REYES STRIKES WITH APPARENT LIES
Cash Position Report, Provincial Government of Marinduque as of April 19, 2010 showing available cash at Php 266.8-Million plus. 133% increase from June 2007, when he assumed governorship.
Cash Position Report as of June 28, 2007, when ex-Gov. Reyes exited. Php 114.5-Million. Higher or lower?
“Bangkarote na ang kapitolyo. At kapag umupo na ako bilang gobernador ay walang masisimulang project dahil wala nang natitirang pera!” The speaker was Carmencita Reyes, candidate for governor of Marinduque, moving her arms to stress that point.
Marinduque’s political matriarch has dominated this 4th class province’s political scene for 37 years, first as delegate to the Constitutional Convention under Marcos (1973), then as congresswoman, then as governor and congresswoman again. Reyes wants to return once more this time as governor with his son, former Congressman Edmundo Reyes, Jr. aiming for the congressional seat once again.
That she would deliver fiery messages in those terms are not a bit surprising. No one could and should stop such an exercise in free speech by a public servant of her formidable stature. What came in as a surprise was when after the speech an incumbent board member proclaimed himself as “ako po ang tainga, mata at bibig ni Nanay sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan...” and “... kinukumpirma ko po na totoo pong lahat ang sinabi ni Nanay. Bangkarote na nga po ang kapitolyo..”
Some of the mix of people in Brgy. Mercado in Boac Poblacion where the public address was made recently were left gasping for breath, mouths open, arms shaken, apparently shocked by the “truthful revelation”, but quite a few remained skeptical. It's the election campaign period after all.
Wouldn't Marinduquenos ever check?
Apparently, the Nanay was confident that no one, no one, and no one among her beloved audience would bother to ask, check, validate, investigate and would just believe her fantastic heart-rending story and long litany of tales - hook, line and sinker.
As in the days of yore. But then the same act was repeated the other night in Gasan town. This time knowledgeable local officials watching were appalled, knowing that the same scripted act will be repeated in the other towns with another incumbent bokal ally from the relevant district (2 districts are represented in the Sanggunian), taking the role played by the previous one. A game plan.
Bangkarote? That's defined as "n. a debtor that, upon voluntary petition or one invoked by the debtor's creditors, is judged legally insolvent. The debtor's remaining property is then administered for the creditors or is distributed among them; adj. "Having been legally declared financially insolvent."
Truth is, it’s fairly easy for any responsible citizen, especially those sitting as incumbent officials, to check or verify, particularly in this case, if there’s any iota of truth to whatever their claim. And it is incumbent upon them to speak the truth. Or be punished for their outrageous tales. Some influential people have really began taking stronger positions resulting from this one.
Or is it so that in Marinduque, political candidates always get away with tales and lies confident that their powerless, and, to their mind "money-hungry" constituents ("pera lang ang katapat ng mga taga-Marinduque" is an oft repeated phrase here), would just believe anything that cometh forth from their mouths?
What's the real score?
Truth is, the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, with Maximo de Luna, Jr., as Provincial Treasurer releases on a daily basis what is called a Daily Cash Position Report on the Provincial Government’s General Fund duly certified by him. One such report (the latest), stamped received Apr. 23, 2010 at the Governor’s Office, reflects the cash position of the Provincial Government as of April 19, 2010, which states in unmistakable terms, and here I quote:
“TOTAL CASH AVAILABLE TO DATE: P. 266,815,640.51”
Certified Correct:
(Signed)
MAXIMO R. DE LUNA, JR.
Provincial Treasurer
4/19/2010
Now again, bankcrupt did she say? And no projects could be started by the elected governor whoever that may be, said she?
Now let’s check the cash position of the Provincial Government of Marinduque as of June 28, 2007, when ex-Gov. Carmencita Reyes exited then. Daily Cash Position Report for General Fund as of June 28, 2007, certified by the same provincial treasurer was:
“TOTAL CASH AVAILABLE TO DATE: P. 114,518,017.06”
Certified Correct:
(Signed)
MAXIMO R. DE LUNA, JR.
Provincial Treasurer
6/28/2007
A full increase of P. 152,297,623.45 compared to the 2010 figures, or increase of 133% from the 2007 figures by the end of Reyes' term. Note that Carrion took over from thereon.
The two documents are reproduced on top of this page.
But it all looks like plain and simple Black Propaganda propagated, not by political supporters or sycophants, but by the involved trapos themselves! That makes the character of this present political game more vicious than ever.
As regards the board member, of course he’s still getting his regular salary and fuel allocations just like the rest of his colleagues, inconsistent with his claim of the capitol’s bankruptcy.
Will Marinduque wake up and rise to the tune of “gising na”? Or sleep the creeping sleep of Death under the spell of the wicked wizards and witches of darkness and despair, of doom and gloom? Or maybe let's just all pray to God for sanity to reign on this our beloved island for once. Just this once. For in Him we Trust.
Said Carrion:
"A new spirit moves our people because of their newfound hope and dignity. Most of all, the stark realization that we know ourselves even better now, as an empowered people capable of moving forward to chart our destiny together."
Keepin' Up with Kris!
We thought keepin' up with Kim, Kourtney, and Klhoe was hard enough, but now mother and manager Kris Jenner is in the limelight! Kris just landed a fabulous column in Life & Style magazine!! Her column "Ask Kris" is for all you readers who just can't get enough of those Kardashian gals. So ask her anything, and she'll let you know exactly what she's thinking! How awesome? Kris Jenner is now a writer! We at MSMPR look forward to reading her columns and are so inspired by how she works and everything she has accomplished for herself and for her family! You go Kris! Congrats!!!Follow her on Twitter @KeepinUpWKris
NO POWER OUTAGES FROM SATURDAY – NAPOCOR-MARELCO
There will be more than sufficient supply of fuel starting tomorrow that should ensure no rotating brownouts in Marinduque as fuel supplied by Petron are delivered on Friday, April 23rd. The total fuel supply contracted is expected to last until November this year. Boac Diesel Power Plant Superintendent Nelson Molina explained that Caltex, that used to supply fuel for the Boac DPP and related power plants, closed down its fuel storage plant in Balogo in March. Current fuel shortage was due to failed bidding (no bidders) last month for new supply after Caltex left. Petron won as the new supplier in the latest bid. Negotiation was thereafter undertaken with White Gold, a private hauling company for shipment of the first 408,000 liters for the Boac DPP.
This was conveyed by Molina at the start of a meeting held this morning at the Governor’s Office. The meeting was called by Gov. Jose Antonio N. Carrion in view of the recurring power outages and the proximity of the forthcoming elections.
Marelco Manager Eduardo Bueno, meanwhile, revealed contingency plans undertaken by Marelco before, during and after the conduct of the forthcoming national and local elections in the island-province. This includes the readiness of linemen to respond on call to problems related to power distribution in the barangays.
He stressed, however, that power outages could still be caused by factors such as coco fronds or tree branches hitting power lines when strong winds blow. It is therefore important to still tap available power generators especially those owned by individuals and private business throughout the province that could be utilized during unexpected outages, he said.
Nevertheless, available power capability is at 10MW while Marelco’s normal consumption target is set at 7.5 MW, Bueno said.
COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor, Fernando Besino who also joined the meeting that was presided over by Provincial Administrator, Roberto L. Abling, also conveyed concerns for some barangays still without electric service. He said that according to his information, there are two such barangays in Torrijos, seven in Boac, and two in Mogpog. Besino requested for Marelco’s official confirmation of the said report.
Besino also stressed the utmost importance of ensuring uninterrupted power supply from May 3, 2010, when the delivery to Marinduque of PCOS machines starts, up to after the elections on May 10 to at least May 15, 2010.
During the meeting, Abling, also requested Marelco to coordinate with schools used as polling places to ensure that no problems with power lines and electrical lines therein will be encountered when the PCOS machines are finally delivered to the polling places for testing and throughout the duration of the political exercise.
Jackson Estate Sued
Back in May 2009 Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson's former publicist, filed suit against the "king of pop". Bain claims that Jackson's estate owes her $44 million in back wages and profit sharing. Many tabloids have reported that Jackson's estate has refused Bain's claims and thus the suit has been lost. This is far from the truth according to Bain's Lawyer Willie E. Gary. Gary states that the suit is alive and well and the creditor claims are still pending in litigation in the Federal District Court.
MARINDUQUE IS HYUNDAI'S TOP CHOICE FOR TOURISM!
Marinduque is Hyundai's top choice as tourist site that the distinguished market leader in the country's automotive industry will promote as part of its nation building efforts.Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines is currently hosting a most exciting motoring event (Apr. 20-22). The Hyundai Next Generaion Media Test Drive, participated in by 30 of the country's top lifestyle and motoring journalists sees them driving the latest vehicle offerings of Hyundai like the Genesis Coupe, Grand Starex Limousine, Sonata, Santa Fe and the Tucson.
(Hyundai's Grand Starex Limousine viewed by the Moriones with the Marinduque Capitol in the backgound) The test drive covers a route that started off in Manila taking them all the way to the island of Marinduque for a tour of the island sites and a respite and recreation at the now famous Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa.
Simultaneous to the tour of Marinduque is a photography competition with motoring journlists taking a photo of the Hyundai cars in the context of the island's tourist attractions.
Winning photographs will be used in Hyundai's communication materials, such as print ad spreads in leading publications, the Hyundai newsletter and calendar on the island of Marinduque to be distributed to Hyundai clients. 
Heading the panel of judges of the photo competition is Governor Jose Antonio N. Carrion.
(The lifestyle and motoring journalists taking photos at the capitol gounds this morning)
Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa.
PORK BARREL POLKA AND DYNASTIES
Seen and heard all around the island known as the center of the Philippines: Politicians seeking votes, some candidates occupied with threats they lavishly dish out against their rivals, bribery engagements quite a few resort to, offers to buy votes, black ops against political opponents utilizing every trick in the dirty old book, to the extent that certain candidates had to kneel down before his/her audience to beg for votes, please po, paki po, for the desired dramatic effect...
But what’s it all about? Oh, the strains and melodies of the pork barrel polka is something we have to hear about to understand why some politicians, particularly those associated with political dynasties would do everything in their means and reach to clutch on to kapangyarihan, power.
It’s the Pork!“The annual allocation of pork barrel funds total about P7 billion with each senator getting P200 million and each congressman getting P70 million...
“While the legislators’ pet projects are well-meaning and beneficial to their constituents, the lack of transparency and auditability gives rise to opportunity for graft and corruption.
“There are reports that some legislators demand kickbacks or commissions — as high as 50% — from contractors and suppliers. Corruption is more prevalent in public work construction projects where bidders could collude to fix their bids; thus, allowing kickbacks — or “tongpats” — to be embedded in their lump sum bids.” (Power of the ‘Pork’, By Perry Diaz • Feb 15th, 2010)
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) released a 2-part article on pork which shows how these funds contribute to the graft and corruption in government. Authored by Yvonne Chua and Booma Cruz, the report says that “pork is primarily a vote-getting vehicle and a source of political patronage” and notably as an opportunity to rake in bribes and commissions from contractors of pork-funded projects.In some parts of the country, pork is spent by congressmen “in practically useless waiting sheds with huge placards stating the name of the congressman who funded the construction of the waiting shed.”
Different story
But what goes behind the sign and structure is a different story according to PCIJ. While it might be true that congressmen set aside chucks of their pork money for health care, “these sums are sometimes not used at all despite the long queues of indigent patients at public hospitals and the stark lack of medicines and equipment in most of these facilities. The beneficiaries of legislators largesse may be needy, but they are also politically well-connected. Those who have no access to their congressmen do not qualify for help, says the report.”Scholarships
“This is also true for scholarships.. scholarships are given to students whose parents support the politician. Those supporting the opposition have no access at all to the educational subsidy."
Down the drain
“No one knows exactly how much is lost to corruption in pork-funded projects, says PCIJ. A long-time politician from the North who admits to accepting small commission says that in a year, corruption in pork-barrel projects translates to about P 12 billion in losses in government.
“Another congressman revealed that P 21 billion or a fifth of the government’s P 104 billion procurement budget in 2001 went to the pockets of legislators, officials and contractors alone.” (Worldmission.ph)
To continue:
“Most local government units, on the other hand, are entirely dependent on the IRA to finance their operations and services. An audit ensures whether these funds go to the salaries of government employees and maintenance expenses."
(The 1981-1989 TV Series "Dynasty!" Tagline: "Greed. Seduction. Betrayal. Revenge. Dynasty has it all and more!") Dynasty! Political Dynasty!
”But Prof. Leonor Briones of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance noted that powerful clans can still call the shots when it comes to expenditures such as those on health and education.
“The hanky-panky depends on how powerful they are… Total control by a dynasty is more possible in very remote areas like the Dinagat Islands or Masbate or Maguindanao," says Briones, former national treasurer.
"When all, or most, of the top posts in a province is held by a single family, check-and-balance in governance may be close to nil.
“Briones notes that political families who control the city or municipal council, or the provincial board can easily pass laws in their favor, be it the construction of a road leading to the clan’s hacienda or funds to a school in honor of a clan member or a foundation managed by the family.
”In contrast, areas where there is an active civil society or a very strong opposition, the LGU would be forced to shape up.
“So it depends on the level of transparency of the LGU. If you have an opposition council, makikita ang anomalya. The more strong the civil society, the stronger the institution," Briones said. (“Political clans control billions of pesos in pork barrel, govt funds”, Karen Tiongson-Mayrina, GMA News Research)
In a press conference Congressman Herminio Teves said: "I have to be very candid with you, that most of the P70 million a year of pork barrel or priority development assistance fund (PDAF) is not properly used."
Some more
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), in its 1998 book Pork and Other Perks, reported that pork-funded projects “do not undergo the usual process of evaluation to determine their feasibility.”
Because they are not subject to evaluation, such projects are prone to overpricing. The PCIJ book cites a 1996 report by the Commission on Audit (CoA) revealing that “In some cases, the extent of overpricing reached more than 200 percent of the market prices and government-set costs.” The book quotes directly from the CoA report thus: “It is alleged that the proponent legislator connived with the government officials concerned, and the supplier and contractor to obtain the commissions, ‘standard operating procedures,’ or kickbacks from the transaction.”
So what happens when a political clan in an island-province has full dynastic control of pork barrel and government funds for 35 years?
All together now.
"Seen and heard all around the island known as the center of the Philippines: Politicians seeking votes, some candidates occupied with threats they lavishly dish out against their rivals, bribery engagements quite a few resort to, offers to buy votes, black ops against political opponents utilizing every trick in the dirty old book, to the extent that certain candidates had to kneel down before his/her audience to beg for votes, please po, paki po, for the desired dramatic effect..."
BILLIONS DEAR, NOT JUST MILLIONS.
The Pork Barrel Polka!
And dynasties.
Boac Diesel Power Plant Shutdown: Warning Sign?
Notice dated April 19, 2010, was received today addressed to Marelco Manager, Eduardo Bueno and sent by Boac DPP Plant Supervisor, N.M. Molina which states thus:"Please be informed that Boac DPP will shutdown its operation today at 10:00PM due to fuel shortage. The expected fuel delivery today was failed hence may we request for load shedding until emergency fuel delivery on Thursday, April 22. Power Barge 120 shall continue to supply power service of 3 MW only while their unit no. 4 is still under test today.
"The cause of fuel shortage is due to failed bidding on hauling.
"Your cooperation on the matter is highly appreciated."
In recent days, power outages lasting up to 12 hours were attributed by Boac DPP to non-availability of fuel due to delayed release of budget allocation from Napocor.
ATTY. ALLAN "P.A." VELASCO, MARINDUQUE
I guess I should re-post this video that I posted some five (5) months ago on November 28, 2009 on Atty. ALLAN "P.A." VELASCO, now candidate for Congress to represent the Lone District of Marinduque in the House of Representatives.
It was my tribute to the popular Marinduque attorney, a DVD copy of which I presented to him on that same day as a Birthday and Goodbye present as he ended his term as provincial administrator.
The day before that, (November 27, 2009), I posted the following:
"P.A." throws a birthday-despedida party for his supporters and fans at the Mogpog Covered Court this afternoon from 4:00 pm.
"Atty. Allan "P.A." Velasco recently took his oath as member of the administration party, Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Set to file his candidacy for a national position in the May 2010 elections in the Philippines, he will be leaving his post as provincial administrator by the end of this month.
"Velasco served as chairman of the Marinduque Provincial Tourism Council during his two-year stint in the provincial government. He undertook related projects and activities in cooperation with the office of the governor, the provincial council, provincial tourism office, local LGUs, cultural organizations, tourism agencies and Team Marinduque. Initial thrust is for the island-province to make a strong presence in the promotion of the island as a haven for adventure sports and community-based tourism."All-out promotion and development of Marinduque tourism and allied services and industries shall be his 'reason for being' if elected. P.A. is president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Marinduque Chapter.
"He is the son of Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr. of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and former Marinduque beauty queen Lorna Quinto-Velasco of Mogpog-Torrijos."
Why the repost then? Well, I recently saw an article that first appeared in BusinessMirror Online Space and also reprinted in David Katague's blog (and that's where I read it), about accusations made against Associate Justice Velasco in the web which apparently prompted the Justice to file a libel case against the journalist who allegedly made damaging insinuations. 
“Ms. Vitug publicly accused me in her Newsbreak online article…and portrayed me as an unethical person without delicadeza who has wantonly violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and existing laws. Said malicious imputations were plainly directed against me and had caused me, my wife and children, especially Allan, irreparable dishonor, discredit and contempt,” the complaint said."The article also stated that Justice Velasco voted with the majority in the SC’s decision in the Quinto case that allowed appointive officials to stay in their posts even after the filing of their candidacy, which was beneficial to his son.
"It can be recalled, though, that said ruling has already been abandoned by the Court with finality.
"In his complaint, Velasco denied Vitug’s insinuation that the Quinto ruling benefited his son, as the latter immediately resigned from his post as provincial administrator after he filed his certificate of candidacy on December 1, 2009.
“The insinuation that I concurred with the majority in the Quinto case to benefit Allan reeks with malice. Ms. Vitug made it appear that my vote in the case was not predicated on the obtaining factual and legal premises, as required by law and the Rules of Court, but to favor particularly my son, a situation which, if true, is unethical and a breach of the Code of Judicial Conduct,” Velasco said.
But then, of course it ain't true that Atty. Allan who precisely often talked of delicadeza, benefited in any way because by December 1, 2009, the Marinduque Provincial Government already had a new provincial administrator by the name of Mr. Juan Roberto L. Abling. Then, David Katague commented on my blog on November 29, 2009 as follows:
"Excellent video. May I repost this in my blog? So, who is the new provincial administrator? See you soon."
To which I responded to on the same day, Nov. 29, 2009, with the folowing comment post:
"Yes pls. New prov admin is former Human Settlements Minister, Roberto Abling of Gasan. See you."
I further sayeth naught... or maybe I really should?
On the Island Campaign Trail
Senate President Pro Tempore and re-electionist senator Jinggoy Estrada who has consistently topped the list in various nationwide senatorial polls, visited Marinduque's six towns before the Holy Week. Photo shows Jinggoy with Marinduque Congressional candidate, Atty. Allan P.A. Velasco arriving in Torrijos to a welcoming crowd.
In Sta. Cruz church with Governor Bong Carrion.
Vice-Presidential candidate Loren Legarda was also here for a prayerful Black Saturday campaign, shown here as she's met at the airport by Col. Bing Carrion, sister of Gov. Carrion.
Loren at the airport welcomed by Gasan councilor Liza Lao, Mayor Vicky Lao-Lim, Vice-Governor Tom Pizarro, Col. Bing Carrion and supporters.
MASK: The Other Face of Humanity
“MASK: THE OTHER FACE OF HUMANITY” was jointly published in 2002 by Rex Book Store (Philippines) and the Organizing Committee of the International Mask Festival held in Yogyakarta (Indonesia) on the 27th of Oct. to the 5th of Nov., 2001.". It contains a selection of articles on the “various visions on the role of masks in human society”, and its various functions as a form of traditional art. It was the recipient of the 2002 Gold Prize awarded by the 8th Asia-Pacific Publishing Association.
The book features articles on mask traditions in Java (mask in performing arts), Bali (Topeng mask), Sri Lanka (mask in traditional dances) and Marinduque (Moriones festival), among others. The Marinduque article is entitled “Moriones Festival and Lenten Rituals: Strengthening the Marinduqueno’s Cultural Identity” by Eli J. Obligacion , and may be browsed through this link.
"MARINDUQUE NEEDS LIFT AS A MAJOR TOURIST DRAW"
(Bongbong Marcos with Marinduque Gov. Bong Carrion and wife, Armi, and Vice-Gov. Tom Pizarro)MARINDUQUE should be promoted as a major tourism destination in Luzon because of its vast resources and natural beauty, Ilocos Norte Rep. and senatorial candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday.
“Marinduque is known worldwide for its colorful Moriones Festival and that’s good, but it has so much more to offer in terms of world-class attractions and facilities that we must and will capitalize on to boost tourism, spur economic activities, and uplift the quality of lives of Marinduquenos,” Marcos said during a visit to the island.
“Once the Marinduque air and seaports are modernized, a larger volume of local and foreign tourists can be lured to visit its little-known but awesome white sand beaches, dive sites, trekking and hiking trails, and a climate comparable to Tagaytay,” he said.
Marcos is pushing for a bigger airport and sea port in Marinduque to allow more local and international direct flights and cruise liners to come in.
(Marcos and his children with Boac Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista at the Boac Cathedral)Marcos, who engineered a tourism revival in Ilocos Norte during his term as governor, said the Marcopper mining site, shut down for years, could be redeveloped, particularly its 18-hole golf course, housing facilities and hospital building for medical tourism.
He was confident that Marinduque’s beauty, its charming people and its Moriones Festival could easily attract tourists.
(Bongbong's wife, Louis, sister, Irene M. Araneta, and his three sons.)“Marinduque is a diamond in the rough, and I am looking forward to the chance to lead efforts to make it a key tourism destination through the establishment of modern infrastructure,” he said.
Source: manilastandardtoday.com apr.10-11,2010
SHROUD OF TURIN: POSTSCRIPT TO EASTER
"...the most sensitive, controversial and emotional enigma in the world today." (includes other parts of the video and related videos)
PALASPAS, PALM
Linggo ng Palaspas, Palm Sunday, celebrates Jesus Christ's entry to Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Passover, with crowds of people waving palm branches to welcome him. The raising of Lazarus from the dead performed by Jesus gained him popularity in Jerusalem where he was to fulfill the words in the Scriptures on His final days.
This too, has been annually celebrated in all churches in the country. Photos by Erwin Penafiel taken of the Palm Sunday event in Boac with Most Rev. Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista leading the celebration.
Covet
MSM PR has found the hottest spot in NYC and we can't stop coveting the luxurious Covet. If your looking for a sophisticated European feel with mouth-watering eclectic Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, Covet is your new guilty pleasure. The menu is a carefully and artistically created by Executive Chef John Keller. Chef Keller diverse culinary influences have inspired Covet's signature dishes such as the Hamachi Duo, Lobster Brulee, and Wild Boar Tenderloin. These dishes are the essence of Covet's luxe atmosphere. Not only does Covet provide a sleek and sophisticated loft dinning experience but it also has a hidden lounge beneath it all. The lounge is a great way to relieve the stress of the day with the sounds of resident DJ Evalicious (Eva Suvail). Evalicious, French-Canadian model discovered by Jean Paul Gaultier, is not only beautiful but amazingly talented at DJing and will have you dancing all night long. With its marble tables and richly colored assortment of pillows the lounge will have you feeling like you are away in a Mediterranean paradise. Paradise now no longer requires a passport, simply a trip to 137 E 55th Street, New York City, where you will find Covet's doors open until 4am ready to take you on a magical get away.
SEAIR TO MARINDUQUE: 4 TIMES WEEKLY
(Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa)Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) commenced its direct to Marinduque from Manila since October 1 last year and now flies four times a week - departing THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SUNDAY and MONDAY.
Marinduque Airport was opened to domestic flights since December 2008, with Zestair introducing its direct Manila-Marinduque route. Prior to this, the airport has not serviced any airline since 2004.
The island of Marinduque, lies south of Quezon, east of Mindoro and north of Romblon, and has unspoilt beaches and islets, underwater caves, coral reefs, hot springs and sulfur springs.
Hospitable Marinduqueños traditionally welcome their arriving visitors with flower crowns, and songs and dances on this island known for its annual Moriones Festival held during the Lenten season.
Marinduque is now home to one of the newest premium island resorts in the Philippines, the Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa that formally opened last year.
(Marinduque Airport)
Flights to Marinduque via SEAIR may be booked through Triplestar Travel and Tours at +632/ 843 7308 or SEAIR at +632/ 849 0100.
KATILAU IN GASAN AND BOAC
.JPG)
(Ave Maria) Katilau Co., a group of contemporary dancers, most of whom hail from Iloilo, one province that has produced some notable names in the field of dance, was invited by the Municipal Government of Gasan, through Mayor Vicky Lao Lim to create dances inspired by our local culture.
The dancers must have soaked themselves profusely in local rituals like moryonan, antipo, popua, pugutan as they managed to come up with a highly successful 1 1/2 hour show of interpretive dances on Black Saturday evening at Gasan's Guingona Park.
The municipal government has decided to forego with this year's mounting of the stage play, "Pugutan", a two-hour show with a huge cast that according to the lady mayor has cost the municipio some P400,000 annually to produce. "This does not mean that we are doing away with the "Pugutan" which will be presented again next year", the mayor said.
Two of the lead dancers of Katilau also accepted the invitation of this blogger to perform a doxology for the "Ang Kristo: Pasyondula" presentation at the Moriones Arena in Boac, one of the few occasions where contemporary ballet movements was performed in the capital town, sharing their "Ave Maria" (above photo).
The other dances were inspired by the Moriones and Pugutan street rituals. It will be recalled that Agnes Locsin, one of the most progressive dance choreographers in the country who hails from Davao, used the same ritual as inspiration for "Moriones" that earned for her the silver medal and the Prince Takamado Award in the 1991 International Choreographer's Concourse in Tokyo. Locsin's Moriones was described as a piece "where the male dancers turned, whirled and jumped on each other’s backs to a very rhythm-contagious soundtrack, leaving the viewer pleasantly exhausted at the end".
"Moryonan", meanwhile, that also took off from the local ritual was part of the "Viva Marinduque-Ani ng Sining" cultural tour of the island in 2008 and 2009 that was choreographed by the Balangaw ensemble.
Other photos here show Katilau's awe-inspiring movements of their own version of "Moryonan" and "Pugutan". Katilau roughly means "have a taste of it" in Ilonggo.
GASCUAF's cultural director, Rex Asuncion paved the way for the group's Marinduque performance.
What Not To Wear...Ever!
Okay, we've all been totally guilty of wearing something we shouldn't have one time or another. I was caught red handed last week so I decided to share my experience and keep up the Fashion Don'ts in a weekly update. The MSMPR team is keeping an eye out on those scary fashions that should not be seen anywhere! We will fill you in on what we find, how to say goodbye to those horrendous pieces, and move forward with the tragic loss! Each post will be signed by yours truly for a more personal feel. Enjoy!
Here is my first (and last) Fashion Offense!
Last week we had such beautiful weather and most people broke out their sandals, short sleeves/tank tops, and light-weight pants, but I did something a little different. Even though the sun was strong the wind made it cold (for me at least) so I wanted to stay warm and enjoy the weather. So...I wore my navy blue Juicy Couture velour track suit. I knew it was a crime before it was committed, but I still don't think it makes it right. Don't always Choose Juicy!
My offense wasn't as bad as a woman wearing velour leopard pants in Atlantic City, but my crime does not go unseen! Learn from this mistake and ladies, don't ever commit!
Stay tuned for more of the MSMPR's Fashion Police!
Yours truly,
Ashley
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