Chunsa's Blurbs

Blog revamping... a must do!!!

2010-11-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile!

I am planning to make some changes in this blog. I have no idea what content or in what direction this blog will take, but I will seriously pursue writing something different now. I'm no longer working as a correspondent as I am resorting to online jobs.

A week or two may suffice as to what kind of blog content I'll be doing. I may be deleting the old posts so that I can start afresh and new. I'll still be using the old lay-out (since I love it to death).

Anyway, please look forward to see the new changes soon =)

New start... new beginning.. AGAIN~

2009-06-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't been updating this blog for a very long time. You see, I had to make some changes... and make decisions on what I'm supposed to do with my life. My parents, especially my dad, was disappointed at me since me being a journalist didn't get much pay. Although the experience was really great and I got to meet cool people, but I guess my dad could never see it that way. So I decided to switch jobs. Now I am working as a contractual writer - writing for a real estate company.

Well I guess it was fun while it lasted. For 9 months as a journalist, I gained lots of experience. I got to interview Enrile, saw the PGMA, gushed at how cute Sen. Recto is (really, he's hot as hell!), made friends and foes with a bunch of local and national journalists (Ate Zen, Ate Marianne, Sir Ed, Cong, Ate Ces, Ate Cai, Pipay, and a bunch of others....), and got my byline printed in a national newspaper. How cool is that, huh!

Thanks so much for giving me this one hell of an experience! No one could take them away from me.. and I intend it to be that way. I'm not sure when I'll be back as a journalist, but hopefully soon~

Closing of the JTS 9th Peace camp

2009-03-29T23:15:00.001-07:00

A week has gone by and I have yet to fulfill a promise that I will post photos after the peace camp. And since I feel refreshed after visiting Songco and stayed there for 2 days last week, its high time I will share the post-peace camp photos. Check them out below!

The participants (including the PNP) took snapshots after
arriving safely from Alawon to Sil-Ipon. I heard they actually
walked four hours in the jungle.

We all arrived from Sil-Ipon to Songco. Here, Datu Migketya welcomed
all the participants with a few message and a ritual.

The participants strolled around village with Datu Migketay explaining away
about the Talaandig's way of life.

A "bamboo house" built by Kuya Waway

Before the Cultural exchange started, the Korean participants prayed (they are actually Buddhists)

The cultural exchange activity started with Waway Saway and the Anak ng tribu performing their songs while the participants danced together with the community residents.

Both Filipino and Korean participants of the camp bade their farewells and took a one last snapshot before heading to Cagayan de Oro.

As we arrived in CdeO, we all divided into groups and strolled around the Divisoria's Nite Cafe. With me is Sang Eun, Bo Yeon, Bo Hae, Hye Song, and Kim. We also celebrated Bo Yeon's birthday here =D

The Korean participants gathered at night for an evaluation and... uh... a drink-up party LOL!

And lastly...

The Korean youth participants leaving CdeO and heading back to Korea!!!

As I'm doing this entry, I realized something. Even though I never got to experience their work camp in Alawon, but I truly believed that meeting them for only a short time was a blast. Despite the fact that I could not remember all their names (there were 20 participants), but I will always remember them and keep them in my memories forever .

Visiting the world of the Talaandigs

2009-03-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

I've been in Tulugan, Songco, many times. I could not recall exactly what year I stepped foot at that place, where the Talaandig Tribe lives. However, I can still remember that feeling when I first stumbled upon their tribe, culture, and their music.

Music and culture what drove me to explore the Talaandig Tribe. They are one of the few indigenous people living in Mindanao. Despite being one of the minority groups, yet, they are unfazed by that fact. The people living there are not ashamed of their origin or their culture, and I think that's what makes us Filipinos lack.

The first time I met Balugto, Holfie, Tambuloy, and the rest of the Anak ng Tribu during the 4th JTS Peace Camp, they did not pique my interest - probably because of this prejudice I have against people living in the mountains (yes, shame on me T^T). I was a city girl and I thought of not wanting to be caught seen with the likes of them. But then that prejudice inside me changed when one night, these bunch of guys started playing music during a bonefire.

They started singing tribal songs using their tambulis, flutes, and guitar. At that instant, I was mesmerized. It's was like entering another world and wishing never to leave it. Their songs are not those "puppy-love" or "break-up" songs that you hear on radio nowadays, but their music talks about peace, love of environment, and being proud as a tribe.

The kids were another story. I met Kadong, Kim, Oliver, and Daryl during that same peace camp of JTS, and they became more than just helpers. Aside from being boisterous and playful most of time, they became serious when it comes to manual work. During the camp, they helped removing tons of rocks to pave way of the new road, played "tambuli" during our free time, and even became the volunteers' bodyguards when it was time to sleep at night! Such little angels!

The Anak ng Tribu was not enough; the kids were even not enough. I wanted to know more about the tribe, and that's when I met Waway Saway. He is a world-renowed world music artist that every body is looking up to (I know this for a fact haha). Aside from being a music and arts teacher to the Talaandig youth, he is also a family man.

One of the songs that Waway plays all the time is "Itsa Tamoki Yataki Tombi." Despite the fact that its been overplayed for many years (yes, he keeps playing this song) but I still like hearing it. And whenever he jams with his fellow "Anak ng Tribu" comrades, the whole community became in a festive mood. Everybody is dancing and singing along to his compositions with smiles on their faces, and I think this is probably why they are always healthy and full of energy.

Aside from Waway and the Talaandig youth singing, performing and making music, they also showcase their artworks. From tambulis, buting-tings, necklaces, bracelets, flutes, paintings, and even Waway's CDs! They can even be bought in a store somewhere in Malaybalay (if I remember correctly, it was in Casisang).

From the first time I encountered the Talaandig tribe until now, I still get overwhelmed by the fact that I have met these people and they became part of my life. Despite their backgrounds and beliefs, they are warm-hearted people and that alone is reason enough to make me visit the Talaandigs always.

Hanging out @ the village

2009-03-25T04:05:00.001-07:00

A week ago, I visited the Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism village with a Talaandig friend. Just in time, we witnessed the mini-parade of the tribes living in the village. Although I could not recall all the names of the tribes, I still want you to take a look of the photos that I personally took. And if you are well-versed with the Mindanao tribes, try to guess them by just looking at their costumes!

... a tidbit I want to share. I recorded scenes during the last part of the parade. Try to watch the last part and you'll see my Talaandig friends having a bit of their fun after the parade =D

... and lastly, a photo below of an old traditional game called "Sungka!!!" Wanna play a round with me?? Game on!

Datu Investiture of DA Usec Jess Paras

2009-03-25T02:58:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to go to Talakag last week for a news coverage of Department of Agriculture's USEC Jess Paras on becoming one of the "Datu" or tribal chieftain of the Higa-Onon tribe. Although there were some controversies involved (especially when the Talakag local gov't did not honor the USEC's prescence after what it has contributed to the province). Anyhow, I didn't personally care about the issues and only wanted an interview with the USEC for its development projects.

CdeO media traveled to Talakag for an exclusive interview with Usec Paras

Setting aside those issues, I was more interested on how a person becomes a tribal chieftain so I decided to witness the whole thing. I think the Higa-onon ritual is not that different from the Talaandig tribe rituals (very similar, in fact). It involves a some sort of chant or prayer of the tribal leaders, asking the "spirits" to guide the new chieftain on his new post.

Before the actual ritual began, the Higa-onon tribe performed a dance to the guests. I forgot what the dance is called, which is quite stupid on my part since I am always interested in tribal performances.

A short clip of the Higa-onons dancing!

While the dancing was going on, my media friends interviewed the highest tribal chieftain of the Higa-onon tribe. I just took a snapshot of the "datu" because I was still engrossed with the dancing!

Datu Bernardo "Pendulunan" Ugsalan being interviewed by Uriel Quilinging

Usec Paras dancing with the Higa-onons

Because I am a bit familiar with the ritual, I told my media colleagues that when you want to witness the ritual or if you want to participate, you must place a coin on the table as a sort of "offering" to the spirits so that they won't harm you. Once the prayer starts, each tribal leaders must chant their own prayers until everyone is done. After that, 4 chickens will be killed at the presence of everybody (yikes) and separates the blood, which should be used later on for the final prayer.

Before the ritual officially ended, everybody enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Paras family (although I could not provide photos to prove it -_-;;). And when the media people left the place (including me), we received word that the tribal chieftains gave Usec Paras his tribal name - he's now become Datu Intega Salamanca!!!

Congrats to Datu Salamanca and I wish him the best of luck as a new tribal chieftain!!!

JTS 9th peace camp in Mindanao

2009-03-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

I decided to back track a little bit and share with you what I've been doing the past few months since I still can't believe that it happened. So here's the story...

This one Korean-based non-government organization called Join Together Society (JTS) recently had their 9th Peace/Work Camp last January here in Mindanao. The venue of the camp was in Alawon, Sil-Ipon, Libona, Bukidnon (the name's quite long, eh?). I didn't get the chance to join the peace camp because 1) It's too far away and you have to walk for almost 4 hours in a jungle; and 2) I could not afford to be absent for 10 whole days from work.

The Talaandig youth from Tulugan, Songco with 2 other JTS volunteers!

A formal snapshot of the Korean participants arriving in Lumbia Airport

Peace camps are usually done every year with Korean university students and selected Filipinos who live in the venue as the participants. Sometimes, JTS invites other youth volunteers from other remote areas like the Talaandig youth, to join as well. The goal of the peace camp is to help the community by building school or create a road, or whatever the organization and the community leader decides on.

It's a pity I could not participate during the camp, but I got the chance to see the participants and send them off to Sil-Ipon. And of course, let's not forget the photos!!!

Totong and Kim teaching Hyo-Sang on how to play the Tambuli!

Mmm... mangoes!

Korean youth riding on-top of the jeepney for the 1st time!!

Another snapshot of the participants on-top the jeepney!!! Guess where I am?!?

the walking starts... with some security from Libona tagging along.

JTS volunteer Thieza posing with the Alawon residents =D you would not believe how fast they walk!

The koreans taking a breather before entering the jungle...

*shudders* its a jungle out there! Be careful!!!

Stay tuned for the post-camp photos next week!!!!

I'm back in the game!!!

2009-03-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

You read it right!!!

Yes, Chunsa's back here with a new name and domain, and of course, after a long, long absence of blogging.

Really, I never had the time to post (or even update) this blog, but things will change starting from today. I decided to change the theme of my blog and I will dwell on whatever that's coming to my mind. It may be newsworthy or not, but I will definitely pursue blogging again.

I just hope that my blog will click with the rest of the readers out there. I may have readers, I may have none. But I do hope whatever I write here will bring inspiration to somebody out there.

With that... bid me good luck on my comeback journey as a blogger =D

CDO's old water tower to become museum, archives center

2008-10-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - This city's old water tower will be converted into a museum and archives center in time for the National Archives Day on Oct. 21.

Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula said the transformation of the old water tower into a rehabilitated structure will boost local tourism since it will showcase relevant historical and cultural documents of the city as well as Northern Mindanao.

Mr. Jaraula added that the tower is one of the oldest pre-war edifices in the region and by restoring it, this would revive the city's rich history. The opening of the city's new museum, he said, will further promote Cagayan de Oro and educate the new generation about the city's past.

A highlight of the new museum is the reinforced viewing deck that will be placed atop the tower to provide a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The passage to the view deck will involve a steel spiral staircase at the back of the tower.

An added feature of the project is the installation of glass-enclosed elevator on either side of the water tower to give a modern look and design for the convenience of visitors and residents. City Information Office spokesman Ian Fuentes said the budget for the restoration project is still being reviewed by the city's finance department.

The city has been designated as Mindanao's host for this year's National Archives Day. The event is a joint effort of the city government and the executive council of the National Archives Committee led by Monsignor Rey Manuel S. Monsanto of the Cagayan de Oro archdiocese. -- Penny Lyn P. Cunanan, Business World

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BTW, I passed by the old water tower and as what the news said, the city engineers are actually renovating the said tower. I do hope this will be finished in time for the National Archives day.

A Welcome Message!!

2008-10-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello guys!

I am Chunsa! I have so many blogs but then I decided to make this one, although there are no plans for discarding those other blogs that I hardly maintain.

This blog basically focuses more on news and current affairs since I am working right now as a trainee journalist in one of the national dailies in the Philippines and it's very important to know what goes on nationwide and of course, worldwide. I will post up news and probably give my two cents worth of my thoughts. Although my opinion matters, but sometimes my opinions are influenced by what other people say.

I do hope everybody visiting this blog will put in their inputs as well through their comments.

Kudos to everybody!!!