Feature:

In The Mood For Guimaras’ 

Manggahan Festival

By Pepin

An upbeat rhythm of indigenous musical instruments, a vivid display of colorful costumes, and the sweet exotic smell of ripe mangoes - these were the perfect elements that made the highlight of the Manggahan Festival of the Province of Guimaras a truly spectacular experience last April 17, 2011.

With a full-pack schedule of activities, the festival showcased, not only the creativity of the Guimarasnons, but also their love of the local culture and their enthusiasm for a greater progress. Some of these fun-filled activities held prior to the main event were Agri Trade Fair (April 10), Farmers’ Day (April 11), and Cooking Demonstration on Mango Inspired Appetizers (April 13).

The cultural presentation held on the last day of the festival was witnessed by a crowd of locals, foreign tourists, and government officials coming from different regions of the country. There were extravagant displays of dances that depicted the simple life of the Guimarasnons, with emphasis on how they were able to cultivate their agricultural products and introduce these to the world.

People present on the event were also amazed to see hundreds of dozens of mango fruits and mango products being sold for a very reasonable price. The government organized the “Manggahan Eat All You Can,” where guests can consume as much mangoes as they can for only Php 60.00. Other products that were promoted during the festival were cashew nuts, seaweeds, handicrafts made by the Aetas, and preserved foods. 

Aside from its world-famous mangoes, Guimaras is also known for its white sand beaches. Local and foreign tourists took respite in some of these havens of relaxation and recreation right after the festival. Other remarkable sites that were explored by day-trippers were Roca Encantada and Punta Blanco Target Range in the town of Buenavista, and Guisi Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the country located at Nueva Valencia.

Visit the official website of Guimaras Province HERE.

Manggahan Festival 2011 SNAPSHOTS by Panay Mud Pie :

Feature:

Ang Pagkapatay ni Hesus (Lucas 23: 44-46):

Sang mga alas dose na sang udto, wala na nagsilak ang adlaw kag nagdulom ang bug-os nga kalibutan sa sulod sang tatlo ka oras. Napihak ang kurtina sang templo halin sa ibabaw paidalom.

Dayon nagsinggit si Jesus, "Amay, ginatugyan ko sa imo ang akon espiritu!" Sang makahambal siya sadto nabugto ang iya ginhawa.

Feature:

Celebrating Leganes’ Legacy of Faith

By Pepin

The town fiesta of Leganes, Iloilo last April 3-5, 2011 did not only gather people to witness the colorful and energetic performances of various competing tribes in the Saad Festival, but also to honor St. Vicent Ferrer, the patron saint of the town.

Thousands of religious devotees from all parts of Western Visayas flocked at the shrine, which was built way back in 1858, to hear mass and to light vigil candles to the saint, whom they called as the “Wonder Worker” and the “Angel of Judgment.” The religious tradition also included the “Palapak” or the threading of the image of the miraculous saint to the body of the devotees.

A lot of people suffering from various sickness and disabilities were spotted in the faithful crowd. They were all hoping for a miracle to happen through the intercession of St. Vincent Ferrer. Other devotees wiped the medium-sized image, standing at the left side of the church, with their handkerchiefs as they asked for healing, while little children gave the saint their sweetest kiss and greetings. 

After the concelebrated mass, people bought candles, rosaries, scapulars, and prayer booklets at small business stalls located outside the church, while others continued to pray their novenas. 

The theme for this year’s religious celebration, “The Parish and the Municipality united in a journey towards a progressive community,” denoted unity among the different sectors of the town. According to Rev. Fr. Gerardo P. Arroyo, the Parochial Vicar of Leganes, the town should work altogether to achieve progress both in the level of the material and of the spiritual. He also sets the patron saint as an inspiration in working for further developments. 

Lighting a candle of hope.

 Calling upon the Wonder Worker

The "Palapak" tradition.

Pray for us.

Rosaries, Prayer Booklets, and more.

Feature:

The Best of Breed

By Pepin 

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” 

Dogs are considered as the least despicable animals in this planet, because they are sociable, trainable, and somewhat the most effective drugs to cure lonesomeness and gloominess. These are the reasons why a lot of people cannot live without their dogs, and I couldn’t agree less. 

Last April 15, I had a chance to witness the All-Breeds Championship Dog Show by the Iloilo Kennel Club Incorporated at Amigo Plaza Mall. And like any other dog lover, I reacted babyishly when I saw different breeds of dogs wagging their tails. Actually, I was overwhelmed when I heard a golden retriever barking gladly, and when I saw Beagles staring timidly at people stealing a look in their cage. 

Well, I never missed an opportunity to take pictures of our so-called “best buds.” I even glided my hands over their coat and played with their paws. I just couldn’t resist spending time with them, and I could have brought them all home if I was given a chance.

It was almost four in the afternoon when the show started. I felt frustrated because I only witnessed the championship match for the sporting dog category. I could have stayed a little longer if not for my busy schedule ahead. But still, I enjoyed my short time with the show.

I noticed that the dog owners, who look ravishing in their semi-formal outfits, were really well-prepared for this event. It is not easy to train a dog to behave and to obey to commands properly, but these masters did an awesome coaching job. I just can’t imagine the amount of patience and the number of hours that they had invested for their canine fiends, but I think that their determination was rewarded after their dogs pulled off a good show. 

Honestly, I didn’t care of who won the best of breed in the competition. I was just happy and relieved seeing more individuals taking action to protect and to advocate the welfare of dogs. But, it is sad to note that a lot of dogs are still on the streets, homeless and starving. Others are even beaten and murdered. They could also have been named as champions, if people gave them a chance to live a life away from the fusty dumps. 

I believe that it is also about time that we encourage more people to take good care of dogs, especially the abandoned ones. If we can impart the proper knowledge on how to take care of these pets to a wider audience, we can turn more dogs into “Men’s Best Friends” and raise more champions. We should also erase those stereotypes that these creatures are rabid beasts or exotic delicacies. 

Remember, we can find that sense of completeness through the unconditional love that our dogs give us, hence we should also love them without any reservations.

Feature:

Are you eating a lot this summer?

More food means more fun! Right?

By Pepin

Buko shake, ice cream, and pork barbeque usually comprise a perfect beach chow, but all of these can bloat up your summer figure.

We do not want your summer waistline to end up larger than your pants’ size at the end of the season that is why Panay Mud Pie gives you some tips on how to stay perfectly in shape without getting too much of the calories from the food you eat.

TIP 1: Keep away from chocolate chip cookies, potato chips, and nuts. You know that having too much of these will add inches to your waist. Instead, stock-up on fruits, such as oranges, pineapples, grapes, and apples. These are easily digested and they provide your body with fiber that can help flush out excess waste and toxins. Plus, fruits will keep you on the glow.

TIP 2: If you can’t resist chocolates, open one box at a time and share it to your friends. Enjoy a fair serving that your body can tolerate and will not add up to the fattening compounds that are already stored in you.

TIP 3: No eating between meals, especially if you had a heavy breakfast in the morning and you will be having a bulkier serving for lunch. It also pays if you will leave the table satisfied every after a major meal, so that you won’t be eating additional treats.

TIP 4: Consume a low-calorie drink before each meal to experience a sense of “fullness.” If possible, avoid alcoholic beverages, especially beers; because once the alcohol alters your consciousness, you will lose your awareness to stay in shape.

TIP 5: Be pro-active and sway those hips. Summer time is not only about getting lazy on the beach, but this is your chance to sweat out. It was even reported that sitting all day and becoming inactive will put you at risk of obesity and cardiac diseases. Belly dancing or playing your favorite beach sport can help you lose those extra pounds. Taking a stroll after every meal instead of taking a nap can also save your weight.

If you do not want those extreme numbers in the weighing scale, always be on guard on what you eat and do, whether at the beach or at home. It always feels good to see yourself perfectly in shape, even if summer time is already over.

Announcement:

Original Kanta Kiniray-a

Songwriting Competition

An imposing mural at Tibiao Fish Spa, Tibiao, Antique

Calling all Antiqueño musicians and music lovers around the globe, the Provincial Tourism Office of Antique, together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Antique, give you a chance to showcase your song writing skills in the first ever edition of the Original Kanta Kiniray-a (OKK) Songwriting Competition.

Competition Guidelines:

• Open to all Antiqueño all over the world

• Lyrics must be in Kinaray-a and should be based in the following theme: life, dreams, success/failure, nature, journey, or sanguine

• There are two categories: Professional (for those who have already produced and popularized music album) and Amateur (for those who are yet to start composing songs).

• Important Dates:

March 30 – Audition for the Amateur Category at the Municipality of Culasi

April 7 – Audition for the Amateur Category at the Municipality of Bugasong

April 14 – Audition for the Amateur Category at the Municipality of San Jose

April 16 – Pre-briefing of qualifiers

April 17 – Semi-finals at Gaisano Grand Mall of Antique

April 23 – Deadline for the submission of entries for the Professional Category

April 29 – Grand Finals (Professional/Amateur Categories) at EBJ Freedom Park, San Jose, Antique.

• For Antiqueños abroad, email your entries to pio_antique@yahoo.com, together with the name of the interpreter who resides in the province.

• Entry Forms can be downloaded from www.antique.gov.ph, or request it by sending an email to pio_antique@yahoo.com.

• For more information, visit http://antique.gov.ph/.

The Great Summer Escape 9:

Oh, The Sweet Beach Life!

By Pepin

The beach of Alubihod in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras allows you to enjoy summer on a budget. You do not have to be a hangdog over uneconomical rooms or take undue risk on your expenditures. You can just simply spend the rest of the day playing sand and sea without worrying on how much to spend next.

More savings means more fun, simply because you can bring more family members and friends with you. That is exactly what Alubihod Beach is all about – more pleasures for more people. Isn’t it that summer getaways would be more worthwhile if you get to spend more waggishness with your loved ones and friends?

Aside from taking up quality family time, you can also go snorkeling or scuba diving and spot florid underwater life forms. The waves lapping the shores are also ideal for some skim boarding games. If you want to explore nearby isles, you can go island-hopping or sunset sailing. 

But if you are really tight on your budget, you can always just laze the day away listening to the cooling breeze that whispers the coming of the night fall. Or you can simply view the nostalgic sunset with a glass of your favorite drink.

Everything you will experience in Alubihod Beach will give you all the reasons to fancy summer without feeling the guilt on your pocket. 

For more information, contact Raymen’s Beach Resort, Alubihod, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras: (63) 9185207271