TACLOBAN CITY – Seven contingents from various villages and schools in Ormoc City will compete to determine the champion of the 2024 Piña Festival.
This year’s Piña Festival 2024 contingents include Pundok Sidlakan, Pundok Kasadpan, Don Felipe Larrazabal’s Hamtatamsi, Pundok Mapasalamaton, Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Ormocanon, Pundok Madasigon, and Pundok Pamilyang Aloysians.
A key part of the festival competition is the Festival Queen pageant, with the pre-judging held on Sunday (June 16) at Robinson’s Place Ormoc.
The Festival Queen candidates are Amehan Gonzales of Western Leyte Colleges Pundok Kasadpan, Charlene Angel Custodio of Eastern Visayas State University Pundok Sidlakan, Monette Paula Mangcol of Hamtatamsi, Rafa Monica Fernandez of Brgy Linao Pundok Mapasalamaton, Darianne Luna Aerni of STI College Ormoc Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Ormocanon, Princess Navarro of Brgy Ipil Pundok Madasigon, and Jezreel Madriaga of St. Aloysius Institute of Technology Pundok sa Pamilyang Aloysians.
The Festival Queen pageant, street dancing, and ritual competition are scheduled for Sunday (June 23). The event will start at Robinsons Place Ormoc and proceed to the Ormoc City Sports Complex, to be graced by Rep. Richard Gomez (4th district) and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez.
The Piña Festival, first held in 2017, is a tribute by Ormoc City residents to the countless blessings they have received and a celebration of the bountiful pineapple harvest.
Ormoc’s Queen Pineapple is one of the sweetest varieties in the world and is the city’s second-largest agricultural product, following sugarcane.
Also part of the Piña Festival 2024 is the Higantes Competition, with entries participating in the parade from Robinsons Ormoc to the Sports Complex. (ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
As usual, the annual surge of college graduates in our country is greeted with a harsh reality as the job market is woefully unprepared to absorb them. Thousands of young Filipinos leave their universities each year brimming with hope and ambition, only to find that their degrees do not translate into meaningful employment. The disconnect between academic preparation and job availability highlights a serious systemic issue since many graduates end up in positions unrelated to their fields of study, with wages so low they can barely support themselves.
The plight of these graduates is further compounded by the inadequate alignment between educational institutions and industry needs. The curriculum often lags behind the rapidly evolving demands of the job market, leaving graduates ill-equipped for the available positions. Consequently, even those who secure employment often find themselves in roles that do not utilize their skills and knowledge. This mismatch not only wastes the potential of the workforce but also contributes to widespread job dissatisfaction and underemployment.
For those fortunate enough to have the resources to seek opportunities abroad, the journey is fraught with uncertainty. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) frequently face hostile and exploitative working conditions. The grim reality is that some return home in coffins, victims of abuse and neglect in foreign lands. While overseas employment can offer higher pay, the risks involved highlight the desperate measures many are forced to take due to the lack of viable options at home. The government’s failure to create a robust, supportive employment landscape within the country drives this exodus, often resulting in tragic outcomes.
The entrepreneurial route, often suggested as an alternative, is not a feasible option for many due to the significant capital required. Starting a business demands not only financial resources but also access to networks, mentorship, and a stable economic environment. These are luxuries that many fresh graduates simply cannot afford. Without substantial support and investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this option remains out of reach for the majority, perpetuating the cycle of economic struggle and dependence on inadequate job markets.
This persistent issue calls into question the value of the current educational system. If higher education cannot guarantee even a semblance of economic stability or career alignment, its purpose becomes dubious. The Philippine education system must undergo a comprehensive overhaul to ensure that it equips students with relevant skills and practical experiences. Collaboration between educational institutions and industries is crucial to developing curricula that are responsive to market demands. Furthermore, there must be a concerted effort to create more domestic employment opportunities, supported by policies that ensure business development and economic growth. We need to break this cycle of futile graduation and ensure that education serves as a true gateway to opportunity, rather than a path to disillusionment.
Before the advent of musical notation, composers employed various personal codes and intuitive methods to document their musical ideas. They did not require formal symbols to capture the essence of their melodies, thus underscoring a vital truth: the soul of music transcends the constraints of written symbols.
In contemporary music, formal training and the ability to read and write music have become standard for many composers. This skill allows for precise communication and preservation of musical ideas. However, the capacity to produce moving and memorable songs is not confined to those who are formally educated. Numerous renowned composers, such as Jose Mari Chan and Rey Valera from the Philippines, started their musical journeys without the ability to read musical notes. Yet their works demonstrate that true musical genius can flourish outside conventional academic frameworks.
Practical songwriting, as I define it, involves creating music without relying on formal musical notation. This approach democratizes music composition, making it accessible to anyone with a creative spirit and a keen ear. It proves that the ability to craft compelling music does not depend on formal training but on the passion and creativity of the individual. By using intuitive methods, such as personal codes or modern technology, composers can capture their musical ideas effectively. The beauty of practical songwriting lies in its pure, unfiltered creativity and accessibility.
The process of practical songwriting often involves a more spontaneous and emotional connection to the music. Without the constraints of notation, composers can focus on the emotional resonance of their work. This often leads to music that feels raw and authentic, deeply connecting with listeners. The absence of formal structure allows for a direct expression of the composer’s emotions, resulting in a more genuine artistic creation.
Moreover, practical songwriting encourages innovation and experimentation. Freed from the conventions of musical theory, composers can explore unconventional harmonies, rhythms, and structures. This freedom encourages unique, groundbreaking music that challenges traditional norms while resonating with audiences. Many musical genres have evolved from such innovative approaches, highlighting the importance of creative freedom in music composition.
The success of practical songwriting underscores the diversity of human creativity. It illustrates that there are multiple paths to creating beautiful music, each valid and valuable. Whether a composer meticulously crafts a piece using notation or improvises a melody intuitively, the true measure of their work is its emotional and aesthetic impact on listeners. This diversity enriches the musical landscape, offering a vast array of sounds and styles for audiences to enjoy.
In my own experience as a composer with five original music albums, despite not being able to read a single note, I have found practical songwriting to be a powerful and fulfilling process. It has allowed me to connect deeply with my music and express my creativity without the limitations of formal training. My journey reinforces the idea that the heart of music lies in its ability to convey emotions and stories, rather than in the technicalities of its notation.
Indeed, practical songwriting celebrates the limitless potential of human creativity. It affirms that anyone, regardless of their formal training, can compose music that touches the heart and soul. With it, we honor the traditions of the past and pave the way for future innovations in music. This approach not only democratizes music composition but also enriches our collective musical heritage with diverse and heartfelt expressions. While many trained composers rely on musical notes to craft their pieces, there remains a special place for those who create beautiful melodies without these traditional tools. This form of composition, which I call practical songwriting, proves that musical creativity is universal and innate.
The ugly practice of early campaigning had started subtly with tarpaulin signs bearing the faces of politicians. To the voters, these are clear signs of manifesting the intent of these politicians to be in the public consciousness until election time. These signages are displayed in government projects that are funded with taxpayers’ money. People see the faces and names of politicians with the claim that such project was made through the efforts of the politician which are larger than the details of the project. The signages greet the public daily until the such is destroyed by wear and tear.
Aside from such project signages, there are a lot of tarpaulins all over the communities where celebrations are held such as fiestas and graduations. The aim is the same, to catch public attention on the clear intent of these politicians. The faces of these politicians are similarly larger than the greetings and are displayed long before the fiesta or graduation. Such signages will remain displayed until the same are destroyed by wear and tear which usually last too long after the fiesta or graduation.
The practice is widespread and are well funded as these politicians would have their faces displayed way beyond their political territories. Such signages are clear announcement of the politicians’ intention to run for another elective office apart from the locality where the politician serves. The strategy had somehow been effective as the same is not deemed a violation under existing laws. The election commission treats it not as early campaign for the politician is not deemed a candidate for any elective office until one files the required certificate of candidacy.
In a way, this practice mayhap be deemed as getting at par with incumbent politicians who are exposed on mainstream media and are always in the news. Current issues that are the subject of investigations in aid of legislation are bringing these politicians into the public consciousness. They become the subject of public discussion as the public indulge in debates with their on takes on the issues. Public discussions are not just limited to small group discussions among peers in the community. It goes beyond the usual drinking sessions among friends due to the advance technology where almost everyone has access online.
It is this reality that pushed politicians to employ their own team of social media operators to engage in public discussions as well. The social media influencers are into a lucrative job as they get paid by those politicians who aim to get an edge in the public consciousness. The media influencers operate under the guise of spreading information, albeit untrue in most cases or even intentionally fake. There too are posts on social media bearing the faces of politicians in greetings. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
In the modern digital era, social media has transformed into an indispensable tool for businesses across industries. With its ability to connect, engage, and influence a vast audience, social media has revolutionized the way businesses operate, market, and communicate with their customers.
1. Enhanced Brand Visibility and Reach
Social media platforms have provided businesses with unparalleled reach and visibility. Through strategic use of social media channels, businesses can amplify their brand presence and connect with a global audience. By creating engaging content, leveraging hashtags, and utilizing social media advertising, businesses can expand their reach far beyond traditional marketing methods. Social media platforms act as powerful vehicles for increasing brand awareness and attracting new customers.
2. Direct Communication and Customer Engagement
Social media has transformed the way businesses interact with their customers. It enables direct and real-time communication, allowing businesses to engage in meaningful conversations with their target audience. Through comments, messages, and chat features, customers can voice their opinions, seek support, and provide feedback. Businesses can respond promptly, demonstrating their dedication to customer satisfaction and fostering strong relationships. This direct communication enhances customer engagement, builds trust, and helps businesses understand their customers better.
3. Cost-Effective Marketing and Advertising
Social media offers cost-effective marketing and advertising methods compared to traditional channels. Businesses can create targeted campaigns, reaching specific demographics based on location, interests, behavior, and more. With advanced analytics and tracking tools, businesses can measure the effectiveness of their campaigns, optimize their marketing strategies, and achieve a higher return on investment. Social media advertising also provides the opportunity for businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field, enabling smaller businesses to reach a wider audience without significant financial resources.
4. Market Research and Competitive Analysis
Social media platforms offer a wealth of data and insights that businesses can leverage for market research and competitive analysis. By monitoring conversations, trends, and sentiments on social media, businesses can gain valuable insights into consumer preferences, needs, and opinions. This information helps shape product development, marketing strategies, and business decisions. Furthermore, social media provides a platform for businesses to monitor and analyze their competitors, enabling them to stay updated on industry trends, benchmark their performance, and identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
5. Influencer Marketing and Brand Advocacy
The advent of social media has led to the emergence of influencer marketing, a practice in which businesses collaborate with influential individuals to endorse and promote their products or services. Influencers have a dedicated following, and their endorsement can significantly impact brand perception and reach. Additionally, social media encourages brand advocacy, as satisfied customers can easily share their positive experiences with a wide audience. By leveraging influencers and cultivating brand advocates, businesses can enhance their reputation, drive organic growth, and tap into new customer segments.
Social media has undeniably become an integral tool in the business landscape. Its ability to enhance brand visibility, facilitate direct communication, provide cost-effective marketing options, offer valuable market insights, and foster brand advocacy has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Embracing social media as a strategic business tool is no longer an option but a necessity for long-term success in today’s digitally connected world.
Are you exploring the potential of various social media platforms to benefit your business? Do share with me how it has helped your business.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!
WE have to prepare ourselves for this kind of love which is what is actually meant for us, since we are God’s image and likeness, sharers of his divine life and nature. How God loves should also be how we should love him and others in return.
The gospel reading of the Mass on Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time features Christ (cfr. Mt 5,43-48) telling his disciples, and now us, that “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.”
He made it clear that we can only become true children of God if we manage to follow this incredible commandment of his. He himself embodied that kind of love by offering his very own life as a way to bear all our sins and conquer them with his resurrection.
To be sure, we can only manage to have this kind of love if we truly unite ourselves with Christ who makes it possible and doable for us since he himself will do it for us—but also with us. We cannot deny that this kind of love will demand a lot of sacrifice. Thus, Christ himself said that if we want to follow him, we need to deny ourselves and to carry the cross. (cfr. Mt 16,24)
Since as humans we develop ourselves in stages, we should try to take advantage of our daily contradictions, both small and big, to develop this kind of love. We cannot deny that everyday we have to contend with some differences and conflicts with others for one reason and another. We should consider these occasions as an invitation and an opportunity to grow in the love God wants us to have.
We have to understand that true Christian love always gives itself without measure. That’s its essence. It leaves measure and calculation behind. It just gives and gives non-stop, not only 24/7 but from all eternity and through all eternity as well.
Consider the following. God created the universe without any necessity on his part. He just did it out of pure goodness, wishing to share what he has with other beings. This is the very essence of gratuitousness, the core of love.
Then he created us in his image and likeness, and therefore ran the risk of being freely rejected by us, his creatures, which was what took place and continues to take place up to now.
But in spite of that, God continues to love us, willing to undertake a very complicated plan of salvation, sending his own Son to us, since it is only God, not us even in our best efforts, who can save us.
For this, the Son had to become man, assuming not only human nature, but also the consequences of man’s sin and woundedness without ever committing any trace of sin. Then he died to our sin, his death delivering death to our sins. With his resurrection, we are given a way to conquer our own sins as long as we also die with him.
