On Anti-gay Laws

an essay by Roger B Rueda

Anti-gay laws are extremely cruel. They are irrational. They reflect the bitterness and viciousness of a country. They manifest the lack of intelligence and sensitivity of a country. They are very distressing. They are doggedly unrelenting. They are made of doctrinaires and bigots and intellectual sloths. They are made by one-dimensional people.

Humane societies encourage people to act in a kind and sympathetic way towards others, even towards people they do not agree with or like. And those countries which have anti-gay laws are so unfeeling. I think these people have been very selfish. They've been mainly concerned with themselves. And I’m happy that the Philippines is a country whose leaders are non-judgemental and humanitarian.

As it happens, a lot of gays are more productive than non-gays. They send their siblings to school. They provide their family with money and food. They work hard. They share their life and talents with non-gays. They have respect and regard for other others’ feelings. They cry when they are sad. They laugh when something is amusing. They take care of their family when they are sick or when they are old. They feel or show pity, sympathy, and understanding for people who are suffering. All these are normal attributes of being a human.

I know that culture and tradition have prejudiced many anti-gay advocates. They put the blame squarely on the Westerners for the existence of gays in their countries. But without the Westerners though, these countries would be so uncivilised and ignorant as yet. The Westerners could only expect ingratitude from these countries. I think they are rather churlish and unappreciative. Perhaps, their countries would still be populated by primordial forests; their people, destitute.

One African told me that gays are subhuman. For me, such a comment is openly contemptuous. If criminals like murderers, rapists, thieves, terrorists, and otherwise are considered as human how come he considers gays as subhuman. I think such a comment is crazy and illogical. His fear of gays and gayness is tenuous and pointless. I think he is a bigot.

If for no reason at all, the US declared that all Africans should be made as pets because they look like a monkey or gorilla and they don’t look like a normal human being, would that person feel good. Wouldn’t he raise objections or disapproval? Would he have power to change himself into a Caucasian so that he wouldn’t be made as a pet or a working animal? Does he think everything is just easy to transform himself to fall in what the influential power is imposing on him?

If Africans don’t like all the philosophies of the Westerners, why don’t they go back to their own ways? Why don’t they take off their clothes and live like those barbaric people hundreds of years ago? Why do they follow Western cultures when those destroy their custom and distinctiveness as Africans?

I think bigotry comes from the people who are particularly liable to discrimination. Their skin colour should remind them of who they are. Their being an African should remind them that the world respects them despite their undesirable/objectionable look. Openly telling me that gays are subhuman is impudent and insulting. If I told him I hate him because he is an African and he looks like an ape, would he feel pleased? Would he be happy that I don’t care if he is kind or educated or talented or productive because I hate him for being an African, for looking horrible despite the diamonds he is wearing?

Does being gay affect everyone’s life like how murder, rape, terrorism, or robbery does? It is insulting that gayness is equated with all these crimes. To murder someone means to commit the crime of killing him/her deliberately. If someone is raped, he/she is forced to have sex, usually by violence or threats of violence. Terrorism is the use of violence in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to do something. Robbery is the crime of stealing money or property from a bank, shop, or vehicle, often by using force or threats. These crimes hurt or kill someone. Has gayness hurt or killed someone? I think saying this is not based on logical reasons or clear thinking. It is denouncing before thinking. It is intellectual sloth.

I think societies like ours are getting sensible. In this country, everything is based on equity in the face of gender and sexual orientation. I’m happy that there is no anti-gay law in this country. Filipinos cannot allow dogmatism to stand in the way of progress.

I’m happy to hear comments from friends who are very bright and intelligent. I’m happy to know that they are non-discriminatory and compassionate and in the know of gays and their frame of mind and the issues they are facing in the present day.

Gays could be our parents, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours, professors, soldiers, police officers, doctors, workfellows, countrymen.

So, for me anti-gay laws suck. They are inciting social hatred and they are completely one-sided. They do gays and people who respect and love gays an injustice. They frighten gays into law-abiding subjection. They are a form of persecution.

Politics

a poem by Roger B Rueda

is a beast, its size and shape too small to see,
yet it is as colossal as our imagination.
It is calm but when it tousles its wool,
no one can hold sway over it –
politicians have tried out many things:
They lined up loads of rues
to break in the indefinable beast;
all didn’t come up to scratch.
They thought badly of each other,
calling upon that someone mounting
on it alight and leave off.
They came together at Edsa,
dragooning the frontrunner into leaving.
A woman, whose husband was slain on the tarmac,
came from evasion and mounted the beast.
It jolted into motion and ran more wildly,
shaking its head confusedly.
A lot closed their eyes and heaved a sigh.
Some squaddies made a grab for a rope
and tried to usurp control of the beast.
They all bit the dust.
Another frontrunner came.
The beast quietened down a little.
His challenger provoked him into a boxing match,
accusing him of cheating, a cynical ploy.
Then another frontrunner came.
Clinging to the withers,
he was dragged off from the beast’s back
at Edsa again and sent down.
Everyone conspired so that he would turn
a somersault down the feet of the beast
and be trampled underfoot.
Another woman mounted the beast.
Her nemeses flung many expletives at her
as she seemed to have no plan of alighting.
Their swear words are soaking into her fame
now as she is kneading her aching neck,
her pride and honour hemmed in by rigid laws.
Her 25th December is not a red letter day.
The son of a previous frontrunner
has mounted the beast, gnashing his teeth.
He wants to turn round the straight way.
He has chucked the crown of a justice
in the dustbin and dismissed it with ignominy.
He has smashed the pork barrel
into the face of his cohorts, feeding them
another unknown nourishment
like a mysterious fruit in a covert.
Bearers of the cross hardly dare open their mouths.
Will the beast put its feet up and become
visible and  untroublesome and gentle?
A hush has fallen over the crowd, its drift pendent.

Lars Mandurriao Batchoy

Lars Mandurriao batchoy can be marked out as different yet familiar: it's done to a turn, a nice warming coconut-shell of noodle soup. It has firm noodles and tasty coconut strips with a crisp texture. I love the crunch of its pork scratchings and the soup's natural coconut-y sweetness, and saltiness.

The combo of salty and sweet is one that doesn't work, but magically and deliciously does in a batchoy, I reckon. I can't get enough of it. The combo is heavenly. What's behind this phenomenon? Well, I don't know. But I think Lars Mandurriao batchoy is the tastiest breakthrough in the realm of batchoy experience in Iloilo City.

The batchoy, a union of Ilonggo tradition and modern creativity, is something rich and strange changing the templates of my consciousness. It has triggered a new understanding of the depth of who I am, someone, I've realised, who can be enticed to leave behind the sensory expectations of the familiar and take off for something new, something different.

The batchoy has granted me a return to innocence. It has not only woken up the digestion but granted me sufficient fire in the stomach for insight and for risk and adventure. 

Lars has indeed brought a touch of novelty to traditional catering without forgetting to give the batchoy gustative and visual value.


The resto is in De Leon Street in Mandurriao District, Iloilo City. 

Peter Solis Nery’s Hiligaynon orthography

an essay by Roger B Rueda

I love to accept and start to use Peter Solis Nery’s Hiligaynon orthography. For one thing, it is the smart way of conveying the Hiligaynon words. In Peter’s spelling revolution, words adopted from Spanish and English are simply adopted and used as they are. Adopting this new way of spelling in Hiligaynon is energising and exhilarating.

In Nery's Hiligaynon spelling revolution, Ilonggos may use Hiligaynon words if they are frequently used or they don't sound strange. They may use Spanish words that are part of the colloquial Hiligaynon and keep their Spanish spellings. Then they may turn to English when it is appropriate and without altering the spelling.

I think there is no way to force a word (an ancient word or a Hiligaynised one) into the Hiligaynon language at an individual level and to make sure it means what you want it to mean, so why break the oblivion and use stranger words like ‘naranja’ for ‘orange’ and ‘khaki’ for ‘brown’ and ‘keyk’ for ‘cake’ – and ‘hunghongan’ when it sounds so hoary and when using ‘telefono’ or ‘telephone’ is fine?

Linguistic purism in the Hiligaynon language is the belief that words of native origin should be used instead of Spanish- or English-derived ones. But, for me, the HIligaynon language has developed as a result of several invasions of the Panay Island in the 14th century; thus, the modern Hiligaynon language is the new epicentre of the Ilonggo experience. New things are always happening, so is the Hiligaynon language: it is reflective of the Ilonggos’intelligence and IQ upgrading culture.

The Spaniards added many words to Hiligaynon, so did the American. We cannot grope our way down the dark stairs of the pre-colonial Panay. We can’t force on ourselves the words we are unfamiliar with. We cannot sound as thick as two short planks. The modern Ilonggo can speak Spanish and English easily, well, and quickly in contrast to the Ilonggo who some writers want to promote – the Ilonggo who can’t pronounce Spanish & English words or parts of words clearly, the Ilonggo who is stupid in an age where technology allows people to talk and work with people all over the world.

Why use 'alkalde' for 'alcalde,' 'anyos' for 'años,' 'bintana' for 'ventana,' 'demokrasya' for 'democracia,' 'estudyante' for 'estudiante,' 'heneral' for 'general,' 'prinsesa' for 'princesa,' and 'telebisyon' for 'televisión' when we can use the Spanish spellings of these words?

Peter Solis Nery’s reimagining of the Hiligaynon orthography will enhance the Ilonggo life and culture shaping thoughts and emotions as it is a flash of the Ilonggo spirit. I believe it is his way of rethinking the nature of a language in the digital, connected world and opening the way to be modern and gracious to the past though HIligaynon is a little like a living thing that continues to grow. while new technologies, new products, and new experiences require new words to refer to them clearly and efficiently.

I am happy that God has blessed the West Visayas a brilliant writer like Peter Solis Nery.

Here is an example of how to write in Hiligaynon using Peter Solis Nery’s smart Ilonggo spellings:

Arrestado ang kilala nga holdupper sa ciudad sang Roxas matapos sia nga ginpaidalom sa drug buy-and-bust operation sang mga pulis.

Ginkilala ang arrestado nga si Ronilo Eribal, 36-años, sang Barangay 7, sining ciudad.

Nagpanindugan si Eribal nga indi sia pusher apang gin-aku sini nga isa sia ka user kag holdupper.

Gin-aku man sini nga sia ang nag-holdup kag nagkastigo sa isa ka babaye nga collector sang lending institution sang nagpamalibad ini nga ihatag ang dala nga bag kag naubos na ang Php 40,000 sini nga nataban.

Mahibaluan nga matapos nagpang-holdup ang sospechado, nagpaamulya ini sa provincia sang Guimaras kag didto sini gin-ubos ang cuarta nga iya nataban.

Samtang, patung-patong nga kaso naman ang pangatubangon sa karon sang sopechado nga yara na sa custodia sang mga autoridad.

Well, language will never stop changing; it will go on to respond to the needs of the people who use it. So the next time you hear a new word that grates on your ears or pronunciation or see a strange spelling, remember that like everything else in nature, the Hiligaynon language is a work in progress that is held in place in the past.

(Peter Solis Nery is West Visayas most admired writer. He is a 19-time Palanca winner and a hall of famer. He has a foundation dedicated to the promotion and development of Hiligaynon arts and culture.)

The Biggest Sale Is Just a Day Way!

Iloilo, are you ready? The biggest online shopping event in Southeast Asia kicks off on 11 November 2016 with the participation of more than 12,500 local and international brands and 6,000 merchants. This month-long shopping event has been Lazada’s fifth Online Revolution since its launch in 2012.
This year’s theme is ‘Brands for All,’ putting customers’ favourite brands in the spotlight. Customers can expect jaw-dropping, well-curated offers, and exclusive launches of branded items.

These deals come on top of the wide and growing assortment on Lazada. To date, Lazada boasts an unmatched catalogue of close to 30 million products for consumers across six Southeast Asian countries. In the Philippines, the assortment grew 4x more than in 2015.

Lazada will offer everything customers love – from huge discounts to flash sales and exclusive bundles. 11 peso deals featuring a Virtual Reality Box, LED light bulb rotating lamp and a Genius gaming mouse among many others, are up for grabs. Limited-time flash deals on a 32” Slim LED TV for Php 5,499, a Fujidenzo 20L microwave oven for Php 1,999, a Star Mobile 4.5” smart phone for Php 999, an HP desk jet printer for Php 888, and a L’Oreal lip and cheek palette set for Php 399 are only some of the many highlights during this mega shopping day. Perfect value indeed for all the Christmas gift-seekers out there.

The deals extend to over 17 product categories including Fashion, Health & Beauty, Home & Living, and Electronics. Lazada is focusing deep into its customers’ interests with weekly specials- a curation of items for beauty fans, supermoms and families, techies and fashionistas.
As if these weren’t enough, Lazada will also launch games to make Christmas online shopping more fun. Follow Lazada’s social media channels to get free shopping vouchers, brand giveaways from Samsung, MamyPoko, Unilever, JBL, Lenovo, and more.

'Online Revolution was launched in 2012 so more consumers could experience the ease and benefits of online shopping. Since then, Online Revolution has become the biggest shopping event in Southeast Asia, where consumers can find amazing deals from the most popular brands conveniently from their smartphones or laptops,' said CEO Inanc Balci. 'This year, we have secured commitments from big brand partners for more than one million deals to make Christmas shopping more exciting and effortless for Filipinos. The best of the world is truly at everyone's fingertips now, more than ever.'
Lazada has also partnered with top brands to make shopping more rewarding. Use your MasterCard to get an additional 12% off on top of already discounted prices. And if you’re feeling lucky, Isuzu Philippines is giving away a brand new pick-up for more out of town road trips, and Turkish Airlines is raffling off air tickets to fly you off to your dream vacation.
Ever tried making a wish whenever you see 11.11 on your watch or clock? No need to be on the constant lookout because Lazada’s Online Revolution is guaranteed to make your Christmas shopping wishes and dreams come true with an awesome plethora of deals and steals. Visit www.lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada mobile app for free to join the biggest online shopping event of the year. Sale runs from 11 November to 12 December.

Soccsksargen Sojourn

Days ago, I was in Soccsksargen, a region that lies to the south of Iligan, the writing capital of Mindanao. When I arrived in General Santos City, it looked like rain. That was why I experienced some turbulence on the flight due to an electrical storm. I would gaze out over the blackness of the clouds. I would also scan the sea for any sign of a ship or boat. I was a bit deaf in my both ears. I didn't have the foggiest idea where Koronadal City is, so I was quite excited at the idea of trying a place not familiar to me, but I was a bit frightened too. I took a magazine to amuse myself while I was on the plane. It was a cold, wet day and I was bored, so I struck up an interesting conversation with a man beside me instead of getting some sleep so I’d arrive feeling fresh. He was great fun to be with. I didn’t eat my brownie because I wanted to talk. He would pause for a moment to listen and then continued eating. He was not familiar with General Santos City because it was his first time to pass through the city: he used to go home through Davao City. We hadn't got a clue about General Santos City. When the conversation turned to Passi City, where he works as an engineer for Universal Robina, he was on familiar ground. He was a very jolly, upbeat sort of a person. He was such a pleasant, helpful young man, too: when the plane landed, he handed to me my items of hand luggage I placed in the plane’s overhead compartment. At the luggage carousel, I said my goodbyes, and left the moment my purple luggage rolled up.

Outside the airport, my host and her friend arrived just in time. We drove along a wide, flat and smooth road to Koronadal City, the regional capital of Soccsksargen. The scenery was absolutely stunning - I remember gazing in a state of awe over the landscape. The place had fruits galore: durian, soursop, mangosteen, pineapple, papaya. Koronadal has bucketloads of charm. I felt wonderfully clean and fresh even after a long trip. It is an idyllic, sprawling city. My host accommodated me in her third-floor eyrie, which has its own kitchen and lavatory. She lives on the second floor; her Montessori, on the ground floor.

The next day, my host showed me round South Cotabato, which was very kind of her. A car took me on a sightseeing tour of Surallah and Lake Sebu. The driver pulled over by the main road, and I got out and walked to the roundabout. I posed for my photographs next to the roundball in Surallah. It was an outstanding junction of exceptional beauty. My host photographed me against lots of different backgrounds. I was wide-eyed in amazement. The countryside around there was lovely.

My host and her friends dropped in on the School of Living Tradition on our way to Lake Sebu. I found the school a good place for writers. It was a big, cool, and quiet hut on the top of a hill, a lovely location overlooking Lake Sebu. It was approachable by car. Any writer can go on a retreat there. The Tboli woman I met there wore necklaces and a dress of brightly coloured beads. She was always very accommodating. The hut had rooms where visitors could spend the night. It had a hearth. Out in the forest a traveller is a welcome guest there.

My host rushed us off to the other side of Lake Sebu so we would have lunch by midday. Lake Sebu sparkled in the brilliant sunlight from Punta Isla Resort, whose garden was invigorating. The mountain views were inspiring. The place had the landscape that delighted me. Tboli children were diving into the water of the lake to retrieve from the bottom the coins thrown into the water by some tourists. We threw some coins, too. Their boats were bobbing gently up and down on the water, and it was so wonderful being able to see them from a floating hut, which would jolt rapidly, so I kept getting dizzy spells. The food we ate - grilled tilapia, fried tilapia, steamed tilapia wrapped in cabbage with coconut milk - at Punta Isla, a resort by Lake Sebu, was absolutely delicious. We were serenaded with live guitar music. Four Tboli children entertained us with a display of their native dances.

After a tour of highways with hairpin turns, steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and dizzying heights, my host wanted me to try a zip line, which takes one on a ride across the forest canopy, but I was too nervous to try. My heart was palpitating with fear. On imagining the activity, I think I will fall into a dead faint. I have a fear of heights, so I don’t dare try. I might wet my pants. My attempt would have been disastrous. I just enjoyed a leisurely stroll in the sunshine until we came to the waterfall. From the bridge, where tourists would pose for photographs, we had a grandstand view of its thunderous water. Indeed, it was a whirlwind trip.

After hours in the heat, my host and her friends had me visit the capitol of South Cotabato. The chief of staff of an office had us snack on toasty sandwiches, the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. We then took stock of publishing a magazine. The idea whipped up some enthusiasm for the project. Publishing is really my bag. The excitement of starting a new book or magazine is always mingled with interest.

When we were meaning to go back to my host’s house, it drizzled. When I reached the eyrie, I proceeded to relieve myself. I then fell into a lovely deep sleep. There were heavy curtains blocking out the sunlight, but I pulled them aside, so there was a light wind blowing. I just snuggled up to the pillows to get warm.

A dinner in The Aviary did me the world of good. No expense was spared in making me feel comfortable. Every menu was done to a turn. The baby back ribs were finished on the grill with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce. They were great just warmed up and browned. The pompano tasted good. The amount of salt was completely normal for Filipino cuisine - it was not overpowering, but there was enough to avoid blandness. It had a wonderful flavour and succulence. A sweet lychee-coconut shake was nice and refreshing.

The next day, I woke up at dawn. I was giving a seminar on poetry writing and journalism. We were leaving at seven o'clock, so I’d got an hour to get ready. I breakfasted hurriedly on white coffee and bread.

At the hotel, a cup of black coffee made me feel better.

Then a group of delegates trailed into the room. Some teachers. Some students. It was quite a whole new ballgame. It was neither one thing nor the other! There was an award-winning writer and some novices. Some prolific and some unprolific. Some promising and some needed more whetting. Amazingly, Koronadal is an exciting polyglot city. One had infinite vocabulary in Hiligaynon and Tagalog. Some were monolingual. The rest were multilingual.

Some were richly poetic. Some were into journalism. Some weren't ripe yet - they were still green. I’m sure they’ll split open when the seeds of writing are completely mature. I had to strike a delicate balance between instructing them and letting them discover things for themselves.

The colloquium was making writers settle to begin to cultivate the arid land of writing. It was helping the writers strew with the seeds of their imagination and sprout it and have it burst forth with beauty and fondness for life and love. It was moulding imperceptible pots out of clay and having it grow plants of beauty that are endlessly in blossom, kindling all imaginations to encroach on forest land of the unknown to grow crops of mindfulness and familiarity.

I believe my lecture and handouts would provide the shot in the arm that the Soccsksargen writers need. I hope they’ll make imaginative use of words and break the moulds of ordinariness. They just need to be more emotive and critical.

Someday, I’ll be happy to see a bumper harvest of poems and short stories in Soccsksargen cropping better and better each year.

The deadline for finishing the writing work is 15 November because the book launching is on 15 December. A considerable amount of time and effort must go into this publication. At least a month. It is indeed threshing grains from chaffs, but it is also yielding a crop of weeds and wild flowers. It's rather early to be sowing and harvesting, but it must be because a writer's gotta do what he's gotta do specially when everyone is gasping for inspiration and beauty out of words that wash every hunger and thirst for literary works down. The colloquium was a varied assemblage of writers probing the mud of words for literary food.

The second day of the seminar was critiquing though it was originally listed for journalism. Some wrote fiction though it was not part of the colloquium. I needed to accommodate them with critiques. A handout for photojournalism was handed out. They can use it as a rough guide.

Things will come full circle so they need to practise writing. They need to submit six poems, and it is spread over only two weeks. Fiction will also be included as some have already submitted theirs.
I think everyone loved the buffet lunches served by the hotel. The afters were nice. Coffee was free-flowing. The fried catfish was quaintly lip-smacking.

We weren’t over the hump yet, but the colloquium concluded with everyone giving the participants’ impressions. We all posed for our photographs.

Koronadal City for me is a small piece of Iloilo torn off its edge. Most residents there speak Hiligaynon. It's fascinating to know how the city has changed and developed over time.

After the seminar, my host had me try Viajera for dinner. We sat on the wooden floor, with our legs crossed. We had crispy tuna, tofu sisig, mushroomed beef, and baby back ribs. The crispy tuna was very moreish. I indulged myself with it. I couldn’t help it. The restaurant had an atmosphere of genteel elegance.

I think there’s so much good restaurants in Koronadal City - one is spoilt for choice.

Time I had needed to go home the next day. My host and her friend from DepEd treated me to crispy pata and appetising sinigang with the sour taste of tomato in Hukad in Veranza, a mall in General Santos City with an elegant façade of cascading water. Most restaurants front onto it.

We were in a rush to get to the airport because we enjoyed taking lot of photos at the mall and we had only some minutes for my flight. I kissed them goodbye, bringing the good memory of South Cotabato.

Duterte is not a Psychopath

Why is President Duterte not a psychopath? First, he doesn't exhibit a failure to accept responsibility for his actions. He has realistic goals, and he is beginning to fulfil them. Second, the willingness to prioritise power above all else, including the welfare of their fellow human beings, ruthlessness, callousness and an utter lack of conscience are amongst the defining traits of the psychopath. But President Duterte prioritises the welfare of the poor and powerless. He is even the most patriotic president this country has had. A psychopath doesn't promote our collective interests. Mr Duterte does. A psychopath loves drugs. Mr Duterte doesn't. A psychopath operates against the interests of his own people. Mr Duterte has made a valiant effort to end contractualisation in the workplace. A psychopath cannot confront criminals and pretends a problem doesn't exist. Mr Duterte deals with the challenges even if it affects his popularity. A psychopath is willing to betray his people so long as he gets favourable judgment from the US and UN and EU because a psychopath goes behind our backs to cook up schemes running contrary to our interests, which is not only grossly insulting but dangerous. A psychopath is unfeeling, but Mr Duterte feels great empathy with the poor, the police, the soldiers, victims of disasters, peace-loving Filipinos, the people who help shape the future he wants for this country.

A Need to be Independent

A former colony has to grow up at some point in its countryhood. It should no longer look to its former coloniser for its opinions and for guidance in conduct. It should not be bound by or committed to its selfish agenda. It has to think of its own people. Its president cannot be a puppet. It cannot be used to further the purposes of its former coloniser. Time this country exercised its independent authority and the right to govern itself. The US could have weaned the Philippines on independence on 4 July 1946 after walking on our resources for 48 years. We are now a septuagenarian, not a baby all of 7 months crawling to get around efficiently on his own.

Is a Corrupt Leader Better Than an Honest Leader Who Swears?

Some Filipinos would prefer a corrupt leader who employs tact and conciliation to an honest and loyal leader who swears every now and then. It is OK with them that corruption is rampant and drug addiction deteriorates this country so long as no human rights are abused. It is OK with them that criminals and drug addicts rob, rape women and children, kill so long as their rights are not kicked around. Yes, they have the point. But why is it their criticisms are only focused on demonising the President? If they are indeed so concerned with this problem, they should take part in a campaign to stop the use of illegal drugs by encouraging their friends and neighbourhood to desist from their vices, discouraging drug addicts and pushers and making them feel alarmed instead of cinching them of their rights despite their criminal activities. I think what the President wants when he says he'll kill them all is not really to inflict death on them, but to terrorise them to give themselves up to the control of drugs. Our president should hold his head up high, work his tail end off, and be even better and stronger because of the Yellow, whose agenda is to destroy his reputation and credibility. Their hateful words hurt and over time they can take a mental and emotional toll on him, but he doesn't have to be a nice or likable person in order to be a leader. Mr Duterte has to be tough. The war on drugs is no joke. It’s not always going to be easy, but he being a strong beacon people can count on is what is necessary for the Filipino people and his legacy. The war on drugs is for the future of this country unless you are into drugs and criminality.

On real democracy

There is no real democracy in a country whose result of election is changed by artful and unfair means and when the electoral process is not observed. Every vote is sacred, and when the truth is twisted, the will of the people is betrayed. No amount of justification can atone for such crime. An honest and clean electoral process and the belief that power ultimately rests with the people are the very essence of democracy.

On a Marcos

There is no law that prohibits a Marcos to run for post. Either, there is no law that prohibits a Marcos to enter a protest. It is Bongbong's right to make a statement in objection to what he has noticed. Well, democracy isn't about a person, but about how honest and clean the electoral process is. I hope that whoever the VP is has won in a way that is based on the will of the people and not on cheating.

Writers’ manifesto on the Philippine election

This manifesto, in English and Tagalog, is from a growing list of more than 90 Filipino writers around the world. Our values, and candidates, differ, but we set aside what divides us to unite behind our country. We invite all to stand, with us few Filipinos here, during these troubled times everywhere, for unfettered expression and the necessity of free speech.

A MANIFESTO
I am a Filipino writer.

I am one among journalists, fictionists, poets, essayists, bloggers, screenwriters, graphic storytellers, copywriters, playwrights, editors… Citizens, all—in a perilous place to wield a pen.

I stand for unfettered expression—to discuss, dispute, debate, dissent. For democracy is respectful disagreement—change persuaded, never imposed. And freedom cannot be dictated, for the right to speech empowers all others: to worship, and participate in society, to cry against injustice, and call for what is just. Speaking responsibly is my responsibility—but expression remains unconditional, essential to equality and universal liberty: To each citizen, a free vote; to every citizen, a free voice.

All of us, citizens, live in a world where the powerful thrive on secrecy and the privileged seek our poverty. Ours is a time when righteousness and faith are weaponized into fear and savagery, and life is dispensable to opinion and ideology. All of us, Filipinos, live in a country where facts are spun as black propaganda, and dynasties stage a masquerade of choice, and leaders prosper on our weakness and disunity. Ours is a society broken by those who benefit from its breaking.

I refuse to let that be the story of our people.

To our Filipino sisters and brothers—at home and around the world: I pledge my pen. My task is to listen, to give voices when you’ve none, and render us with all the humanity I can muster and the dignity you deserve. As a writer I work, and witness, inform, and incite. I shall concede my stance when proven wrong, aspire to constant civility, and safeguard our history from those who reap from its rewriting. This I vow. To this I will see.

To those who mislead for fake faith, profit, or political gain—the false prophets, corporations, and agents of disinformation: my enemy is your iniquity, rapacity, manipulation; my methods are clarity, creativity, careful investigation. I know, as you do, that your power sits solely in the pliancy of us people—and I refuse to sit idly as you crave our control. I shall match your inhumanity with plain and simple decency. This I vow. To this I will see.

To our leaders abusing power—elected or otherwise: I am watching, taking notes, recording for all time. I will mock you who’ve made a mockery of our democracy; yours will not be bronze statues in plazas, or elegies on brass plaques—for my words will outlive your influence, in a world that will know the ills you committed and the ugliness that you were. In life you’ve stolen from our country and our people, and in your death I will steal the respect you never earned and the dignity you never deserved. Try to censor me and I will find a way—to immortalize your infamy, defame your legacy, tell your children’s children with accuracy of what you did and precisely all you failed to do. Your punishment will stretch through the pages of perpetuity.

This I vow. To this I will see.

For all histories have shown: Elections pass, systems crumble, but stories remain. Assassinate one of us—but another speaks louder. Pass laws to make us criminals—but our writing blooms beyond their reach. For history has proven: Jose Rizal is always remembered, Marlene Esperat never forgotten. Your weapons may be violence and money, but our tools are vigilance and memory.

For I am a Filipino. I am a writer.

This I vow, and this you will see: I shall not be silent. I cannot be silenced. I am not alone—our writing remembers, our laughter reminds. The truth of you the world will know. And it starts right here, with me.

ISANG MANIPESTO
Ako ay manunulat na Pilipino.

Isa ako sa mga mamamahayag, kuwentista, makata, mananaysay, blogger, scriptwriter, komiks writer, mandudula, patnugot—mamamayang nabubuhay kung saan mapanganib magsulat.

Naninidigan ako na malayang makapagsalita—para magtalakay, tumutol, makipagtalo, sumalungat. Pagtatalong magalang ang demokrasya. Nag-uudyok ito ng pagbabago, hindi nagpapataw. Kailanman, hindi maididikta ang kalayaan. Karapatan ng lahat na magsalita: para sumamba, makiisa sa lipunan, tutulan ang kawalang-katarungan, at manawagan para sa katwiran. Sa pagbibitiw ng salita, may responsibilidad ako. Pero walang anumang kondisyon ang pagpapahayag. Esensyal ito para sa pagkakapantay-pantay at kalayaang unibersal. Malayang boto para sa bawat tao; malayang tinig para sa bawat mamamayan.

Nabubuhay tayo sa mundo kung saan namamayagpag ang laksang lihim ng kapangyarihan. Hangad nila ang patuloy nating kahirapan. Sa panahon ngayon, iniaambang sandata ang pananampalataya at katuwiran para manakot at mag-asal-hayop. Ibinubuwis ang buhay ng tao para lamang sa ideyolohiya at opinyon. Nabubuhay tayong mga Pilipino sa bayan kung saan mistulang black propaganda ang katotohanan. Mapanlokong palabas ng mga dinastiya na mayroon tayong pagpipilian. Malayo na ang narating ng mga namumuno sa bayan dahil sa pagkakawatak-watak natin at kahinaan. Iginugupo ang lipunan natin ng mga taong nakikinabang sa pagkakalansag nito.

Hindi ko papayagan na ito ang maging kuwento ng ating lahi.
Sa mga kapatid na Pilipino dito sa Inang Bayan at saan pa man sa mundo: para sa iyo itong panulat ko. Tungkulin kong makinig, magpahiram ng tinig kung wala na ang sa inyo. Ilalarawan ko ang lahat sa paraang makatao, puno ng dignidad na nararapat sa iyo. Bilang manunulat nagsisikap, sumasaksi, nagbibigay-alam, at nang-uudyok ako. Sakaling mapatunayang mali, isusuko ko ang posisyon ko. Ipagtatanggol ko ang kasaysayan laban sa mga nakikinabang sa pagrebisa nito. Panata ko ito; bagay na tinitiyak ko.

Sa mga nagbabalak iligaw tayo dahil sa pananalig, kita, o benepisyong pulitikal—mga bulaang propeta, korporasyon, at ahente ng tiwaling kaalaman—tutol ako sa inyong kagaspangan, manipulasyon, at pagkagahaman. Laan akong magpaliwanang, maging malikhain, at magsiyasat ng buong ingat. Tulad ninyo, alam ko na nakasalalay ang kapangyarihan ninyo sa pagtitiis ng tao. At hindi ako uupo na lamang para patakbuhin ninyo ang lahat. Hindi ako magsasawang magpakadisente para tapatan ang inyong hindi-makataong paraan. Panata ko ito; bagay na tinitiyak ko.

Sa mga pinunong abusado sa kapangyarihan—inihalal man o hindi: nagbabantay ako, nagtatala para alalahanin ito habang buhay. Kayong kumukutya sa ating demokrasya, kukutyain ko rin kayo. Walang rebultong tanso sa plaza o mga papuring plake para sa inyo. Higit sa impluwensiya ninyo ang bawat salita ko, sa mundong tutuklas sa katiwalian at kahalayan ninyo. Sa buhay, pinagnakawan ninyo ang tao at bayan. Sa kamatayan, babawiin ko ang respetong hindi dapat at dignidad na hindi para sa inyo. Busalan man ninyo ako, pipiglas ako para talunin ang kasamaan ninyo. Yuyurakan ko ang mga iniwan ninyo. Isalaysay ko nang tama sa kaapu-apuhan ang mga nagawa at hindi ninyo ginawa para sa bayan. Walang humpay ang parusa ninyo. Panata ko ito; bagay na tinitiyak ko.

Dahil napatunayan na ng kasaysayan: nagwawakas ang mga halalan, nagigiba ang mga sistema, pero nananatili ang mga salaysay. Itumba man ninyo ang isa sa amin, may isa pang aangal ng mas malakas. Magpasa man kayo ng mga batas para gawin kaming kriminal, yayabong pa rin ang panulat namin lampas sa mga hangganan. Dahil pinatunayan na ng kasaysayan: patuloy na ginugunita si Jose Rizal; hindi nalilimutan si Marlene Esperat. Pera at karahasan man ang sandata ninyo katapat nito ang aming gunita at mulat na pagbabantay.

Ako ay Pilipino. Manunulat ako.

Panata ko ito. Hindi ako mananahimik o mapatatahimik, itaga mo ‘yan sa bato. Hindi ako nag-iisa. Hindi nakalilimot ang aming panulat; nang-uusig ang aming halakhak. Malalaman din ng mundo ang katotohanan tungkol sa iyo. At ngayon magsisimula ito, mula sa akin mismo.

Signed, chronologically (as of May 4, 2016):

MIGUEL SYJUCO
CLINTON PALANCA
LISANDRO CLAUDIO
JOEL PABLO SALUD
MARCK RONALD RIMORIN
RANDY DAVID
ALMA ANONAS-CARPIO
JIM PASCUAL AGUSTIN
SYLVIA E. CLAUDIO
ROMANO CORTES JORGE
AMBETH R. OCAMPO
CAROLINE S. HAU
DANTON REMOTO
ROFEL BRION
MARNE KILATES
NINOTCHKA ROSCA
IAN ROSALES CASOCOT
PATRICIO ABINALES
SARGE LACUESTA
NEIL GARCIA
KIMI TUVERA
GEMINO ABAD
LOURD DE VEYRA
MARITES VITUG
LUIS FRANCIA
JESSICA HAGEDORN
D.M. REYES
MOOKIE KATIGBAK LACUESTA
NICANOR TIONGSON
ISABELITA REYES
ROLANDO B. TOLENTINO
LINDA FAIGAO-HALL
MERLIE ALUNAN
NENI STA. ROMANA CRUZ
KARINA BOLASCO
NICOLA SEBASTIAN
RENE CIRIA-CRUZ
KRISTINE FONACIER
CRISELDA YABES
JOSE DALISAY
DEAN FRANCIS ALFAR
RAMON GUILLERMO
PATRICIA LIM
MONA LISA YUCHENGCO
GEMMA NEMENZO
CRISTINA PANTOJA-HIDALGO
NICK CARBO
GRACE TALUSAN
ALBERT B. CASUGA
SYLVIA L. MAYUGA
CARLOMAR ARCANGEL DAOANA
M. EVELINA GALANG
FH BATACAN
CARLJOE JAVIER
FELIX FOJAS
NADINE SARREAL
SUSAN S. LARA
RHANDEE GARLITOS
EUGENE EVASCO
DINO MANRIQUE
LINDA NIETES
GRACE R. MONTE DE RAMOS
JOHN LABELLA
KARL R. DE MESA
YVETTE PANTILLA-CARPIO
JAN PHILIPPE V. CARPIO
ROGER B. RUEDA
OSCAR V. CAMPOMANES
CHARLSON ONG
NOELLE Q. DE JESUS
MAXINE SYJUCO
SHIRLEY O. LUA
PAULO ALCAZAREN
TWINK MACARAIG
DEE MANDIGMA
MYRZA SISON
SHAKIRA SISON
LUIS P. GATMAITAN
THELMA ENAGE
RALPH SEMINO GALAN
LUISA T. REYES
REBECCA T. AÑONUEVO
MICHAEL M. COROZA
GERALDINE C. MAAYO
RAMIL DIGAL GULLE
MALOU JACOB
RONALD REYES
DARYLL DELGADO
NONOY ESPINA
ELIZABETH ONG
LOUIE JON A. SANCHEZ
LILA SHAHANI

JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF SIGNATORIES BY CONTACTING MIGUEL SYJUCO AT miguel.syjuco@gmail.com.

Wondertouch, Philippine best massage lotion and painkiller

Wondertouch, energy massage lotion and painkiller made with a blend of ginger essential juice, chili, and peppermint. It helps energise the body and sharpens the senses. Wondertouch helps clear bruises, carbuncles, sores on the skin, arthritis, muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, relieve acne, lighten age spots, fight skin damaging free radicals, reduce cellulite, promote smoothness and evenness of skin tone, decrease inflammation, increase radiance to skin, and provide aromatherapy benefits and more!

Wondertouch absorbs instantly and leaves no greasy, tacky afterfeel. Plus, its refreshing zeal gives spirits a boost. It is uplifting to release tension and sharpen the senses.

The ginger as its main ingredient releases energy to human body, improves blood circulation, and has a continuous lightening age spots while boosting the energy during spa, aromatherapy, and cellulite-reducing treatments.

This lotion is excellent for all massage modalities. Extended glide with less reapplications. Message +639777522401 for bulk order.

Dr Maria Jade Catalan Opulencia and her other colleague nominees for the 2016 Global Top 50 Educators Award

Professors of Human Resource Management, Dr Maria Jade  Catalan Opulencia and her colleague Dr Rommel Sergio, from the School of Business Administration at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), have both been nominated to the 2016 Global Top 50 Educators Award, scheduled to be presented in the UK later this year.

The most innovative educationist in the Philippines, Dr Catalan Opulencia was awarded a Lingkod Bayan, the highest award given by the Philippine president to a government employee. She was given the award for her exceptional performance in and contributions to public service by helping out government workers earn bachelor's and master's degrees. A lot of the government officials in the Philippines now are products of her programmes.

She is indeed of the highest calibre. A gold laid waste by the university in the Philippines which didn't understand her worth and importance. Now abroad, CUD is getting off on her remarkable talent and intelligence. Sayang, she could be a ​great asset to the university.

Fibre & Fruit

I've finally found the best juice brand for me. So now there's lots of reasons to drink fresh juices (grape, peach, apple) these days, from the flavour and the blast of vitamins easily absorbed by the body, to detoxifying and cleansing. Many thanks to Oishi. With Oishi's Fibre & Fruit, I can get a good source of fibre every day. It uses cane sugar, a delicious and healthier organic sweetener, so I can get rid of aspartame. It is very light and delicious! A healthy and refreshing treat for a hot day.

Susannah: Deliciously Native!

Invite your taste buds to take a momentary break from Susannah and enjoy its rich and delicious butterscotch, Iloilo's most delicious, when you visit Iloilo City's Aldeguer Street this January during the Dinagyang Festival. It’s bound to be amazing. It has a delightfully rich leche flan-like flavour and creamy smooth texture. This treat is loaded with lots of moist and chewy goodness. Susannah: Deliciously native!

IF YOU NEED HELP PLEASE RING (033) 3373566/3375457. Monday to Sunday 9.00 to 5.00pm.

Teachancement 2015 Promotional Video

Teachancement 2015: Speakers

TEACHANCEMENT 2015

MARISSA J HARTWIG is an educator, an author, a Reiki master, and a peace seeker. She has been an early childhood educator for 18 years, and also trains and mentors teachers. Believing that dance mirrors life, she wrote her memoir titled Life Is A Dance: Reflections on Defining My Truth, infusing it with her poetry. She also edited and published her father's autobiography, The Mountain and the Metropolis. Ms Hartwig received a grant from AMS (American Montessori Society) to establish peace education through a ‘Healing Garden’ for the child victims of typhoon Haiyan in Iloilo, Philippines. That experience has inspired her to help cultivate peace through what she refers to as ‘the healing art of teaching.’ Ms Hartwig presents in workshops and seminars on education, addressing and focussing on nurturing the spirit of the child.

The author of K-12, ISAGANI R CRUZ earned his bachelor’s degree from UP Diliman in 1965, his MA in English Literature from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1970, and his PhD in English Literature from the University of Maryland in 1976. In 1972 and 2003, Dr Cruz received a Fulbright grant to study in the United States. He is a Don Carlos Palanca Memorial member of the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2004 for his plays, essays, and short stories. He also won the SEAWRITE Award in 1991, the Centennial Literary Contest Award in 1998, and the Gawad Balagtas Award in 1999.  As an educator, Dr Cruz worked with the De La Salle University, the Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of Santo Tomas. He was an Assistant Professor at the UP Diliman and a director of the Teachers Academy at Far Eastern University. He also became a professor at universities in the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. He became a Visiting Fellow at St Antony's College in Oxford University. A former DepEd’s undersecretary, he was the president of the Philippine Fulbright Scholars Association. He writes a column for Philippine Star and blogs at www.isagnicruz.com.

LEONCIO P DERIADA has a BA English (cum laude) from the Ateneo de Davao University in 1959, an MA in English from Xavier University in 1970, and a PhD in English and Literature (creative writing) from Silliman University in 1981, where he before long served as professor and chairperson of the English Department. A language champion, he’s produced works in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano. His thirteen Palanca awards include works in English, Filipino and Hiligaynon. He became a Palanca Hall of Famer on 1 September 2001. Aside from his Palanca awards, he has garnered other prestigious awards such as the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Asiaweek, Gawad CCP, Graphic, Focus, Yuhum (Iloilo), and Blue Knight Award from Ateneo de Davao for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. In 2002, he was one of Metrobank's Outstanding Teachers. He’s a UP professor emeritus.

Teachancement 2015: Teaching Children Specialisation Seminar with the Champions

Teaching children is a unique experience that is both challenging and fun. Compared to adults, children are more energetic, have shorter attention spans, and learn language according to specific stages of development; these present planning challenges for the teacher. The key to teaching children is to understand the principles of teaching and apply it in ways that keep children motivated to learn. This 40-hour Teaching Children Specialisation Seminar with the Champions - Marissa Hartwig, Isagani Cruz, and Leoncio Deriada - expands upon teaching philosophies, and will prepare teachers to design and implement curriculum specifically for young learners of varying ages and skill levels. See you all at Teachancement 2015 in Iloilo City. For more details, message +639154030975.

Day 1-Day 3 Ms Marissa J Hartwig
Day 4 Dr Isagani R Cruz
Day 5 Dr Leoncio P Deriada/Tour of select Iloilo City schools
6-10 July 2015


DAY ONE:

Opening Remarks: Mrs Estrella Mago, DepEd QAA

Morning Session:

Creating a Paradigm Shift in Education (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Discuss the benefits of schools offering individualised and personalised instruction, as opposed to the traditional one-size-fits all approach to education. How can we create a model for quality schools? We will discuss developmentally appropriate practices and how they relate to the educational system today. This discussion will provide insight into marketing a private school. Participants will be given tips on how to attract clients.

Break:15 minutes

The Healing Art of Teaching (1 hour & 20 minutes)

What defines a good educator? Discuss the attributes of effective teachers from the perspective of the learner. What is inherent in the role of the educator in the 21st century, whether you’re teaching preschoolers or adult learners? Participants will be asked to discuss what they believe makes a good educator. Teaching techniques and role-playing will be utilised.

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30
Afternoon Session:   

The Essential Classroom (1 hour & 20 minutes)

How can you design a classroom that is conducive to learning? How can you create an environment that stimulates the curious mind? Participants will learn about the tools essential in any classroom setting, from the material to the ethereal. They will reflect on what they have in their classrooms and make a list of what they aspire to secure, or create. Methods to create affordable, sensible, and practical classroom materials will be discussed.

Break:15 minutes

Integrating Relevant Themes (1 hour & 20 minutes)

What does your curriculum include? What topics do we teach in general education? Why should we incorporate relevant themes and how can we integrate them into our course of study? Participants will be given examples of themes that are successfully linked to science, math, and the arts. They will be able to review materials and discuss how to integrate them into their curriculum.

Exercises in music will be highlighted for the young learners.
               

DAY TWO:

Morning Session:

Dynamics of the Classroom Setting (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Discuss the constitution of a classroom – what kinds of learners do you have? How do you determine learning styles and how can you address them? How can you maintain an inclusive classroom, mainstreaming your children that exhibit various personalities? Participants will learn to define their class and individual students and design and implement effective instruction.

Break:15 minutes

STAR: An Approach to Behaviour Modification (1 hour & 20 minutes)
STAR is an acronym for Stop, Think, Act, Reflect – a developmentally appropriate conflict resolution strategy. How do we handle children who have behavior problems in the classroom? Participants will learn how to apply this technique to students who exhibit disruptive behavior. They will role-play situations and behaviors then implement the strategy. They will also learn about other proven effective techniques to address this issue.

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30

Afternoon Session:   

Educating for Peace: Dealing with Pain (1 hour & 20 minutes)
Natural disasters, crime, and other tragedies prompt educators to develop coping skills for the children afflicted with emotional trauma. We will discuss the impact of such loss on our students young and old. How do we communicate with these young victims and what outlet can we provide. Educating for inner peace is vital and ideas will be shared and discussed. Sharing books on peace, journal writing, art activities, and other avenues will be explored. Participants will practice stress-releasing techniques to share with their students.

Break: 15 minutes

The Healing Garden: Creating A Space for Peace (1 hour & 20 minutes)

A garden is a tool for healing. It is therapeutic, providing children with a sense of awe and wonder. Momentary peace can be attained through tending to a garden, creating a sanctuary for reflection and silence. How can you design a garden that is not only functional, but also beautiful and inviting. Participants will be given ideas on how to create a peace curriculum with the garden. They will design their own garden along with extensions such as learning exercises focused on this garden.


DAY THREE:

Morning Session:

Effective Parent-Teacher Communication: Bridging the Gap between Partners of Education (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Excellent communication skills with the parents are required to ensure the success of your students. We will discuss how to relate with these partners in the interest of their children. How do we conduct ourselves during these conversations? How do you handle parent-teacher conferences? Participants will be given scenarios to role play and strategies to acquiesce the situation, arriving at mutually agreeable solutions.

Break: 15 minutes

Keeping Families Engaged (1 hour & 20 minutes)

You have a family enrolled, now how do you keep them at your school and be an active participant in the learning process? What programmes and activities do you have that are specifically for that purpose? Participants will explore events designed to keep the parents interested and involved with your school. Book fairs, art auctions, fund-raising activities, family fun day, and others will be discussed.

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30

Afternoon Session:   

Celebrating The End of the School Year (1 hour & 20 minutes)

There’s graduation for those leaving the school, but what about the students going into the next level? Do they not deserve a celebration too? We will discuss how to design an end-of-the-year programme that is fun and developmentally appropriate. The event will showcase what the children have learned through the year. Writing an original play, creating a song and dance programme, or reciting poetry will be explored.

Break: 15 minutes

Learning IS Fun (1 hour & 20 minutes)

This segment reviews the topics that were discussed for the last three days. Participants will recap what most interests them and will address issues they may have on others. They will break into groups and be given specific assignments like making materials, designing a classroom, performing songs, role-playing a parent-teacher scenario, etc. We conclude my presentation with a song or two in sign language.   
           
DAY FOUR:

Morning Session:         

Understanding K12 Curriculum (1 hour & 20 minutes)
Principles Underlying K12 (1 hour & 20 minutes)
K12 Curriculum Outcomes Framework (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Break: 15 minutes
   
Understanding K12 Assessment and Evaluation (1 hour & 20 minutes)
Considerations for K12 Programme Delivery (1 hour & 20 minutes)
   

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30

Afternoon Session:

Qualities of Effective Principals (1 hour & 10 minutes)
Facilities Management in Schools (1 hour & 10 minutes)

Break: 15 minutes

Getting Parents Involved in Schools (2 hours)

Sponsored Dinner & Free Film Showing at Cinematique Iloilo: 5:30-7:30

DAY FIVE:

Mother Tongue with Dr Leoncio P Deriada, Language Champion
Tour of select Iloilo City schools
Awarding of Certificates
Registration Fee: Php 6000

Leoncio Deriada: Language Champion

Leoncio Deriada spent most of his life in Davao. He graduated from the Davao City High School in 1955. He read BA English cum laude at the Ateneo de Davao University in 1959; his MA in English, at Xavier University in 1970; his PhD in English and Literature with a specialisation in creative writing, at Silliman University in 1981 where he later on served as professor and chairperson of the English Department. He is a UPV's professor emeritus.

A multi-lingual writer, he has produced works in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano. His thirteen Palanca awards include works in English, Filipino, and Hiligaynon. Of these thirteen, five are first-prize winners, and these include 'The Day of the Locusts' (Short Story, 1975), 'Mutya ng Saging' (Dulaang May Isang Yugto, 1987), 'The Man Who Hated Birds' (Short Story for Children, 1993), 'Medea of Siquijor' (One-Act Play, 1999), and 'Maragtas: How Kapinangan Tricked Sumakwel Twice' (Full-Length Play, 2001). He became a Palanca Hall of Famer on 1 September 2001. Aside from his Palanca awards, he has garnered other prestigious awards such as the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Asiaweek, Gawad CCP, Graphic, Focus, Yuhum (Iloilo), and Blue Knight Award from Ateneo de Davao for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. In 2002, he was one of Metrobank's Outstanding Teachers.

He was the literary editor of the defunct Home Life magazine and has been editor of several West Visayan anthologies. He has mentored famous writers in the Philippines: Peter Solis Nery, Alex Delos Santos, Genevieve Asenjo, Melecio Turao, John Barrios, Isidoro Cruz, Alain Russ Dimzon, Alexander de Juan, Melchor Cichon, Felino Garcia amongst others.

He is the country's Language Champion. He's going to talk about Mother Tongue at the seminar I have organised for teachers on 10th July this year. To enquire about the seminar, message me at +639154030975.

Calabashes at the Jaro Plaza

These large hard-shelled globose fruits are calabashes. I happened to see them at the Jaro Plaza. They are grown in Dinglê, Iloilo, a town on the outskirts of Passi City. According to the farmer who sells this, the fruit is effective in bringing about recovery from diabetes. It's cooked in boiling water and its watery solution is drunk like tea. It tastes tangy with a strong aftertaste. The farmer will stay up at the plaza till 5 February, days after the famous fiesta of Jaro District.

Justice

a poem by Roger B Rueda

is like a pebble that once buried it'll not shoot
like a seed of a vine that grows up a trellis
and winds itself around tall trees
as it spreads out and obscures them as possible.
It will keep mum underneath the memory
of the living and silverfish.
It'll be lost sight of by the heart that feels for,
that understands.
But no. I will stifle it in texts which hide
on paper where silverfish are dead to the world.
The texts have magic. It is more than a seed.
It is a firework blowing up into the sky.
It will make anyone stagger back against the rail
and topple over, wiping out the gloom of oblivion.

Pity

a poem by Roger B Rueda

It blows up when I see a cat hit by a jeepney
and transforms itself into a scalpel so sharp
and jagged, each of its cuts bringing twinges
to my heart snivelling and withstanding
the torment and misery of helplessness.
It reminds me of the enormous, whose
conception consists of me and pity, so then
of supplication as whispered by faith
from the abysmal respites of my humanity:
All I want is the vanishing of grieves,
fairy-like and spiritual, in the lurch and faithful.
It clings to the sentience and conscience -
it draws the pith of my wits and gags
bliss and vanity and conceit with remorse and
regret smothering me to be more tangled.
It intrudes me and my vision: it goes with
the cat whose body is feeling at ease now
and whose avatar occupies my sentiment
which is river-like - it's full of water
that wells over the window of my quintessence
when I am all alone, grief-stricken, pity-warped.