Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Demons disguised as ghosts’
By J.Lo
“When devil manifests himself and you have not discerned it, you’d believe it’s ghost…but you wouldn’t think that it’s actually demon moving or lurking in your place,” chief exorcist of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia warned against mistaking demons and other diabolical forces as ghosts believed to be awaiting closure before moving on to afterlife.
Catholics should be able to “discern” so they can differentiate ghosts from demons, according to Syquia.
“If we don’t have any discernment, you’d always think that these are simply ghosts…you would then try to communicate with them by consulting psychic or spiritualist,” he stressed.
Talking to these demons that disguise as ghosts or souls of departed loved ones face-to-face would “open up doorway where they can enter your life,” said Syquia.
He also said these forces of evil could influence decisions by living such as what to do with inheritance left behind by the dead.
He noted God banned conjuring spirits as written in the Bible, particularly Old Testament.
However, Syquia said God “allows soul to communicate with living” for two reasons.
“First of all, for consolation of the living…for example, in death anniversary of your father and suddenly you start to smell his perfume, that can occur…the Lord can allow that in order to console person left behind,” he explained.
God would also allow souls to make their presence felt by their living loved ones “to seek for prayers so we do not forget them,” he added.
He said souls would appear “not usually through full-blown apparitions but in dreams. It comes in many ways.”
Syquia also debunked superstition among Filipinos that souls remain on earth until the ninth or 40th day after their death.
He explained the belief, he described as “symbolism,” could have been inspired by events in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead until his ascension to heaven on 40th day.
“It is important to remember that in these 40 days, we remember in a very special way our loved ones who died by offering prayers, sacrifices and masses,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos emphasized importance of praying for the dead, especially on All Souls’ Day.
“Prayer is powerful act of love and remembrance…through prayers, we offer our intentions to God, asking for His mercy and grace…we pray for their souls that they may find rest and peace in the presence of our Lord,” he said in statement.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
POGO hub hit in Bataan
By J.Lo
“Based on our information, that’s POGO operation,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said fifty-seven foreigners and 358 Filipinos were rounded up during raid on Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bagac, Bataan that is suspected to be involved in criminal activities.
Armed with search warrant issued by court in Malolos City, Bulacan, teams from Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, swooped down on Centro Park, vast compound in Barangay Parang.
Soldiers on board military trucks were seen entering compound as part of security measures.
Probers of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group were initially stationed outside as they mapped out their operation targeting Central One, hub occupies buildings within compound.
Cruz said raid was carried out after they received reports Central One was actually POGO.
At least 900 people, including over 300 foreigners, are working in the compound. Among them are Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian nationals. Other 600, meanwhile, are Filipinos.
Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 81 issued search warrant after finding probable cause that violations of Republic Act 9208, also known as Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act as amended by RA 10364, were committed inside compound.
Among alleged leaders and incorporators of POGO firm are 10 Chinese, four Malaysians and two Thai nationals. Among them was Chinese man identified as Chen Hao, said to be one of the bosses.
PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio said Central One has no permit from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., making their operation illegal.
Casio said Central One is supposedly business process outsourcing company. However, they got word from informants firm is involved in illegal activities.
Police are scouring buildings for computers, laptops, cellular phones and computer servers could be vital in investigation on POGO hub’s activities.
Seventy-five foreign nationals were taken into custody following raid on POGO hub at Century Peak Tower in Adriatico Street, Manila.
National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group conducted raid on Oct. 29, following warrant to search, seize and examine computer data issued by Manila Regional Trial Court.
Authorities discovered entire building was occupied by foreign nationals who were reportedly working without necessary permits.
During operation, agents confiscated mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, SIM cards, digital video recorder, and facial recognition attendance machine used in POGO operations.
Detained POGO workers are currently undergoing identity and immigration status verification with Bureau of Immigration.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Ph ranks 9th in journalist killings Impunity Index
By J.Lo
“Full justice remains elusive for 32 reporters and media workers killed in Maguindanao massacre 15 years ago, one of the deadliest attacks on press as well as journalists like Gerry Ortega, a radio broadcaster killed in 2011,” New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said justice remains elusive for many journalists killed in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world.
For 17 consecutive year, Philippines is again on the list of countries where killers of journalists will likely go unpunished.
Global Impunity Index, first launched by CPJ in 2008, ranks countries based on unsolved murders of journalists in the past decade in proportion to population.
Philippines is among six that have consistently appeared on the list year after year. Others were Somalia, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan and India.
From eighth last year, Philippines ranked ninth out of 13 countries in this year’s index.
But the movement is not necessarily seen as improvement as it was due to entry of Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory, entered list for first time at number two.
Latest index took into account deliberate killings of journalists in retaliation for their work that occurred from Sept. 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2024.
In the Philippines, this included 18 unsolved murders, down from 20 last year.
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines monitored killings of at least 23 media workers during Duterte administration, with another four reported during current Marcos administration.
In 2019, Philippines improved its rank from fifth to seventh after cases related to Maguindanao massacre were removed as it was no longer within 10-year timeframe for calculating index.
CPJ said partial convictions in 2019 also adjusted status of Ampatuan cases from full to partial immunity.
Country’s subsequent downward movements in 2023 and this year were due to entries of new countries.
Haiti ranked first this year with seven unsolved murders in the past decade, followed by Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (eight), Somalia (nine), Syria (11), South Sudan (five), Afghanistan (18), Iraq (11) and Mexico (21).
Following Philippines were Myanmar (eight), Brazil (10), Pakistan (eight) and India (19). Rankings take into account countries’ population in proportion to number of unsolved murders.
“Commission also extends its gratitude to officer-in-charge Jesse Hermogenes Andres, whose brief stint helped steer agency through critical period,” Office of the Ombudsman has lifted six-month preventive suspension order it issued against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta in connection with administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (NASECORE).
In order dated Oct. 22, ombudsman lifted its order dated Aug. 20, placing Dimalanta under preventive suspension for not more than six months in connection with its ongoing investigation on administrative charges against her for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Following lifting of suspension order, Office of the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued memorandum dated Oct. 30, ordering reinstatement of Dimalanta to her post.
Ombudsman had placed Dimalanta under preventive suspension as it earlier found strong initial evidence against her to “prevent her in committing further acts of malfeasance might prejudice ongoing investigation.”
Dimalanta already back at ERC yesterday to receive copy of order when it was served.
In statement, ERC welcomed decision of ombudsman, saying this would ensure “stability within agency and energy industry as whole.”
Andres returned gratitude to ERC for granting him opportunity to serve Filipino people through the commission.
“I thank the President for the opportunity to serve Filipino people through Energy Regulatory Commission. I thank ERC Commissioners, officials and staff for their support,” Andres said.
“We have approved and released more than 846 permits, certificates and various approvals in record time in the last six weeks…these approvals include fifth RP regulatory period for Meralco ,Manila Electric Co. that will provide at least P16-B refund to consumers,” he added.
He also highlighted achievements made under his leadership in ERC.
“We have likewise approved the Green Energy Auction-3 methodology for bidding of much-needed renewable energy projects…we have likewise strengthened our partnership with industry groups and associations through stakeholders engagement and dialogues,” he said.
With Dimalanta’s reinstatement, NASECORE president Pete Ilagan said in a Viber message hopeful that integrity of ERC records “can be preserved and protected, pending resolution of NASECORE’s complaint.”
Administrative investigation stemmed from complaint filed by NASECORE in November 2023 over Dimalanta’s alleged act of permitting Meralco to regularly purchase electricity from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM at higher prices.
NASECORE said Meralco, in turn, passed on charges to consumers without required prior approval of ERC, in violation of Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
In its complaint, NASECORE said Meralco’s application for performance-based adjustment of its power distribution rate remained pending with ERC, thus passing charges to consumers is unlawful.
Meanwhile, distribution utilities (DUs) in storm-hit areas cannot disconnect power for consumers that use up to 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) despite non-payment of electricity bills from October to December.
Pursuant to directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ERC ordered DUs to “suspend” electricity line disconnections for consumers in areas placed under state of calamity due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
“DUs in the affected areas are directed to provide flexible payment options to help ease financial burden on consumers as they work toward recovery from effects of STS Kristine,” the energy regulator said.
As such, DUs are expected to allow staggered collection of payments for period of at least six months from issuance of statement of account for each bill.
For those with a monthly consumption exceeding 200 kWh, ERC said DU may offer alternative payment terms mutually agreed upon by both parties.
“Consumers are encouraged to contact their respective DUs to inquire about available alternative payment options or to request special terms to settle outstanding bills,” the commission said.
Likewise, ERC also directed power generators and transmission operators to implement same payment scheme for affected DUs.
Meralco would comply with ERC’s directive to provide relief to typhoon victims.
“Meralco immediately suspended disconnection activities in areas under state of calamity and will offer flexible payment arrangements to customers whose consumption does not exceed 200 kWh,” Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.
“How very rude,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s demeanor during hearing, wherein the former president spewed out expletives and pointed his fingers at senators who questioned his alleged policy of exterminating drug suspects.
If the former president again uses foul language during next Senate hearing on his bloody crackdown on drugs, Hontiveros will not hesitate to cite him in contempt.
“He is visitor to our house, Senate, but visitor should not throw garbage there… our rules state that there should be observance of parliamentary behavior or decorum… Duterte’s rudeness and shamelessness are the worst I’ve seen from resource person,” Hontiveros claimed.
Asked if Senate would hold Duterte in contempt if he uses foul language again at his next attendance, Hontiveros said: “If push comes to shove, that is always among broad powers of the committee cite resource person for unruly behavior.”
Being cited in contempt could mean getting detained.
“In our investigation on extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs, no one not even former president is above the law,” Hontiveros said.
But there is chance Duterte may no longer be invited to next scheduled hearing, because his admission under oath of having organized Davao death squad (DDS) composed of gangsters and rich people may be more than enough for the committee, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, presided over last Monday’s hearing by sub-committee of Blue Ribbon committee.
“As of the moment, I see no need…if some other senators see the need, then if they manifest it, I will entertain the idea…but as of the moment, no one has, we have lot of material to work with…let material stay…let criminal law experts study very well material with the committee,” Pimentel said.
Nine-hour hearing on Monday was marred by Duterte’s profanities, often greeted with applause by his supporters in the gallery.
This irked Pimentel who warned them they would be asked to leave if they persisted in their rowdy behavior.
Duterte, Hontiveros said, tried to “hijack” Senate investigation with his expletive-laden defense of his crackdown and rambling about how he managed to stamp out crime in Davao City through violence.
“Like how he hypnotized public during his six years as president, he tried to hijack hearing by instilling fear, spell he also cast on communities affected by drug war, light that dispelled that darkness came from families and allies of drug war victims who attended Monday hearing to confront their ‘Punisher, they are source of magic to break spell that Duterte thought he could cast again to spread doom,’” Hontiveros stressed.
Duterte’s six-year iron fist rule showed segment of Philippine society preferring quick justice over due process, Hontiveros said.
“While there are remnants of that culture, slowly, we are waking up from that nightmare and breaking from strongman myth, perpetrated by Duterte so he could do terrible things, like his bloody war against poor, justice is slow in our country, but instead of shortcuts, we should strive for alternatives, such as harm reduction and public health approach… war on drugs will not solve problem of drug supply and problematic drug use,” the senator said.
Duterte’s testimony made under oath that there were death squad killings in Davao City could be used against him both by Department of Justice (DOJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC) based in The Hague.
“The basis exists in truth and fact…his statements under oath are put on record…these are now official evidence which can be used by DOJ and ICC for case build-up, there is now fighting chance to convict and sentence him, full, moral, and legal responsibility for his nationwide antidrug campaign that killed over 6,200 drug suspects, death toll based on government estimates but human rights groups said could reach up to 30,000 dead,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said there is glimmer of hope for victims with forwarding of Senate transcriptions of Duterte’s admission to ICC, as announced by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
Duterte’s Senate ally Ronald dela Rosa, his former police chief downplayed admission as “joke” meant to scare criminals.
“Former senator Trillanes has announced that ICC has received transcript of our hearing for its consideration to hold Duterte accountable,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros renewed her call for Malacañang to amend Duterte’s freedom of information executive order that hampered access to Commission on Human Rights to drug war documents held by police.
Hontiveros had earned praises online for her calm but firm demeanor in countering Duterte’s gaslighting tactics during Senate Blue Ribbon hearing.
Office of the Prosecutor of ICC (ICC-OTP) is “closely following” developments in the Philippines where Senate and House of Representatives are conducting separate investigations.
ICC-OTP said its investigations are built from wide range of sources, and may include inputs from government and private institutions.
“They can encompass Article 15 communications, information from States, international partners and civil society, open-source information and direct collection of evidence by the Office, including interviews with witnesses, in this light, Office follows developments in the Philippines closely, as to their relevance for its ongoing investigation,” it said in statement.
Article 15 communications refer to information sent to ICC prosecutor in relation to alleged crimes fall within tribunal’s jurisdiction. It was provided for under Article 15 of Rome Statute, treaty that created ICC.
According to the ICC-OTP, its investigation focuses on crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, period when country was officially signatory to Rome Statute.
Aside from Duterte administration’s drug war, investigation is also looking at supposed crimes committed by so-called Davao Death Squad.
During Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing last Monday, Duterte admitted having organized death squad and even tagged Senator Dela Rosa, former police chief, as part of group.
Hontiveros earlier urged ICC prosecutor to use Duterte’s statements in its investigation.
In its statement, ICC-OTP said it “does not comment on operational matters with respect to ongoing investigations.”
“Confidentiality is crucial aspect of OTP’s activities… essential not only to protect integrity of investigations but also to ensure safety and security of victims, witnesses and all those with whom Office interacts,” it added.
Days after Duterte’s controversial Senate appearance, senior House member reminded public against being enraptured with Duterte as he is neither hero nor God who could just flagrantly commit crimes like ordering policemen to kill drug suspects at will.
“He is not hero…he is not God…he is not the law…he is not above the law…he is plague,” Rep. Rolando Valeriano of Manila’s second district asserted, noting former president does not have power to exonerate rogue policemen or hired guns who committed extrajudicial killings in his drug war.
“It’s not up to him to determine who are criminally, civilly, and administratively liable for crimes committed during his brutal war on drugs…his acceptance of legal responsibility for criminal and inhumane war on drugs does not absolve others of liability,” he added.
According to the legislator, Duterte was just being “true to form” when he owned up to EJKs during his term. But he said former president was merely “grandstanding, in feeble attempt to project strength to those hoodlum cops who committed crimes in his name, upon his orders and with monetary rewards.”
Valeriano said House quad committee is looking forward to Duterte’s promise to attend its inquiry. “House has its own sets of questions intended to unearth truth and facts…our findings and recommendations will be based on evidence…we will forward our findings to DOJ,” he said.
In a statement, meanwhile, family members of activists killed during Duterte administration have urged lawmakers not to shield former president from prosecution.
“For you, as senators, to now shield such an individual undercuts not only our legal system but the very trust Filipino people placed in you,” lawyer VJ Topacio and Lean Porquia said in joint statement.
“Protecting a former leader who has openly admitted to orchestrating and enabling mass killings is direct betrayal of that oath,” they said.
Topacio’s parents, peace consultants Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay, were killed in alleged shootout with police officers in November 2020.
Porquia’s father, Jose Reynaldo Porquia, was gunned down in Iloilo in May of the same year.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a road to empowered nation
supports World Food Day October 16, 2024
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Against all odds, public schools of 4th class city beat Metro Manila
By Creselda Canda-Lopez
“If you look at the names of top-performing schools, it’s usually cities with large purses,” Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara said during EDCOM 2’s visit to two schools on Tuesday, October 29 small city in Nueva Ecija have just schooled Metro Manila in nationwide exam.
Despite operating on a shoestring budget, two public schools from fourth-class Gapan City outperformed over 300 public and private schools in Metro Manila in the latest National Achievement Test.
Numbers tell story. Both Gapan East Integrated School and Kapalangan National High School beat over 90% of Metro Manila schools in problem-solving, information literacy and critical thinking.
Nationwide, two schools achieved “above average” scores in all three test categories, Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) said.
Gapan East’s score of 64.2 and Kapalangan’s score of 60.6 in problem-solving beat over 300 out of 342 Metro Manila schools. Both also soared above national average of 44.1 in this category.
In information literacy, Gapan East scored 62 and Kapalangan 60.1 both well above 42.8 national average. For critical thinking, Gapan East achieved 59.7 and Kapalangan 59.4, leaving the national average of 40.3 far behind. This rare win comes from city operating on just around P9.6 million in local education funds as of 2021. This is 40% below average for fourth-class cities and 92% less than city with lowest special education fund in Metro Manila (Navotas City, with P127 million).
For others, it’s a rare success story in a country that has often attributed poor performance to schools’ lack of funds.
For experts at EDCOM 2, it’s model of what can be achieved when local government, schools division officials and community rally behind cash-strapped schools.
“Yet Gapan is doing above average and showing good results with fairly average budget among cities and local government units… indicator of quality,” Angara said in EDCOM 2 press release.
Achievement has drawn education experts to Gapan, with EDCOM 2 and UNICEF Philippines investigating how these schools managed to excel despite limitations of their special education fund.
Special education fund is fund for basic education that is collected from local governments’ real property tax. It is fund used by local government units to build new classrooms and procure new books and learning materials, among others.
Gapan achieved its cityhood in August 2021. It is 4th city income class with poverty incidence of 12.26% as of 2021 data slightly below Nueva Ecija’s average poverty incidence at 13.9%.
City has 41 public schools. When all of its maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) budgets are combined with city’s special education fund, it shows P1,599 in public funds is spent on each student on average, according to EDCOM 2.
Gapan’s experience highlights need for strategic spending of limited funds and for DepEd to collaborate with local communities and local governments, according to the commission.
“Complementing national government’s School MOOE funding with partnerships, donations, and LGU support have enabled school heads and teachers of Gapan East Integrated School and Kapalangan National High School to address resource gaps and foster conducive learning environments,” EDCOM 2 said.
Visit included DepEd officials and representatives from UNICEF Philippines also shows Gapan’s success stems from resources being pooled together from private donors “with focus on developing foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.”
During visit, officials found both schools still face challenges in resources. Gapan East Integrated School Principal Julita Aguilar revealed that while they have computers, they lack internet connectivity. School also has one building marked for condemnation.
While increasing schools’ MOOE is goal, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said, schools like Gapan that focus on direct learning and student development are already seeing clear gains.
“We need to review how we compute School MOOE… needs to truly reflect needs on the ground and also good spending strategy from school leader,” the senator stressed.
There may be relief on horizon for schools like Gapan East and Kapalangan.
For 2025, DepEd has adopted modified funding formula that will increase School MOOE allocation by 32%, according to EDCOM 2.
Department of Budget and Management has also committed to implementing new formula in full for 2026. Based on EDCOM 2’s estimates, this could result in estimated 85% increase in schools’ overall MOOE budget.
While EDCOM 2 welcomes projected increase in schools’ funds, it also “recommends DepEd further review minimum service standards to enable teachers to adopt learner-centered and inquiry-based approaches.”
EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said: “for instance, what are needs of schools implementing special curricular programs, like science elementary and secondary schools, on top of usual operating costs of public schools ,what minimum service standards would support and foster learning as envisioned in recent curricular reforms?”
supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a road to empowered nation
supports World Food Day October 16, 2024
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Leni disputes Naga LGU’s ‘irresponsible’ report on typhoon aid
By Nidz Godino
“We have been doing relief operations since Day 1, and to claim that we only released 200 packs in Naga will make mockery of sacrifices of everyone who has been helping us,” former Vice President Leni Robredo said in social media post sharing screengrab of city government’s summary report.
Robredo called out Naga City government for its “irresponsible” misrepresentation of aid distribution efforts by her non-profit organization in aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
Naga City government had claimed in now-deleted post Angat Buhay had distributed just 200 relief packs to storm-affected residents of the city. Its report also tabulated larger aid contributions from Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ramon Revilla and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Angat Buhay was listed as having distributed aid to just one barangay out of 27.
Robredo said city government’s report “does not reflect correct data.”
The former vice president highlighted substantial volunteer force supporting their operations, noting that in Naga alone, they average approximately 1,200 volunteers daily.
She added that their relief efforts have been possible through private sector partnerships.
Speaking partly in Bicolano, Robredo pointed out that their aid distribution has been witnessed by all barangays and is conducted without fanfare or formal programs.
She urged city government to ensure accuracy when reporting about Angat Buhay’s activities, stating, “we only have our clean name as capital, which is why we defend it.”
In separate post, Raphael Magno, executive director of Angat Buhay, also criticized city government for its report. “To announce that we only gave 200 packs, despite providing more than what local government gave, is disservice to efforts of our partners and volunteers,” he said.
“Beyond Naga, we have stretched our resources to support other communities affected by Typhoon Kristine, filling in the gaps that’s how our Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network operates,” Magno added.
Kristine tore through Naga City and Bicol Region last week, unleashing massive floods plunged entire communities underwater.
Angat Buhay raised P24 million in just four days after it opened its donation drive.
Organization has accepted numerous donations from private citizens, public officials and celebrities at its headquarters in Museo ng Pag-asa in Quezon City.
supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a road to empowered nation
supports World Food Day October 16, 2024
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
“Kimona” Ternocon 2025 continues to champion Fil dress with added focus
By Cynthia Montojo
“I had privilege of attending first Ternocon in 2018 and I have been in constant awe watching it evolve, creativity of our young designers all while remaining deeply rooted in Filipino design and craftsmanship has been nothing short of inspiring,” Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Kaye Tinga said in her speech during Ternocon 2025’s recent unveiling of its new finalists and semifinalists in Bench Tower, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Kimona,CCP, in statement, defines Kimona as traditional “camisa or pull-over blouse” for Filipinas.
For Ternocon’s 2025 edition, annual Filipino dress workshops and competition series organized by CCP and Bench shines spotlight not only on Terno, but also on other facets of Filipina traditional dress like Balintawak and Kimona.
“It is this blend of innovation and petition that makes turn upon truly special,” she stressed.
“Ternocon has served as platform for our brand rich in Filipino culture and heritage, in partnership with CCP to showcase our country’s culture – culture through Philippine dress crafted by artistry of our Filipino artisans and designers,has always been our passion to promote Filipino culture through fashion design…with Ternocon, we preserve integral part of our Filipino heritage through education, exhibition, and public awareness,” Suyen Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive officer Ben Chan said in his speech.
According to him, if last year, mentorships and contest revolved around Balintawak, this year, Ternocon tackles not only Terno and Balintawak, but also Kimona and other facets of Filipino dress in workshops, mentorships, competition and final runway show that usually comprise annual convention.
“This year, we received overwhelming 82 applications we carefully selected 12 finalists…these individuals hail from across our beautiful archipelago from Ilocos Norte to Davao; from La Union to South Cotabato and from bustling cities of Metro Manila…it is testament to widespread talent and passion for our national dress,” shared Tinga.
The 12 finalists are:
Windell Madis,
Geomarie Hernandez,
Johnoel Marin,
Patrick Lazol,
Jericho Gonzales,
Irene Subang,
Bryan Peralta,
Peach Garde,
Ram Silva,
Lexter Badana,
Jared Palmejar,
Monina Gatan.
Meanwhile, the two semi-finalists are:
Xioti Chiu
and Jema Gamer.
Finalists and semifinalists hail from Ilocos Norte, La Union, Tarlac, Batangas, Capiz, Silay, Iloilo, South Cotabato, Davao, Makati, Taguig, Quezon City, and Manila.
Finalists had their first mentoring-workshop last June 17 to 22 at Training Center of the Baguio Country Club where they started working on their capsule three-piece collection composed of formal Terno with Pañuelo; formal Balintawak with Alampay and Tapis, and formal Kimona with Alampay and Patadyong ( tube-like wraparound skirt).
For competition, finalists are tasked to draw inspiration from 20th-century Philippine contemporary art, encompassing various movements, perspectives, and principles, such as works embodied by National Artist Ang Kiukok, National Artist Abdulmari Imao, Lao Lianben, and Anita Magsaysay-Ho.
“However, and I would like to reiterate, we highly discourage and will not allow finalists to use facsimile copies and or digitally applying any image of artwork onto fabric in creating their capsule collection,” Ternocon Artistic Director Ricardo Eric Cruz said in his speech.
Guided by some of the country’s experts in design, this year’s workshop is led by Ternocon’s Chief Mentor since 2018, Inno Sotto, along with Ezra Santos, Lulu Tan-Gan, Rhett Eala, TernoCon’s Founding Artistic Director Gino Gonzales and Cruz. The workshop lectures include topics on the history of the Terno, Balintawak and Kimona design parameters; knitting and fabric manipulation; new technology, colors and patterns; traditional techniques, understructure and embellishments.
“Goal is to continue what was already started: to popularize Terno as our national garment and stick to the proper measurement, how it should be worn…these are garments somehow stand out and differentiate us from our Asian neighbors and our Western counterparts. We have to find ways on how to improve it, while at the same time conserving its core aesthetic elements,” Cruz explains in statement.
CCP and Bench, in the same statement, say they continue to champion best of Philippine arts and culture through Ternocon, highlighting importance of preserving tradition while adapting to contemporary trends.
“With rise of Terno in modern outfits today, it is essential to maintain its correct form despite many variations it takes on,” CCP and Bench add.
“As we approach the final competition day, the excitement is palpable,” Tinga said in her speech.
“Our finalists are feeling pressure but we’re all eagerly anticipating moment when stage lights are up, showcasing beautiful turnout created by both our mentors and finalists… promises to be another fabulous and meaningful evening celebrating best of Filipino design and craftsmanship,” she said of convention’s culmination with cultural fashion show on January 26, 2025 at reception hall of Philippine International Convention Center since CCP’s main building is still under renovation.
“As we have championed over years, you can expect showcase of talent and artistry brought to life, I would like to congratulate finalists who have poured their art, their heart into their creations and to thank the seasoned mentors for selflessly sharing their expertise in inspiring the finalists to present the best of what our country has to offer,” Chan assured.
ISKUP! 