T
Ortigas, Fort and Makati skyline with a surpise appearance of Mt. Arayat
Cathy's Photo Blog on Talim
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Storytelling in Climbing
At the onset, I declared I will not write about the Talim climb which I helped
organize. After all what is telling about a 2½ hour climb to the summit at 436
M ASL, an hour of FX ride from EDSA Central to Binangonan and another hour of
boat ride from the wharf to Janosa.
Nine of us traversed the long stretch of Talim Island from North to South and
crossed the two towns of Binangonan to Cardona trekking through Barangays Janosa
and Lambac with no particular record breaking nor breakthrough moments that
March 4 and 5. Each one spent only about P 150.00 round trip.
I wouldn't I said until I spotted these quotations on storytelling.
Kate Mitchoff (2005), an American librarian suggests from the quote
"Storytelling is humanity's oldest form of literacy." that each human is born
with the ability to use verbal communication to teach, explain, and entertain.
The oral description of events, either real or imagined, is the practice of
storytelling.
Storytelling is technically defined as the art of portraying in words, images,
and sounds what has happened in real or imagined events. The oldest forms of
storytelling were oral: spoken words told from one person to another in an
effort to communicate a message or a feeling.
Reynolds Price (Akkadine Press) an author writes that the need to tell and hear
stories is essential after nourishment and before love and shelter. Millions
survive though without love or home but none in silence leading to storytelling.
I will not write about the thrill of trekking on a cool windy weekend nor of the
silence in the summit but the enjoyment of listening to the storytelling at the
socials and during the meals.
Who wouldn't treasure these precious times when Dexter started off the night
with the 7 days of paranormal at Madjas while Larry, Cathy, Errol, Therence,
Mike and Olga were cooking. He with Larry, Dom and Ding were on a special
mission to "feel the forces" of nature in Antique with a psychic and a medium
looking for a missing climber. He narrated the first two days of the journey
citing the fairies and the dwarfs in animated body language until the story
abruptly ended with the indoctrination of a revolutionary group.
He then followed it up with another first hand experience of the most recent
search and rescue operations at St. Bernard Leyte turning a tragic moment into a
light talk. Revealing anecdotes were detailed citing incidences like imported
sniffing dogs can only detect life forms only within 3 meters from the surface
and only for 30 minutes and the Taiwanese needing total silence when they
operate their sensors to detect life forms below the soil. Americans on the
other hand came with a fully backed up Logistics from air support to a well
balanced food supply whereas our very own Armed Forces do not even have bottled
water at hand. He showed admiration for the Baguio miners who can
systematically dig up long tunnels in hours. Stories were punctuated by
unexplainable behaviors of volunteers under the influence and highly dramatic
and sensational reports of internationally exposed alpine climber.
Before he gave up the floor for other dominant storytellers as Larry, Mike,
Errol and Cesar, he transported us to Halcon in another search and rescue
operations where he highlighted the dynamics of the various rescue team
operations and the interactions with the local government, the 505th and the
native Mangyans. Instead of feeling sorry for the victim, we took the narration
in stride without the sad feeling.
Our narrator was not really teaching, entertaining nor explaining but partly
doing everything. We the listeners did not care what details were real and
imagined. What mattered was we were so involved with the stories as if we were
there with him. He had the floor because we, too were polite and as Cesar said,
"if there is a bangkero, we do not interrupt, we wait for our turn." Cesar
waited for the next morning to narrate his own story.
Larry had to just inject his chronicle on how in February 2001 he, with Danny,
Bob and Wilbert reached the summit from the East side after our failed first
attempt. Our discovery of Suso was a result of just asking ourselves from Sucat
Expressway what's on top of the island?
While our bangkero shared with us themes that were not ordinary, the rest of us
were equally mesmerized with the short tales happening at the sidelights.
Everyone broke into spontaneous laughter when we recalled if Larry was frying
the bacon with cooking oil when checked by Cathy, or if Therence did not burn
the tapa even with the strict supervision of Errol, or if Mike was not spilling
the boiling water under the guidance of Olga. Cesar's way of story telling the
following morning was not just in words but in love songs that dated back in the
60?s revolving around the subject on what else but relationship. The presence
of Therence was sufficient to trigger a new wave of stories revolving around the
Americans from their food ration and intervention. Discussion led to division
but was amicably settled when Nalgene issuance for volunteers was taken up.
Reaching the peak to these passionate climbers seemed no longer enough. It had
to be capped with a satisfying meal featuring spicy Bicol Express, authentic
pasta and relaxed interesting socials full of stories and liquor. It was the
spontaneity of the story telling of the co climbers that brought the activity to
utmost fulfillment. This Talim traverse had its particular charm brought about
by the beauty of the island, started off with the cheerful FX driver, the
accommodating banca operator, and the hospitable folks of both Janosa Binangonan
and Lambac Cardona and the fine company of affectionate friends. Even as we
closed our adventure, we were treated to an exciting basketball match by the
boys of Lambac while waiting for our banca ride. As we sailed towards Cardona,
the flock of gulls somersaulting for fish for about an hour behind our boat was
an unexpected visual treat. The middle aged jeepney driver that drove us to the
other town of Rizal too had an interesting tale on his collection of heavy metal
loud music.
Like a story which has a beginning and middle, it had to end. The ending was
grand as Danny, a rated tri-athlete hosted lunch and another round of socials in
his neat house in Angono. As our most gracious host, the birthday celebrant
with his wife and brother Junior attended to practically all our needs. The
discussion at the round table that centered on men and women in a relationship
over draft beer, fried itik and pancit is in itself another rich source of
material for another story.
Trekkers make fine storytellers because the experiences they go through in
climbs merit narrating. Each moment is an involvement. For these reasons
alone, they are almost always alive. There certainly is no silence in their
company.
Before I end,
What story will Dexter make again to those he left behind in the city last
weekend?
What story is Cesar making about the rain that delayed our return trip?
What story will Mike report to his office about the cell phone he lost in the
taxi cab?
How do we say thank you to all those who made this event truly a memorable one?
What story will Andrew tell? This we have to hear.
Until the next episode.
Overhead in a typical pre climb assembly,
'Anong dala mo?
'Tent and stove ?dre.
'Ako naman tubig at bigas
'Ayos, sagot ko na ang kwento."
"A need to tell and hear stories is essential to the species Homo sapiens--second in necessity apparently after nourishment and before love and shelter. Millions survive without love or home, almost none in silence; the opposite of silence leads quickly to narrative, and the sound of story is the dominant sound of our lives, from the small accounts of our day's events to the vast incommunicable constructs of psychopaths."
-A Palpable God, (1997) by Reynolds Price (Akkadine Press)
Chito Razon 7 March 2006
M ASL, an hour of FX ride from EDSA Central to Binangonan and another hour of
boat ride from the wharf to Janosa.
Nine of us traversed the long stretch of Talim Island from North to South and
crossed the two towns of Binangonan to Cardona trekking through Barangays Janosa
and Lambac with no particular record breaking nor breakthrough moments that
March 4 and 5. Each one spent only about P 150.00 round trip.
I wouldn't I said until I spotted these quotations on storytelling.
Kate Mitchoff (2005), an American librarian suggests from the quote
"Storytelling is humanity's oldest form of literacy." that each human is born
with the ability to use verbal communication to teach, explain, and entertain.
The oral description of events, either real or imagined, is the practice of
storytelling.
Storytelling is technically defined as the art of portraying in words, images,
and sounds what has happened in real or imagined events. The oldest forms of
storytelling were oral: spoken words told from one person to another in an
effort to communicate a message or a feeling.
Reynolds Price (Akkadine Press) an author writes that the need to tell and hear
stories is essential after nourishment and before love and shelter. Millions
survive though without love or home but none in silence leading to storytelling.
I will not write about the thrill of trekking on a cool windy weekend nor of the
silence in the summit but the enjoyment of listening to the storytelling at the
socials and during the meals.
Who wouldn't treasure these precious times when Dexter started off the night
with the 7 days of paranormal at Madjas while Larry, Cathy, Errol, Therence,
Mike and Olga were cooking. He with Larry, Dom and Ding were on a special
mission to "feel the forces" of nature in Antique with a psychic and a medium
looking for a missing climber. He narrated the first two days of the journey
citing the fairies and the dwarfs in animated body language until the story
abruptly ended with the indoctrination of a revolutionary group.
He then followed it up with another first hand experience of the most recent
search and rescue operations at St. Bernard Leyte turning a tragic moment into a
light talk. Revealing anecdotes were detailed citing incidences like imported
sniffing dogs can only detect life forms only within 3 meters from the surface
and only for 30 minutes and the Taiwanese needing total silence when they
operate their sensors to detect life forms below the soil. Americans on the
other hand came with a fully backed up Logistics from air support to a well
balanced food supply whereas our very own Armed Forces do not even have bottled
water at hand. He showed admiration for the Baguio miners who can
systematically dig up long tunnels in hours. Stories were punctuated by
unexplainable behaviors of volunteers under the influence and highly dramatic
and sensational reports of internationally exposed alpine climber.
Before he gave up the floor for other dominant storytellers as Larry, Mike,
Errol and Cesar, he transported us to Halcon in another search and rescue
operations where he highlighted the dynamics of the various rescue team
operations and the interactions with the local government, the 505th and the
native Mangyans. Instead of feeling sorry for the victim, we took the narration
in stride without the sad feeling.
Our narrator was not really teaching, entertaining nor explaining but partly
doing everything. We the listeners did not care what details were real and
imagined. What mattered was we were so involved with the stories as if we were
there with him. He had the floor because we, too were polite and as Cesar said,
"if there is a bangkero, we do not interrupt, we wait for our turn." Cesar
waited for the next morning to narrate his own story.
Larry had to just inject his chronicle on how in February 2001 he, with Danny,
Bob and Wilbert reached the summit from the East side after our failed first
attempt. Our discovery of Suso was a result of just asking ourselves from Sucat
Expressway what's on top of the island?
While our bangkero shared with us themes that were not ordinary, the rest of us
were equally mesmerized with the short tales happening at the sidelights.
Everyone broke into spontaneous laughter when we recalled if Larry was frying
the bacon with cooking oil when checked by Cathy, or if Therence did not burn
the tapa even with the strict supervision of Errol, or if Mike was not spilling
the boiling water under the guidance of Olga. Cesar's way of story telling the
following morning was not just in words but in love songs that dated back in the
60?s revolving around the subject on what else but relationship. The presence
of Therence was sufficient to trigger a new wave of stories revolving around the
Americans from their food ration and intervention. Discussion led to division
but was amicably settled when Nalgene issuance for volunteers was taken up.
Reaching the peak to these passionate climbers seemed no longer enough. It had
to be capped with a satisfying meal featuring spicy Bicol Express, authentic
pasta and relaxed interesting socials full of stories and liquor. It was the
spontaneity of the story telling of the co climbers that brought the activity to
utmost fulfillment. This Talim traverse had its particular charm brought about
by the beauty of the island, started off with the cheerful FX driver, the
accommodating banca operator, and the hospitable folks of both Janosa Binangonan
and Lambac Cardona and the fine company of affectionate friends. Even as we
closed our adventure, we were treated to an exciting basketball match by the
boys of Lambac while waiting for our banca ride. As we sailed towards Cardona,
the flock of gulls somersaulting for fish for about an hour behind our boat was
an unexpected visual treat. The middle aged jeepney driver that drove us to the
other town of Rizal too had an interesting tale on his collection of heavy metal
loud music.
Like a story which has a beginning and middle, it had to end. The ending was
grand as Danny, a rated tri-athlete hosted lunch and another round of socials in
his neat house in Angono. As our most gracious host, the birthday celebrant
with his wife and brother Junior attended to practically all our needs. The
discussion at the round table that centered on men and women in a relationship
over draft beer, fried itik and pancit is in itself another rich source of
material for another story.
Trekkers make fine storytellers because the experiences they go through in
climbs merit narrating. Each moment is an involvement. For these reasons
alone, they are almost always alive. There certainly is no silence in their
company.
Before I end,
What story will Dexter make again to those he left behind in the city last
weekend?
What story is Cesar making about the rain that delayed our return trip?
What story will Mike report to his office about the cell phone he lost in the
taxi cab?
How do we say thank you to all those who made this event truly a memorable one?
What story will Andrew tell? This we have to hear.
Until the next episode.
Overhead in a typical pre climb assembly,
'Anong dala mo?
'Tent and stove ?dre.
'Ako naman tubig at bigas
'Ayos, sagot ko na ang kwento."
"A need to tell and hear stories is essential to the species Homo sapiens--second in necessity apparently after nourishment and before love and shelter. Millions survive without love or home, almost none in silence; the opposite of silence leads quickly to narrative, and the sound of story is the dominant sound of our lives, from the small accounts of our day's events to the vast incommunicable constructs of psychopaths."
-A Palpable God, (1997) by Reynolds Price (Akkadine Press)
Chito Razon 7 March 2006
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
Bontoc Circuit Trail
Bontoc Circuit Trail
Mr. Banny Hermanos
The Bontoc Circuit Trail (BCT) in Northern Luzon’s Cordillera’s Central mountain range retraces ancestral walking paths linking the Mountain Province’s 7 of the 10 municipal towns. Bontoc, capital town of the Mountain Province is 6-7 hours scenic drive from Baguio City along the newly rehabilitated Halsema Highway. This center of civilization sits right in the crossroads of the Halsema Highway, from Baguio down south to Kalinga up North and the Bontoc-Banaue Road, crossing the mighty Chico River on the east enroute to the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces which is 2-3 hours drive.
Long established even before Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines in 1521, these trails had been the interaction routes of distant tribal illages separated geographically by towering mountain ranges and deep iver valleys. These paths had been witnesses to tribal intermarriages and tribal wars caused by boundary or water disputes that sometimes result in bloody conflicts. “Bodongs” or peace pacts resolving conflicts are also borne on these dirt trails where opposing village elders would hike and meet half-way. Spanish and American colonizers traveled these difficult mountain trails to stamp their influence. Philippine revolutionary soldiers led by President Aguinaldo trekked these trails on horse or on foot to escape pursuing American forces after their historic loss at the Battle of Tirad Pass on the west in December 1899. Masferre lugged heavy photographic equipment up and down these trails from his Sagada home to record in black and white the rugged land, its people and their distinct culture way back in the 30’s.
From the American hill station Baguio, US engineers led by EJ Halsema carved from the rugged landscape in the early 1900’s a mountain trail towards the frontier settlement of Bontoc, long ago center of trade and commerce in the region. With the arrival of automobiles and their network of roads, these ancestral tails slowly faded into misuse and neglect.
Now, raditating out of Bontoc are all-weather dirt roads reaching adjacent towns of Sabangan, Sagada, Sadanga, Barlig and end-of-the-road barangays of Bagnen, Aguid, Mainit, Sacasacan, Anabel. All of these places are regularly serviced by hardy local 4x4 jeepneys or mini-buses within 1-2 hour drive. These points bound the Bontoc Circuit Trail which was retraced for the first time by an organized trekking group Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club (PALMC) last December 2004 and retraced, mapped, GPS plotted and documented again April 2005.
Traversing one-forested mountain ranges and crossing deep river gorges via rickety metal handing bridges, ancestral walking paths are revisited connecting to other end-of-the-road barangay or to a town along the Halsema Highway or to the Bontoc-Banaue Road. This circuit trail delineated by linking Mountain Province’s best eco-tourist spots such as magnificent rice terraces, cool mountain-top lakes, challenging peaks, cascading waterfalls, invigorating hot springs and quaint villages offering rustic accommodations to the recreational trekker took all in all 9 hiking days to complete.
Stringing together towns with existing inns in a drive/hike itinerary, a physically fit BCT visitor even without outdoor equipment may lug day hours on the trail and find shelter at the end of the day at comfortable inns offering hot meals and cozy beds. This is the Philippines’ version of a hut-to-hut trekking route, a popular trek experienced only in the Alps and in the Himalayas. But should you want to rough it out to have a true wilderness experience, the BCT offers the best campsites and away from it all feeling amidst spectacular scenery and rich culture.
With local governments’ support and the community’s involvement, the BCT ensures this cultural treasure to be safe from deterioration and will soon be a model for responsible ecotourism thus giving the local economy a local boost.
“Gawis ay Mountain Province”
Mr. Banny Hemanos. Past President PALMC. BCT 2005 Expedition Leader
2nd PALMC Bontoc Circuit Trail 1-7 April 2006
Acquaint yourself with the rich cultural heritage and the natural wonders of Cordillera range in the 2nd run of the Bontoc Circuit Trail by PALMC in the company of the original exploratory team led by EL Banny Hermanos, Team Leaders Errol Baylon and Dexter Macapagal and local guides endorsed by the local government this 1-7 April 2006.
Starting at Bontoc, two groups will be organized, one directed towards the North from Sadanga to Sagada and the other at the South covering Sabangan to Sagada. The two groups meet midway at the Bontoc Circuit Trail after 5 days at Lake Danum near Sagada for an overnight stay. Activity culminates in Bontoc on 7 April for the Lang-ay Festival organized by the tribal groups and the local government.
From the testimonies of the original exploratory group, Stephen Tan, Errol Baylon, Larry Honoridez, Cesar Banares, Andrew Besinal, Mon Mendoza, Joshua Vizcarra, Jo Ramos, highlights of the trek to look forward to are:
Lowest point is at the Chico River at 750 M ASL while the highest is the Siblaw-Talaw at 2,400 M ASL
In a place rich with cultural heritage, live with the fact that there will be surprises along the way like waste treatment, source of water, stray animals, food and interfacing with the mountain settlers.
Join the 2nd run of the Bontoc Circuit Trail. Pre climb is scheduled on 15 March 7 PM at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura corner Adriatico St. Manila. Group departs for Baguio on 31 March PM. For more information call Banny Hermanos, Dexter Macapagal and at the PALMC Office Fabie Espino or John Fortes at 536 4246/ 526 2533.
To accommodate those who expressed interest to join the experience, this will be an open climb. Enlist early as the expedition is limited only to what the public transpo can take.
-Chito Razon 2 March 2006
Read Ramon's B. account of the North Trek at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-n11wHlsjeqRem8BECrA-?cq=1 Log in is required.
Mr. Banny Hermanos
 |
| Batad terrace photo courtesy of Banny Hermanos, EL Writer |
Long established even before Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines in 1521, these trails had been the interaction routes of distant tribal illages separated geographically by towering mountain ranges and deep iver valleys. These paths had been witnesses to tribal intermarriages and tribal wars caused by boundary or water disputes that sometimes result in bloody conflicts. “Bodongs” or peace pacts resolving conflicts are also borne on these dirt trails where opposing village elders would hike and meet half-way. Spanish and American colonizers traveled these difficult mountain trails to stamp their influence. Philippine revolutionary soldiers led by President Aguinaldo trekked these trails on horse or on foot to escape pursuing American forces after their historic loss at the Battle of Tirad Pass on the west in December 1899. Masferre lugged heavy photographic equipment up and down these trails from his Sagada home to record in black and white the rugged land, its people and their distinct culture way back in the 30’s.
From the American hill station Baguio, US engineers led by EJ Halsema carved from the rugged landscape in the early 1900’s a mountain trail towards the frontier settlement of Bontoc, long ago center of trade and commerce in the region. With the arrival of automobiles and their network of roads, these ancestral tails slowly faded into misuse and neglect.
Traversing one-forested mountain ranges and crossing deep river gorges via rickety metal handing bridges, ancestral walking paths are revisited connecting to other end-of-the-road barangay or to a town along the Halsema Highway or to the Bontoc-Banaue Road. This circuit trail delineated by linking Mountain Province’s best eco-tourist spots such as magnificent rice terraces, cool mountain-top lakes, challenging peaks, cascading waterfalls, invigorating hot springs and quaint villages offering rustic accommodations to the recreational trekker took all in all 9 hiking days to complete.
Stringing together towns with existing inns in a drive/hike itinerary, a physically fit BCT visitor even without outdoor equipment may lug day hours on the trail and find shelter at the end of the day at comfortable inns offering hot meals and cozy beds. This is the Philippines’ version of a hut-to-hut trekking route, a popular trek experienced only in the Alps and in the Himalayas. But should you want to rough it out to have a true wilderness experience, the BCT offers the best campsites and away from it all feeling amidst spectacular scenery and rich culture.
With local governments’ support and the community’s involvement, the BCT ensures this cultural treasure to be safe from deterioration and will soon be a model for responsible ecotourism thus giving the local economy a local boost.
“Gawis ay Mountain Province”
Mr. Banny Hemanos. Past President PALMC. BCT 2005 Expedition Leader
2nd PALMC Bontoc Circuit Trail 1-7 April 2006
 |
| Anabel. Taken by Banny |
Acquaint yourself with the rich cultural heritage and the natural wonders of Cordillera range in the 2nd run of the Bontoc Circuit Trail by PALMC in the company of the original exploratory team led by EL Banny Hermanos, Team Leaders Errol Baylon and Dexter Macapagal and local guides endorsed by the local government this 1-7 April 2006.
Starting at Bontoc, two groups will be organized, one directed towards the North from Sadanga to Sagada and the other at the South covering Sabangan to Sagada. The two groups meet midway at the Bontoc Circuit Trail after 5 days at Lake Danum near Sagada for an overnight stay. Activity culminates in Bontoc on 7 April for the Lang-ay Festival organized by the tribal groups and the local government.
From the testimonies of the original exploratory group, Stephen Tan, Errol Baylon, Larry Honoridez, Cesar Banares, Andrew Besinal, Mon Mendoza, Joshua Vizcarra, Jo Ramos, highlights of the trek to look forward to are:
Lowest point is at the Chico River at 750 M ASL while the highest is the Siblaw-Talaw at 2,400 M ASL
- Most difficult to negotiate are the ascent to Balintaugan and the descent to Anabel.
- Most fun is the ridge trail from Mt. Datacan to Lake Danum.
- Trail referred to as with historical significance was the Lingoy Settlement which was set up in 1921.
- Most indifferent is Mainit where residents are cold to visitors.
- Most recent dispute is the boundary and water dispute between Anabel and Linggoy.
In a place rich with cultural heritage, live with the fact that there will be surprises along the way like waste treatment, source of water, stray animals, food and interfacing with the mountain settlers.Join the 2nd run of the Bontoc Circuit Trail. Pre climb is scheduled on 15 March 7 PM at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura corner Adriatico St. Manila. Group departs for Baguio on 31 March PM. For more information call Banny Hermanos, Dexter Macapagal and at the PALMC Office Fabie Espino or John Fortes at 536 4246/ 526 2533.
To accommodate those who expressed interest to join the experience, this will be an open climb. Enlist early as the expedition is limited only to what the public transpo can take.
-Chito Razon 2 March 2006
Read Ramon's B. account of the North Trek at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-n11wHlsjeqRem8BECrA-?cq=1 Log in is required.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Barangay Naulo Km 256 in Sta Cruz Zambales is a five hour drive from Quezon City. It is a quaint quiet barangay of a town North West of Metro Manila. The last town of Zambales, it is the favorite hangout of those who want recluse and exclusivity.
The dark blue sea and sand complement the long stretch of uninhabited shoreline both in the North and South. You would think that no one inhabits the place except for a handful of fisherman you’d spot at the horizon.
The prize you earn for a long ride to Manila is this idyllic place. Yet it has the convenience of a big rest house, furnished kitchen and master’s bedroom, television and Globe, Smart, Sun signals. What our practical group mates like best is a Pamilihang ng Sta Cruz is just over 10 kilometers away.
Some snapshots of the neighboring town Candelaria, Zambales and the activities this 23 April 2005.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Km 256 in Sta Cruz Zambales
Barangay Naulo Km 256 in Sta Cruz Zambales is a five hour drive from Quezon City. It is a quaint quiet barangay of a town North West of Metro Manila. The last town of Zambales, it is the favorite hangout of those who want recluse and exclusivity.
The dark blue sea and sand complement the long stretch of uninhabited shoreline both in the North and South. You would think that no one inhabits the place except for a handful of fisherman you’d spot at the horizon.
The prize you earn for a long ride to Manila is this idyllic place. Yet it has the convenience of a big rest house, furnished kitchen and master’s bedroom, television and Globe, Smart, Sun signals. What our practical group mates like best is a Pamilihang ng Sta Cruz is just over 10 kilometers away.
Some snapshots of the neighboring town Candelaria, Zambales and the activities this 23 April 2005.
Do we let Elvis finally die? Elvis is alive and recharged!
At the UP Lagoon Dec 9 Friday.
UP MOUNTAINEERS with AVENUE PRODUCTIONS present
ELVIS RECHARGED! a concert to raise awareness about the renewable energy bill.
It intermittently rained that day. Everyone was so busy. Not many volunteers came. Yet there was still fun. This project held every Christmas at the UP Sunken Garden has become an institution for UP and for the mountaineers. It’s kalokohan mixed with kagagohan under the guise of an affordable concert by known and less known rock stars. From the UPM site, Elvis had its first concert in 1993 “1993 The First "Elvis" Concert rocks UP. UPM Hosts MFPI Congress traverse climb on Mt. Banahaw from Dolores to Tayabas. Bridge is destroyed to prevent further trail abuse.”
Romeo ever since produces the Elvis concert to the delight of the UPM. He said in an article at the peyups.com portal on dekada 90’s “Ako na nga lang ang nagtitiyagang mag-organize ng Elvis. Nagbayad pa ako sa generator, di naman nagamit. Dati, may apat kaming kalabaw, ngayon binenta ko na ang dalawa para lang d'yan. Early '90s pa lang, Elvis na 'yan. May t-shirt kasi akong "I've seen Elvis" noon kaya 'yun na. Minsan nagsasawa na 'ko sa pangalang Elvis. Parang gusto ko nang palitan. Joseph Estrada kaya?" maigsi niyang pagmumuni.
This last Elvis was not that good for Romeo. He claimed he lost lots of money because the support did not come and the supporting group suddenly disappeared. He thought at the spur of the moment, “last ko na yata ito.”
Will you guys allow this to happen? Let this event, almost an artifact of Metro Manila climbers end up as history? Hope not. Romeo is holding an art exhibit on 26 Jan at the 4/F of SM Megamall. Should we help him recover?
Chito Razon 26Dec2005
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Reason to Give
Accenture, an IT company based in Makati and Ortigas responded to the call of MFPI for assistance to the bursted dike and flooding victims of Mindoro by raising at least over 50 bags and boxes consisting of 3 25 kilos of rice, at least over 5 cases of instant noodles, several cases of canned goods, clothes, shoes and other items in plastic bags. Goods were systematically collected from their 6 installation offices spread out mostly in the Makati Business District. They were neatly packed and identified for easy distribution. This noble undertaking at Accenture was initiated by their senior officer Mr. Benjie Madolin who is an individual member of the MFPI. A junior employee and a resident of Calapan, Wendell Custodio helped promote the solicitation along with his colleagues Alex Ocampo and other team members.
What they turned over to MFPI needed a dedicated van to transport them all. Their donation filled to capacity a pick up and will most likely need seven tricycles to complete the transfer in the HALMS center in Calapan. To show how dedicated they were, they even manned the turn-over to HALMS early morning of Saturday, a day before Christmas. Alex Ocampo rode on the Roro where the goods were given revenue free transport courtesy of the shipping lines and the local disaster units.
From Wendel and Alex’s accounts, HALMS representatives received the contribution and quickly sorted them out at their center where the bags multiplied a hundred fold. Contributions from other unidentified donors arranged by Mr. Manny Yu have previously been allocated for dispatch earlier.
Truly the recipients of the goods contributed by Accenture and by the other unidentified donors and volunteers will not only get temporary relief but some warm glow this damp Christmas. Through HALMS, the local government units and residents, these goods will not only go along way but will reach to far flung places in Mindoro. We leave it to our Calapan sponsors who know best the needing recipients.
Christmas last year, we were dampened by the flooding in Quezon and Baler. This Christmas, it was Mindoro, Palawan and Bicol. These incidents deliver a powerful message. They remind us that we, living in the comforts of our homes are a blessed lot. It is but proper that we give and help. Still, there is Christmas. Most of us have a lot to be thankful for this season. Maligayang Pasko po!
Chito Razon 24 Dec 2005
* * *
Dear MFPI members and friends,
Over the weekend, we received urgent appeal from Halms for the flood victims of Calapan and Oriental Mindoro. Another downpour of heavy rains submerged these areas even deeper into flood waters.
A total of 1,666 families or 7,878 persons are still staying at the 31 evacuation centers in Calapan City and municipalities of Pola, Victoria and Naujan, 1,292 of whom are children.
We are appealing to all for your generosity during this season of sharing and hope. Due to logistical challenges, we encourage cash donations. However food, medicine, and used clothes are also very welcome. Further, we are also looking for parties who can lend their vehicles to transport these goods from Manila to Batangas City.
Regie Pablo is currently coordinating with Halms, Batangas Backpackers and the different NGO partners of MFPI in this drive. Dodi Principe will be heading the actual relief goods transportation and distribution in Mindoro.
Mark Murcia is in charge of volunteer recruitment and deployment to Mindoro. For now, we are requesting for 10 volunteers who can be deployed on Dec 22 and return by Dec 24. All interested volunteers, please get in touch with Mark via mobile no. 09178414614.
I will be coordinating the relief goods solication and collection. There will be 2 relief goods drop-off centers:
As this is a continuous effort until these areas recover, all parties outside Metro Manila who wish to help may send their support to Unit 2 Ground Floor, Midland Mansions, Benevidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati.
Thank you all!
Manny Yu
What they turned over to MFPI needed a dedicated van to transport them all. Their donation filled to capacity a pick up and will most likely need seven tricycles to complete the transfer in the HALMS center in Calapan. To show how dedicated they were, they even manned the turn-over to HALMS early morning of Saturday, a day before Christmas. Alex Ocampo rode on the Roro where the goods were given revenue free transport courtesy of the shipping lines and the local disaster units.
From Wendel and Alex’s accounts, HALMS representatives received the contribution and quickly sorted them out at their center where the bags multiplied a hundred fold. Contributions from other unidentified donors arranged by Mr. Manny Yu have previously been allocated for dispatch earlier.
Truly the recipients of the goods contributed by Accenture and by the other unidentified donors and volunteers will not only get temporary relief but some warm glow this damp Christmas. Through HALMS, the local government units and residents, these goods will not only go along way but will reach to far flung places in Mindoro. We leave it to our Calapan sponsors who know best the needing recipients.
Christmas last year, we were dampened by the flooding in Quezon and Baler. This Christmas, it was Mindoro, Palawan and Bicol. These incidents deliver a powerful message. They remind us that we, living in the comforts of our homes are a blessed lot. It is but proper that we give and help. Still, there is Christmas. Most of us have a lot to be thankful for this season. Maligayang Pasko po!
Chito Razon 24 Dec 2005
* * *
Dear MFPI members and friends,
Over the weekend, we received urgent appeal from Halms for the flood victims of Calapan and Oriental Mindoro. Another downpour of heavy rains submerged these areas even deeper into flood waters.
A total of 1,666 families or 7,878 persons are still staying at the 31 evacuation centers in Calapan City and municipalities of Pola, Victoria and Naujan, 1,292 of whom are children.
We are appealing to all for your generosity during this season of sharing and hope. Due to logistical challenges, we encourage cash donations. However food, medicine, and used clothes are also very welcome. Further, we are also looking for parties who can lend their vehicles to transport these goods from Manila to Batangas City.
Regie Pablo is currently coordinating with Halms, Batangas Backpackers and the different NGO partners of MFPI in this drive. Dodi Principe will be heading the actual relief goods transportation and distribution in Mindoro.
Mark Murcia is in charge of volunteer recruitment and deployment to Mindoro. For now, we are requesting for 10 volunteers who can be deployed on Dec 22 and return by Dec 24. All interested volunteers, please get in touch with Mark via mobile no. 09178414614.
I will be coordinating the relief goods solication and collection. There will be 2 relief goods drop-off centers:
- Unit 2 Ground Floor, Midland Mansions, Benevidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati. Look for fellow mountaineer, Edison Sismundo.
- We will be at the Pioneer Grill patio area on wednesday/Dec. 21 from 7:00-10:00 pm to accept volunteers and relief goods.
As this is a continuous effort until these areas recover, all parties outside Metro Manila who wish to help may send their support to Unit 2 Ground Floor, Midland Mansions, Benevidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati.
Thank you all!
Manny Yu
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
13 Hours on the Road SLEX
Subject: 13 Hours From Sucat To Bicutan
From: cbrazon@worldtelphil.com
Date: 1997/08/18
Newsgroups: soc.culture.filipino
13 hours. Yes that's how long it took to cross the 4 km stretch from Sucat South Luzon Expressway to Bicutan Monday night when the monsoon rains caused a giant gridlock out of Metro Manila. The rains caught the city and the government flatfooted. DZRH went on special programming. So did DZBB and DZMM. You know when the government is unprepared-there are no politicians on air. Except for MMDA Chairman Prospero Oreta who simply had to say give in to all the requests of the annotator for towing trucks, the traffic brigade and the state of the raincoats and rubber boots-lines he has been saying for the pas days on radio. I heard Mayor Marquez say at 4 a.m. that it was OK to take the Santos Road to the South.
Following morning was devoted to discussion not on how to get us out of the gridlock but on whether there would be classes and offices or not! And which government office is responsible for announcing this when we haven't even gone home yet! Mayor Binay was cold about the whole situation and wouldn't even volunteer his towing trucks.
From the radio broadcast it seemed to me that the South was completely shut off from the metropolis. The coastal road, NAIA road and the SLEX were in a standstill. Traffic in the Expressway was caused by the incessant rains and flooding, the volume of vehicles building up and the buses/ trucks catching up with the light vehicles later in the evening. At SLEX, main blocks were the flooding at the Bicutan interchange, at the Motorola (which settled down early in the morning) Bicutan, Magallanes, Vito Cruz, Quirino and others not reported.
As I moved out of C5 at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and saw the snake of vehicles wanting to get into the South, I pictured their future the next 13 hours. It can be shorter if the rains stop, longer if the government doesn't wake up.
From: cbrazon@worldtelphil.com
Date: 1997/08/18
Newsgroups: soc.culture.filipino
13 hours. Yes that's how long it took to cross the 4 km stretch from Sucat South Luzon Expressway to Bicutan Monday night when the monsoon rains caused a giant gridlock out of Metro Manila. The rains caught the city and the government flatfooted. DZRH went on special programming. So did DZBB and DZMM. You know when the government is unprepared-there are no politicians on air. Except for MMDA Chairman Prospero Oreta who simply had to say give in to all the requests of the annotator for towing trucks, the traffic brigade and the state of the raincoats and rubber boots-lines he has been saying for the pas days on radio. I heard Mayor Marquez say at 4 a.m. that it was OK to take the Santos Road to the South.
Following morning was devoted to discussion not on how to get us out of the gridlock but on whether there would be classes and offices or not! And which government office is responsible for announcing this when we haven't even gone home yet! Mayor Binay was cold about the whole situation and wouldn't even volunteer his towing trucks.
From the radio broadcast it seemed to me that the South was completely shut off from the metropolis. The coastal road, NAIA road and the SLEX were in a standstill. Traffic in the Expressway was caused by the incessant rains and flooding, the volume of vehicles building up and the buses/ trucks catching up with the light vehicles later in the evening. At SLEX, main blocks were the flooding at the Bicutan interchange, at the Motorola (which settled down early in the morning) Bicutan, Magallanes, Vito Cruz, Quirino and others not reported.
As I moved out of C5 at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and saw the snake of vehicles wanting to get into the South, I pictured their future the next 13 hours. It can be shorter if the rains stop, longer if the government doesn't wake up.
Life in Katipunan
Life in Katipunan
Written 19 June 1997
My Katipunan used to be a quiet street that connects U.P to Aurora Blvd.
Now it connects Bulacan to Laguna.
It has become like an EDSA. Worse it is now EDSA with the LRT construction constricting travel in the major thoroughfare.
Crossing the overpass that links Loyola Heights to Blue Ridge used to be a feast for the eyes. The Sierra Madre on the Marikina side steals the attention from the windshield. On a clear day, Mt. Makiling in Laguna is also visible. We have now been denied this, censored by a high wall that almost says, "You are not entitled to this appreciation." Thank you to whoever initiated this project.
Katipunan-C-5's traffic is well managed by MMDA traffic aides, religiously. Even with the volume of vehicles, traffic flows. Innovations like counter flows, closing P. Tuazon crossings; no U-turns are regular occurrences. To a certain extent they yield faster flows. At least you know you'll get to Corinthian without much stress.
But what’s irritating is:
When some big shots stop traffic, violate traffic flows using uniformed men in big motorcycles to push them upfront. Our poor MMDA aides just have to give in to their bullying, while we have to wait.
When the pacing is too slow that blind beggars queuing up for your window also builds up.
When the aides in rare occasions are not in their post unpredictably. Could it be it's their payday? Or some politicians used them for other purposes? Or they simply just gave up? I couldn't see the pattern.
Patient as we are, we just have to surrender to progress. Wait for the newly trees planted at Ateneo to grow and provide the shade in future summers to come. Or savor the end to end of Sta. Maria Della Strada to The Mormon Church in White Plains while they are still there..
19 June 1997
Chito Razon
Written 19 June 1997
My Katipunan used to be a quiet street that connects U.P to Aurora Blvd.
Now it connects Bulacan to Laguna.
It has become like an EDSA. Worse it is now EDSA with the LRT construction constricting travel in the major thoroughfare.
Crossing the overpass that links Loyola Heights to Blue Ridge used to be a feast for the eyes. The Sierra Madre on the Marikina side steals the attention from the windshield. On a clear day, Mt. Makiling in Laguna is also visible. We have now been denied this, censored by a high wall that almost says, "You are not entitled to this appreciation." Thank you to whoever initiated this project.
Katipunan-C-5's traffic is well managed by MMDA traffic aides, religiously. Even with the volume of vehicles, traffic flows. Innovations like counter flows, closing P. Tuazon crossings; no U-turns are regular occurrences. To a certain extent they yield faster flows. At least you know you'll get to Corinthian without much stress.
But what’s irritating is:
When some big shots stop traffic, violate traffic flows using uniformed men in big motorcycles to push them upfront. Our poor MMDA aides just have to give in to their bullying, while we have to wait.
When the pacing is too slow that blind beggars queuing up for your window also builds up.
When the aides in rare occasions are not in their post unpredictably. Could it be it's their payday? Or some politicians used them for other purposes? Or they simply just gave up? I couldn't see the pattern.
Patient as we are, we just have to surrender to progress. Wait for the newly trees planted at Ateneo to grow and provide the shade in future summers to come. Or savor the end to end of Sta. Maria Della Strada to The Mormon Church in White Plains while they are still there..
19 June 1997
Chito Razon
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Pinoy Mountaineer Big Brother Reality Climb
Inspired by Pinoy Big Brother Reality Show over ABS-CBN
Also similar to My Private Eye and Das Experiment
Put together a select group of mountaineers with various orientations and origins in an exotic mountain like Talinis, Halcon, Banahaw or Pulag. Let them camp for 45 days cover them online 24/7 broadcast over Discovery Channel. They are exposed to adverse and challenging situations trekking, rock climbing, river crossing, camping, rappelling, cooking, socializing, drinking, tree planting and other environment friendly undertakings.
There are only three rules:
1. Respect for nature
2. True to one self
3. Survival of the group
An omnipresent leader called Expedition Brother gives out daily tasks and missions for the moment. He could be a past federation president, pioneer club founder or the head of the Mt. Everest team expedition. A web cam follows the trekkers wherever they go day and night including their private moments.
Every other three days, one of them is booted out. Criteria? Least deserving, high risk, not a team player, threat to the environment. The remaining three win an all expense trip for a month stay at the Himalayas plus a promise of international fame. All of them get a Land Rover Discovery 4x4 all terrain sports utility vehicle.
Who could be nominated? MFPI club members, MMS, Pinoyclimbers, PALMC egroups subscribers, Visayas, Mindanao, Cordilleras mountaineers, member of the Everest Team and other pioneer clubs in the Philippines. For added excitement, Singaporean, Malaysian and Sherpas can be invited.
What situation can the Expedition Brother give? And if there are sanctions, they could be like cook for all fetch water, sweep, and install bolts and hangers on new walls, set up the camp for the community, chronicle all daily activities, chart our compass courses, bring down trash, clean up.
How’s that for a new topic for our climbing socials. Any other wild ideas?
-tochs 30 August 2005
Also similar to My Private Eye and Das Experiment
Put together a select group of mountaineers with various orientations and origins in an exotic mountain like Talinis, Halcon, Banahaw or Pulag. Let them camp for 45 days cover them online 24/7 broadcast over Discovery Channel. They are exposed to adverse and challenging situations trekking, rock climbing, river crossing, camping, rappelling, cooking, socializing, drinking, tree planting and other environment friendly undertakings.
There are only three rules:
1. Respect for nature
2. True to one self
3. Survival of the group
An omnipresent leader called Expedition Brother gives out daily tasks and missions for the moment. He could be a past federation president, pioneer club founder or the head of the Mt. Everest team expedition. A web cam follows the trekkers wherever they go day and night including their private moments.
Every other three days, one of them is booted out. Criteria? Least deserving, high risk, not a team player, threat to the environment. The remaining three win an all expense trip for a month stay at the Himalayas plus a promise of international fame. All of them get a Land Rover Discovery 4x4 all terrain sports utility vehicle.
Who could be nominated? MFPI club members, MMS, Pinoyclimbers, PALMC egroups subscribers, Visayas, Mindanao, Cordilleras mountaineers, member of the Everest Team and other pioneer clubs in the Philippines. For added excitement, Singaporean, Malaysian and Sherpas can be invited.
What situation can the Expedition Brother give? And if there are sanctions, they could be like cook for all fetch water, sweep, and install bolts and hangers on new walls, set up the camp for the community, chronicle all daily activities, chart our compass courses, bring down trash, clean up.
How’s that for a new topic for our climbing socials. Any other wild ideas?
-tochs 30 August 2005
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Links to Updates Phil Presidency
Get updated on the state of the Philippine Presidency.
What keeps me informed are:
What keeps me informed are:
- ANC Channel 27 Sky
- Manuel L Quezon III Blog http://www.quezon.ph/blog/
- Peyups.com Current Events http://peyups.com/threads.khtml?forum=5
- By Jove Blog http://jovefrancisco.blogspot.com/2005/07/down-slow.html
Friday, May 20, 2005
Travel as Paulo Coelho writes in "The Pilgrimage"
Travel as Paulo Coelho writes in "The Pilgrimage" makes us see the world in a new light, " . . . since all things are new, you see only the beauty in things and feel happy to be alive."
Ernesto "Che/Fuser" Guevara narrates a similar experience in the movie "The Motorcycle Diaries." Traveling with his biochemist friend Alfredo Granado in a motorcycle from Buenos Aires Argentina to the San Pablo leper colony in Peruvian Amazon in 1952, he asked himself towards the end of his journey, "Was my vision too narrow? Wandering around America has changed me more than I thought. I am not myself anymore. At least, I'm not the same me I was."
This is a turnaround from his earlier outlook on why he and his buddy are traveling. Asked by the hungry and jobless miners why they travel, he answered, "We travel just to travel." The miners were stunned as they travel to look for work so they can eat.
As a result of this experience that spanned over 6,000 kilometers in Latin America in more than a year, Che saw a different world; from a fun filled detached life to a world of oppression, injustice, pain and suffering. His two weeks as a medical volunteer at the San Jose leper colony made him see extreme anguish in all dimensions of man. The lepers, separated from the healthy by the river made him see that there are extreme separate worlds in Latin America. This moved him eventually on changing it by founding a revolutionary communist and Latino movement.
In a way, our visit to the Culion Leper Colony even without the patients can be likened to Che’s journey in the 50’s. Through the pictures at the Culion Museum, sighting of the hospital and the lecture of Dr. Arturo Cunanan, the head of the Culion Leprosy Control and Rehabilitation Program at the Culion Sanitarium, we visualized the pain the ostracized 7,000 patients underwent during their rehab. They were in an island detached from the rest by the Luzon Sea, over 360 kilometers away from their families. This travel challenged us to look beyond our comfort zones, seeing our world in another light.
Returning back to city from our weekend adventure, we can only be thankful that we have been spared of the pains of perpetual separation. If at the least the experience in Palawan awakened us that we should be empathetic to the sick, our Coron Waters Adventure then gifted us with a valuable treasure that could not be matched by all the sunken gold in the Philippine Seas. Yes, even the sick deserves to be happy and alive.
-Chito. Originally written 28 March 2005, modified 20 May 2005
-----------
In the movie Kingdom of Heaven which was aptly described as the Kingdom of Conscience, the masked king of Jerusalem, King Baldwin who was afflicted with leprosy said to Balian (Orlando Bloom), “Leprosy is God’s vengeance against the vanity of our kingdom. As wretched as he is already, they believe that the chastisement caused by the disease is more severe and lasting in hell.” He complains “it is unfair.”
Ernesto "Che/Fuser" Guevara narrates a similar experience in the movie "The Motorcycle Diaries." Traveling with his biochemist friend Alfredo Granado in a motorcycle from Buenos Aires Argentina to the San Pablo leper colony in Peruvian Amazon in 1952, he asked himself towards the end of his journey, "Was my vision too narrow? Wandering around America has changed me more than I thought. I am not myself anymore. At least, I'm not the same me I was."
This is a turnaround from his earlier outlook on why he and his buddy are traveling. Asked by the hungry and jobless miners why they travel, he answered, "We travel just to travel." The miners were stunned as they travel to look for work so they can eat.
As a result of this experience that spanned over 6,000 kilometers in Latin America in more than a year, Che saw a different world; from a fun filled detached life to a world of oppression, injustice, pain and suffering. His two weeks as a medical volunteer at the San Jose leper colony made him see extreme anguish in all dimensions of man. The lepers, separated from the healthy by the river made him see that there are extreme separate worlds in Latin America. This moved him eventually on changing it by founding a revolutionary communist and Latino movement.
In a way, our visit to the Culion Leper Colony even without the patients can be likened to Che’s journey in the 50’s. Through the pictures at the Culion Museum, sighting of the hospital and the lecture of Dr. Arturo Cunanan, the head of the Culion Leprosy Control and Rehabilitation Program at the Culion Sanitarium, we visualized the pain the ostracized 7,000 patients underwent during their rehab. They were in an island detached from the rest by the Luzon Sea, over 360 kilometers away from their families. This travel challenged us to look beyond our comfort zones, seeing our world in another light.
Returning back to city from our weekend adventure, we can only be thankful that we have been spared of the pains of perpetual separation. If at the least the experience in Palawan awakened us that we should be empathetic to the sick, our Coron Waters Adventure then gifted us with a valuable treasure that could not be matched by all the sunken gold in the Philippine Seas. Yes, even the sick deserves to be happy and alive.
-Chito. Originally written 28 March 2005, modified 20 May 2005
-----------
In the movie Kingdom of Heaven which was aptly described as the Kingdom of Conscience, the masked king of Jerusalem, King Baldwin who was afflicted with leprosy said to Balian (Orlando Bloom), “Leprosy is God’s vengeance against the vanity of our kingdom. As wretched as he is already, they believe that the chastisement caused by the disease is more severe and lasting in hell.” He complains “it is unfair.”
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
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