as the 601st Brigade but now named as the 1001st Brigade.

That was the time when GenSan was at her most peaceful, with no single occurrence of any terror act during his term.

This made him very popular among the Tuna Capital’s business and other sectors, leading him to forge close friendship with some.

Just recently, the general who has been “adopted” as a “son of GenSan” was back in his second home once again, this time, to be feted by no less than the Mayor of the city with his close friends from different sectors in attendance, including Governor Migz Dominguez of Sarangani Province.

It was a night full of warm laughter and pleasant memories as the “soldier’s soldier” and some of  his friends  including Mayor Acharon recalled those times when he used to visit the city and personally check on them.  Speeches about him dealt with his being very accessible, generous of his time and a loyal friend.

Not many know that GenSan Mayor Acharon and General Yano share something in common – they are both CIVIL ENGINEERS, and both were schooled in Cebu City, and both had sterling careers, being top in their chosen fields.

It is no wonder then that when the General comes home, just like when he did earlier this month, to the  place who has treated him like a son, no less than the Father of the City rolls out the red carpet for him.

From us here at Bariles Republic, welcome home sir and be sure to check back on us most often possible.

NEWSFLASH!

General Santos City is once again the center of the universe as young nine-year old “general” Philip Nadela won as the first Pinoy Dream Academy Grand Little Dreamer in an exciting Gala Show less than an hour ago, this night of Sunday, October 5, 2008.

Philip who was a student of the SDA Elementary School in Barangay Calumpang, did a heartfelt rendition of the famous Josh Groban anthem, “You Raise Me Up”.

He received more than 190,000 text votes from his supporters, am sure majority of which came from GenSan.  The Sangguniang Panlungsod earlier passed a resolution giving all out support for this talented son of a policeman of Barangay Fatima.   City Mayor Jun Acharon himself called upon all his barangay captains to encourage their people to form text brigades and distribute flyers urging the “generals” to vote for one of their own.

Philip brings home one million in cash, their own house and lot in a subdivision in Manila, and a video and audio showcase.

This is indeed the year of excellence for GenSan as once again, another talented “general” made it to the roster of “EXCEPTIONAL GENERALS” who will be role models for generations to come.

From all of us here at Bariles Republic, MABUHAY KA PHILIP NADELA!  MABUHAY ANG GENERALS!  MABUHAY ANG GENSAN!

See you during your performance here for the Pasko Sa GenSan 2009!

A few hours from now, my only brother Orman will be celebrating his birthday with his closest friends, office staff and church “disciples”.

How old is he?  Let’s just say, his age is still smaller than his waistline.  :)

Before my greeting gets lost in the flurry of text messages and email wishes he sure will receive by the stroke of midnight, 28th of September 2008, allow me my dear readers and faithful subscribers to feature this little prayer which somehow, would be good for him as he faces a dilemma in his love life and showbiz career.  ;)

This is for you little brother.  May this your birthday be as meaningful as the last one when Mommy and Daddy were still here.  May you continue to be blessed and be a blessing to us, your family and to your friends.  :)

Orman's Baptism Picture at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish

Cassandra Alicia C. Santos may only be all of 16 years but she has already been causing a stir in the playoffs for the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA).

A 4th year high school student of the San Beda College Alabang where she is a member of the school’s girls basketball team, Cassandra who stands 5 feet and 9.5 inches tall is their tallest player!

This is of no surprise actually because she is a great granddaughter of Gen. Paulino Santos, who himself stands more than six feet tall.

Cassandara’s father Joel, who is a former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player for PRESTO and who now owns one of GenSan’s largest tuna processing firms, the Sta. Cruz Seafoods (one of the sponsors of the MBS2) inside the Gen. Santos Fishport Development Complex is 6’3″ tall.  Her mother Patricia, a former flight stewardess is 5’8″!

That also makes her 3 siblings, a brother and two younger sisters taller than most young people their age.

Maybe because of her height, Cassandra has always wanted to play basketball even when she was just a student at the NDDU from Kindergarten to Grade IV and later transferred to the Quantum Academy in  Barangay San Isidro when she reached Grade V.

At Quantum, she honed not only her academic skills but also her prowess in playing basketball.

Her parents noticing that she could really excel in the sport, decided to enroll her at the San Beda College Alabang when she was a 3rd year high school student because that school has its own junior girls basketball team which they field at the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Assosciation.

This year, she finally was able to play for the WNCAA’s 39th season where she awed the spectators not only with her towering presence but also with her fastbreaks and dunks.

The young athlete has finally realized her dream and is forever thankful that she has very supportive parents who gave her a chance to study in Manila and pursue it.  She’s dedicating all her achievements to them and to the city that her great granddaddy founded.

Cassandra C. Santos. The 1st WNCAA Varsity Player from GenSan. Another awesome General.

Watch out for more of her soon!

Click on these pictures for a larger view.

I’d like to present to you, readers of Bariles Republic, our Guest Writer for today, a fellow general who is now based in Manila,  Jonathan “Toyski” Susvilla.  Here goes…

A little more than two hours before midnight, my shift was about to start and I was reading through some  email when a text message broke the news about a “general“, a friend, making it to the TOP 10 list of the 2008 Physicians Licensure Exam.

This came not as a surprise to me anymore and to everyone who knows him back in college when he was touted as the “Renaissance Man“.

In this age of consumerism where malling is the favorite pastime, being an artista is “the ultimate dream”, of every youth and our heritage is still being haunted by smallness, it is refreshing and inspiring to know people “living” from the center and excelling yet still meek – people our youth should revere.  People like Lemuel Benedict R. Non.

Lemuel Benedict who took up BS Biology at MSU-Gen. Santos is that university’s first and only SUMMA CUM LAUDE.  It was his father’s dream for him from the very beginning to take up Medicine after college.  Inspired by theis profession because he grew up with three brothers who all became dectors, his father wanted him to continue this tradition.  He even arranged and prepared all the necessary documents for him to get into a good school.

His only job was to take the National Medical Admission test, where he got 99% assuring him a highly coveted slot at the UP, becoming one of the only 10 non-UP students to have become part of the 160+ members of the Class of 2008.

He graduated in the Top 9 of his class and during the preparations for the board exams, everyone was bugging him and his group to get into the Top 10.  He took the pressure half-jokingly, and insisted that he shall only study out of necessity and that the most important objective of the two months of self-reviewing all 12 subjects was to learn as much as he could to further hone his competency.  This way, every patient of his, every Filipino who shall consult him for some ailment shall benefit from all these knowledge.

The possibility of being one of the topnotchers is just the icing on the cake.

So he went through the process of studying at his own pace.  Finally, in August, he took the exams with confidence, knowing his family and friends were supporting him and praying for him.

Then came the hardest part – waiting.  The day before the results were out, someone broke into his room and stole his cellphone, laptop and wallet while he was alseep.  He was left with barely any money and no way of communication with his family and friends.

Thankfully, his family responded with clockwork precission and acquired him a new cheap phone just a few hours before the results.  And through the mighty Internet, he was able to broadcast with his new number rapidly.  Minutes after the results came out, his new phone was flooded with messages of congratulations.  Yes, he was among the TOP 10!  He was the 8th placer.

The new doctor was exuberant.

“The feeling of jumping up from a tragedy like what I experienced to the news that I was a topnotcher was so overwhelming,” he recounted.

When asked on what he would want to say to the younger generation, the now-famous “general” has this to say, “I guess the most effective advice I can give is to first love what you’re doing.  You should not go through school just because it is required or because you have to, but it should be because you wanted to.  Never go through something without enough passion to pursue it.  Learning will go smoothly from thereon.  And of course, put God first above all.”

EDUCATION/ACHIEVEMENTS:

Doctor of Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Medicine, Class of 2008

• Top 8, Philippine Licensure Examination for Physicians, 2008
• One of the Top 10 Graduates in Academics, UP College of Medicine
• One of the Top 10 Interns of Philippine General Hospital
• Most Outstanding Intern in Internal Medicine
• Outstanding Intern in Surgery
• 3rd place, Interns’ Research Forum for paper on “Value of Pathological Examination of Clinically-indicated Placentas:  PGH Experience, in 2004
• College Scholar, 2006-2007

BS Biology, Mindanao State University, Gen. Santos City, 2003

• Summa Cum Laude
• Philippine representative (Bayer) to the Eco-Innovate Forum in Sydney, Australia, 2003
• Winner, Best Poster presentation of Undergraduate Thesis in the Philippine Society for Microbiology Annual Conference
• National Finalist, Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, 2003
• National Finalist, Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines, 2003
• Manny Villar Excellence Award
• Top Student, Ten Oustanding Students of Region 12
• Gen. Santos City Youth Achiever Awardee, 2003.

Father: lfredo P. Non, a mechanical engineer, graduate of UST, who back then topped (Top 5) their boards.  Presently, he’s in Canada.

Mother: Vissia Agnes R. Non, a commerce graduate, and presently a homemaker.

His three other siblings:  April Kathleen, Lynn Abegail, and Lance Alread.

WRITTEN BY:  Jonathan “Toyski” Susvilla

Tomorrow, August 8, 2008, in a flurry of activities from sun-up to way past sundown, the Mayor of General Santos City, Honorable Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. will celebrate his 50th birthday among his constituents.

Golden Boy Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.

This is the first time in two years that the Golden Boy is spending his natal day this way because for his past birthdays, he always preferred a simple and private get-together with his immediate family, usually out of town.

But turning 50 is considered a milestone for everyone and so this year, he is staying home to celebrate it with friends and other well-wishers.

Among the list of activities for tomorrow are:

• Turnover of Office Furniture to the Federation of Central Public Market Vendors,;
• Ceremonial Weighing of Timbangan ng Bayan at the Central Public Market;
• Unveiling and turn-over from Perfecom of Central Public Market Signage;
• Pedro’s Blood-Letting Activity at the Oval Plaza Stage (in cooperation with Red Cross & SMART);
• Palibreng Biyahe ng Alkalde (Yellow Bus Lines, Holiday Bus, Husky Bus, CONTRACA,  ALJODSTCO, ALLTRANSCO, etc);
• Blessing of the new Chapel at Gawad Kalinga Promise Land;
• Distribution of Educational Assistance at Barangay Mabuhay (c/o CSWDO);
• Handog ni Mayor sa Streetchildren at the Children’s Playground;
• Distribution of Philhealth Cards at the Oval Grand Stand

From all of us herre at Bariles Republic, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mayor!

May the good Lord bless and keep you, as always. 

When President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was in the Tuna Capital a week before her 2008 SONA, I had the chance again to take her photos when she arrived at the GenSan Airport.  I probably was the only one who was there taking shots aside from the official Malacañang photographer.

It was basically a photographer’s dream because of the presence of Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio among the welcome group and GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon.  The Representative of the 1st District of South Cotabato, who is a known opposition stalwart is the wedding godchild of PGMA and it would be interesting to capture the two feisty ladies together in one picture.

Like a tiger waiting for the kill, I was very much ready with my camera (actually my brother Orman’s CANON 300D) when the presidential plane landed at the Gen. Santos City International Airport.  When finally the President of the Republic alighted from the plane, I pounced…..

The following then are my prized shots:

PGMA alighting from her plane in GenSan.

Acknowledging the honor guards

GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon welcomes the president with Defense Sec Gilbert Teodoro beside him

Finally, PGMA is welcomed by Congresswoman Custodio with a handshake… (this picture is perhaps their first together in a long while)

PGMA getting it first hand from Darlene…..

Now, who do you think is taller? (Responses may be written at the comment box below.)