Visayas Bikini Summit 2011

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Garbage Situation in Kalibo is Hoped to be Resolved before the end of 2011
By: Mark Anthony N. Reyes

Panelists at the Kapehan sa Aklan on February 12. L-R: Mr. Allen Alcedo, Moderators Mr. Edwin Ramos of PIA, Mr. Odon Bandiola, SP Secreatry Festival, wherein many local and foreign tourist converge, 2) To develop the talents of the you. Ms Adorada Reynaldo, head of the ESWM, Ms Juliet Melgarejo, MEEDO head, former Vice Governor Atty. Kel Tolentino,  Mr. Abel Policarpio, Market Supervisor III and Kalibo Public Market Dr. Emit Custodio, Municipal Health Consultant of Kalibo.

Kalibo - The catastrophe of Payatas in 1999 that killed 234 people and where 32 families lost their homes was in the minds of the panelists in the Kapihan sa Aklan, held on 12, February 2011. The memory of this tragedy keep the Heads of MEEDO and the Ecological Solid Waste Management to keep pushing to resolve the issue of the Ecological Solid Waste Management problem to be implemented soon.The panelists on this week’s Kapihan were: Ms. Juliet Melgarejo, head of MEEDO, Ms. Adorada ‘Neneng’ Reynaldo, head of the ESWM, Dr. Emmet Custodio, the Municipal’s Health Consultant, and Mr. Abel Policarpio, Market Supervisor.

In coordination with Republic Act 9003, an Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003, the municipality of Kalibo has created an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program under the Municipal Ordinance No. 2009-004. The program introduced the 5E’s; Engineering, Education, Environmental Organization, Enforcement and Equity which set as standards for its effective implementation.
According to Ms.Adorada “Neneng” Reynaldo, the program entails an environmental behavioral change. The people will become environmentally friendly by doing the good practices to our environment. Importantly, people will be educated for the proper segregation of solid waste.
Their office is now on a massive information dissemination drive for the first quarter of this year. They   particularly inform the vendors in the Kalibo public market and the shopping center The brochure and fliers are under approval as informative materials. They are hoping that the implementation of this program be achieve before the end of the year. Kool Earth, a private organization has the same advocacy and is a staunch partner of the local government of Kalibo
Ms Juliet Melgarejo, informed Aklan Media that the proposed dumping site in Balete is still under negotiation by the LGU and Gov. Carlito Marquez. However, the private clinic and funeral parlors in Kalibo must have septic tank for their pathological waste as mandatory.
This environmental concern is not only addressed to the government but to all concerned citizens. The government does everything to solve this problem but the cooperation of everyone is also required. /TE

YOUTH CORNER

Teens: Avoid Premarital Sex
By: Jenevi F. Dollete

In this modern society, premarital sex is very common especially among teenagers life, they are curious when it comes to activities among couples or in relationship teenagers, and there is so much pressure upon couples to conform. Some may say that “Every other couple is doing it, why not us? If you really love me, then prove it,” and others may challenge, “If you’re normal, then let’s try it.” But still, lots of risk may occur, such as unwanted pregnancy, cervical cancer, sexually transmitted diseases with the dreaded killer AIDS (Acquire Syndrome Deficiency Syndrome).
Not only should the sex act should be avoided, there are activities that have the potential to lead on the intercourse should also be avoided such as excessive kissing, petting and embarrassing that tend to push partners into the danger zone especially that curiosity commonly dominates individual with great feelings. It is really important among teenagers who are in romantic relationship with opposite sex to set up guidelines of conduct and work at maintaining the standards.
Always remember that sex before marriage encourages disrespect especially among woman. Everyone who is doing it may enjoy it but when they are already married, they will found out that they robbed themselves of the precious mystery of such other causing the honeymoon to lose its meaning and value.
Sexual desire is not sinful, it is normal but what the challenge is to find a way to deal with it./TE

NEWS WEEK FEBRUARY WEEK 2

Early Birds: KASAFI Report

Kalibo - Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Foundation Inc., (KASAFI) conducted a Cocktail Meeting and Press Conference on January 26, 2011, at the KASAFI Office, Second Floor of the Captain Gil M. Mijares Building, corner XIX Martyrs and Rizal Street, Kalibo, Aklan. Its goal is to maintain transparency of the  activities and expenses of KASAFI, and  to  express their gratitude to all their supporters.  

They particularly thanked their sponsors and the Aklan Media for their untiring  support, as partners and benefactors, to which attributed to the success of the recent Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival.

The meeting was attended by members of the Aklan Media, Local Government Unit of Kalibo, KASAFI honorary members, the three winners of the Miss Ati-atihan 2011, and other  guests.

The program started with an opening remark made by Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline Ang Regalado, followed by words of thanks and appreciation by Mr. Albert Meñez, Chairperson of KASAFI. There was the giving of Certificates of Appreciation to individual supporters and organizations that had helped them. 

The certificates were given out by Vice Mayor Regalado and Lilibeth Goboy, the Vice Chairman of Internal Affair and  owner of Hernani’s Mix and Match.  Mr. Raffy Leyson, Treasurer of KASAFI and the Bank Manager of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, produced the financial statement of KASAFI to the media and the guests, recounting all the expenses and income made by the KASAFI during this year’s Ati-atihan festival. The  Questions and Answers portion were answered by KASAFI members  to  clear up inquiries given to them by the media, as well as providing the guests with snacks and treats./TE

NEWS WEEK FEBRUARY WEEK 1

Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kalibo face Media with Confidence

by: Mark Anthony N. Reyes

Kalibo Mayor William Lachica and Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado faced the media with confidence when they accepted  the invitation of the Aklan Forum on the 4th edition of “Kapehan sa Aklan” on January 22, 2011. The issues discussed were the town’s economic status,  projects and plans, tourisms, etc. The Aklan media congratulates Lachica, Regalado, and their colleagues from the local government for the success of the recently celebrated Ati-atihan Festival.Despite the  town’s financial instability, Lachica told the media that they have started from nothing to make this year’s ati atihan exciting and interesting for the locals and the visitors. This means that the former administration did not turn over any amount to help them prepare for the festival. “I thank the KASAFI, the newly organized organization, likewise the Aklan Media for the hard work, support and especially for the promotion “bangud maskin temprano pat-a hay abo eot-a nga local ag national tourists du nag agto ag nag sinadya sa pag selebrar it ati-atihan”, he added.He hopes for the continued support of the  Aklan Media for the success of  next year’ celebration of Ati-atihan. Since he was able to observe from the preparation to  the end of the festival he now has ideas on what to do and how to improve the event.

Other topics discussed during the forum were:

*CCTV Cameras to be placed in some parts of public places in Kalibo.

  Once in place, the drivers can be monitored daily and the use of the CCTV is believed  to help minimize the  traffic and avoid vehicle related accidents. The Kalibo Police and Land Transportation Office (LTO) show their support for this  project.

CCTV cameras will be installed among the public areas of Kalibo such as the Kalibo Public Market, Crossing Banga-New Washington, Town Plaza, The Municipal Hall, Kalibo-Numancia Bridge and along Roxas avenue.

Street lights and “Spaghetti Wires”.The streets/of Kalibo are  dark and must have street lights  Lachica was advised to make immediate action regarding “spaghetti Wires “to avoid accidents.

Cleanliness after the Ati-atihan. The town of Kalibo is not so litter strewn following the Ati-atihan as compared to last year. All scattered garbage was disposed of properly the day following the  celebration. Lachica thanked the students from Garcia College of Technology, Saint Gabriel College and the Mormons for their free services to the community by cleaning the town.

This is an admirable  attitude, because it is not only the government’ job to keep our community clean. It is also the duty of every responsible citizen who cares for their environment and their people./TE

HEADLINE NEWS JANUARY WEEK 4

Legarda joins the Aetas

Senator Loren Legarda joined the festivities of Kalibo during the celebration of the Santo Niño Ati-atihan Festival which started on January 10 to 16. She was welcomed by the Mayor of Kalibo,Mayor William Lachica, together  with Vice Mayor, Madeline Ang Regalado, Ms. Baby Ang, Kalibo Tourism representative, Ms. Celia Malapad, Hon. Gene Peter Lao, Barangay Captain Antoy Solina and the regional LTO officials. Congressman Teddy A. Casiño, Bayan Muna representative was also in the same plane. by Chita de la Cruz-Heap

HEADLINE NEWS JANUARY WEEK 3

Braun wins 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan
by: Boy Ryan B. Zabal

KALIBO, Aklan - Caren Retamar Braun of New Washington, Aklan won the 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan on Wednesday evening held at the jampacked Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex here.
The first runner-up was Mae Ann Mariano Manipud of Nabas, Aklan while Charmaine Ling Palomata Chua of Kalibo, Aklan was second runner-up.
Organized by Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) and the local government of Kalibo, 12 dazzling ladies competed in the pageant where Braun took home the “Ambassadress of Goodwill and Tourism” title after the long gown, swimwear and interview portions of the competition.
Following in the footsteps of her sister 2009 Miss Earth Philippines Air Michelle Martha Braun, the 17-year old five foot and six inches beauty was declared Best in Swimwear, Best in Talent and corporate awards for Miss Maxi Peel and Miss Ever Belena aside from the prestigious title of Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan this year.
Manipud was awarded Best in Long Gown. Chua was conferred the corporate awards for Miss Ponds, Miss Skin White, Miss Personality and Miss Globe.
Braun received the crown from Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Kalibo mayor William Lachica and Kalibo vice mayor Madeline Regalado.
Other winners of special awards were Janine Magbiro Ilio for Best in Production Number, Frendisol Catherine Villanueva Yco for Miss Photogenic, Sheen Mae Bagnate Zafra for Miss Friendship and Jecca Rosales Tenaja for Best in Interview.

Newly crowned Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan Caren Retamar Braun (center) is flanked by first runner-up Mae Ann Manipud (left) and second runner-up Charmaine Ling Chue (right) during the pageant and coronation night at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex / Photo By Boy Ryan B. Zabal

The winners of corporate awards were :
* Miss Sunsilk Jecca Tenaja
* Miss Diet Coke Sheen Mae Zafra
* Miss LBC (Hari ng Padala) Mary Vhic Baltazar Mandal
* Miss E-Looks Frendisol Catherine Yco
* Miss Close-Up Jona Ili Sweett
* Miss Perfect 5 Beauty Frendisol Catherine Yco
* Miss KHM Camille Alyssa de Leon
* Miss Careline Mary Vhic Mandal

HEADLINE NEWS JANUARY WEEK 2

Ati-atihan Candidates 2011

L-R: Frendisol Catherine Villanueva, Sheen Mae Bagnate Zafra, Hanna Mae Renacido Torre, Mae Anne Mariano Manipud, Jona Ili Sweett, Camille Alysa Buyoc de Leon, Caren Retamar Braun, Jecca Rosales Tenaja, Maryvhic Baltazar Mandal, Janine Magbiro Ilio, Charmaine Ling Palomata Chua and Celeste Melgar Nepomuceno

NEWS JANUARY WEEK 1

  Mutya it Kalibo Ati-atihan contestants 2011

Here are the twelve contestants who are going to compete for the title of Mutya ng Ati-atihan, Kalibo 2011 on January 5. The contestants are all between the ages of 14 and 21, and all are hoping to win the title. Only one will be fortunate enough to win and become an ambassador for the promotion of tourism for Kalibo.

Kalibo is known not only for the hospitality of its people, but also for the hidden beauty of the local girls. This competition is to determine the one  who will set an example to our own young people, by encouraging them  to emerge from their shells, and  to learn how to ‘think outside the box’  without losing  respect for their elders or their pride for their heritage.  (All of the photographs of beauty contestants in this issue are by the courtesy of Ramel Buncalan/Aklan from the Photographic Society}./ TE

The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) Profile

This foundation was formed in partnership with the Municipality of Kalibo and the Diocese of Kalibo.

KASAFI’s beginning was made possible when the Municipality of Kalibo headed by Hon. William S. Lachica gave the authority to the said foundation to manage the operation of the festival in the response to the clamor for more transparent and efficient administration. Trusting in the integrity of the private sector – businessmen, educators, bankers, professionals and other individuals that comprise the foundation, the Mayor gave the management of the festival to KASAFI.

KASAFI selects members of the executive committee and the working committees, solicit funds, markets and promotes the festival, and submits a financial statement to the Sangguniang Bayan. All events during the month of January get permits and approval from KASAFI.

The LGUs provide financial assistance, support services like the police, health and sanitation requirements. National government agencies like the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry help regulate activities under the supervision. Whatever resources one partner needs, and other partner provides.

This festival intends to showcase the culture and traditions of Aklan and each will conform with the theme as well. The celebration will always present the story of local practices and culture.

There will be efforts to raise funds to meet the expenses that will be incurred for the celebration. All efforts will be coordinated to make the celebration a success.

Whatever money is left after the festival is used as seed money for the next celebration. But the operation of KASAFI is not limited to the January event alone. It has to become an all year round operation considering participation in national events to promote our Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival. With this, Kalibo and our province will gain focus and mileage. New businesses will develop in our town, investors will consider branching out in Kalibo. This can be another effective to promote our town.

The Foundation envisions that the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival will develop and maintain as a premier destination of the country and the success of the celebration will depend so much in all sectors, private and public, working hand in hand to honor the Holy Child Jesus.

KE Signs Deal with PCGA

by: Cherry Anne D. Casalmer
 

KALIBO - It was unusual to see so many SEALs on dry land for this auspicious occasion. On Tuesday 21st of December some  60 member delegates including Commodore Mike Labatiao, PCGA,  SEALS assembled at ABL Sports Complex in Capitol Site in Kalibo, Aklan,   for their joint Christmas party, the  second  anniversary celebrations of the 611th Coast Guard Auxillary Squadron,  SEALS (Rescue)  Aklan’s  12th year anniversary,  and also to offer their support to the environmental   work of Kool Earth.

Their enthusiasm coupled with a most commendable turn out left a lasting impression on all.

The 611th PCGA Squadron and Seals (Rescue) Aklan are Gawad Kalasag Awardees for two consecutive years (2009-2010) for Humanitarian Services.

During the delivery of her message, the President of Kool Earth, Mrs. Chita Heap, encouraged the   SEALS women and men to help KE to educate their families, especially the fathers, whom the children do not see often,  to encourage their families to continue applying the 4R’s in their homes and their surrounding areas.

They were also informed that one of the ongoing projects of KE is the establishment of the Material Recovery Facility, that is now mandatory to all the villages in order to lessen the accumulation of garbage around the town  which  clogs the canals and the sewage system when the rain pours down.

Mrs. De la Cruz-Heap Heap also said that the people of this planet are precious and are all special and deserve the best, but it is up to every human being to deliver what is best for them.

Mrs.  De la Cruz-Heap mentioned that one organization once said that  Environmental Security is the highest form of National Security. She encouraged  the group to work hand in hand with KE not just for their personal safety but also for the safety of our nation.

The message she left with the SEALS was, “It is not what we gather, but what we scatter that tells what kind of life we have lived!”/TE

Whence Came Kalibo Ati-Atihan

by: Benny O. Tirazona

Ati-Atihan is making one’s self like the Ati or Aeta or pretending to be one. Kalibo’s “frenzied and raucous” historical and religious festivity observed every second week and culminating on the 3rd Sunday of January came from that intent. Citizens, tourist and pilgrims in this town smear themselves with soot or any blackening substance to look like an Aeta-queer, but true.

Ati-Atihan is believed to have started in the year 1212 when Borneans led by the ten Datus packed themselves in several boats or “baeangays,” (barangay) and crossed the seas to escape the unpopular regime of Sultan Makatunaw, Then landed in Panay Island and established the first community of the brown race in this country and the first union of states in Southeast Asia - the Confederation of Madyaas.

Few have the knowledge that the first Ati-Atihan was celebrated to seal a peace pact that united two races and peoples - the Aetas and the Malays with totally different cultures and spiritual creeds to embrace each other and give way to an enduring legacy of reconciliation that gave birth to the Philippine Nation. The commemoration of the Ati-Atihan Festivals in essence has become significant at this point in time when the entire nation is being swept with social, economic and political crises.

The saga od this great migration told and related for generation started in the Court of Brunei under the regime of Sultan Makatunaw whose insecurity and greed for power transformed him into tyrant after the collapse of the Sri-Visayan Empire and the remnants of its vast territory were at the mercy of the conquering hordes of Madjapahit warriors. The widespread discontent under Makatunaw’s rule reached the point of a popular uprising and Datu Puti, his chief minister, together with his followers decided to leave and seek for peace in a new land.

One night the rebels under the leadership of Datu Puti, stealthily their “baeangays” and faced the seas for distant unknown destiny. Guided by the stars and favored by tropical winds, they reached the islands of Sugbu (Cebu). Parawan (Palawan) and Buglas (Negros), but the topography and the nearness of this islands to the island where they came from, discouraged their settling down. They were already bound in their direction of the islands of Romren (Romblon) when they were attracted by a silhouette of a mountain summit shaped like a salakot (“mangkusarok”) in the horizon. The group that was already plagued by big waves, strong current, diseases, hunger and thirst in the high seas and whose most valued treasure in their possession they brought in their ecape was a “saruk nga bug-os nga bueawan” (golden salakot), interpreted the sighting as a good omen. They changed course and headed towards the beacon of the mountain and landed at the sunrise of the first “Tigueak” in 1212 A.D. in the island of Panay then called Aninipay - (named after a plant that abound in the place and whose fine unwashable bristles causes skin eruption and irritation which could not be easily cured). They named the Island Madyaas or paradise in contrast to the land they left behind.

With the party of Datu Puti and wife Pinangpangan were Datus Sumakwel with wife Kapinangan, Lubay, Balkasua, Bangkaya with wife Katurung, Paiburong, Dumagsol, Dumalugdug and Paduhinog with wife Ribungsapaw and their selected loyal subjects.

After the landing, they sought audience with Ati Chieftain Marikudo and offered to buy the entire island. After several weeks of negotiation, the plains of Panay was offered for peaceful settling of the Malays in exchange for a golden salakot, brass basins, bales of cloth along with a trinket for Maniwangtiwang (wife of Marikudo) the link of which reached her feet and a harvest for one summer of the produce of the sea, while the hinterlands remained for the Aetas.

A glorious celebration to seal the negotiation followed. The unending flow of native wine (tuba) and the sumptuous meal motivated the start of merry-making. The Malays in their effort to show appreciation and sincerity and to further befriend their host smeared themselves with soot from their cooking utensils to look like Aetas. The uninhibited spontaneous dancing of the two races lasted till the wee hours of the morning to the bet and music of native songs, “bagtoes” and drums of the Aetas and the Malays.

Thus started the first Ati-Atihan which was commemorated by Datu Bangkaya when he first established Madyanos or little paradise (later renamed Aclan which was also changed to Kalibo) at the bank of the Aklan River on the second Tagbueukad (Saturday) of Dagangkahoy (February).

When the ten datus founded their own settlements, Datu Bangkaya, the intellectual among the ten and the chief advisor of Datu Puti, established the town of Madyanos (little paradise) i the west bank of the Aklan river and there he commemorated the purchase of every harvest.

On how the Ati-Atihan became a religious feast, Aklanon historian Beato dela Cruz recounts:

“In 1750, one Fray Andres de Aguirre, a Basque companion priest of Fray Andres Urdaneta and explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi baptized in one day 1,000 inhabitants of the town and surrounding settlements in the place. To celebrate the eventful day, the drums of Aklan were sounded for this beneficial event and coincided with the existing Ati-Atihan feast. Thus, the present Ati-Atihan is tinged with religious fervor is now associated with miracles. Devotees nowadays participate in the street dancing, novena and masses or fall in line at the century-old Kalibo Cathedral just to let their bodies be massaged or rubbed with the image of the Sto. Niño” (de Kalibo).

The young however, has abandoned the old culture and religious significance in their street revelry and has adopted the modern stance of the computer age. They no longer smear their faces and bodies with soot but instead wear grotesque make-ups (or none at all) and outstanding costumes of their age. Other prefer mere t-shirt or poncho rather than the tribal garments of the 12th and the 13th centuries.

But the religious belief, the fervor, warmth, fun and gaiety, the pomp and the fun fare, historically and culturally identified with the Ati-Atihan - an expansion of proud customs and traditions and enduring legacy of peace and reconciliation - have remained untarnished through the passing of time from the celebration of the purchase of Panay in the year 1212 from chief Punuan Datu Bangkaya to Aklan Encomiendero Antonio Flores, from Cabeza Juan Matanga to Mayor William S. Lachica. For culturally, only Kalibonhons throughout the centuries have consistently given significance to this historical legacy as they posses the natural love for festivities. Every Kalibonhon’s soul and soaring spirit “has the gift of rhythm and passion for music.”/TE

Heavy Rain Floods Kalibo

KALIBO -Unprecedented quantities of rainfall recently deluged Kalibo causing chaos to transportation systems, businesses, and local residents. Almost twelve inches of rain fell within two days causing streets and rice paddies to flood and drainage systems to overflow.

Our civic leaders, aware of the potential consequences should the deluge persist, were quick to react. On December 7th Mayor Charito Navarrosa in Libacao called Mayor Lachica in Kalibo to enquire how much rain had fallen in Kalibo that day. He was concerned  that the inordinate amount of rain that had fallen in Libacao would move downstream to further exacerbate the rising levels of water in Kalibo.

Mayor William Lachica immediately mobilized the agencies concerned with flood control including various heads of office of the municipality of Kalibo,  the Kalibo Auxiliary police and Fire Department, together with those trained in rescue operation and others.

That same evening just under one hundred municipal employees spent the night on the third floor of the Municipal Conference Hall in readiness for an emergency response should it be required.

The two days of almost continuous rain caused concern and anxiety to many local residents. Radio stations DYYM and DYRU took it upon themselves to give regular updates on the situation and reassured their listeners that there was no cause for panic.

They explained that water was not flowing down from Libacao as had been originally feared, and that the Aklan River was maintaining it’s normal level.

Some establishments were inevitably affected by local flooding including the Pilot Elementary School in Mabini St., Kalibo Elementary School in XIX Martyrs St., the Aklan College Catholic School, Royal Supermarket, RC supermarket, Gaisano, along with other establishments on Roxas Avenue.

       The front of the Municipal Cemetery was flooded up to the junction of the road to Banga, and also a portion of Osmena Avenue adjacent to he Ceres station. The corner of Conception St. and Veteran’s Avenue extension were flooded as well as asection of Bliss Site where the water was knee deep./TE