Feature:

UPDANAY at Museo Iloilo

Harakhak Sang Ilonggo

By Pepin

Museo Iloilo comes to life with a new set of spectacular artworks. “Upadanay,” an art exhibit that ran since early January, features recent works of renowned Ilonggo artists.

Popular works include oil portraits of Iloilo’s Dinagyang festival on canvass, such as Ritchie S. Baylon’s Harakhak Sang Ilonggo (Laughter of an Ilonggo). Other masterpieces that elegantly described the local culture were done with watercolors and acrylic paints.

However, it is not only Iloilo's tradition that was depicted in the exhibit, as some artists also portrayed the chic and modern lifestyles of the Ilonggos. One best example is an acrylic  painting of John L. Corral, entitled “Dance of Colors.” 

While unlike his contemporaries, Ike Villaruel did not create a color blasts on canvass, but still managed to showcase an equally appealing black and white masterpiece made from pen and ink in his work, entitled "The Arroyo Fountain."

The exhibit will run until March 3, 2010. On the following day until March 9, art fans can enjoy a different exhibit, called “Ladies Room,” which is will be co-presented by the Artist Circle of UP Diliman. It will showcase various kinds of artworks about women and women empowerment. 

Panay Mud Pie invites everyone to witness all of these only at Museo Iloilo.

 

"Viva"

(Acrylic on Canvass)

Leoniel Cerbas

 

"Sa Iloilo Lang Ni"

(Oil on Canvass)

Ritchie S. Baylon

 

"In their Eyes"

(Acrylic on Canvass)

Joemel G. Mirabuena

 

"The Life Cycle"

(Oil on Canvass)

Richard De La Cruz

 

"Poster Series: The Arroyo Fountain"

(Pen and Ink)

Ike Villaruel

 

"Dance of Colors 2"

(Acrylic on Canvass)

Mel John L. Corral

Feature:

Get captivated by Banate’s charm

By Pepin

There’s a unique moment when a curious tourist becomes a savvy local. That’s how you’ll be when you start to unknot Banate’s veiled charms. This little town can instantly turn your ordinary days into an authentic experience of a lifetime.

Sitting fifty kilometers away from Iloilo city, Banate is a coastal town with almost 30,000 inhabitants. It is shaped like a boat shoe when it is separated from its neighbouring towns on the map. The livelihood of people revolves mainly on farming and fishing, but recent programs of the government have opened business opportunities for the locals.

Banate is the home of the Kasag Festival, which was adjudged as one of the best cultural presentations in the country for several years now. It garnered several national and international distinctions and won the hearts of the Filipino people. “Kasag” is a generic name for crabs among the Ilonggos, but the town is more known for cultivating a specific specie, called the Langwayan or the blue crabs.

But more than the produce of its sea, Banate brags the unscathed wonders of nature, which include the Hibutkan Fish Sanctuary. Located just a few meters from the shoreline, this site opens a spectacular display of corals and other underwater marvels every time the low tide sets in.

Another perfect natural backdrop is the Managupaya Falls located at Brgy. Managupaya. This spot is perfect for anyone who seeks a different twist of adventure. Aside from it, there are also many beaches in Banate to spend some quality time for relaxation.

The Eco-park, situated at the back of the Municipal Hall, is an ideal place for lazy afternoon chitchats. It also provides a splendid view of the sea and the industrious fishermen aboard their little bangka. At present, it is being renovated to provide locals and guests with a more convenient place to spend some worthwhile moments.

But a tour to this town won’t be complete without tasting some of the mouth-tickling specialties. On top of the list is the steamed blue crab. It goes well with a Sinamak Dip (a strong blend of vinegar and native spices). In addition, guests can also devour the town’s own version of the Buko Halo-halo. This ice crazed dessert is a perfect summer relief.

For some souvenir items, the town produces consumable goods, such as the Chocolate-coated Polvoron and the Bottled Bangus (Milkfish),which has a sweet-sour fusion of flavors. These products are being manufactured by the Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, and Anilao Resource Management Council Incorporated (BBBRMCI), and are already being exported internationally.

Banate celebrates its town fiesta every 24th of June. One of the event highlights is the fluvial parade at Banate Bay. While the Kasag Festival is being held on the third week of December.

It’s easy to fall in love with Banate. Not because of the seafood and other local treats, but more because of its people. “Banatenhons” are God-fearing, hard-working, and ingenious people, who will make you feel extra special every time you visit their charming town that you can also call your own.

*** Panay Mud Pie would like to thank the Office of the Hon. Mayor Renerose B. Caborubias, M.D., F.P.A.F.P. for the interview.

Banate Municipal Hall

Eco-park

Chocolate-coated Polvoron

Blue crabs

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

The Great Summer Escape 8:

"Chilax" at Malumpati Cold Spring

By Pepin

The long and winding road from Iloilo to Antique can make you wobbly and purge. But be thankful enough because there are many beautiful sceneries that can relieve your queasiness easily. Just like Malumpati Cold Spring. Its nippy waters and abundant flora around will take you to a different level of respite that you surely wouldn’t like to miss.

Located in the hushed town of Pandan at the northern part of the province, Malumpati Cold Spring is a perfect retreat to experience less-demanding moments with family and friends. Its crystal clear water set at a suitable temperature is just right to give anyone a rejuvenating sensation and to relieve those heavy pressure points. That is why many people regard it as a health spring.

But what excites anyone who visits this site is its natural landscape. Although there are evidences of human interventions, like the concrete bridge and footpaths, the works of Mother Nature remains well-preserved. From the pebbles and fishes underwater to the huge trees around, the wonders of creation continues to prevail. Plus, the gushing of wind, the rushing of the water, and the chirping of birds flatter more the serene sanctuary.

For a noteworthy piece of information, the water that pour to the spring is part of the Bugang River, which was adjudged as the cleanest river in the Philippines last 2003 by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran National Award – River Category. Now, that’s something to be proud of about this place.

Malumpati Cold Spring is three hours bus ride from San Jose, the central town of the province of Antique, and five hours away from Iloilo City. The entrance fee is only for ten pesos, and small cottages only cost Php 25.00. Overnight stay is available at the following rates: Php 1500.00/room (no electricity) and Php 2500.00/room (with generator; fan room). Special facilities include an improvised diving board, barbeque grills, and bamboo rafts.

   

Opinion:

10 Love Questions for

Valentines Day

By Pepin

1. Love, what is it?

a. Love is a verb..more than a mere feeling..it is service in action..it is giving wihtout expecting for return (Patrick, 32)

b. Para sakin ang love... para sa isat isa na nag mamahalan nang totoo at walang lokohan... (Boycross, 23)

c. But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that themselves commit. (Hannah, 21)

2. What extraordinary thing can you do if you found yourself so deeply in love?

a. Sweet ako palagi sa taong love ko at masaya akong nakakatulog. I also give a lot of stuffs and I am always on guard. (Leinrich, 24).

b. I can do a lot of stuffs I don’t normally do, like cooking, dancing, writing poems, and kissing my mom and dad for several times. (Lena, 23)

c. Listen to silly love songs even if I am a die hard fan of metal rock. (Gerald, 26)

3. What is the weirdest thing you have done for love?

a. Yung nasa campus kami, galit-galitan ang girlfriend ko. Umakyat ako sa statue tapos sumigaw ako ng “I LOVE YOU!” (Knox, 25)

b. Ran away from home. *winks* (Ann Margaret, 37)

4. What is your ideal partner in life?

a. Gusto ko ‘yung sexy, malambing, at magaling. (Jhay, 27)

b. I’ll go for someone who is responsible. (Mhay, 45)

c. Di naman dapat nag iideal eh. Dapat kc marunong ka lang magmahal at mamahalin ka din niya. (Marlon, 34)

5. How can you be sure that you really love someone?

a. Pag masaya ka pag nakikita at nakakasama mo siya. (Wheng, 28)

b. Malalaman mo na mahal mo ang isang tao pag nararamdaman mo na nagiging mabuti kang tao dahil sa kanya. (Steve K., 33)

6. In one word, what type of a lover are you?

a. Vulnerable. (Sheila, 20)

b. Nasty. (Jam, 28)

c. Submissive. (Ace, 25)

d. Passionate. (Lex, 28)

e. Honest. (Mary Gale, 31)

7. What is the worst thing that could happen with love?

a. Someone will break it apart (Kyle, 19)

b. I will regret it. (Janice, 24)

c. Give it to someone by mistake. (Jason, 24)

8. If you will have to sacrifice something for love, what is it? Why?

a. Sarili. Kailangan I merge mo self mo sa mahal mo. (Patrick F., 29)

b. Time kasi ito minsan ang cause ng break-up, like “wala ka kasi oras para sa akin.” (Judy, 32)

c. Give up my vices for a healthy loving. (Fred, 25)

9. Where is the best place to propose your love to someone, and why?

a. I would choose Boracay because the beach scene is just so romantic there. (Green. 19)

b. Baguio. The wheather is enough to cool off the romantic heat. (Lourdes, 19)

c. Wanna sail in the love river of Italy. (Ramon, 28)

10. Is true love still possible at 80?

a. Yes, true love never dies. (Gina, 42)

b. Yes, as long as you have been true to each other through the years. (Kate, 26)

c. Yes, true love will never fade away ‘till death do us part. (Jacob, 23)

d. Absolutely Yes! That is the reward of being true to your partner for a very long time. (Heinz, 27)

e. Yes, nothing can separate two hearts that became true to each other, even at the age of 80. (Angel, 25)

Feature:

AZKALS: Who let the dogs out?

By Pepin

It was a vicious canine battle!

Filipino football enthusiasts flocked Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City to witness the gruelling match between the Philippine’s Azkals Team and Mongolia’s Blue Wolves in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) challenge cup.

Everything started with a welcoming atmosphere between the two teams, but the rough dog battle in the field heated up the tension and the people can’t rest on their seats to behold every moment of it.

The first thirty minutes turned out to be monotonous, with football fans expecting more from both teams. The Younghusband brothers of the Azkals played a powerful defense, and so are the vicious members of the Wolves.

Both teams, however, suffered from a lopsided aim, off-beamed head bounces, and a number of technical faults. The Philippine team was also threatened with an open goal for several times, while the rival team was denied to make any goal and one of its member was out early in game after receiving two yellow cards.

But it was near the end of the first half when the stadium roared the loudest after Emilio Caligdong made the first goal for the Azkals. His powerful body tap and kick trick to deliver a memorable goal wasn’t handled easily by the other team’s defense.

The second half ignited a greater excitement. The Wolves realized their need to score a goal and they became tougher on their guard. On the other hand, Ian Araneta and Anton Del Rosario of the Philippine team displayed more frustrated attempt to pass a goal over the rival team’s vigilant keeper.

Every second was vital for Mongolia and they played harder in the field. They shifted with greater speed and surprised the Azkals with a defense from behind. But all of that didn’t stop Phil Younghusband from making a second goal that blow the final whistle.

It was two to nothing, and the Azkals team proved that it was just too much to handle.

Stanza no. 010:

Events:

Happily Hopping For Prosperity

By Pepin

It’s the year of the Metal Rabbit and the Filipino-Chinese communities from all over the country believe that this will be a great year for business opportunities and economic recovery.

Yesterday, the city of Iloilo successfully celebrated the Chinese New Year with an expectation that this will be a year of peace and greater success. It started with a foot parade from Museo Iloilo going to dalan Ladesma, where a stage has been set. Spectators gather on the sidewalks to witness the graceful dance presentations of students from various schools in the city that cater Chinese Education. There were also Dragon and Lion dances that people were eager to see in the parade. Firecrackers sounded with a big bang all over the place to drive out bad luck.

A cultural show started at almost six in the evening. The Ilonggos had a chance to experience the culture of China through song numbers and more colorful dances rendered by the students, as well as members of the different Filipino-Chinese organizations in the city. The sky was once again filled with pompom-like fireworks as the program came to conclusion.

For the Ilonggos, whether with Chinese blood or not, this celebration of the Chinese New Year signifies a new beginning and a new hope. There are those who have surrendered their vices to live a healthy life, while there are some who are ready to start a new career this 2011. The story of the twelve animals in the Chinese calendar and their representations has long been considered as a handbook by many people to help them fulfil their dreams. The charms and gems that promise luck and fortune were also patronized by many, especially those who are doing business.

But then again, fate cannot fully be determined by the Chinese symbols and ornaments. It is still a person’s choice on how he will live his life that will decide what he will be in the future. The Chinese New Year itself is just a reminder that everybody has a year to make their lives better and work hard that everything will fall in the right place.