Batch 1991 at 2008 MNHS Alumni

So glad to finally see the photos of my Batchmates during the recently concluded 2008 MNHS Grand Alumni Homecoming. Thanks to Verna Mosende Manliguez for uploading the photos in our Pidjanga Multiply.

During the opening parade, my batchmates in full Batch Uniform. (Thanks to sponsors especially to Ana Lauron-Bedell, who despite injuring her ankle and braving the wintry Boston neighborhood, found some time to send in her contributions, and of course to other anonymous donors which made our batch reunion very successful. Special thanks to Konsehal Nonong for coordinating, labina pagtapal nan mga kuyang... hehehe!)


Batch 1991 proudly showing Batch 1991...


Peace and happiness flashing during the coronation night. Bagan waya mangatiguyang... feeling High School gihapon!


Tan-awa an ato konsehal... in the midst of classmates... feeling gadjud young... aw, matud pa, feel at home!


Gladly taking a souvenir with Ma'am Liliosa Garrido...


And with Sir Ramon Botona...

See the rest of MNHS Batch 1991 Photos during the 2008 Grand Alumni Homecoming here. The 1991 issue of the The Lake, our graduation souvenir program here. The complete list (with photo) of the 1991 Batch here.

Kitakits next homecoming - December 2009.

Photos: Verna Manliguez
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Kasama Ka generates more funds for flood victims

Through the leadership of Kasama Ka President Mano Locloc Juan and the consistent and timeless follow-up of Kasama Ka Treasurer Mana Jeejee Reyes-Villegas, the organization has generated additional funds from generous Mainitnons in Metro Manila to support the on-going relief operations of the Mainit Catholic Church headed by Fr. Rey Maldo.

In behalf of the beneficiaries, Kasama Ka, would like to thank and acknowledge the following:
Mana Rosal "Dodong" Madelo-Lareza and family (P1,500), Mana Daday "Darna" and Mano Boy Castro and family (P3,000), and Mano Cenon Moleta-Japay and family (P5,000).

I am sure that more Mainitnons here and abroad will follow your good deeds. For additional contributions, kindly contact Mana Jeejee Reyes-Villegas at 0919-828-0551 or email me here.

Pidjanga Notes: Fr. Rey Maldo personally bought sardines, noodles, and other groceries yesterday in Surigao City. The funds that Kasama Ka generated were still not enough. We hope that you could send in your contributions.

Councilor Nonong updated me that the P300,000 calamity fund from the LGU were used to buy NFA rice and were distributed to flood victims through DSWD. Apparently, Fr. Rey Maldo is not aware of this and there seems to be a separate distribution system. I trust that the relief goods really reached the needy.

Also, I think the LGU needs to assess actual needs caused by this calamity. I don't think the current release is enough. Besides, if the total amount of 2009 calamity fund is around P2 million, then Mainit haa some sufficiency in addressing immediate needs of the flood victims. But I agree, that if we can generate more support from outside (RDCC, DSWD, Tambayayong, Kasama Ka, etc), why not... the LGU can reserve the remaining funds for the future.

Pidjangas, what do you think?

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PGMA will be in Surigao

Mukadto man kuno sa Surigao City si President GMA (see news here)

HARAW, hikit-an an LAKE MAINIT!

Update:
Mainit LGU officials join the wellwishers of President GMA at the Surigao Airport.

Mayor Ramon Mondano with the wife of Congressman Romarate, Madam Myrna Romarate.


Barangay Captains Ram Mondano (Roxas), Roger Lareza (San Isidro), Lito Manliguez (Siana) and Jose Pagas (Silop) join the Mainit LGU team in meeting PGMA.


Mainit Councilors also joined the wellwishers: Councilors Daday Odtojan, Tano Recabo,, Nelson Reyes, and Arturo Mosote.


And while waiting... the team watches the Inaugural Program of US President Barack Obama on TV.


The welcome banners from the provincial officials of Surigao del Norte.



Photos via SMS: Councilor Al Rodin Behagan
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Pidjanga, Obama - bagan rhyme!

Ooops... Pidjangas in the US... Pidjangas around the world...

How was your experience of the start of the Obama era?

Hit the "syagit" (cbox) and share your stories...

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Nuhuyaw na... human an 9 dias na uyan!

Salamat sa Diyos, nuhuyaw na an uyan!

Pero... madag-um pa gamay, an suga dili pa makamaya nan nilabhan!

An guob nagkaubos na pero madugay pa mawaya kay sige man uyan sa Bangonay (Agusan del Norte). An suba nan Bangonay an naka-atang sa sa danaw, takpan pa nan kalsada sa Jabonga (Agusan del Norte) na nahimo na dike, dili dajon makagawas an tubig kay huot man sa tulay nan sa ibabaw nan suba nan Colorado.

Update: Engr. Kaiser Recabo, LMDA
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The 2009 Lake Mainit Flood in Photos

Heavy rains in Mainit started 11 January 2009 and is still on-going!

(Click photos to enlarge)


The swimming pool submerged by the flood!


A resident flashes her smile despite the devastation!


The entrance of Mainit National High School (MNHS) in flood waters.


Sections of the BLISS Housing Community.


The corner of Mondano and Francisco Sts., in Purok Rosal, Brgy. Quezon. See comparative photo of 2005 and 2006 here.


The municipal disaster monitoring board, as of 16 January 2009.



Photos: Vice Mayor Jessnar Mosende and Councilor Al Roding Behagan
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Kasama Ka donates P10,000 for Mainit flood victims

The Kapunungan sa Mainitnon sa Karadjawan (Kasama Ka) has initially gathered P10,000 to support the relief operations of the Mainit Parish Church for the flood (guob) victims of Lake Mainit. Kasama Ka Treasurer, Mana Jeejee Reyes-Villegas, will deposit the donation this week to the parish bank account through Fr. Rey Maldo, MSC.

The amount was generated during the Kasama Ka Assessment and Planning workshop held last night (17 January 2009) during the birthday celebration of Kasama Ka Board Member Sammy Dignos (Happy Birthday Mano!) at his resthouse in Sto. Cristo, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Mano Sammy, Mano Locloc Juan, and Mano Boy Labadan each gave P1,000, while the rest who were present gave P500 each.

Kasama Ka, together with Tambayong Mainit, Inc is still running a text and email brigade to solicit funds for the Guob victims. The next batch of donations will be sent next Monday (26 January 2009). If you want to send in your contribution, kindly contact Mana Jeejee Reyes-Villegas at 0919-828-0551.

Mana Inday Villapane-Dimaampao will also send medicines this week. Tambayayong Mainit, Inc will sponsor a feeding program this week to children of flood victims.

(Click photo to enlarge)



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Kasama Ka 2009 Calendar of Activities

The Result of the Kasama Ka Planning Workshop heald last 17 January 2009 at Sto. Cristo, SJDM, Bulacan. Thank you Mano Sammy Dignos for the venue and gracious hosting of the event! Chapter coordinators, we look forward visiting your areas and meeting fellow Pidjangas over there! Mabuhay!

JANUARY
Donation Drive to Flood (Guob) Victims

FEBRUARY
28 February
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Quezon City 1 Chapter (Fairview, Commonwealth, Litex)
Contact: Jeejee Reyes-Villegas, Dikdik Lincuna

MARCH
March 2nd Week
Start of Mainitnon Original Composition Album Development
Contact: Brando Juan

Deadline – March 4th week
SEC Registration of Kasama Ka, Design of Kasama Ka Logo

March 4th week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Quezon City 2 Chapter (Munoz, Baesa, Tandang Sora)
Contact: Boy Mosende, Piding Rosales

APRIL
April 1st Week
Start of Kasama Ka Membership Fee Collection (P300 membership fee PLUS P25 monthly fee)
Distribution of Kasama Ka ID Cards for Members

April 2nd Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Marikina Chapter (Marikina, Antipolo, Cubao)
Contact: Norma Mozol, Eddie Mojar

April 4th Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Laguna Chapter (San Pedro, Sta. Rosa)
Contact: Alice Mosende-Laguna, Poloy Mongado

April 18-19
Summer Excursion in Batangas (Overnight Beach)

MAY
Tree Planting in Lake Mainit

May 2nd week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Caloocan Proper Chapter (Caloocan, Valenzuela)
Contact: Vicky Moster, Gloria Calang,

May 4th Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Manila Chapter (District 1-6)
Contact: Boy Labadan, Locloc Juan

JUNE
June 2nd Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Cavite Chapter (Dasmarinas)
Contact: Bill Roger Besilla, Narding Tagapia, Tata Mondano

June 4th Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Las Pinas Chapter
Contact: Weng Mordeno, Inday Dimaampao

JULY
July 2nd Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Patapar Chapter (Pasig, Paranaque, Taguig, Pateros)
Contact: Vilma Lupio-Agravante, Vilma Libarnes

July 4th Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Bulacan Chapter (Sapang Palay)
Contact: Pepe Elsisura, Rita Yalung, Willie Mondano

AUGUST
August 2nd Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Caloocan Bukid Chapter (Bagong Silang, Camarin, Zabarte, Novaliches)
Contact: Daday Castro, Roger Lincuna, Nita Juico, Bindoy Tagbuyawan, Arnold Villapane

August 4th Week
Chapter Visits and Kasama Ka Board Meeting
Dagatdagatan Chapter (Malabon, Navotas, Caloocan)
Contact: Brando Juan, Gerry Graciano

SEPTEMBER
September 12
Kasama Ka 2009 Election and Mainitnon Fiesta in Manila

September 15-22
Fiesta Excursion - Caravan to Mainit

DECEMBER
December 13
2009 Christmas Party

Mayor Mondano appeals for CARAGA support to flood victims

Here's a photocopy of Mayor Ramon Mondano 's letter to the CARAGA Regional Director of DSWD, Dir. Mercedita P. Jabagat. KINDLY FORWARD to to their Butuan Office if you happen to be in Butuan City (calling Anven Maglasang, Lexan Labrador, etc). I hope we can also access funds from the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC).

(Click photo to enlarge)


Salamat karadjaw!

Photo: Councilor Al Rodin Behagan
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Mainit in State of Calamity

The Local Government of Mainit has declared yesterday that the municipality is in a state of calamity due to continuous rains starting early this week which caused flooding (guob) of certain communities around Lake Mainit. According to Fr. Rey Maldo, Mainit Catholic Priest, the total number of evacuees has already reached around 140 families (or around 700 individuals) from the poblacion area alone, mostly from the BLISS Housing Community in Purok Rosal. The evacuees are currently housed at the Quezon Elementary School (80 families) and Catholic Pastoral Council (60 families).

Councilor Nonong Behagan sent last night the photo below showing that the Lake water has already covered the Lake Mainit park (including the newly constructed swimming pool). Weather forecast says that continuous heavy rains will continue until next week. In fact, PAGASA projects that this bad weather caused by the Northeast Moonsoon (Amihan) will likely continue until mid-February. With this, the lake will still likely to grow, which will further affect more families and individuals.

Damage to properties is still to be assessed. I still have to hear the situations in Barangay Magpayang, Roxas, Mabini, San Isidro, Matin-ao, Tolingon, San Francisco, Mansayao, Tapian, and Tagbuyawan - all coastal barangays of Mainit.

(Click photo to enlarge)


The declaration of the state of calamity will allow the LGU access to the Municipal Calamity Funds worth 5% of the total LGU budget or around P2 million. Current release is reported to be around P300,000.

Vice Mayor Nonoy Mosende has joined yesterday the Philippine National Red Cross in visiting the evacuation centers and assessing the relief requirements. They have initially identified top priority families who need shelter and food. Eventually they will dwell on identifying livelihood assistance.

With the request of Fr. Rey Maldo and Sr. Juliet Banjao, and together with the Tambayong Mainitnon Incorporated (c/o Mana Magnette Labrador and Mana Inday Dimaampao), the Kasama Ka, will coordinate a solicitation drive here in Manila and abroad to assist the relief operations. Fr. Rey says that currently they have enough supplies for around a week. But since we know that the flooding (guob) subsides after around a month or two, relief operations is needed at least for a month.

I have contacted friends from the relief operations of the NASSA-CBCP who has also helped us in 2006 by donating 50 sacks of rice (see list of donors here). Fr. Rey will send requests to NASSA-CBCP through the Surigao Diocesan Social Action Center headed by Fr. Lolong Ramada.

If you want to send in your donations or refer a person or institution/agency whom we could send a solicitation letter, please contact me via email at pidjangaATgmailDOTcom. or through text at 0917-800-4557.

Photo: Councilor Al Rodin Behagan
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Araw nan Mainit Beauties: Dalaginding nan Mabuyok

It's been raining cats and dogs in Mainit, but despite of that, the Araw ng Mainit went on with beautiful Dalaginding nan Mabuyok pageant conducted last night. Here's a sampler from the collection of photos by Monmon Libarnes (http://screwface.multiply.com)

Photo: Monyx
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The Beautiful Lake Mainit in Landbank Calendar

Please get hold of the 2009 Calendar of the Landbank of the Philippines.

The November-December page features the beautiful Lake Mainit and the Gamaw (wild duck).

I feel great seeing our beautiful lake!

If you can get an extra one... I'd like to have a copy (hehehe).

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Board Assessment and Planning THIS Saturday

Reminding the Kasama Ka members of the Interim Board about the 17 January 2008 (Saturday) Assessment and 2009 Planning Workshop in Bulacan.

We will assess the very successful Christmas Party and see where we can further improve our operations and strengthen our achievements! We will also develop a 2009 workplan and come up with a calendar of activities, including the next elections of the board!

17 January 2009 (Saturday) is the choice of date because 1) everyone must have been back already from the holiday vacation, 2) it is still not late to start the new year, and finally 3) it is Board Member Sammy Dignos' birthday. He agreed to host the OVERNIGHT workshop at his rest house in SJDM City, Bulacan. Again, it will be potluck para dili bug-at sa host! Mabuhay!

Here's the venue address:
Engr. Sammy Dignos
Sitio Lambakin, Brgy. Sto Cristo, San Jose del Monte City, BULACAN!

Commuting: From SM Fairview or Lagro, take a jeep or bus going to Sapang Palay (signboard) and tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Sto. Cristo (landmark is called "AGUA" a former resort now called Cresta Del Monte Resort), where Quirino Highway (the road from Lagro to Sapang Palay) crosses Lambakin Road. Walk or take the trike towards the right (around 100 meters) and ask for the property/rest house of Tata Alejo. Mano Sammy's rest house is at the back (sa ludjo). You amy also ask directly where Sammy Dignos' place is.

Car or Bike: Same directions. Take Quirino Highway until Sto. Cristo (ask where Agua is), turn right to Lambakin Road, then look for Tata Alejo or Sammy Dignos (silingan ra jaon sila).

May videoke, sumsuman, etcetera.

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Guob na sab

One of the Pidjanga Advocacies is to address the chronic flooding (guob) in Lake Mainit (see here or the sidebar).

You may recall that the 2006 guob has cost millions of damages (here) and has affected hundreds of families (see the Mainit Lake flooding in pictures: Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4).

This phenomenon, just like the annual flooding of the Nile River in Egypt, is SO COMMON and SO REGULAR, that we seem to REACT only when we see Mainitnons, children, families evacuating to Quezon Elementary School, to the Catholic Convent, and to other evacuation centers.

Around the same time last year, LMDA has provided both immediate and long term solutions to the GUOB which I blogged here.

Jaon kahay mamati? Balita-i rakan ako kun ugaling jaon nay bisan nulaong lamang na "uy, unhon kaha nato iton?".

Nan, GUOB na man sab kuman. Abot na kuno sa BLISS! Kanin-o problema ini? Kan Mayor Ramon? Kan Vice Mayor Jessnar? Kan Konsehal Nonong sanan ija kaibanan sa konseho? Kan Kapitan Pepe? Kan Mano Onyot?

Syalan rakan!

(Thanks to the updates of Ybong, Nonong, Jerry, Monmon and Mano Onyot)
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2009 Araw ng Mainit

On going badja an celebration nan Araw nan Mainit from 13 to 16 January 2009.

Jan 13 - Opening Program with Inter-school Cheering and Dance Competition.
Jan 14 - Motorcross Competition
Jan 15 - Bonok-bonok Street Dancing Competition
Jan 16 - Kalingawan sa Danaw

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Election

2010 is the next National and Local Elections.

And 2009 will be the election fever!

That, despite our elected officials just barely reached two years in office. Remember the May 2007 election results (click here)?

Do you remember their election promises? I think THIS TIME is the RIGHT TIME to revisit the promises and determine who has done what!

What do you think? Labjog! The CBOX is open for your comments!

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Alumni

I failed to join the 2008 MNHS Alumni Homecoming. My wife's last surviving uncle, Tay Isyo, died on Christmas day in Kisolon, Bukidnon, and we joined the clan in the grieving!

Still, I personally monitored the movement of our batch. I think, there were 34 classmates who attended. Thanks to the leadership of our coordinator, Nonong Behagan. Thanks too to the donors classmates... they may have failed to come, but they have ensured a successful reunion of our classmates!

I still have to hear updates from the organizers. But I heard that this Alumni Homecoming will be a one-day affair every year. Inshallah!

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Salamat karadajaw!

The family of Bobit would like to thank those who sent their condolences and financial help during the burial of his nephew Rolly. The body was not brought to Mainit anymore due to the large financial requirements. Rolly was eventually buried in Manila.

Thank you kababayan for your willingness to help... tinood na panagtambayayong. Help extended from Kasama Ka members and officers and fellow Mainitnons as far as Saudi Arabia!

I personally salute those who find time and resources to help the needy. Your names are in my list of heroes... and of course, in God's list of saints. Hangtud sa sunod na panagtambayayong!

Happy new year, Igsoon!

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Requiescat in Pace: ERMIN BANZON

Pidjanga OBITUARIES

In your prayers, please remember:

Ermin BOY Banzon

who died last 20 December 2008 in Mainit due to a terrible vehicular accident. He was a passenger of an owner jeep which hit a house in Rizal St. Our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family specially to MDO member Ernie Banzon (0927-730-4629) and his family. Boy Banzon is the brother of former Vice Mayor and current Magsaysay Brgy. Captain Jorge Banzon.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

He was brought to Manila last 24 December 2008 and was laid to rest on 30 December 2008.

Pidjanga notes: Pasensiya na kay amo pa ako ka-blog. But I have emailed the friends of Mano boy especially those in Kasama Ka. Zimm

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Interior Designing

Friends and Readers... I am currently revising the Pidjanga Template. Please bear with me!

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Ho! Ho! Hoy!

Let me open the 2009 Pidjanga Blog by sharing with you very fascinating snapshots of our beloved home town and our lake, as captured in the updated Google Earth.

Here's the Panoramic View of the ever beautiful Lake Mainit with its very visible river tributaries. On its left is the Mindanao Sea (also known as the Bohol Sea). In between them stands the very panoramic MAMATFA where we hope tree planting and reforestation will be fully operational. Source: Google Earth (Click image to enlarge)


And here's the panoramic view of our humble town. In Google Earth, you can zoom in and actually see elevations of hills and mountains. Wow! I wonder how fantastic the "paid" google would be. Source: Google Earth (Click image to enlarge)


But before I end this very first post for 2009 and before I start my blog marathon about thanking those who have been very instrumental in Helping our Town and our Fellow Mainitnons through this blog (hopefully by weekend), let me share one of my memorable moments during the holiday vacations... spending 18 days of full time with my wife and three kids... here's Baby Yonie in my arms during a family beach outing in Mindanao!


God is great! God is good! In Him alone is our hope. In Him alone is our strength. In Him alone are we justified!

May this year be fruitful for all Mainitnons around the world!

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