Metrodome Helps Fire Victims by James U. Sy Jr.

Metrodome Entertainment Mall and its tenants and their employees as well as customers pooled their resources together and organized a charity event for the benefit of the 94 households that were affected by the huge fire that hit Purok Katilingban, Brgy 39, Bacolod City last September 2, 2014 (Flor Momo-Somcio photo). The management of Metrodome Entertainment Mall with the cooperation of all its tenants and their employees as well as customers pooled their resources together and organized a charity event for the benefit of the 94 households that were affected by the huge fire that hit Purok Katilingban, Brgy 39, Bacolod City last September 2, 2014. The philanthropic work was held on September 5, 2014, 10:30 AM, at the Brgy 39 Gym. The outreach consisted of a feeding program, where arroz caldo, bihon, bread, and juice drinks were given to the affected families; games for the children; and the distribution of 94 packs of relief goods which included clothing, 1 kilo rice, and grocery items. Sponsors of the charity work were CP Tyne Consultancy Management, e-Bingo, Fireworks Bar, Jojo Vito Prints & Pieces, Metro Bazaar tenants, O’Fisher Spa & Wellness Center, Offshore Bar, Philippine Call Center Institute (PCCI), Psalmstre Enterprises, Remnant School, and customers Mark Vargas and John Calumpiano.

Gimotea Rules COS it’s all PLAY III by: James U. Sy Jr.

Some of the participating cosplayers before the start of the COSPLAY Parade organized and presented by SASinc. Entertainment under Manager Ritchie Vargas recently at the SM City Bacolod Food Court. The event was attended by 39 cosplayers from different schools (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). Bea Alyzza Gimotea, cosplaying as Lightning Farron, was declared the grand winner of the COS it’s all PLAY: Third Encounter, presented by SASinc. Entertainment under Manager Ritchie Vargas, last August 30, 2014 at the Food Court, SM City Bacolod. A total of 11 cosplayers competeted in the said event. Special awards were also given to six other cosplayers, namely Ma. Cristina “Tin-Tin” Aguilar as Lili of Tekken 6, Hercz Drake Arsenio as Optimus Prime, Axel Leopold Olavia as the Birdman, Jiro Yoshimura as Pyramid Head, and Gwenneth Luzuriaga as Tinker Bell. As a prelude to the competition proper, the COSPLAY Parade was held by SASinc. Entertainment last August 17, 2014 also at the Food Court, with the participation of a total of 39 cosplayers portraying different anime, movie, video game, cartoon, superhero, and manga characters and coming from different schools like UNO-R, University of St. La Salle, and St. John’s Institute. Competitors at the COS it’s all PLAY: Third Encounter were given 1-2 minutes to best portray the character they were representing and they were judged on the following criteria: craftsmanship (40%), accuracy of costume (30%), stage portrayal (20%), and audience impact (10%).

Culture Nurture - @ 17: BCC “Pag-asa sang Kabuhi Ko” by: James U. Sy Jr.

Culture Nurture - @ 17: BCC “Pag-asa sang Kabuhi Ko” by: James U. Sy Jr. The last time we had a faculty and staff meeting together with student leaders, the question, “What does Bacolod City College (BCC) mean to you” was asked of us. Several answers were forwarded, all of which were eloquent elucidations of the school’s core values; one stood out from the rest and was made the official theme for the 17th Foundation celebration of the college this September 2-8, 2014 - BCC “Pag-asa sang Kabuhi Ko.” BCC “Pag-asa sang Kabuhi Ko” is a very straight forward declaration, so simple in fact that it gives the best view of what Bacolod City College (BCC) stands for and for whom it was established. BCC was established at a time when teens from poverty-stricken families had a dim hope of going to college to fully equip themselves in facing the challenges of life. There was no institution of higher education run by the city government. It was in this absence of hope that BCC ignited a small spark that would slowly, but continuously, bring light to an otherwise dark future for thousands of Bacoleños, and to a much lesser extent to the youth outside of the capital. That small flame went against the strong winds of fate, refusing to die down, regardless of the odds. The birth and the infancy of Bacolod City College (BCC) was never an easy one. The four pioneer teachers - Engr. Valentino Argel, Engr. Medel Hongo, Rosalia “Rose” Lorilla, and Engr. Judith Simeon - narrated how, like Joseph and Mary, they were sent away many times but still managed to hold classes wherever and whenever they can “squat.” BCC started out with no classroom of its own, more so a building to call its own. Despite this, the teachers endured and persevered, which gave inspiration to youngsters struggling to prepare for a brighter future. The pioneer batches of BCC students held classes at ETCS, Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS), at the entrance grounds of Rizal Elementary School, and even at the second floor of the Villamonte Public Market. Sometimes classrooms were locked, forcing the poor teens to have classes in the nakedness of nature. Sometimes the desks were pushed to the sides with a note on the blackboard, “Don’t move the desks.” The pioneer students had to sit on the floor, and even lie pronated when writing. Classes at the public market were even a bigger challenge, as the smell of food being cooked and the noise of the early karaoke marathons distracted students. It was during these early days when the will of both teachers and students were tested. Things started to change when BCC’s charter President Dr. Norma M. Juarez-Roque represented the community college at the City Development Council for a P5 million grant for the construction of the Sum-ag Campus, and later another P5 million for the building of the Taculing Campus. The history of BCC can not be told without mentioning Dr. Juarez-Roque since she laid the foundation of the BCC that we know today. Each passing year BCC became stronger as students, teachers, school officials, and city officials tirelessly did their part to improve the school and the services that it delivers. One by one, better facilities became part of the college like the fully furnished Science Lab, the Media Resource Center (MRC), and the new building at the Taculing Campus among others. After 17 challenging years, Bacolod City College (BCC) continues to deliver its promise of giving quality and affordable education to qualified and deserving students. It currently has five bachelor programs - Business Administration (BSBA), Office Administration (BSOA), Teacher Education (TEd), Information System (BSIS), and Industrial Technology (BSIT) - and one 2-year course ladderized program leading to the degree of BSIS, ACT. Today, the City of Bacolod under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Monico O. Puentevella sustains its annual subsidy of the college’s operating expenses to “make education work for the city of the future” as what the chief executive said in his State of Bacolod City Report last July 2, 2013. Bacolod City First Lady Josefa “Patching” Puentevella, in her speech during the opening salvo of the school’s 17th Foundation Week last September 2, 2014, emphasized the obligation of the student in his education, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” The honorable mayor, in his speech at the last commencement exercises, disclosed his dream of coming up with a single campus wherein the Sum-ag, Taculing, and Fortune Towne Campus will become one. It was revealed by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., Atty. Loney Lyzander “Bong” Dilag, Spokesperson of the Mayor, and Rolando Villamor, Bacolod City Administrator, that there are plans for the addition of a Criminology Department for the college as well as a vocational course for 6 months to 1 year. BCC offers its students not only higher education but most importantly hope for a better future and a chance to improve the quality of life. The best testimony is the 6,985 students who have earned their degrees from the school; now, they have a better lives, happy families, and dignified jobs. At 17, BCC continues to soar.

Belated Happy 2nd birthday Izela Amber R. Beatingo!

Belated happy 2nd birthday Izela Amber R. Beatingo of Victorias City, daughter of Jose B. Beatingo III and Rose Ann R. Beatingo and granddaughter of Efraim T. and Evangeline B. Beatingo and Ronaldo T. and Virginia A. Rosales.

Happy 18th Birthday Athena S. Esona!

August 30, 2014 - Happy 18th birthday to Athena S. Esona, daughter of Roberto C. Esona and Dr. Noralyn S. Esona, from you Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB) family!!!

Happy Birthday Annaliza “Lissy” Tan-Perigua!

September 5, 2014 - Happy birthday to Annaliza “Lissy” Tan-Perigua of BDO, from your CHMSC MBA family!!!

Uy, Apuyon, Bocario 2nd Place in NOHS Quiz Bee by: James U. Sy Jr.

Joann Dominique S. Uy of Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) with mom, Elsa S. Uy (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). Joann Dominique S. Uy, Donnabell Apuyon, and Adrian Bocario, all of Grade 9 Alastair, placed 2nd in the Quiz Bee last August 29, 2014 at the Audio Visual Room (AVR), Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), Bacolod City. The NOHS Quiz Bee was organized by the Aralpan Department for Grade 7 to 9 and 4th year students. The competition covered history and current events about the school. Uy and Apuyon also Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) and placed in the top 5 of Quiz Bee competition of the 2nd World Youth Day local celebration last August 30, 2014 at the Quadrangle, Riverside College, Bacolod City. About 8-9 schools competed in the said event among them Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS), Medel National High School, and Singcang National High School.

De La Cruz, Tizon, “Princess & Prince of the Ocean” by: James U. Sy Jr.

Princess De La Cruz and Mark Allain Tizon, both of Marketing Management 3A, were crowned “Princess & Prince of the Ocean,” beating 21 other couples representing the different year levels and sections during the BS Business Education and BS Industrial Technology Day last September 3, 2014 at the school grounds of Bacolod City College (BCC)-Sum-ag Campus, Bacolod City, as one of the official activities for the institution’s week long 17th Foundation celebration (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). Princess De La Cruz and Mark Allain Tizon, both of Marketing Management 3A, were crowned “Princess & Prince of the Ocean,” beating 21 other couples representing the different year levels and sections during the BS Business Education and BS Industrial Technology Day last September 3, 2014 at the school grounds of Bacolod City College (BCC)-Sum-ag Campus, Bacolod City, as one of the official activities for the institution’s week long 17th Foundation celebration. The duo also swept the competition by snatching the Best in Costume and Best in Presentation. The coronation was the culmination of the morning activities, which started off with a Parade of Ocean Costumes leading to BCC’s Sum-ag Campus. Marvin D. Tugon of Entrep 2C, painted in Avatar-style blue skin and wearing a gold chestplate complete with abs, uttered one of the more favorite lines for the crowd, “Aanhin mo pa ang kalabasa kung crush mo lang naman ang nagpapalinaw ng iyong mata.” Some of those who represented their classes were Julyn Tamayo and Jerymie dela Paz (MM 4A),Dina Mae D. Estraño and Perseus Maquimay (MM 1A),Lezette Amana and Randel Tupas (MM 1B), Mia Janelle Ligeslador and Miku Villaruel (Entrep 1B),Renee Rose de la Paz and Edbert Villas (Entrep 1C), Chris Chen Serie and Jaymar Caudazo (Entrep 1D),Celeste Pastorende and Erick Jacosalem (BSIT 1B), Jenms Ann Ababao and Florie Jhon Edubas (BSIT 1C), Lanie Asupan and Arnold M. Duadores (Entrep 3B), Charyain Palermo and Samie balenario (BSIT ELEX 2), Jane Tamba and Edmond E. Artista (BSIT Civil 2), Mae Oloroso and Ramiro Mina (MM 2A),Ma. Katrina Valery Donato and Marvin D. Tugon (Entrep 2C), April Joie Lagarto and Luel Sahot (BS Entrep 4B), Rhoda Mae Gabales and Alexis Brian de Belen (Entrep 2A),and Jonalex Piadoche and John Bohn Grande (Civil 3), Special guest was former BCC President Dr. Norma M. Juarez-Roque, now a member of the isntitution’s Board of Trustees. Judges were Krisna Gold Bawin, Christine Faramiran, and Jeffren Hur Bibiano Van. The Marketing Management 3A and 3B set up the Marketing Trade Fair at the sides of the competition area, selling different products, mostly food items. The BS Business Education and BS Industrial Technology Day was organized by the different school organizations - Marketring Management Society (MMS) under its President Jeffrey J. Talaman, Junior Philippine Entrepreneurs’ Society (JPES) under its President Jesreal Bancaya, and Society of Industrial Technology Students (JITS) under its President Kriska Joy Theresse Jaunto - with the support of the BS Business Education (BSBE) department under Program Coordinators (PC) Felipe F. Chin Jr., CPA, MBA, and BS Industrial Technology (BSIT) department under Program Coordinators (PC) Engr. Robert Ildy Lasuay.

BCC Sum-ag Campus Celebrates “Buwan ng Wika” by: James U. Sy Jr.

Mrs. Grace P. Lumawag, the Adviser to the Kapisanang Filipino, chaired the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” (National Language Month) celebration last August 29, 2014 at the Bacolod City College (BCC)-Suma-ag Campus (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Bacolod City College (BCC)-Suma-ag Campus successfully celebrated the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” (National Language Month) last August 29, 2014 at its campus grounds. Spearheading the celebration was Filipino and Values Ed Instructress Grace P. Lumawag, the Adviser to the Kapisanang Filipino, with the full support of both the BS Business Administration (BSBA) and BS Industrial Technology (BSIT) departments under their respective Program Coordinators (PC) Felipe F. Chin Jr., CPA, MBA, and Engr. Robert Ildy Lasuay. Ma. Johanna Ann R. Bayoneta, Ph.D., School Administrator, and Elias Alias, Ph.D., Dean of Instructions, graced the event. Later that noon time Teacher’s Education and Office Administration Program Coordinators (PC) Ramie Mabayag and Mario Pao also dropped by. The sections of the campus with Filipino subjects set up booths displaying and selling different products and exhibits and each section had their own representatives who were in barong Tagalog and baro’t saya. The morning competitions included literary and performing arts activities such as Hataw Pinoy, Balagtasan, isahang tinig, dalawahang tinig, talumpati, deklamasyon, poster-slogan making competition, and kompuso. The afternoon festivities featured physical games such as fliptop, kadang-badang, hatakang lubid, luksong tinik, luksong lubid, sakbuhan, patentero, and sipa (tumba patis). The 2014 officers of the Kapisanang Filipino and their members were instrumental in the success of the event as they prepared the logistics and facilitated the events. The current officers, coming from both the BSBA and BSIT departments, are Michael Morales (President), Roland Talafiero (Vice President), Mary Christ Bustamante (Secretary), Jonel Pecha (Treasurer), April Badajos (Auditor), Ronalyn Camillada and Deo Paran (PIO), Ravena Mulyer and Yza Marie Limaco (Business Manager), Ronel Sogilon and Calderon (Sgt.-at-arms), Princess sarah Ampil (Lakambini), Benjamin Marañon (Lakan), and Bhea Rose Magallanes and Ivy Calago (Taga-awit). BCC-Taculing Campus, which houses the Teachers’ Education and Office administration departments, on the other hand celebrated the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” simultaneously with the Nutrition Month last August 22, 2014. Former President Fidel Ramos signed Presidential Proclamation 1041 in 1997, declaring August“Buwan ng Wika.”

Mag TV Amiga Features Self Defense Tutorial

The latest episode of Mag TV Amiga over at ABS-CBN last August 24, 2014 featured a fresh look at reality-based street self defense in a tutorial formast, something that is not often seen on Philippine TV, more so on the local level. Conceptualized and directed by Renejun Ogapong, the episode presented life threatening situations wherein a peace loving citizen is confronted with aggression and possible violence, and both life and property are endangered. Each of these situations unfold as each of the show’s four hosts take on these threats one after the other, preceeding briefing and tutorial by the episode’s featured guest and consultant. Host Charmaine Grace Deatras had to deal with a knife wielding holdupper inside a moving jeepney while producer and host Carmela Gamboa was faced with a shoulder bag snatching scenario. Host Sedfrey Cabaluna tackled a gun wielding holdupper at a parking lot. Host Marflin Chu, appearing for his last episode of Mag TV Amiga, had to defend against 4 attackers at the same time, both in an open space and in a crowded alley. James U. Sy Jr., Founder/Master of the Conceptual Arnis System and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., was the episode’s featured guest and consultant. Utilizing his 28 years experience in the martial arts, Sy presented to the hosts solutions to these scenerios using the most economical of movements, two or two and a half moves at most per sequence. These natural movements are low maintenance, meaning they can still be applied even with less practice or by less fit individuals, and were shown on camera first in real time and then in slow motion as the individual components were broken down. The conceptual basis and mindset of these very simple moves were also explained. Defenses against wrist grabs, two handed chokes, and haymakers were also presented. The episode was, in a way, a drive to educate the public and raise their awareness level when out in the street. Awareness is the single most important element in protecting oneself, preventing aggression even before it starts. There are cases wherein it would be wiser to turn over one’s valuables to a holdupper. Defending oneself is only a last resort when there is eminent danger of being harmed. Associate producer Frances Teresa Joy Perono was also at hand during the taping.

Grad. School Makes Historic First in CHMSC-FT Intrams by: James U. Sy Jr.

Members of the MBA Program under the advisership of Dr. Jay Jay Pisuena are among those who represented the Graduate School for the very first time during the parade prior to the official opening of the 2014 Intramurals of the Carlos Hilado memorial State College-Fortune Towne Campus (CHMSC-FT) last August 27, 2014 in Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Graduate School Student Council (GSSC), under the advisership of Dr. Jay Jay Pisuena, orchestrated what was a historic first in the history of the annual Intramurals of the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Fortune Towne Campus (CHMSC-FT) during the opening ceremonies last August 27, 2014 at the institution’s Covered Court. The Graduate School Student Council (GSSC), composed of the Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master in Public Administration (MPA) programs, participated for the very first time in the formal opening of the CHMSC-FT Undergrad Intramurals, starting from the parade and up to the opening salvo where special numbers were rendered. The opening of the games was formalized with the raising of the banners of the different school organizations and the torch lighting. Master of Ceremony was John Gerald Pilar, MAEd, Adviser of the CHMSC-FT official Graduate School publication. Prof. Manuel I. Ramos, CPA, MBA, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy, gave the we4lcome address. The Graduate School was represented by the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program with two special numbers. The initial performance was a doble and solo baston Arnis demonstration by James U. Sy Jr., GSSC PIO and MBA PIO. The succeeding number was a dance number by the 14-man MBA squad under the choreography of Annaliza “Lissy” Tan-Perigua, CHMSC-FT official Graduate School publication columnist, and Engr. Leo S. Arimas, GSSC President and MBA President. The MBA dance squad was composed of Engr. Leo S. Arimas, Rollen P. Balquin, Jovelyn O. Canoy, Shareene Cauntoy, Rodha Marien D. Dimati, Rochelle Fuentebella, Janice Juarez, Kenrose S. Lagayo, Ranil Daniel Orcullo, Rosalie Ruiz, Leilani A. Sarrosa, James U. Sy Jr., Annaliza “Lissy” Tan-Perigua, and Lerna B. Tanalgo. The 2014 Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Fortune Towne Campus (CHMSC-FT) Intramurals will run from August 27-29, 2014 and will feature various competition formats in the following categories: literary activities (includes extemporaneous speaking), musical activities, dance activities, debate, academic activities (including quiz bowl), Mr. and Ms. intramurals 2014, and Intramurals Ball.

SM City Hosted COSPLAY Parade, Will Also Present COS it’s all PLAY III by: James U. Sy Jr.

Axel Leopold Olavia, 7, of UNO-R, is one of the competitors in the upcoming COS it’s all PLAY: Third Encounter on August 30, 2014 at SM City Bacolod. He is cosplaying Cloud from Final Fantasy (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). SM City Bacolod hosted the COSPLAY Parade, organized and presented by SASinc. Entertainment under Manager Ritchie Vargas, last August 17, 2014 at its Food Court. Between 39 cosplayers portraying different anime, movie, video game, cartoon, superhero, and manga characters and coming from different schools like UNO-R, University of St. La Salle, and St. John’s Institute participated in the event which was witnessed by many shoppers. The youngest to join the COSPLAY Parade was Amir Alistaire Gonzales Pigar II, a 3 year old SASinc. model, who portrayed the character of Kenshin Himura. The little boy was a hit with the crowd and the cosplayers as many asked to have a picture with him. With the overwhelming response from the cosplay community, event organizer Ritchie Vargas is optimistic that the upcoming event of SASinc. Entertainment, dubbed COS it’s all PLAY: Third Encounter, this coming August 30, 2014, also at SM City Bacolod, will also be success and God welling, may surpass the parade’s number of cosplayers in attendance. COS it’s all PLAY: Third Encounter will be the third installment of the cosplay competition that SASinc. Entertainment started on August 28, 2012 and followed up with a second installment on August 11, 2013. The grand winner for the first two editions were France Adrian T. Seban (youngsters) and Steven Vivero (adults) and Samantha Villafuerte respectively. COS it’s all PLAY: Third Encounter will be open to both male and female contenders of all ages. Each cosplayers will be given 1-2 minutes to best portray the character they are representing. Cosplayers will be judged on the following criteria: craftsmanship (40%), accuracy of costume (30%), stage portrayal (20%), and audience impact (10%). The grand prize winner will take home P2,000 in cash plus gift certificates.

Internal Quality Audit Training Held at CHMSC-FT by: James U. Sy Jr.

The 4-day Internal Quality Audit Training was successfully conducted by the HAE Consultancy and training services of Owner/Manager Helen Alian Evalle using ISO 19001-2011 (Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems) at the CHMSC-Talisay Audio Visual Room (AVR). 20 participants more or less attended the training. CHMSC-Fortune T|owne Campus headed by Executive Director Prof. Ma. Isabel D. Tubera and Prof. Manuel I. Ramos, CPA, MBA, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy, sent three faculty members to attend the training, namely Jay Jay Pisuena, Ph.D., Chair, BSBA Program, Ruvy M. Tuble, MSLS, College Librarian, and Mary Jean C. Tan, CPA, MBA, Chair, Accountancy Program. The training was meant to develop the skills needed to assess and report on the conformance and effective implementation of processes, and to contribute to the continued improvement of a quality management system based on ISO 19001-2011 standard. Among the hghlights of the training were roles of auditors, roles of team leaders, audit types, audit life cycles, terms and conditions, principles of auditing, managing an aduti program, performing an aduti, competence and evaluation of auditors, elements of specific evidence for ISO 9001-2008, etc. The training was among the programs undertaken by the college to continuously embody its vision of “excellence, competence, and educational leadership in science and technology.”

“The Science of Meetings” A Success by: James U. Sy Jr.

Hon. Sangguniang Panglungsod Member (SPM) Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Chair, Committee on Tourism, Local and International Cooperation, giving her an update on the current market trends with a focus on the impact of the full implementation of ASEAN integration in 2015 and what the city and provincial government are doing to prepare the local producers, suppliers, and entrepreneurs during the Events Management 101: The Science of Meetings: Providing System and Structure to Planning and Executing Corporate Events held by Jovial Media Events of Ma. Carmen “Maricar” J. Dabao and SMX Convention Center Bacolod recently at the Eastview Hotel, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

Resource Speaker, organizer, and participants of the Events Management 101: The Science of Meetings: Providing System and Structure to Planning and Executing Corporate Events held by Jovial Media Events of Ma. Carmen “Maricar” J. Dabao and SMX Convention Center Bacolod recently at the Eastview Hotel, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). Events Management 101: The Science of Meetings: Providing System and Structure to Planning and Executing Corporate Events was successfully held by Jovial Media Events of Ma. Carmen “Maricar” J. Dabao and SMX Convention Center Bacolod recently at the Eastview Hotel, Bacolod City. Not less than 76 participants attended the day-long seminar. Featured Resource Speaker/Facilitator was Germaine Angelica Salvador, CHE, former Faculty Member of the diploma course on Professional Event Management at the De La Salle University (DLSU)-College of St. Benilde School for Professional and Continuing Education and the American Hospitality Academy Philippines. Salvador is a pioneer in Event Management Education in the Philippines and has authored one of the first locally-produced testbooks in Event Management, entitled “Event Management: Envision, Execute, Evaluate,” now a prescribed textbook for HRM and tourism programs in various colleges and universities. She completed the CHE professional certification requirements of the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute. Sangguniang Panglungsod Member (SPM) Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Chair, Committee on Tourism, Local and International Cooperation, graced the event as the Special Guest Speaker. Atty. Batapa-Sigue paved the way for the seminar by giving the attendees an update on the current market trends with a focus on the impact of the full implementation of ASEAN integration in 2015 and what the city and provincial government are doing to prepare the local producers, suppliers, and entrepreneurs. Two governmental programs that Atty. Batapa-Sigue highlighted were the focus on local tourism and BPO (call centers) to offset the threats posed by the inevitable integration. The seminar was one of the steps towards that direction. The seminar/workshop introduced events managers to a system and structure for planning, executing and evaliating meetings, seminars, conferences, and other corporate events. The Resource Speaker, who has successfully led teams that have put together high impact sales conferences and product launches for Jollibee, Greenwich, Pfizer Philippines, Abbott Laboratories, and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), presented more efficient and effective ways for event planning, eliminating unde stress and anxiety for the event manager, the client, and the guests. The seminar was broken down into 8 parts, namely Event Management Overview, Creating the Event Vision, The Event Concept, Planning Memorable ExperiencesL The 6 A’s, Preventive and Contingency Plans, Event Execution, Event Checklists, and Event Evaluation. Three Full Time Instructors from the Bacolod City College (BCC) were authorized by Hon. Bacolod City Mayor Monico O. Puentevella to attend the seminar, namely Susan Grandeza (BSOA), Gil Alfredo B. Severino, MAEd (BSOA), and James U. Sy Jr. (BSBA), with the support of School Administrator Dr. Johanna Ann R. Bayoneta and Program Coordinators Felipe R. Chin Jr. (BSBA) and Mario Pao (BSOA). Another Instructor from BCC, Nadine V. Albay (BSOA) also attended the seminar. Other attendees included entrepreneurs as well as employees from Steel arts among others.

Anger & Stress Mgt. Seminar Presented by MBCCI by: James U. Sy Jr.

Featured Lecturer Maria Victoria Quiambao-Raca (seated, 3rd from left), a psychologist and HRD Training Consultant from Manila, together with the participants of the the Anger & Stress Management Seminar organized by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MBCCI) under the leadership of its President Frank A. Carbon and its staff in cooperation with MGQ Career Development Center on July 24, 2014 at the Sugar Workers Livelihood Training & Development Center, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MBCCI) under the leadership of its President Frank A. Carbon and its staff in cooperation with MGQ Career Development Center organized an Anger & Stress Management Seminar on July 24, 2014 at the Sugar Workers Livelihood Training & Development Center, Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (MBCCI) under the leadership of its President Frank A. Carbon and its staff in cooperation with MGQ Career Development Center organized an Anger & Stress Management Seminar on July 24, 2014 at the Sugar Workers Livelihood Training & Development Center, Bacolod City. Featured Lecturer was Maria Victoria Quiambao-Raca, a psychologist and HRD Training Consultant from Manila. Raca pointed out the different stimulants to anger and stress as well as the ill effects of these emotions, and gave several methods to express and/or control them. The workshop involved a number of de-stressing activities such as using songs and dance to calm the mind, role playing, and turning to the guidance and teachings of God to have a stress-free life. Worrying and vengeance were among the stimulants determined to cause stress and anger which become more manageable with unfading faith to the One Almighty. The seminar/workshop was attended by 12 entrepreneurs and professionals from Bacolod City College (BCC), BACIWA, CENECO, Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB), and some other institutions.

Vancouver’s “Colonial” Premiered in Bacolod, Forums & Workshop Also Held by: James U. Sy Jr.

Resource speaker, organizing officials, and some attendees during the "Colonial" Art Forum last July 30, 2014 at the GGA Audio Visual Room, West Negros University (WNU), Bacolod City. From left: Dr. Maria Christina F. Bagundol, Faculty Member and Recruitment and Staff Officer, WNU; Gil Alfredo B. Severino, MBA, Instructor I, Bacolod City College (BCC); Mario R. Gabuya, Manager, Center for the Performing Arts and Culture, WNU; Hon. Sangguniang Panglungsod Member (SPM) Atty. Joceele Batapa-Sigue, Chair, Committee on Tourism, Local and International Cooperation; Dennis D. Gupa, Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia, BC, Vancouver, Canada and formerly Assistant Professor of theatre arts and communications; and Susan Grandeza, Carlo S. Descutido, and James U. Sy Jr., all Instructor I,BCC. Not in the picture is Ionie Lacson of the office of Hon. SPM Atty. Batapa-Sigue (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). “Colonial,” a multi-sensorial and transnational solo dance-theatre piece from Vancouver, Canada, made its premiere in Bacolod City last July 30, 2014 at the Gallaga Theatre, University of St. La Salle (USLS). Two performances were presented, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. The performer was Alvin Erasga Tolentino, a recipient of the Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award for his contributions in the performing arts in dance. Tolentino, who was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 1983, was also the director for the “Colonial” and is the founder of Co.ERASGA (2000). He is also Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia, BC, Vancouver, Calanda. Dennis D. Gupa, currently Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia, BC, Vancouver, Calanda and formerly Assistant Professor of theatre arts and communications, was Co-Director of “Colonial.” Gupa’s works were performed in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Jonathan Tsang was the Lighting, Set Designer, and Technical Diurector. “Colonial” was presented by Co.ERASGA through the office of Hon. Sangguniang Panglungsod Member (SPM) Atty. Joceele Batapa-Sigue, Chair, Committee on Tourism, Local and International Cooperation, with the cooperation of The USLS Artists’ Hub, the University of St. La Salle (USLS), University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), West Negros University (WNU), and Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B). “Colonial” is best described by its slogan “Returning. Remembering. Moving forward.” It is a one man-performance detailing the roots of the Filipino nation covered in colonialism, bloodshed, and unending struggle for freedom and self identity interpreted and expressed as contemporary dance. It strived to show the Filipino lineage, heritage, and culture through graceful and well choreographed movements of the head, torso, arms, and legs as well as facial and vocal expressions. Co.ERASGA has visited over 50 diverse cities and communities outside of Vancouver and in countries such as Belgium, Canada, France, Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Uruguay, and Venezuela, and across four continents, to share the art of dance. Bacolod, Manila and Bulacan were some of the major cities where the 2014 Tour of Colonial gave performances. Prior to the performances, Dennis D. Gupa, Co-Director of “Colonial,” facilitated a forum on art in general and the “Colonial” in particular with students from collaborating schools as the audience. Gupa talked about his own journey to the world of art and theater and how it changed his life. Gupa was as eloquent in his speech as he was well versed in the arts. The forum at the GGA Audio Visual Room, West Negros University (WNU) was facilitated by Mario R. Gabuya, Manager, Center for the Performing Arts and Culture, Dr. Maria Christina F. Bagundol, Faculty Member and Recruitment and Staff Officer, and Ionie Lacson of the office of Hon. SPM Atty. Batapa-Sigue. Atty. Batapa-Sigue, at the conclusion of the forum at WNU, gave the students updates on developments of tourism projects in the city. Earlier this year, on February 28, Atty. Batapa-Sigue also spearheaded the 6th TechTalks Bacolod “Opportunities in Finance and accounting Outsourcing” through the Bacolod Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology (BNEFIT), Inc. at the Masskara Hall at the People’s House and on July 17, actively supported The Science of Meetings: Providing System and Structure to Planning and Executing Corporate at the Eastview Hotel, Bacolod City Bacolod City College (BCC) under School Administrator Dr. Johanna Ann R. Bayoneta, with the permission of Program Coordinators Felipe R. Chin Jr., CPA, MBA (BSBA) and Mario Pao (BSOA), sent five faculty members to the forum and the performance, namely Carlo S. Descutido (BSBA/BSOA), Susan Grandeza (BSOA), Rosalia Lorilla (BSBA/BSPA), Gil Alfredo B. Severino, MBA (BSOA), and James U. Sy Jr. (BSBA). Then on July 31, 2014, the staff of “Colonial”/ Co.ERASGA conducted a dance, directing, and scriptwriting workshop for students.

Culture Nurture: E is for Education, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Economy By: James U. Sy Jr.

Why go to college? An often asked question in college and university interviews that doesn’t seem to be answered with enough deep thought to the matter. The usual answers that one gets include to gain more knowledge, to graduate from college, and to have a good job, which by themselves are correct…partially correct actually. Partially correct because after one gains more knowledge then what? After one graduates from college then what? After landing a good job then what? Simply put the answers are very myopic, short term in nature, and are not the ultimate goal, although they contribute to the final objective. I tell my students that one’s mission in going to college is, take good note of this, to improve one’s quality of life and ultimately be happy in life. Having knowledge, having graduated, and having a job or a business are the first steps. If one is myopic, he can just focus his sights on these yet he may never attain real fulfillment and happiness in life since this ultimate goal is not within his focus. On the other hand, if one has improving the quality of life and being happy as the ultimate goal then having knowledge, having graduated, and having a good job or business are but natural preparatory steps. This way of thinking is outside the box, a different paradigm shift if you will. Many students would go to school just to hang out, drink, smoke, do drugs, go to billiard halls or disco houses, or even impregnate or be impregnated. Any of these activities that do not contribute to the fulfillment of one’s dreams have no place in a student’s focus in going to school. If a student has this mindset then he can never go down the wrong path. The importance of education can not be pointed out enough. The title of this article may well best describe the revolving interaction between education, entrepreneurship, employment, and the economy. There is a direct link between education and employment. Education prepares a citizen for employment, whether with an institution or by one’s self (entrepreneurship). An analogy I often give my students is that at one point in life, we may be required to remove a screw. Without the right tool we won’t be able to do the job. It is here where the education system comes in, by providing the screwdriver to get the job done. Generally, people with no or less education end up in labor-intensive employment - porters, stevedores, construction workers, carpenters, plumbers, etc. While these jobs are honorable, the laborer has a decreasing capability to earn as he grows older and become weaker physically. Younger applicants can easily sidetrack them in the race for bringing home the bacon. However, a job, say in the office, while still stressful, would tend to put more strain on the mind rather than on the physical, and with better pay. Office workers will have relatively fewer job-related physical mishaps or injuries than those in the labor-intensive industries. Improving quality of life therefore does not only involve earning money for the sake of having money but being able to use one’s earnings to make life more comfortable and enjoyable. This includes being able to attend to the medical needs of one’s parents or family, being able to eat what one wants to eat, and being able to go where one wants to have a vacation among other things. Traditionally, the orientation of graduates is towards salaried employment. In more recent times, this has changed as there is a growing interest in entrepreneurship in our country. Today, entrepreneurship is included in the curricula of most universities and colleges. Consider the following figures by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). There were 820,255 business enterprises operating in the Philippines in 2011 with 99.6% (816,759) of these being micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) (those with up to P3 million, P3-15 million, and P15-100 million capitalization respectively); The large enterprises only comprised 0.4% (3,496). 91.0% (743,250) of these MSMEs were micro enterprises; 8.6% (70,222) were small enterprises and 0.4% (3,287) was medium enterprises. In Region 6 (Western Visayas) there were 47,166 MSMEs in that year. MSMEs generated 3,872,406 jobs in 2011, or 61.0% of the total jobs generated by all types of business establishments that year; the large enterprises contributed 2,473,336 jobs. Again, micro enterprises comprise the bulk of this job generation at 45.9% (1,778,353 jobs). 206,108 jobs were generated for Region 6 (Western Visayas) that year. Thus, entrepreneurship helps improve the economy among others through 1) employment, 2) income generation of employees and businesses (both suppliers and buyers), 3) improvement of the quality of life, 4) more equitable distribution of wealth, and 5) strengthening of the government through taxes, licensing and permits, and development of buildings and other structures. In Bacolod City, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, the local government under Hon. Mayor Monico O. Puentevella continues to operate and support the Bacolod City College (BCC), which had produced thousands of graduates within its 14 years of existence. This year BCC produced 897 graduates in its 5 programs. During the college’s 14th Commencement Exercises last April 3, 2014 at the BAYS Center, Mayor Puentevella stressed the college’s continued quest for excellence in education by having experts from the academic field in the board of trustees. He also thanked the parents for sacrificing to have their children finish college. BCC is one of only two public schools in Bacolod offering college education (the other is the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College) As graduates join the real world of employment and entrepreneurship and as high school graduates enter the gates of colleges and universities this coming June, hopefully they will realize that education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the economy are all interrelated pieces of a larger puzzle which we all call life.

Culture Nurture: Maleficient: Fairy Tale Hollywood Style By: James U. Sy Jr.

Prolific moviegoers would have noted several ongoing trends in the film industry nowadays. For one, superheroes are the in thing, with Marvel outdoing DC in the silver screen with the release of Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, The Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Elektra, and yes, The Avengers. The most familiar DC franchise is Batman with several films already made under its belt. But aside from that there’s only Superman and Green Lantern (Flash is yet to be released and there’s a rumor of a Justice League movie). Another noticeable trend is the reemergence of several fairy tales in Hollywood, but with some new and refreshing twists. At least two new versions were made for Snow White and then there was Jack the Giant Slayer (of Jack and the Beanstalk fame), Hansel and Gretel, and Rapunzel, in the cartoon format Tangled. Other fairy tales in the cartoon format were Frozen and the three installments of Shrek. Many of these movies had some really good action packed sequences, most especially Hansel and Gretel. The latest of these fairy tales to hit the screen was Maleficient, which starred Angelina Jolie in the lead role. Interestingly, the title was not “Sleeping Beauty” but viewers would soon understand why it was not so. What differentiates Maleficient from the other previous fairy tale movies is that the point of view taken was that of the villain, not of the innocent victim princess. This adds an air of freshness to the presentation because it’s a route outside of the box. The movie depicted Maleficient, the villain in the movie, not as the kind of evil that previous fairy tales would have us see. Instead, Maleficient was given a human element (although she’s a fairy), a personality that has both a bad and good side, which tends to break our stereotype of a purely evil or a purely good person. Maleficient was both villain and hero, an anti-villain if you will. The start of the movie depicted Maleficient as a joyful and righteous fairy, appreciating the beauty in her environment and taking the responsibility of protecting all that’s within her kingdom. The attack on her people by the king represented man’s inherent greed, which often leads to conflict. Maleficient succeeded in defending their home but then she was betrayed by her childhood sweetheart and she lost her wings. Her consequent depression and transformation is a manifestation of the great sorrow caused by man’s lust for power and wealth. From a wronged person’s perspective, taking revenge is but a natural progression, something that has not been elaborately depicted in other retelling or rendering of the story of Sleeping Beauty. The movie Maleficient put this in proper perspective. Jolie looked stunning as an evil fairy with her make up and the accompanying light effects. But as fate would have it, love is the antidote to hate. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) grew to be a fine and likeable young lady. Maleficient would often see her doing things that she used to do also when she was young, reminding her of old self. Maleficient developed a liking for Aurora though she tried to suppress and hide it. Jolie convincingly acted this out on screen. Maleficient soon started her retransformation to her old self. An unexpected twist was when Aurora did not wake up from the kiss of the prince. Then the fairy tale bubble bursts. Reality check: How can the prince really love a girl whom he just met once? Viewers are left thinking, “Now what?” Maleficient, who regretted putting a spell on Aurora, tried to revoke the curse but wasn’t able to because of the condition she had placed on the curse. At this point, Maleficient did not realize it yet but her actions bespeak of her love for Aurora. Her asking forgiveness and kissing Aurora in the forehead is symbolic of man’s real life actions that would soon lead him to regret them. It was this part wherein Maleficient’s humanity was best expressed by the film’s director. Love, which is very real, is the real fairy tale after all. Taken from a philosophical point of view, the movie Maleficient is a good medium of teaching values to children, who would have been a significant part of the total viewers of the movie. It was a story about friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, love and hate, good and evil, and how people transform because of their environment and how they are affected by the actions of others. Overall, it was a totally human depiction of a fairy tale. Two thumbs up. For those who have not yet seen it, you better do.

Kasalan 2014 Wedding Exhibition: Through the Lens of a Journalist

A display of bridal gowns and groom suits by Ysabelles’s Bridal Shop during the Kasalan 2014 wedding exhibition at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s Place Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./NDB Photo). A display of bridal gowns and groom suits by Simply Chic Gown Rental during the Kasalan 2014 wedding exhibition at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s Place Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./NDB Photo). The Misyel’s Catering Services display giving a sample of the ambiance of fine dining for the wedding reception during the Kasalan 2014 wedding exhibition at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s Place Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./NDB Photo). Belle Visage Services offer airbrush and traditional make up and hair styling for the bride to be at her most beautiful on the day of her wedding. Exhibit manned by siblings Emee Rose and Myla Robles during the Kasalan 2014 wedding exhibition at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s Place Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./NDB Photo). The Business Inn and Planta Hotel exhibit during the Kasalan 2014 wedding exhibition at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s Place Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./NDB Photo). The Sugarland hotel exhibit during the Kasalan 2014 wedding exhibition at the Fountain Area of Robinson’s Place Bacolod (James U. Sy Jr./NDB Photo). Robinson’s Place Bacolod is hosting at its Fountain Area Kasalan 2014, a wedding exhibit, offering different products and services from the planning stage to the actual wedding, and even the post nuptials. My Choice Party Shop (Pinky H. Mirano-Ocampo), Personal Touches by Ellen Lindaya, Unlimited Occasions (Kayte Aguilar-Matiling), and YES (Your Event Specialist) by DJM Consulting Firm offer full coordination/event planning and different wedding packages that include invitations, flowers, sound system and lights, photo and video coverage, photobooth, emcee and DJ, wedding cakes, giveaways, and fireworks among others. Design Lab also offers invitations, personalized items, graphic designs, and printing services for the wedding. In terms of bridal gowns and groom suits/barongs, Simply Chic Gown Rental and Ysabelles’s Bridal Shop offer an assortment of wedding attire for the couple and their entourage and sponsors. For the bride to be at her most beautiful on the day of her wedding, Belle Visage Services offer airbrush and traditional make up and hair styling. Amelvin’s Touch offers styling and flowers. Calishoots Photohraphy, Iyo Photography, Jesphotoworks, and SKT Digital offer photography and videography services. Carvi Canopy Tent Sales & Rentals offers aircons tents, portalets, tables and chairs, chandeliers, red carpets, floorings and Iwata air coller for weddings. And for the receptions and accommodation, exhibitors include Misyel’s Catering Services, D’ Baker’s, Business Inn, Palmas del Mar, Planta Hotel and Residences, and Sugarland hotel. .

G2B - The Best Ending Ever: A Review By: James U. Sy Jr.

Negros Daily Bulletin writer James U. Sy Jr. with PBA legend Benjie "Papa Bear Chito" Paras during the Unveiling of the Alaxan FR "Court of Inspiration" last August 26, 2012 at Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo). The first time I heard the song “Got to Believe in Magic” was way back when I was just a grade 1 pupil at Tay Tung High School. The song came from the same era when songs such as “Words” and “King and Queen of Hearts” were in vogue, a time when love songs were really love songs. I was watching Juan de la Cruz when I first saw the promo for Got to Believe (G2B), which aired starting August 26, 2013. I wasn’t impressed. What does a teen hanging another teen by her ankle upside down got to do with love? Well, the teleserye just proved that “first impressions last” to be not always the case. I accidentally watched one episode and I was hooked. I’m a teenager no more and I don’t get kilig because of the beautiful or handsome lead stars. What caught my fancy was the plot first and foremost. The idea of Joaquin being accidentally shot in the head gave a refreshing twist to an otherwise love story retold hundreds of thousands of times around the world. That single event unraveled, layer by layer, the path to which their undying love story will come to full fruition. In general, the storyline was based on reality. Well, at least with the exception of say, Lolo Isko showing up to Joaquin and then making him remember everything at just a snap of a finger when Chichay had to work a number of days to unsuccessfully rehabilitate Joaquin’s memory. I say based on reality in the sense that it shows the wide gap between the rich and the poor in the Philippine setting. Juliana and her father are typical of rich people who are eye poor (mata pobre, gets? ) while the Zaragosa couple exemplified the rich but kind individuals. Jaime symbolized the poor guy who worked hard and earned his place in society. The Tampipis were the epitome of the poor family that is full of love and aspirations in life. I can deduce that G2B was a hit to the masses because of this characterization. The average Filipino can easily relate to the circumstances shown in the teleserye. They get to feel more emotional as the setting of the plot is closer to their hearts, closer to home as you might say. I’m not saying that the characterization is the centerpiece of this particular masterpiece. On the contrary, it is the fairy tale romance between Chichay and Joaquin. The characterization gave their romance more life, more meaning. I could just imagine a young poor girl watching G2B, aspiring that someday her own prince charming, a knight in shining armor, will come to her aid and cover her body or to carry her in his arms after she falls down to the floor. What the story essentially wants to show is the purity of the love of Chichay and Joaquin. Love is not just about dating, dining out, and watching the moon. It’s much more than that. In fact, G2B subtly taught that love goes beyond the usual teenage stereotype of what love is. Chichay showed that love also means sacrifice as she was willing to let go of Joaquin and be hurt in the process so he might just live. Even Bechay showed sacrifice when she did not go between the relationship of Juliana and Jaime. I especially like the concept of Joaquin losing his memory but his heart still beating for Chichay. It’s kinda sweet and doesn’t fail to make hordes of girls and ladies kilig to the bones. Their love is also pure because it was not based on lust. Chichay and Joaquin slept in one room but nothing happened. The most that Joaquin did was kiss her in the forehead, which showed his respect for her, as one would kiss a grandmother or a mother in the forehead. The producer and director of G2B wanted to present love at its purest form and in the process presenting a more wholesome TV viewing for the whole family. Just like what ABS-CBN did with Juan de la Cruz, G2B was subtly teaching its viewers values that one can use in real life. Respect for parents and superiors, the caring of the elders, the value of education, the value of friendship, honesty, fighting for one’s right and principles, being righteous, and a lot more. In this sense, G2B did more than entertain, it taught as well, though indirectly and subtly. Over all, it’s two thumbs up for me (that would be two toes up for a friend of mine ). The cast and crew did a good job. As they say, all good things must come to an end. But the lessons and values that G2B gave to the consciousness of the Filipino nation will continue to inspire and give hope, especially when Filipinos will need “magic” in their own lives.

Culture Nurture: Banking: The Summarized Genesis By: James U. Sy Jr.

The legal definition of a bank in the Philippines, as established in the General Banking Act, requires four elements for an entity to be considered as a bank under Philippine law. The institution must be 1) authorized by the Monetary Board (MB), the policy making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), 2) to engage in the lending of funds 3) obtained from the public through the receipts of deposits of any kind, and 4) all entities regularly conducting such operations. Thus, non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs), such as financing and lending firms, differ from banks because they lack at least one of these elements. The word bank was derived from the Latin word for “bench” since money lenders sat on benches in any Roman forum in the past. Thus, being bankrupt meant that the money lender’s bench was literally broken so he could no longer sit there anymore. Cognates for the Latin bank are the Spanish banco and the French banc, both of which also mean “bench” (Latin, Spanish, and French all came from the Romance family of languages). The concept of banking was already in existence for thousands of years. However, it was not exactly in the form that we know of today. As early as 2000 B.C. loans were recorded in the temples of Babylon. In Egypt and Mesopotamia, people kept their valuables in temples. Temples were sacred places under the protection of the Gods and were not likely to be robbed. Thus, they were safe depositories. However, since these valuables were not circulated within the community they served little value in improving the local economy. Furthermore, those who read the Bible will remember that Jesus Christ got angry because people were conducting business inside the temple. By the 12th Century, banking activities were recorded in Genoa and other Italian cities. In 1587, Banco della Piazza de Rialto, the first real public bank, was established in Venice. King Charles I of England was in great need of money in 1640 so he seized the deposits of city merchants worth 200,000 pounds of bullions which had been deposited with the mint for safekeeping. The merchants panicked and took measures by entrusting their valuables to the goldsmiths. Goldsmiths were individuals who made and/or sold jewelries such as gold. The goldsmiths of that era also lent money using their own funds. Due to the nature of their business, goldsmiths were usually the only ones who had a vault in their premises, making them the ideal keeper for the city merchants’ valuables. Goldsmiths issued receipts for the valuables entrusted to them and these receipts later became the medium of exchange, the first banknotes if you will, at least in Europe (The Chinese invented paper and unsurprising, were the first to use paper money). Then the goldsmiths started using the funds given to them for safekeeping to expand their lending businesses. As banking continued to evolve, elite banking families, such as the Fuggers, rose to prominence. They lent to noblemen like kings, queens, dukes, etc. It reached a time when these banking families in Europe became more powerful than the monarchs or kingdoms they lent money to. Utilizing their money, they started manipulating the political, economic, and financial environments. They subtly bought influence within the governments for control. These elite banking families destabilized existing monarchies if the king didn’t serve their purpose best. They paid people to cause trouble in the royal court or to cause a revolution, ultimately leading to the ouster of the king and the ascension of a new ruler whom they have control over. These elite banking families also stirred up unrest between nations, lending vast sums of money, usually to both sides, so that war could be waged. The weapons purchased by both sides were manufactured by the industrial wing of the banking-industrial cartel. Usually the outcome of a conflict was controlled by regulating the loan of money and the timing of the delivery of weapons. Sometimes artificial economic crisis was created by contracting/hoarding the money supply, leading for the population to clamor and lose faith in the government in power. The artificial economic crisis also served to increase interest from at least 12% to as high as 45%. These unscrupulous and unregulated banking practices that caused havoc to the ruling governments caused the creation of central banks in different nations to control the activity of a country’s financial system. The Riksbank of Sweden, the oldest central bank, for instance, was founded in 1656. In 1694, the Bank of England, considered as the first real central bank, was established as a joint stock company by an act of Parliament. It served as the model for most modern central banks. In the Philippines, the Philippine National Bank (PNB) (founded Jul. 22, 1916), a government-owned banking institution with headquarters in the old Masonic Temple along Escolta, Manila, served as a de facto central bank prior to the creation of the Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP), as mandated by Republic Act No. 265 (The Central Bank Act), and its formal inauguration and opening on January 3, 1949. The CBP was officially replaced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with the signing of Republic Act No. 7653 (The New Central Bank Act) by President Fidel V. Ramos into law on June 14, 1993. The explicitly stated primary objective of the BSP is the maintenance of price stability in the country.

Kali-Kalihan Explodes With 1st Mayor Joemax Ortiz Arnis Cup Part I by: James U. Sy Jr.

Some of the officials, grandmasters, masters, demontrators, and fighters together with Mr. Danilo E. Diaz, executive Assistant to the Mayor, at the lunch break of the 1st Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) Arnis Championships "1st Hon. Mayor Joemax Ortiz Cup" last February 7, 2014 at the DSB Public Plaza and later, at the DSB Multi-Purpose Gym in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental, held as part of the town's 31st Founding Anniversary and 24th Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo). The Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) Office of the Mayor under Hon. Mayor Joemax Ortiz and the DSB Department of Tourism under Tourism Officer Lloyd Carator successfully hosted the 1st Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) Arnis Championships "1st Hon. Mayor Joemax Ortiz Cup" last February 7, 2014 at the DSB Public Plaza and later, at the DSB Multi-Purpose Gym in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental as part of the town's 31st Founding Anniversary and 24th Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival. Jun Siason, Founder/Grandmaster of the Siasopn Arnis Club, was designated as Chairperson of the event. GM Siason sought the assistance of Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) to make the tournament a reality. GACS, which is one of the most active member schools of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., invited its allied organizations to present the first display of multiple systems of indigenous Negrosanon Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) with established histories and linaages in the town's famed Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival. The Kali-Kalihan Festival is a harvest festival with street dancing showing the cultural and martial heritage the town has adapted, the indigenous Filipino art of self protection, Arnis/Eskrima, more popularly known as Kali to foreigners. A total of 11 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations From Bacolod, Bago, La Carlota, and Talisay gave support to the exposition cum tournament.All groups except for two are members or are allied with the NOBF which is headed by its Founder?President Emeritus Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and its Current President INP P/Sgt. (Ret.) Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra. DEMONSTRATIONS. Mandatus Arnis Sikaran Kali (MASK) of Founder/Grandmaster Romeo Postrano started the exposition with a display of anyo (form), solo baston, and doble baston which are composites of the styles of Grandmasters Teomtimo Buenaflor and Hortencio Navales. The Tanique Arnis and Combat Sports (TACS), now headed by Master Arman Tanique, provided two arnisadors to showcase their style of anyo, single stick, and double sticks which were taught by the late brother grandmasters Bernandino and Teotimo Tanique. Master Stephen Roy S. Dedel, Co-Founder of Pangamot International, with the assistance of Billy Aligonza and Phillip M. Rivera, demonstrated the efficiently brutal use of the knife in the Dedel Pangamot System. Show were sundang contra sumdamg and pangamot contra sundang. 1st Generation Inheritor Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, President of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association 9OFLSFA), Inc., with the help of Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, demonstrated the indigenous long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado founded by his late uncle Founder/Grandmaster Romeo "Nono" C. Mamar of Taloc, Bago City. Shown were the basic uno and dos strikes and the direct hitting linyadas. Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., gave tribute to his 30 teachers by showing elements from their arts that are integrated into his composite Conceptual Arnis System. Among those demonstrated were live blade anyo, largo defensa & ofensa, corto disarmada, and pangagaw baladao kag pusil. He was assisted by Master Deriada of CMAS and Master Joselito Guzon of GACS. The Tribu Hangaway Association, Inc. (THAI) of Master Roy R. Flores was represented by his son Arjay Flores and Instructor Jimmy Soqueña in an exhibition of the saiz teros and their defenses, doble baston, and pang-agaw as practiced in their Hangaway system of Arnis. Organizer Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo so far gave the most number of exhibitions with so far the most number of eskrimadors, of all ages and of different genders. The demo team was composed of GM Guinabo, Master Joselito O. Guzon, Christian Decena, Vincent Española, Janber Guinabo, Rene Cyril Indonila, and Jerwin Palma among others. Showcased were the solo baston, doble baston, espada y daga piga-piga, disarmada, trangkada, and pangkuga of the Trece grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis.

1st Mayor Joemax Ortiz DSB Arnis Cup This Kali-Kalihan by: James U. Sy Jr.

The 1st Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) Arnis Championships "1st Hon. Mayor Joemax Ortiz Cup" will be presented by the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo and the Siason Arnic Club of Founder/Grandmaster Jun Siason for the DSB Office of the Mayor under Hon. Mayor Joemax Ortiz and the DSB department of Toruism under Tourism Officer Lloyd Carator under the sanction of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. under its Founder Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and its President INP P/Sgt. (Ret.) Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra this coming February 7, 2014, starting 9:00 AM at DSB Public Plaza, Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental. The DSB Office of the Mayor is sponsoring this Arnis/Eskrima tournament as part of town's 31st Founding Anniversary and 24th Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival. Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) was founded on February 9, 1983 from three barangays previously under the jurisdiction of San Carlos City. Its Kali-Kalihan Festival every February is a harvest festival with street dancing showing the cultural and martial heritage the town has adapted, the indigenous Filipino art of self protection, Arnis/Eskrima, more popularly known as Kali to foreigners. Mayor Ortiz would like to higlight this cultural heritage which earned Don Salvador Benedicto fame not only in the local scene but also abroad. DSB is also known for its cool climate, thus it is dubbed as the "Summer Capital of Negros Occidental," akin to Baguio in Luzon. The town is also known for its local produce. The set of rules to be used in this tournament is the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Inc. Arnis Competition Rules, which is based on one of the traditional systems of playing Arnis/Eskrima in the old days in Negros Occidental where one player is inside a circle and defends and the other is outside and attacking. World Kali Eskrima Arnis Federation (WEKAF) regulation protective gear will be used. Weapons will be padded sticks. At least 9 Filipino Martial arts (FMA) organizations are expected to participate in this highly anticipated encounter of empty hands and weapon demonstrations and a test of skills in the sparring competition in both the adult and children's divisions. The tournament will be open to the public.