Promdihirang Tisoy ng Marinduque!

PBB teaser on Promdihirang Tisoy ng Marinduque!

Marinduque boy now official PBB housemate!

OMG! He did It! Marinduque’s Joseph Emil Biggel is PBB Housemate now!


Promising to be the biggest and most sophisticated Pinoy Big Brother Season ever, the most famous yellow and blue house in the country opened its door last night to 13 official housemates.

Bahay ni Kuya with hosts Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzales and Robi Domingo welcomed Marinduque’s 19-year old Joseph Biggel from the fishing-farming village of Banot in Gasan town. Biggel was among 30,789 who earlier auditioned for PBB, one of the most life-changing reality shows on national and global television.

Selected potential housemates numbered more than 1,000 then trimmed down to only 48, according PBB final updates, during the final selection after a stiff process of screening that covered a period of seven months.



Biggel's was PBB #15913

Biggel, “promdihirang tisoy ng Marinduque” was how the show introduced him, is of Filipino and German descent. At age six he, together with a younger sister, was left by estranged parents to maternal grandparents who were left fending for the kid and the baby from then on, as the old couple engaged in farming and fishing for living in their coastal hamlet; the boy learning to do the same and other odd jobs, as he grew up.

After the slideshow on "Biggel". also his official PBB name, in last night’s kick-off show, Toni asked what he would like to say to his parents wherever they might be.

“"Ma, pa, si Joseph to, sana nanunuod kayo, malaki na po ako. Maayos naman po ang pagpapalaki ng lolo't lola ko", on the verge of tears, he said. Hosts Bianca and Robi then lead Biggel and the other housemates to a tunnel that ended in an an opening that led to, lo and behold!, so different from the previous classy episodes. PBB seems to want to make a statement on the country's stark realities this time.

Question is, how different is it from the one "Biggel" has known? You wonder.

Trick or treating in Torrijos

They've been trick-or-treating in Torrijos pala for the last ten years. Children dressed up as ghouls or ghosts parade in the streets joined in by their equally ecstatic mothers or titas.




It isn't clear whether they ask for sweets from house to house, but apparently members of the Marinduque Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Torrijos Chapter chip in to treat the kids to gifts and refreshments.









I suppose the trick part of the practice is exclusive to those who are no longer kids but engage in juvenile mischief on the homeowners as they sing "kaluluwa'y nandirito, kaluluwa sa purgatoryo nanaog dito sa mundo...", while keeping hush the chicken in the bugako fated for pulutan.





I suppose, also, that the mischievous 'nangangaluluwa' folks have suspected long ago that purgatory never existed anyway.

"The term does not indicate a place, but a condition of existence. Those who, after death, exist in a state of purification, are already in the love of Christ..." (cf. Ecumenical Council of Florence, Decretum pro Graecis: DS 1304; Ecumenical Council of Trent, Decretum de iustificatione: DS 1580; Decretum de purgatorio: DS 1820).

Marinduque contender in PBB Season 4 Unlimited

A recent TV update of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) revealed that one of the possible male housemates of this popular reality show comes from Marinduque. Local viewers are therefore eagerly awaiting that final moment when the "housemates" (as the PBB cast are referred to), are ushered into the Big Brother house, and if our Marinduque boy will make it.

There, the housemates will impart to the rest of the world their stories, talents and ability to face tough challenges (called tasks), imposed upon them by the enigmatic Kuya, or Big Brother.

The show's director, Laurenti Dyogi earlier reported that 30,789 people auditioned in various points nationwide between March and September this year, with additional overseas auditions carried out in the USA and Japan.

Other PBB updates suggest that 'PBB Season 4 Unlimited', as this year's show is dubbed, is prepared to surpass all the success of past editions, and this one will come with "mas malalaking pasabog".



The famous PBB house




The PBB Mall of Asia auditionees


PBB is shown on ABS-CBN Channel 2 and its international affiliate, The Filipino Channel, with snippets shown on Studio 23. The coverage this season will be much wider as the use of social media is expected to be maximized. The uncut 24/7 version of the series can followed on the internet through streaming video and a special cable channel provided by SkyCable.

So, let's watch it tomorrow night during the show's opening at 9:15 p.m., dubbed The Big Fiesta.

And the best of luck to our contender from Marinduque!

Kayaks and ATV's in Poctoy Beach, Torrijos

KAYAKS IN POCTOY BEACH


Since the start of Summer 2011, visitors and the young people of Torrijos and neighboring towns have been enjoying the very special thrills derived from kayaking.




These kayaks are rented out by Beach Hut manager, Toper Matienzo who runs this picnic address that you find right at Poctoy Beach.









A lot of people who frequent this popular white-sand beach are now drawn to sampling these colorful kayaks, available to those who would rent them at Php 150 per hour.















The Beach Hut in Poctoy, Torrijos






In these kayaks the paddlers stroke a double-bladed paddle to travel farther out to the sea or just leisurely explore the coast of Torrijos Bay. These Poctoy sea-kayaks (Beach Hut has four of them), are designed for travel by two-paddlers on open water.








This new watersport is now attracting more local sea kayakers and tourists. Shown here is Matienzo (second from left), with recent kayakers from Britain.













ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV)


Beach Hut also rents out four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles (ATV). These vehicles are designed for a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. ATVs are defined as vehicles that travel on low pressure tires with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control.

ATVs are perfect in maneuvering Torrijos’ terrain, such as the rugged and bumpy road leading to the Battle of Pulang Lupa historical site, the most recommended trail for riders.



Some ATV riders also travel from the battle site all the way down to the hamlets of Bangwayin and Maranlig, then back to Poctoy Beach. They pay Php 800 for single use of the vehicle, good for about three hours of a unique adventure. Beach Hut has four units available.






Lady maneuvers the ATV through a challenging trail in Bangwayin, Torrijos



Women ATV riders at the Battle of Pulang Lupa site that offers a panoramic view of northeastern and southeastern seaview of Marinduque

Boac's Laban and "Cuchera" to Toronto and Stockholm

Joseph Israel Laban is a journalist and an independent film-maker from Boac, Marinduque. His film, "Cuchera" that starred Maria Isabel Lopez, is about drug mules, couriers and their recruiters involved in drug transshipment operation between Manila and China and how they become deeply entrenched in the world of illegal drugs.

The film was among the entries to the Cinemalaya Film Festival in Manila earlier this year. Last month, the said film, together with three other Filipino entries, went to Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Next month "Cuchera" will see its European premiere in Sweden as a festival film for the Stockholm Film Festival (SFF) from November 8 - 20.

"The sex, the violence and the insertion of drugs into the character’s cavities never get too visually explicit. Laban effectively uses the sounds of disturbing screams and groans to complete the picture of misery. An exposé of people trying to survive Manila’s less gentle parts rather than a character study, this could be an eye-opener for many spectators." (SFF)

Travel directory trivia: Marinduque Rising is No. 4

Bloglog is a blog directory and network where bloggers connect with readers and appears to increase their reach, among others. Bloglog.com's travel directory has today listed this blog as No. 4 (but slipping down some days).

It is interesting to be grouped with No. 1, Travel Feeder, 'a world travel photo blog by an avid travel photographer from Malaysia'; No. 2 is AccessJ.com on 'insider tips for working in and visiting Japan'; No. 3 is Smitten by Britain, 'the world's first blog for Britophiles - people who love Great Britain'...

and No. 4 is Marinduque Rising, about 'people, places, events, culture, history and all that there is on Marinduque'.

Maybe, just maybe, Marinduque is rising, drawing interest somehow.

Cheers everyone!

Marinduque visitors

PBA Partylist Representative, Mark Sambar and movie-TV personality Geneva Cruz were recent Marinduque visitors. In a reception held at the residence of Cong. Lord Allan Velasco in Torrijos with local officials and other guests, they were treated to a "Putong" welcome ritual performed by tourism students of MSC.



Geneva couldn't resist responding to the local hospitality by singing "Line to Heaven", a song written by her ex-hubby Paco Arespacochaga, with guests joining in the chorus, "If I ever had a line to heaven I swear I'd call you there..."

Shimmering Sta. Cruz

The islands of Mompong, Maniwaya and Polo are three of the most popular islands in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. They are frequented by island-hoppers and visitors for their fine sand beaches and underwater coral gardens.

Maniwaya, the biggest of these populated islands has been bruited about by new developers as another Boracay in the offing due to its proximity to the Luzon mainland. (Just 45 minutes from Gen. Luna, Quezon).

Bathala Caves, still is a popular attraction due to its historical and cultural importance, but has not been protected from vandals over time. It still provides that unique experience with stalactites and stalagmiteste, natural stone formations, resident bats flying in droves and occasional boas.

A huge cave with a small entrance, the San Isidro Cave, was discovered in recent years in a barangay with the same name. It revealed a subterranean river system the entire length of which has not been trodden to-date. Its timely discovery fortunately triggered a new impetus among the populace on the need to conserve and protect nature’s wonders.

Sta. Cruz town is considered the sea food capital of the province. The town has been blessed by large tracts of mangrove forests, some of which have been converted into fishponds. Manakla, crawfish, punaw bivalves and lato seaweeds are among those that visitors have heard about and look for.

The Sta. Cruz Church is the oldest in the province, with intricately-carved retablos and pulpit still intact. Most of the church interiors and furnishings are well-preserved.

















The church complex includes a large convento used from time to time to hold social functions.






A well-preserved baluarte in the village of Bitik still stands as a witness to local incursions by the pillaging pirates of yore.





Sta. Cruz is a 1st class municipality with a population of 61,322 in 2007.





Battle of Morions in Sta. Cruz

30 Marinduque sitios for electrification

President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the Sitio Electrification and Barangay Line Enhancement Program as part of his thrust of accelerating socio-economic development in the countryside. This was made possible through the intercession of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and legislators including Cong. Allan Velasco, supportive of the rural electrification program.

As a result, funds have been released to the Marinduque Electric Cooperative (MARELCO), among other electric coops by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) under official receipt no. 374631 for the implementation of projects to various sitios in the Lone District of Marinduque.

The list of sitios validated by NEA based on the criteria such as proximity to the tapping line, density or the number of potential consumers, access to site and also the cooperation of local leaders and residents are as follows:

In Boac: Sitio Mansapay, (Mahinhin), Sitio Bana/Pinagsangahan (Canat), Sitio Amotiongan (Binunga), Sitio Hantikin (Agumaymayan);
In Sta. Cruz: Sitio Ilaya (Masalukot), Sitio Ibaba (Kinyaman), Sitio Galiangan (Buyabod), Sitio Bundok (Jolo), Sitio Pantayin (Buyabod), Sitio Bagumbungan (San Isidro), Sitio Anusan (Dating Bayan), Sitio Kaluyahan/Punta (Polo), Sitio Duongan (Taytay), Sitio Mompong (Haguimit);

In Buenavista: Sitio Haynon (Malbog), Sitio Proper (Bicas-bicas, Sitio Kawayanan (Timbo), Zone 4 & 5 (Brgy. III), Sitio Ilaya (Bonliw);

In Torrijos: Sitio Mabilog (Makawayan), Sitio Mirasol (Malinao), Sitio Centro (Malibago), Sitio GK Poktoy (Poktoy), Sitio Danao (Sibuyao);

In Gasan: Sitio Libtangin, Cabugao, Purok, 2, 5 & 6 (Mahunig), Purok 2 (Banot;

In Mogpog: Sitio Lumandas (Magapua), Sitio Ilaya (Balanacan), Sitio Banga-banga (Balanacan).

The sitio electification and barangay line enhancement infrastructure is expected to bring jobs to rural areas, more access to basic conveniences and more improved standard of living for the barangay residents.

NEA has advised MARELCO to ensure the timely completion of the project, the status of project implementation of which will be coordinated by the Office of Congressman Velasco.

'No to mining' sign

'No to Mining' sign in Bagtingon, Buenavista

By now, after three decades of mining disasters and environmental abuse it is possible that even on the farthest reaches of barangay roads, the Marinduque population must be deeply aware of the dangers that mining could, in no uncertain terms, bring to their lives.

But deception, outright denial of information and manipulation, however, have always been part of the Marinduque mining experience and these go on and on up to the present time.

Mining operations on this island have polluted the Calancan Bay, Mogpog and Boac Rivers and Tablas Strait, the ultimate sink for the daily doses of dreadful tailings carried down those rivers.

But these Buenavista children are not aware of the plight of others their age living in the villages elsewhere - in the Calancan Bay area north of Marinduque. There, some have been found to have high levels of lead and cyanide in their blood, as well as heavy metals in soil samples in the bay area. Unacceptable levels of lead, cadmium and elevated levels of copper and zinc were found. Even lead values were present in the air samples, exceeding tolerable levels.

Hearken to the sound of the sea in Hakupan

Ain’t it so that sometimes you wish to get away from it all, to be in a place where nothing or no one could possibly bother you? A place to just hang around listening to the steady, rhythmic ocean waves.





When that longing comes it might be an idea to go to an island where a solitary old man lives but spends most of his time out at sea.









Hakupan Island is just about 4.5 hectares in size in the northern part of Marinduque, a part of the town of Sta. Cruz.













Once you get there by motorboat, you could perhaps just sit in this hut while sipping your drink, munching a sandwich, then do nothing except maybe start contemplating about writing your memoire..

3,455 Velasco scholars

Applications for educational assistance grants to college students enrolled in Marinduque colleges continue to be processed by the district offices of Congressman Allan Velasco.

Applicants are required to submit a certified true copy of grades, certificate of registration from the relevant college, copy of birth certificate, certificate of indigence from their barangay as applicable, passport sized photos and duly accomplished application forms.








As of July 31, 2011 the number of recipients under this program, known as the Velasco Achievers program, has totaled 3,455 students. Under this program, students receive Php 2,500.00 per semester while those in their school’s official dean’s list receive Php 5,000.00.

Students from the following schools have benefitted under this program: Marinduque State College (MSC) (Boac, Sta. Cruz, Gasan and Torrijos Campuses), Educational Systems Technological Institute (ESTI), Marinduque Midwest College (MMC), St. Mary’s College of Marinduque (SMCM), Sta. Cruz Institute (SCI), Buyabod School of Arts & Trades (BSAT) and Torrijos Poblacion School of Arts & Trades (TPSAT).






Funds for Velasco Achievers program are sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for MSC students, with additional funding secured from the Commission on Higher Education (ChEd), for those enrolled in private schools, and Technology Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for schools that offer science and technology courses.

Recently, the Velasco Achievers also obtained additional support from Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist Representative Mark Aeron Sambar who was a recent visitor to Marinduque.










Financial assistance checks were recently distributed to students of Marinduque State College by Cong. Velasco and by PBA Partylist Representative. Cong. Mark Sambar.