Pilantik ng Tadhana

Photo credit: lurve-inme

By: yhetz03


Kay yabang kong pumorma at kung umasta'y parang Donyang hilaw na kakapatong lamang sa ipot ng kalabaw. Ganun ako dati, isang nakakasukang bulaklak na pinaglihi sa lagim ng hinagpis at panlulumong wari'y sa isang iglap isang di mapantayang suklam na naguumapaw.

Sabi ko kay Ruben, hinding hindi ako papatol sa isang lalaking katulad ko lang na hampas lupa at kung iyon din lamang ang mapapangasawa ko'y mas gugustuhin ko nang malantang uhaw sa dilig habambuhay. Mahirap at napakasalimuot ang mabuhay sa iisang kahig at tuka lamang at yun ang nag udyok sa aking murang isipan at aking pinangarap ang marangyang buhay. Maghahanap ako ng mayaman na magaahon sa akin sa hilahil, karukhaan na magbibigay ng magandang buhay at tatawagin akong Donya Eliza.

At kaya ko naman nabanggit kay Ruben ang mga salitang yaon ay dahil batid ko ang kanyang mithiin at damang dama ko sa tamis ng kanyang mga salita ang mensahe na nais n'yang iparating. Nangungusap ang kanyang mga mata at tila sining ang bawat galaw na kahit isang musmos ay alam na sya'y nanliligaw.

Ruben, mas mainam siguro na maging friends na lang tayo, sagot ko bilang tugon sa panunuyo ni Ruben.

Kung mamarapatin lang sana ay ayaw kong masaktan si Ruben dahil bukod sa maginoong tao, sya'y isang matalik kong kaibigan. Kung kaya't kabisado na namin ang isa't isa ay sa kadahilanang mula pagkabata'y kami na ni Ruben ang magkasama. Kinalakihan kong sya na ang nakilala kong kababata at duon nagmula ang masidhing damdaming nagpalapit sa amin sa isa't isa.

Ang pagkakilala namin ay mula't ulo hanggang paa. Simula pagkabata'y siya na ang aking kalaro. Ang maligo sa batis na kapwa kaming walang damit, ang pumunta sa tumana para mamitas ng kamatis, ang maglaro ng bahay bahayan na sya ang tatay at ako ang nanay, ang manghuli ng tutubi sa bakanting lagwerta ni Mang Inteng,  ang maghabulan sa dalampasigan t'wing hapon, ang mangupit ng luya sa munting tindahan ni Aling Maria, ang magluto ng dahon ng malunggay sa tinapyas na lata ng sardinas at marami pang iba.

Naaalala ko pa nga nung grade 1 kami, hindi pwedeng pupunta si Ruben nang paaralan na hindi ako kasama. Palibhasa'y lumaki kami sa nayon kung saan napapaligiran ang aming bahay (mga limampung metro lang ang pagitan) ng mga nagluluntiang palayan at iba pang mga pananim.
Nagtitinda ng nilagang saging ang nanay ni Ruben at ang Tatay niya naman ay pangingisda at pagaararo ng mga bukirin ang ginagawa. Mag-isang anak si Ruben kung kaya't ang buong atensyon ng mga magulang ay nasa kanya at lahat na lang halos ng kayang gawin ay ginagawa para sa kanya. Sa kabila nito, naging mabuting anak si Ruben sa kanila at ni hindi ko kinakitaan ng pagkasuwail kahit kailan.

Ako ang panganay sa tatlo at ang dalawa kong kapatid na lalaki ay pinaampon ng aking inay sa aking tiyohing hndi nagkaanak nuong pumanaw ang aking ama. Tatlong taon lamang ako nuong namatay si itay at simula nuon, pinasan na ng aking inay ang tungkulin ng isang magulang upang suportahan at mabigyan ako ng magandang bukas.
Bakas na bakas sa bawat ngiti ni inay ang tindi ng hirap at hindi ko maiwasan ang mapaluha nang nagiisa sa tuwing naaalala ko iyon. Duon nagsimula ang adhikain kong makahanap ng lalaking makaangat sa amin sa kahirapan pagdating ng araw.

Nang magdalaga at magbinata na kami ni Ruben saka lang nya sinabi na kaya raw pala sya malapit sa akin ay dahil mahal niya ako.

"Hindi pwede Ruben, pag pinagsama natin ang mga puso natin, magiging miserable lang ang buhay natin pati na rin ng kinabukasan ng mga anak natin. Ayaw kong danasin nila ang hirap ng buhay na dinaranas natin", ito ang sabi ko sa kanya.

Mabait at mapagmahal na tao si Ruben. Kung tutuusin kung kabaitan lang at tunay na pagmamahal ang hahanapin mo sa isang lalaki, nasa kanya na lahat. Pero hindi iyon ang hinahanap ko, praktikal akong tao at ayaw kong danasin ng mga magiging anak ko ang buhay na tinamasa ko sa piling ng aking mga magulang. Mahal ko ang aking ina at hindi ako nagsisisi na mahirap kami at lalong hindi ko sinisisi ang aking inay.

Nuong umalis ako sa amin para magtrabaho sa Maynila, napaluha ng husto si Ruben. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang kanyang kalungkutan at ibinilin nya sa akin na kung mabibigo ako sa hinahanap ko sa Maynila, nandirito lang siya para ako'y tanggapin, mamahalin at pakakasalan. Ipinangako ko naman sa kanya na hindi ako uuwi sa amin nang bigo. Na hindi mangyayari ang sinabi nyang sa kanya ako babalik. Buo na ang aking pasya, lalaking mayaman ang gusto kong mapapangasawa at hindi ang isang Ruben lang.


Sa unang mga araw, linggo, at buwan ko sa Maynila, sinasagot ko pa ang mga tawag at texts ni Ruben. Damang dama ko pa din ang tamis at pagmamahal sa kanyang mga text messages subalit sa pagdaan ng mga buwan at taon, pinilit ko na syang iwasan at kinalimutan. Naka adjust na ako dito sa Maynila, marami na akong mga kaibigan at ang daming mga lalaking pagpipilian.

Totoo ang inisip kong makapamili ka ng mga lalaking mapera, sila ang may kotse at mayayaman na nasisilaw din sa ganda ng isang babae. Yun ang naging edge ko dito sa Maynila. Naiinlove ang mga lalaki sa ganda ng babae at masuwerte akong mayroon akong taglay nito. Puhunan pala iyon. Sa taas kong 5'4" at maalindog na katawang binalotan ng mala porselanang kutis banyaga, hinarap ko ang napakaraming manliligaw and I have the freedom to choose kung sino sa kanila ang pinakamayaman. May pinagaralan naman ako at kahit papano, tapos ako ng Business Administration course kung kaya't hindi mahirap sa akin ang magkaroon ng trabaho dito. Syempre pipili na rin lang ako ng mapapangasawa eh di titiyakin ko nang pinakamalaki at pinakamatabang isdang pwede kong mabingwit.

Maliban sa trabaho, wala na akong ibang inatupag kundi ang makipag date at magkilatis sa kanila. Date dito date duon, kilatis dito kilatis duon hanggang sa makilala ko si Reynan. Sa lahat ng nanliligaw sa akin, siya ang pinakamayaman at pinakamaimpluwensya sa lahat. Hindi siya kaguwapohan pero nakakatili ang matipuno nyang katawan. Nakakapantasya ang mga mayayamang bisig at matitigas na kalamnan. Hatid sundo niya ako papuntang trabaho at syempre mamahaling sasakyan ang service namin with matching bodyguards pa. Sa madaling sabi, pinili ko si Reynan at naging magkasintahan kami.

Masaya at buong buo ang aking tuwa sa mga sandaling iyon. Nalasap ko ang buhay na parang kailan lang ay sa panaginip ko lang nakikita. Ibinahay nya ako sa mamahaling condo at natupad ang pangarap kong maging Donya Eliza. Magarang mga damit, mamahaling sasakyan, masasarap na pagkain, hi-tech na mga gadget at gamit at kung anu anu pang binibili ni Reynan para sa akin na labis ko namang kinalulugdan.

Hindi maipinta ang tuwang aking nadarama sa mga sandali ng aming pagsasama. Isang karangyaang sumilaw sa akin at nagpalimot sa lahat ng kumikinang kong alaala. Na sa bawat pintig ng sandali ay isang malagintong kaganapan nang hindi matawarang aliw at tuwa. Isang di maipintang ligayang aking sinasamsam habang ako'y nakahiga sa rurok ng materyal na pagmamahal at ligaya.

Lingid sa aking kaalaman, naging board topnotcher si Ruben sa kurso niyang Arkitektura at isang malaking kompanya sa US ang gustong kumuha sa kanya bilang Architectural Consultant. Nairaos na niya ang kanyang mga magulang sa kahirapan at nakapagpundar na sya ng mga lupain at ari-arian duon sa aming lalawigan ng Antique. Matagumpay na arkitekto si Ruben at maraming banyagang kliyente ang kumukuha ng kanyang serbisyo. Kinalimutan na din nya ang pangako niya sa akin na hihintayin nya ang aking pagbabalik para ako'y pakasalan simula nuong nalaman niya sa nanay ko na mayroon na akong ka live-in dito sa Maynila. Kay bilis ng panahon, mag lilimang taon na pala akong hindi umuuwi sa amin. Pamilyadong tao na din si Ruben at masaya na siya sa pinili niyang propesyun.

Sa hindi inaasahang mga sandali, isang malaking suliranin ang gumimbal sa aking buhay. Isang pusikit na landas ang dumungaw at yumurak sa aking pagkatao. Nawindang sa iisang iglap ang lahat ng aking mga pangarap. Isang pagkakamaling sa umpisa pa lamang ay batid ko nang mali subalit pinilit kong pangatawanan kapalit ng karangyaan.

Napagpasyahan kong umuwi sa Antique. Limang taon na ang nagdaan at marami na ang nagbago sa lugar namin. Dalawang palapag na ang eskwelahan na dati'y gawa lang sa tablang niyog at nipang bubong.  Wala na ang bakanteng lote ni Mang Inteng na pinanghuhulihan namin ng tutubi ni Ruben nuong araw. Napapalibutan na ng malawak na palaisdaan ang buong nayon. Mayroon na ding nakatayong pabrika ng canned products malapit sa baybayin at isang eleganting mansion sa may bandang kinatitirikan ng aming tahanan. Sementado na ang irrigasyon sa palayan at mayroon na ding kalsada papasok duon sa aming bahay. Namangha ako sa laki ng pinagbago at laking gulat ko nuong sinabi ng traysikel drayber na sinakyan ko na lahat iyan ay pagaari ni Ruben. Isang mayamang Amerikano ang nakipagsosyo sa kaniya upang magtayo ng negosyo sa aming lugar kung kaya't kitang kita ang asenso nito.

Halos hindi ako makapaniwala sa aking nakikita. Tila sampal sa aking mukha ang hiyang aking nadarama at hindi magkamayaw ang aking puso sa mga panghihinayang nais kong sambitin. Alam ng lahat sa amin na marangya ang aking buhay sa Maynila subalit malaking kahihiyan ang hindi ko man lang naitawid ang buhay ni inay katulad ng ginawa ni Ruben. Nakakapanglumo isipin na sa kabila ng tinatamasa kong ligaya naghihirap pa rin siya. Nakalimutan kong may naiwan pala akong ina na umaasang maitaguyod at maitawid ko siya sa isang matuwid na landas at payak ngunit masayang buhay.

Pagkababa ko nang traysikel, nakita ko kaagad si Marife sa bakuran ng malaking mansion kalong-kalong ang isang sanggol. Kaklase namin ni Ruben nuong elementarya si Marife at siya pala ang kaniyang nakatuluyan. Lalong nanlambot ang aking katawan sa aking nasaksihan. Inggit at may halong pagsisi ang aking nadama. Napakaswerte naman ni Marife.

Nadatnan ko si nanay na nanunuod ng TV sa munting bahay na naipundar ko at laking tuwa niya nuong nakita niya ako. Nagyakapan kami at kapwa napaluha. Alam na ni inay ang lahat lahat sa akin pero sa kabila nito handa niya akong tanggapin at handa siyang mamuhay ulit kami na magkasama at masaya. Madami siyang kwentong sinabi sa akin habang kami naghahapunan. Lahat ng pangyayaring naganap sa lugar namin, pati na din ang tagumpay na narating ni Ruben. Napapikit na lang ako nang banggitin ni inay na, bago daw nag asawa si Ruben tinanong pa nito kung may pag asa pa ba siya sa akin subalit sinabi ni inay na nag asawa na ako. Duon ko napagtanto kung gaanu ako kamahal ni Ruben. Hindi pala nabibili ng pera ang totoong ligaya. Tiyak ko na tinatamasa ngayon ni Marife ang ligayang iyon. 

Kinaumagahan, bumisita sa bahay si Ruben. Binati niya ako at kinumusta. Nangibabaw pa rin ang pride ko. Nagawa ko pang magyabang sa kaniya. Sabi ko maganda ang buhay ko sa Maynila. May-ari ng malaking kumpanya ang napangasawa ko. Bakas pa rin sa mukha ni Ruben ang tamis ng pagkakaibigan namin. Damang dama ko pa din ang kabiguan sa kanyang mga mata at sa bawat kislap nito ay nanduon ang alab ng pagmamahal na sanay inalay niya sa akin.

Pagkatapos namin magusap, kinamayan pa ako ni Ruben at sinabing "masaya ako para sa iyo Eliza. Sadya lang siguro na hindi talaga tayo para sa isa't isa". May halong lungkot na sinabi ni Ruben ang mga katagang ito.

Pagkatalikod niya saka naglaglagan ang mala kristal na mga butil ng aking luha. Hindi ko mapigilan ang umiyak ng umiyak. Paano ko aaminin sa kanya na buntis ako at ayaw pangatawanan ng ka live-in ko ang dinadala kong sanggol? Paanu ko sasabihin sa kaniya na ginamit lang ni Reynan ang aking katawan at dangal? Paanu ko ipagtapat sa kaniya na kaya ako umuwi ay dahil nalaman ng asawa ni Reynan na may kabit siya kaya ako natanggal sa trabaho? Hindi ko na maibabalik ang lahat. Ako'y nagpaalipin sa tamis ng materyal na bagay. Napakasakit ang pilantik ng tadhana at ngayon ako ay naluklok sa bangin ng pagdurusa samantalang si Ruben ay alam kong masaya sa piling ng babaeng karapat-dapat na pinili nya. At hindi ako iyon.

The Gnashing Hypocrisy

By: Rex Omalde

Earlier today as I browsed yahoo for some relevant articles around the world, I came up with one of the articles that caught my interest. The article is about the animal rights group requesting to free  "lolong" a whopping 1075 kilogram and 6.4 meter long salt water crocodile captured in the province of Agusaln del Sur early this month , to its natural habitat.

Photo credit: globalvoicesonline.org

According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Asia-Pacific, "(The government) should do the compassionate thing and order this crocodile to be returned to his natural habitat, as taking him away to be locked up in an animal prison is just plain wrong," she wrote to AFP.

Upon reading the news, I could not help myself to weigh in what should be and what should not be in terms of animal hostility issues which these individual animal rights groups are concerned with.

Many instances related to this issue in the past always puzzled my mind. Let me clarify it right here that it is not my intention to counter people who love animals and believe that they should not be hurt or encouraged to kill each other. I myself is an animal lover too. Being raised in rural life where my parents used to breed carabaos, cattle, chickens, dogs, cats, pigs and pigeons among others, I imbibed that trait to love, own and breed these animals too. Not only I am an animal lover but also an environmentalist as well due to my continuing passion in planting trees, and my feeling of disgust once our environment is being maltreated by our fellows and some of our greedy brothers whose focus of interest is in the thickness of their pockets only.

Many years ago, a British animal rights group castigated the Igorots of the Philippines for slaughtering dogs as part of their cultural cuisine saying this was cruelty to animals.

Last June of this year, the second leg of the World Slasher Cup dubbed as the Olympics of cockfighting opened at the historic Araneta Coliseum. It is undoubtedly the biggest gathering of game-fowl breeders from all over the world including big names from America where cockfighting has been declared illegal. This event has been going on for over three decades and is enjoying unequaled popularity that draws thousands to the Big Dome for a week-long festival of cockfights.

It is so popular that West-based animal rights groups, using a local stooges, attempted to disrupt the World Slasher a few years ago by staging a rally in front of the Big Dome saying cockfighting is cruelty to animals.

In as much as I'd like to laud these groups for their effort to protect animal life from cruelty, I found it very elementary that they overexercised their duties and I cant help to ask myself what are their limitations. When I say limitations I mean how do they define "cruelty" as not to fall in the category of animal hostility where they said is wrong? With due respect, I would like to know the floor and the ceiling before any of these animal rights group accused anyone of us of having induced cruelty to the animals.

To protect animals, saving them from any harm,  planning for their future and conservation is nothing but the most due process we humans should employ but we should also realized that in the world where we live in, there is a hierarchy among God's creations with human beings on top.
I believe that God created humans with ultimate wisdom to overlook for other species and by the law of nature they are subordinates to us which means humans can utilize them to whatever purpose they are capable of doing.  So I understand that carabaos are bred to work in the farm , dogs to guard our houses, chickens to give us eggs, and so on. And since these animals are edible, humans also breed them for food including the dogs, pigs and any edible animals that could give us excellent meat. Some of them are ornamental and some are for entertainment. Yes, being on top of the hierarchy we humans use them to satisfy ourselves just like snakes eat chicks and frogs in the wilderness.

Now going back to the topic, how can we say cockfighting is animal cruelty if it is the nature of rosters to fight each other? Does it falls to be an animal cruelty just because humans let them fight in a bloody and fatal manner for their entertainment? At first glance maybe yes, but don't we know that before cockers let them fight they would breed them and roosters will be pampered for at least two years, given the best food, medicine and the best care and brought to the pit to be fought. If he wins, his line will be preserved by mating him to a flock of hens. He will be there with his harem for the next 8 to 10 years or until he dies. Is that cruelty? What about millions of poor broiler chickens beheaded and butchered without given the right to defend themselves and sold to the market for meat at the very raw age of 45 days which some of these animal rights group members also bought and ate? Are cockers cruel to game fowls and the butchers are uncruel to the broilers? Come on, this hypocrisy number 1 is teeth-gnashing!

photo credit: trekearth.com

Secondly, why castigate the ifugao people for having dog meat as food when early Filipinos and other Asian people used to eat them thousands of years ago? Let's not get carried away by the western culture where they don't eat dogs because they bred them for pet and not for meat and the endearment of animals as pet prohibit them from doing so. That's their culture and let's respect them but it's unfair to make it as basis in regulating our own practice. If you don't want to eat dog because you think it's messy then be it. Nobody will force you to eat what you don't want to but don't stop others who want to eat them because our ancestors breed dogs for meat many years ago. Is killing a dog for meat means animal cruelty? What about killing hogs and cattle for meat? Igorots and some Filipinos slaughter dogs for meat because it is part of our culture and to say by doing so is cruelty to them is totally baseless. This hypocrisy number 2 is rank way over animal cruelty anyway.

Thirdly, the giant reptile was caught due to the fear of Agusan residents of their life. It was reported that fiew years ago, a girl pupil went missing after it was thought to be attacked by the crocodile while on her way to the school. This mid year, it was reported that a fisherman was missing up to this date in the same place and is widely suspected that he was attacked by the crocodile. The entrapment operation was planned by local government when the residents reported that they saw the giant reptile killing a water buffalu that caused panic among them. The giant crocodile was captured a week ago in Bunawan town through the combined efforts of the local government and a team from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center under the DENR. The reptile is now in a 800 square meter pen secured with 1.2 meter high concrete walls topped with welded wire in the town of Bunawan and it was closely monitored by experts being ill and not eating due probably to stress according to Ronnie Sumiller, a Wildlife official who led the hunting operation of lolong.
Animal rights activists immediately urged Philippine authorities and call for the release of the crocodile stating that natural conditions can never be replicated in zoos or animal shelters, resulting in physical and mental stress for captive animals.

"It's clear that the promoters of this park are thinking only of their bank balance, without so much as an after thought for the animal's well-being'" remarked by Ashley Fruno, senior campaigner for PETA Asia-Pacific

 While I appreciate PETA's concern in as much as I respect their views about the issue, they lacked specific reasoning as to why they wanted the beast to be freed and citing that promoters of the park are thinking only of their bank balance without thought for the animal's well being is absolutely wrong.The crocodile was caught because of the fears of about 1300 residents who rely primarily in fishing as source of their living being attacked and that what prompted the local government to trap the reptile and not because of financial interests which the animal rights group claimed. Is it the government's fault if they turn the "residents threat" into a commercial one by making "lolong" a tourism attraction in the province?

The group also said that the government should do the compassionate thing and order this crocodile to be returned to his natural habitat, as taking him away to be locked up in an animal prison is just plain wrong. 

I said why? What should be the right way? To free the reptile again and caused panic to some residents? To free the reptile in an isolate place where there are  no inhabitants?
We all know that animals are balance in nature and I will not question that but I also believe that animals who pose threats shall be suppressed and controlled. Beside, when we put them in an animal pens, it doesn't mean they will be neglected and starve to death. They will be feed and given care by park's custodian accordingly. Of course they are not as free compared to when they are in their natural habitat but that is the most friendly approach for them not to pose danger. Is that animal cruelty? No, that's what we call controlling for further threats.

There's a reason why criminals are put to jail. Humans are animals too and everytime you pose a threat to the community, you should be controlled. Is that animal cruelty? If yes then why don't call to free the criminals in prisons? Do the animal rights group do that? Of course not, because this hypocrisy number three is as nauseating as their so called animal cruelty.

There is conflict in our world simply because some people believe that everybody should see things their way and mainly because they want to impose their views of righteousness on others. This bigotry is what causes troubles. I say let's suggest to our beloved members of animal rights group to act accordingly and let us put an end to this teeth-gnashing hypocrisy!

Father & Son Beyond Compare

When I read about the phrase "matinee idol of the 60's", I was so curious and immediately browsed google for any information what is it all about and google directed me to the top 10 list of wikipilipinas
and here I found the complete list from one to ten. Here is the listing of wikipilipinas' top 10 matinee idol of the 60's:

1. Fernando Poe, Jr.
2. Tirso Cruz III
3. Eddie Gutierrez
4. Vic Vargas
5. Joseph Estrada
6. Romeo Vasquez
7. Ricky Belmonte
8. Pepito Rodriguez
9. Edgar Mortiz
10. Dante Rivero

Among these 10 matinee idols, Eddie Gutierrez immediately caught my attention simply because he is the father of our current young super star Richard Gutierrez. I was so curious that I can not help myself googling his pictures to determine how he looks like during his days and I came up with few photos of him which I posted below. Upon seeing his pictures, I cannot stop thinking how to compare him with his son Richard in terms of sexy looks and appeal but in as much as I wanted to do so, I was stuck and end up posting their photos here for the readers to see the difference and compare their similarities. Of course don't count the look anymore because they both shared the equally handsome quality and they both possessed the crush ng bayan looks. Anyway it's up for you readers to determine who's who because we all believe that beauty is in the eyes of the beholders. As for me, I can say they are on the same league only that they don't share the same era. Eddie Gutierrez had his own era and Richard's era is at hand. Please take a look at pictures below.

 

Eddie Gutierez in the 60's

 

Richard Gutierrez

TIBIAO: Where fishing is tourists’ fun!

By: Rex Omalde

Photo Credit: Flord Nicson Calawag

If you are a tourist willing to experience the bounty of nature’s beauty from river trekking to actual sea fishing, don’t miss Tibiao Adventures. Don’t worry if you do not know the place or haven’t heard its name before because you are not alone. This small, quite and sleepy town in central Antique province named Tibiao is now tickling everyone’s ears and probably starting to sculpt its name on the broad daylight of Philippine wonderful places as well as mapping itself on the vastness of the world’s territory. I don’t want to exaggerate further but this place could offer you a unique experience you would not want to forget in your life.

Tibiao Adventures package is offered to promote tourism industry in Tibiao. Under the package, tourists may swim in seven-tiered falls, go cliff-diving, Manglamon cave roaming, kayaking or river trekking, relax in Tibiao Fish Spa where “therafish” nibble their feet, or go lambaklad fishing.

Photo Credit: Flord Nicson Calawag

Lambaklad is the Filipino term for “otoshi-ami,” the Japanese name of the largest fish trap net which is literally translated as a drop-in net – a stationary and passive fishing gear that acts as buffer against the incursion of a large commercial fishing vessels in municipal waters.

Flord Nicson Calawag conceptualized lambaklad fishing to be added in Tibiao Adventures to help fishermen and their family in earning a living.

Calawag said in inquirer news interview that lambaklad fishing was included in the package because it has been his dream to provide livelihood to the fishermen he has grown up with and see his guests enjoy their visit to his hometown. A fisheries graduate of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 2008, Calawag says he decided to combine his causes into a tourism attraction after noticing how fishermen along the Malabor Coast were no match to purse seiners.

Photo Credit: Flord Nicson Calawag

At dawn, tourists may participate in lambaklad fishing together with the fishing crew team “buso” lead by two master fishers “maestros” on board a floating bamboo raft (approximate 50m x 200m) around 50 to 60 meters away from the shoreline of barangay Malabor with the use of net specifically designed for lambaklad fishing.

Once the net have been laid out and correctly set, fishers can start pulling the net line gradually until the scoop “puyo” is reached. By this time, all catch will be contained in the scoop and the fishing crews will elevate them on the bamboo raft. As soon as the scoop is untied, everybody would squeal in delight upon seeing different species of marine life like tuna, mackerel, moonfish, barracuda, swordfish, tangigue, red tail scads and manta rays wriggle and toss around the raft. 

Touristsare also given the priority to buy the catch at very low prices –from P60 to P150 per kilo depending on the fish species. Of course,the first-class varieties, such as the “malasugi,” tuna and“tangigue,” command higher prices. 

Photo Credit: CPU.org

 

Experience this one of the kind tour at Tibiao Adventures and get ready for a spectacular lambaklad fishing that awaits everyone. Visit Tibiao now and you will realized that fishing is not only a livelihood but also a tourists’ fun.

For inquiries please contact Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag at mobile numbers 09198139893 and 09176315777 or e-mail him at flord@tibiaofishspa.com

The Facebook Things: A Love That Grows

By: yhetz03

Add caption

At age 29 and nearly reaching the edge of calendar's month last date, she is lined among the throng of aspirants hopeful of getting a chance to show their love to their respective lovers one day.

Unlike others who became frustrated in their journeys looking for Mr. RIGHT GUY just because they were afraid that the outcome will only be as bitter as their past painful relationships, she is firm on her belief that one day she will be able to find her golden treasure that she has been waited for so long. 

Jhelzy, an OFW in Hong Kong is one of the victims of failed relationship the very first time she crossed the valley of love. She battled her state of loneliness for years, tears out painful experiences and buried all sad memories keeping with her the scarce of unfaithful love that was once inculcated in the innermost part of her heart. The hardship of moving on fueled her desire to lost interest for future love affairs even when the day comes that everything is in stride.

That was three years ago after she found out that her boyfriend for two years is a married man with two kids. Sometimes things like these happened in a long distance relationship and that exactly her story goes. That guy lied up to his bones and was able to convince her that he is single. The sweetness in his tongue carried Jhelzy, hungry to love for the first time away. As vulnerable as she is, she fell on the list of girls fooled by that guy and the most difficult part is the truth that she loves him so much and has given him everything a girl could give the first time they’ve met. Upon realizing that she was on the negative side and that their love affair was just a borrowed time, she decided to break the knot and called it a day.

It was a deathless torturing that seemed impossible for her to overcome the pain that she even told herself not to ever love again yet brave enough to accept her fate. She then focused on her work keeping herself busy all the time.

Typical for most OFWs, Jhelzy found and fought her new enemy. Homesickness! The enthroned ghost of unburied love keeps hunting and old memories are digging her mind in these times. Thanks to the availability of several social media outlets that somehow entertained her until the day came that those wounds of yesteryears’ were completely healed.

Things got reversed this time as she realized that she is not getting younger anymore. She once dreamed of having a happy family and that dream suddenly became a nightmare in just a single blink of an eye. Where does she go now that she is more than willing to pursue that dream? One thing is certain this time and that is to be smart enough in choosing her guy.

Finding a guy is not a problem but finding the right guy is something that she is wary about. She has to be careful that the more people get closer to her means the more she has to be tactical. It is undeniable that on her own right, she is a magnet to men knowing her beautiful looks that more often guys knock on the door asking for her hands only to find out that they were game players. She is sick of all these and she just want a clean, honest and serious relationship this time.

In one lonely Wednesday afternoon, Jhelzy wanted somebody to talk to. She’s alone in her apartment and while browsing her facebook page she spotted one of her online friends unknown to her. In the hope of knowing that guy closely, she initiated the first move by messaging him. They chatted for a while, knowing each other day after day and eventually they both found themselves in the middle of deep friendship.

Harold, a medical practitioner in a private-owned hospital is a nice guy. Aside from being professional in all manners, he is passionate and he values love. He is out of the league of most guys who knew nothing other than collecting as many girlfriends as they can.His smartness, seriousness and maturity softened Jhelzy to the point where she can no longer contain the fire that sparked out of her heart. A fire that keeps burning up to the middle of her soul.

There is a growing happiness within that keeps her heart glowing in a once dark and lonely space. She found the jewel that shines on her. A golden treasure she is looking for. Although unsure of the things the future holds upon her, only one thing is certain. There is a love that grows between them and she can not wait to see it happen!

Truth, Lies, and Malayscious: Who owns Sabah?

By: Rex Omalde

Filipinos especially the non-Muslims  might not be aware and may be in a complete astonishment when Philippines expressed its claims over Sabah in North Borneo Malaysia. A majority of Filipinos everywhere are wondering what this Sabah claim is all about. From geographical location to Philippine history books, no author ever published nor mentioned about the Philippines’ stake on the northern part of the island of Borneo. The Malaysians on the other hand might be furious that after all those years of sacrifices and dedications in order to bring economic success to which they believed as their own soil since the British handed the territory in 1963, someone will suddenly appear and claim it from them. 

                                             Credit: Wikipedia. Kota Kinabalu City

My purpose of writing this article is not to determine who really owns Sabah because I am not on the position to do so. What I am trying to bring here is to deliver an insights to this disputed territory based on my researched facts regarding this subject with the hope that as a Filipino, this article might help the readers be aware and appreciate the jewels of yesteryears in the richness of our most neglected history which I believe majority of us didn’t know.

BRIEF HISTORY

Long before the Spanish conquered our land in1521, which they later named Philippines, there was a strong, socialized and independent kingdom already exist and this was the Sultanate of Sulu headed by the royal leader called the sultan. This was the only island in the Philippines that Spanish failed to conquer and they usually referred at it as the “Unconquered Kingdom” due to fierce resistance by the tausug warriors. Sultanate is a political unit among South East Asian regions since early 13th century and that includes the mighty Sultanate of Brunei, which comprise the areas of Sarawak, North Borneo/Sabah, and Palawan peninsula.

Brunei-Sulu Relation:

From the year approximately around 1200's up to the middle of 16^th century, Sulu and Brunei engaged in trade and commerce with other Asian empires like the Ming dynasty of great China. This relationship deepened when the reigning sultan of Brunei HM Sultan Nakhoda Ragam Bolkiah married the grand daughter of HM Sultan Sharieful Hashem Abu Bkr, the reigning sultan of Sulu. From that time, inter-married between these two Sultanates flourished and this was a documented evidence that people of Brunei Empire and the tausug people of Mindanao are blood-related.

How Sulu acquired Sabah?

In 1650’s during the period where Sultanate was at its peak, there was an issue of supremacy between two high royals that placed the Sultanate of Brunei into civil unrest. This was the reigning of Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin and the insistance of his cousin Pengeran Bongsu Muhyudin that sparks a bloody revolution and civil war. Thus, it was how Brunei to have two Sultans reigning at the same time. Because of a decade long war between two leaders, trade activities came to a halt that caused famine to erupt. To break the unrest, Sultan Muaddin sent a message to his cousin Sultan Salahuddin (Salah ud-Din Karamat Bakhtiar), the 10th Sultan of Sulu Sultanate asking him to aid in settling peace.

During the meeting of Sulu Sultan and Sultan Muaddin both have agreed to destroy the enemies of the Brunei Sultanate. Sultan Muaddin promised further that if the island of Pulao Chermin shall be conquered with the assistance of Sulu Sultan and his warriors, the North Borneo territory (Sabah) should belong to Sulu Sultan. The Sultanate of Sulu accepted this offer with delight.

The strong, combatant and battle tested tausug warriors (fresh from battle against the Spaniards) of Sulu defeated and destroyed their opponents territory to the gratitude of Sultan Muaddin thus giving Sabah as gift as he had promised to the Sultan of Sulu. This was done in 1658 on a simple and solemn ceremony, which symbolized and attesting to the fact that same territory was ceded to the Sultanate of Sulu. This document was honored since ancient time and never questioned up to the present by any authority.

Proofs of Sulu’s ownership over Sabah:

Sultanate of Sulu was recognized by the world as a sovereign power as manifested in different treaties signed by its reigning Sultan and other parties involved. The Sultanate of Sulu & Sabah, through its proud and rich history, signed treaties with many foreign powers as a sign of its sovereign status as an Islamic kingdom for centuries. Great Britain, Holland, France and the United States among others signed treaties with the Sultanate of Sulu.

It was HM Sultan Mohammad Jamalul Kiram I, Sultan 1823 to 1844 (the first Kiram Sultan and great, great, great grandfather of HM Sultan Muhammad Fuad A. Kiram I), the son of Sultan Ali ud-Din and nephew of Sultan Shakir ul lah, upon ascending to the throne as the Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo) instituted and created the Royal Order of Kiram and the Royal Order of Hashem of North Borneo (renamed Royal Order of Hashem of Sabah) and it was he who signed the 1842 Treaty with the United States of America.

In 1688, King Charles II further granted sovereign right privileges that made repercussions in the 1878 Lease Agreement of North Borneo/ Sabah between Sulu Sultan HM Sultan Jamalul Ahlam Kiram (Owner and Lessor) and the British East India Company (Lessee and Tenant).

In 1878, HM Sultan Jamalul Ahlam Kiram (The Sultan of Sulu and The Sultan of Sabah), as the legitimate owner, leased Sabah to a British company of Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent for their use and their heirs but the Lease prohibits the transfer of Sabah to any nation, company or individual without the consent of His Majesty's Government (“Government of the Sultan of Sulu”).

In 1906 and 1920, the United States formally reminded Great Britain that Sabah did not belong to them and was still part of the Sultanate of Sulu as per 1878 Treaty.

The Malaysian government up to the present pays "cession money" every year to the Sultanate of Sulu. The meaning of “Cession Money”, in International Law, is the payment of a sovereign government to another sovereign government for the cession of a certain landed territory.





How Sabah became part of Malaysia?

On 31 August 1963 North Borneo attained self-government and hence the creation of Federation of Malaysia. In 1962, the Cobbold Commission was set up to determine whether the people of Sabah and Sarawak favored the proposed union, and found that the union was generally favored by the people.

Despite the US reminder in 1906 and 1920  that Sabah was still part of the Sultanate of Sulu, Great Bretain transferred Sabah to Malaysia and it was a constituted breach of provisions of the 1878 Lease, as the Government of the Sultan of Sulu did not consent to the transfer to Malaysia. That was it and from 1963 up to the present, Sabah belongs to Malaysian Territory.  

Sulu claims Sabah

The script written below is taken from the official website of Royal Hashemite Sultanate of Sulu and Sabah:

The Sultan of Sulu and The Sultan of Sabah prays for the good people of Sabah to recognize and know that Sabah belongs to The Sultan of Sulu and The Sultan of Sabah and the Sultanate of Sulu as lawful owners, and that Malaysia illegally occupied Sabah since 1963. He appeals to the good people of Sabah and the fair-minded leaders of the international community to end the Malaysian illegal occupation and return Sabah to its lawful owners, so that roads, hospitals, electricity plants, schools, drinking water supply system and other basic services can be realized in Sulu. Out of 18 towns of Sulu province alone, only the town of Jolo has cursory power and water and some roads, but all the 17 towns of Sulu lack these services and infrastructures depriving the people of their basic needs that have been existing for many many years that must be urgently resolved.

HM Sultan Muhammad Fuad Abdulla Kiram I representing the people of the Sultanate of Sulu being the lawful owners of Sabah comment that, in the event of successful Sabah recovery from Malaysia, the Royal Family and the Sultanate of Sulu will not drive anyone out of Sabah, be it may Malaysians, Tamils, Indians, Chinese, Filipinos, Tausugs, Australians, Europeans, Americans, or other nationalities, etc.

HM Sultan Muhammad Fuad I further states that any investor or any developer who put their investment capital in Sabah will not be dispossessed of their investment, and that the rule of law will be upheld, with no distinction of any kind, such as race, color, language, gender, religion, political or other opinion, social origin, property, birth or other status, etc.

HM Sultan Muhammad Fuad Abdulla Kiram I further envisions that one day the nations of the international community will finally intervene to force the departure of Malaysia in Sabah, as the illegal land grabbing and unlawful occupation of Sabah by Malaysia dispossessing the poor people of the Sultanate of Sulu of their Sabah land ownership, cannot be condoned and tolerated forever by good nations and peoples who believe in natural justice and in a fair and just society, as the acts of illegal occupation of Sabah by Malaysia are against the rule of law.

The Malicious:

Some articles written regarding the Sabah claims doesn't favor it. One article concluded that

All in all, I think that the “Sabah question” should be laid to rest. There is not much to gain for the effort, and the basis for the claim is getting more and more vague as time passes.

 Another article by Free Malaysian Today reported that Sulu sultan is ready to drop Sabah claim when in fact the Sulu sultan claiming Sabah in its official website Royal Hashemite Sultanate of Sulu and Sabah. 

As far as this issue is concerned, I am not fully aware whether the Philippines should claim Sabah rightfully by way of Sulu. There are news circulating through out the internet that the claim over Sabah is being studied whether the Philippines should pursue the claim or not base on legal basis. 

My personal view regarding this issue is that, we should also consider the the consequences before we do it. And if we do it, let us do it for the interest of the republic and  not for personal interest alone. Sabah is a progressive place and that it shall be given to who rally owns it legally according to international law. Let us resolve the issue peacefully and both parties should respect whatever the decision of the international court regarding the ownership of Sabah. The truth should prevail and let us set aside the lies and the malicious things about this matter. 

Who owns Sabah is a matter of debates and it needs legal procedure to determine it but one thing is certain, which is the reason why I wrote this article, we were given a clear picture of what the real history behind it which the Philippine history books are lacking.

Tibiao to host 2012 kayaking cup

By: Rex Omalde

Tibiao, Antique, Philippines- This little town of Tibiao in the province of Antique in Western Visayas is set to host 2012 International Kayaking Cup.


Photo Credit: Lakwatsero

Tibiao which is known for its Bugtong Bato Falls, is gifted with natural landscape that attracts not only local tourists but also tourists from all over the world. Its long, rugged, rocky and winding river plays a natural haven ideal for kayaking, swimming and rafting.

Tara Yap of mb.com.ph reported that while Tibiao River is a good location for swimming and cliff diving, it is one of the best rivers in the country for white-water kayaking. According to Flord Nicson Calawag of the Municipal Tourism, Arts and Culture Council, Tibiao town will once again host kayakers from almost a dozen countries in a competition slated on September or October 2012. It first played host to international kayakers in a 1997 competition.

Related Articles:
Tibiao, Antique gears for 2012 ‘Int’l Kayaking Cup’