Pasidungog sa KaPamilya
5:48 PM at 5:48 PM Filed under: Author:
I was recognized as one of the Kapamilya partners of ABS CBN Iloilo. I was even introduced as a certified Kapamilya and the man behind the most successful and biggest crowd getter and gatherer, Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown
With other invited special guests of ABS CBN Iloilo
The faces of ABS CBN's TV Patrol Iloilo, Sikat Ka Iloilo and Sikat Ka Barkada
Joining the celebration of the 6th year anniversary of ABS CBN Iloilo's TV Patrol Iloilo and the 3rd year anniversary of Sikat Ka Iloilo
January 31, 2009
Everybody is said to have the yearning to belong. We want to feel welcome, accepted, important and valued.
I was born in Iloilo City but at age 2 and a half I was brought to Manila specifically Quezon City to start my schooling years. I was only in Iloilo during the summer months and the Christmas break. I also worked in Makati and Ortigas after college for almost four years.
When I decided to transfer from Metro Manila to Iloilo City in late 2005, I started a new life. I learned about the city, the people, the situation, the issues and the like. I formed and established new relationships. For any change that happens in one's life, it is not easy. A lot of adjustments have to be made. In addition, leaving an old familiar place and people you become close and accustomed to are hard things to do. As some people say, changing relationships, jobs and residency, brings about a certain level of stress, the fear of the unknown and it is definitely a risk. Good thing for me, it all worked out for the best. I am thankful of the warm hospitality of Iloilo City residents and for making my boyhood dream of being a public servant a reality.
Yesterday, I was invited to the 6th year anniversary of ABS CBN Iloilo's TV Patrol Iloilo (afternoon local news program) and the 3rd year anniversary of Sikat Ka Iloilo (morning news and entertainment program). I thought I was just there to eat and join the thanksgiving. I didn't expect to be one of the personalities to be given recognition and thanks by the ABS CBN Iloilo Station. Salamat, Kapamilya.
The Kapamilya network warmly welcomed me when I transferred to the City of Iloilo even at the time I was still a nobody in the City. I was one of the first invited guests of Sikat Ka Iloilo which was followed by a number of guestings in the said program. I was also invited during the ABS CBN kapamilya fiesta event and other events that it had. I also was given fair and balanced media exposures in TV Patrol and even during the campaign season with it's Sambuwa TV Show. Furthermore, every time I visit ABS CBN Compound, Skycable Iloilo (where I have my TV program for more than 2 years already), MOR FM Radio and Bantay Bata Iloilo, I feel very much welcome and taken care of. It truly feels good to be with people who treat you as family.
Until this day, every time I am featured in ABS CBN shows, I ask for a DVD copy or find time to watch it as it is played. I am also thankful that ABS CBN Iloilo is my partner in some of my most successful special projects, namely, Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown, Kasadyhan Pangkabataan (Fun for Kids), Bunyag sa Syudad (Free mass baptism in the City), District Medical Missions and Learners for Educators eXcellence (LEX) Awards.
Kiung Hei Huat Chai
6:52 PM at 6:52 PM Filed under: Author:
With other dignitaries in the Freedom Grandstand
I actually have a small percentage of Chinese blood that can be traced from my mother's side
The first time I joined the Chinese New Year parade from the capitol to the Freedom Grandstand
Enjoying the Chinese Cultural Show in a mall
Chinese Dragon Dance
In 2005, I was honored to have been chosen as a Philippine-China Youth Ambassador and was able to visit 3 cities in mainland China, namely, Beijing, Huangzhou and Shanghai. My first travel abroad in 1997 was in Hongkong and Shenzhen which are also part of China.
The Chinese have a good place in history especially when it comes to trade and industry. They are also known for their ability to make a small business grow even with just little profit per item. Up to today, big commercial areas like Divisoria are full of Chinese merchandisers, retailers and wholesalers who sell value for money items. Furthermore, a lot of the big companies and industries in our country are owned by Filipino Chinese individuals or families.
In our local scene, a lot of Filipino Ilonggo Chinese help our local economy become more vibrant with their shops, restaurants, hotel, resorts and other business establishments. They also help in giving employment to our fellow Ilonggos. Thank you to our Filipino Ilonggo Chinese friends for helping our local economy grow.
Let us all work together with all Filipinos, 100% or with a mix of other nationalities and cultures like the Filipino Ilonggo Chinese for the progress of our beloved Iloilo City.
Happy Chinese New Year to all. I am wishing everyone the best of luck.
The Dream has turned into a Reality
9:39 PM at 9:39 PM Filed under: Author:
Still the Ati Tribe Champion...Tribu Paghidaet of Lapaz National High School (2nd consecutive year)...Congratulations !
Back after a number of years of absence and posted a good showing, Tribu Bola Bola of Iloilo National High School captures 2nd place
former 2007 Ati Tribe Champ, Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School, places 3rd this 2009
4th place: Tribu Silak of Iloilo City National High School
Tribu Casag of the Municipality of Banate, Iloilo captures the gold as it is awarded the 2009 Kasadyahan Champion
Wonders of PAGCOR Act 2
Wonders Act 1 - Its their first time to visit Iloilo City
Remembering my roots...I was able to visit the second judging area, Iloilo Provincial Capitol
Witnessing the Dinagyang Festival highlight in judging area number 1, the Freedom Grandstand
It can happen...
With Cristine Reyes and little Ms. Banusing
I was just watching her on TV before but I finally was able to meet her, to talk to her and to have a picture with her
With youth leaders and Ta Lydia
Mingling with the hundred and hundreds of Iloilo City youth barangay leaders with Cong. Tanada
Small talk of political personalities with Sen. Mar Roxas
Enjoying the Kasadyahan Festival, a day before the Dinagyang highlight, with Capiz Governor Vic Tanco, Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas, Sen. Mar Roxas and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas
January 25, 2009
I finally met one of my showbiz fascination, Ms. Cristine Reyes. She may not be what I expected her to be in person but it definitely was another boyhood dream that came true...I met her when she was having dinner in a hotel. I had a chance for small talk with her and the people she was with. I ended the experience with a picture with her. I don't easily get star struck but she's one of the few that makes me axct like a fan. Furthermore, I don't usually find ways to have such an experience but it was a long dream of mine that was finally fulfilled. Mission accomplished. Thank you to the Kapamilya station, ABS CBN Iloilo for giving me a VIP pass to do such.
The Dinagyang Festival, especially the highlight which was the Ati Tribe Competition, was a big hit with over a million visitors from the country and from other parts of the world. It was truly a grand affair. I was simply amazed with the presentations of various barangay and school based tribes. It gave me more reason to be glad I was made in Iloilo and proud to be Pinoy.
I am now hoping and praying for another best tourism event in the country award for the 2009 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.
Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown Year 2 Grand Finals
5:13 AM at 5:13 AM Filed under: Author:
Jam packed SM City Ground Floor and the railings from 1st to 3rd floor...
Thank you to the thousands and thousands of Ilonggos who supported one of my special projects, Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown Year 2
with special guest, a request of the tweens and teens of Iloilo, Sam Concepcion
announcing the winners of one of my most successful special projects, Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown Year 2
guest during the City Schools' Drum and Bugle School CompetitionJanuary 23, 2009
It all started when SM City Iloilo PR rep. Troy visited my office last November 2007 and asked me if I could partner with them in having a special project for the Dinagyang Festival. I asked him why and his answer was that I am the youngest city official and they believe that I could bring enthusiasm and energy to a possible joint project with them for the Dinagyang season. I told him to give me a week and I'll get back to him with a proposal. I had a week of brainstorming with some people who helped me conceptualize until in the end I decided dancing is something that Ilonggos love to watch and it entertains everyone meaning it goes beyond social class, age and gender. It is something for everybody and it is also healthy being an exercise. Furthermore, it would provide an avenue for young people to show their creativity, talent and skill while avoiding drugs and other vices. Thus, the Dance showdown was born. SM City agreed and then I discussed with ABS CBN Iloilo a possible partnership and they thankful joined. It then became the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown. To make it as an officially recognized Dinagyang event, the Dance Showdown became part of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc (IDFI). special events as they became one of our partners. My office, SM City, ABS CBN Iloilo and IDFI collaborated to bring the biggest dance event in Western Visayas.
As they say, anything passes birth pains. Our event was not exempted from such. We had to promote it, get sponsors, manage it well, organize, get in qualified dance groups and had to get the trust and support of the Ilonggos. In December of 2007, the very 1st Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown was launched and eventually on January of 2008 we had our very first grand finals which became a hit with thousands and thousands of people in attendance. The first one was barangay based dance groups in Iloilo City only. We also had special guests such as Mikey and Saicy of Pinoy Big Brother. The first ever champion was the Christ Believer Dancers representing Barangay Calumpang, Molo. I'd also like to thank major sponsors, TM SPA Europa Skinea, PEPSI Cola Philippines and Ticel Land Corporation as well as other sponsors like AMA Computer College Jaro and the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps for helping us make it a successful event and endeavor. It was all worth the hardships and sacrifice.
As such, a challenge was thrown to me by the City Tourism Officer and former Executive Director of the IDFI, Mr. Ben Jimena when he said that the 1st Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown was the biggest special Dinagyang event and the biggest crowd drawer and he expects a bigger and more lively Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown year 2. The same was echoed by Ms. Chari Ginete-Ilon, the Station Manager of ABS CBN Iloilo. I accepted the challenge and the year 2 of our joint project event was again launched in October of 2008, the first officially recognized Dinagyang event. This time it was open to all dance groups from schools or barangays and even beyond the borders of Iloilo City. October to November of 2008 was the time for auditions. December was the month of eliminations. Today, Jan 23, our grand finals for year 2 happened. I was very nervous yesterday and I couldn't even sleep well because I was nervous of the possible turn out and I had to meet the high expectations and the challenge that was thrown to me. Much to my delight, the event was scheduled to start at 4pm but people crowded the whole ground floor and even the second to third floor as early as 2pm. I was very happy with the turn out thousands and thousands of happy, smiling and cheering Ilonggos witnessed the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown year 2. Our special guest this time was Sam Concepcion. The champion for this year is the Smash Collection Dancers. They also received a new award category, the best choreography. Another additional special award was the best in costume. I'm glad that I have all my partners in tack for this event. I also would like to thank the major sponsors, Smart Communications, Pepsi Cola Philippines and TM SPA Europa Skinea as well as the other sponsors, AMA Computer College Jaro and the Iloilo Grand Hotel. Special mention goes to my staff especially the Special Projects Department for helping me out with this event.
The biggest thank you goes to the people of Iloilo. Kung wala kamu, indi man maging amu ni kasuccesful ang Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown 1 and 2. Salamat gid sang inyo pagsalig kag suporta. We will try our best to make the third Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown bigger, more exciting and with more suprises.
We now have two consecutive years of success for this particular special project of my office because of the Ilonggos support. I ask all Ilonggos to join us again in the start of the preparation of the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown year 3 for 2010 Dinagyang.
Iwaswas, ipaspas kag ipakita ang talento sang kabataang Ilonggo.
As they say, anything passes birth pains. Our event was not exempted from such. We had to promote it, get sponsors, manage it well, organize, get in qualified dance groups and had to get the trust and support of the Ilonggos. In December of 2007, the very 1st Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown was launched and eventually on January of 2008 we had our very first grand finals which became a hit with thousands and thousands of people in attendance. The first one was barangay based dance groups in Iloilo City only. We also had special guests such as Mikey and Saicy of Pinoy Big Brother. The first ever champion was the Christ Believer Dancers representing Barangay Calumpang, Molo. I'd also like to thank major sponsors, TM SPA Europa Skinea, PEPSI Cola Philippines and Ticel Land Corporation as well as other sponsors like AMA Computer College Jaro and the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps for helping us make it a successful event and endeavor. It was all worth the hardships and sacrifice.
As such, a challenge was thrown to me by the City Tourism Officer and former Executive Director of the IDFI, Mr. Ben Jimena when he said that the 1st Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown was the biggest special Dinagyang event and the biggest crowd drawer and he expects a bigger and more lively Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown year 2. The same was echoed by Ms. Chari Ginete-Ilon, the Station Manager of ABS CBN Iloilo. I accepted the challenge and the year 2 of our joint project event was again launched in October of 2008, the first officially recognized Dinagyang event. This time it was open to all dance groups from schools or barangays and even beyond the borders of Iloilo City. October to November of 2008 was the time for auditions. December was the month of eliminations. Today, Jan 23, our grand finals for year 2 happened. I was very nervous yesterday and I couldn't even sleep well because I was nervous of the possible turn out and I had to meet the high expectations and the challenge that was thrown to me. Much to my delight, the event was scheduled to start at 4pm but people crowded the whole ground floor and even the second to third floor as early as 2pm. I was very happy with the turn out thousands and thousands of happy, smiling and cheering Ilonggos witnessed the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown year 2. Our special guest this time was Sam Concepcion. The champion for this year is the Smash Collection Dancers. They also received a new award category, the best choreography. Another additional special award was the best in costume. I'm glad that I have all my partners in tack for this event. I also would like to thank the major sponsors, Smart Communications, Pepsi Cola Philippines and TM SPA Europa Skinea as well as the other sponsors, AMA Computer College Jaro and the Iloilo Grand Hotel. Special mention goes to my staff especially the Special Projects Department for helping me out with this event.
The biggest thank you goes to the people of Iloilo. Kung wala kamu, indi man maging amu ni kasuccesful ang Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown 1 and 2. Salamat gid sang inyo pagsalig kag suporta. We will try our best to make the third Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown bigger, more exciting and with more suprises.
We now have two consecutive years of success for this particular special project of my office because of the Ilonggos support. I ask all Ilonggos to join us again in the start of the preparation of the Dinagyang Kapamilya Dance Showdown year 3 for 2010 Dinagyang.
Iwaswas, ipaspas kag ipakita ang talento sang kabataang Ilonggo.
Dagyang Ta!
4:57 AM at 4:57 AM Filed under: Author:
Officially opening the Food Festival during the Dinagyang Season in the streets of Iloilo City
Biggest bowl of Lapaz batchoy event
Guest Speaker during a barangay fiesta event
blessing of an Ilonggo icon's statue 
January 22, 2009
Aside from the major highlight on January 25, the Dinagyang Tribes and Warriors Dance Presentation and Contest, there are also other events happening during the Dinagyang Season here in Iloilo City such as:
1. There was an inauguration and blessing of an Ilonggo hero's statue and park
2. There is a celebration of a barangay fiesta event in Molo that started Monday until Sunday
3. There was also an event that attempted to serve the world's biggest bowl of batchoy
4. The food festival has started and will last until the weekend
Iloilo City is ready and willing to warmly receive visitors from anywhere in the world, kids of all ages and anyone who would like to experience Ilonggo hospitality, culture and fun. It is said that the City is expecting over a million visitors.
Ready na? Dagyang Ta!
1. There was an inauguration and blessing of an Ilonggo hero's statue and park
2. There is a celebration of a barangay fiesta event in Molo that started Monday until Sunday
3. There was also an event that attempted to serve the world's biggest bowl of batchoy
4. The food festival has started and will last until the weekend
Iloilo City is ready and willing to warmly receive visitors from anywhere in the world, kids of all ages and anyone who would like to experience Ilonggo hospitality, culture and fun. It is said that the City is expecting over a million visitors.
Ready na? Dagyang Ta!
Iloilo City: The Festival Capital of the Philippines
6:50 PM at 6:50 PM Filed under: Author:
Speaking the language of the barangays
Wishing the Villahanons and thousands of people present a Happy Fiesta before the start of the fireworks competition
Speaking infront of hundreds of students, teachers, members of the academe during a Dep Ed Regional Event
The king and queen of the Arevalo District Fiesta. I was told that the gown of the queen was worth P300,000
Speaking to the barangay residents
Enjoying the company of the barangay folks and watching a Mandurriao barangay's Disco Derby
The 11 lovely candidates of 2009 Ms. Dinagyang
One of the Ms. Dinagyang Contestants wearing a Tribu like costume
witnessing the Jaro Opening Salvo parade. Ilonggo singer Jose Marie Chan and wife are the proud parents of the 2009 Jaro Festival Queen
January 19, 2009
The Dinagyang Fever is becoming hotter and hotter...but the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is not the only festival that's being celebrated in Iloilo City...
January 17 was a full packed day of various festivities. In the afternoon of that day the Opening Salvo of the said most prestigious fiesta, the Jaro Fiesta, was welcomed by hundreds and hundreds of proud residents of Jaro. I myself reside in the District of Jaro. I am looking forward to the main event of the Jaro Fiesta this coming February. In the evening of Jan 17, the opening salvo of the Dinagyang Festival last January 16 was followed by the showcase of beauty, talent and wit of the Ms. Dinagyang 2009 contestants. It was a very simple yet elegant and high impact affair. Congratulations to Ms. Nathalie Roberts for winning the crown. She represented the Bola Bola tribe of Iloilo National High School. The night she won the crown was the same night the coronation program of the Arevalo District Fiesta was held. It was a very grand affair. It was something to remember. Congratulations to the organizers of the Arevalo District Coronation Program, the 2009 Queen and her family as well. On that same night also, two Mandurriao district barangays started to celebrate their fiesta with a Disco Derby. It was a showcase of youth talent and skill.
January 18 was not just a regular Sunday. I started my day with my regular radio program in Aksyon Radyo Iloilo and then went to the Regional Department of Education event in a mall here in Iloilo City where there was a showcase of Western Visayas youth talent and intellect. After that, I went around Villa Arevalo and ate lunch in a number of houses there and that continued until dinner time. In the evening, the bright colors of the light coming from the Arevalo fireworks competition entries amazed the thousands of Villahanons, City Residents and guests from the Philippines and abroad. Truly, Arevalo is the fireworks capital of our city. Afterwhich, I ended my day by joining a Mandurriao District barangay fiesta.
There are more upcoming festivities in Iloilo City....the highlight of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is this coming weekend...the celebration of the Chinese New Year follows ... for February, the awaited Jaro Fiesta highlight event and the Paraw Regatta Festival will again keep the local economy of our city lively and exciting.
Visit Iloilo City. Come, enjoy and relax here. Experience the Ilonggo warm hospitality.
