#What to do in cagayan

[irithnova]

Notes on Anitismo - The Ancient Religion of the Philippines by Isabelo de los Reyes.

Keep in mind - this was written a while back.

Ancient Chronicles written by the Jesuit hispanic Friars state that at the that the first spaniards set foot in the Philippines from the coast of visayas to Manila there was a considerable population of Muslim converts

This was especially true for Mindanao due to conversion by Islamic  teachers from Borneo

De los Reyes argues that because of this, to find native Filipino religion at its purest, we must look to the North

Distinguishing native religion without outside influence such as from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity etc can be tricky

However he argues that the traces of Native Filipino religion can be found in the stories superstitions and advice that belong to various Filipino ethnic groups (Tagalogs, Bicolanos, Zambalenos etc)

From the South of the country in Mindanao to the extreme North like Luzon, De los Reyes argues then native Filipino religion was consistent

This religion was Anitism or the Cult of Anito, meaning souls of the ancestors.

Anitism is not a monolithic religion and hosts a broad pantheon ranging from Gods to animals, nature, elements and space.

The Philippines had its own modern spiritism and De los Reyes argues this may have been the origins of the cults of "Romanist Saints" (Catholic saints) in the Philippines. By this I think he means that Filipino spirituality influenced how Filipinos proceeded with Catholic worship.

The oldest chronicles about the Philippines can be found in various museums and libraries (such as the National Library of Madrid, Covenant of St Augustine in Manila)

We can follow these chronicles, from when the Jesuit Pedro Quirino provided news of religion in the Philippines in 1604, followed by reproductions by others like the Jesuit Colin in 1663 and others such as Fr. Morga, Gonzalez de Mendoza, Aduarte etc.

Fr Morga said that Filipinos practised Anitism in certain regions like Camarines and Cagayan.

Some traditions would say that Manila and its regions were not originally native to the island - they were from Malayan islands and other remote areas.

Before the Spaniards arrived, Islamic teachers from Borneo came to preach and interacted with the locals 

Their teachings and beliefs spread quickly throughout the Philippines 

Fr. Grijalva writes that they (Filipinos) started adopting their traditions and took on their names.

De Los Reyes argues that Spanish conquistadors' arrival/conquest was delayed because Filipinos were already familiar with various religions and beliefs and also because of the hands of Datu Lapu Lapu. What I believe he is arguing is that Datu Lapu Lapu and the previous exposure Filipinos had to different religions at first delayed Spanish influence from spreading so quickly.

Other islanders who weren't under the control of the government in the Philippines has their beliefs influenced by religious preachers who travelled to them from the Straits of Malacca and the Red Sea.

An account, dated April 20th 1572 (preserved in the archives of India) which is from the conquest of Luzon details "In these towns, closest to the sea, they do not eat any pork, which the moors taught them. But if you ask them, they say they do not know Muhammed or his law." This account was reproduced by Wenceslao Retana.

In actuality, very few Filipinos could understand/read the teachings of the Koran despite the Islamic influence.

In Filipino traditions, reverence and worship was given to nature and the elements, and this was usually consistent throughout the islands.

Native Filipino religion beliefs include elements, animals, stars and ancestors.

Filipino religion in Manila and nearby areas was a mixture or Anitism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam brought by the Malays of Borneo.

Vocabulary included Sanskrit and Malay terms such as Bathala, meaning Lord.

However these terms are not used in Northern provinces.

De Los Reyes argues that Itnegs and other mountain tribes conserved and maintained the purest form of Filipino religion

In the Ilocos, Cagayan, Isabela and other provinces of Northern Luzon, native Filipino religion was more prevalent 

Hindus and Buddhists converted many in Java and Malaysia.

However Muslim influence became dominant in 1478 - 60 years before the Dutch invasion.

According to Javanese legends, Hindus arrives in Java 78 years before Christ.

The first Malays came from the Minangkabau river region to establish cities in Malacca , Ojohor and Singapore in the 12th century, as per Malacca records.

In the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, there were various Malaysian emigrations reaching the Philippines 

De Los Reyes argues that Filipinos may have also populated the islands of Malaysia, and emigrations could have originated from strong winds coming down from the North.

The first Spaniards found the son of Lakandula, King of Manila, when they went to Borneo.

The emperor's master of ceremonies from Japan (Mr Fujita) argued that emigration likely came from the north and that Filipinos may have some relations to the Japanese.

According to Geographers and Historians of the Mariana Islands, what De Los Reyes calls the "know it all Spanish" - had no idea about interesting ruins found in Oceania, one of which was a prehistoric statue that was being held in the British museum.

He argues there may be hidden megaliths, artefacts, and remnants of lost civilisation in the Philippines, as seen in various locations such as : Butacan caves, Pangibalon Hill, Madias de Iloilo and Nasso.

[azureintrigue]

Ok now do MK1 KUNG LAO YOU WERENT FINISHED WITH ME YET! I feel like..there’s this one thingy I’ll tell you in thingy but I think you would understand it

BACK TO THE COAL MINES FOR ME...

Sexuality Headcanon: I HC him as also Bi, but he strongly prefers men, to the point where he probably thought he was gay for a long time. Bro didn't have a gay awakening, he had a Bi one. (Like me fr.) Gender Headcanon: CIS!! But he still uses He/They and sometimes even She. I think he finds pronouns to be a silly thing, but he's content with what he has. He wouldn't be offended if someone calls him pretty, or beautiful or typically 'feminine' compliments. He's cis here in my head, because Liu Kang wanted his bff to be able to be happy and not have to experience the crippling dysphoria he watched him struggle with. He's got a funny thing with gender, definitely sees himself as a man, but doesn't mind if other people see him differently. That strong kinda self-confidence that just genuinely makes him happy in his body regardless of what other people think. A ship I have with said character: I LIKE HANLAO HELP ME. I also Love Railao. Anything where he can be happy but also has that nice bit of angst in it... A BROTP I have with said character: OKAY HEAR ME OUT. LET ME COOK. KUNG LAO AND TOMAS. THEIR INTERACTIONS ARE SO BROCODED I LOVE THEM AAAUUGGGGHH melts away into a pile of sand. A NOTP I have with said character: Exploding the pancakes of people who ship him with Liu Kang /J /J /J I am joking i promise. I just personally don't like the ship. A random headcanon: Half-Filipino on his dads side, but never knew either of his parents. From the Cagayan De Oro area, he can speak Mandarin, Bisayan, and Standard Tagalog. This is part was inspired by the fact he just seems like a Chismoso and also by the fact in Mortal Kombat: Conquest, his actor was Paolo Montalban, a filipino man.

General Opinion over said character: AAAAUUGGH I WANT TO PICK HIM UP AND SHAKE HIM LIKE A SNOWGLOBE PLEASEEE UGHHH I LOVE HIM. I don't relate to him as much as MK11 Lao but LORD IS HE PRETTY AND LORD AM I A FAN. He's absolutely my favorite in MK1, followed by Quan Chi, and Rain. Honestly, I welcome all gender hcs for this goober. Trans, genderfluid, agender, bigender. I can see all of them fitting. Also Homophobia and transphobia don't exist in the MK1 universe Liu Kang eradicated it sorry I don't make the rules.

[maooaoa]

COLD BREEZE ON A CHRISTMAS EVE

I always feel genuine love as I hear familiar vehicle sounds coming from the gate—a Christmas day. That alone is a big gift for me, an obvious hint that my cousins were coming. I didn't even remember how we started to get along, but one thing is for sure—we all met up at the same spot, our grandparents' home. 

More than ten cousins at that, and we live across different places. Some lived in Linabo, some lived in Bagong Silang, Baungon, Cagayan de Oro, and some even lived in Cebu.

As for me, I was just a meter away from my grandparents' house.

 

Seeing them in the distance, stepping out of the vehicle, my face would light up brightly like a sun. Despite being shy, I would hurriedly rush and smile at them. It just felt complete with them by my side, even so on a Christmas day.

As children, our favorite time of the day has always been the evening.

 

No Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or Christmas parols—no decorations. Our Christmas evening back then was purely about 2F: family and food. No cap, but my grandparents' house was as spacious as the width of a school building; we would play tag around the house and scare each other out.

Even with the cold breeze roaming, not a single second would the atmosphere die—silence just wouldn't emerge. As expected from the adults, they were more prone to laughing loudly than us.

 

But no one can deny, we've had more fun. I remember one time, one of my cousins fouled me. He begged me to sniff one of his fingers, and do you know what the smell is? It came from his butt. To this day, I still feel nauseous thinking about it. 

"Really? Right in front of my salad?" as a reference to what I felt.

 

Then came midnight. Midnight of December 25. The best night ever. That would mean having a feast up the ground. Not on the roof, but on the next floor. As my cousins and I stepped just one more time from the staircase, the chilling feeling was evident. 

Compared to the first floor, this was way worse because all the windows were opened. Does grandfather even feel the cold? NOPE, I don't think so.

 

Have you ever watched that one TikTok video that says that if you feel cold, somehow you'll randomly start having an attack of happiness?

 

That was exactly the best description of what I felt at that moment—as if I was looking forward to an exciting experience that could happen anytime. And I always do feel that on Christmas Eve. And perhaps that's the reason I like the evening more than the day.

 

The moment we stomped both of our feet on the wooden floor, we were surprised because in front of us, tons of food were placed on the table. Foods, like spaghetti, lechon baboy, and of course, the famous food of all time (just kidding)—hotdog with marshmallows on top. And of course, before we savored those delicious meals, we prayed to Jesus Christ and thanked Him for His birth, life, death, and resurrection. 

 

After all, He is the reason we celebrate this special day annually.

Right after prayer, every one of us, cousins, would go to the same spot and share waves of laughter while eating, and our laughter would eventually lose its volume and our bodies would go all over the place. Loud soothing laughter could be heard from the adults too; indulged in food and interesting conversations.

 

Now I'm sixteen.

And they say that Christmas doesn't feel the same way anymore. I feel that way sometimes, too. My cousins don't visit the place anymore. And what's more—our home's now far away from my grandparents.

 

Years and years, I waited 'til night at my grandparents' home every December 25, yet vehicles just passed by our gate, never entering.  

I couldn't celebrate Christmas the same way anymore. I guess these things do happen inevitably as long as we're humans.

 

Even so, I'm still grateful that they celebrate Christmas to this day, even with other people. Because the reason we celebrate is not because of man but rather because of the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

I still want to believe we will reunite. After all, it's the best to celebrate Christmas with the ones you love, isn't it?

[mwcowan]

A Whole New Chapter

Road Trip!

Day 10, Banaue, Ifugao Province

It's a 211 km, 6-hour drive from Tuguegarao to Banaue. The first half of the drive was fine, a pretty straight but rather bumpy road through the Cagayan valley into the foothills. The last half was the curviest road ever. Nonstop turns as we ascended into the highest mountains on Luzon. And I mean nonstop. I think if you put all the straight sections in the last 100 km together you’d have maybe 1 km total of straight road. Think Lombard Street. 100 km of Lombard Street. To make things worse, we were confronted at least once every kilometer with earth and rock slides, and possibly cleanup crews trying to keep ahead of the mess. Constantly down to one lane. Waterfalls coming down the sides of the mountains, onto or under the roadway, sometimes washing out a lane.

The 2-lane road clings to the mountainsides, with one side going vertically upwards, and the other, well you just don’t want to look. Numerous villages, people, and animals also cling to the steep mountains, making the drive even more exciting. With no place to park other than the shoulder-less roadway, it’s pretty much down to taking turns at uncontrolled one-way traffic through the villages. Somehow you make it through. By the time we got here my arms hurt from all the turns. Oh wait… I wasn’t even driving. I pity our driver!

Farmers utilize the land as they can. Can you imagine working this field?

Why make this arduous trek to Banaue? Banaue is considered a must-see heritage site in the Philippines, for its ancient rice terraces. As much as 2000 years ago, the ancestors of the indigenous Igorot people began carving terraces into the steep hillsides to grow rice; they also built an elaborate irrigation system to collect water coming from the mountains and distribute it among the terraces. The terraces are still maintained and used for rice and vegetable cultivation today. Below are views from our hotel room.

An aside - Road Hazards

Spending so much time on the rural roads you see some interesting (i.e., dangerous) sights. Here are a few of my favorite road hazards from this trip.

Two in one. Trikes are a hazard in themselves, turning in front of you with no warning, driving at night with no lights, going 20 km/h and never pulling over. That’s compounded in a rice-growing region. Newly-harvested rice needs to be dried, right? What better place to do that than right on the highway!

Landslides. These were frequent on the road to Banaue. Not sure if these, or the crews trying to clean them up, posed more of a hazard.

And just not sure what to say about this jeepney...

Days 11-12, Baguio, Benguet Province

During Spanish rule, the area now known as Baguio was organized as a “rancheria” consisting of about 20 houses, populated by Ibaloi people. Their name for the area was “Bag-iw”, their term for the moss that grows abundantly in the cool climate. The Spanish corrupted the name into “Baguio”. Following the Spanish-American war, the area was ‘expropriated’ from the Ibaloi who were forced to move, when the American governor of the Philippines territory wanted a cooler place than Manila to locate the capital during the hot summer months. In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order setting aside the area as a military reservation, and by 1904 a master design for the city by architect Daniel Burnham was completed. The army “hill base” Camp John Hay was established, and soon features such as a mansion for the governor and a manor to be used for U.S. Army officer’s R&R were built. The mansion today is a museum; the Manor is still used as an upscale hotel (pulling up an old one, see “Mark and Georgia’s 2018 Philippines Trip”, days 20-22). Baguio is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Philippines for Filipinos and many international travelers. It’s just a 5-hour drive or a short flight from Manila so makes a feasible weekend escape from the heat – at over 1500 meters (5000 feet) elevation, we saw daytime highs of 22°C (72°F), pleasant indeed!

The drive from Banaue was another 7-hour, 200+ kilometers, pretty easy at first as we descended back into the Cagayan Valley (rice, rice, more rice, and lots of moo moo cows which Max liked). Rice is planted by hand here, one seedling at a time.

At the head of the valley we again drove on twisty 2-lane roads up into the misty pine-covered mountains, once again a 100 km Lombard Street. Did I say “pine-covered”? Have we been mysteriously transported back to California? No, the area around Baguio is noted for its pine trees (Pinus Kesiya, the most common pine species found in Asia). They are rather tall too, though not quite as tall as those around Graeagle.

We wanted a nice end to our road trip, so booked a couple days in a very nice and Max-friendly hotel. Within walking distance of our hotel is Mines View Park. There are no mines to view any more, but it does offer nice views of Baguio. Here’s Max and Georgia getting to know some elderly Igorot ladies in their colorful dress.

We took Max for a walk in Burnham park (remember the architect Burnham), a large mid-city park with a lake full of swan boats. The park was packed with holiday crowds; it was the Philippines Independence Day!

 With its cool climate, Baguio is known for growing cool-weather crops, including lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and strawberries. Nearby Burnham Park is the Baguio Public Market, a huge venue, easy to get lost in, with hundreds of stalls selling local produce. We bought various fresh veggies to bring back home with us, and Georgia also wanted to get some local red rice. Unless you’re Filipino you probably think there are maybe 3-4 kinds of rice… guess again. Even “Dog Rice”!

That wraps up our 2024 road trip, 13 days and a lot of miles. I haven’t added up how many miles – I’ll do that and also find a good map onto which I can plot our course.

Max (have Wubba will travel) is ready to hit the road again!

[girlpocalypse]

AOK, white woman

The ancestors' genes really went hard on me.

Though I believe I fully present as a tall Filipina, I do have a white Dad. The most notable genes I got from Larry were depression, height, and some leg hair. The rest is from Florence.

I was too brown to fit in with my Dad's Iowan extended family; too white for my Mom's family. On my Dad's side, I always felt like my mom, brother, and I were these out of place, exotic signs of a brave new “post-racial” world that everyone patted themselves on the back for over lunches of mayonnaise-based "salads" and sour cream casseroles.

In nomenclature I was always deemed white by people who knew my parents, thanks to that good ol' one drop rule. To be fair, I was much lighter skinned as a child, but only because I was ordered to hide in the shade when outside. Even now, when I spend a day in the sun I hear the full cacophony of aunties and uncles in my head: "We didn't leave Cagayan for you to look like you spent the whole day working in the rice fields!" I was generously gifted colorism, but gate kept from owning Filipino culture. Lucky me. 

Once, at the beginning of a bright, shiny new Trump presidency and the resulting cultural emboldening of public bigotry, I once met one of those aunties for brunch when she visited Chicago. I recounted the tale of being shouted at by a man in his car to go back where I came from on my way to the restaurant. Without a beat she assured me, "Well that's okay though, you're white!"

By school age I had fully internalized this message that I must claim whiteness. I felt isolated and weird as the lone non-white girl in my Kindergarten class, and so badly wanted to be just like everyone else. When it came time for my very first school birthday party, my Mom asked me what kind of treats I wanted to bring in for my celebration. I reportedly said:

"Mommy, I want a white Barbie cake because I'm a white girl."

People told me I should be white, so I tried to be. I lived in white spaces for so long, all I wanted for most of my childhood was to be seen as one of them.

I went to the Philippines for the first time when I was sixteen. The motherland had these ideal island weather conditions, which meant that suddenly my hair (which I had been dutifully wearing straight like the card-carrying emo girl I was), suddenly had beautiful, beachy, vibrant curls. After that trip I threw out my Chi flat-iron and never straightened my hair again. That was the first way that I ever gave myself intentional permission to reconnect with my ancestral roots. (Get it?)

My Mom had waited to bring us to her home country until my brother and I were old enough to have our wits about us, since traveling with my six-foot tall white father as a mixed American family was dangerous. The difference between the way I was treated when I had proximity to my Dad's whiteness by strangers in America versus the Philippines was staggering. People in Manila and the countryside alike didn't like that my mom had "betrayed" her people by being with my Dad, so it was safer to leave him at home when we went to the market or ran errands. For the first time in my life, my brownness kept me safer.

At the same time, whiteness made me a commodity. On that trip, family, friends, and strangers would fully walk up to me, stroke my cheek, and say things like, "Oh my god, wow, you're a SINGER? Maganda, you're so tall and so light! The next Charice or Charlotte Church! You should be on television!" I was gifted bottles of face lightening cleansers and serums to take back to the states with me so I could keep my "white" skin beautiful.

This Summer at our family reunion photo shoot, the photographer was arranging the adult cousin generation for a group photo and asked us to sort ourselves by height. This of course erupted in overlapping cries of, "Send Anna to the back because she's SO tall!" The chaos peaked as my petite dietician of a cousin who was sitting in the row in front of me enthusiastically turned to everyone announcing, "Yeah, she's soooooo tall because Anna's WHITE!"

Without thinking, I shoved my arm next to hers: "OH YEAH? PLEASE, POINT AT THE PART THAT IS WHITE. SEE YOUR PUREBLOOD FILIPINO ARM NEXT TO MINE? HMMM, IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE MY 'WHITE' ARM IS SIGNIFICANTLY DARKER THAN YOURS, HOW STRANGE!"

In that moment, I felt the collective rage from all the years I was told I was "such a big girl," by my Filipino family. Giant. Fat. Huge. Tall. White.

It's not even like my cousins have more of a claim to Filipino-ness than I do. In fact, I, only a half Filipina, planned said reunion. I, a mere half-breed, am the only one of the cousins organizing in my city and creating Fil-Am spaces for Filipino music and community. Practically none of our cousin's generation even speaks Tagalog, as we were raised in the peak age of first-generation assimilation. Our families thought they were doing right by us by keeping us from the mother tongue. They didn't want us made fun of for our accents; didn't want us academically behind since the prominent thinking at the time was that introducing young children to multiple languages was detrimental to their development. They wanted us to be American, full stop. Though I now see that our parents were just doing what they thought was best, I used to be really angry that I was kept from Tagalog. Everyone always responded that my lack of language made sense, since I was "only half."

Somehow, my flat, wide nose is the smallest one of all sixteen grandchildren. My delicate disposition made me the only one of the cousins who has a recessive blood disorder called Thalassemia (similar to sickle cell anemia and common in southeastern and south Asian populations). I am half Filipina, but I have whole insecurities about the flatness of my face. I am only half, but have this Filipina medical problem that will leave me systemically tired and immunocompromised for my whole life.

For our cousin's Christmas Secret Santa exchange a couple years ago, I was given a 23-and-me DNA test. The results were predictable:

25% Germanic 25% British Isles 49% Filipino, indigenous to the Ilocos Norte & Cagayan regions 1% Spanish

The thing that shook me to my core was the way my 23-and-me reports outlining my risks for certain diseases and genetic conditions compared me to other "average caucasian women" of my age. Over and over again across the page, the data read:

Anna: WHITE WOMAN Anna: WHITE WOMAN Anna: WHITE WOMAN

Me. My brown ass. A woman who gets clocked for Mexican or Latina or Filipina by strangers everywhere she goes; a woman who gets so dark in the Summer she wears five separate shades of foundation depending on how sun-kissed she is; a woman who is yelled at from cars to go back where she came from -- which, if you were wondering, is Liberty, Missouri.

I'm not sure when exactly I decided to give myself permission to stop introducing myself with an asterisk: half white, half Filipina. Those words always felt demeaning to me - after all, I couldn’t divide myself into a brown half and a white half.

What I do know, is that I am utterly exhausted from this lifetime of being told who I am.

I look in the mirror and see a whole person. She rides the line between identities in a world that subscribes to binaries and therefore belongs to nothing. Not gay, not straight, but a secret third thing. Not so disabled that you see it at first glance, but not well enough to keep up with able bodied people. Not brown enough for the brown people, not white enough for the white people.

I look in the mirror at her lidded eyes and cascading jet black hair.

She is not "half" anything.

And she is abso-fucking-lutely not a white woman.

-AOK, August 2023

[jeclarosa]

3rd

Play the music when you'll read this shit.

Its a new week in the work room, UP campus edition. This week chinese new year will happen but we started celebrating as early as last week, and guess what in a Japanese restaurant.

I have been alone at home for quite some time now, well nung thursday lang naman nagsimula since the writing of this post, yet here I am contemplating things on where I am again.

See, there has been a cycle since I fell in love again, yes I am in love there is no denying in that, there has been strides for me especially in the aspect that I should move on as early as now to salvage the relationship, the relationship that is so good yet so uncertain until when and up to what extent that will be felt.

Nagsimula na rin ako mag-aral and although my attempts are cut through and andami kong need gawin na responsibilidad, ang nangyari lang ay nakakapagbasa pa rin ako, tomorrow will be my first official class of the sem, I do not know where and when but at least I'll be here again, and it is an opportunity for me to lose my focus and hyperfixating on things that make me overthink which is see above paragraph and listen to the song.

Anyways, I am able to sleep well, recover the sleepless nights and loneliness yet I will never be used to being alone. Indeed I am an only child, but my mom was always there or even my roomie in the form of Roperd was always there to be with me in the room. Now that I am 26 years old, I am much more aware of the loneliness of going home alone with no one to meet me or open the doors for me or no one to expect to be with me after I arrive. Iba ang may uuwian sa inuuwian. Uuwian is a place, inuuwian is a companion, a reason, a thing, or a feeling and this time, I felt it more than the days my mom left me for Cagayan as I am here in Manila.

2 weeks ago or a week ago, ah basta one of the past few days, my mom cried although alam ko dahil sa sibuyas yon pero di talaga sa sibuyas yon kasi nagkacut siya ng repolyo, she told me one of her biggest fears was for me to be alone when the time comes. Although I do not want to think about the time comes, kasi I still haven't done enough to make my parents proud, I can't stop time either so I have to accept that reality. On top of that being alone, a plethora for me of factors/intersection of things for me that makes my mom fear more of that impending loneliness is that I am an only child, I am gay/trans, I am difficult to please, and I am not that good as a person to be with at home daw eh responsible naman ako.

She was able to raise a lot of valid concerns, although if heard by other people she might be misunderstood as a conservative. She is aware of the fact that my heart beats for a man and a man only and she knows how it works because she is me, I am her blood and breath. She cannot change all the other facts about how I could not yet and although purposefully not yet looking for a man that could join me everyday. She was unaware of how I deal men but was given a snapshot of it by reading my diaries which had the validity of only 3 years since I matured tremendously the past few years since 2022.

What if I will be scammed by a man I loved? What if I spent so much money to a man without genuinely loving me back? What if a man will leave me because there's somebody more greater out there? What if a man will just hurt me? What if a man will do something to me and manipulate me because I am a gay/ trans person? All of those what ifs, I got it from her. These questions, I still think a lot about today but not as much as last week.

Dagdagan pa natin ang iniisip nating not so much so kung iadd mo yung dalawang iniisip ko aka hyperfixation from the generation z's conceptual framework... it makes it a whole thing I'm thinking about. Thank God for the job I have and the classes I am taking this sem, most of these rants will not be reminding me through my dreams as I sleep.

Oh how i wish I am a lot of things, but i also am reminded of a lot of things that I wish I was but thank God I am not. Although disconnected with what I am saying, I believe my definition of love evolved as much as I learned new things to incorporate in my life. I learned that love is to work on things. To know things. And to be just as you are. To love is to attend the births of the same person over and over again. To love is to support the person wholeheartedly even if its costs yours knowing and trusting the other person to do the same. To love is to know the difference between spicy and spiced. To love is to know when to eat noodles and when the line fills up we search for the next cuisine. To love is to follow up on things that even if I feel that you might have forgotten it, you will always try to ask me. To love is to analyze the feet, to try on clothes I can never buy with my salary, and to drink some tea which is on sale for a trial period. To love is to accepting things and scheduling them and going for spontaneous things. To love is to do a lot, even if I am a lot to handle with. To love is to know nicknames so personal that whatever that names' signification is, when the tone changes when you pronounce it, it remains the same, the sound of home. To love is to plan. To love is a lot of different things, and although people might pity me, the refuge is here, and its home.

Just as the murky waters become clear after some still, to love is to be quiet, to be there in silence. and to be a lot. To love is friendship.

[blogger-diaries]

What Comes Next?

This semester marks the longest time I’ve been away from home. I’m more than 100 kilometers away from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, and it’s starting to feel different, especially since I used to be in Cagayan de Oro for my first year at Xavier Ateneo University. Now, I’m studying in Bukidnon, pursuing a BAELs program—a versatile path that could lead me to opportunities abroad or even law school. At first, it seemed exciting, the thought of being independent and living on my own. But lately, the weight of being away has really started to hit me. This is the longest I’ve stayed without going back home, and it’s a lot harder than I thought. While I’m focused on building my future, it feels like I’m missing a sense of grounding. My mom doesn’t pressure me much about my grades, but she always reminds me that the important thing is to finish school and secure a job. That’s something that keeps me going, but also makes me question what’s next. I can’t help but feel the pressure—not from my family, but from the uncertainty of it all. Whenever people ask me about my future, I don’t always have a clear answer, and it makes me question if I’m doing enough. Being away from home makes it harder to find the balance between pushing forward and taking time for myself. It feels like a constant battle, but somehow, I keep going. The pressure is real, and even though I may not have everything figured out yet, I’m holding on to the belief that eventually, it will all make sense.

| Khadijah Salacop - 09

| 𝙱𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 𝙳𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 |

[niel-r-caspillo]

Week 9 and 10

A wide variety of small enterprises are highlighted on this site, each of which is dealing with particular difficulties and coming up with creative solutions. These companies are dedicated to expansion, from Mari's Beef Pares, which is trying to attract a wider audience despite being in a low-traffic location, to JDW Racing and Motoworks, which caters to motorsport fans while being debt-free and competitive. We also examine Artsee Cafe's use of art and coffee to create a unique experience, Sugar Cafe's ambitions for growth and social media use, and a hardware company's ability to adjust to post-pandemic market shifts. Each tale illustrates the tenacity and ingenuity these business owners employ to maintain the success of their enterprises.

The proprietor, Marian Golobiu, opened Mari's Beef Pares in May of this year. Although it has not yet obtained a business authorization, the company is already registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The location, which is in a quiet residential area with little foot traffic, is one of her biggest obstacles. In order to overcome this challenge and reach a larger audience, she is expanding her product line to include beverages and offering food trays and lechon belly online.

Established in 2022 by Joshua Wafiri, JDW Racing and Motoworks is a successful sole proprietorship registered with the DTI that caters to motorcycle owners and motorsport lovers. The company concentrates on providing excellent motorbike services and performance enhancements, with its main branch acting as the center. By keeping its business debt-free and putting the needs of its customers first, JDW takes on obstacles like market competition and changing consumer demands head-on. Although they don't currently have any intentions to grow, they maintain a competitive edge by consistently developing new services and keeping up with market developments. JDW continues to be a reputable brand, stoking riders' enthusiasm with knowledge and commitment.

Sugar Cafe was established in November of last year by Zaheer Dumato. The company has a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) registration. Cagayan is home to its first branch, and Marawi is home to another. The diversion of his business money to pay for other expenses is one of the difficulties he faces. He does, however, think that patience and time will be the key to solving this issue. Notwithstanding these obstacles, he intends to extend his business to Cagayan de Oro. He makes active use of social media to build his brand and engage with consumers in order to stay competitive in the food sector.

Artsee Cafe, established in 2019, stands as a DTI-registered sole proprietorship dedicated to art lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. Operating from its main branch, the cafe offers a unique blend of high-quality coffee and a cozy space for creative expression. Facing challenges such as market competition and changing customer preferences, Artsee Cafe has navigated these hurdles by staying debt-free and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. While there are currently no expansion plans, the cafe remains competitive by continuously innovating its menu and hosting art-focused events. Artsee Cafe fuels creativity and connection, making it a go-to spot for inspiration and relaxation.

Canoy Hardware is establised in February 2016, this DTI-registered hardware company has been servicing the community with necessary building supplies. The business, a one-branch sole proprietorship, specializes in serving both builders and homeowners. They managed these difficult times by focusing on financial stability and avoiding debt, even though the epidemic presented major obstacles and slowed down operations. They adapt to changes in the industry and utilize what they have to their advantage to stay ahead of the game, but they do not have a plan to expand. Based on the company's strengths and adapting to the emerging trends, it is able to meet the demands of the clients and support the building sector.

[keanayesha]

Week 9 and 10

This blog tells the stories of a number of vibrant little enterprises, each with its own set of obstacles to overcome and tactics for success. Resilience and adaptation are demonstrated by companies like JDW Racing and Motoworks, who concentrate on supplying top-notch services for bike fans, and the recently founded Mari's Beef Pares, which is managing location constraints and growing its product offers. We also look at Artsee Cafe's commitment to creativity and community, Sugar Cafe's growth and marketing initiatives, and a hardware company that has persevered through the pandemic's difficulties. Every narrative illustrates how these companies are overcoming challenges to innovate, maintain their competitiveness, and pursue their objectives.

In May of this year, the proprietor, Marian Golobiu, opened Mari's Beef Pares. No business authorization has been obtained, but the company is already registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The location is one of her biggest obstacles because it's in a residential neighborhood with little foot traffic. To overcome this challenge, she is expanding her product line to include drinks and supplying food trays and lechon belly online in an effort to reach more people.

Established in 2022, JDW Racing and Motoworks, a DTI registered sole company serves bike owners and motorsport enthusiasts. The firm that operates from its headquarters, caters to motorbike riders with expectations for excellent services and performance upgrade. Having stayed debt-free and focusing on delighting the customers, JDW has navigated various challenges that included market expectation changes and maintaining service excellence. They do not have expansion plans yet, but they stay competitive by giving high-tech services and having a strong dedication towards the racing community. With an experience no one else could have, JDW keeps the enthusiasm of auto lovers burning by adjusting with market changes.

Last November, Zaheer Dumato established Sugar Cafe. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has the company's registration. It has two locations: one in Marawi and the first in Cagayan. His business capital being diverted to pay for other expenses is one of his problems. But he thinks that patience and time will be the answer to this issue. He intends to extend his business to Cagayan de Oro in spite of these obstacles. He regularly uses social media to communicate with customers and market his business in order to stay competitive in the food industry.

Artsee Cafe, founded in 2019, brings together art enthusiasts and coffee lovers in a cozy, inviting space. As a DTI-registered sole proprietorship, the cafe operates from a single branch, offering a creative environment where patrons can enjoy quality coffee and engage with local art. The business faces challenges like intense market competition and shifting customer trends but addresses these by maintaining a strong community focus and staying debt-free. While expansion isn't currently planned, Artsee Cafe stays ahead by continuously innovating its offerings and hosting art-themed events. This dedication ensures Artsee remains a beloved hub for creativity and connection.

This hardware company was DTI registered in February 2016. They have been supplying necessary building materials for homes in the neighborhood since its establishment. The business is a sole enterprise with a single branch and specializes in both builder and homeowner service. The epidemic had brought on huge difficulties and slowed down the operation of the business, but they got through the hard times by concentrating on financial stability and not accumulating debt. Although they don't have any intention of expanding at the moment, they are competitive by embracing changes in business and making the most of their currently available resources. The company continues to satisfy the needs of its clients and assists the construction sector by concentrating on what they have and keeping on adapting to emerging trends.

[riszellira]

Reflection: The Poverty Mentality

When I was still a seminarian, one of my assigned tasks was to work with a community in Northern Philippines for their relocation because they lived in danger zones—on the banks of the Cagayan River. I remember that, on each trip, I always carried more bags on my return than on my way there. At times, I felt they literally took whatever they had and gave it all to me.

Often, like the disciples, we find ourselves overwhelmed by perceived problems. They told Jesus: “Where can we get enough bread in this deserted place to feed such a crowd?” “Seven loaves and a few fish . . . That is all we have!” What a blessing it was to actually have food available but the gift was immediately diminished because seven loaves and the few fish were deemed a meager supply amounting to nothing much. This tendency to equal “meager” with “nothing” is a mindset Jesus changed in His disciples.

Isn’t this a common attitude among us Filipinos as well? In the parish setting, when there are fundraisers, I hear some parishioners say, “We don’t need to give. The wealthier among us can raise the funds themselves. It will not hurt them to donate a large sum.” The focus is erroneously on what one does not have or will find too difficult to acquire than on what one does have. This is what we call “poverty mentality.” This attitude presumes one has nothing worthwhile to give or share because what they have does not compare to those who have more. However, our status in life does not determine how much we can contribute. It should not limit our capacity to do good for others.

We must never belittle our ability to give. In our own little ways, we can contribute to society, help the needy, and alleviate someone’s suffering.

~Fr. Rick Montañez, AA

Are you generous enough to share your time, talent, and treasure with others in need?

Lord, I ask for a generous heart to wholeheartedly give of myself to those in need Amen.

Prayer

… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.

… for the strength and healing of the sick.

… for the healing and peace of all families.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

GOD BLESS!

[cindyclaireb]

Company Insights — Week 11-12

From our visit to KDA Weddings and Events Services, I gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship and adaptability. During our interview, Lowella Branzuela Almendrala shared her journey from starting a small eatery funded by loans to building a thriving events business. I learned about embracing change and pursuing growth. What struck me most was Lowella’s ability to adapt and expand her business ventures. She shared the importance of not limiting oneself and encouraged branching out into various fields driven by passion and a desire to serve customers. Her story reinforced the idea that change and reinvention are not just necessary but can unlock greater potential.

Our visit to Fontinbleau Trading introduced me to a different side of the salon industry, as this one was focused on supplying products rather than providing services. It was interesting to learn about how salons source their essentials and how purchase orders (POs) organize these transactions. Our interviewee shared that, as their first job, the role was initially challenging. However, as they became more familiar with the processes, products, and customer interactions, it all became second nature. Their story showed how adapting to new environments gets easier with time and experience.

Our next stop at this Bean Matters was quite memorable, thanks to its ambiance and a mini boutique along with it, selling perfumes, dresses, jewelry, and handbags, which was unexpected. As our interviewee, Crush Joshua Baja, explained, the boutique was part of a joint business concept, letting customers enjoy coffee while browsing items to purchase. Crush shared valuable insights about his professional journey and business strategies. Starting out, they faced challenges in identifying their target audience. Initially aimed at students and young adults, they later discovered that their biggest supporters were in their 40s and 50s. He also shared the importance of using social media for marketing and maintaining high employee morale to ensure smooth operations. While customer complaints are inevitable, he stressed that what matters is delivering your best in terms of service.

When asked for advice for young entrepreneurs, Crush offered a refreshing perspective. He suggested prioritizing ventures with guaranteed profitability, even if they aren’t aligned with your passion, especially when starting out. Once stable, you can pivot toward passion-driven projects. It definitely was a different perspective compared to the different interviews that we had with other people, as they would usually say to go do what you’re passionate about. I was reminded that while it can be fulfilling to do what you love as a job, there is always a possibility of burnout caused by stress and losing the motivation to do something you’re interested in, as creative freedom and passion can potentially diminish. So, it’s good to consider both possibilities and go do with what you have and what works best for you.

Our next stop was another cafe called Amber Cafe, but this one had a vibe entirely its own. During our interview with the barista, I learned that the business had an initial capitalization of around half a million pesos, which felt like an overwhelming amount at first. But as he explained how the funds went toward equipment, renovations, and quality supplies, it became clear that wise investments are crucial for building a lasting and successful business. What makes this cafe unique is its focus on healthy and organic coffee, avoiding preservatives and overly sugary ingredients. They also take pride in sourcing ingredients locally from farmers, which adds a personal and sustainable touch to their operations. The barista mentioned that sharing these values and their history with customers is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. However, he also mentioned the challenges of running a business like this in Cagayan de Oro, a city teeming with coffee shops. Standing out is no easy task, and marketing can be difficult. He emphasized the importance of keeping stocks available and maintaining a smooth workflow, as well as the need for innovation to keep customers engaged.

Our final stop was an ILham Gadgets, an Apple gadgets store, where I got a glimpse into the world of phone sales and how the business operates. They source their products from Hong Kong and carefully manage warranties and policies to ensure clarity and fairness in transactions. One key challenge they face is handling customer complaints about returns, especially for pre-owned units. To address this, they consistently explain their warranty and return policies at the point of sale. For example, damages caused by accidents or human error fall outside the warranty, as it only covers factory defects. In cases of factory defects, they return the gadget to the supplier and provide a replacement for the customer. This experience made me appreciate businesses like this more, as they work hard to maintain transparency and make sure customers get what they’re paying for while also balancing the complexities of managing expectations and policies.

[pransiss]

Exploring the Local Business Landscape in Cagayan de Oro: Insights from Five Unique Businesses

Technopreneurship Weekly Blogs 11-12 | 2024

An Insightful Take on Five Remarkable Businesses in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro is home to entrepreneurs who inspire through their dedication and creativity. As I learned about these five businesses—KDA Wedding & Event Services, Bean Matters, Fontinbleau Trading, Amber Cafe, and ILham Gadgets—I couldn’t help but feel admiration for their passion and perseverance. Their journeys reflect not just ambition but a deep connection to the needs of the community and the determination to succeed, no matter the odds.

KDA Wedding & Event Services: A Story of Reinvention

KDA’s story struck me as particularly inspiring. Imagine starting with just ₱15,000 and a small eatery, and eventually building a thriving business with nine branches. The transition from a karinderya to a full-scale event services company speaks volumes about their adaptability and teamwork. What stood out most to me is their approach to failure—they treat setbacks as stepping stones. It’s a humbling reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight and requires resilience.

Bean Matters: Where Coffee Meets Fashion

I love the innovative spirit behind Bean Matters. Combining a coffee shop with a boutique is such a clever way to stand out, especially in a market as saturated as coffee shops. What resonated with me is how they adjusted their target market after realizing their initial strategy wasn’t working. It’s a lesson in humility and the willingness to adapt. I also admire their advice: start small, grow steadily, and build a business you’re passionate about. It’s a mindset that ensures you stay grounded while dreaming big.

Fontinbleau Trading: Quiet Success Through Quality

Fontinbleau’s calm and methodical approach to business is something I personally resonate with. Their focus on quality and timeliness while navigating supplier delays shows the importance of patience and organization. What makes their story unique is their emphasis on employee growth—helping staff learn about products and customer service while fostering a supportive work environment. It reminds me that good leadership isn’t just about profit but also about building people up.

Amber Cafe: Organic Growth in the Coffee Scene

There’s something so relatable about Amber Cafe’s beginnings. Their story of slow days and financial challenges feels so real, especially for anyone trying to carve out a niche in a competitive industry. What I love most is their focus on local, organic coffee and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. As a coffee enthusiast, I admire their dedication to offering something meaningful rather than just another cup of coffee. It’s a reminder that staying true to your values can help you stand out.

ILham Gadgets: Hard Work and Focus

ILham Gadgets’ journey from being subrenters to a fully BIR-accredited business is a testament to perseverance. Starting with just ₱150,000 and growing despite challenges like lack of recognition shows how powerful determination can be. What stuck with me is their clear focus on quality and transparency, especially with warranties. Their advice about focusing on your own path—“Basta ‘yong sa’yo, sa’yo”—really hit home. It’s a great mindset for anyone trying to succeed in a competitive environment.

Final Thoughts

Each of these businesses has its own unique charm, but they all share a common thread: resilience, passion, and the ability to adapt. Whether it’s KDA’s reinvention, Bean Matters’ creativity, Fontinbleau’s focus on quality, Amber Cafe’s local advocacy, or ILham’s determination, they all remind me that success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it. Their stories make me reflect on my own ambitions and give me hope that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

[tfbsafeageappropriatedance]

Philippines, Lemme Count the Ways You are Ripe for Age-Appropriate Dance...

Ah, the Philippines. They are known for the itik-itik, tinikling, cariñosa, pandanggo, and the Cagayan Valley's version of the jota. And the resources here to fund and establish a NUVO or 24 Seven-esque dance comp are scarce...

And for parents; dance studio owners and faculty; pastors; and EVEN child welfare agents concerned about the hypersexualization and exploitation in youth dance education, the paucity of resources needed to create such dance comps is a VERY GOOD THING!

Dance adjudicator Jamie White ranted about what she saw at a competition past. She saw a mini dancer who was clad in a bra top and booty shorts doing a knee slide that ends with her thighs open. She also saw her twerk in a front split, with her facing upstage.

Granted the high Catholic Christian populace here in the Philippines, those movements and costuming in routines that include those elements in their choreography are better suited for the shady bars lining Fields Ave. in Barangay Balibago, Angeles, Pampanga, than school auditoria (which are often outdoors).

"Filipino culture, deeply influenced by Catholic values, emphasizes modesty and appropriateness," Copilot noted, "Choreography that includes provocative movements, such as kneeling open-legged, and revealing costumes can be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate for young dancers. This can discourage organizers from hosting multigenre competitions that might feature such content."

"Parents in the Philippines may have strong objections to their children participating in routines that they perceive as overly sexualized. This concern can reduce the number of participants willing to enroll in multigenre competitions, thus limiting the demand and feasibility for such events."

The only dance comps here that might be tolerable for concerned individuals advocating age-appropriate dance are the streetdancing ones. Costumes are more modest than not. Choreography - of which the routines are often performed on concrete ANYWAY - often doesn't warrant youths to twerk, pose promiscuously, or go grind dancing on each other.

With the founding of Lindy Hop Philippines, I have been heartened since moving to the Cagayan Valley in early 2024 that there are homegrown individuals who are starting to expand the myopic scope of jazz dance from being a “sassy, promiscuous” genre to one that conveys a much wider range of characters and moods.

“By sharing the rich history of jazz dance, including its roots in African rhythms and its evolution through various cultural influences, educators can help elders understand that jazz dance is a legitimate and respected art form,” Copilot explained, “Highlighting the contributions of pioneers like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller can also emphasize the cultural significance of jazz dance.”

“Organizations can host performances that focus on the artistic and technical aspects of jazz dance, rather than sensationalized or provocative elements. By presenting jazz dance in a respectful and dignified manner, they can help dispel misconceptions about the genre.”

“Inviting elders to participate in workshops and classes can provide them with firsthand experience of jazz dance. This can help them see the discipline, skill, and creativity involved in the dance form, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.”

“Drawing parallels between jazz dance and traditional Filipino dances can help elders see the cultural value and continuity in jazz dance. Emphasizing shared elements, such as rhythm and community engagement, can create a sense of familiarity and acceptance.”

“Organizations can hold discussions or forums where elders can voice their concerns and have their questions answered by knowledgeable instructors and dancers. This open dialogue can help address any misconceptions and build trust. Featuring Filipino jazz dancers and instructors as role models can inspire elders and show them that jazz dance is a respectable and valuable art form within their own community.”

“Seeing local examples can help change perceptions and encourage acceptance.”

As for my stateside hypersexualization-in-dance-education-jaded mga kaibigan, DA:NCE Awareness unveiled a directory around the time Lindy Hop Philippines was established. It’s called – without a doubt – the Healthy DA:NCE Directory. In 2024, the first studios listed were located in the USA and Canada.

Hopefully more studios around the world will be annexed to the Healthy DA:NCE Directory in the next few years, especially those located in Australia. (Remember the RG Dance scandal?)

Given the high Catholic influence and marked emphasis on family values, the Philippines has a marvelous potential to harbor studios that are ripe to be included in the Healthy DA:NCE Directory. May St. Vitus pray that the government eases visa restrictions so that foreign teachers who value healthy dance education and age-appropriate dance for youth can relocate here.

May he pray that Lindy Hop Philippines – which is based in the NCR – will inspire my mga kaibigan all over the 7K-plus island archipelago to see jazz dance beyond tricks and promiscuity AND educate them fully about the genre; the iconic figures (BOTH Caucasian AND non-Caucasian); and age-appropriate styles of it.

The last 3 stitched clips in the link to the TikTok reel are taken by me in various dates in 2024. Music: "City Lights." Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).

[upin-ipin]

Kuya's POV

The participant is the interviewer’s older brother, Joel. He is 23 years old and just graduated from his Tesda Course in Hotel and Restaurant Technology. 

Joel is a paddler in the dragon boat team Amihan. They have competed in various places including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Baise in China, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Siargao. 

Being an athlete helped him maintain his physical fitness and gave him a sense of discipline when it comes to his physical health. He engages in physical exercises five times a week, goes to the gym, and attends their 3-day weekly training sessions. He also monitors his diet and weight as they are prohibited to exceed a certain weight, exceeding the required weight will exclude them from the competition, the reason for this, is to maintain balance on their boat for them to paddle smoothly. Being an athlete also helped him lessen his engagement in motorcycle activities to avoid injuries, when he was an adolescent, motocross was his thing, ever since he became an athlete he has been meticulous in engaging in other vigorous activities, having injuries and not being able to compete in dragon boat competitions is out of his list. 

Since Joel is a fresh graduate, I asked him how was his journey in school now that it has come to an end. Now that he’s a graduate, he’s feeling more of the pressure of being an adult. Since he is the first child and an older brother, the pressure is big and real. His decision-making improves and chooses other people’s needs before him as he doesn’t feel the need to pick himself first, he said. He reminisced the moments when he was just in high school, he said he was very impulsive at that time and just acted aggressively, now, he realizes the changes in his actions. I asked him what situations or scenarios made him become the person he is now, he answered: “daghan uy, kay ate bany nimo (his girlfriend), ila mama, sa akong mga amigo sad.” He said that having a girlfriend also helped him become mature and improve his emotional intelligence, and adulting really hit him hard including his friends as they were very “bugoy” in high school. He has to make decisions that will be best for all and not just for him. The issue we had with our father also helped him become a more responsible older brother, he now sees me and it made him feel that he really needs to fulfill his “kuya duties.” I see my older brother as a very laid-back person, nontransparent, and emotionally reserved. So, I asked him why do you always keep your emotions to yourself? Asking him this type of question was not easy, as we don’t usually talk with each other about these topics. He said, that expressing his emotions doesn’t make any difference, he doesn’t want to burden anyone with what’s burdening him, why would he trouble someone that is troubling him? That’s his mindset. And also because he’s a “man”, he said: “di man ko angayan mag ingana oy” he meant sharing his feelings and being emotional. Sometimes I just wanna punch this man in the face, he is the straightest (he’s not homophobic though) and the second stereotyping man I have known with my father being the first. I asked him, do you think you would be like this now if it wasn’t because of your experiences? He answered, “syempre dili, mag bag-o man jud ka, imong personality og pangutok habang ga tigulang labi na daghan nakag responsibilities.” he knows that he is learning from his experiences and from the people he met. 

I noticed that Joel can make friends easily, he knows how to start a conversation with a stranger and can talk to them for many hours. His main friends are his friends from high school and they have been friends for 7 years now. They may have encountered many challenges but they’re still in the best condition. His relationship with his girlfriend is also in the best condition, they face many challenges but they fix it together. He learned a lot with his relationship with his girlfriend, it teaches him to be patient and understanding. I have seen the worst attitude of this guy when we were kids, and I know how impatient he can be. However, seeing him now becoming more patient and understanding, I could say it started when his relationship with his long-term girlfriend strengthened and became more mature. So, special thanks to his girlfriend! Joel and I were like a dog and cat growing up, we couldn’t be seated next to each other or else we’d kill each other. We just recently relied on each other after our issue with our father. He became more protective and a responsible kuya. He is a menace and “sakit sa ulo” to our parents in his rebellious phase, however, that phase is already phased out. He takes care of our parents well and has a ‘healthy’ relationship with them. He’s in the stage where he doesn’t want to ask our parents about his needs and tries very hard to provide it on his own. 

I asked him all the insecurities he faced in becoming an adult, he said it was his height, his weight, his motivations, and his future. He is stuck on what career he will choose, our parents expected that his dragon boat career was just for recreational. However, Joel wants to pursue more of his dragon boat career. He considered it as his biggest challenge now, but I believe he will pursue the path that he is more passionate about. I also asked him what was the biggest achievement he had ever achieved so far. He said it was competing twice internationally for his team in the dragon boat, his coach always includes him in the line-up for every category they were competing, and this made him feel relevant and fulfilled. His coach’s affirmation of him gave him a sense of accomplishment. With all the hard training, hard work, and discipline he did, bear a sweet fruit. He proudly said: “wala man koy medal as a studyante, pero naa koy medals as an athlete.” it’s his prize possession. This man may be annoying sometimes but I am proud of him, I am proud of this Kuya.

[elena-writes]

Business Interview | Week 7 - 8 Insights

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs

1. Phil Aus Adventure Representative: John Del Bando | Business Development Manager

Nestled in Cagayan de Oro, Phil Aus Adventure is an education consultancy and migration firm with a heartfelt mission: to guide Filipinos toward their dreams of studying and working in Australia. Founded in 2019, this corporation has grown to serve clients across the country, helping students take on the challenge of studying abroad. What sets them apart is their genuine care for each client’s journey. Sir John Del Bando emphasizes that Phil Aus Adventure’s approach is about more than just business—it’s about enabling brighter futures. With fair guidance and personalized service, Phil Aus Adventure is shaping lives one student at a time.

2. Nuda Representative: Tito Monterde | Operations Manager

Inspired by the “do-it-yourself” ramyeon from a convenienve store in Quezon City, Nuda brings an interactive Korean noodle experience to Cagayan de Oro. Established in 2023, Nuda’s ambiance and all-Korean product lineup allow locals to immerse themselves in the flavors and style of Korean dining. Sir Tito Monterde, the operations manager, shares that their unique setup, which includes options like Carbonara and Buldak ramyeon, attracts young customers who are fascinated by Korean culture. Beyond the food, Nuda’s thoughtful lighting and cozy aesthetics create a memorable dining experience, setting it apart in the local food scene.

3. Severo’s Cafe Representative: Maria Mercedes M. Batas | Owner

In a quiet corner of Ysalina St., Severo’s Cafe provides more than just coffee—it’s a retreat from the city's rush. Opened in 2023 by Maria Mercedes M. Batas, this cozy cafe reflects her love for coffee and dedication to providing a unique experience for her community. Severo’s offers customizable drinks and homemade treats, with their popular Mt. Sumagot coffee drawing customers back. Ma'am Maria’s personal touch makes this sole proprietorship stand out: she prioritizes customer satisfaction and relaxation, giving locals a place to unwind. Despite being a small operation, Severo’s Cafe has a big impact.

3. Tako-Motto Representative: Alliana Jo Ann Conception | Staff

Tako-Motto has brought authentic takoyaki to Cagayan de Oro, with branches in Centrio Mall and Velez St. Since 2022, this partnership has aimed to replicate the taste and experience of Japanese street food, capturing the locals’ love for takoyaki. Alliana Jo Ann Conception, the owner, takes pride in using high-quality ingredients to keep flavors fresh and true to Japan. Social media is one of their strengths, enabling them to stay connected with the community and build customer loyalty. Tako-Motto’s dedication to flavor and authenticity has made it a favorite among takoyaki lovers in the area.

5. Bench/ Representative: John Remar Mahidlawon | Store Manager

Located in Centrio Mall, Bench/ is a brand that has stood the test of time. Since its establishment in 2002, this well-known lifestyle and fashion retail store has become a household name in the Philippines. With over 700 branches globally, Bench is committed to offering quality fashion essentials at accessible prices. Store Manager John Remar Mahidlawon credits Bench’s success to its focus on customer service and constant innovation. From apparel to skincare, Bench provides a wide range of products, making it a one-stop shop for everyday needs. Their dedication to quality and affordability keeps them thriving in the competitive fashion industry.

[marjo123]

THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS

Picture during the Interview:

Questions I asked during the Interview:

a.) How has Ruta CDO changed the way you do for commuting?

b.) How does Ruta CDO enhance your commuting experience in terms of efficiency, safety, and convenience?

c.) Has the app improved your decision-making in terms of route selection and travel timing?

d.) What additional features would you like to see in Ruta CDO app?

e.) What unique benefits does Ruta CDO offer compared to traditional commuting methods?

Interviewee's Response:

a. RutaCDO has been very helpful and it reduces stress while commuting and it feels great. b. It's brought me a lot of peace of mind. I can plan my trips with confidence, knowing I'll have the best route and fewest transfers. It's a reliable and stress-free way to get around. c. Absolutely! I'm confident in navigating CDO because RutaCDO provides reliable directions and helps me find the most efficient routes, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey. d. I want RutaCDO to display the exact start and end times of traffic congestion. e. RutaCDO is precise in identifying locations and recommends specific jeepney routes. It's also efficient and doesn't experience any lag time.

My Insights from the Interview:

From the Interview, Ruta CDO has made a significant impact on commuting experiences in Cagayan de Oro. By providing direct route options and reducing the need for transfers, the app has made commuting safer and more efficient. Users can now make informed decisions about their travel plans, saving time and reducing stress. While Ruta CDO is already a valuable tool, there is still room for improvement. Adding features like real-time traffic updates and estimated arrival times would further enhance the user experience. However, even in its current form, Ruta CDO is a practical and reliable solution for everyday commuting, offering a level of convenience that traditional methods cannot match.