Should Christmas displays be banned in public places?

Allow me to share my opinion re: Should Christmas displays be banned in public places?"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." This is the first Amendment of US constitution that interpret also the separation of State and the Church and is now same first amendment is being used by the Petitioners (Nativity Committee) to argue for their petition that injunction be granted in their favor, and Judge Audrey B. Collins used same to deny the petition for injunction.

I am a catholic, I believe there is no law that prohibits the exercise of our freedom of religion or our freedom of worship, freedom of speech and I believe too that the government does not favor or against any  specific religion. The issue here is not whether or not tax is being used in the Christmas displays but rather, whether or not the State has the power to regulate the use of public place or space for religious displays. It is my opinion that our constitution guarantees the absolute freedom of our religious belief but not absolute freedom to exercise of that belief, meaning the State can regulate the practice that it should conform and must be in accordance with the other laws. 

Going back to the very question, the government has already allowed 60 long years the display of this Nativity tradition in the same park, the Palisades Park, Santa Monica and the State did not only favor the Catholic or Christians but other religions as well including the Atheist when last year they erected some displays to promote their beliefs. The government have already shown that it can be done or allowed in a limited period of time and within their power to regulate, the park has ample space, and different religions have proven also that they can co-exist with each other.  Why ban the Christmas displays which add attraction to the onlookers in the park.  I don't know of any government subsidy given to specific religion or how a government fund is utilized in this regard. A better deal may be is give equal space allocation to each applicant who wish to put up seasonal displays. Peace to all people of goodwill. Be happy this Christmas. Thanks!

Readers’ feedback: Should Christmas displays be banned in public places?

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The Untold Saga of His Childhood Life, Dreams, and Passions.

By: dodong

Carlos Gomez was born in an Aries zodiac sign, normal and grew up as an aggressive teen age child who lived in rustic area whose parents were farmers, loved fishing in the mountain river, used to play his neighborhood peers, hide and seek, shooting and catching birds. At weekends his father loved to go hunting wild pigs and wild chicken in the forest with him using long rifle cal. 22.

 He said they had a prey with a wild boar; they could not carry together the prey for 50 meters more because it’s too heavy and he was young and helpless in that situation from the middle of the jungle. Realizing the predicaments, his father left the dead wild boar, put some live bullets at the top of the prey, (until now he didn’t understand what does it signify the putting of live bullets on the prey) and accompany him get out the forest and instructed him to inform and fetch his grandpa and his uncles to help his father carry the prey from the middle of the jungle.

He has nine siblings in the family with one brother as the seventh sibling with eight sisters. So he grew up with his sisters at his side as helpers to their parents, make copra and meet some of their daily family chores. Being the only male as aid to the family often left him the burden especially that his father got a lingering and recurring illness for the period of 2 years.  He had to quit schooling for the same period to do the farming.

Further as he told, life of farmers in the place where he was raised had been really that hard. It was very difficult to just depend on the farm produce in the year round. They experienced a situation so mired in poverty with no sufficient food for the family, no budget for health of the family members and practically nothing for their education. At young age he learned to dream a better life and help his family in that dire need to uplift their economic conditions.The hardships that befall upon him when he toiled the farm made him aspire for better education. His father taught him that hardship is overcome by realizing that it is part of the suffering and sacrifices in life, and sacrificing one's personal convenience to attain the personal well-being is the by-product of patience and perseverance, the ingredients of success. It gave him a good perspective in life, the test of deprivation on his teenage life to be present with any activities in school during weekends and some extracurricular outings, as his presence was badly needed by his family made his life tough that pushed him harder to dream and pursue for a bright future, to finish his studies come hell or high water. So when he enrolled in college, three of them siblings find their ways to support themselves as working students. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Management, at St. Paul University, Surigao City. He completed (WILL) Workers Institute on Labor Law at UP School of Labor And Industrial Relation, Diliman, Quezon City.

He had his teenage crush in high school. He developed inferiority complex when his love crash rejected him and in the process he became shy for a long while and very frustrated. He first composed his love letter inside the church. He wrote and sent more letters, but he just received bunch of unanswered returned letters. In the church, deep inside his heart was crying and he was hurt, the feeling and humiliation that he felt were so mentally painful, heavy and that he even thought his soul was in agony. The perceived failure taught him a lesson not to be serious with women, this was deemed his challenge to study harder and tried to be smart and promised not to be outdone by the women. He struggled, worked hard and successfully overcome his being timid. His passion then with women was a little bit distorted. He had the temerity to court girls who were even friends. Then he found out his classmate friend in high school was charming. He realized he fall in love again. He had an intense feeling of this girl more than the other girls. She inspired him in his studies when they two of them were on steady. But he couldn't give much time with her because he had other commitments. Unfortunately, their decision not to make public their relationship and only pretend they were just friends did not set well for it only did favor him to continue befriending with other girls without inhibition. Their pretenses proved disastrous and not helping on their relationship to prosper. Untimely, nevertheless he learned his mistakes.

In reality, he is religious, a doer more than a talker, merciful, loving and caring one. He loves music though he didn’t have a good quality of voice, he is a musician in his own right. He just mimicked the songs. He loves beautiful women. He said their intelligence makes them beautiful.

One time during college break, his male friends with their girlfriends were having beach outings. He met a lady whom their friends were secretly proposing them to have a blind date. At hindsight, his perception of all  the girls was changed. It finally dawned on him that a person either he or she is capable of loving and ought to be loved and respected. He has totally changed in ways he never imagined. He met his destiny, that lady became the sister of his sister in-law. Next is history.

Bon Voyage!

A Journey in Life

                                    

 By: dodong

     A friend traveler offers his words of wisdom, a tip which could be worth enlightening to you and me who wish to resume our continuing journey in life. 

     As in any sojourn, he said; first know the direction and destination.  Never hesitate to make a first step for “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Assume imperfection in our moves because human frailty comes in times when we do not expect it. A successful life is never an accident, it’s a result of good decisions, sacrifices, guts, risks and allowing God to live and reign in our hearts and minds. Learn and feel contentment in our hearts as we proceed no matter what our status would be, just know how to appreciate the blessings we receive from above. If we stumble, commit unpopular decisions which lead to humiliations displeasing the society, we have to acknowledge our weaknesses and show remorse, the hurt may be less if we start coping the situation and go on with the new life than having a life under the cover of so many pretensions. The important thing, he said, we take responsibility of what we’ve done. The inevitable pain we realized is part of our growing that should not deter our desire to move on.  So we must now translate the hard lessons into wisdom and allow the learning to guide us as we go on into the next step of the journey.

       Reassess where we faltered, and the desired destination must be re-clarified. It is necessary to know the things to be improved and take a new route if needed, and know if we have enough energy to proceed.  It’s a long way for sure there will be perils that line in our path and no matter how astute we are, some events not to our liking it’s going to happen beyond our control.  But we should be ready to face them, knowing that the guidance and wisdom of those who traveled ahead of us remain a faithful beacon in any tumult that our journey shall face.

        For the couple you should be firmed towards the consolidation of your strengths, the refocusing of your collective purpose, and the enhancement of your shared resolve to support the plans of achieving your aspirations. 

        In life many things happen unexpectedly. So we must be prepared, as to where and when our journey ends, it will surely come when we are all out of time, not in harmony with other matters, or simply put it we have no more time. No matter how we plan and arrange our lives in order, it's still God's plan that prevails in the end. Good luck!

The Boulevard of the Untamed Dreams

by: dodong



The sun starts its reign of the day. The dazzling beauty of the rainbow-like colors of the sea, the tiny waves approached the shores when stillness was the mood of the pacific ocean, and the scent of the early morning breeze how could one forget you. It reminds like it just happened yesterday, a vivid recollections, these are but the reminisced memories of the then little boy who used to witness the sunrise at Bacuag sea front while collecting a kind of small clam, the sea shell called “Caraycay.”

The view of the scenic silver sparkling sand of the shores winking as it shined seemingly begs for mercy, the people and the relatives of the fishermen who hardly open their eyes, eagerly waiting the fishermen who went on their fishing adventures the whole night, queuing and waiting to have a glance on their catched were over jealous when finally plenty of sorted fishes caught were being displayed. Undeterred by the heat of the shores as the sun seemed hotter than usual they did endure to be able to select the best fish of their own choice.

Oh summer time here I am as the boy quipped, no classes, unyielding for more playing time, swimming & sun bathing seemed relentless, at the seashores with ample gusty winds conducive to kite flying, these were children’s festivities during the day. While parents were busy in the farms harvesting rice, their kids were also busy making sand castles, casting fish nets and bait fishing. “Aso-os” and “buga-ong” were the common fishes caught.

Unlike the years that had gone by, people at present find it difficult to rely on aqua-marine product for their livelihood. It’s likely our place is already over populated or source of marine resources are very much depleted. The LGU’s timely putting fish sanctuary covering mostly the town’s stretched shores was the best control measures ever done to protect and preserve the newly hatched and fish spawns to ensure the growth of the same to replenish our supply of fishes due for people consumption.

The people of Bacuag have witnessed the construction of seawall in the past years, and our LGU has successfully sponsored the holding of national skim boarding competitions. What we need now is the much improve beach and more presentable seashore to cater our visitor’s good sight. Let’s not be reluctantly mover of progress. We shall help our leaders get rid of eye sores and pollutions at the seafront. Support the realization of the plan to construct the Bacuag Boulevard from the Bitaog River down to Sabang river. This tourism project will not only improve the sight of our town’s beautiful seashore but will surely help us in income generating endeavors and augurs other recreational locations like safe bicycle lanes during night time and a good place for ocean and sunrise spectators and star gazers, expectedly nightlife will be alive because amenities will flourish such as barbecue grills and other food concessions. Be part of the dreams!

The Waterfalls of Little Baguio

The Beauty of ‘Sandayong’...by: dodong

Commune with nature, this is the message of my late father. I remember while I was still young he maintained the mini irrigation dike for our rice farms in Canaya, Sto. Rosario, I could not recall the author but he said something this way, “you could not step twice into the same river, for other waters are ever flowing on to you” unless the water is stagnant. This reminder was still vivid and he instilled into my mind to ensure that water in the dike must be monitored seeing to it with no leak at all times & should not be wasted due to the scarcity of waters in our farm every drop of water from the dike shall be put to use.

Then I realized and found out that rivers are more than just a necessity for man’s survival but also a masterpiece of God’s work. We fetched water using our bamboo container, we took water from the improvised pipe made also of bamboo we called it “Sandayong.” Water in “sandayong” holds a special fascination on me that seem to transcend reality to capture my imagination on waterfalls from a downhill near our farm. Then I had invented a mini waterfall by creating a detour of small rivers “sapa” down to the cliff. At that moment my man-made waterfall exists from mountain stream capturing the seemingly tamed water cascading to our rice farms.

Let me tell you about Jurong Falls. It is the tallest continuously running artificial waterfall in the world, at 30 meters (100 ft) tall. The falls are located within the open access water aviary at the Jurong Park in Singapore. This has captivated millions of tourist there. Water plunges over the top of a touring cliff at a rate of 140 liters per second. The water is circulated through a meandering stream that cascades down over a series of levels, creating an ideal environment for water birds, fishes, plants and other life forms at the aviary.

What differentiate from Jurong Falls is that our waterfall is made by nature. We could develop and enhance the beauty by sensuously sculpting slot, adulating and stunning slick-rock deep locations. We could construct and improve a landscape to make basin-like pool of water where falls drop and where people could swim. We could also conduct reforestation and regulate the area for tourism purposes. Peace and order conditions necessarily must be improved.

Infrastructure projects will follow. Roads and bridges must be built from Barangays Dugsangon and Payapag up to Little Baguio. These infrastructures must be maintained and sustained to enable to support the developments and enhancements of the tourism in Little Baguio. This will not only be limited to benefit tourism industry but also boosts and facilitates the farm to market shipments of agricultural produce made by the southern portion of our people in the municipality. In the end our community can have another sustainable development program in pursuit for a better quality of life for its empowered citizenry.

An Object of Envy

 

Mining of our Natural Resources

Bane or Boon?                                                                                                                                             By: dodong 

Our place is not blessed with natural resources like gold deposits in Placer, Tubod and Claver Municipalities which have been the host for the exploration and the exploitation by big Corporations. Ours is just adjacent to these places of well known site of mines. We are somehow puzzled over why we are bereft of any industrial developments or advancements but even then the minimal benefits derived from employment of these mining companies extended to our community. Our local government is not one of the direct recipients of the tax and fees made by the exploration or exploitation of these mineral resources but although we are not directly affected, generally we are affected when the mother nature is wantonly destroyed, the mountains are totally effaced and put no one to exception to the adverse effects brought in by these mines.

In one of the speeches of Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. entitled “Mining in the Philippines: Bane or Boon”-(to give you an insight-bane is anything destructive or ruinous; and boon is good thing or bestowed blessing) I find it relevant to quote here in one of the very significant remarks he made: “It is so easy to mouth self-serving paeans to the bounty that the industry brings to the people. But it is difficult to believe it when you continue to see thousands of our people working in the mining pits or residing nearby still visibly mired in poverty.” The observation he made and the real situation in the mining site which gave reasons to our apprehensions are but worthy of our attention and close scrutiny.

In any mines for natural resources may it be gold, copper, silver, nickel and the likes, the mining companies acknowledge that their business operations have some form of environmental implications. In the case of gold mines which proliferate like mushrooms in our neighboring localities, let us be concerned by making ourselves vigilant of what had transpired in the mining operations. It would be wise for us if we know the nature of the mining and how mineral processing is done and what are the possible consequences that might result due to the volumes of mining wastes. The chemical characteristics of the waste (particularly mobility of metal constituents) are often of much concern. The crushed rocks may passed through the processing plant to extract the desired product is discharged from the tail end of the plant as the waste tailings, and in many parts of the world forms the greatest volume of mine waste. Tailing dams and embankment dams designed to retain water, have enabled many of the design techniques used with embankment dams to be applied to produce safe tailing dams, but despite great improvements, there has been a reported failure of a tailing dam. The damage caused by these failures is in the form of human casualties, destruction of property, disruption of communications and pollution of the environment. The extent of damages to river systems and farmlands resulting from the discharge of mine tailings, socio-economic dislocation of families and indigenous people in mining areas are enormous.

In Boyongan exploration of Surigao del Norte, the following stakeholder’s issues are noted

1. Since September 1995, when 12 people were buried, when a waste pond operated by a different mining company collapsed in Placer, Surigao del Norte, various exploration works in the province met opposition from local government units and NGOs. Some mining companies have been accused of manipulating community people by employing divide-and-rule tactics and of lacking in transparency.

2. In 1999, an exploration permit was issued to Silangan Mindanao Exploration Company Inc., a joint venture of Philex Gold Philippines Inc., and Anglo-American Exploration Philippines Inc., to conduct exploration works in Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

3. The St. Peter Catholic Parish Priest was working to have exploration permits cancelled. The Priest was concerned about the social effects of mining on the residents and has quoted the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) statement of concern on mining regarding its so called devastating effects. Past mining experiences in the country, including knowledge of past mining practices in the locality, make the priest and the community suspicious and vigilant of the company.

I proceed to disclose this following, not long ago, the provinces of Surigao has been the site of some worst excesses in mining, among them:

1. November 20, 1995 – Coal mine explosion claimed the lives of thirteen workers in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

2. April 26, 1999 – Tailing spill from a damaged concrete pipe of a different mining company buried 17 homes and swamped 51 hectares of Riceland in Surigao del Norte.

3. September 2000 – Protests erupted over the impending exploration project of another mining company in the nearby Placer Municipality.


Update of some mining Tailing spills outside the province of Surigao:

1.The biggest reported leakage of waste from a mine owned by the Marcopper, was on 24 March 1996, toxic mine tailings at the rate of 5-10 cubic metres per second were disgorged into the Makulapnit and Boac rivers. Discharge at the rate of 5-10 cubic metres is enough to fill up one dump-truck.The toxic spills immediately caused flash floods which isolated five villages, with a population of 4,400 people, along the far side of the Boac river. One village, Barangay Hinapula, was buried under six feet of muddy floodwater and 400 families had to flee to higher grounds. Their sources of drinking water were contaminated while fish, freshwater shrimp and pigs were killed. Helicopters had to fly in food, water and medical supplies to the isolated villages. Residents of 20 villages out of the 60 villages in the whole province were advised to evacuate their communities.in Boac, Marinduque. 

2.  Philix’s Mining tailings dam spills, report published October 9, 2012.  Despite the 20.6 million metric tons of mine spill reported so far, the destructiveness and the lingering threats of another mine spill have yet to make headlines in the Philippines. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has not released yet a more detailed report on its extent and impact.In a protest action at the Philex’s main office in Ortigas, Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) and various groups demanded accountability from the mining company over what they call as “the worst mining disaster in the past two decades.”Aside from families immediately affected by the surge of mine tailings previously held in Philex’s tailings dam at Itogon, Benguet, the downriver communities would also have to deal with toxic substances in their waters, fish-kill, loss of livelihood and increased potential for flooding.

 
Is there any reason for us to be envious? We are living witness on how these God given mineral deposits were taken or let’s say had disappeared leaving the environments completely ruined and permanently stained the soils with used oils and other poisonous materials to extract the gold from its original forms like mercury.

We don’t only preserve our patrimony by preventing irreversible degradation of the natural environment but more importantly we are preserving our lives as well… Let’s think of another thrust for our town, be a vanguard to take initiative and active involvement for our community!

But how sure are we that our mineral deposits beneath our mountains are not taken by the Mining Companies operating in nearby towns of Tubod, Placer and Alegria?

A Clear Silhouette

To be emphatic let me say that I have nothing to lose but something you to gain in my being up front and honest with you. I will try to do the things for myself and for my family. Life is not always easy, and life is not always fair. But I'm pretty sure know you will never make life more difficult and harder than it has to be. Right now I’m just trying to find my ways in this world as a single person with a family. Sometimes I feel lost in this world. So I try to make things simple, appreciate the things I have, and enjoy life and to the family.

I am not looking for a perfect person much as I wanted you, because I’m not perfect. But I always wanted what your mom wanted you to be. If ever there are things or situation just cropped up beyond us without our slightest expectation, the mode of the day shall be to find ways to possibly undone it if it could be otherwise we look for alternative or remedy to lessen the adversity. 

Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help!   Every moment has a lesson, and when we learn it, it has already served its purpose. May the lesson learned strengthened and resolve to do better. Be inspired to lead a purpose driven life.  Live fully and be happy. The truth is life is too short. Things in this world are temporary. If events are turning well, be contented and enjoy. If they go wrong, don't worry, it won’t last long and you can still improve it. I maybe a broken record to you to re-stress and over emphasize the good points worth instilling in your mind and soul, but I don’t mind because I have a greater faith in you, that sooner you may come to realize and be guided by your senses. As the dawn of the early morning has started showing its magnificent glitters of sunlight, giving more life to the beautiful sea breeze and silver scenery, a new direction of your life is seen.  The responsibility leaned on your shoulders is now felt and everybody bears witness to it. (P.S. Try to understand between the lines of my blogs if you have the chance.)

What is Bacuag !!

Edited October 28, 2012

The Historical Background of Bacuag, and its meaning ….

Bacuag was established and believed founded in 16^th century. The  Christianization of the natives was attributed by the deeds of a good Purtuguese Captain Francisco de Castro who first led the Christian evangelization of the natives in 1538.

The name of the place have usually gotten from where the known activity happened or as a reference point and became a by-word. It was handed down by word of mouth during the years. Like sitio Bitaog, it was said that big birds were hopping during early nights in the big bitaog tree. The story goes until the origin of the word Bacuag. To etymologize, the word Bacuag-derived from two words “Bacao” in Surigaonon dialect means Mangrove tree, or "Bacaoan"- a dense place where Mangrove trees are found, and “ Hauag” means much space, wide or large. In the "Compilation Notes" on the most important tree species of Philippine Islands, page 10 of the report of Captain George Patrick Ahern-1859-1942 of the Ninth United State Infantry, Incharge of Forestry Bureau in the Philippines during the "Age of Imperialism", listed was Bacaoan or Bacao with scientific name Rhizophora Apiculata/Conjugata L., a local name for Asiatic mangrove tree. Therefore as it said, Bacuag is a combination of two words  Bacao+Hauag (Bacauag) or Bacuag as presently called, meaning plenty of mangroves. We know the old name of the town Bacuag as the word evolves, was Pueblo de Pahuntungan.

The place was noted for its swampy area, rich in nipa  and mangrove trees. The original town or community was established in “Pueblo de Pahuntungan”. But as years drifted by, the bulk  of  the  people including their leaders/the center of administrative functions  were transferred in “lungsod daan”-meaning Old Town, the eastern side of the present location of the Poblacion. This community was  for unknown reasons changed its name but probably for the good and welfare of the people, one was to forget the social stigma, the off-shoot of the bloody revolt that took place in 1631 where the church was destroyed and  as a consequence it entailed the lives of the Spanish priests and soldiers.  All in all 16 Spaniards were killed, of whom three were missionaries not to mention the Caragan casualties.

It was told that Bacuag was hit by strong typhoon in 1851 thus the community  was also flooded because Sabang river ( near Bansilay tree) overflowed and the people suffered loses with great risk of their lives when the sea surged due to its high tide and the people find it nowhere to go as the river almost encircled the community. With this kind of calamity experienced by the people of Bacuag, the group of Kapitanes, the founding elders  petitioned the authorities in Manila to transfer the settlement to a safer place. This petition dated March 2, 1853 was signed by a group of Kapitanes, namely; Simon Efren, Antonio Odjinar, Agustin Opalia de los Santos, Juan Ugay Mariano and Cipriano Orquina Francisco. This document was offficially endorsed by Fr. Gregorio Logronio, then parish priest of Gigaquit. It was approved hence, Bacuag was transferred to its present site in 1855.

During the American Colonial government of the Philippines, under Public Act No. 947, they reorgnized the local government system and many towns were converted into barrios in 1904. The Province of Surigao retained only the municipalities of Surigao, Placer, Dinagat and Dapa. This could have terminated the corporate existence of many Pueblos – Sapao, Numancia, Cabontog, Tagana-an, Mainit and Claver. (Source:surigaodelnorte.gov.ph) It could be adduced that although Pueblo de Pahuntungan was not mentioned here, as it happened this town ceased to exist as Pueblo and was reverted back as barrio under the Municipality of Gigaquit until in 1918 when an Executive order No. 61 was issued ordering Bacuag as a separate Municipality from Gigaquit again. On January 1, 1919 an Executive Order No. 61 signed by Governor-General Charles Emmett Yeater  was very significant to Bacuag when Lucas Patiño was appointed as the first Municipal President at that time and Bacuag regained its identity as another town completely waning the shackle of authority from the mother town Gigaquit. Every new year's day is also supposedly a celebration for "Araw ng Bacuag" or Bacuag Day.

References:
-surigaodelnorte.gov.ph
-George Patrick Ahern, report Forestry Bureau, p10, V- group-1859-1942
-Part of the History of Bacuag, The Caraga Antigua 1521-1910

Part of the History of Bacuag

PUEBLO DE PAHUNTUNGAN...Old name of Bacuag!
The Caraga Antigua 1521-1910

 In Chapter X- The Revolt of Caraga, 1631. I came across in page 146 that Bacuag was mentioned as one of the places where the Spanish presence on the east coast (then named District of Caraga) were given mission stations for the subjugation of the Moros in southern and western Mindanao. The Spaniards made use of native soldiers recruited from the people (Caragans) of Surigao. But later the Caragans resisted Castillan dominations. Combes’ (“Historia de Mindanao y Jolo,” Col. 217) put it this way:

 “About 300 caragans under Captain Lorenzo de Olazo had taken in that campaign,and upon their returning to their territory, they also decided to resist Spanish domination from then on. They Had been the most outstanding fighters in that campaign.”

 In 1609 the Spanish presence had started with the construction of a stone-fortification at Tandag. Local Chief Mangabo, nicknamed “crododile of Tago” and his men were originally local soldiers of the parish priest under the command of the Fort Commander Captain Pedro Bautista, but later on led the rebellion against Spanish soldiers and Friars due to their cruelties and oppressive treatments to the natives that made them more hostile with the Spaniards. Mangabo with his followers killed the missionaries of Tago and next Tandag church underwent the same fate. Another group headed by Balintos sailed to Siargao. First they attacked Cabuntog and burned the place but Sapao escaped their wrath because one resident who happened to be relative of Mangabo vigorously objected to their attack for and in behalf of the residents.

 Lorenzo de San Facundo, the local missionary of Cabuntog, was not hurt because he sailed to Bacuag (2) two days prior to the attack. Fray Pedro de San Antonio, “the parish priest of Abucay,” left for Cebu and fray Lorenzo took his place for the time being. (*At present there is an abucay about halfway between Placer and Bacuag, but it cannot have been the location of 1631 because it is not near the seashore. There is one Recoleto report mentioning a “bay of Abucay” in the general area, which would seem, after all, to point to the present Placer, a conclusion that fits all written reports). Abucay…in page 150 “The story does not indicate where this village was located. From the context analysis it becomes clear that it cannot have been far from Bacuag. This is not much of a help in itself, however, because it is certain that in the 17th and 18th centuries Bacuag was not located where it is now, but at the site the present Panhutungan. To keep a long story short: It can safely be assumed that the Abucay of 1631 was located where now Placer is.” In other words, the early settlers of Bacuag were in Panhutungan, (Pueblo de Pahuntungan) the old name of Bacuag.

 “The following Spaniards were then in Bacuag: Fray Lorenzo plus the lay brother Francisco, the tax collector Gaspar de los Reyes and his son, Sergeant Antonio Garcia del Valle, Diego del Castillo and Diego de Mesa. The sergeant and de Mesa were preparing to depart for the fort of Tandag and took leave of the rest on the bank of the “river Cawayan flowing next to Bacuag.” Is this same river that separates present Panhutungan to Sitio Punta or Siwata of Bacuag Poblacion? The son of Mangabo named Zancalan had sailed from Tago to Parasao (Cantilan) and to Bacuag. After one day of traveling they went ashore somewhere near Punta Tugas (is this same place presently called Punta or Siwata?). Here they were informed that the two Spaniards who were traveling from Bacuag to the fort of Tandag were in the neighborhood. They caught them unaware and so they killed them. Fray Lorenzo de Facundo and his Brother Francisco's lives were spared after the group of Zancalan, the son of chief Mangabo captured them and over powered the Spaniards, killed them and burned the church of Bacuag. Later  Fray Lorenzo and his brother were brought to Tago and were presented to his father Mangabo. Many things had happened including the change of heart of Mangabo towards his captives and that Fray Lorenzo realized God heard his prayers thus changed Mangabo's hatred into love.

The document above was part of the "seven pages of complete statistical data of the District of Caraga, compiled in 1750. This is one of the many documents stolen during the British Occupation of Manila in 1762, at present in the British Library in London (Ms.13973, Add) (With permission of the British Library, in London)." It could be gleaned on this document that Pueblos (Towns) such as Pueblo de Higaquet (presently Gigaquit), Pueblo de Pahuntungan (presently Bacuag) and Pueblo de Surigao were already established towns of the old Caraga and no Abucay or Placer been included in the list of Pueblos created even in the later years of the 15th, 16th, 17th centuries when the Spanish Missionaries like the Agustinians, Dominicans and Franciscans were already in the places, in the island of Mindanao particularly in the east District of Caraga to evangelize and Christianize the caragans to effect their designed Reduction and Coversion of pagans. But in 18th century Bacuag was already reverted back to barrio.

 On April 12, 1873 the change of the missionary guard took place in the town of Gigaquit. Recoleto pastor Fray Juan Pablo Ruiz was replaced by Father Juan Sansa, the barrios of Placer, Bacuag and Taganito belonged to the parish of Gigaquit. Claver did not exist yet. Already in 1873 it was decided that eventually Placer and Taganaan would be separated from Gigaquit and Surigao respectively and made into a separate parish as soon as a priest would be available to staff it (p. 332 Caraga Antigua).

With the advent of the American colonial government, thru Public Act 947, recognized the local government system but reorganized the same, "and many towns were converted into barrios in 1904. The Province of Surigao retained only the municipalities of Surigao, Placer, Dinagat and Dapa. This could have terminated the corporate existence of many Pueblos – Sapao, Numancia, Cabuntog, Tagana-an, Mainit. While some municipalities gained or regained their status albeit some had new names during the American period as in the case of General Luna (1929), Bacuag, Gigaquit, Mainit, (1931) subsequently towns were created after Philippine Independence of 1946."

 The Caraga Antigua 1521-1910
 The Hispanization and Christianization of Agusan, Surigao and East Davao
 By Peter Schreurs

As Year Ends

As year ends....... December 31, 2011 It is an opportune time for us to pause a while for reflection: Are we blessed? Are we grateful of so many gifts that God has given to us? The gift of life, the health, and of so many things we have? So we should be thankful if not, be contented, of what we have but if we concentrate on what we don’t have, we realize that we will never ever have enough. Life is an undying cycle, it’s a battle of survival, if we quit then we’re a loser; if we fall, we should stand up. If we keep on complaining and whining about the miseries of our life nothing will happen. Life is too short, so don’t deal so much with its negativity. Just be happy and be contented with whatever life brings us. It’s not bad to dream to live a better life, but to focus on dreaming to live the life we love often leads us to frustration. But learning to love the life we live brings peace and genuine happiness.

It's time to straightened things, if there are things we regret like words we wish had gone unsaid or beginnings that had bitter endings, the opportunities and chances we threw away, roads that we’re traversing should have never taken, signs we overlooked and didn’t see, and still hearts were aching because we hurt needlessly. Don't miss the chances, may be there are relationships and wounds we could still mend and reestablished, though the past can’t be changed but it could be improved if poorly done with hope not to experience it again. What we really do is be thankful for every changes we have, for every break in our hearts and for every scars, gladly pages in our lives were turned even if bridges were burned….. because of these, we learned!

The Essence of My Being ...(A note from a mother)

I know you need my warm touch,
Though I'm away it's yours so attached,
I oblige you need my tender kiss,
No care can equal a maternal embrace.
When my world seems dark,
Your smile made my life very well stark,
My heart cries but pretentious to not shock.

I watch you grow every moment my heart glow,
My turn to smile when you present a show,
Now I see you in the abyss of dreams,
Sometimes stopped by nightmares and screams,
When you stumble, fall and despair,
Felt crushed I complained it's so unfair.
Courage not develop by just being happy everyday,
But by surviving trials and facing any & all adversity.

I am happy when time change & you grow old,
At times sad, made me cry, you have your own world,
It's my desire that you live what's an ideal,
But environment, friends taught otherwise real,
Am your mother wishes to impose her will,
May not be proper no matter beautiful the plan still
Not my world, but hope everything's right & all is well.

The world seems incomplete without you,
You've perceived it's intolerable to leave you,
If I indulge for naught, pretense and frivolity,
In many ways the situation explains it anyway,
I regret if in your life I was once away,
With my words, good deeds and with great ends,
All I need is understanding, broken heart mends,
What I wanted is to be with you forever....
But you like to live with me young as ever,
Nostalgia! never been forgotten you in my life...

NEVER!

Good thoughts....1

1. Secrets to a fulfilled life: See the good, expect the best and believe that by God's love, wisdom and guidance, you can make a difference.
2. You'll never be brave if you don't get hurt; you'll never learn if you don't have mistakes; you'll never be successful if you don't encounter failure; negative results doesn't mean it will always happen again, because we will always start on the ground just to appreciate our way to the top.
3. REFLECTIONS: Sometimes God breaks our spirit to save our soul. Sometimes He breaks our heart to make us whole. Sometimes, He sends us pain so we can be stronger. Sometimes He sends us failure so we can be humble. Sometimes He sends us illness so we can take better care of our selves. Sometimes, He takes "everything" away from us so we can learn the value of "everything" we have.
4. Though my days have been worst at times, I still reserve a reason to smile...though trials seemed to test my strength, I'm still keeping my faith...Because i know that after every tear that falls from my eyes comes a new spark of happiness that is even greater than every pain I felt... Keep up the faith.
5. Life becomes wonderful even if there are struggles and difficulties because God is so loving and inspiring who Heals the pain and keep us going strong! Jesus is my medicine when I'm in pain, my letter when I'm far, my smile when I'm sad, my handkerchief when I cry, and my life when I die. Let's live for Jesus!
6. A raindrop may seem too small to matter but somewhere, a thirsty flower awaits its fall.Though what we do may seem insignificant, somewhere a heart remembers. Our little good deeds always leave a trace, no matter how faint.
7. Good reminders: Be soft, do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may discourage, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.
8. Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen. It's about accepting that whatever will happen, it's the best.
9.The finest hour in our life is when we have done good things to nameless people without expecting them to remember our acts of love & kindness. God knows what you have done & He will reward you more than you can imagine! Keep going.....
10.Our minds gather the dirt and dust of human opinion every day, but God's graces are like waterfalls that wash and purify our hearts & minds always.

Your first day in the world

On your natal day, you bring joy to your parents especially to your mother who carried you for (9) nine months since conception up to the time you are born. She gave you all the possible & needed care, good and necessary extra care with diligence to nurture your so fragile life from the moment of fertilization.

Now that you are what you are, did it occur to you that your mother has sacrificed so much that she would not mind giving her life if it would mean you're free from danger, giving you the assurance of complete protection and survival? You are the gem of your parent's eyes as God is happy to see with His creation. Some of the myriad of reasons why God loves you: God is love, for He created you by His love through your parents. God is wonderful because He molded you perfectly and beautifully as you are made in His image and likeness. God is kind and merciful, for He sent His son Jesus to die for you and save us from the bondage of sin. God is just as He assures you a share in heaven by believing Him through His son Jesus Christ. God is joy because He let His precious son Jesus to be born like you in this world. Therefore on this day as you celebrate your birthday, be HAPPY!

THE FEELING OF BEING NO. 2 ...........

My wife was too cynical and her feeling of being number 2 was bothering her that she wanted to discover to prove her feeling wrong. She had proven right in all of her speculations, starting basically from circumstances where there were special occasions, sign of change of preferences, testimonials and actual experiences. Though she was afraid of knowing the truth more as she knew that "further you know it hurts", she was not really meant to stop. The more she wanted to ignore, the greater the feeling of eagerness pushed her to learn it.

The same observation was taking place in my own life. I too had come to my senses, from skepticism due to perhaps of my long slumber under the pretense that I have known the truth or of my denial that it did exist like I was under hypnosis. With all the pieces of evidence embedded in the situation all points to the same direction, one could not be mistaken, the change was real and was happening; then we had the mutual feelings of being second fiddle right there.

The following situations were our basis for doubts which led us to seek and know more about the facts, such as; we had an experiences of not complete and we're already left out of some important but family gatherings, the priorities and preferences were given to other people which at first hardly acceptable and very disappointing, the bold affirmation of likes and dislikes which were of direct contrast to what we’ve used to, and finally the actual occurrence of events that we've been afraid of was to witness the affair.

We could not help but accept the reality that our children are grown up kids and are matured enough. It’s about time that they will choose their own destinies in life. With difficulty or great pains, we can give them enough space to live and be independent especially if they are already married. They have their own world and priorities.

Let’s accept that we are already number 2 in their lives. It’s a consolation on our part that in our hearts they are still our priorities.

A Compilation of Posts.....

No guts no glory. Every sacrifice has a fruitful reward, every failure has a second chance. We only have to be strong by God's grace to make it through the tests of life, just believe and have faith. LIFE isn't perfect but wherever LIFE leads you, it's because of a purpose.
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 You know me. Heal me. Bring me back into the fold of your arms. I tried to live up to your expectations but nonetheless prefer to live mine. I choose to pass an easy path for a happiness that wont last. HELP ME FIND YOUR WAY for Love, Peace, Joy and eternity...!
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 Feel the real sweetness of joy after you've experienced the bitterness of sadness. If only we could appreciate the contrast of life, we would know that life is so colorful.
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 In this wrangling world, life is a constant battle for survival. As we grow older, the rules change on daily basis. Our mission is not to escape, but to survive; Not to deal with triumph, but to deal with failure; Not to run away from fear, but to master it. It takes courage to keep on fighting. So, if you feel like rules has shifted one step higher, deal it with greater faith and never ever surrender.
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 Time is so precious that no amount of money worth to compensate the lost time...don't let the opportune time pass without saying "I love you to the people who deserves to know your affection". May be your tomorrow never comes!
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 Learn to love music. When you are involved in playing and listening music, you enter into a different world. You react as music reaches to different parts of your body. It reinvigorates your energy thus gives you the feeling to clap or dance or even cry which release your negative feeling. Music can help your fight even in the most difficult situation, it would help your mind stay cool. You can easily forget words in any speech but easily remember lyrics and tunes in the songs. It can capture imaginations, new creativeness and let our minds wander, thus you would find new ideas and new approaches to deal the varied spectrum of our lives.           ---------------
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 As I grew up I learn to communicate and love music. Music is one of the mediums the living animals used to communicate each other. As time went on, we love to like almost every type of music from pop, rock, slow rock, jazz, classical, new age music and the like. We all agree that music is the part of our world and our nature.
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 God never gives a burden heavier than we can carry. No matter what, He wants us to be happy than sad. If birds sing after the storm, why can't we? No one has traveled the bridge of success without ever crossing the streets of trials. God never promised us an easy journey in life, only safety on board. Smile, then be happy! If God is with you no one can defeat you. You can be sure how the journey is going to end.
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 Don't think that you are already successful when everybody seems envious because everything is coming your way. Reflect and pay attention you might be in the wrong way. Success is not measured by the attainment of wealth, positions, honors and popularity all by inheritance, but by doing what is good to the people regardless of affiliation, class or religion. Hence we will respect you out of love but not out of fear, as respect is earned and not imposed.

Procrastination

Friday, January 6, 2012 Limited Time:

In my understanding of time constraints is simply putting a time frame or dead line in the accomplishment of one’s task. It’s a time allotted or designated where one is expected to execute or finish a work. So if you fail by default or by not doing your job by not meeting the deadline you suffered the consequence of time constraints because you allow your time to lapse and prescribed and therefore the result is decided against or prejudicial to your interest.

I have realized that my tasks, duties and responsibilities as the head of a family more so as a father to my children have great influence and have huge impact to their values and attitudes, aspirations and moral upbringing. I can now be judged whether I passed or failed through their actuation and status in the society and how they relate to the people around them. My point here is had I been learned of this gargantuan responsibilities before while my children were yet young and still in the development process, I believe there are still lot of improvements and enhancements to what I personally perceived before as an Ideal one, making use and without waste of the limited time with the children. Too much time for our work unknowingly enslave us that even the quality of family affairs are deprecated giving much concern for my job, in the name of productivity and performance as a worker. In other words, we give much time for our jobs and lesser times for our kids, even during days-off intended for family day are oftentimes sacrificed for rest day premium work of the company. 

Time is of the essence, it is gold so precious that no times are the same. Once wasted will never come back unlike lost riches will still be recovered. We are given time constraints each for every child we have for their proper molding, preparation to become a better person. Once we lost a single moment to them will have a rifling effect in terms of family cohesion. In some instances it will cause a drift of preferences away from the families and temporarily give them the taste of security and comforts within and among their peers.

This time we shall give primordial consideration on family togetherness, and reasons to talk. Modern families are mobile, and children begin getting involved in extracurricular activities at young ages. It is important to establish a weekly or monthly meeting that nothing will conflict with as observed it is difficult to have a family to come together, it is advisable to plot already a schedule for family day. When you schedule a formal time to gather and talk as a family, your children will also be given an opportunity to learn many lessons and be informed of the parent’s plans for their children’s carrier and future. The constant information of their children may serve as reminder to their well being as part of the family. Conflicts can be handled during this meeting, involved parties are given time to express their viewpoints and acknowledged, but eventually parents will make decision even if children can disagree with, still they can feel validated knowing their voices are ventilated and heard if not considered. As open communication enhanced, issues of vital importance can now be discussed without inhibition even those deemed taboo by conservative or old-fashioned people in the presence of the young members of the families, like choosing their future partners, livelihood that can affect their day to day subsistence and world events that may even influence their fears or aspirations through news. Parents can use this time to establish and explain family values and attitudes build upon those as they grow. And two ways approach as parents should also use this opportunity to listen to what children have to say about their understanding of family values. The end result of this, children will learn about compromise and self-sacrifice and more importantly the respect of one’s opinion and practiced consensus problem solving.

From the Child

I know I’m a grown up kid but for me as your child you’re my one and only father whom I need and always ready to give guidance and protection. You remain my protector and so do I will remain under your stewardship unless by reason of age or otherwise bestowed by clear explicit manifestation that I already broke the shackles of authority by marriage and a change of domicile. The way I see it if there is a need for your intervention to reform my personal character/traits on issues of health and the like then in all good reasons as my father, at any time you can do it.

I can’t fathom why this happening, my irrational actuation, senseless happy go lucky attitude seems controlling my person. Could I blame you if lots of prejudices in what I’ve done in relation to my situation and predicaments came into your mind? Perhaps you could say repeatedly to me where did you falter as a father and guardian to warrant these worries. All that matter is I did no wrong except that I forgot someone like you won’t cease to care for our own good. Well may be you are still skeptical whether or not I’m telling the truth but the point here is nobody from my siblings can tell where I am because I just wanted to be alone. I have prayed for us to be resilient, enlightened, put closures to my past misgivings and reestablish relationship among us in a more holistic understanding of the family. I understand your objective is for us to maintain well being in different domains, continue enhancing our ability to develop competence not only to survive but to thrive over the rat-race advocacy and adverse world.

I realize this can only be done by family cohesion. Cohesive families are more intertwined by interpersonal closeness, high levels of communication and harmony, and at least refrain and never engage even moderate levels of engagement.

I know it is really bad for you to be stress out. But this parenting entails a lot of worries, and may be, sleepless nights may cause you so much stress, because you’ll be concerned about our whereabouts and have the feelings of being unable to disciple me or us effectively. Hoping it is not too late. Forgive me for all these in-sensitivities. Take good care, I love you.

Time Flies ....(Tempus Fugit)

Reminiscence some say is gratifying the past. Yes and No, because it also helps purify or polish something or improve a situation in the future, because if you recall unforgettable experiences you will try to avoid events or actions that gave you problems. In other words your error becomes a mistake because you don’t correct it. Who is perfect anyway? But if you had allowed it to happen and commit another mistake(s) then you’ll be a recidivist. Make your past memories be a lesson; good or bad shall be refined. Forget those that bother you most, pull you down in at the abyss of ignominy and heartaches. Treat them as life challenges and opportunities.  To a certain degree this will put your energy into more useful endeavor and a healthy end.

Your mom had sacrificed a lot. We were mostly affected emotionally by her temporary absence from our midst before, when she went to the Land of freedom and opportunities for greener pasture. What is important now is our present day to day subsistence. It is of the essence that we acknowledged our shortcomings and imperfections. Let us be honest to ourselves and practice humility. Respect is bestowed first in the family as member and as a person. Let us talk and listen to one another and be consensus in any matter. As long as we live together as one family, am your father and I will assert my authority and responsibility as head of the family.

If she could be followed, your mom wanted to grow old with you, but what she meant as I assumed, she likes to stay with you probably longer than always.  This is just water under the bridge. She is completely gone from us with no hope of seeing her but not anymore to this world again, only if possible, I would like to, even in dreams we can communicate, help us in any predicaments that we are in may be we can be together in the other dimensions through her intercession. What is certain is not her returning but my going sooner or later. Predestined as it may we can’t stop our life cycle. So our goal is your good upbringing and to mold you into a better person. Although she knew everything changes as time goes by, but we expect that you’ll change for the better not on the contrary. Life sails sometimes on rough seas and on stormy weather. That’s what parents do to lead and guide you when you’re learning to comprehend complicated things and make you strong, develop sturdy muscle physically and mentally prepared in any eventualities or when you’ll have family of your own.

We shed tears in joy and we didn’t know how to manifest our happiness and how proud we are when you show your special talents and become responsible. Very proud that our children are society's assets, professionals,  but our hearts bleed too when you unknowingly tolerate and become irresponsible and disrespectful to yourself and may be to other people, slowly eaten up by the other side effects of the hip hops, Sci-Fi, Wifi tech and by your wanton disregard of the very norm and time honored values your forefathers had instilled us to respect and follow.

You may not realize the true worth and value of a thing unless the thing is lost. “Tempus fugit… Memento mori (L)” Time flies…Remember you are mortal!