THERE’s a new spa at uptown Cagayan de Oro where you can relax after a day’s grinding work. Introducing Cheng Thai Massage & Spa!
Cheng Thai Massage & Spa is located at 108 Tower B, Primavera Residences in uptown Cagayan de Oro. They are open from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day every day including Sundays.
Cheng Thai Massage & Spa offers Swedish, ventosa, Thai dry, whole body hot stone and combination massages. They also have foot spa, foot massage, facial, body scrub and ear candling.
Cheng Thai Massage & Spa accepts walk-ins but appointments are a priority so you better call 09353627093 or 09356574510.
Cheng Thai Massage & Spa also accepts home and hotel service for a minimum of two patrons.
Also on hand at Cheng Thai Massage & Spa are healing rubs and massage rubs with moisturizer.
Come and treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering session now!
The first quarter of the year are busy months for the Philippine Creatives Industry as various activities unfold one after the other in celebration of National Arts Month. Although Arts Month is commemorated every February, there are pre- and post-events starting January until April.
ISKINITA
One of the annual events that creatives, particularly the theatrical groups, look forward to is the Tanghal National University and Community-Based Theater Festival. This is a project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its National Committee on Dramatic Arts (NCDA). The festival gathers university and community-based theater groups in one venue, where they each showcase dramatic interpretations of stories and issues that are relevant to Mindanaoans.
Zombesties
While it started as a national event that featured university-based theater groups from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Tanghal has metamorphosed into a region-based event and now includes community-based theater groups.
On the spot directors’ performance
Over the years, the annual festival has served not only as a central venue for showcasing, sharing, and exploring theatrical talents, but it has also become a creative platform for stories and discussions that help shape society and the country.
18th Tanghal Theatre Festival in Mindanao
18th Tanghal in Gensan
Last March 14 to 16, 2024, university and community-based theater groups in Mindanao gathered in General Santos City for the 18th Tanghal Festival. Organized by Mindanao State University-General Santos and the NCCA, it brought together theater groups and creatives from Ozamiz City, Dapitan, Davao, Maguindanao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos.
On the spot directors’ performance
To reach more audiences, the shows were held in different venues across the city. Parallel performances unfolded at the MSU-General Santos School of Graduate Studies, MSU Regional Science Research Center, Lagao National High School, Ameliyah’s Place, and Ireneo Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas. There were performances as well at Notre Dame of Marbel University-IBED in Koronadal.
Two theater groups from Cagayan de Oro, university-based The Xavier Stage (TXS), and community-based Oro Teatro Bulawanon (OTB), participated in the festival.
With fellow Sulat Dula graduates
TXS had audiences laughing out loud with “Zombesties”, a beautiful story of friendship and making the most out of what life has to offer. Written by Richard Kent Eduria, the play was directed by Tat Soriano. The first few scenes may have you wondering what the play is all about, but as the story continues to unfold, you’ll realize that it’s more than just a laugh fest; it talks about lasting friendships, determination and commitment, and life and death in general.
Meanwhile, OTB actors Khiara Bucol, Seff Timosan, and Bernard Castro interpreted the tragic story of Inday. “Iskinita”, written by yours truly, is inspired by the original Filipino musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo”. Originally a 10-minute monologue, it was rewritten as a 30-minute play that dramatically describes a painful and life-altering incident in the life of Inday. “Iskinita” is OTB’s offering for Women’s Month. The group has several advocacies, including gender-based violence and discrimination, bullying, and HIV & AIDS awareness.
Day 1 performance – Iskinita – Oro Teatro Bulawanon
TXS and OTB’s plays are only some of the 23 artistically diverse performances that captivated around 3,000 audiences, including students. A talkback was held after every performance, and this gave the audience an opportunity to share their thoughts and comments. The actors and their directors were also given the chance to share their creative process and important details about their stories.
The talkbacks were facilitated by NCCA-NCDA National Secretary Ted Nudgent Tac-an and NCCANCDA Vice Head Dr. Hobart Savior, along with NCCA-NCDA Director and Festival Head Dr. Norman Ralph Isla.
Networking and Camaraderie
More than anything else, the 18th Tanghal served as a venue for networking and building creative connections. Mindanao artists bonded over their shared love for the arts; their passion for performing. It was the perfect opportunity to start new friendships and establish camaraderie.
The Xavier Stage’s Zombesties
Aside from The Xavier Stage and Oro Teatro Bulawanon, the following creative groups also contributed to the success of the 18th Tanghal in Mindanao: Beyond Fortress Collective, MSUGensan Kabpapagariya Ensemble, BIDA General Santos/MSU SHS, MSU Maguindanao Sining Kandidilimudan, Apat sa Taglamig, Inc., RMMC BCAEd, RMMC BPeA, RMMC Teatro Ambahanon, ArtHome Theater Collective, Kalimudan Culture and Arts Center, and JRMSU Teatro Dasuliman.
Next year’s 19th Tanghal National University and Community-Based Theater Festival will be held in Dipolog City.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Residents and stakeholders of this capital city of Northern Mindanao were recently treated to the inspiring news that it has become the second richest city outside Metro Manila.
The report was contained in the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of the 16 pilot regions outside the National Capital Region (NCR), covering 82 provinces and 17 Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) from November to December 2023 released for the first time by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The PPA is a mechanism to compile the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the subnational level.
The Special Release highlighted the economic performance of all provinces and HUCs included in the PPA compilation in 2023, particularly in terms of their per capita GDP, which is defined as the estimated average contribution of each individual to the GDP.
The PSA report showed Cagayan de Oro City has the second highest Per Capita GDP of the pilot 10 Provinces and Highly Urbanized Cities outside Metro Manila with P343,936 in 2022, trailing only Baguio City.
It also had the highest Per Capita GDP among the cities and provinces surveyed in the Visayas and Mindanao.
However uplifting this latest news may be, there have been many previous signs that this City of Golden Friendship was on a steady uptrend, despite the debilitating effects of the recent pandemic.
Already, it accounts for the lion’s share of the Northern Mindanao economy, contributing 2.6 percent of the region’s 7.2 percent growth in 2021-2022.
Cagayan de Oro City similarly accounted for 28 percent of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Northern Mindanao with P261.8-billion (at constant 2018 prices)
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority Region X, Cagayan de Oro City recorded the highest growth rate among the provinces and highly urbanized cities in 2022, expanding at 9.4 percent. Misamis Oriental and Camiguin grew by 9.1% and 8.0%, respectively. The growth rates of these three economies exceeded the 7.2 percent regional growth.
In the latest Philippines Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Cagayan de Oro City ranked as the 7th Overall Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in 2023, up one rank higher than the previous year. The city was also ranked 2nd in Resiliency, 5th in Innovation, 7th in Government Efficiency, 7th Most Improved Highly Urbanized City, and 8th in Infrastructure.
Metropolis in the Making
According to the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028, Cagayan de Oro is expected to be the Philippines’ fourth metropolitan area by 2025, based on its projected population growth, strategic location as gateway and logistics hub for Northern Mindanao, and role as a key education center in the south.
Cagayan de Oro’s reputation as the standard bearer for the Northern Mindanao economy has been further bolstered by the resiliency showed by Region X following the recent pandemic.
After shrinking by 5.3% in 2019-2020, the Northern Mindanao regional economy surged to a 6.3% growth in 2020-2021, a P97.4-B turnaround that spoke volumes of its resiliency. The following year, it accelerated further by 7.2%.
Region 10 expanded by 7.2% in 2022, with total GRDP valued at P935 billion at constant 2018 prices.
In nominal terms, Northern Mindanao joined the ranks of trillion-peso economies registering P1.07-trillion in total output at current prices last year. (with inputs from NEDA/RDC-X and PSA-10)
We find ourselves negotiating a complex maze of truths, half-truths, and blatant lies in a time where information is disseminated quickly. Misinformation has become a serious challenge to democratic values, individual well-being, and social cohesion. It is fueled by the spread of social media and the development of digital communication. It is an international phenomena that cuts across all boundaries, philosophies, and demographic groups. It is crucial that we confront this widespread threat head-on now more than ever.
Fundamentally, Misinformation includes a broad range of dishonest behaviours, from subtly modifying facts to flagrantly fabricating whole stories. It feeds on the uncertainty and dread that surround it, taking advantage of the weaknesses in human reasoning and our ingrained prejudices. Misinformation has the ability to change people’s opinions, motivate actions, and undermine faith in authorities. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including political propaganda, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscientific assertions.
It takes little effort to observe the disastrous effects of false information. The effects of disinformation are extensive and severe, ranging from the dissemination of unfounded rumours during public health emergencies to the spread of lies that encourage violence and conflict. It erodes faith in the government, the media, and other reliable information sources, undermining the core tenets of democratic debate. Furthermore, it directly endangers public health and safety, as seen by the rise in vaccination reluctance and the reappearance of diseases that may be prevented.
The emergence of social media platforms has worsened the dissemination of incorrect information by creating an environment that allows lies to proliferate unchecked. Sensationalism is frequently given precedence above accuracy by algorithms built to maximise interaction, which increases the spread of false information and strengthens belief echo chambers. Misinformation spreads quickly in this digital environment, obscuring the distinction between reality and fiction and leaving a trail of confusion and strife in its wake.
Nevertheless, optimism for change can be found amid the depressing terrain of false information. The battle against false information is not hopeless; rather, it is a call to action for all parties involved, including legislators, tech firms, educational institutions, and private citizens. Promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship is essential if we want to provide people the skills they need to make informed decisions when directing the information world.
Moreover, it calls for increased responsibility and transparency from the platforms that act as distribution channels for false information. Tech businesses need to be proactive in stopping the spread of misleading information. Some of these proactive approaches include enforcing community standards, promoting reliable sources, and deploying fact-checking systems. Furthermore, in order to create regulatory frameworks that strike a balance between the necessity of preventing harmful content and the imperative of free expression, policymakers must collaborate with stakeholders.
The fight against misinformation ultimately necessitates teamwork and unrelenting dedication. It’s a fight for honesty, morality, and the upholding of democratic principles. As we face the ubiquitous danger of false information in the digital era, let us not forget that each and every one of us has the ability to bring about change. Together, we can break the chain of incorrect information and create a society that is more knowledgeable, resilient, and egalitarian by standing up to falsehoods.
Veteran news writer and photojournalist Froilan O. Gallardo is the new President of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) Inc.
The multi-awarded Gallardo is based in Cagayan de Oro and has covered Mindanao, in over thirty years as a freelance journalist, correspondent and stringer of various media organizations, most notably its conflicts and peace initiatives.
The 2024 COPC officers and board members take their oacth of office. (photo courtesy of Amor Barlisan)
In the 2000 all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), he embedded himself among the Philippine Marines from Lanao del Sur to Maguindanao. He covered the kidnappings in Sulu and Basilan, the arrival of the US military in Zamboanga, the 2003 and 2008 wars against the MILF, the mass evacuations, the Ampatuan Massacre in 2009, Zamboanga Siege in 2013, Mamasapano tragedy in 2015, Marawi Siege in 2017, Mindanao’s festivals, disasters including typhoons Sendong and Pablo in Mindanao and Yolanda in Leyte-Samar, mass actions, prayer rallies. He also covered events featuring Jorge Madlos of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, the New People’s Army, Nur Misuari and the Moro National Liberation Front, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and the MILF, and covered as well peacebuilding efforts in various parts of Mindanao.
Veteran War Correspondent Froilan Gallardo is the 2024 President of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club.
In his inaugural speech during the 73rd induction of officers held at the plush Limketkai Luxe Hotel on March 17, Gallardo rued the negative publicity the media in Cagayan de Oro has received due to the actuations of some of its members, the deteriorating quality of news reportage, a situation worsened by the economic losses sustained by the print industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic and shift to online media.
“Against this backdrop, what should the Cagayan de Oro Press Club do? We cannot rely on dole outs and remain at the mercy of the politicians. If we continue doing that, we, the industry itself would become irrelevant and eventually lose the game. The public would know that we are already bought, and become mouth pieces of every politician who claims to be tom, dick and harry,” Gallardo noted.
“Despite our shortfalls, journalists and the members of COPC is part of our democratic system. We provide you with the correct information while you stay safe and neatly tucked in your homes. While you sleep in your beds, be assured that gising pa ang mga reporters gathering data of a sunog,” he further stressed.
Media’s key role in nation building was likewise emphasized by Guest Speaker MGen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division based in Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City in his inspirational message.
COPC Code of Ethics (photo by Irene Dayo)
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the press who have been instrumental in bringing awareness to the public, and playing an important role in the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” of the government by providing a forum for public transparency, which is necessary for legitimacy and accountability,” Cuerpo noted.
“Our journey along with the vision to become a World-Class, Multi-Mission Ready, and Cross-Domain Capable Philippine Army by 2040 does not come easy,” he said. “As much as it implies the need to improve our military techniques and skills, we also need to be updated with the recent technological advancements and strengthen our relationships with our counterpart agencies and media partners. In our continues quest to attain stable peace and security in Northern Mindanao and Caraga, we recognize that the media is not only a pillar of democracy, but also a partner in achieving lasting peace and development,” he added.
Veteran War Correspondent Froilan Gallardo on assignment.
“With this, the Joint Task Force Diamond stands in full support of the free and responsible press,” Cuerpo said.
Also inducted into office by Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez were the following officers who were elected during the COPC’s annual elections on February 10, 2024: Hanne Pisos-Abris (Executive Vice President), Nef Luczon (Vice President for Print), Annaliza Reyes (Vice President for Broadcast), Steph Berganio (Corporate Secretary), Gal Banaag (Treasurer), and Joey Nacalaban (Auditor).
Also inducted were the following members of the Board of Trustees: Tony Albania, Amor Barlisan, Martin Rapanot, and Allan Mediante.
“Tonight we renew our commitment to press freedom, truthful information and our vow to serve the Cagayan de Oro community,” Gallardo concluded.
YOU don’t need to order downtown (or uptown) if you want to get a taste of yummy flavored chicken and pops because Chick ‘n Side is one of the participants of the ongoing Big Bite Festival at Ayala Malls Centrio in Cagayan de Oro until March 24.
Located at the second level bridgeway, Chick ‘n Side serves flavored chicken in BBQ, soy garlic, snow cheese and buffalo in trio, half dozen and one dozen options.
Since they have a small dine-in spot, Chick ‘n Side also serves rice meals to go with your chicken. But if you don’t like chicken wings, breast or drumstick, then opt for the pops instead. They will serve you the same flavored choices.
And what’s even better is that you can have the option to choose the spiciness level of your wings or pops. You can have ‘em mild, medium or so hot.
Chick ‘n Side also sells siomai in two variants: pork and Japanese.
They also have a dine-in spot at Zone 2, Canitoan, this city that is open from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. but if you want your chicken to be delivered, then you can call 09171629494 and Chick ‘n Side will book it for you via Maxim.
From the same folks that brought you the yummy flavors of Chick ‘n Side also comes Vann’s Chili Garlic.
Vann’s Chili Garlic is bottled at 250 mL and is available for pickup or delivery. Just hit their Messenger at Vann’s Chili Homemade Chili Garlic Oil.
Elevate your dishes to a whole new level of flavor with their delicious chili garlic oil, crafted with the perfect blend of spicy chili and aromatic garlic.
Two of the Liceo de Cagayan University Conservatory of Music, Theatre & Dance Expat Professors recently joined other prominent Filipino entertainers in serenading President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his wife Liza during a meet-and-greet with the Filipino expat community in Berlin, Germany.
Official Invite
The March 12, 2024 Filipino Community Gathering was held late in the afternoon at the Grand Ball Room of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel under the direction of Presidential Communications Office Director Cris Villonco with the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin headed by Her Excellency Ambassador Susan Barreiro Natividad, who earlier escorted the First Couple in honoring the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal with a visit to the Rizal Marker in Jaegerstrasse, Berlin.
Prof Zip de G uzman sings for the First Couple & other PH officials in Berlin, Germany.
Prof. Cipriano de Guzman, Jr., also known as the Filipino Baritone, and Prof. Thomas Schüle, joined Emanuel John Villarin, a violinist studying in Hans Eisler Musikhochsule, and Nurse-Singers based in Germany, Lipson Padillo and Jacqui Javellana in entertaining the first couple.
De Guzman teaches voice and theater at the Liceo Music Conservatory while Schüle is professor of Music Management and Musicology.
Before the arrival of the President and his delegation, the audience was entertained by various Filipino artists, including a folkloric dance group from Hamburg, a violinist from Berlin and local pop singers. Arnel Ignacio, a well known TV personality who has since been appointed as head of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), performed two songs and danced with Thomas’ wife Alicia!
Prof. Zip de Guzman with his Liceo Music Conservatory colleague Prof.Thomas Schüle and his wife Alicia Z. Schüle.
“I sang Saan Ka Man Naroroon dedicated to all OFWs, change the line in the end before I hit the high notes “Asahan mo sa habang panahon, PILIPINO ka rin , saan ka man naroroon” and Dahil Sa Iyo by Mike Velarde Jr., which is associated with the Former First Lady and mother of the President, Imelda Romualdez-Marcos,” Maestro Zip detailed in an email to this writer.
Following the national anthem and welcome remarks from Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Irene Susan B.Natividad, the popular folk singer, Florante sang several songs including his signature hits Ako’y Isang Pinoy and Handog.
Prof. Zip de Guzman with Philippine Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Irene Susan B. Natividad
“After his performance, I sang the song Balikbayan composed by National Artist for Music, Ernani Cuenco, followed by Umagang Kay Ganda with Villarin, Lipson Padillo and Jacqui Javellana,” de Guzman said.
After that, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo introduced the President, who then delivered his speech.
The President related the steps made by his administration, including his visit to Central Europe, to see to the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and explore further measures aimed at further improving their quality of life and informing them of opportunities back home.
“During the First Couple’s interaction with the expat Filipino community in Berlin, the President asked where I trained or studied because he was fascinated. I invited Prof Thomas and his wife Alicia, whom I introduced as my manager to Ms. Villonco of the PCO,” de Guzman recalled.
“Since I was introduced to her as Sir Zip’s manager, my involvement was limited to supporting him and the arrangements for his performances, which I was able to discuss with Ms. Villonco,” Schüle related.
Soroptomist International Cagayan de Oro recently unveiled their club marker along the Iligan-Cagayan-Butuan Road (ICBR) in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City.
The activity held Monday, 11 March 2024, is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas Philippines Region’s Public Awareness Program to raise awareness of the global Soroptimist brand in the community it serves.
SI-CDO President Rhodelyn Mae Brioso-Roa and SI Gilda O. Go presided over the cutting of the ribbon for the project chaired by Club Chairperson for Public Awareness Marker SI Noemi A. Dacudao.
“I am grateful for the support of our club members in the installation of our marker along the busy streets of Bulua-Kauswagan National Highway,” said SI CDO President Maelyn Brioso-Roa.
“It is important that the community is aware of our existence that they may recognize the efforts and contributions of our club, especially in improving the lives of women and girls in the community and it is very timely that we did this on Women’s Month,” she added.
The marker is erected on the property of SIAPR Past District Director for Northeastern Mindanao, Trinidad O. Go, an active member of SI Cagayan de Oro.
“The marker serves as a powerful tool as it symbolizes not just the rights of women but the strength that a group of women has to empower other women,” said SI Gigi Go. “It is an honor to have the marker installed in our property along the national highway.”
The local government of Catarman, Camiguin province has declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary, paving mechanisms that enforce environmental protection.
In a statement on Monday, Catarman Mayor Kiterio Antonio Palarca II said he signed an ordinance seeking to preserve the natural flora and fauna of the town, which is home to giant bats, monkeys, and different species of butterflies.
A colony of agolden crown flying fox locally known as “kabug” numbering about 500 hovers over theirdwelling place in Barangay Poblacion, Catarman, Camiguin
The town is also sharing provincial ocean waters where dolphins, whale sharks, and squid species are still thriving.
In the town’s barangay Bonbon, sightings of six adult whale sharks have been reported recently.
Schadenberg’s Burrowing Skink
“A century-old Balite tree is now being preserved at the town center because the tree is now the home of around 700 giant bats,” Palarca said.
The giant bats have become one of the town’s main tourist attractions that has historical value since the tree is among the oldest in the province.
Purple-throated Sunbird
Tourists and Lent
Meanwhile, the provincial government said it is preparing for the influx of tourists as the observation of the Lenten season is approaching in April.
The province is a popular venue of pilgrimage for Catholic devotees during the Holy Week of the year, where the annual “Panaad” is held.
Yellow-lined Smooth-scaled Gecko
Devotees would trek the walkway surrounding “Mount Bulkan,” a dormant volcano, passing by life-sized stations of the cross.
common seahorse
Governor Xavier Jurdin Romualdo said the province is targeting 500,000 tourist arrivals in a year.
Painted Frogfish
Romualdo said that from January 1 to February 22 alone, the province already has recorded 32,688 tourists, of which 29,193 are domestic.
Last year, the province’s tourist arrival was recorded at 250,000. (PNA)
Leading advocates and champions of Asia’s growing farm tourism industry were given the prestigious Lakbay Bukid Awards in the 7th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference organized by International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) held recently at The Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol.
With a US$ 1,000 cash prize from the family of the late tourism stalwart Bobby Joseph, the award was first given in 2016 to individuals, institutions and groups who have contributed significantly to the growth of the farm tourism industry in the continent.
This year’s awardees are Francis Joseph Perdigon of Perdigon Farms in Butuan City, I Wayan Alit Artha Wiguna of Cau Chocolates in Bali, Indonesia; Tan Inong Asin Tibuok Manufacturing of Alburquerque, Bohol; Borneo Eco Tours of Sabah, Malaysia, and Malagos Agri-Ventures Corp. of Davao City.
According to ISST president Mina Gabor, the accolade showcases the creativity and resiliency of the awardees in helping empower disadvantaged communities and mainstreaming sustainable agricultural and tourism practices.
Perdigon is a millennial farmer and is the first youth awardee who seeks to popularize farming among young people. Wiguna is a farm tourism pioneer in the popular resort haven which provides visitors an immersive experience in cacao farming and chocolate making.
Tan Inong is a firm named after the late founder of a century-old artisanal salt making craft in Bohol. Borneo Eco Tours is based in Kota Kinabalu which offers a host of nature-oriented activities in various parts of Sabah state and involves indigenous communities.
Situated in an upland village of Davao City, Malagos Agri-Ventures Corp. started as an orchid farm, but later evolved into a tourist recreational complex with an adjoining cacao plantation, chocolate museum, and bird sanctuary.
The Farm Tourism Conference is hosted by the Province of Bohol and supported by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport). It is also backed by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, the Department of Trade and Industry, and Philippine Airlines.
