I’ve mentioned that there are individuals in Davao (and organizations as well) who are pouring energy into conservation efforts. Two more of them are Mia Dragon-Floirendo and Maej Villanueva, who are involved in a creative recycling project with a two-pronged goal. These two ladies have adopted Barangay Adecor in Kaputian, Samal, as the recipient of a comprehensive livelihood program and an in-depth awareness-building seminar on environmental protection.

These are the objectives of the creative recycling project:

• To be able to create marketable products made from recyclables as additional livelihood income;
• For the women to embrace creative recycling in an effort to create an environmental impact on the island (in Bgy. Adecor and its neighboring barangays);
• To inculcate the habits of household waste segregation among residents;
• For the women participants to be able to re-echo their training on creative recycling to others in the barangay.

Plarn (plastic yarn)

In April 2011, pre-workshop activities included site visits to assess community preparedness, available skill sets, and to document the type of recyclable material present in the area. Workshops were held in May to teach 23 participants how to bead paper, crochet “plarn” (plastic yarn), fuse plastics, and the like. Plarn is made out of recycled plastic grocery bags and such. (Maej happily mentioned to me that, due to the apparent success of the program, the barangay is now running out of plastic bags!)

After the initial training phase, the participants were asked to create household and decorative items out of the raw material they had produced. Here are samples of their work:

I was there to witness the graduation of the 23 participants, an event they shared with their families and the barangay officials who were present. It was quite heartening to see how committed they were to the whole deal: they were in it for making extra money, but also for the environment.

One woman thanked Mia and Maej for having been given the skills training, which she said has increased her earning potential. Another woman expressed amazement at the concept of recycling, that it could in fact bring livelihood to their community. So much so that those who were trained to become trainers themselves became excited about echoing their new-found skills.

Creative Recycling Project family

This environment-friendly livelihood project is a hopeful one because it finds support from the entire community: from the barangay captain (who happens to be Mia’s husband, Vicente Floirendo), to the barangay councilors and other concerned citizens. Even little children, according to one of the participants, are now helping them by collecting plastic bags and other recyclable trash.

Mia & Maej and the barangay ladies

Mia is the project director of this undertaking, and she has resolved to make this a profitable venture for the barangay. She stressed, however, that it should not fall into a charity situation, but as a well-run business. She made sure to not give the participants any impression that, apart from the free training that the community received, there would be no dole outs. The barangay, however, would still continue to benefit from Mia’s support, in terms of business advice and marketing assistance.

Maej was the main resource person of the project. She conducted the assessments and the actual training. She is also in it for the long-term desired effect, which is for the health of our natural environment. Through this advocacy, the plastic and paper wastes of Pearl Farm Beach Resort (which is right beside Bgy. Adecor) are recycled for use in the livelihood project.

Maej is behind Loud Plastics Creation. It is actually a business, but the raw material are sourced from communities where she has imparted skills training in plarn creation. She also carries jewelry and women’s purses made out of pull rings.

I hope that what the indefatigable Mia Floirendo has started in Adecor will spread to the other barangays of Samal Island (a.k.a. Island Garden City of Samal). Also, that the waste segregation practices of Pearl Farm and Leticia by the Sea will become standard operating procedure among all businesses on the islands. Then, Davao Gulf’s marine ecosystem may just stand a chance!

Kudos, Mia & Maej! May we see more conscientious and generous people like you.

Jojie and her Kuya Roger

In 1992, after four years in Manila, I returned to Davao with a renewed appreciation for my hometown. One of the first things I got myself into was an outdoors club that was also a forum for instilling in young people’s minds a love for everything Davao. In the Sandawa Apo Mountaineering Club I met its indefatigable father-figure, Roger G. Layson.

Sandawa Apo was a vibrant organization and it thrived under the tutelage of the late Mr. Layson. It had members from many colleges and universities (and high schools, too, I think) in Davao. I found it very inspiring that Roger was able to bring youths from tremendously variegated backgrounds together into one cohesive club. There were members from exclusive schools and those from public institutions — there was even a chapter for out-of-school youths — but when we were all climbing or hiking or swimming or learning survival techniques, all differences were set aside. And I believe it was Roger’s constant presence and motivational spirit that made all of it possible.

Roger Layson was a moving force in the tourism scene of the Davao Region, having served with the Department of Tourism for many, many years. His love of Davao was unmistakable: in the dedication he put into his work, in his writings at the Mindanao Daily Mirror, in his dealings with fellow Dabawenyos and everyone around him. In spite of his humility, he has certainly left an indelible mark in Davao tourism.

He was always very engaging, ever ready with a smile. He never put on airs and never expected anything in return for kindnesses rendered. I shall always remember him as a big influence in the way that I love my hometown.

Roger G. Layson† passed away on the 4th of April, 2011. May the Lord grant his soul eternal peace.

From a host in local TV variety show to a lead starrer in a top-rating television series, Dabawenya actress Bangs Garcia is definitely making a significant leap in Philippine showbiz. In the latest edition of M (Life and Living in Mindanao) Magazine, Bangs bares her hits and misses, her triumphs and ordeals as she continues to pursue her dreams.

Joining Bangs in the pages of M Magazine’s ninth issue are esteemed Mindanawon civic leaders, Atty. Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa Abrille and Irene “Inday” Morada Santiago; together with Sulu’s top visual artist, Rameer Amilasan Tawasil; and Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partanawa, who shares his country’s longtime friendship with Mindanao.

Thrilled to travel around Mindanao? Get some tips on where and what’s new to explore on the island, such as wakeboarding in Mindanao’s first wakeboard park; nature-tripping in Lake Sebu; conquering the peak of Bukidnon’s Mt. Kitanglad; braving the wild waters of Cagayan de Oro; making a stopover at Tandag City; or joining the epic voyage of the Balangays.

Flip through the fashion section and be mesmerized by award-winning photographer Rhonson Ng’s underwater glam shots of Davao’s top mannequins; and Niko Villegas’ dazzling images, featuring the gem-inspired designs of Egay Ayag, Joao Tarepe, Patahian, and Argento de Salvador, as modeled by Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Janelle Tee. What’s more, Davao’s premier houses of style, Rue Chephri and Martish, unveil their latest chic and elegant collections of designer brands in this issue.

Also in this issue are fascinating pieces on Zamboanga’s sardine canning industry, Davao del Sur’s healthy coconut products, Butuan’s AQEM theater in education, plus a spotlight on Mindanao’s entertainment and wellness enclaves, parties and festive events, contemporary lifestyle, and many more.

M Magazine, Mindanao’s first and only travel and lifestyle quarterly publication, is available in all National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Power Books, Forewords, and Christian Ventures outlets; and in more than 200 bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. In Davao City, get your copies of M Magazine at Babasahin (Victoria Plaza, SM City, NCCC Mall, Gaisano Mall), MetroLifestyle Complex (Bo’s Coffee, Krua Thai, Metro Gym), National Bookstore (Gaisano Mall, SM City), Farfalla Pasta Bar, Gaisano Mall Supermarket, Lachi’s, Basti’s Coffee, Agencia Nina Jewelry (Victoria Plaza, JP Laurel, Bankerohan, Gaisano South, Gaisano Mall), ProMark and Davao Periodicals outlets.

From rowing a banca in a river during his teen years to bringing his own children to their first beach outing, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Felix Mari Hotchkiss Durano shares why idyllic Carrascal in Surigao del Sur is still home to him in the latest issue of m (Life and Living in Mindanao) magazine. Durano, champion of Philippine tourism, reveals the many unforgettable summers he spent in his maternal hometown as well as his plans for tourism development in Mindanao.

Also in m’s sixth issue, learn about the sumptuous paella recipe of Dabawenyo chef Juan Guino-o Gaddi; the purposeful journey of Eric John Madela in helping rebuild lives in many Mindanao communities; the stylish creations of Cagay’anon designers Roel Rosal and Melvin Lachica in the recent Philippine Fashion Week; Mindanao’s bustling rubber industry and Zamboanga’s Ecozone and Freeport Authority; and, the passions of visual and performing artists Rosalie Zerrudo and Jun Cayas.

Itching to travel? Flip through the pages of m and unravel the treasures of ancient Maitum, the vibrant nightscape of Iligan, the festive and religious rituals of Kinabayo Festival, and the vibrant blend of the north and south in Binuyugan Festival. Get your backpacks ready and join m in rediscovering the island’s amazing destinations — Dapitan, Mati, Sohoton Cove, and the islands of Surigao.

As this issue’s special fashion feature, m highlights six exemplary young men — Mindanao’s up-and-coming movers and shakers, plus many more fascinating stories on the places, people, flavors and colors of Mindanao as m celebrates its splendor, beauty and diversity.

m, Mindanao’s first-ever glossy travel and lifestyle publication, is now available in National Bookstore, Babasahin, Fully Booked, Power Books, Forewords, Christian Ventures, hotels, resorts and airport lounges and other leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. Grab a copy now!

Bloggers & Amb. Kenney

The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney, is often in Mindanao, attending to the various projects and commitments that her government has in the Philippine South. But this time, she made a special stop while in Davao just to meet and get to know some of the bloggers here.

Last year, I had a chance to meet the U.S. embassy’s press attaché and spokesperson, Rebecca Thompson, in Tagaytay for the Media Nation conference. Then a couple of weeks ago, her office contacted me to get a group of bloggers together for a meet-up with Amb. Kenney during her brief stay in Davao City. I thought it would be good to have a diverse collection of bloggers, and I came up with this seven: Jaime Haw (Apple® fanboy); Migs Hipolito (mobile technologies); Ria Jose (politics, lifestyle); Rhodilee Jean Dolor (family, business); Sarah Matalam (community work, motherhood); Lyle Santos (nursing, Internet); and Brendel Balaga (nursing studies).

Roundtable with Kristie Kenney

During the very informal — in fact, very up close and personal — get-together with the ambassador today, we came to know a personable and gregarious woman. Far from what all of us were expecting, this charming lady appeared very down-to-earth, and loves basketball; she can even keep up with any sports fan on the latest in PBA stuff. (She was practically gushing when she told us that she was going to do the meet-and-greet for Kobe Bryant, who’s scheduled to come to the Philippines soon.) By the way, she also got herself certified in scuba diving here in the Philippines.

She also blogs herself: check it out. While her blog is her own, she said it’s started to take the shape of an information portal for the embassy’s activities. For her own personal use, she’s on Facebook. Isn’t it quite refreshing to know that someone in her stature keeps abreast of Internet trends? So we couldn’t resist telling her about Plurk and how Filipino bloggers are engrossed in it. She does know about Twitter, but she said she prefers Facebook.

We had the opportunity to tell the ambassador about our blogs and about the Mindanao Bloggers community, in which she seems to be genuinely interested. The U.S. government and ours, in efforts to establish long-lasting peace in Mindanao, collaborate on development projects in the areas of education, agriculture, environment, health, prosperity, human rights. I suppose Kenney was keen on knowing how our community was contributing to the upliftment of Mindanao’s image through our various blogs.

Meeting Kristie Kenney

This was the first time that the head of a diplomatic mission to the Philippines has gone out of their way to talk to bloggers. And I hope it won’t be the last. We’ve invited Amb. Kenney to be our guest of honor at the Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Cagayan de Oro this October, and she has accepted in principle. It’s not certain yet what follow-up activities might happen between the MB community and the American embassy in the future, but I do expect a continued exchange of information at the very least.

After about 3 years in existence, and after all the activities that have given exposure to the MB community, this has to be the most fulfilling one for us yet. In behalf of the bloggers of Mindanao, I’d like to thank Ambassador Kristie and her staff for the wonderful morning today! Hopefully, this October again!

Resci Angeli Rizada

Resci Angeli Rizada, a nursing graduate of one of the leading nursing schools in the city, has won the crown and the hearts of Dabawenyos for this year’s search for the Mutya ng Dabaw. She was hailed this year’s reigning Mutya during the coronation night held yesterday, 14 March 2009 (Saturday) at the CAP Auditorium.

Rizada, a summa cum laude graduate of the San Pedro College, is also a member of the Recognizing Outstanding Davao Youth (RODY) Project, Future Leaders of Asia, and a regional and national finalist of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

Representing the new, enlightened Dabawenya, a strong-willed, outspoken yet charming, confident yet humble woman whose intelligence and skills are dedicated to community building, goodwill and development, Rizada has won ₱50,000.00 in cash plus a trophy and other prizes.

She has also won a matching grant from her sponsoring foundation/organization for her chosen advocacy project, which is focused on “social change through social entrepreneurship”. We hope to hear from her soon with regards the concrete plans she has in mind to achieve this worthy advocacy.

Rizada’s court is comprised of Diwa ng Dabaw winner, Vanessa Ruth Chan; Sinag ng Dabaw winner, Patrice Su; Pag-Asa ng Dabaw winner, Richelle Ann Liao; and Patnubay ng Dabaw winner, Franilyn Sendiong.

The winner of the Mutya ng Dabaw was chosen based on the following criteria: intelligence (25%), communication skills (25%), personality (25%), talent (15%) and quality of proposed project design (10%).

The coronation night was Web-cast live worldwide though its official website, MutyaNgDabaw.com, a first in the history of the celebration of the city’s charter anniversary. Live streaming of other highlights and features of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration can be seen on ArawNgDabaw.com.

Joey Ayala

Recently, I’ve rediscovered one of the musical gems that moved me — nay, jolted me out of my stupor — the first time I heard it. The music of Joey Ayala. Discographies label his tracks as “folk rock” or even “indigenous music”. But I think his music goes beyond that, because it has purpose and it is timeless.

You will find in his music themes about environmental issues, social realities, even politically-charged chants. Joey Ayala does have tracks that might be meant for pure entertainment, but those that really matter are those songs that move listeners to realize certain truths — and, hopefully, to action.

My favorites include Agila (”Eagle”), Bathala (”God”) and Karaniwang Tao (”Common Man”). But there’s one piece whose lyrics ring true and must ring even louder, if people are to realize what purpose their lives serve on this earth. I’d like to share Awit ng Mortal (”Mortal Man’s Song”) with you. It was composed by Joey and performed by Bayang Barrios.

Mga Awit ng Tanod-Lupa

For the benefit of my non-Tagalog readers, here’s a rough translation:

Joey Ayala, while his family has roots in the North, grew up in Davao City. His sister, Cynthia Alexander, is also an accomplished musician. His brother and my friend, Pido Ayala, is one of the pioneering IT professionals in Davao. Their mother, the poet Tita Lacambra-Ayala, is one of Davao’s literary inspirations.

Joey’s music and his blog are online at joeyayala.com. There is also a wiki entry about him.