KIRAM MANSION: Kidapawan’s Ruined Heritage

The KIRAM MANSION in Kidapawan was named after its designer and builder – Sultan Omar Kiram II. Sultan Omar is a descendant of Rajah Baguinda, an Arab religious missionary from Mengangkabaw, Sumatra. Rajah Baguinda arrived in Mindanao in 1390 to preach Islam.

A photo of Sultan Omar Kiram – descendant of Rajah Baguinda and Uyaan Sultan of Onayan Sultanate – in the Sultan Omar Kiram Museum at Silliman University

Sultan Omar Kiram II – The Lost Sultan

Sultan Omar Kiram II is the son of Sultan Omar Kiram I – Uyaan Sultan of Onayan Sultanate of Lanao del Sur, and Bai Saumay Ampaso Mindalano.

When the Philippine-American War broke out, Bai Saumay instructed Prince Omar’s governess, Ishraida, to escape to Dansalan (now Marawi). The seven-year-old prince was lost, kidnapped by Moro collaborators, on the way to Marawi. Upon arriving in Marawi, the poor prince was sold as a slave.

Gil Austria, an American-Ilocano soldier, bought Prince Omar for twenty-two pesos, and named him Vicente. Vicente was raised as a Christian but he fluently spoke Maranao.

Kiram Mansion as viewed along Quezon Boulevard

He studied Chemical Engineering and Masters in Pottery at Adamson University. He also taught Chemistry and gave lessons in pottery at the Silliman University. Later, Vicente married Nelly Lee Kelly who is of Spanish-American descent. Vicente had been inspired by his adoptive father, Sgt. Austria, a military man. Unfortunately, during the World War II, the adoptive parents of Vicente were killed. Due to the incident, the desire of Vicente to join the military increased. He joined the military and climbed through the ranks. He also won awards including Bronze Star for heroic achievement, Purple Heart for being wounded in battle and a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

The mansion was adorned with Neoclassical Architecture, which is exemplified by Greco-Roman Pillars

After the war, President Ramon Magsaysay (then the Secretary of National Defense) assigned Vicente as negotiator to the Moro rebels.

On April 19, 1955, an earthquake hit Lanao. The most devastated part was the village of Uyaan. Recognizing Vicente’s fluency in the Maranao tongue, Pres. Magsaysay sent Vicente to give relief aid.

The relief operation in the village of Uyaan would then pave the way for the inspiring discovery of Vicente’s identity – Bunsa, the Lost Sultan.

Sultanate of Onayan – The revelation of Lost Sultan’s Ancestry

Uyaan was notoriously reclusive, especially due to the tragedy that the royal family had faced during the wars. High restriction for entry was imposed in the area. Vicente and his entourage, fulfilling their duties for relief aid, almost got killed when they came to Uyaan. The execution was postponed, owing to him as a government official.

Okir – the floral art of the Maranao

Vicente bathed in the banks of Lake Lanao after one round of disseminating relief goods. While he was bathing, Vicente noticed a dignified woman staring at him from the banks. With respect, he inquired for the woman’s intentions.

The woman said that she recognized Vicente’s build, and the scars on his arms were royal birthmarks of the area. The woman then showed the face of surprise and excitement. She asked if she could touch Vicente’s lower back. There, she touched a birthmark that had bothered Vicente for years.

The okir-embellished North entrance of the Mansion

The woman dragged Vicente to the town and began exclaiming, “Bunsa is home! He is alive! He is home!” People began the exchanges of murmuring among themselves.

Several men came out to witness the surprise. They were the children of the late Sultan Omar Kiram I. The old woman, who was no other than governess Ishraida, asked the men to take off their clothes. Astonishing as it was, the physique of Vicente resembled that of the other men.

At that moment, the origins of Vicente – as the lost sultan – was explained by Congressman Amir Mindalano, brother of the late sultan and acting sultan.

The Vicente Austria who came to Uyaan to give relief aid was proclaimed Omar Saumay Ampaso Mindalo al Kiram II, Uyaan Sultan of Onayan on September 24, 1955.

Panolong – the wing-like feature of Maranao architecture

The Kiram Mansion – Lost Sultan’s Home in Kidapawan

Omar, as he was now known, did not want to raise his children with royal pampering. Consequently, he relinquished his duties as Sultan and gave it to his uncle who was successfully serving as Sultan for 33 years. He continued his work in the government, supervising pubic works. It was through such projects that Omar found his way to his new hometown – Kidapawan.

Remnant of the Mansion’s porte-cochère

Omar and his family moved to Kidapawan in the 1950s. Emilio Guinoo, a local land magnate and movie theaters pioneer, sold a 2.3-hectare land to Omar.

In 1962, the Sultan and his son, Marinius, designed and built what would be the Sultan Kiram Mansion on the land Omar bought.

In Kidapawan, Omar became a member of the YMCA and the Rotary Club of Kidapawan Chapter, a Mason of Kidapawan Lodge 170, District 46, Knights of Rizal in Kidapawan, and adviser to the Barrio Captains and Leaders Association in Kidapawan. As a private person, he managed a logging and lumber business.

His wife, Nellie Lee Kelly, is also known as Bai Labi Laila Kiram. Their union produced ten children: Vivien Lee a.k.a. Princess Emraida, Vence Thomas a.k.a Sultan Omar Jr., Van Zandt, a.k.a. Prince Amir, Marinius, a.k.a. Prince Mustafa Al Faisal, Vienna May, a.k.a. Princess Yasmin, Nelven Hill, a.k.a. Prince Nasser, James William, a.k.a Prince Al Rachid, Pinky a.k.a Prince Mohamad Ali, Evelyn Lee a.k.a. Princess Tarhata, and Omar IV, a.k.a. Prince Karim.

On April 19, 1986, exactly 41 years after the fated earthquake of 1955 that revealed his true identity, the Sultan died from a heart attack at the age of 71.

Kiram Mansion

North Wing of the Mansion (the only remaining part of the original building)

The Kiram Mansion is a unique fusion of Roman Architecture and Maranao Architecture. It’s one of the amazing Torogan mansions made of concrete in the Philippines.

The former grandeur of Kiram Mansion reflected the defensive nature of the Maranao. The mansion stood with an impressive Roman-Torogan Porch at the center, with complementary wing-buildings on the North and South sides.

Perspective of the Kiram Mansion’s North Wing (circa. 2014)

The porch was embellished with two perpendicular panolongs – ornate eaves that mark Torogan architecture – on each corner. The panolongs resemble that of other motifs of central-Asian Kingdoms of Cambodia and Thailand, which hint a possible link between cultures.

The mansion is predominantly adorned with okir – the Maranao floral motif. The okir is commonly seen on malongs.

Ruined Heritage

The Roman-Torogan Mansion, one of the few links of Kidapawan to its Mindanawon roots, was destroyed in 2009 in order to give way to a hardware franchise. The majestic central porch and the south wing of the building were put to ground, leaving the north wing as the lone-standing testament of Kidapawan’s Maranao adherence. It is utterly saddening but the indifference of the people in Kidapawan about their history is far more depressing. Today, it’s just a normal deteriorated and continually-depreciating mansion in Kidapawan, owing to the people’s indifference there.

Imagine what could be done if it was acquired by the local government, and turned into a museum much like that of Balay Negrense of Negros Occidental or Bahay na Bato of the Rizals in Calamba. The land value will increase. It’ll probably boost Kidapawan’s tourism potential. In high hopes, Kidapawan City Tourism Office will hopefully focus as well in promoting tourist spots inside the city proper, and not just limit the prospects to Lake Agco or Mt. Apo itself.

In conjuction to the Kidapawan Hymn, “Natatangi ang iyong kasaysayan,” Yes, I absolutely agree. The next line, “(natatangi) pati ang ‘yong mamamayan,” if placed relative to the protection of their kasaysayan, I doubt it. It’s high time that the millennials in Kidapawan try to learn from the lessons of their predecessors.

You might also want to read: PRESERVATION OF THE KIRAM MANSION’S HERITAGE IN KIDAPAWAN CITY

Article References:
1. Tayrus-Jereza, C. (2002). A Biography of Sultan Omar Kiram a.k.a. Vicente Austria (1914 to 1986). Retrieved November 19, 2014, from Silliman University website: http://su.edu.ph/page/47-Sultan-Omar-Kiram
2. Cabagnot, C. & David, K.A. (2010, March 21). The Kiram Building. Retrieved November 19, 2014, from Dagmay-Literary Journal of Davao Writers Guild: http://dagmay.kom.ph/2010/03/21/the-kiram-building/
3. Lopez Museum and Library. [ca. 2013]. In Facebook [community page]. Retrieved on November 19, 2014, from https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151470407414824.1073741826.90180039823&type=3

FAARSI 5th National Assembly

Cagayan de Oro City – The Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. held its 5th National Assembly last May 24, 2014.

The event was sponsored by the Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro Alumni Association, Inc.

Alumni and Alumnae of St. Mary’s Academy of Kidapawan, St. Mary’s College of Tagum and St. Mary’s College of Quezon City

Delegates from all over the country gathered to CDO to again celebrate the annual gathering of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools in the Philippines. The Lourdes College College mini-hotel catered some delegates in the event.

During the morning of May 24, some delegates participated in a tour around the city of Cagayan de Oro. Some of the areas visited were Mapawa Nature Park, St. Augustine Cathedral and Betania Retreat House.

Lourdes College

Hotel and Restaurant Management Students from Lourdes College spearheaded the tour.

Lourdes College
Operated by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), Lourdes College is one of the oldest educational institutions in Southern Mindanao. Its history traces back to 1912.

Mapawa Nature Park 

The park offers horseback riding, zipline, and trekking activities. A falls is also present in the area. It is 30 minutes away from the city proper.

Mapawa Nature Park is part of a wide area of rich flora and fauna in Cagayan de Oro City.The park boasts itself as an advocate of environmental care.

St. Augustine Cathedral 

The St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is a known landmark in Cagayan de Oro. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Mindanao. The earliest record of the Cathedral traces back to 1634.

The cathedral was destroyed many times in history. However, the cathedral is claimed to be 173 years old, considering that it was rebuilt in 1841.

Betania Labyrinth

Betania Retreat House

The Betania Retreat House is operated by the Religious of the Virgin Mary. It is located 8 kilometers away from the city proper.

It’s placed at an altitude where the span of Cagayan de Oro city can be viewed.

The retreat house also has a labyrinth, where retreat participants can exercise their meditation.

Polymedic Medical Plaza

The main event of the FAARSI 5th Assembly was held at the Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza.

The event started with a mass, where the presider (priest) is an alumnus of Lourdes College.

The event reviewed the past activities of FAARSI, including the various activity-oriented photos of the different member alumni associations. The definition of an RVM Alumni was also presented by the RVM-Education Ministry Commission.

The passing rights of FAARSI was also held. The 6th National Assembly was given to the alumni association of St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas – Cebu City.

The FAARSI 5th National Assembly ended with the singing of the FAARSI Hymn, “TOGETHER.”

CEGP 74th National Student Press Convention and 37th Biennial Student Press Congress

Davao City – The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), the oldest youth organization in the country, held its 74th National Student Press Convention and 37th Biennial Student Press Congress last May 19-23, 2014.

The Talaingod Manobo Students

The CEGP is a progressive youth organization that pushes for genuine Press Freedom. It goes hand-in-hand with other progressive youth organizations such as National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), Kabataan Partylist, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan para sa Demokrasya at Nasyunalismo (KADENA), and among others.

The theme of the event was  “Dasig Manunuwat: Uniting Campus Journalists for Genuine Press Freedom and Social Change.” The 5-day affair was attended by the various member publications from all over the country.

The event started with the registration/billeting of the participants (guilders), as well as the display of the various prints of member publications. The opening ceremony started with the welcoming of participants by the City Government of Davao that was represented by Luna Acosta, and by Marc Lino Abila who was the CEGP Secretary General.

A presentation of the Talaingod Manobo Students also ensued, which had depicted their tragic experiences of bombings and killings in their area.

Various events were prepared in NSPC. These events included: Forums, Classroom Discussions, Basic Mass Integration (BMI), Awarding Ceremonies and the Cultural Night. Most of the events tackled socio-cultural and political issues.

Forums were lined in the NSPC 2014. Such forums included issues in scopes of National, Educational, Campus Press Freedom and Press Freedom, and among others. The National Union of the Students of the Philippines (NUSP) President, Sarah Jane Elago, talked about “Selling Out: Neo-Liberal Policies in the Philippine Education System.”

Classroom Discussions included the seminars and training that the guilders signed up for. Classroom Discussions included trainings on topics such as Literature, Arts, and Journalism Skills.

Basic Mass Integration (BMI) was designed for the guilders to view the grassroots lens of the Marginalized Sectors in the country. Such sectors experience oppression.

The Awarding Ceremonies and Cultural Night happened on the 4th night, where guilders from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, showcased their talents.

ON FORUMS: THE TALAINGOD MANOBO STUDENTS

The Talaingod Town is located in Davao del Norte. In such town, in some remote areas where Manobos are settling, the Armed Forces of the Philippines had built camps in an attempt to put an end to insurgencies from rebels (New People’s Army) – however, in a horrifying stance.

It was narrated that the army established temporary camp in the middle of the Manobo’s community, which put the community at high risk especially in time when the rebels attack.

A datu accused the army for staging an aerial attack. Abuses of the community members, especially to a Manobo woman named Ubunay Botod Manlaon who was subjected to humiliating treatment and sexual abuse, were also noted. The children were not able to continue their studies.

Due to heavy militarization and the violence, the Manobos flee to Davao City. In their 7-day flee towards the evacuation site, a 12-day-old baby died of pulmonary aspiration and dehydration. The Manobos were denied of their humanitarian rights.

The incident was a manifestation of a socio-political issue in the Philippines: Bakwit. The Talaingod was forced to flee (in local language, bakwit) to Davao City, in order to avoid the violence and abuse of heavy militarization in their area. Although the army had retracted their troops from the area due to public clamor, the story of the Talaingod incident is just one of the many stories of Bakwit in the Philippines.

ON CLASSROOM DISCUSSION: FEATURE WRITING AND POETRY WRITING

Don Pagusara on Poetry Class

The literature side of the NSPC involved the Poetry Writing.

The Palanca award winner who is also active in the Ateneo Writers Workshop, Don Pagusara, gave the poetry workshop for the guilders.

He emphasized the eccentric beauty of poetry and how such writings relate and reflect to the real life.

One class discussion also delved into Feature Writing.

The workshop was given by a professor from the University of the Philippines- Diliman.

He started by drawing a dot on the classroom’s board. He progressed the workshop by exploring how the guilders view the dot.

Feature writing, he exemplified, is about imagination. In gist, feature writing is traveling with the mind and embodying such travel in artistic use of words.

ON BASIC MASS INTEGRATION (BMI): ISLA NOAH

Guilders in their Basic Mass Integration

The Basic Mass Integration (BMI) endeavored to “integrate” the guilders to the Marginalized Sectors of the society.

In Davao City, there is a community of people living in a fenced lot. The community is in Isla Noah. It was narrated that the lot is “owned” by a rich businessman in Mindanao, although no papers were presented to the community.

The people go in and out of the community through a meager 12-inch space. No Joke. The guilders had to go through the same entrance, although with unwelcoming greeting from the “guard” of the place.

Although there is a red gate, the community members go through an even more stringent scrutiny from the assigned “guard”. Refrigerators, appliances, and other necessities go up the wall, if the owner does not allow the gate to be opened. No building materials are allowed to be brought inside. Students in the community frequently go to school dirty due to the entrance, where walls rub against their clothes.

There was an even more infuriating incident.

Once, a woman was about to give birth. She was already in labor. Notwithstanding the pain that the woman is going though, the guard did not open the gate. Hanging on the tiniest hope to aid the pain, she fitted herself in the 12-inch wall.

The baby died inside her.

The guilders collected more stories in the area. In the concluding part, the community members prepared an apt lunch for the guilders. The community expressed their gratefulness that the guilders visited them, especially that only few journalists see their plight.

ON CULTURAL NIGHT: UWAHIG

The Cultural Night is celebrated together with the awarding ceremonies of NSPC. 4 regions were to present: NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

NCR depicted a “Krissy Aquino and Boy Abunda” talk show. Luzon and Visayas presented dance numbers. Mindanao – the defending champion – integrated the Lumad, Muslim and Christian setting of their homeland.

Uwahig – Bukidnon word for “water”- started the presentation of Mindanao. Uwahig is a prologue from a play of Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) of MSU-IIT. It’s the same song as what Juvie Pelos of The Voice of the Philippines sang in her audition.

Uwahig was followed by a depiction of the Lumads. This part showed the oppression of the Lumads in their ancestral lands.

The guilders from Tawi-tawi, then showcased their amazing prowess in an ethnic dance. They showed the lives of the Muslims who grace themselves with the gifts of the sea.

Mindanao, once again, had orchestrated its cultural diversity in the CEGP 74th NSPC and 37th BSPC Cultural Night, bagging again a win for its long-streak CEGP Cultural Champion reputation.

Then, followed the Christians with a song “Ama Namin” depicted by other guilders.

The Mindanawon Guilders ended their presentation with a cri de coeur, “Dasig Manunuwat!”

The CEGP 74th National Student Press Convention and 37th Biennial Student Press Congress – the event that tapped the awareness of young journalists from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – culminated with the spirit of press freedom which fortified the desire for social change.

DASIG MANUNUWAT!

MADAYAW FAARSI 2013

Davao City – The Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. held its 2013 National Assembly at the University of Immaculate Conception.

Pangalay ha Patong – a Tausug Dance

“Madayaw FAARSI! A Celebration of Togetherness in the Year of Faith” was the theme of the event.

It was attended by the different alumni associations of RVM Schools in the Philippines, all the way from Luzon, Visayas and other parts of Mindanao.

The event opened with a series of dances, one of which is the Tausug Dance called Pangalay ha Patong where ladies ride on bamboos. The pangalay is known as the “fingernail” dance of the Tausug and Samal people.

Pangalay was derived from the word “mangalay” which means “to dance” in the ethnic language. The dance showcases articulate postures and hand gestures.

The video of the opening is available here: Pangalay ha Patong.

The Madayaw FAARSI served as the 4th National Assembly of the Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. Other assemblies were already held in Luzon and Visayas.

The event reviewed the past activities of FAARSI. The event also showcased presentations from the different alumni associations. 

The 4th FAARSI National Assembly was a celebration of Marian-Ignacian Togetherness despite the regional ethnographic differences of its members.

The assembly also featured the transfer of responsibility for the FAARSI 5th National Assembly to the Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro Alumni Association, Inc.

The Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls- St. Mary’s Academy of Kidapawan Alumni Association, Inc. also attended the event, although the president emeritus, BGen Juanito Malto, Jr., was not able to attend due to his prescheduled talk.

Delegates of NDKG-SMAK Alumni Association, Inc.

Nevertheless, the delegates from the NDKG-SMAK Alumni Association, Inc., who served as alumni representatives from the Notre Dame for Girls and from St. Mary’s Academy, participated in the event

The UIC Cultural Dancers performed another Tausug Dance called Pangalay ha Agong for the closing ceremony. The Pangalay ha Agong depicts men who show their skill in playing the agong (large brass gongs), in the hope of winning a woman. The video can be viewed here: Pangalay ha Agong.

The Madayaw FAARSI 2013 ended with the traditional singing of the FAARSI Hymn, “TOGETHER”.

GACP 2011 to 2013

Ateneo de Davao University – Campus Politics?

The General Assembly of Class Presidents, otherwise known as GACP, is one subordinate arm of the SAMAHAN Central Board, the student government of Ateneo de Davao University.

The SAMAHAN Central Board is composed of the Top 3 Officers, Division Representatives, CCO and GACP.

SAMAHAN Awards 2012

GACP is composed of the Class Presidents of the recognized classes in the Ateneo de Davao. The other arm of SAMAHAN, Campus Clubs Organization (CCO), is composed of the club presidents from the different clubs in Ateneo. As of writing, the GACP is already under the name “General Assembly”.

In 2011, the SAMAHAN, including GACP, welcomed the then new president, Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ. In 2012 of the same academic year, the SAMAHAN Awards 2012 was co-participated by GACP.

At the Padre Pio Home for Children

In the summer of 2012, the GACP Interim Board organized a Feeding Program at Padre Pio Home for Children, Tugbok, Davao City.

The Padre Pio Home for Children is administered by the Apostles of Jesus Crucified Sisters. The patron saint of the sisters is Padre Pio.

The feeding program lasted for 1 day, where activities with the children also had transpired.

By the following academic year 2012-2013, GACP continued to assist SAMAHAN Central Board in its undertakings.

The first installment of Sui Generis Summit was also co-organized by GACP.

Class Presidents and other leaders in the university attended the event, in the hope of creating a brand of leadership that is Ateneo de Davao – Sui Generis.

GACP Re-election Miting de Avance

THE QUASI-ANTI-CLIMAX

In middle of the 1st semester of the same academic year, the GACP Executive Board then composed of Chairperson-Clarice Tiu, Internal Vice President-Jubail Pasia, External Vice President-Anne Erbito, Secretary General-Vincent Cuzon, and Finance Officer-Irvir Dormile, faced a complaint against their election.

After long exchanges of arguments, narratives and position papers, the Ateneo de Davao- Commission on Elections decided for a re-election, under the reason of obscure “technical” undertakings of the first elections. Note that law has two parts: The Technical and The Substantial. Both were considered in the rally for the betterment of GACP.

With respect to the power of the COMELEC, the then GACP Executive Board vacant their positions, and worked for the re-elections.

Later, COMELEC designated times for filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC), Campaign Period, Miting de Avance, and Election Day, for the re-election.

The campaigns were then creeping through social media and other platforms, which the candidates used to entice class presidents to vote for them.

The then relinquished set of officers worked with the tagline “Reaffirm Your Votes!”

Vincent Cuzon during the Miting de Avance

On September 24, 2012, during the Miting de Avance, the candidates presented their platforms for the General Assembly of Class Presidents.

Later, the class presidents were given the chance to address questions to the candidates.

On September 26, 2012, the election of the officers was held. The voting population must reach a 50%+1, for it to be declared in quorum. Otherwise, it’s a failure of elections.

It was declared in quorum.

THE RESULTS

Reinstated.

COMELEC declared that the candidates who would assume office were:

Chairperson – Ma. Elainizelle Clarice Tiu
Internal Vice President – Jubail Pasia
External Vice President – Willien Anne Erbito
Secretary General – Vincent Carlo Cuzon
Finance Officer – Irvir Dormile

Wacky Poses of Basic Leadership Training Participants

With the newly affirmed officers, the GACP continued in the fulfillment of its responsibilities.

In October 2012, GACP co-organized the College Fiesta. It catered the Palarong Pinoy and Karaoke Challenge.

It also organized a Basic Leadership Training (BLT) to its members.

Aside from co-organizing events in the school, GACP had also been active in engaging with the community, which will be presented later.

By 2013 of the same school year, GACP decided to veer from the SAMAHAN Awards Night and made its own, called the GACP Awards Night.

Two most prominent awards were: Most Outstanding Class President Award (1st-5th year) and the Most Outstanding Class (1st-5th year).

The awards night was held at the Finster Auditorium of Ateneo de Davao University.

By the Interim Period of 2013, GACP again organized a community engagement program.

It was entitled “A day with the Children” and was held at Living Stones Orphanage in Matina, Davao City.

The event was made possible in partnership with the Business and Management Division.

GACP prepared learning sessions for the children.

Car Accident

ON CHALLENGES

The GACP Executive Board surpassed some challenges, not just inside the organization but also to other external events.

Once in Bajada, the ExeBoard had a car accident. It happened right after a planning session for an upcoming event.

The board decided to call the CCO President, and luckily he responded in few minutes.

The ExeBoard went home safely that night.

GACP – known as training ground for grassroots leadership in campus – remains challenged especially for its proposed dissolution in the SAMAHAN Constitution.

GOLDEN TARA: Agusan’s Sri Vijayan Treasure

The Golden Tara is a 4-pound gold statue of a Hindu-Malayan goddess. The Tara was found in Mindanao in 1917. The image is of a female deity, seated cross-legged. The image is made of 21-carat gold. Scholars date it to 13th-14th Century.

You might want to read: NSPC 2011.

BALANGAY: Butuan’s Historic Watercraft

Miniature figures of the Balangay

First mentioned in the Chronicles of Pigafetta in the 16th Century, the balangay is the oldest watercraft in the Philippines.

The balangay is a plank boat. Its carved-out planks are adjoined by wooden pins and dowels. It’s driven by wind.

You might also want to read: NSPC 2011.

Ateneo Writers Workshop 2012

Ateneo de Davao University – The Ateneo Writers Workshop is an annual event for student writers in Davao. It is a joint project of the Society of Ateneo Literature and English Majors and the Davao Writers Guild, an organization with links to the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts.

The 2012 AWW was participated by writers from Ateneo de Davao, University of the Immaculate Conception, and the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Panelists of the workshop were Dr. Ricardo M. de Ungria (UP-M), Dr. Macario Tiu (PWC), Prof. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz (UP-M), and Don Pagusara, all of the Davao Writers Guild. Workshop director is Dominique Gerald Cimafranca.

The fellows for the workshop were: Carl Christian T. Agunod, Rosanna Aliviado, Madel Catre, Raizza Mae D. Cinco, Vincent Carlo Cuzon, Karen Kae F. Dicdican, Mary Caryl Dichosa, Alexandra Victoria A. Eñeco, Kristine Angelique O. Falgui, Alfedo Carlos Montecillo, Jamille Peliña, Benrich Baysa Tan, Gracielle Deanne B. Tubera, John Rey A. Aleria (UIC), Peachy Cleo F. Dehino (UIC), Armando Fenequito, Jr. (USEP) and Farah Aimee S. Virador (USEP).

AWW – Ateneo Writers Workshop – fulfills its part in developing Mindanao’s future writer-achievers.

Sui Generis Summit 2012

Ateneo de Davao University – The Sui Generis Summit was held last July 30, 2012.

It’s a gathering of students in Ateneo, coming from the various school clubs and organizations. Sui Generis is a Latin phrase meaning “unique in its characteristics”, exemplifying the students that Ateneo produces.

The 2012 Sui Generis was the very first installment of the
said summit.

” Our graduates are not free from materialism, hedonism, corruption, a disconnect between faith and the manner in which they live – or don’t live – their relationship to God, to their fellow human beings, to creation.” -Fr. Joel Tabora

Sui Generis Summit came after an Atenean, Former Justice Renato Corona, was was impeached.  Fr. Tabora wanted to respond in developing leaders in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, who stand to the values of a Jesuit, Catholic, and a Filipino University.

The summit endeavored to inculcate a brand of leadership that is uniquely Ateneo de Davao.

“We are not interested in a type of Ateneo yabang.“ -Fr. Joel Tabora

Instead, Sui Generis aims to develop leaders who are university-educated, who love research, who serve the community, who are educated with Faith, who appropriates the mission of the Society of Jesus, who are sensitive to cultures, who are open for interreligious dialogue especially with the Muslims and Lumads, who appreciate and contribute to Filipino culture and development.

Jesuit. Catholic. Filipino.

Sui Generis.

Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. (FAARSI)

The Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM School, Inc. (FAARSI) is the umbrella organization of alumni associations of RVM schools in the Philippines. At present, there are 51 schools owned by the Religious of the Virgin Mary.

FAARSI aims to

(1) Foster a closer Ignacian bonding among alumni

(2) Deepen and enhance the alumni’s Ignacian spirituality

(3) Join efforts with the RVM sisters in achieving the vision of the RVM Congregation and to get involved in the RVM missions.

The FAARSI operates a facebook page, which you may view here.

FAARSI organizes National Assemblies, which is a gathering of the various RVM alumni associations in the Philippines. The first few assemblies happened at MICS – Quezon City and Betania Retreat House – Cebu City. The 10th Anniversary of FAARSI was celebrated with the Centennial Anniversary of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag.

In 2013, the 4th National Assembly was held at University of Immaculate Conception in Davao City. In 2014, the 5th National Assembly was held at the Lourdes College in Cagayan de Oro City.