The bloggers are taking a break.
http://www.chinito.net. chinito.net is currently undegoing changes. Please bear with me. Hopefully I'd get the site up and running in a few days. For messages, email me at chinito.factor@gmail.com. – chinito
http://www.ironwulf.net. This blog is moving quite slow lately, not because I am “busy” but because I chose not to write anything at the moment. I have been very careful to write lately as I may divulge information that may compromise me or other people as well. Let’s keep some things a mystery as the world should be, driven by the unknown. Don’t worry, I am not about to abandon this blog as it has been very helpful to me in some way but I’ll be in an indefinite hiatus for a while. The ronin has to master some secret sword techniques and do some grueling mental training as well. Will be living in a cave for a while. But you may catch me meditating under a waterfall once in a while.
http://gutterboy.blogdrive.com. Magpapalam muna si roni_blog sa pagb-blog. Marami siyang iniisip. At sa pagkakataoong ito, nahihirapan siyang magisipt habang nagsusulat (One of my favorite young writers transferred to http://ronnie-md.blogspot.com).
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Ten extraordinary leaders, One book
Ten extraordinary leaders, One book
Last Christmas, the homilies on hope at the simbang gabi moved to me write a short essay and publish it in my web log. Today 3 months later, I read at the Manila Bulletin that it inspired Pathways to publish a book.
-cbr 5 March 2005
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Inspiring Living
A personal essay dedicated to the egroup readers on the 2004 ChristmasHoliday against the backdrop of tragedies that have struck Quezon, Aurora and the islands surrounding Indian Ocean and the sudden death of the icon of the underdogs, FPJ. Influenced by the homilies of the Simbang Gabi novena at the Gesu in Loyola and the volunteer work done by mountaineers in Infanta (MFPI) and Gabaldon (Loyola Mountaineers).
==============
Amidst the difficulties and the tragedies we faced this December 2004,there is hope. It may not be the best period to celebrate Christmas but it is during these moments when we need to hear again the reason for the Christmas season, which is the fulfillment of the promise of redemption. We commiserate with the residents of Quezon and Aurora who survived the flash flood that hit their provinces, to the families of the over 63,000 who died in the tsunami that hit the Asian countries along the coastline of the Indian Ocean and to the legion of fans of FPJ who lost their symbol of the underdog. Experiencing tragedies in this magnitude, sympathy is not enough. Thus we hear about more responsible citizens rendering services and donating relief goods heeding cries for assistance.
Those of us in the pleasant company of our family connected online and read emails should go beyond sympathizing and donating. We must inspire those who survived the tragedies to keep on living and to continue dreaming. Let us spot that window where we can implant a reason for them to continue to live. Spread that light of hope this Christmas. Not to forget that it starts with us. May pasko pa rin!
-29Dec04
Ten Extraordinary Leaders, One Book
By RONALD S. LIM
http://www.mb.com.ph/YNCP2005030529978.html
When you’re faced with a government that has a debt that runs into the trillions, a constant threat of being bombed to bits hovering about you, and the very dour possibility of not being able to find a decent job after you graduate, it’s very easy to just hang your head in resignation, throw in the towel, and start applying at the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency for a job in a country so far, far away. But for the people at Pathways to Higher Education, a group of Ateneo students pushing for education development, hope is always just around the bend. And with the announcement of plans for Leaders of Hope, a book project meant to gather the stories of 10 extraordinary people, Pathways hopes that everyone will find someone who’ll take them down that curve.
ROLE MODELS The idea for "Leaders of Hope" came about one December morning, during a simbang gabi where Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J. was delivering a homily. In it, Nebres cited a study done on children’s stories in different countries. The study found out that the children’s stories in progressive countries always underlined hope, achievement, courage in the face of difficulties, and stories of heroism.
Last Christmas, the homilies on hope at the simbang gabi moved to me write a short essay and publish it in my web log. Today 3 months later, I read at the Manila Bulletin that it inspired Pathways to publish a book.
-cbr 5 March 2005
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Inspiring Living
A personal essay dedicated to the egroup readers on the 2004 ChristmasHoliday against the backdrop of tragedies that have struck Quezon, Aurora and the islands surrounding Indian Ocean and the sudden death of the icon of the underdogs, FPJ. Influenced by the homilies of the Simbang Gabi novena at the Gesu in Loyola and the volunteer work done by mountaineers in Infanta (MFPI) and Gabaldon (Loyola Mountaineers).
==============
Amidst the difficulties and the tragedies we faced this December 2004,there is hope. It may not be the best period to celebrate Christmas but it is during these moments when we need to hear again the reason for the Christmas season, which is the fulfillment of the promise of redemption. We commiserate with the residents of Quezon and Aurora who survived the flash flood that hit their provinces, to the families of the over 63,000 who died in the tsunami that hit the Asian countries along the coastline of the Indian Ocean and to the legion of fans of FPJ who lost their symbol of the underdog. Experiencing tragedies in this magnitude, sympathy is not enough. Thus we hear about more responsible citizens rendering services and donating relief goods heeding cries for assistance.
Those of us in the pleasant company of our family connected online and read emails should go beyond sympathizing and donating. We must inspire those who survived the tragedies to keep on living and to continue dreaming. Let us spot that window where we can implant a reason for them to continue to live. Spread that light of hope this Christmas. Not to forget that it starts with us. May pasko pa rin!
-29Dec04
Ten Extraordinary Leaders, One Book
By RONALD S. LIM
http://www.mb.com.ph/YNCP2005030529978.html
When you’re faced with a government that has a debt that runs into the trillions, a constant threat of being bombed to bits hovering about you, and the very dour possibility of not being able to find a decent job after you graduate, it’s very easy to just hang your head in resignation, throw in the towel, and start applying at the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency for a job in a country so far, far away. But for the people at Pathways to Higher Education, a group of Ateneo students pushing for education development, hope is always just around the bend. And with the announcement of plans for Leaders of Hope, a book project meant to gather the stories of 10 extraordinary people, Pathways hopes that everyone will find someone who’ll take them down that curve.
ROLE MODELS The idea for "Leaders of Hope" came about one December morning, during a simbang gabi where Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J. was delivering a homily. In it, Nebres cited a study done on children’s stories in different countries. The study found out that the children’s stories in progressive countries always underlined hope, achievement, courage in the face of difficulties, and stories of heroism.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Hope for the New 2005
Pick ups on messages of Hope for the New 2005
The bottom line is that while the world is constantly changing, we are in charge. Our future is shaped by us-by our commitment or our indifference,
by our despair or our confidence. Is all this overwhelming? Not at all. Because it turns out that behind humanity's power to alter the course of
events are the timeless values that we learned in-kindergarten!
Quoted from Solita Collas-Monsod's keynote speech, titled "A World of Change, a
Constant World," which delivered last month in Berlin at the first international conference of Community Foundations.
http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.php?index=2&story_id=22907&col=62
==============
The quest to build our country has grown ever more urgent in our time. It is no longer a question as in the 1970s, of whether we can catch up in science and technology though that remains an important quest. It is a question of whether we as a nation can survive and prosper. It is a question of whether we will focus on the signs of darkness and despair or we will focus on the signs of light and build hope.
In a homily I gave for the Simbang Gabi in 2002, I referred to part 2 of the “Lord of the Rings”, which I had just watched in a premiere and said: “In a scene in the battle for Helms Deep, a frightened young boy turns to the great warrior Aragorn, “The men say that it is hopeless and we will all be dead by nightfall.” Aragorn replies, “No, there is always hope.” In the scenes that follow he shows that hope is not a given, it is the courage of leaders and people and unexpected help from friends like the Elves that create hope. In the moment of despair, the Elves had to choose whether to stand by or to join and give hope. They made the choice of joining and giving hope.”
Choose to join and to give hope. Choose to care and to hope.
In the midst of your intense pursuit of career and success, remember your inner circle and give time to your family, your friends, your God.
Believe in the miracle of the loaves and fishes -- the seemingly little that you offer can help feed a multitude.
And yes, it will come back to you a hundredfold. For the wonder of gifts from the heart is that, as with the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, they are not diminished, but grow in the giving.
Speech CHOOSE TO CARE AND TO HOPE delivered by Fr. Bievenido Nebres at the DLSU Commencement Exercises October 9, 2004
http://gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0410-004
The bottom line is that while the world is constantly changing, we are in charge. Our future is shaped by us-by our commitment or our indifference,
by our despair or our confidence. Is all this overwhelming? Not at all. Because it turns out that behind humanity's power to alter the course of
events are the timeless values that we learned in-kindergarten!
Quoted from Solita Collas-Monsod's keynote speech, titled "A World of Change, a
Constant World," which delivered last month in Berlin at the first international conference of Community Foundations.
http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.php?index=2&story_id=22907&col=62
==============
The quest to build our country has grown ever more urgent in our time. It is no longer a question as in the 1970s, of whether we can catch up in science and technology though that remains an important quest. It is a question of whether we as a nation can survive and prosper. It is a question of whether we will focus on the signs of darkness and despair or we will focus on the signs of light and build hope.
In a homily I gave for the Simbang Gabi in 2002, I referred to part 2 of the “Lord of the Rings”, which I had just watched in a premiere and said: “In a scene in the battle for Helms Deep, a frightened young boy turns to the great warrior Aragorn, “The men say that it is hopeless and we will all be dead by nightfall.” Aragorn replies, “No, there is always hope.” In the scenes that follow he shows that hope is not a given, it is the courage of leaders and people and unexpected help from friends like the Elves that create hope. In the moment of despair, the Elves had to choose whether to stand by or to join and give hope. They made the choice of joining and giving hope.”
Choose to join and to give hope. Choose to care and to hope.
In the midst of your intense pursuit of career and success, remember your inner circle and give time to your family, your friends, your God.
Believe in the miracle of the loaves and fishes -- the seemingly little that you offer can help feed a multitude.
And yes, it will come back to you a hundredfold. For the wonder of gifts from the heart is that, as with the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, they are not diminished, but grow in the giving.
Speech CHOOSE TO CARE AND TO HOPE delivered by Fr. Bievenido Nebres at the DLSU Commencement Exercises October 9, 2004
http://gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0410-004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Inspiring Living
Inspiring Living
A personal essay dedicated to the egroup readers on the 2004 Christmas Holiday against the backdrop of tragedies that have struck Quezon, Aurora and the islands surrounding Indian Ocean and the sudden death of the icon of the underdogs, FPJ. Influenced by the homilies of the Simbang Gabi novena at the Gesu in Loyola and the volunteer work done by mountaineers inInfanta (MFPI) and Gabaldon (Loyola Mountaineers).
==============
Amidst the difficulties and the tragedies we faced this December 2004,there is hope.It may not be the best period to celebrate Christmas but it is during these moments when we need to hear again the reason for the Christmas season,which is the fulfillment of the promise of redemption.
We commiserate with the residents of Quezon and Aurora who survived the flash flood that hit their provinces, to the families of the over 63,000who died in the tsunami that hit the Asian countries along the coastline of the Indian Ocean and to the legion of fans of FPJ who lost their symbol ofthe underdog.
Experiencing tragedies in this magnitude, sympathy is not enough. Thus we hear about more responsible citizens rendering services and donating relief goods heeding cries for assistance. Those of us in the pleasant company of our family connected online and read emails should go beyond sympathizingand donating. We must inspire those who survived the tragedies to keep on living and to continue dreaming. Let us spot that window where we can implant a reason for them to continue to live.
Spread that light of hope this Christmas. Not to forget that it starts with us.
May pasko pa rin!
-Chito Razon 29Dec04
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Is Katutubong Elvis Relevant at this Time?
Is Katutubong Elvis Relevant at this Time?
Why stage a concert party when the east coast is still in the searchand rescue mode and not even in the initial stages of recovery? The mountaineering community at the very least should condole and console with the victims and pester the loggers whether legal or not `til they realize their wrongdoing. Why continue with Elvis even if it is on its 11th year providing the climbing crowd its distinctparty format only they can understand?
Romy Lee should continue with the concert this Friday at the UPLagoon because it is an event that has nearly achieved itsinstitutionalized status in Diliman. The mountaineering icons shouldat least be maintained so ensure their presence tomorrow even if thereare no more forests at the rate we are stripping them off.
Go to UP Friday night. Because it can still be relevant. It willpay tribute to the first batch of rescue volunteers in Infanta andNakar, Dingalan and Gabaldon who if not everyone knows aremountaineers. They risked lives and vulnerability struggling withthe restless spirits wanting to get settled. Katutubong Elvis in acasual way will forge solidarity with those present on theindignation against the rape of our forests.
Who wouldn't want to be in UP Lagoon when the guys who went to theeast were the same ones putting up the fences and shoveling the areafor the named artists who are performing only out of goodwill forRomy. Why, even beer was not arranged as of ingress time because the boys are still recovering. But with a little alignment, beer will beavailable.MFPI is supporting the concert says Casper.
The least we can do is to be therethis year. So when on the spot a singer composes an indignation songagainst loggers, it will at least be heard. Kita kits.
chito. razon 10dec04.
================
RAKENROL NAMAN TAYO!!!
Elvis is alive! He lives with our indigenous brothers!! Rock withhim and many other bands this Friday.Please come to the "KATUTUBONG ELVIS" concert this Friday, December10 at 8:00 in the evening at the UP Diliman Lagoon area. Invite yourfriends and loved ones. This will be one heck of a rocking good time.Tickets are reasonably prices at P 100.00 each (available through me,Dennis, or at the UP Mountaineers' tambayan.) We promise a good lineup of bands.Beer (and soft drinks, and food, and so much more) will be sold atthe venue.Partial lineup of bands includes:Asin, Tropical Depression, Pinikpikan, Pan, Makiling Ensemble, Jr.,Kilat, Joey Pepe Smith, Jeepney Joyride, Skabeche, Narda, Brockas,The Mongols, Peacepipe, Romeo Lee and the Brown Briefs, and many,many more kickass bands.Thank you. Thank you very much.For more ticket information, please reply to this email "denshowman"<aap_dlopez@g...>
==================Tuesday, January 13, 2004 12:45 AM
Decoding Da Vinci with Romeo Lee By TOTEL DE JESUS
If there's one peaceful soul out there who has successfully defiedthe laws of high society and nature, it can only be punk musician-visual artist Romeo Lee.In some circles, Lee is popularly known as the lead vocalist of therock band The Brown Briefs. Just recently, he organized the well-attended concert Elvis for President at University of the Philippines-Diliman as tribute to The King -- then again, without alluding to DaKing running for president.With consistent irreverence to pop culture, his solo exhibits havetraversed the unconventional and humorous. His first solo outing wasthe intriguingly titled HIStolee, which was held simultaneously withMichael Jackson's HIStory concert in Parañaque City more than adecade ago. There have been many other high-profile outings since,including last year's kick-ass Lee Almighty (after Jim Carrey's BruceAlmighty) with internationally acclaimed Filipino visual artist andformer UP classmate Manuel Ocampo.Opening the year at Finale Art Gallery in SM Megamall, Lee goes soloagain with MonayLeeSa, which obviously alludes to Leonardo da Vinci'smasterpiece. Lee explores in 36 oil paintings the various aspects ofbeing -- oh, well, Romeo Lee.Mallrats passing by the gallery can't help but notice the new versionof da Vinci's mysterious lady. Students, especially those majoring infine arts, can be seen entering the gallery and immediately gigglingover Lee's paintings. Not that they found them ridiculous but it'sthe kind of glee that only Lee can provide to the young through hisworks.Most noticeable among the works is Sadako Ini, whose subject is takenfrom a character in the Japanese classic horror flick The Ring. Leemanaged to mix the image of da Vinci's lady and Sadako, giving it aVisayan twist. Another is titled Twitty in the Big City, which hasdictator Adolf Hitler being "sucked" by a bird.There are many versions of MonayLeeSa but more conspicuous is the onetitled MonayLeeSa (backview), where the "model's" back is, indeed,depicted with details of the skull, blood vessels, brain section andanything you might see in a head autopsy. More self-explanatorymasterpieces include Lee Chon (after roasted pig), Oil Lee andHealthy Options (after that popular store of all-natural healthproducts).There is an intriguing small painting called NTTHBDIWNHTBDA. It hasnothing to do with texting lingo or a military code that can startanother spectacle at Edsa, but it actually suggests Lee's message tothe legion of fence-sitters in the art world, especially thepretentious lot whose only achievement is having a bloodstreamconsistently saturated with cannabis, nicotine and alcohol, theirhair deliberately grown long and unkempt for all the chicks -- andart critics -- to gush over what is nothing more than an "artist ako,pare" façade.But we're not giving out what those letters mean but you can find outby going to Finale Art Gallery and check out MonayLeeSa, which runsuntil January 18. Because some of the aforementioned pieces are soldalready, Lee promises to include more new paintings -- which, as ofthis writing, are still being conceptualized in his fertile mind.Please send your comments or feedback to newsfeedback@a...TODAY
Why stage a concert party when the east coast is still in the searchand rescue mode and not even in the initial stages of recovery? The mountaineering community at the very least should condole and console with the victims and pester the loggers whether legal or not `til they realize their wrongdoing. Why continue with Elvis even if it is on its 11th year providing the climbing crowd its distinctparty format only they can understand?
Romy Lee should continue with the concert this Friday at the UPLagoon because it is an event that has nearly achieved itsinstitutionalized status in Diliman. The mountaineering icons shouldat least be maintained so ensure their presence tomorrow even if thereare no more forests at the rate we are stripping them off.
Go to UP Friday night. Because it can still be relevant. It willpay tribute to the first batch of rescue volunteers in Infanta andNakar, Dingalan and Gabaldon who if not everyone knows aremountaineers. They risked lives and vulnerability struggling withthe restless spirits wanting to get settled. Katutubong Elvis in acasual way will forge solidarity with those present on theindignation against the rape of our forests.
Who wouldn't want to be in UP Lagoon when the guys who went to theeast were the same ones putting up the fences and shoveling the areafor the named artists who are performing only out of goodwill forRomy. Why, even beer was not arranged as of ingress time because the boys are still recovering. But with a little alignment, beer will beavailable.MFPI is supporting the concert says Casper.
The least we can do is to be therethis year. So when on the spot a singer composes an indignation songagainst loggers, it will at least be heard. Kita kits.
chito. razon 10dec04.
================
RAKENROL NAMAN TAYO!!!
Elvis is alive! He lives with our indigenous brothers!! Rock withhim and many other bands this Friday.Please come to the "KATUTUBONG ELVIS" concert this Friday, December10 at 8:00 in the evening at the UP Diliman Lagoon area. Invite yourfriends and loved ones. This will be one heck of a rocking good time.Tickets are reasonably prices at P 100.00 each (available through me,Dennis, or at the UP Mountaineers' tambayan.) We promise a good lineup of bands.Beer (and soft drinks, and food, and so much more) will be sold atthe venue.Partial lineup of bands includes:Asin, Tropical Depression, Pinikpikan, Pan, Makiling Ensemble, Jr.,Kilat, Joey Pepe Smith, Jeepney Joyride, Skabeche, Narda, Brockas,The Mongols, Peacepipe, Romeo Lee and the Brown Briefs, and many,many more kickass bands.Thank you. Thank you very much.For more ticket information, please reply to this email "denshowman"<aap_dlopez@g...>
==================Tuesday, January 13, 2004 12:45 AM
Decoding Da Vinci with Romeo Lee By TOTEL DE JESUS
If there's one peaceful soul out there who has successfully defiedthe laws of high society and nature, it can only be punk musician-visual artist Romeo Lee.In some circles, Lee is popularly known as the lead vocalist of therock band The Brown Briefs. Just recently, he organized the well-attended concert Elvis for President at University of the Philippines-Diliman as tribute to The King -- then again, without alluding to DaKing running for president.With consistent irreverence to pop culture, his solo exhibits havetraversed the unconventional and humorous. His first solo outing wasthe intriguingly titled HIStolee, which was held simultaneously withMichael Jackson's HIStory concert in Parañaque City more than adecade ago. There have been many other high-profile outings since,including last year's kick-ass Lee Almighty (after Jim Carrey's BruceAlmighty) with internationally acclaimed Filipino visual artist andformer UP classmate Manuel Ocampo.Opening the year at Finale Art Gallery in SM Megamall, Lee goes soloagain with MonayLeeSa, which obviously alludes to Leonardo da Vinci'smasterpiece. Lee explores in 36 oil paintings the various aspects ofbeing -- oh, well, Romeo Lee.Mallrats passing by the gallery can't help but notice the new versionof da Vinci's mysterious lady. Students, especially those majoring infine arts, can be seen entering the gallery and immediately gigglingover Lee's paintings. Not that they found them ridiculous but it'sthe kind of glee that only Lee can provide to the young through hisworks.Most noticeable among the works is Sadako Ini, whose subject is takenfrom a character in the Japanese classic horror flick The Ring. Leemanaged to mix the image of da Vinci's lady and Sadako, giving it aVisayan twist. Another is titled Twitty in the Big City, which hasdictator Adolf Hitler being "sucked" by a bird.There are many versions of MonayLeeSa but more conspicuous is the onetitled MonayLeeSa (backview), where the "model's" back is, indeed,depicted with details of the skull, blood vessels, brain section andanything you might see in a head autopsy. More self-explanatorymasterpieces include Lee Chon (after roasted pig), Oil Lee andHealthy Options (after that popular store of all-natural healthproducts).There is an intriguing small painting called NTTHBDIWNHTBDA. It hasnothing to do with texting lingo or a military code that can startanother spectacle at Edsa, but it actually suggests Lee's message tothe legion of fence-sitters in the art world, especially thepretentious lot whose only achievement is having a bloodstreamconsistently saturated with cannabis, nicotine and alcohol, theirhair deliberately grown long and unkempt for all the chicks -- andart critics -- to gush over what is nothing more than an "artist ako,pare" façade.But we're not giving out what those letters mean but you can find outby going to Finale Art Gallery and check out MonayLeeSa, which runsuntil January 18. Because some of the aforementioned pieces are soldalready, Lee promises to include more new paintings -- which, as ofthis writing, are still being conceptualized in his fertile mind.Please send your comments or feedback to newsfeedback@a...TODAY
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Lost Grounds
Lost Grounds
The loss is more than a loss of destination for adventure lovers. It is a take on centuries of time, resources and worst of all lives. It is a deprivation not only of the affected communities but also of the whole nation.
Polilio, Infanta, Real in Quezon and Dingalan, Gabaldon, Baler in Aurora by land seem worlds' apart. To get to Polilio, you take the Rizal, Laguna route entering Siniloan. Gateway to Gabaldon and Baler is Bulacan and Nueva Ecija just way off Cabanatuan. Looking at the Luzon map, both places are at the east coast of the Philippines connected by the Sierra Madre range and the Pacific Ocean. Linked to Infanta and Baler farther North is Palanan Isabela but little is known about the place as it is not accessible by land. (This may be just the last frontier.)
Once upon a time, both places are alternative destinations to the highly commercialized and populated beaches of Batangas, Cavite and Zambales. In the 90's Quezon and Aurora fit the Lonely Planet's character of a travel adventure: remote, exotic, natural and still accessible.
Then, only trucks, 4X4s can bring you to the east coast. Reaching the ocean takes hours of bumpy ride if not days. With the road infrastructure initiated by the government in the mid 90's, these places have become accessible via almost any type of vehicle. Real has become the favorite of cyclists and motored bikers and trike riders. Baler became popular as the surfing capital made popular by Action Asia and Apocalypse Now. Initially I thought these roads were meant to bring the produce of the remote dwellers closer to the center with these eco tourism benefits just trimmings. Only after Yoyong and Winnie did I realize that these roads were meant to speed up the denudation of the forests. Cut trees can easily be transported to the mainstream and out of the country.
Like most outdoor lovers, we received this tragedy with sadness, despair and even helplessness. Once, our pristine playgrounds that give us natural high have now become danger grounds. One is no longer safe. Even a drizzle can now kill. Little did we know that the flash floods that claimed the lives of 6 "excursionists/campers" in Siniloan in November 2000 was just a foreboding of the damage that has been done to our forests; denudation beyond the threshold which will no longer hold the soils and the water.
Seeing the aerial coverage of the news stations and hearing the personal accounts of friends who attempted to trek through broken roads and ridges in mud and water, the message is clear. There are no more resources for us to relish in our lifetime. All have been lost.
We lost our playground. We have fewer destinations to go to. A small price compared to the livelihood and lives lost. And nothing compared to the loss of time and natural resources.
Has our crusading been totally useless? I hope not.
chito.razon 8dec04
sana po nagustuhan niyo ang sinulat ko.
======================
From: Kyamer
Date: Wed Dec 8, 2004 6:29 pm
Subject: Re: [palmc] Lost Grounds
Hey Chits,
Good job! Ang tanong sino ba sa e-group na ito ang active na nag-babasa ng mga literary works mo?
Eh article na sa Trailnotes ang ginawa mo, husay mo talaga. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Kyamer
From: "WARREN"
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 1:52 pm
Subject: Re: Lost Grounds
Well said po mr. chito razon, but its not too late, the focus right now has shifted to our so called playgrounds, its time for us to step-up,
From: john fortes
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 11:25 am
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
Chito,
Well said. This represents the voices that were never heard. All along, nature is proving us correct. Dont despair or even give up. For as long that there is a single tree and a single mountaineer standing - hope is not lost.
John
From: Noel Galang
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 12:03 pm
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
that was heartfelt, thanks!
From: ruby egido
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 12:10 pm
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
right sir, as long as there are seedlings to plant our mountains, we mountaineers are here will extend our helping hand.
From: marilet dalde
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 5:18 pm
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Re: Lost Grounds
no time should be wasted, no time for the arguments who's to blame, let us act now.
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2004 09:21:28 +0800
From: Rosendo COMPETENTE
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
tochs, nagustuhan ko po ang sinulat nyo.
sayang nga, dahil di pa ako nakapasyal sa real, infanta at dingalan.
btw, kayo rin po ba si tochsr@gmail.com?
rgds,
dong
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 06:14:55 -0800 (PST)
From: roy manarez
Subject: NAGUSTUHAN KO
To: tochs@pacific.net.ph
Sir Chito,
Hi! Kumusta na? Nagustuhan ko ang email message mo dahil nakikita ko. Nagustuhan ko dahil totoo. Ewan ko ba kung kailan magigising ang mga tao sa paanan ng bundok at govt. natin.
Baliwala na ang bundok na malapit sa Manila. Doon na sila napunta sa malayo. Wala ng clean up at tree planting. Meron man, mas malaki pa rin ang illegal logging at mas malakas pa rin ang govt.
See you sa March 2005.
Keep in touch.
================
Go East, Surf and Trek in Baler Aurora Oct 1998
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/4033/art22.html
Go East May 1997
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/4033/art5.html
The loss is more than a loss of destination for adventure lovers. It is a take on centuries of time, resources and worst of all lives. It is a deprivation not only of the affected communities but also of the whole nation.
Polilio, Infanta, Real in Quezon and Dingalan, Gabaldon, Baler in Aurora by land seem worlds' apart. To get to Polilio, you take the Rizal, Laguna route entering Siniloan. Gateway to Gabaldon and Baler is Bulacan and Nueva Ecija just way off Cabanatuan. Looking at the Luzon map, both places are at the east coast of the Philippines connected by the Sierra Madre range and the Pacific Ocean. Linked to Infanta and Baler farther North is Palanan Isabela but little is known about the place as it is not accessible by land. (This may be just the last frontier.)
Once upon a time, both places are alternative destinations to the highly commercialized and populated beaches of Batangas, Cavite and Zambales. In the 90's Quezon and Aurora fit the Lonely Planet's character of a travel adventure: remote, exotic, natural and still accessible.
Then, only trucks, 4X4s can bring you to the east coast. Reaching the ocean takes hours of bumpy ride if not days. With the road infrastructure initiated by the government in the mid 90's, these places have become accessible via almost any type of vehicle. Real has become the favorite of cyclists and motored bikers and trike riders. Baler became popular as the surfing capital made popular by Action Asia and Apocalypse Now. Initially I thought these roads were meant to bring the produce of the remote dwellers closer to the center with these eco tourism benefits just trimmings. Only after Yoyong and Winnie did I realize that these roads were meant to speed up the denudation of the forests. Cut trees can easily be transported to the mainstream and out of the country.
Like most outdoor lovers, we received this tragedy with sadness, despair and even helplessness. Once, our pristine playgrounds that give us natural high have now become danger grounds. One is no longer safe. Even a drizzle can now kill. Little did we know that the flash floods that claimed the lives of 6 "excursionists/campers" in Siniloan in November 2000 was just a foreboding of the damage that has been done to our forests; denudation beyond the threshold which will no longer hold the soils and the water.
Seeing the aerial coverage of the news stations and hearing the personal accounts of friends who attempted to trek through broken roads and ridges in mud and water, the message is clear. There are no more resources for us to relish in our lifetime. All have been lost.
We lost our playground. We have fewer destinations to go to. A small price compared to the livelihood and lives lost. And nothing compared to the loss of time and natural resources.
Has our crusading been totally useless? I hope not.
chito.razon 8dec04
sana po nagustuhan niyo ang sinulat ko.
======================
From: Kyamer
Date: Wed Dec 8, 2004 6:29 pm
Subject: Re: [palmc] Lost Grounds
Hey Chits,
Good job! Ang tanong sino ba sa e-group na ito ang active na nag-babasa ng mga literary works mo?
Eh article na sa Trailnotes ang ginawa mo, husay mo talaga. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Kyamer
From: "WARREN"
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 1:52 pm
Subject: Re: Lost Grounds
Well said po mr. chito razon, but its not too late, the focus right now has shifted to our so called playgrounds, its time for us to step-up,
From: john fortes
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 11:25 am
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
Chito,
Well said. This represents the voices that were never heard. All along, nature is proving us correct. Dont despair or even give up. For as long that there is a single tree and a single mountaineer standing - hope is not lost.
John
From: Noel Galang
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 12:03 pm
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
that was heartfelt, thanks!
From: ruby egido
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 12:10 pm
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
right sir, as long as there are seedlings to plant our mountains, we mountaineers are here will extend our helping hand.
From: marilet dalde
Date: Thu Dec 9, 2004 5:18 pm
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Re: Lost Grounds
no time should be wasted, no time for the arguments who's to blame, let us act now.
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2004 09:21:28 +0800
From: Rosendo COMPETENTE
Subject: Re: [mfpi] Lost Grounds
tochs, nagustuhan ko po ang sinulat nyo.
sayang nga, dahil di pa ako nakapasyal sa real, infanta at dingalan.
btw, kayo rin po ba si tochsr@gmail.com?
rgds,
dong
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 06:14:55 -0800 (PST)
From: roy manarez
Subject: NAGUSTUHAN KO
To: tochs@pacific.net.ph
Sir Chito,
Hi! Kumusta na? Nagustuhan ko ang email message mo dahil nakikita ko. Nagustuhan ko dahil totoo. Ewan ko ba kung kailan magigising ang mga tao sa paanan ng bundok at govt. natin.
Baliwala na ang bundok na malapit sa Manila. Doon na sila napunta sa malayo. Wala ng clean up at tree planting. Meron man, mas malaki pa rin ang illegal logging at mas malakas pa rin ang govt.
See you sa March 2005.
Keep in touch.
================
Go East, Surf and Trek in Baler Aurora Oct 1998
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/4033/art22.html
Go East May 1997
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/4033/art5.html
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Philippine Mountains Stamps June 2003
Philippine Mountain Stamps issued 2 June 2003 by Postmaster General Diomedio P. Villanueva
Philatetic Bulletin June 2003
Philatelic Bulletin from the Philippine Postal Corporation dated 2 June 2003
Philippine Mountain June 2003
Philippine Mountain P24.00 Souvenir Sheet Issued 16 June 2003 40mm x 30mm
Mt. Guiting Guiting Stamp Oct 2002
Mt. Guiting Guiting P22.00 PhilPost Souvenir Sheet 95mm x 70mm Issued 24 October 2002
Philippine Mountains Commemorated in Stamps. Who Noticed?
In 24 October 2002, as the world was busy celebrating the International Year of the Mountain, little did we know that the Philippine Postal Corporation commemorated the event with a souvenir sheet stamp. Stamp featured Mt. Guiting Guiting valued at P 22.00 per stamp. The 95mm x 70mm sheet was designed by Alfredo delos Santos and printed by Amstar Company, Inc. It was printed via Litho-Offset 4 color process.
In the Philatelic Bulletin issued by the Postmaster General Nicasio P. Rodriquez, Jr, it cites “Mt. Guiting Guiting rises 2,058 meters above sea level. Located at Marigondon, Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Mt. Guiting Guiting is probably the only remaining mountain in the country today to boast of a complete habitat at the slope.
Derived from the local term meaning “saw-tooth,” Mt. Guiting Guiting is noted for its spectacular panoramic scenery and varied wildlife. It has also some to known as an enchanting center of biodiversity. Thus, the attributes of Mt. Guiting Guiting are perfect complements to the objective and vision of the United Nations’ Year of the Mountains. And this is our country’s share in the conservation of the mountain’s natural habitat and the preservation of our remaining forestlands.”
These stamps and Official First Day covers were made available starting 24 October 2002 at the Philatelic Division, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila and all Regional Offices of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
2 June 2003, as part of the Philposts continuing information drive on Philippine Mountains, it issued a set of topical stamps and souvenir sheets featuring Mt. Makiling, Mt.Kanlaon, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Mating-oy in Kalinga, Mt. Iraya in Batanes, Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur, del Norte and Cotobato and Mt. Sto Tomas in Benquet. 12,500 copies of the souvenir sheets with a denomination of P 24.00 were produced 200,000 of the various series of Philippine Mountains at P 6.00. First day of issue was 16 June 2003, last day of issue or as stocks allow was on 16 September 2003. Postmaster Diomedia P. Villanueva released the Philatelic Bulletin.
To the advocates of mountain preservation, this feature by the Philpost is significant as it puts the mountains in philatelic; the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps. Stamps tell stories and chronicle events. In years to come, when the future trekkers look back at the past, they will discover that our mountains once upon a time had an imprint in stamps as part of our history of Philippine resources. As our post office moves an estimated annual mail of 2 million, the limited run of 12,500 perforated sheets would have reached a total of .63% letter senders and hopefully awed by the beauty of Mt. Guiting Guiting and our other mountains.
-tochs 27Nov2004
-Thanks to Aling Nita of Door 203 of the Philatelic Division who kindly accommodated my requests on a Saturday afternoon enlightening me on the value of Philatelic.
-If you wish to receive a copy of the commemorative stamp, send me a private mail (tochs@excite.com) stating your postal address. Include your Zip Code to facilitate speedier processing. (Limited issuance only).
-Support the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC). It establishes, operates and maintains post offices and provides safe, fast, reliable and efficient postal services in the country. Last 5 November 2004, the PPC is now 106 years old.
-------------
Stamp prices as sold in the post office:
Guiting Guiting Commemorative Sheet P 22.00
Philippine Mountains Commemorative Sheet P 24.00
Philippine Mountains Topical Stamps P 96.00
Philippine Waterfalls Topical Stamps P 96.00
Other references on how the stamps look:
http://www.manila-galleon.com/philphilat/philpost/2003/page35html
http://www.geo.uw.edu.pl/HOBBY/STAMP/MOUNT/pilipinas.htm
http://www.manila-galleon.com/philphilat/philpost/2003/page21.html
In the Philatelic Bulletin issued by the Postmaster General Nicasio P. Rodriquez, Jr, it cites “Mt. Guiting Guiting rises 2,058 meters above sea level. Located at Marigondon, Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Mt. Guiting Guiting is probably the only remaining mountain in the country today to boast of a complete habitat at the slope.
Derived from the local term meaning “saw-tooth,” Mt. Guiting Guiting is noted for its spectacular panoramic scenery and varied wildlife. It has also some to known as an enchanting center of biodiversity. Thus, the attributes of Mt. Guiting Guiting are perfect complements to the objective and vision of the United Nations’ Year of the Mountains. And this is our country’s share in the conservation of the mountain’s natural habitat and the preservation of our remaining forestlands.”
These stamps and Official First Day covers were made available starting 24 October 2002 at the Philatelic Division, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila and all Regional Offices of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
2 June 2003, as part of the Philposts continuing information drive on Philippine Mountains, it issued a set of topical stamps and souvenir sheets featuring Mt. Makiling, Mt.Kanlaon, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Mating-oy in Kalinga, Mt. Iraya in Batanes, Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur, del Norte and Cotobato and Mt. Sto Tomas in Benquet. 12,500 copies of the souvenir sheets with a denomination of P 24.00 were produced 200,000 of the various series of Philippine Mountains at P 6.00. First day of issue was 16 June 2003, last day of issue or as stocks allow was on 16 September 2003. Postmaster Diomedia P. Villanueva released the Philatelic Bulletin.
To the advocates of mountain preservation, this feature by the Philpost is significant as it puts the mountains in philatelic; the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps. Stamps tell stories and chronicle events. In years to come, when the future trekkers look back at the past, they will discover that our mountains once upon a time had an imprint in stamps as part of our history of Philippine resources. As our post office moves an estimated annual mail of 2 million, the limited run of 12,500 perforated sheets would have reached a total of .63% letter senders and hopefully awed by the beauty of Mt. Guiting Guiting and our other mountains.
-tochs 27Nov2004
-Thanks to Aling Nita of Door 203 of the Philatelic Division who kindly accommodated my requests on a Saturday afternoon enlightening me on the value of Philatelic.
-If you wish to receive a copy of the commemorative stamp, send me a private mail (tochs@excite.com) stating your postal address. Include your Zip Code to facilitate speedier processing. (Limited issuance only).
-Support the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC). It establishes, operates and maintains post offices and provides safe, fast, reliable and efficient postal services in the country. Last 5 November 2004, the PPC is now 106 years old.
-------------
Stamp prices as sold in the post office:
Guiting Guiting Commemorative Sheet P 22.00
Philippine Mountains Commemorative Sheet P 24.00
Philippine Mountains Topical Stamps P 96.00
Philippine Waterfalls Topical Stamps P 96.00
Other references on how the stamps look:
http://www.manila-galleon.com/philphilat/philpost/2003/page35html
http://www.geo.uw.edu.pl/HOBBY/STAMP/MOUNT/pilipinas.htm
http://www.manila-galleon.com/philphilat/philpost/2003/page21.html
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Remembering and Reminding of Our Mortality
Nature claims. Skilled or unskilled. We are reminded that man is mortal and is no contest to the elements. In engaging in this adventure, he struggles against man, himself and nature, most of the times succeeding, in some instances, succumbing. This November, we remember those who lost their lives in the mountains. From the Chapel of Remembrance of the Sacred Space, I spotted this prayer . . .
We thank you, God, for our loved ones who were dear to us and who have now been taken from us. We thank you for the friendship that went out from them, and the peace they brought. We thank you that through suffering they learned obedience.
We pray that nothing of their life will be lost, but that it will be of benefit to others; that all that they held sacred may be respected by those who follow them, and that everything in which they were great may continue to mean much to us now that they are dead. We ask you that they may go on living in those whom they loved, in their hearts and minds, their courage and their conscience.
We shall go on living without them. We ask you then, that they, living with you, may watch over us and intercede for us. Keeping our eyes fixed on the cross of Jesus Christ, we say in groping faith that this is not the end, that our God is a God of the living.
http://www.sacredspace.ie/?lang=en#advice
================
May 1985 Rene Reyes Abel Beltran, Kit Rivera Lorna Partosa Mt. Guiting-Guiting
The UPM hosts MFPI"s annual federation climb, with Mt. Halcon as the chosen site. Soon after, the residents of Mindoro tap the UPM to help them establish the Halcon Mountaineers Halms ). This year is also remembered due to a great tragedy. Four members, including Rene Reyes and Abel Beltran, are drowned in a freak flash flood on Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Today, the UPM organizes annual climbs up Guiting-Guiting in memory of the four members it lost
http://www.upmountaineers.org.ph/article_mountains.html
October 1994 Neptali Lazaro Mt. Halcon A death on Mt. Halcon
Lifted by MESAU from the Action Asia Magazine
The young hiker stared into the mid-distance without seeing, then his eyes rolled back and the trail guide knew he was dead. This was his first mountain climb, and tragically, his last. He was the victim of a walking expedition of monumental misfortune.
On October 19 last year, 27 climbers from four different universities in the Philippines met at the base of their country's third-tallest mountain and embarked on a trek that promised to be a bracing and uplifting outdoors experience.
Little did they know that what awaited them instead was a week of hardship and pain, as a fierce typhoon produced pelting rain, flash floods, winds that reportedly approached 150 kph. and mini landslides - a combination of elements that would turn their hike into an ordeal.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/7933/halcon.htm
Nov 6 2000 Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan Buriwisan Falls
Anim namang mountaineers ang nalunod nang sila ay tumawid sa isang ilog sa Siniloan. Ang mga ito ay ang mga taga-Maynilang sina Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan.
http://www.newsflash.org/2000/11/ht/ht001323.htm
April 2002 Anthony Sibayan Masoc Vizcaya Mountaineer dies in Vizcaya adventure race
Posted: 5:16 AM (Manila Time) Apr. 23, 2002
By Ben Moses Ebreo
Inquirer News Service
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - A participant in a mountaineering congress here died after participating in one of the event's activities on Saturday. Officials of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) and organizers of the 1st Mountaineering Congress here identified the victim as Anthony Sibayan of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association in Sagada, Mt. Province.
Reports said Sibayan was found by participating bikers before noon Saturday lying unconscious on a bridge in Sitio Barobbob here. Sibayan reportedly finished the race and reached the MFPI base camp in Barangay Masoc here but decided to return to a trail to retrieve a rock he left behind for the adventure race. "The rock was supposed to be returned to the base camp after kicking it down while biking. He might have thought that his participation will be jeopardized if he returned without the rock," said one of the participants.
Sibayan was taken to the Veterans Regional Hospital here but doctors failed to revive him at 3 p.m. Saturday.
According to congress participants, Sibayan and his brother Simeon and colleagues from Sagada, arrived at the base camp on Saturday dawn.
Reports said Sibayan immediately participated in the adventure race, called "Takbo-Lakad (Run-Walk)," held that morning. A check with the MFPI registration center showed that Sibayan failed to register but was able to sign a waiver showing that he would accept the risks of the events that he would participate in.
Congress registration personnel said it was Sibayan's brother, Simeon, who officially registered.
Dr. Joselito Gonzales of the Rescue 933, a group of volunteer first aid administrators at the base camp, said Sibayan had low blood sugar when brought to their tent.
But quoting doctors' findings at the VRH, Gonzales said Sibayan's death was due to cerebral edema or swelling of the brain due to alcohol.
"He was in a coma when he was brought to our tent. We smelled alcohol," he said. MFPI officials shouldered Sibayan's burial and transportation expenses. His remains were taken to Sagada at 10 p.m. Saturday.
http://www.inq7.net/reg/2002/apr/23/reg_5-1.htm
November 2004 Prana Escalante Mt. Halcon Missing mountaineer found dead on Mt. Halcon
Updated 09:04am (Mla time) Nov 11, 2004
By Joel Francis Guinto INQ7.net
MANGYAN natives on Thursday found the remains of a female mountaineer, who had been missing since climbing Mt. Halcon in Oriental Mindoro province early this month, a spokesman for the Philippine Air Force told INQ7.net.
Prana Escalante's remains were found wearing only her underwear, Major Restituto Padilla said.
Her belongings were also missing.
Padilla could not immediately confirm the cause of Escalante's death and why she was nearly naked in the forest.
"We no longer had leads in our search but the Mangyans pressed on,"Padilla said.
The Air Force called off its search for Escalante early Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Escalante, a graduating nursing student at the University of Santo Tomas, reportedly got lost while trying to catch up with her companions who went ahead in a climb to Mt. Halcon on October 29.
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=17212
Ronnel Lim of Ped Xing on Prana http://ronnel.blogspot.com/2004/11/prana-escalante-21-prana-escalante.html
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Two mountaineers found dead, another still missing
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: Two mountaineers from the AMCI Mountaineering Club Incorporated died here Sunday afternoon after they were swept away by strong current while crossing a creek in Barangay Pundakit.
Another mountaineer is still the subject of rescue operation of authorities.
Police authorithies from the San Antonio Police Station identified the fatalities as Joseph Felarca and Jhoana Pimentel while Thaddeus Reantaso is still missing.
Initial reports said the three victims together with nine other mountaineers, identified as Kimberly San Juan, Teejay Sakuma, Suzette Santiago, Jospeh Faulve, Marris Zapanta, Virgilio Zapanta, Lean Villongco, Boji Forcadela and Robert Joseph Torres, who were found by residents at the side of the Mount Pundakit creek on Saturday. The group was forced to go down Sunday due to Typhoon Frank.
In San Marcelino, Mayor Jose Rodriguez told The Manila Times that a road leading to Barangay Rizal of this town was swept away by strong current.
He also told The Times that Felarca the mountaineer who died Sunday was his cousin. In San Narciso, Barangay Alusiis, strong rains brought by Typhoon Frank flooded the one-kilometer highway making it impassable to light vehicles.
The rest of the province according to Gov. Amor Deloso of Zambales was pretty calm aside from usual flood in residential areas. Meanwhile in Olongapo City, a man died after he drowned along the beachfront of Barangay Barretto.
Olongapo City police director, Senior Supt. Abelardo Villacorta identified the victims as Ernesto de la Cruz, 24 of Roosevelt, Bataan.
Initial investigation said de la Cruz together with a certain Jorge Custudio was having a drinking spree at Barangay Barretto when they decided to jump over Pier B of the said barangay.
-- Anthony Bayarong
http://archives.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/24/yehey/prov/20080624pro6.html
Related post from Ialman The End of Their Journeys http://ialman.livejournal.com/123401.html
We thank you, God, for our loved ones who were dear to us and who have now been taken from us. We thank you for the friendship that went out from them, and the peace they brought. We thank you that through suffering they learned obedience.
We pray that nothing of their life will be lost, but that it will be of benefit to others; that all that they held sacred may be respected by those who follow them, and that everything in which they were great may continue to mean much to us now that they are dead. We ask you that they may go on living in those whom they loved, in their hearts and minds, their courage and their conscience.
We shall go on living without them. We ask you then, that they, living with you, may watch over us and intercede for us. Keeping our eyes fixed on the cross of Jesus Christ, we say in groping faith that this is not the end, that our God is a God of the living.
http://www.sacredspace.ie/?lang=en#advice
================
May 1985 Rene Reyes Abel Beltran, Kit Rivera Lorna Partosa Mt. Guiting-Guiting
The UPM hosts MFPI"s annual federation climb, with Mt. Halcon as the chosen site. Soon after, the residents of Mindoro tap the UPM to help them establish the Halcon Mountaineers Halms ). This year is also remembered due to a great tragedy. Four members, including Rene Reyes and Abel Beltran, are drowned in a freak flash flood on Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Today, the UPM organizes annual climbs up Guiting-Guiting in memory of the four members it lost
http://www.upmountaineers.org.ph/article_mountains.html
October 1994 Neptali Lazaro Mt. Halcon A death on Mt. Halcon
Lifted by MESAU from the Action Asia Magazine
The young hiker stared into the mid-distance without seeing, then his eyes rolled back and the trail guide knew he was dead. This was his first mountain climb, and tragically, his last. He was the victim of a walking expedition of monumental misfortune.
On October 19 last year, 27 climbers from four different universities in the Philippines met at the base of their country's third-tallest mountain and embarked on a trek that promised to be a bracing and uplifting outdoors experience.
Little did they know that what awaited them instead was a week of hardship and pain, as a fierce typhoon produced pelting rain, flash floods, winds that reportedly approached 150 kph. and mini landslides - a combination of elements that would turn their hike into an ordeal.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/7933/halcon.htm
Nov 6 2000 Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan Buriwisan Falls
Anim namang mountaineers ang nalunod nang sila ay tumawid sa isang ilog sa Siniloan. Ang mga ito ay ang mga taga-Maynilang sina Harold Reyes ng Las Piñas, Edward Lee ng Singalong, Ferdie Eusebio, Ryan Versola, at Rolando Jacob ng Pateros, at Jose dela Cruz ng Bulacan.
http://www.newsflash.org/2000/11/ht/ht001323.htm
April 2002 Anthony Sibayan Masoc Vizcaya Mountaineer dies in Vizcaya adventure race
Posted: 5:16 AM (Manila Time) Apr. 23, 2002
By Ben Moses Ebreo
Inquirer News Service
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - A participant in a mountaineering congress here died after participating in one of the event's activities on Saturday. Officials of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) and organizers of the 1st Mountaineering Congress here identified the victim as Anthony Sibayan of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association in Sagada, Mt. Province.
Reports said Sibayan was found by participating bikers before noon Saturday lying unconscious on a bridge in Sitio Barobbob here. Sibayan reportedly finished the race and reached the MFPI base camp in Barangay Masoc here but decided to return to a trail to retrieve a rock he left behind for the adventure race. "The rock was supposed to be returned to the base camp after kicking it down while biking. He might have thought that his participation will be jeopardized if he returned without the rock," said one of the participants.
Sibayan was taken to the Veterans Regional Hospital here but doctors failed to revive him at 3 p.m. Saturday.
According to congress participants, Sibayan and his brother Simeon and colleagues from Sagada, arrived at the base camp on Saturday dawn.
Reports said Sibayan immediately participated in the adventure race, called "Takbo-Lakad (Run-Walk)," held that morning. A check with the MFPI registration center showed that Sibayan failed to register but was able to sign a waiver showing that he would accept the risks of the events that he would participate in.
Congress registration personnel said it was Sibayan's brother, Simeon, who officially registered.
Dr. Joselito Gonzales of the Rescue 933, a group of volunteer first aid administrators at the base camp, said Sibayan had low blood sugar when brought to their tent.
But quoting doctors' findings at the VRH, Gonzales said Sibayan's death was due to cerebral edema or swelling of the brain due to alcohol.
"He was in a coma when he was brought to our tent. We smelled alcohol," he said. MFPI officials shouldered Sibayan's burial and transportation expenses. His remains were taken to Sagada at 10 p.m. Saturday.
http://www.inq7.net/reg/2002/apr/23/reg_5-1.htm
November 2004 Prana Escalante Mt. Halcon Missing mountaineer found dead on Mt. Halcon
Updated 09:04am (Mla time) Nov 11, 2004
By Joel Francis Guinto INQ7.net
MANGYAN natives on Thursday found the remains of a female mountaineer, who had been missing since climbing Mt. Halcon in Oriental Mindoro province early this month, a spokesman for the Philippine Air Force told INQ7.net.
Prana Escalante's remains were found wearing only her underwear, Major Restituto Padilla said.
Her belongings were also missing.
Padilla could not immediately confirm the cause of Escalante's death and why she was nearly naked in the forest.
"We no longer had leads in our search but the Mangyans pressed on,"Padilla said.
The Air Force called off its search for Escalante early Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Escalante, a graduating nursing student at the University of Santo Tomas, reportedly got lost while trying to catch up with her companions who went ahead in a climb to Mt. Halcon on October 29.
http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=17212
Ronnel Lim of Ped Xing on Prana http://ronnel.blogspot.com/2004/11/prana-escalante-21-prana-escalante.html
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Two mountaineers found dead, another still missing
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: Two mountaineers from the AMCI Mountaineering Club Incorporated died here Sunday afternoon after they were swept away by strong current while crossing a creek in Barangay Pundakit.
Another mountaineer is still the subject of rescue operation of authorities.
Police authorithies from the San Antonio Police Station identified the fatalities as Joseph Felarca and Jhoana Pimentel while Thaddeus Reantaso is still missing.
Initial reports said the three victims together with nine other mountaineers, identified as Kimberly San Juan, Teejay Sakuma, Suzette Santiago, Jospeh Faulve, Marris Zapanta, Virgilio Zapanta, Lean Villongco, Boji Forcadela and Robert Joseph Torres, who were found by residents at the side of the Mount Pundakit creek on Saturday. The group was forced to go down Sunday due to Typhoon Frank.
In San Marcelino, Mayor Jose Rodriguez told The Manila Times that a road leading to Barangay Rizal of this town was swept away by strong current.
He also told The Times that Felarca the mountaineer who died Sunday was his cousin. In San Narciso, Barangay Alusiis, strong rains brought by Typhoon Frank flooded the one-kilometer highway making it impassable to light vehicles.
The rest of the province according to Gov. Amor Deloso of Zambales was pretty calm aside from usual flood in residential areas. Meanwhile in Olongapo City, a man died after he drowned along the beachfront of Barangay Barretto.
Olongapo City police director, Senior Supt. Abelardo Villacorta identified the victims as Ernesto de la Cruz, 24 of Roosevelt, Bataan.
Initial investigation said de la Cruz together with a certain Jorge Custudio was having a drinking spree at Barangay Barretto when they decided to jump over Pier B of the said barangay.
-- Anthony Bayarong
http://archives.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/24/yehey/prov/20080624pro6.html
Related post from Ialman The End of Their Journeys http://ialman.livejournal.com/123401.html
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Bonsai
Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.
-Anonymous
Welcome to our small bonsai garden. It may seem that we stay in a big lot to house these collections. As a bonsai is dwarfed and aged, it is possible to place a number of them in such a modest place.
Most of them are Philippine Wild Bonsai, indigenous to the Philippines sourced mainly from Tanay Rizal and Mabacalat Pampanga. An avid Bantigue collector in Villasis Pangasinan sold to me a possession at just the price of the pot. He simply wanted me to have a piece of the unique tree, which he hunted still from the remote island of Fuga. To the professionals, these are just "materials. " To me, they are treasures.
Why the fascination for the tropical wild bonsai? Aside from the aesthetics resulting from the quality of the seed, the aging and the caring, it stands for something. “It is not replaced, it is preserved, maintained, refreshed to give rebirth by grafting and seedling.” Are we talking of just plants here?
Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the (bonsai) plant. Welcome, tuloy po kayo.
My references:
http://www.geocities.com/fredmagdalena/tips.html
http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_prf/2004/aug/11-03.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/7574/philippine.html
John Naka-san's Philosophy on the Art of Bonsai Raising:
"Bonsai is not the result: that comes after. Your enjoyment is what is important."
"It must have philosophy, botany, artistry, human quality behind it to be a bonsai."
"The bonsai is not you working on the tree; you have to have the tree work on."
Main Entry: bon·sai
Pronunciation: (")bOn-'sI, 'bOn-", 'bän-" also 'bän-"zI
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bonsai
Etymology: Japanese, literally, tray planting
: a potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed and trained to an artistic shape by special methods of culture; also : the art of growing such a plant
tochs@excite.com
-Anonymous
Welcome to our small bonsai garden. It may seem that we stay in a big lot to house these collections. As a bonsai is dwarfed and aged, it is possible to place a number of them in such a modest place.
Most of them are Philippine Wild Bonsai, indigenous to the Philippines sourced mainly from Tanay Rizal and Mabacalat Pampanga. An avid Bantigue collector in Villasis Pangasinan sold to me a possession at just the price of the pot. He simply wanted me to have a piece of the unique tree, which he hunted still from the remote island of Fuga. To the professionals, these are just "materials. " To me, they are treasures.
Why the fascination for the tropical wild bonsai? Aside from the aesthetics resulting from the quality of the seed, the aging and the caring, it stands for something. “It is not replaced, it is preserved, maintained, refreshed to give rebirth by grafting and seedling.” Are we talking of just plants here?
Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the (bonsai) plant. Welcome, tuloy po kayo.
My references:
http://www.geocities.com/fredmagdalena/tips.html
http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_prf/2004/aug/11-03.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/7574/philippine.html
John Naka-san's Philosophy on the Art of Bonsai Raising:
"Bonsai is not the result: that comes after. Your enjoyment is what is important."
"It must have philosophy, botany, artistry, human quality behind it to be a bonsai."
"The bonsai is not you working on the tree; you have to have the tree work on."
Main Entry: bon·sai
Pronunciation: (")bOn-'sI, 'bOn-", 'bän-" also 'bän-"zI
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bonsai
Etymology: Japanese, literally, tray planting
: a potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed and trained to an artistic shape by special methods of culture; also : the art of growing such a plant
tochs@excite.com
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Learnings sa Manali Session in India
Learnings sa Manali Session in India (as narrated by a member of the 1st Philippine Team to Everest)
Why am I doing this to myself? For the pride? Or simply to complete because it is there? Now it seems I understood a bit of what Sir Hillary meant. Slightly clearer after Manali, coming from me, a guy who has known only tropics all my life. The drive though continues even if there is no sheer delight yet. For now.
It is fun to be in the company of Pinoy.
Welcome back. The team is fortunate to have Art Valdez supporting them.
-Tochs. first posted in peyups.com and palmc egroups. Sept 2004
- Acclimatization is important. The first few days of the climb is adjusting to the high altitude and environment. The last few days is grappling with vertical climbs and snow. Mabagal na sa umpisal, pabagal na pabagal pa sa ending.
- Training and orientation on alpine climb. How to deal with glaciers, hypothermia, falls, storms, etc. These are new to me. There really is a risk to life. The trainors and the seasoned ones provide guidelines to minimize the dangers.
- Food is different. Not your usual delicious tasting fares but basic staple food with regional influence.
- It is ok be with a porter. No pride involved here. All a climber brings is his personal effect. Yet in alpine climb, it still is a heavy pack.
- No race to the top. You have to pace yourself for the 2-3 week climb.
- It is expensive, very expensive. You rent equipment, you pay your porter, you pay to enter.
- There's no fun. After all the hard work a day, no good food awaiting at the camp dampens the enthusiasm.
- A tropical climber needs a training, weeks to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- The trainors' expertise is their familiarity and their adjusted lung power. There is no better credential than their summiting to the Mt. Everest. After all the orientation, it's a lot of on the job training.
- The Himalayas is a remote place. Places are named for the purposes of identifying landmarks.
- It is quite lonely at the top.
Why am I doing this to myself? For the pride? Or simply to complete because it is there? Now it seems I understood a bit of what Sir Hillary meant. Slightly clearer after Manali, coming from me, a guy who has known only tropics all my life. The drive though continues even if there is no sheer delight yet. For now.
It is fun to be in the company of Pinoy.
Welcome back. The team is fortunate to have Art Valdez supporting them.
-Tochs. first posted in peyups.com and palmc egroups. Sept 2004
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
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