Dateline Ibalon

26/07/2024

A lookback at our July edition articles (Part 2) highlighting people who led lives that matter:
- Remembering Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J.: The Early Years of Ateneo de Naga
- About Luis G. Dato by Soledad Dato Hidalgo: Bikol Culture Is It Dead?
- Monasteryo Sa Kadlagan (Part 1): Konsepto kan Budismo ni Jingjin (Carlos O. Aureus)
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25/07/2024

Nestor “Nono” Felix loves to tell stories about life in retirement in Naga City and memories of his sojourns abroad to the delight of his FB friends and followers. His commentaries on economic development issues are incisive and insightful. His poems are distilled reflections of the moment, earning him recognition from the Philippines Graphic in the poetry category with the 2023 and 2024 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards’ Graphic Salute Award.
Here he writes about Rides, Rails and Other Recollections. Read more...

Today’s Ride June 28, 2024 At exactly 5 AM, I walked to the junction and managed to catch the first jeepney bound for the centro. At Plaza Rizal, where I got off, I quickly hired a trimobile …

24/07/2024

A lookback at our July edition articles (Part 1) showcasing traditional livelihood, arts and music uniquely Bikol:
- Pili Nut: The Chosen “Pasalubong” from Bikol
- Mural Arts in Naga City: An Emerging Transformation
- Bicol Music at Fête de la Musique
Visit our homepage... https://dateline-ibalon.com/

23/07/2024

Marne Kilates (b. November 5, 1952 – d. July 20, 2024), a remarkable poet, translator, and editor from Daraga, Albay, embodied creativity and patriotism. His passing leaves a void in the literary community, but his legacy endures. His Bicol contemporaries, Chito Aguilar, Merlita Lorena-Tariman, Raffi Banzuela, and Abdon M. Balde, Jr. honor his memory, celebrating his life’s work and sharing their cherished verses that continue to echo across time.
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Editors’ Note: Mariano L. Kilates, (b. November 5, 1952 – d. July 20, 2024) affectionately known as Marne by his family and friends, was a remarkable poet, translator, and editor whose …

20/07/2024

Democracies are at risk as the fervor over “fake news” threatens to propel overreaching restrictions on freedom of expression. We think it is essential to strike a balance between addressing misinformation and safeguarding free speech. This article by Greg S. Castilla seeks to promote informed discourse about fake news while protecting our fundamental rights.
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Editors’ Foreword Because of the increase in authoritarianism and restrictions placed on press freedom in many areas globally, the fate of journalism and democracy are closely intertwined. De…

18/07/2024

“Sobrang Init!” “Mainitonon!” Even as parts of the world are experiencing super storms, unprecedented flooding, and severe power outages, many of us are suffering from record temperatures, no matter where we live – in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. So we thought about featuring this timeless article from Manuel Ojeda Aureus’ book “A Circuitous Journey & other stories of faith, hope, & love.” We thank our dear friend and advisor for generously sharing the treasure trove of stories from his book which he published in 2020.
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Editors’ Note: “Sobrang Init!” “Mainitonon!” Even as parts of the world are experiencing super storms, unprecedented flooding, and severe power outages, the summer hea…

17/07/2024

“In a nutshell” is the summation phrase chosen by many in the pili nut trade. Truly, the success of the Bicol region’s pili nut business is not just about economic figures; it is about nurturing livelihoods, empowering women, and savoring the rich flavors of this best-kept secret. As the pili nut continues to conquer global markets, it leaves a trail of prosperity in its wake.
Read more...

“Pasalubong” — a Filipino Tradition As Filipinos, it has been our endearing tradition to bring back “pasalubong” to our family and friends from our travels. “Pasalubong” which comes from the …

14/07/2024

BIKOLANA PROUD! Sharing these photos of social entrepreneurs Ms. Chris Olimpo of OLI (Our Little Ideas) and Ms. Bernadette De Los Santos of BidiBidi Enterprise who were among the 50 vendors exclusively invited to the 20th Anniversary celebration of SM Retail’s Kultura boutique stores.
Their products are primarily sourced from the weavers of Buhi, Camarines Sur. Chris is shown with Tessie Sy-Coson of SM, Irene Marcos-Araneta, and Ivy Yap of Kultura. BidiBidi is shown with the event celebrity guest Marian Rivera.
Learn about their connection with the Buhi weavers...
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2024/06/the-weavers-of-buhi-a-tradition-of-craftsmanship-and-sustainability/

12/07/2024

Sharing an update about Sailyn Guarin. She's the Deputy Director of Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation, Inc., the legal entity of the Jesuit Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples Ministry. Shown here with Talaandig elders from Sitio Kaulayanan, Barangay Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon, representatives from Cartwheel Foundation (an NGO), and other stakeholders who came together to discuss ways to improve education in the community. In photo, Sailyn wearing black shirt standing on extreme right next to Fr. Jereme Asunto, SJ, parish priest of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Miayaron, Talakag, Bukindon. She is from Sorsogon City.
Learn more...
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2024/06/from-city-sunset-to-soul-awakening-sailyn-guarin/

10/07/2024

Fr. James Reuter, SJ came to Ateneo de Naga during the school’s early years before he was assigned to Ateneo de Manila. He is remembered for his significant achievements in media communications (radio, TV and print) and theater arts as well as his key role in the People Power Revolution of 1986.
Read more...

Editors’ Note: This article was first published in The Ateneo De Naga BLUE and GOLD, August 1952. We thank the ADNU library and archives office for sharing with us this material (content and …

09/07/2024

On June 29, 2024, leaders and key representatives from the creative and cultural community of Naga City gathered to celebrate the approval of the Sangguniang Panglunsod resolution declaring the Spanish-era structures known as Administracion de Coreo and Carcel Provincial as Important Cultural Properties -- a triumph for Naga, its rich history and culture.
Read about how the creative and cultural sector of Naga City pulled it off...
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2024/07/spanish-era-buildings-declared-as-important-cultural-properties-in-naga-city/

08/07/2024

"A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life." --John Wooden (winner of 10 NCAA national championships as coach of the UCLA Bruins)
Sharing the inspiring commencement speech which Coach Noli Ayo delivered to the senior high school graduates of Genesis Colleges, Inc. (Camarines Sur) on June 1, 2024, at the Summit Hotel in Naga City.
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Editors’ Note: This is the commencement address delivered by Coach Emmanuel Rene “Noli” S. Ayo to the senior high school graduates of Genesis Colleges, Inc. (Camarines Sur) on Jun…

07/07/2024

Re-posting Dennis Marpuri's 23-day journal of his 2023 Camino de Compostela pilgrimage with his brother Boyax which they began in June 25 and completed in July 17. His family joined them at the final leg of the pilgrimage. Dennis and his wife Elizabeth divide their time between Ocampo, Camarines Sur and Northern California. His Camino de Compostela experiences inspired him to initiate Camino de Penafrancia with likeminded advocates in 2022.
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Editors’ Note: In June of 2017, the author made a pilgrimage to the Santiago de Compostela with his wife Elizabeth and their grandson Gian. They chose the Camino Frances, the most popular rou…

06/07/2024

06/07/2024

We are pleased to launch the Dateline Ibalon Monthly Newsletter which features a compilation of the previous month's articles. Sign up to get the introductory June Newsletter conveniently sent to your email inbox. Then forward to your friends and family. Find the signup widget in our website sidebar (swipe to the right if using your laptop or scroll downwards if using your smartphone). Also find the Facebook widget just below, then click the Follow Page button. We thank you for your support!
Click to visit... https://dateline-ibalon.com/

06/07/2024

Re-posting Al Alegre's article about the beloved and exemplary Fr. Rolly Bonoan, SJ as the Ateneo de Naga community celebrates his 3rd of July birthday anniversary.

Remembering this beloved Jesuit priest and exemplary Filipino–who though physically small in stature, was a large looming presence when I was in college and after, to me and many others& #8230…

05/07/2024

Re-posting this article about July 4 by Greg Castilla, one of our founding editors. He writes...
"For me, making July 4 a day to celebrate Filipino-American Friendship Day perpetuates a historical myth. Behind this celebration is the reality that friendship between the two countries is not based on solid and equal ground. It’s a case of: “I need you. Therefore, I want you to be my friend.” This kind of friendship has numbing effects on many Filipinos. It’s addictive. Like a drug addict, whatever the dealer gives is perceived as something good and useful. Thus, everything America stands for is good. When will we ever learn?"
Read more...

July 4 is celebrated in the Philippines as Philippine-American Friendship Day. If I am not mistaken, it is also a national holiday. It is meant to celebrate the “special relation” between the two c…

04/07/2024

Telly Hidalgo How has generously shared her treasure trove of newspaper column and magazine articles written by her dear mother Soledad "Choleng" Hidalgo during the early years of Naga City. We are sharing the 2nd from our series featuring Choleng's works -- catching her observant eyes was her brother Luis G. Dato, who's birthday is today July 4. He was the famed Bikolano poet, writer, educator and public servant from Baao, Camarines Sur.
Read more....

Editors’ Note: Soledad “Choleng” Dato Hidalgo wrote weekly articles under bylines: My Two Cents’ Worth, From My Vantage Point, Perspectives, and With Hue and Cry for Naga Times, Bicol Tribune, Bico…

03/07/2024

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Cesar Gueta - a great Bikol artist gone too soon. Born in Masbate, Cesar Gueta is a scholar, teacher, and one of the awardees of the Outstanding Albayano for Visual Arts by the Provincial Government of Albay. As a teacher, he has mentored budding artists through his art workshops, studio grants, and artist’s talks. We send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Cesar was among the first Bikol artists we have featured early in our Saldang Gallery.
Learn more... https://dateline-ibalon.com/2023/03/representations-and-recollections-of-life-and-tough-social-realities-the-art-of-cesar-gueta/

03/07/2024

Sa paglalahad ni Carlos O. Aureus, an Budismo bakong relihiyon kundi sarong klase nin edukasyon, na arog sa sarong “how-to manual” sa paghale kan kasakiman, pag-odok, asin kamangmangan na nagdadara nin katiosan.
Sa mga artikulo ni Aureus, nagtokar siya kan manlain-lain na konsepto kan Budismo. Anom na artikulo an ipinublikar sa Magbikol Kita website ni Vic Nierva. An enot iyo an Katuninungan nin Budismo…

Importanteng Paisi Saro sa mga tradisyon kan Budismo an konsepto nin dukkha,na maski ngani dai nin tukma na pagsalin sa Bikol, an pinakahalangkaw na kahulugan kaini iyo an pagtios bunga kan m…

01/07/2024

Fête de la Musique originated in France in 1982. The Philippine version, Fête PH, was first held in 1994 with only one venue and about 40 or so attendees. On June 21, 28-29, 2024, Fête PH celebrated its 30th anniversary with hundreds of artists who performed on over 100 stages in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Bikol artists performed live in venues all over Manila and in Naga, Legazpi, Masbate, and Daet, entertaining thousands of music lovers.
Learn more about the Bikol artists who made music...

Fête de la Musique, which originated in France in 1982, has become a global phenomenon in over 1,000 cities in 120 countries. Celebrated every year on June 21, streets, public spaces and event venu…

27/06/2024

Bikol arts and culture advocate, DOODS M. SANTOS, writes about PAGSURAT VII, now in its 24th year, which marks several firsts in the writing and study of Bikol literature. It was held for the first time in Catanduanes. It was mainly a Creative Writing workshop instead of the usual writers-teachers conference. The 12 writing fellows represented marginalized sectors such as the indigenous peoples and fisherfolk as well as the different provinces and languages of the region. These are their stories.
READ MORE...

Several firsts marked the quadrennial Pagsurat Bikol VII (PBVII) for the writing and study of Bikol literature. It was held for the first time in Catanduanes, the island facing the Pacific Ocean, o…

24/06/2024

Dara kan pag-acquit sa dating senadora na si Leila de Lima kan Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 kan nakaaging Hunyo 24, 2024, samuyang isinasa-publikar liwat ining artikulo ni Greg S. Castilla nganing maintindihan kan kagabsan an pagtios na inagihan nya sa laog nin pitong taon. Dai sya nawaran nin paglaom na maabot an aldaw na sya matatawan nin hustisya. (Photo from video by Jairo Bolledo/ Rappler)
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2023/05/leila-de-lima-dai-takot-ipaglaban-an-tama-greg-s-castilla/

24/06/2024

On June 18, 2024, the Naga City government launched its new tourism brand, NAGA ‘YON, as the heart of its campaign to boost tourism and economic development. Its strategy embodies honoring the rich history and culture of the city, savoring the vibes of its dynamic present, and looking boldly ahead to the future as the region’s center of progress. The branding and music arts team included a cast of the brand video and models as well as singers and songwriters/producers, Karl Ramirez, Yvan Mozart Zapanta, and Aya Band.
Learn more about the songs of NAGA 'YON...

Introduction On June 18, 2024, the Naga City government launched its new tourism brand, NAGA ‘YON, as the heart of its campaign to boost tourism and economic development, which warmly proclaimed: “…

23/06/2024

On June 20, 2024, the Ateneo de Naga University Creative Endeavors Council presented “DINGGIN: A PIANO RECITAL” featuring Marco Ragragio Valenciano. The event was in celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of PROF. JUAN RAGRAGIO (+), former English professor at the Ateneo and Colegio de Sta. Isabel and pioneering theater arts practitioner in Naga City.
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Editors’ Note: An Introduction On June 20, 2024, the Ateneo de Naga University Creative Endeavors Council presented “DINGGIN: A PIANO RECITAL” featuring Marco Ragragio Valenciano.…

16/06/2024

Today being Father's Day, the author, Paolo Gerero, a Daet based artist, remembers his Papa who passed on last May, "He might have crossed the bridge to eternal life, but in this world he will always be remembered, and his memory lives on in all of the goodness he has done, in the hearts of the people whose lives he has touched, and in the very earth that received his heroic blood." This is about life with his father who was Police Brigadier General Rodegelio Bondal Gerero (Ret.) of the Masigasig Class of 1982.
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When asked how we remember great men and women, the most common answers would be that they are doers of great deeds — that they are heroes who fought for the nation and bled for the land, leaders w…

15/06/2024

The Archdiocese of Caceres presented SERVUS TUUS SUM, a concert in celebration of the Installation and Canonical Possession of His Grace, Most Reverend REX ANDREW C. ALARCON, D.D. as the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Caceres. The concert was held on May 2, 2024, 6:30 PM at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University. The featured artists consisted of the chamber music ensemble with Ena Maria R. Aldecoa, soprano; Augusto A. Espino, piano; Antonio R. Maigue, flute; Lester D. Demetillo, guitar; along with other guest performers.
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Editors’ Note: The Archdiocese of Caceres presented SERVUS TUUS SUM, a concert in celebration of the Installation and Canonical Possession of His Grace, Most Reverend REX ANDREW C. ALARCON, D.D. as…

13/06/2024

The weavers of Buhi, Camarines Sur, embody a rich tradition of craftsmanship that has been preserved and transformed through generations. With the support of dedicated entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and industry associations, Buhi weaving continues to flourish. By embracing sustainability and community collaboration, the weavers of Buhi are ensuring that their craft remains vibrant and relevant.
Read more...

About Buhi The town of Buhi in Camarines Sur is renowned for its lake, its rare sinirapan fish in the lake, and its sustainable weaving tradition. The lake lies in the valley of two ancient volcano…

10/06/2024

We featured "On This Side Of The World" last February 2023. The musical is about a Filipina on a flight from Manila to the US with a one-way ticket and a suitcase full of stories she has collected from immigrants who came before her: tales about overseas workers, young lovers, church ladies who gossip, undocumented immigrants, millennial princesses, and first-generation Americans. Cramped in her plane seat in economy class, she replays these stories in her mind as she imagines her future.

Click link to read the article... https://dateline-ibalon.com/2023/02/on-this-side-of-the-world-paulo-k-tirol/

We're happy to announce the cast recording of the musical with two hours of Paulo K Tiról’s gorgeous music over 24 songs is now available.

Get your copy at eastwestplayers.bandcamp.com. 🎶

Editors’ Note: Updated October 8, 2023 – ON THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD had its world premiere at East West Players in Los Angeles, the largest and longest-running Asian American theatre in …