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Chorale group from Cebu Normal University declared as winner of the inaugural ‘ Kanta Binisaya’ choral competition

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CHORALE COMPETITION. The chorale group from Cebu Normal University was the declared champion of the first ever ‘Kanta Binisaya’ chorale competition, defeating other chorale groups from other parts of the Visayas. The champion rendered ‘Matud Nila,’ a Visayan popular folksong, as part of their repertoire. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
CHORALE COMPETITION. The chorale group from Cebu Normal University was the declared champion of the first ever ‘Kanta Binisaya’ chorale competition, defeating other chorale groups from other parts of the Visayas. The champion rendered ‘Matud Nila,’ a Visayan popular folksong, as part of their repertoire.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The choral group from Cebu Normal University (CNU) emerged victorious in the inaugural ‘Kanta Binisaya’ Choral competition and Love Eastern Visayas music video competition held on Tuesday (June 11).

The chorale competition was organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT–8) in collaboration with the Tingog party-list and the office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The CNU’s chorale group triumphed over seven other groups from across the Visayas and Mindanao during the finals held at the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City.

The group won a P100,000 cash prize and an additional P5,000 for the best conductor special award, which was given to their conductor Darlene Yap.

They performed an acoustic rendition of “Kuratsa,” a traditional song and dance of Eastern Visayas, and the Binisaya song “Matud Nila.” They concluded their performance with “Tayo’y Magsayawan” by VST & Co.

Cebu Normal University president Daniel Ariaso Sr. joined the choral group in receiving their trophy and cash prize at the awarding ceremony. He expressed his gratitude to the DOT-8 and Kanta Binisaya organizers for the invitation to participate in the competition.

“This is a great opportunity for the choral group of our university to be part of this inaugural competition, and it also allows Eastern Visayas to showcase its rich culture through music. As an Eastern Visayan from Eastern Samar, I am proud to be part of this event,” he said.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes hopes that the success of the Kanta Binisaya choral competition will make it a regular event, showcasing and promoting the rich musical heritage of Eastern Visayas.

“This is the first time DOT-8 hosted a choral competition, and we hope it becomes institutionalized and evolves into a national competition,” the DOT-8 head said.

Tiopes also expressed gratitude to the provincial government of Leyte and the municipal government of Palo for providing a P20,000 cash subsidy to all eight finalists, as well as to Leyte Normal University.

The second place went to Koro Seraphim from Tagbilaran City, which received P80,000. They performed “Anak nga Waray Palad” for their Binisaya song and “Manila” by Hotdog for their OPM song.

Coro Recoleto from the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos secured third place and won P60,000 with their rendition of the iconic Binisaya song “Iruy nga Tuna” and “Pinoy Ako” for their OPM song. They also won the Best OPM special award.

The best kuratsa pair special award was given to the kuratsa dancers of Calbayog Chamber Voices. All non-winning finalists received a P20,000 consolation prize.

The jury for the Kanta Binisaya Choral Competition included arranger, composer, and choral conductor Robert Delgado; musicologist Prof. Thomas Schüle; composer, arranger, soloist, instrumentalist, and choral conductor Cyro Bon Cloui Moral; choral pedagogue, conductor, arranger, choral clinician, and adjudicator Maria Theresa Roldan; choral conductor and church musician Prof. Joey Soliman Jr.; and National Commission on Culture and the Arts Commissioner for the Arts Arvin Manuel Villalon.

Kanta Binisaya is an initiative by DOT-8 aimed at fostering appreciation of the Eastern Visayas musical heritage and promoting it nationally through the chorale competition.
In the music video competition, the entry from Leyte Normal University won first place, earning P70,000. Tanauan School for Craftsmanship took second place with P60,000, and Abuyog Community College placed third with P50,000.

The five non-winning participants received P20,000 consolation prizes. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Senate, House leadership meet to tackle national agenda; vows to observe check and balance

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AGENDA. Senate President Chiz Escudero meet with House Speaker and Leyte congressman, Martin Romualdez where the two leaders discussed their respective legislative priorities. (SENATE PHOTO)
AGENDA. Senate President Chiz Escudero meet with House Speaker and Leyte congressman, Martin Romualdez where the two leaders discussed their respective legislative priorities. (SENATE PHOTO)

TACLOBAN CITY – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed his elation following his first meeting with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

In his official social media account, Escudero stated that he was pleased their initial meeting as Senate President and Speaker was both productive and encouraging.

Escudero emphasized that this engagement was a crucial step in re-establishing a strong and collaborative relationship with the House leadership, particularly after a period of strained relations between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Our discussions today focused on bridging the gaps that have previously existed and establishing a framework for more open, transparent, and continuous communication moving forward,” the Senate president said.

He added that both he and Speaker Romualdez are committed to ensuring that their legislative efforts are synchronized and focused on the best interests of the nation. They agreed to keep their lines of communication open to prevent misunderstandings and promote a collaborative legislative environment.

During their meeting, Escudero highlighted the importance of upholding checks and balances to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. This, he noted, ensures accountability, transparency, and effective governance, allowing for healthy debate and the creation of legislation that truly serves the people’s interests.

Escudero also mentioned that he looks forward to meeting with Speaker Romualdez again as they prepare for the third State of the Nation Address by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He stressed that it is imperative for both the Senate and the House to be aligned and ready to support the President’s priority legislative measures.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

5 towns in Leyte and Eastern Samar declared as insurgency-free by the military

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TACLOBAN CITY– At least three towns in Leyte and two municipalities in Eastern Samar were declared by the military to be insurgency-free.

These areas are part of the operations of the 802nd Infantry Brigade which is based in Ormoc City, Leyte whose coverage includes 25 towns and four cities, including the regional center of Tacloban City.

Their operations cover the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, and Eastern Samar.

The declaration, referred to by the military as achieving stable internal peace and security, signifies the absence of rebels and violent activities initiated by the armed groups in these localities.

Declared as insurgency-free on Wednesday (June 12), which coincided with the Philippine Independence Day celebration, were the municipalities of Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida, all in Leyte, and the towns of Sulat and San Julian, both in Eastern Samar.

These areas joined the towns of Bontoc in Southern Leyte; Palompon, Matag-ob, and Hilongos, all in Leyte; and Giporlos in Eastern Samar earlier been declared as insurgency-free by the military.

The mayors of these towns have expressed their gratitude to the Philippine Army of the 802nd IB, which is headed by B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, for the declaration.

With the declaration, not only they have been cleared of the threat or danger from the members of the communist armed group, the New People’s Army, but could now invite investors to their respective areas, they said in separate statements.

Vestuir, for his part, said that the declaration is not just a victory as they continue to battle against the NPA members but more so a strong indication that the villagers are now seeking for peace and stability.

“With the declaration, we send a strong message of unity in our quest to end local communist armed conflict and maintain a peaceful and secure environment for the peace-loving people of these towns,” he said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

A difficult journey

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Our independence, celebrated every 12th of June, is a fundamental aspect of the nation’s identity, symbolizing sovereignty and self-determination. That journey was a long and arduous one, marked by a series of stains that tarnished the country’s struggle for freedom. These stains, brought about by external forces and internal conflicts, have continued to impact the nation’s quest for true independence.

The first stain on Philippine independence can be attributed to the Spanish colonial rule that lasted over 300 years. The oppressive and exploitative nature of Spanish colonization hindered the country’s growth and development, stifling any attempts at self-governance. The Filipino people were subjected to harsh treatment and discrimination, leading to widespread poverty and inequality. Despite numerous uprisings and revolutions, it was not until the Treaty of Paris in 1898 that the Philippines was officially ceded to the United States, marking the end of Spanish rule.

The second stain on Philippine independence came with the arrival of American forces, who quickly established their form of colonial rule over the country. While the Americans promised liberation and democracy, their true intentions were to exploit the Philippines for its resources and strategic location. The Filipino people once again found themselves under foreign domination, this time by a new imperial power. The struggle for independence continued, culminating in the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902, in which thousands of Filipinos lost their lives in the fight for freedom.

The third stain on Philippine independence can be seen in the dark period of Japanese occupation during World War II. The invasion of the Philippines by Japanese forces in 1941 brought about a new wave of oppression and brutality, with widespread destruction and loss of life. The Filipino people were once again subjected to foreign rule, this time by a ruthless and oppressive regime. The resistance movement against the Japanese occupation, led by Filipino guerrilla fighters and supported by American forces, played a crucial role in eventually liberating the Philippines from Japanese control.

Despite gaining formal independence from the United States in 1946, the stains of colonialism and foreign intervention have continued to haunt the Philippines. The legacy of Spanish, American, and Japanese rule still lingers in the country’s institutions and social fabric, shaping its political landscape and economic development. The struggle for true independence and self-determination remains an ongoing challenge for the Filipino people, as they continue to grapple with the stains of their past and strive towards a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom.

When hunger strikes

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Our stomachs often take center stage in the grand drama of human survival, performing feats of gastronomic gymnastics that would make even the most seasoned chef gasp. Picture this: you’re stranded in the wilderness, your last granola bar devoured days ago, and your stomach growls louder than thunder at midnight. As hunger sets in, the line between “edible” and “unspeakable” starts to blur, and suddenly, that crunchy beetle scuttling by looks like a gourmet delicacy.

It’s in these moments that we humans exhibit our true, wild selves. The term “adventurous eater” takes on a whole new meaning when the alternative is gnawing on your shoes. Hunger has a way of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. A plump, juicy caterpillar? Why, that’s just nature’s version of a protein bar! With a slight squint, those wriggly larvae begin to resemble artisanal pasta, a culinary creation that would make a Michelin-starred chef weep with envy.

Take a stroll through history, and you’ll find countless examples of our foraging forebears transforming desperation into delicacy. In the Philippines, this resourcefulness is nothing short of legendary. When the rice granary is bare and the fishing nets come up empty, the wilderness becomes a smorgasbord of survival. Bamboo shoots, once mere decorations in your backyard, now seem like succulent asparagus. In the clutch of hunger, the forest whispers secrets of sustenance that would otherwise go unnoticed.

But let’s not forget the pièce de résistance of this exotic menu: insects. Yes, those six-legged critters we usually swat away or squash underfoot. In times of dire need, these creepy crawlies morph into the heroes of our survival story. Deep-fried crickets? A crunchy delight! Sautéed grasshoppers? A protein-packed snack! It’s as if the insects themselves, long oppressed by the shoe-heel tyranny, are rising to claim their rightful place in the food chain – right above “empty stomach” and just below “gourmet meal.”

Plants, too, get their moment in the spotlight. Who knew that the unassuming fern could be a culinary superstar? When hunger strikes, the world becomes your garden, and every leaf, stem, and root holds potential. Suddenly, that bitter, prickly cactus seems like a juicy watermelon on a scorching day. Even the weeds that gardeners curse become manna from heaven, transforming a barren landscape into a buffet of possibilities.

Of course, this survival instinct isn’t just about eating; it’s about innovation. Desperate times call for desperate measures – and some truly inventive recipes. You might find yourself concocting a stew of snails and wild herbs, channeling your inner Bear Grylls with a dash of Gordon Ramsay. It’s a culinary adventure that makes for a great story – provided you survive to tell it.

There’s something universally human about this tendency to turn the inedible into the edible. It’s instinctive to our species’ ingenuity and sheer stubbornness. Faced with the choice between starvation and a plate of grilled tarantulas, we choose the tarantulas every time. Not because we want to, but because we have to. And in doing so, we find that maybe – just maybe – they’re not so bad after all.

The next time you find yourself bemoaning an empty fridge or a skipped meal, remember the resourcefulness of our Philippine friends. Take a moment to appreciate the art of survival dining, where necessity isn’t just the mother of invention – it’s also the chef. In the wild world of hunger, everything is on the menu, and the only limit is your imagination (and perhaps your gag reflex). Bon appétit!

Independence?

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

Our generation is blessed with the independence that our forefathers fought for with their lives. What we now enjoy is the fruit of the blood and lives that were offered at the altar of our freedom and democracy. After centuries of slavery under abusive colonial masters, our brave countrymen fought long battles that won us back our lost freedom. Armed with inferior weapons, our heroes fought with courage against the artillery of our foreign oppressors. They could have opted the convenient road to self-preservation and lived longer under the rule of their foreign masters. But our forebears decided to fight a justified war that will win freedom for the future generations to enjoy. Ours was that future generation that now reaps the benefits of their hard won battles.

As we mark this 126th commemoration of that momentous victory for our freedom and independence, it is but apt to look back at the heroic act our heroes took. Their unselfish concern for our generation led to the attainment of our independence from our oppressors. We were able to establish our own government and fly our flag independently. Our colonizers placed us under an authoritarian regime that considered us no more than slaves under the Spanish crown. After the Spanish rule, we still have to be ruled by American and Japanese invaders before we obtained liberation by a victory in a war whose credit was grabbed by the Americans, obliterating as it did, the win of our Filipino soldiers.

We could take the sacrifice of our forefathers as their decisive move to free us from the burden of oppression and slavery. They risked their lives fighting a battle against well armed foreign invaders, so that we could enjoy a life of freedom and liberty. We got an inheritance that was the offshoot of their struggles and sacrifices to see our nation and people free. We got our independence in the battle seven years more than a century ago. We have turned undeserving of that supreme sacrifice but we got our share of the freedom and liberty we inherited no matter what. Taking a look at our present setup, we seem to have lost our worthiness to the cause our heroes fought for.

Our country may have been granted independence during that historical rites more than a century ago but we seem to have lost its essence over the years. After that raising of our country’s flag as a sign of our independence during that historic event on June 12, 1898, it looks like we have bungled the great benefits of that feat. Our political and economic landscape had been bastardized by foreign intervention. We have been held captive by our foreign creditors to the point that we no longer have the right to set the course of our destiny. We owe so much and we have to pay at all costs even if it means trampling upon our constitution and our sovereignty.

On another front, the independence that we have may have pushed us too far in the exercise and enjoyment of our freedom. We are a people that are prone to abusing the freedom and liberty that we have. Our democratic setup had been chaotic in many instances because of our tendency to play beyond the limits of our freedom. By and large, people with vested interests and hidden agenda are toying with our freedom to do the things as they will without regard to its consequences to our democratic institutions that ensures the protection of our freedom and . . . independence?
comments alellema@yahoo.com

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