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Winners of the Piña Festival ritual dance competition named

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ORMOC CITY FESTIVAL. Contingent from the STI-Ormoc College has once again reigned supreme in this year Piña Festival ritual dance competition held Sunday(June 23). The competition is part of the annual fiesta celebration of Ormoc City. (PHOTO COURTESY)

In Ormoc City

ORMOC CITY FESTIVAL. Contingent from the STI-Ormoc College has once again reigned supreme in this year Piña Festival ritual dance competition held Sunday(June 23). The competition is part of the annual fiesta celebration of Ormoc City. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY – For the fifth time, STI College Ormoc has been declared the grand champion of the Piña Festival ritual dance competition, held on Sunday (June 23) at the Ormoc City Sports Complex.

The STI-Ormoc ‘Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Ormocanon’ contingent outperformed other dance ritual groups from various barangays and schools in the city. They won P500,000 and also secured the titles of best in street dancing, best in graphic design, and best choreographer.

The Piña Festival street dancing event started at Robinsons Place Ormoc and concluded at the Ormoc City Sports Complex.

The cash prize and trophy were awarded by Ormoc City Fiesta committee chair Jude Abenoja, Piña Festival and Ormoc Festival and Cultural Foundation chairman Estrella Pangilinan, Vice Mayor Toto Locsin Sr., and members of the city council.
Brgy. Ipil’s ‘Pundok Madasigon’ was declared the first runner-up, winning P450,000, while Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU)-Ormoc ‘Pundok Sidlakan’ was adjudged the second runner-up, taking home P425,000.

Other contingents were awarded a P375,000 consolation prize.

These included Western Leyte Colleges ‘Pundok Kasadpan’, Brgy Don Felipe Larrazabal’s ‘’Hamtatamsi, Brgy Linao’s ‘Pundok Mapasalamaton’, and St. Aloysius Institute of Technology’s ‘Pundok sa Pamilyang Aloysians.’

Special award winners included EVSU for best in costume, Brgy Linao for best float and audio van and second place in street dancing, and Brgy Don Felipe as third place in street dancing.

In the festival queen competition, Pundok Kasadpan’s Amehan Gonzales was declared the 2024 Piña Festival Queen.

She also won Miss Photogenic, Best Festival Queen Gown, and Best in Solo Performance.
The first runner-up was Princess Navarro of Brgy Ipil’s Pundok Madasigon, and the second runner-up was Monette Paula Mancol of Brgy Don Felipe Larrazabal’s Hamtatamsi. Best in Group Production was awarded to Pundok Mapasalamatun.

The Piña Festival, which started in 2017, is the city’s way of paying homage to the countless blessings and goodness showered upon them by God through the intercessions of their patron saints, Peter and Paul. The festival also celebrates the bountiful harvest of Queen’s pineapples, the city’s second-largest agricultural product after sugarcane.
The city is celebrating its fiesta on June 28 and 29. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Series of armed clashes in Samar: soldier, rebel dead

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TACLOBAN CITY – A series of armed confrontations on Sunday (June 23) between government forces and communist rebels on Samar Island resulted in the death of a soldier and a rebel.

In Jiabong, Samar, a soldier was killed after engaging members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Nagbac at around 12:50 pm.

The soldiers, belonging to the 46th Infantry Battalion, were in Hapitan to conduct their community support program when they were attacked by the rebels belonging to the Yakal Platoon, sub-regional committee.

This resulted in the death of Sgt. Leo Jabinar.

Meanwhile, in Northern Samar, separate armed clashes between soldiers and rebels also took place on Sunday.

In Barangay Hitapian, Catubig town, a group of soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion engaged rebels at about 11:30 am.

The more than 15-minute firefight resulted in the death of a rebel and the recovery of two M-16 rifles and one R4 rifle.

Another armed clash occurred in Barangay Sag-od of Las Navas town at about 12:35 PM. In this incident, no injuries on either side were reported.
(ROBERT DEJON/JOEY A. GABIETA)

Sting operation result in the seizure of shabu from 2 drug suspects

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ORMOC CITY-At least 27 sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu were recovered by operatives of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 8 and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the local police from the No. 1 high-value individual drug personality in the drug watchlist of the Philippine National Police (PNP- 8) during a buy-bust operation at about 4: 30 pm on June 20, in Barangay Capangihan, Tolosa, Leyte.
The police identified the suspects as alias “Ted” a resident of Capangihan, and alias “Joy”, a resident of Brgy. Verlin Heights, Palo, also in Leyte.

Recovered from the suspects were two sachets containing white crystalline substances procured by an operative in the amount of P500.

During the conduct of a body search done in the presence of witnesses mandated by law, the searching cops recovered 25 sachets containing the same white crystalline substances also suspected to be shabu placed inside a color-grey sling bag.

The suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and were apprised of their constitutional rights in a dialect that they understood and spoke.

Charges of violations of sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were already filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the two suspects who are languishing at the locked-up cell of Tolosa municipal police station.
(ROBERT DEJON)

10 contingents to compete in this year’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals

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Scheduled on June 27

TACLOBAN CITY – Ten contingents from various locality in Leyte province will be vying for this year’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festival 2024 grand champion.

The festival competition is going to be held at the grandstand this Thursday (June 27) at 2 pm, the organizers said.

Among the contingents that will showcase their prowess in the ritual dance competition are Eastern Visayas top festival contingents like the ‘Buraburon Festival’ of Burauen, ‘Buyugan Festival’ of Abuyog, ‘Lingganay Festival’ of Alangalang, and ‘Pasaka Festival’ of Tanauan.
These festivals had been ruling the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals bagging championship title earning them a ticket to represent the province at the Aliwan Festival in Metro Manila and Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

New contingents are also expected to debut in this year’s Kasadyaan fest such as the ‘Himorasak Festival’ of Matag-ob, ‘Batong’ Festival of Babatngon, ‘Tabontabon Festival’ of Tabontabon, ‘Karayhakan Festival’’ of Javier, Magsanga Festival’ of Merida, and ‘Hiraite Festival’ of Leyte that was adjudge last June 9 as the Kaanyag Festival grand champion in Kananga town.

Four or five contingents are to compete at the Pintados grand showdown competition before the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals but the organizers had not yet reveal the names of each contingents.

Just like last year, the biggest festival competition in the region will not hold a street dance competition this year due to the absence of parade permit after the city government of Tacloban failed to grant their request.

This is the second time that the festival will immediately hold ritual dance competition and forego with the street dance.

Prior to the competition, a mass is going to be held at the grandstand and after the announcement of winners and awarding this will be followed by a concert of the REO Brothers.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Early “birds”

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As the tropical heat remains high in the Philippines, so too does the fervor of political aspirants itching to secure their spots in the next election. The unmistakable signs of election season are already blooming along streets and highways, where once-empty billboards are now adorned with smiling faces, catchy slogans, and promises that sparkle as brightly as newly polished shoes.

To outshine their rivals, some contenders have taken to distributing goods like they’re the modern-day reincarnations of Santa Claus, sans the reindeer. One can’t stroll through a market without tripping over a free bag of something, or a freshly minted T-shirt bearing the name and face of an aspiring councilor. It’s a heartwarming sight, albeit a slightly cynical one, as these sudden outbursts of generosity coincide suspiciously with their candidacies. But who are we to complain when a freebie is involved?

Social media is becoming the battleground of choice for the ambitious hopefuls. Once dormant profiles now burst into life with carefully curated posts showcasing their tireless dedication to public service. Facebook feeds are flooded with photos of candidates holding babies, planting trees, and attending every conceivable barangay event. Even those who were previously more elusive than a rare bird sighting are now out in full force, eager to share their good deeds with the world. It’s almost enough to make you believe they’ve been doing this all along.

However, not all that glitter is gold. The darker side of election fever often rears its ugly head, where mudslinging becomes the sport of choice. Rather than simply promoting their platforms, some candidates resort to tarnishing their competitors’ reputations with all the finesse of a pig in a mud bath. It’s a dirty game and one that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of voters who yearn for a cleaner, more dignified contest. After all, nothing says “trust me” like a smear campaign against the other guy.

As the election draws nearer, the buzz only intensifies. It’s a colorful spectacle, a mix of genuine efforts to win hearts and underhanded tactics that would make Machiavelli proud. While self-promotion is part and parcel of the democratic process, it’s the recourse to threats and violence that threatens to stain the very fabric of Philippine democracy. Here’s to hoping that the upcoming election can rise above the murk and deliver a contest that’s as vibrant and honest as the aspirations of the people it aims to serve.

Tabsik hin Kagamhanan

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN
DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Slowly but surely, Tabsik hin Kagamhanan, the first original novel written in the Waray language, is becoming a monumental achievement in Waray literature. Published in 2014, this novel has transcended mere storytelling to become a vessel of cultural preservation and a commentary on various themes relevant to human existence. It offers readers multiple narratives that interweave a strong bond of love between a married couple with historical fiction, featuring real historical personages and events. This blending of genres not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the history and heritage of the Waray people.

The novel’s horror elements, involving the feared mythical creatures of the underworld, provide an exhilarating dimension that taps into the collective psyche and folklore of the Waray culture. These supernatural aspects are not merely for shock value but serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of Waray’s spiritual beliefs and the cultural significance of these myths. The portrayal of these mythical creatures intertwines with a biblical narrative, presenting a cosmic battle between God and the devil. This adds a layer of spiritual depth and invites readers to ponder the eternal struggle between good and evil.

An adventurous journey into the unknown or the spiritual dimension is another compelling aspect of Tabsik hin Kagamhanan. This theme of adventure keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also providing a metaphorical exploration of inner journeys and spiritual quests. The novel does depict the vivid customs, traditions, and superstitions of the Waray people, making it a treasure trove for those interested in ethnographic details and cultural studies. This cultural richness adds authenticity and immerses the reader in the world of the Waray, making their experiences and worldview come alive.

The suspense in Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is crafted with intricate twists and symbolisms, keeping readers engaged and reflective. The novel’s ability to maintain suspense while weaving in deeper themes showcases its richness in storytelling and thematic exploration.

One of the most significant aspects of the novel is its gospel presentation, which asserts that true deliverance from demonic powers is through the victorious death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This theological perspective is a core element that defines the novel’s spiritual stance and offers a message of hope and redemption.

Critics have accused the novel of being an advocacy work that promotes certain beliefs. However, it is essential to recognize that all works of fiction inherently reflect the author’s convictions and worldview. Art, by its very nature, is an expression of the artist’s inner thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is no different, as it encapsulates what the author deems necessary for people to understand and reflect upon. This perspective invites readers to engage with the novel not just as a story, but as a dialogue with the author’s mind and spirit.

The reception of Tabsik hin Kagamhanan has been overwhelmingly positive, with many readers acknowledging its contribution to Waray literature and culture. It is becoming a classic, celebrated for its depth, vivid characterization, narrative style, and cultural significance. Its recognition by a leading university in Region 8 further cements its status as a vital literary work that resonates with both the local community and the broader literary world.

Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is more than just a novel; it is a cultural artifact, a spiritual exploration, and a local icon of the enduring power of storytelling. It captures the essence of the Waray people, their history, beliefs, and aspirations, making it a significant contribution to Philippine literature. As it continues to gain recognition and readership, it stands as a beacon of Waray language and culture, inspiring future generations of writers and readers alike.

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