Site opened for picknickers in Botanical Garden

_{By Julie G. Fianza}

_{BAGUIO CITY -- Five rough-sawn pine tree tables with attached long benches may now be used by picnickers in a special venue here at the Botanical garden.
    Located on the left side below the main entrance, a neatly engraved and handpainted sign on wood, “Okkuvan” greets visitors who want a place to share food and coffee with never ending stories, or simply celebrate life’s small victories in the open space.
    Surrounded by shrubs and big trees beyond, “Okkuvan” may be the place to have reunions with singing, a community or group dance, or a jig on the level area.
    “Okkuvan,” translated from Ibaloy, an indigenous Benguet language, means “a place to eat together” or “gathering to eat.”
    City Environment and Parks Management Office head lawyer Rhenan Diwas said he advocated for park designs that focus on reflecting values of Filipinos rather than symbols.
    The accommodating table and long benches signify food sharing, inclusivity, generosity, and hospitality, Diwas said. Though we celebrate diversity, the dining table has a space where everyone is included, respected and valued; where we share ideas, foster empathy and abundance, and create new friendships.
    Being together at the dining table is an antidote for bridging differences; as blessings are shared, and we gather for the Filipino tradition of community eating, Diwas further said.
    When at the botanical garden’s “Okkuvan, bring an open heart and a healthy appetite with thoughts of unity, solidarity and compassion,” Diwas said Park management however imposed a garbage in – garbage out rule in the area, according to CEPMO Administrative Officer Sandra Almag. “Sharing the seats and tables with a friend or stranger is also encouraged,” she added.
    Sawn from typhoon-felled and dead trees, the blocks now serve as friendship-fostering and sharing areas.     Similar venues around the park and other city parks are planned.}

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Baguio bar owners nix distance rule; council mulls amendments

By Jordan Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council is amendments to the liquor ordinance here imposing a 50-meter distance between a liquor establishment and any school, church, hospital, or public building following complaints of some business owners they have a hard time getting permits from the city government due to rules on distance to churches among others.
    The City Council, during its regular session last Monday, mulled amendment of the said provision to address concerns of bar and restobar owners in the city whose renewal of their business permits is hampered by the stringent implementation of the law.
    Under the liquor ordinance, no night club, day club, cabaret, dance hall, bar, disco pad, cocktail lounge, beer garden restaurants, liquor retail dealer, or similar establishments shall be allowed to operate within the city unless a business permit/license is secured by the owner. 
    Article 2, Section 1 of Ordinance 1-1990 (amended liquor ordinance) states that no license shall be issued to any applicant unless the concerned office certifies that the establishment is beyond the distance of 50 linear meters or 100 linear meters as the case may be, from any school, church, hospital, and/or other public building.”
    Several members of the city council stressed there is a need to clarify whether the distance of the bar to a school, church, hospital, or public building should be measured either door-to-door, wall-to-wall, or property line-to-property line. 
    The discussion stemmed from a complaint filed by the owner of Lion’s Den, a restobar located in 100 Manahan Bldg, Session Road.
    Bar owner Josephine Marrero said Lion’s Den had been in operation since 1991 and had not encountered any problem with the renewal of her business permit until now. 
    The CPDO refused to issue her a clearance for her business permit renewal.
    The office had conducted an inspection and concluded that Lion’s Den is 37 meters away from the office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which is located at Diego Silang Street. 
    “I really do not understand how I had been given a permit to operate my business for many years until now. I guess times have really changed, or so it appears,” she wrote in her complaint letter.    
    Marrero told the council her bar only operates from 4 p.m. to midnight and customers usually come late at night. She likewise claimed that the DENR office had already been transferred. 
    “I only hope that we have not reached that point where laws, ordinances, orders, and the like, are more important than the people,” she added. 
    Engineer Elias Aoanan of the CPDO said they use “laser measurement” which, according to him, is more accurate and scientific.
    He said restobars that are within the 50-meter proximity to schools, churches, hospitals, and public buildings are advised to change their line of business. 
    Addressing the concern of the restobar owner, the city council passed a resolution requesting the Permits and Licensing Division to issue Marrero a special permit to allow her to operate until December of this year. 
    Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said the issuance of a temporary permit would serve as a band-aid solution while the city council is working on the amendment of the liquor ordinance.
    A public consultation on the liquor ordinance was conducted in 2019. Bar and resto bar owners then complained about the 50-meter measurement. They pleaded it should be reduced to 30 meters and suggested liquor establishments be soundproofed to reduce the noise coming from therein. 
    “During the public consultation, there were complaints from the business sector, but there were also strong oppositions from schools and churches. So there should be a compromise,” Tabanda stated. 
    According to Councilor Benny Bomogao, the council needs to enact “curative legislation to clarify the intention of the liquor ordinance.
 

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Baguio bans liquor in training centers, construction sites

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city government has banned liquor in construction sites and barracks and stay-in training centers here as a preventive measure against Covid-19 and the dreaded Delta variant. 

This was one of the additional restrictions in the revised General Community Quarantine general guidelines under Executive Order No. 89 series of 2021 issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong which took effect last July 30.
    The mayor said this is one way of preventing another surge in cases involving construction workers and trainees especially now that the city is bracing for the effects of the more dangerous Delta variant.
    Drinking sprees had been identified as one of the causes of virus transmissions in the city with a number of case clusters linked to them.

The city experienced case outbreaks at construction sites and training centers just recently.

Under the revised GCQ rules, the city maintained the modified liquor ban adopted last April which prohibits sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and liquor from 10pm to 10am.

If the consumption is incidental to dining in duly inspected food and beverage retail establishments, the allowable maximum quantity that may be served will be:

 “i. For beer, wine, or cocktails: a maximum of four (4) individual servings per diner;

ii. For liquor and distilled spirits: a maximum of two (2) bottles per table shared by two (2) or more people where the volume of the beverage does not exceed one (1) liter; or a maximum of one (1) bottle per shared table of two (2) or more people where the volume thereof exceeds one (1) liter.  Neither shall be served for any individual diner."

 

 

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City council okays bingo in Baguio; mayor rejects

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong rejected two resolutions passed by the City Council approving the request of RCC Global Entertainment, Inc. to operate electronic and traditional bingo and other games authorized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) located at Summer Pines Residences along Marcos Highway and at Cedar Peak along Mabini Street, respectively.
    In his letter dated April 21, 2021 addressed to the members of the city council through Vice Mayor Faustino A. Olowan and City Secretary Atty. Brenner L. Bengwayan, the mayor stated that he will not be affixing his signature on resolutions 208 and 209 both series of 2021 as he finds that the industry or activity on the operations of the said establishments requires prior public consultation.
    During their April 19 regular session, the City Council approved resolution 208, series of 2021 approving the gaming corporation’s application to put up an electronic and traditional bingo outlet at Cedar Peak along Mabini Street while Resolution No. 209, series of 2021 approved the similar application of the company for the put up of another e-bingo outlet at Summer Pines Residences along Marcos Highway.
    Under the internal rules and procedures of the local legislative body, the council needs at least two-thirds vote of all the members to override the decision of the mayor.

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Mayor not inclined to lift liquor ban in Baguio

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The local government is not inclined to lift the prevailing liquor ban in the city amidst calls from a number of residents for the same to be lifted the soonest.

            Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said he had been receiving numerous calls from concerned residents for the possible lifting of the existing liquor ban but he is not inclined to grant the said request because the ban has significantly contributed in efforts of the local government to reduce unnecessary gatherings in barangays that might trigger transmission of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID) 2019.

            He added the decision of the local government to impose the citywide liquor ban was a result of calls from concerned sectors in the city to prevent small group gatherings in the different parts of the city and guarantee that most of the residents will comply with the prevailing policy for them to stay at home and that liquor is not among the essential goods that should be sold in the different establishments.

            The local chief executive said there is no decision yet on when the liquor ban will be lifted despite the upcoming lapse of the extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status of the city which will be downgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ) by May 15, 2020.

            Earlier, the local legislative body passed a resolution calling for the immediate imposition of liquor ban in the city following observations from concerned residents on the presence of unnecessary drinking sessions in sari-sari stores in the barangays that serve as a venue for the possible transmission of the deadly virus.

            Subsequently, Magalong issued an order for the imposition of the citywide liquor ban until such time that the same will be lifted because of the possible threat of the spread of the illness in the city.

            According to him, the public should understand that the imposition of the liquor ban is part of the recommended precautionary measures that will prevent the rapid spread of the virus in the community because what is at stake is their health and safety and what is very important is for the people to heed such call from the experts to stay at home while the situation is still uncertain.

            He claimed that the operation of liquor establishments and the serving of liquor will be among the least priorities of the local government when the status of the city will be downgraded to GCQ as the same is not part of the essential goods and that there are other pressing matters that the city should deal with to ensure that whatever were the gains that were achieved during the ECQ will be preserved and protected for the benefit of the residents.

            The city mayor called on the public to understand his decision not to lift the prevailing liquor ban because the same will eventually translate to the welfare of the populace in the long run and that the city will not compromise the health and safety of the residents during the prevalence of the global pandemic.

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Strict closing time for Baguio nightspots: PNP

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Police Office ordered all stations in the city to strictly implement closing time of night spots in this summer capital.

City police chief Col. Allen Rae F. Co said owners of night spots must comply with prescribed closing time or fines would be imposed on them for violating city ordinance.

He said while the ordinance prescribing the closing time of night spots has not been amended, revised or repealed by the local legislative body, the local police force will continue to implement the same and that it is expected that owners of the night establishments will strictly comply with the prescribed closing time instead of awaiting for the policemen to remind them about their compliance to the local legislative measure.

Earlier, some owners of night spots located in the different parts of the city have been found by the BCPO personnel to have constantly violated the prescribed closing time of night spots and that the appropriate fines were imposed against them by the local government through the years.

Under the ordinance, videoke establishments are mandated to close at 9 pm, liquor establishments without dancing are mandated to close at 12 midnight while bars with dancing are supposed to close their operations at 2 am.

“We seek the cooperation of the owners of the night spot owners by strictly complying with the prescribed closing time so that our law enforcers can concentrate in anti-criminality and peacekeeping interventions for us to be able to sustain the prevailing decent peace and order situation in our city,” Co said.

According to him, there were numerous incidents in the past where bar owners and managers badmouthed law enforcers who reminded them of their violations which should not be the case because the policemen are simply doing their job as embodied in the existing ordinance that must be complied by all owners of nigh spots.

He said bar owners should bring their sentiments to the local legislative body for the possible amendment of the prescribed closing time of their establishments and for them not to blame the police when they are imposed the required fines for their violation.

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Sagada-Korea Friendship Night slated Dec. 8

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province --  A  night of Korean and Sagada cultural music and dance shall be a sight on Dec. 8 at 5:30 to 7 p.m. here  at the community court.

The activity called  1st Sagada-Korea Friendship Night (Gong Links) shall see friendship rites  between Sagada and  Korea to be capped with exchange  of  tokens between this tourist town and Korea, the latter led by event organizer Han Chang Soo.

Korean cultural music and dance shall be performed by the Korean Traditional Art Troupe led by Lee Sang Bok and Jung Hyung Sok.

Sagada cultural performers shall be doing the traditional dances- ballangbang, palakis, sakuting and takik.  

The public was encouraged to watch the event. No fees will be collected.  Dubbed  Gong Links, the activity sees the similarity of the use of gongs between the two countries.

The gong as an instrument of entertainment is common among Asian countries including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Korean noodles shall be served along with Sagada Coffee Arabica  to visiting  performers and  guests  from Korea and the public.

The Korean group shall also be conducting a medical mission afternoon on the same date.

Details on this shall be posted soon.  

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Korean Wave

Sohee Kim

BAGUIO CITY -- Korean Wave is now making its presence not only in this Summer Capital but nationwide.  Korean songs like BBoom-BBoom and BAAM can be heard everywhere. Many people watch Korean drama and know Korean actors and actresses well. 

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines, a media research firm, Korean dramas are the most watched having 30.5 percent viewers as of May 28-June 3 rather than Filipino dramas.

​                Recently, the most watched k-dramas aired in the Philippines were Descendants of the Sun having 92% Filipino viewers, aired in GMA 7. Goblin aired in Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network (ABS-CBN) having 14.25% nationwide.

Other K-dramas broadcast in the Philippines were, Black, Missing You, The Legend of the Blue Sea, The Heirs, and Radio Romance.

The reasons why Filipino love Korean drama, we may say, twist of stories and emotions being conveyed.

Those who are into Korean Wave, follow Korean fashion and products.

In watching Korean dramas and singers, they get fashion style ideas like what color of hair is trendy today, clothing preferences and style of make-up.

Korean wave has brought positive effects to Korea's economy. According to Rol, a business and brand strategist, there was an estimated US $11.6 billion contribution from foreign sources in the Korean economy. With interest in Korea peaking up, since 2010, a total of  8.8 million foreigners visited the country to immerse themselves in Korean culture and tourist sites.

The demand for Korean products especially cosmetics and clothing also had gone up in other countries as a result like the Philippines.

​                Korean Wave also contributed to improving its image and appreciation with other countries.  Korea, Japan, and China are known to be rivals, but when K-drama spread in these countries, people started to appreciate and love K-dramas and regardless of issues like Chinese hegemony, Japanese colonization, Korean war, political feuds related to the Peninsula and issues related to International Monetary Fund.

​                Korean Wave not only benefited the Korean economy but also inculcated positive things about Korea with other countries considering  many people do not know much about Korea. They know that Korea had been associated with negative things such as wars.

The negative images were disregarded due to entertainment such as dramas and movies. In this summer capital, the Korean Wave is making inroads among the local populace, even as the number of Koreans residing in the city had gone up. (Sohee Kim is an intern of the Northern Philippine Times and graduating mass communications student of the University of Baguio)   

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Mayor denies hearing on SM Sky Ranch project

By Dexter A. See 

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said a public hearing on  the ongoing Sky Ranch project of SM City Baguio is not required before the issuance of permit from the local government as long as the mall management complies with all requirements.

The local chief executive returned to the local legislative body without his signature Resolution No. 303, series of 2018 urging SM City Baguio and Sky Ranch Amusement Park Baguio to conduct public consultations on social acceptability of their amusement park and recreation facility project and to seek favorable endorsement from the Sangguniang Panlungsod in compliance with the provisions of the Local Government Code and other pertinent laws.

“The amusement park is within a private property. It is respectfully submitted that the public consultation and endorsement from the City Council is not required before a permit can be issued so long as they had complied with all the requirements,” Domogan said.

Earlier, the local legislative body invited as resource persons in aid of legislation City Engineer Edgar Victorio Olpindo, City Building Official Nazita F. Bañez, City Environment and Parks Management Officer Cordelia Lacsamana, City Planning and Development Officer Evelyn G. Cayat, Baguio City Police Office Traffic Management branch head Chief Inspector Oliver Panabang, SM City Baguio mall manager Rona Vida Correa and SM City Baguio Sky Ranch project manager or his duly authorized representative regarding the on-going construction of the SM City Amusement Park and Recreation facility to determine if safety, zoning, as well as traffic measures have been considered during its construction.

During deliberations, the local legislative body deemed it necessary to urge SM City Baguio and Sky Ranch Amusement Baguio to conduct public consultations as to the social acceptability of their proposed amusement park and recreation facility project and to seek favorable endorsement from the said body in compliance with the Local Government Code and other pertinent laws.

Domogan said operation of the Sky Ranch amusement and recreation facility will be an added tourist attraction in the city considering the absence of amusement and recreational centers where residents and visitors alike could enjoy and bond together.

Aside from working on its expansion project that will increase the availability of more tenants for the greater interest of the public, SM City Baguio is venturing on the put up of its Sky Ranch Amusement and Recreation Center to provide residents and tourists with more amenities where they will be able to enjoy spending a break going around and patronizing what the giant chain of malls can offer them.

The SM City Baguio Amusement and Recreational facility will provide various state-of-the-art rides which people could patronize and enjoy their visit to the mall considering the absence of similar rides in any part of the city.

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‘Concert in the Clouds’ aids PWDs, Red Cross

   By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE –  The much drummed up ‘concert  in the clouds’ here in sitio Maduto of southern Sagada  on October 28 and 29 aims to raise funds for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and special education (SPED)  among other sectoral causes.

The SPED Center temporarily housed at the old Parish office of the Church of St Mary the  Virgin (CSMV) initially enrolled 14  special  children  Funded  by  Manila- based Center for Possibilities  with counterpart from parents, the SPED Center’s  registration with the Department of Education is on process since the center was opened in 2016.

PWDs both physical and mental disabilities  in Sagada number  nearly a 100 cases, a fraction from Mountain Province’s nearly 2000 recorded PWDs.

Other sectoral  causes that the two day Sagada  Arts, Music and Peace Fair supports with its proceeds are host communities of southern Sagada, guides, senior citizens, farmers, athletes, day care centers, children’s playgrounds, art clubs and Red Cross.

The event features  national musician- artists Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, Lolita Carbon, Up Dharma Down and Ely Buendia, among others.

Said event is organized by musician-producer  Ed Formoso and partners Sagada Environmental and  Guides Association (SEGA), Sagada  Genuine Guides Association( SAGGAS) and the  Bangaan, Fidelisan, Tanulong, Aguid Madongo Guides Association (BFTAMPGA) in agreement with representatives of southern Sagada  and in partnership with the local government unit

Said event has earlier undergone consultation by Formoso with barangay officials of southern Sagada, innkeepers group, guides, municipal local government officials, municipal tourism council and other individua

A consultation-validation with folks of southern Sagada  followed  conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). 

Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative  (IPMR) Jaime Dugao said a full  blown free prior informed consent (FPIC) is not necessary considering that the concert  is primarily a community event and not extractive.

Meantime, products including  the town’s woven materials and  food  shall be on sale during said concert. Vendors are invited to display their products during  the two-day event.

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Gary V and Freddie Aguilar among artists to perform in Sagada’s ‘concert in the clouds’

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE - The much anticipated  Sagada  Arts, Music and Peace Fair dubbed ‘concert in the clouds’ is  set October 28-29 here at  sitio  Maduto of the southern part of this tourist town with national artist- performers Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Ely Buendia, Up Dharma Down, Noel Cabangon, and Freddie Aguilar.

This, following  the recently conducted October consultation with folks of southern Sagada- Suyo, Ankileng, Taccong, and Nacagang- noted  positive response on the conduct of said  concert .

Leaders and barangay officials  of said host communities  inked consent  in a memorandum of agreement with proponents Ed Formoso and partners Sagada Environmental and  Guides Association (SEGA), Sagada  Genuine Guides Association( SAGGAS) and the  Bangaan, Fidelisan, Tanulong, Aguid Madongo Guides Association (BFTAMPGA); and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) officers as witnesses.

Formoso is a musician-producer-artist from Manila known for having supported the alternative rock band Eraserheads with the production of their debut studio album Ultraelektromagneticpop! containing songs “Toyang”, “Pare Ko”and other hits.

Earlier consultations by proponents were done December last year with officials of southern  Sagada, local government officials, the Municipal Tourism Council, innkeepers, guides, and other  individuals.

In  the latest October consultation, benefit sharing of  the host communities was projected from the proceeds of the event. The  event aims to  give 10% of the concert proceeds for  organizational causes of Sagada’s sectoral groups- guides, senior citizens, farmers, and athletes, day care centers, children’s playgrounds,art clubs, special education (SPED) for children with disabilities, Red Cross and the host communities. 

The Maduto venue located within the ancestral domain of southern Sagada with its quiet atmosphere is a sprawling flat land with limestone rocks and pine-nestled hills at the background and the site occasionally disturbed  with vehicles passing through the Suyo- Balili road at the eastern side of the lot. 

Home to mostly farmer-residents, the southern barangays are accentuated with abundant ricefields, lush pine tree grown mountains and  rivers Bakkong, Pongas flowing to Malitep draining towards the Chico river.

Sagada  has a name to get visited.

Sagada is a popular  tourist destination  frequented by  visitors from different parts of the world especially those from the  local areas of the country.  From a 165,000 tourist arrivals in 2016, domestic tourists  top arrivals to a high of 85% with the rest  coming from other countries including France, Asia and  the US.

Tourists visit the country at peak seasons after the rainy season starting October towards the celebration of All Saints and All Souls day characterized by the traditional  panag-aapoy evening of November 1   

December also shows high arrivals  last week of December then dwindles on the end of the month. The  fiesta celebration  which falls on the last days of January on to the  first days of February is another crowd drawer jamming the streets for quite some time.

Tourists are a-plenty February on to April with the highest arrivals during the Lent season then dwindles  June on to October.

A top tourist destination, Sagada has a name for people to  visit-  popular  caves and waterfalls and  sights, embraced by a cool weather enticing tourists from hot and sultry lowlands of the country and the bustling metropolis of Manila.

Sagada has some 150 inns and homestays with a nearly 3000 bed capacity. During  tourist peak seasons like Lent and the Christmas  break, residents open up their homes for visitors to have a room to sleep for a night or two.

Where Sagada lacks rooms for overflowing  tourist arrivals, Inns and homestays of neighboring towns Bontoc, Sabangan,Bauko, Tadian, and Besao are available. The previous Lent season  registered some 4000 visitors for a day in Sagada with some tourists lacking rooms to stay.
The concert expects  5000  tourists to 10,000 attendees including residents of Sagada and neighboring towns.

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Sagada folks okay ‘concert in the clouds ‘ but ask ‘What’s the deal’

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE - Folks from  southern part of this tourist town said ‘yes’ to the publicized ‘concert in the  clouds’  dated October 28 and 29  but comes with the  question ‘what benefits  us’.

Following consultation,  Suyo barangay chairman  Nanette  Alangui  asked  what monetary benefits  shall be given to southern Sagada.

The venue of the concert is located at Maduto grounds within the ancestral domain of southern Sagada  composed of barangays  Suyo, Ankileng,  Taccong, and Nacagang.

The Maduto venue with its quiet atmosphere is a sprawling flat land with limestone rocks and pine-nestled hills at the background and the site occasionally disturbed  with vehicles passing through the Suyo- Balili road at the eastern side of the lot. 

Home to mostly farmer-residents, the southern barangays are accentuated with abundant ricefields, lush pine tree grown mountains and  rivers Bakkong, Pongas flowing to Malitep draining towards the Chico river.

               ‘Concert in the clouds’  aims to raise P6 million from ticket sales aside from  sponsors’ commitments in cash or in kind.       
              The concert projects to  give 10% of the concert proceeds equivalent to to  1.6 million pesos  for  organizational causes of Sagada’s sectoral groups- guides, senior citizens, farmers, and athletes. Concert proceeds aims to be given also for barangay day care centers, children’s playgrounds and art clubs, special education (SPED) for children with disabilities and Red Cross.  

Noting specific benefit for southern Sagada, Alangui said the amount should be specifically noted in the memorandum of agreement (MOA).  The  MOA cites responsibilities of proponents Ed Formoso and partners Sagada Environmental and  Guides Association (SEGA), Sagada  Genuine Guides Association( SAGGAS) and the  Bangaan, Fidelisan, Tanulong, Aguid Madongo Guides Association (BFTAMPGA);  with the monitoring role of the municipality of Sagada represented by the local government officials of the town.

Formoso is a musician-producer-artist from Manila known for having supported the alternative rock band Eraserheads with the production of their debut studio album Ultraelektromagneticpop! containing songs “Toyang”, “Pare Ko”and other hits.

Formoso stays in Sagada and consulted with LGU officials, the Municipal Tourism Council, barangay officials of southern Sagada, innkeepers, guides, and other  individuals since December last year  about  said concert.

Said consultation followed up with a community gathering in southern Sagada first week of October this year.       

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)  Sagada- Besao cluster supervisor Andrew Magwilang  said the free prior and informed consent  (FPIC) requirement is on process.   

The scheduled October 28 to 29  projects aims to draw some  5,000  tourist viewers  aside from  the people of Sagada who shall  watch the concert with no need to pay for a ticket. One  ticket costs  P1,000 to  P2,000  pesos each with a ‘no bed- no ticket’  policy.

Projected to generate  P6  million pesos in tickets sales with P4.5 million  production expense, the  concert  shows national  musician-artists namely Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Ely Buendia, Up Dharma Down, Noel Cabangon, Joey Ayala, and Freddie Aguilar.

Sagada has some 150 inns and homestays with a nearly 3000 bed capacity. During  tourist peak seasons like Lent and the Christmas  break, residents open up their homes for visitors to have a room to sleep for a night or two.

Where Sagada lacks rooms for overflowing  tourist arrivals, Inns and homestays of neighboring towns Bontoc, Sabangan,Bauko, Tadian, and Besao are available. The previous Lent season  registered some 4000 visitors for a day in Sagada with some tourists lacking rooms to stay for the night or two.

The setting up of campsites to accommodate tourist-viewers is proposed by the organizers.  The recent Municipal Tourism Council (MTC) meeting however did not object to the statement of Sagada Inns and Homestays Association (SIHA) president Marina Biag that campsites are not tolerated.

Biag said some inns and homestays are  wanting of booking for concert-visitors. With the 'no bed-no ticket' policy of concert organizers and a projected 5000  tourist viewers, inns and homestays in Sagada are expected to be filled up and other accomodations  in neighboring towns.  

Sagada  has a name to get visited.

Sagada is a popular  tourist destination  frequented by  visitors from different parts of the world especially those from the  local areas of the country.  From a 165,000 tourist arrivals in 2016, domestic tourists  top arrivals to a high of 85% with the rest  coming from other countries including France, Asia and  the US.

Tourists visit the country at peak seasons after the rainy season starting October towards the celebration of All Saints and All Souls day characterized by the traditional  'panag-aapoy'  eve of  November 1. 

December also shows high arrivals  last week of December then dwindles on the end of the month. The  fiesta celebration  which falls on the last days of January on to the  first days of February is another crowd drawer jamming the streets for quite some time.

Tourists are a-plenty February on to April with the highest arrivals during the Lent season then dwindles  June on to October.

A top tourist destination, Sagada has a name for people to  visit-  popular  caves and waterfalls and  sights, embraced by a cool weather enticing tourists from hot and sultry lowlands of the country and the bustling metropolis of Manila.

The Municipal Tourism Council headed by  Mayor James Pooten  in their recent meeting with the concert organizers  identified concerns and issues on garbage, traffic, security, accommodation, need for a bond, no campsite, and  disturbance it  gives to the spirits residing in serene Maduto. 

Ensuring the aid identified for beneficiaries, budget for work force and contingency costs were major discussions during said meeting held October 2.

              Councilor Dave Gulian raised the query  of postponing the October concert to a later date considering the refining of identified issues  added to  a drizzling and cloudy weather usually experienced during the last days of October on to November 2.     

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Three top Manila bands in November Baguio gig

The Vikings are coming.

Three of the more popular Manila bands will invade the city this November with the Crows & Vikings Tour.

The Baguio leg of the tour which will headline Typecast and the Valley of Chrome will also have the punk band The Republicats.

“The Baguio leg will be a little different and special since we will be having the Republicats, actually coming back again,” said Baguio leg organizer Felix Deyta, Jr.

The Republicats was last here in August 10 where they basked with local artists and Vagabond Albert Ascona of The Vagabonds and Eddie Siojo at Pasa-Kalye.

Deyta said that the Baguio leg will be the 10th of the 15 legs of the Luzon portion of the tour which will be launched on Oct 20 at Sitio Tr3s Grill in Malolos, Bulacan and ends on December 15.

Organized by his Trabahador and e-Pub, the Baguio leg will be at the Concoctions Bar and Resto from 8 p.m. until 12 midnight.

The bands has several hits with Typecast having Against the Rope, Valley of Chrome’s Balang Araw and Maskara, while The Republicats was behind the  hit Disconnected.

Tickets will be P200 only that is inclusive of one free drink. Three local bands and one from Dagupan are expected to join the three Manila bands during the event which will start at 8PM.

“Expect the three bands to rock Baguio and entertain our music lovers,” said Deyta, who has been behind several concerts here. His previous gigs included that of legendary Dong Abay formerly of the 90s iconic band Yano, which made Santong Kabayo Banal Na Aso one of the decades most iconic songs.  

Deyta wants also to make the Baguio leg, which has Z-Radio as official radio station, memorable with various activities during the day with the artists for them to enjoy the cool city.    

Chapter One or the Luzon 2017 of the Crows & Vikings will have: Oct 20 - Sitio Tr3s Grill, Malolos, Bulacan, 0ct 21 - The Barrel House, Angeles, Pampanga, Oct 27 - Inzomia Bar, Balanga, Bataan,  Nov 3 - KEYDZ Restobar, Olongapo, Zambales, Nov 4 - Veys Camp, Baler, Aurora Nov10 - Hardcore Hope, Batangas City, Nov 11 - Flip & Beyond Bar, Imus, Cavite,  Nov 17 - La Carmelita Bar, Sta.Cruz, Laguna, Nov 24 - Sitio Orient, Tarlac City, Nov25 - Baguio City (Venue TBA), Dec. 1 - Mega Disco, San Pablo City,  Dec 2 - Silungan Bayan, Tayabas, Quezon, Dec 8 - J-Spot, Antipolo, Rizal, Dec 9 - Hell and Back Pitboys Restobar, San Pedro, Laguna and Dec15 - The Quarry Beer Garden, Las Pinas City. PML

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Art, historical events mark Tanabata Festival in Baguio

By Gemma Estolas    

BAGUIO CITY – The “-7th Baguio Tanabata Festival 2016”  is on here  with the theme “Dream of Date Masumane: Galleon San Juan Bautista to the Sea of Tanabata.”

Tanabata,  now on its  7th year,  is sponsored by the City of Baguio, the  Embassy of Japan, the Japan Foundation, Manila, the  JICA Philippines Office,  the Japanese Association in Northern Luzon (JANL), the Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon (Abong), the FDCP-Baguio Cinematheque, the Baguio City National High School, Tourism Division  Miyagi Prefecture Government , the Miyagi San Juan Bautista Museum, the Sendai Tanabata Festival Support Association, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.,  the universities in  Baguio City and La Trinidad: Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras, University of Baguio, University of the Philippines, Benguet State University  and  the Baguio Museum Inc.

The two and a half month  event started with a poster design contest by the Bag-iw Art Society. Happening for the first time in Baguio this year is the “EIGASAI – Japanese Film Festival.”  

A press conference and  special screening of “Crossroads” at the FDCP Cinematheque Baguio at Vallejo Hotel  was held July 21, ahead of the EIGASAI Opening Night on August 11at SM City Baguio Cinema. 

The film screenings at SM City Baguio Cinema continue until August 14(Sunday),  screening eight contemporary Japanese films.  EIGASAI then moves to FDCP Cinematheque where two films are screened on August 15(Monday).

On July 23, there will be a celebration of  “Philippine- Japan Friendship Day” at the Japanese Garden by Abong.  July 23 to 24 (Saturday-Sunday) will be devoted to Tanabata Decoration Workshops 1 to 3 at the Abong Hall. All workshop sessions are “free and open to the public.”

At the Baguio Museum, three exhibits will be opened on August 6, 2016 (Saturday): 1.) the 7th Baguio Tanabata Festival 2016 with theme: “Dream of Date Masumane:Galleon San Juan Bautista to the Sea of Tanabata”, 2.) “Building  Tomorrow” and 3.) “Sendai Tanabata, Date’s Keicho Envoy Mission, Four Seasons in Miyagi” Poster Exhibit.

The 5th year event of “CosplayTanabata 5”  will be held at the Baguio City National High School by the Cosplay Community. It’s a “fun filled day” so be sure to go and attend.

This year’s” 7th Tanabata Festival” is to commemorate the 60th year of Philippines-Japan Friendship,  the 400 years since Date Masumane’s envoy Keicho Mission by Galleon San Juan Bautista to the Vatican  and Spain,  and five (5) years of CosplayTanabata Festival.  Baguio Tanabata  is patterned after the biggest and most famous Sendai Tanabata Festival in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan,  inspired by the warrior Date Masamune..  According to history, MasamuneDate(1567-1636) was one of the most strong daimyo, feudal lord, in Tohoku region and the founder of the modern-day city of Sendai.

It is also said that he was a patron of culture and Christianity, and even today Date  is one of the most be-loved samurai in Japan. The theme is inspired by the Keicho Mission. 400 years ago, Date Masumane sent HasekuraTsunenaga on a mission to the Vatican and Spain, accompanied by Franciscan Missionary Luis Sotelo,  to negotiate direct trade with Spain, in exchange for allowing Christian missionaries into the Sendai feudal domain.

San Juan Bautista was a wooden European style sailing ship built in Sendai and the mission was called ‘Keicho Mission’.

This great San  Juan Bautista sailing ship  transported 180 people from the Japanese diplomatic  mission. It was later bought by the Spanish government in Manila, where Hasekura stayed about two years..

The Sendai Tanabata Festival attracts 2 million tourists a year during the three-day festival in August. Visitors and communities come from different parts of Japan to participate  in various  activities like parades, lantern and streamer decorations.

“Tanabata”  means evening of the seventh. The celebrations in Japan happen during the 7th day of the 7th month, which according to the Gregorian calendar falls in August. Streets are decorated with  bamboo installations consisting  of  small and big bamboos where one is able to hang their wishes and origami decorations.The hanging of wishes is inspired by the love story of Orihime (a weaving princess) and Hikoboshi ( a cow herder). Legend says that the lovers were separated by Tentei (the Sky King) across the milky way (Amanogawa) when they failed to meet their responsibilities after marriage. 

According to Hidenobu  Oguni, president of the JANL and  the overall coordinator of the Tanabata Festivals in Baguio,  which  started in  2010. 

Tanabata  is now on its 7th year, Tanabata also the celebrates Philippines-Japan Friendship month and continuous to be supported by other organizations in Baguio City like:   the Bag-iw Art Society, the UP Anime_HQ,  the UP SVA, the Cordillera Green Network , the NPO Salubong-Tokyo, R.K.Shimizu(Nagasaki) Foundation, Shimizi and Co Ltd, Pro Tech Machinery Corporation, Amida Software Asia, Inc, Tokyo Rinkai Rotary Club, Sakura Terras Japanese Restaurant, the Blue Files Language and Training Center, the Baguio Pines Lions Club,  Globe Telecom and Chaya Contemporary Japanese Cuisine.

For more information, please contact Hidenobu Oguni, president of  JANL -  coordinator of Tanabata Festival 2016 at 0910 411 3306 and Ms. Gemma Estolas, Museum assistant curator,  Baguio Museum at 074-444-7451.

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‘Shaming’ in TV show / Carnapping non-bailable

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

The Philippine Commission on Women has expressed its concern over the actions of the hosts of noontime show “Eat Bulaga” who the PVW said, “hastily indicted and stereotyped a female contestant who previously went through various kinds of abuses.” 

“The PCW strongly denounces all forms of victim blaming and shaming as such act promotes the culture of misogyny that justifies and normalizes abuses against women,” the commission said in a statement emailed to the Northern Philippine Times.

           In one of its segments on July 9, Katrina Conde, a solo parent of four children and recipient of the "SugodBahay" contest, was reported asked by the hosts to share her life story, highlighting the reasons behind her separation from her estranged husband.

“As Conde recounted her story and admitted her occasional drinking sessions with friends, not to mention her way of wearing clothes and being friendly to other colleagues,” the hosts, the PCW said, “began pressing, berating, accusing her of being guilty, if not held her responsible for her misfortunes. One even commented that “Ka-bababeng tao mo pa naman, pa-shot-shot ka."

“The hosts also crossed the line when they weren’t content with the line of questioning towards Conde and even asked her to re-enact the way she pleaded to win her husband back, in a way reliving her pains.

“These are clear examples of victim blaming and shaming which can be likened to fault-finding against rape and sexual harassment victims who were blamed for wearing sexy outfits, getting drunk or walking alone in dark streets.

Women should never carry the guilt and blame and likewise restrict their freedom and desires. Women should live equally with men.”

The PCW said while the hosts may have had good intentions in giving advice, the program should also be cautious and ensure that they are not exposing the victim to further harm and vulnerability.

“The PCW appeals to all media employees, producers, talents and writers, especially those of “Eat Bulaga” to uphold its Code of Ethics and likewise observe gender sensitivity at all times, as mandated by the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) Section 16 which calls for the non-derogatory and discriminatory portrayal of media.”

“Eat Bulaga” is the longest-running noontime television program in the country and has a wide reach and following of audience of all ages, race, religion and sex. The program hosts should realize that their language and actions will have an effect on how their viewers think and act. Hence, they should be more conscientious in what they say and do, so as not to reinforce gender biases in our society.

“The PCW trusts that the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the lead agency mandated to promote a value-based media and entertainment culture will ensure that the issue will be resolved in a manner that upholds the dignity of women.”

Last week, the MTRCB summoned the officials of “Eat Bulaga” for a dialogue over the issue.

The MTRCB is a member of the Media and Gender Equality Committee (MGEC), in Inter-Agency body created under the Magna Carta of Women tasked to lead in ensuring the non-derogatory and non-discriminatory portrayal of women in media and film.

            ***

Carjacking is now a non-bailableoffense. The proposed measure imposing stiffer penalties against carjacking and making it a non-bailable offense if evidence of guilt is strong is now a law.

House Bill 4544, is now a  law under the Duterte administration. The new Anti-Carnapping Act or Republic Act 10883 repealed RA 6539 that was passed in 1972.

The bill was transmitted to Malacañang before former president Benigno Aquino III stepped down last June 30 and under the Constitution, the chief executive has 30 days to sign or veto a measure approved by Congress or it would lapse into law.

Sen. Grace Poe, the chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs in the 16th Congress and sponsor of the measure, said the new law was expected to help deter commission of the crime.

“It is our hope that this new and comprehensive anti-carnapping law imposing much stiffer penalties, alongside strict implementation by our law enforcers, will hinder the commission of this crime and give vehicle owners peace of mind,” Poe said in a statement.

Under the new law, a person found guilty of carjacking would be penalized with 20 to 30 years imprisonment.

RA 6539 or the existing Anti-Carnapping Act imposes the penalty of imprisonment ranging from 14 years and eight months to 17 years and four months only.

         If violence, intimidation or use of force is used in the commission of the crime, the person found guilty will be imprisoned for 30 years and one day to 40 years under the new law.

It also states the following: When the owner, driver or occupant of the carjacked motor vehicle is killed or raped, the perpetrator will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Any person involved in the concealment of the crime of carjacking will be imprisoned from six to 12 years and fined with the acquisition cost of the motor vehicle, engine or any other part involved in the violation.

Public officials involved in carjacking also face dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from public office.

The Land Transportation Office will also be required to keep a permanent registry of motor vehicles, motor vehicle engines, engine blocks and chassis of all motor vehicles stating the type, make, serial numbers as well as the names and addresses of the vehicles’ present and previous owners.

Tampering of serial numbers and transfer of vehicle plates without approval from the LTO will also be considered a criminal act under the new law.

The sale of used spare parts obtained from a carjacked vehicle is now also a prohibited act.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Poe noted that there were 3,170 carjacking cases from January to June 2014.

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Local films pushed over foreign works

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY— Filipinos are now being recognized worldwide in the film and theater industry with Jaclyn Jose who won last week as best actress in the Cannes Film Festival.

Following this, Filipino actor Archie Adamos, executive committee member on cinema of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), said local films and arts featuring the different cultures and historical importance should be seriously be given more promotion and support instead of being hooked up to foreign films and songs.

"Hindi binibigyan ng pansin ang mga local na short or feature films na nagpapakita o nagpapalabas ng kulturang Pilipino pati na ang mga mahahalagang bahaging ating kasaysayan," (We are not giving importance to our short or feature films depicting Filipino culture or even the significant parts of our history) said Adamos.

He said that if there are any, there are only few like "Heneral Luna" among the few.

Adamos said what is being heavily promoted are television shows and films that are commercially oriented.

He said television networks prefer much shows that draw in profits through commercials and disregarding works that inculcate consciousness of Filipino culture and history.

He also said that it is a sad reality that the Filipinos prefer to listen to foreign songs rather than listening to music and songs from the Filipino cultural communities. He said he wish that songs and music of Filipino indigenous peoples (IPs) be featured more information than the foreign products.

He said that as a member of the committee for three years, he and his co-members will push for "sinema-rehiyon" that will focus on the different cultures and histories of different places of the country.

He said  through the perseverance of artists, directors and writers among others, the love and pride of the Filipinos for their culture was boosted with their support to the local artists and films.

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