MEDICAL MISSION WITH BANTAY BATA 163 IN CARCAR, CEBU

CESDEV Nursing pushed through with Bantay Bata 163 Medical-Dental Mission to Barangay Liburon, Carcar last Saturday, January 29, 2011, despite the last minute scourge for participants. Most of the volunteers had academic-related activities, something that must be on top of the priority.

Still, with the active involvement of senior graduate nurses Joshua Herbert Buaya and Dawn Michor Daan, we headed to Barangay Liburon for the worthwhile activity. We were later joined by Mr. Ronald Quinones, a Clinical Instructor of UC Banilad College of Nursing who went to Carcar a day ahead of the scheduled Medical-Dental Mission.

We would also wish to extend our gratitude to the driver of the coaster that transported us to the area, Sir Roel, for being so kind, patient, and warm. Salamat Sir Roel, we had a very comfortable ride.

CONGRATULATIONS, KINO LIM!

UC Nursing CESDEV
congratulates Mr. Kino Lim
for winning Third Place
in the Sidelights Category
of Sinulog Photo Contest 2011.

KINO'S WINNING ENTRY

PREPARE FOR THE FIRST CYCLONE OF 2011

Expect heavy rains starting tomorrow, Monday, as a low pressure area is expected to reach the Philippine's tonight and develop into a storm.

Dubbed as the first typhoon of the year 2011, “Amang” will bring heavy rains, and if its path continues, will reach Cebu by Wednesday, said Mactan chief Oscar Tabada of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

He gave a briefing in yesterday's special meeting with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council- Cebu Province. Tabada said Cebu's sunny weather yesterday and today is part of the pattern of the monsoon or seasonal winds.

“There are two monsoons – the Amihan and the Habagat. There's usually a break of two to three days, followed by continuous rain for five days and then another break. “What's happening here is that after the break, bagyo dayon.”

“Lahi ni siya karon. There's a short break. We can see that it's hot today, Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, it will start raining. By Tuesday, there will be wind and rain,”Tabada said in Cebuano.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20110130-317436/2011s-first-cyclone-may--reach-Cebu-by-Wednesday--Pagasa

STATE OF CALAMITY IN CEBU

The Cebu City Council has declared the entire city under a state of calamity following a series of heavy downpour which has resulted to flash floods, affecting the lives of many residents. The declaration will authorize the Cebu City government to utilize its calamity fund and provide assistance to the displace families and to purchase additional equipment that will be used in the event of similar occurrences in the future.

Areas badly affected by the flash floods were Barangays Kalunasan, Mabolo, Basak-Pardo, Buhisan, Pulangbato, Mambaling, Talamban, Guadalupe, Apas, Pahina-Central, and Inayawan.

The city has a P200 million calamity fund for this year and with the declaration of the state of calamity, a portion of the total amount will be used to purchase rubber boats, suction pumps, and other such important relevant equipment. The city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works have started dredging the Mahiga Creek along the boundary of Cebu City and Mandaue as well as the Manalili Creek.

A private contractor, Gonzalodo Construction, volunteered to dredge the Mahiga Creek running from Maria Luisa in Banilad to Subangdaku in Mandaue. The dredging of Tinago and Tejero creeks will be undertaken by the Cebu Contractors Association.

Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) has urged mayors in the different municipalities and cities here to closely monitor their respective areas as heavy rains continue to pummel Cebu. RDRRMC Provincial Coordinator Esterlita Escanan said the mayors were asked to also prepare their rescue personnel and rescue equipment for immediate dispatching if flash floods and/or landslides occur in their localities.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also convened yesterday the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for an emergency meeting regarding the situation in the city. She told reporters that the state of affairs in the different towns and cities in Cebu province with regards the extent of damage brought by continuous rains will be assessed and updated.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/301435/cebu-city-now-under-a-state-calamity

DI mominos 600 ka mga pamilya ang nahasol gumikan sa pagkadahili sa bungtod didto sa Unit-3-A Villa Remedios, brgy., Kalunasan, dakbayan sa Sugbo. Ang pag-irog sa yuta sa maong dapit resulta gihapon niining padayon nga pag-uwan-uwan sa nagdaiyang dapit dinhi sa dakbayan ug lalawigan sa Sugbo.

Si Kapitan Nunilon S. Monares Jr., sa pagpakighinabi sa Sun.Star Superbalita nibutyag nga naalihan gyud ang karsada nga naglagbas paingon sa Villa Remedios gumikan sa pagkatumpag sa 7 metros nga bahin sa bukid. Ang pagkadahili sa yuta inubanan pa sa dagkong mga bato nga maoy nakabara sa mga sakyanan ug mga tawo paingon sa maong dapit.

Dugang sa nakahasol mao ang pagkaibot sa tulo ka mga punoan sa Gemelina nga daw sama na sa lawas sa tawo ang gidak-on, matod pa sa kapitan. Gipadayag ni Monares nga ang iyang mga residente maoy nagtinabangay sa pagpadaplin sa mga yuta ug bato nga naali sa dan aron paghatag og temporaryong agianan sa mga tawo ug sakyanan. Iyang gihulagway nga mga upat ka metros ang gidak-on sa natabunan sa karsada hinungdan sa pagkabara.

Ang mga residente sa maong dapit ninggamit sa bayanihan, barangayan ug bolunterismo gamit usab ang mga dekarga nga sakyanan sa dapit. Sa pagsuwat niining balita gibutyag ni Monares nga maagian na ang maong dapit gumikan sa ilang pagpaningkamot. Wa na lang usab sila mohuwat sa Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council sanglit madala ra man nila inubanan sa ilang kakugi.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/superbalita-cebu/balita/600-ka-pamilya-apektado-sa-landslide-sa-kalunasan

MORE WEATHER FORECASTS

RAINFALL VOLUME IN CEBU HAS TRIPLED

THE amount of rainfall in Cebu has reached three times the normal level.

According to weather bureau chief Oscar Tabada, 353 millimeters (mm) of rain fell between Jan. 1 and Jan. 26, which is three times more than the volume of 107.8 mm recorded in the same period last year.

Tabada said the current volume of rainfall implies that Metro Cebu will have more floods and landslides. Cebu will be cloudy in the next few days and will have light to moderate rain.

Tabada said measurements taken by the bureau showed 100 mm of rain may have fallen in the SM-Mandaue City area last Tuesday. He said 10 times the normal amount of rain fell in less than two hours that day, flooding parts of Metro Cebu. Normally, rainfall at this time of the month ranges between 3.33 mm and 3.67 mm. Last Tuesday, the rainfall was measured at 35.7 mm.

Tabada described the phenomenon that day as a “cloudburst” wherein clouds concentrated over the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Cebu. The rainwater collected in the clouds and poured in less than two hours in a small area.

He said the peak of La Niña, a phenomenon of rains, has passed but its effects will continue to be felt until March. Expect a wet summer and an early rainy season, Tabada said.

He said he has noticed an increase in number of storm surges and soil erosion in Talisay City, signs that the sea level is rising as an effect of climate change.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/353-mm-rain-26-days

"PREPAREDNESS"

LESSONS IN ADVERSITIES

‎"Lessons come from adversity.
Anything can happen to anyone.
You can find a new lease on life
- meaningful than you thought
possible in simple things. Let go.
Live in the moment. GO FORWARD."

- Christopher Reeve

3-DAY WEATHER FORECAST FOR CEBU

HEAVY RAINS CONTINUE

Heavy rain continues to pour in Cebu a day after knee-deep floods hit several parts of the city along with neighboring Mandaue City, prompting local officials to declare some barangays under a state of calamity.

As rain continued to pummel Cebu, one of two missing persons swept by floods Tuesday – an eight-year-old boy – was found dead Wednesday morning. This, even as disaster personnel continued searching seawaters for any sign of the other reported missing person – a woman – who was still missing as of press time.

The body of Vrille Dave Amay, a grade 2 pupil of the Kamputhaw Elementary School, was found floating on waters off Pier 1 Wednesday morning. He was positively identified by his parents who were alerted about the sad development.

Floods stalled traffic flow in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue and put the lives of many, especially those living in low-lying areas, in peril. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) measured and put the amount of rainfall at 35.7 millimeters.

The Mahiga Creek, which is in the boundary of Cebu and Mandaue cities, overflowed and caused flooding at the North Reclamation Area (NRA).

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who left his quarters in City Hall to personally assist people stranded in the NRA has called for a meeting with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways to address the flooding.

Inundation of the NRA affected several streets as well as the parking area of a huge mall, stranding people and causing a traffic jam as vehicles coming from Mandaue could not cross the flooded area.

“It was a jungle out there,” said Rama, who spent about two hours on top of a fire truck, supervising traffic in the NRA. The mayor also related that he saw some stranded motorists “crying.”

Aside from the NRA, several other parts of Cebu City were also submerged, including Sitio Panagdait in Barangay Kasambagan, Barangay Basak-Pardo, Bonifacio St., V. Gullas corner D. Jakosalem Sts., Barangay Apas, Barangay Zapatera, Barangay Guadalupe, Barangay Mabolo, and Fuente Osmeña, among other areas.

Rama convened the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to assess the situation and give instructions. He ordered the Council to come up with a list of creeks and other bodies of water that need to be dredged to help control flooding in the future.

The mayor said that for the meantime, the city has to focus on providing relief and assistance to those affected. The Department of Public Services was also tasked to immediately clean the flooded streets.

Meanwhile, in Mandaue City, Mayor Cortes also immediately called up barangay chairmen for an emergency meeting and was set to declare some barangays in his city under a state of calamity due to the extent of the damage caused by floods.

Barangays in Mandaue that were badly hit by flooding were Basak, Guizo, Tipolo, Ibabao, and Banilad. Classes in the schools situated in areas affected by floods were suspended.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/300823/floodwaters-hit-metro-cebu-areas

NURSING ISSUES: PHILIPPINE NURSES PAY TO VOLUNTEER

Sa isang pagdinig sa Senado, nagkakaisang kinumpirma ng mga samahan ng mga nurse sa bansa: Marami sa kanilang mga miyembro ang nagbabayad sa mga ospital, para lang magkaroon ng work experience at certificate. Ang tawag dito: volunteerism-for-a-fee.

"Marami na kaming mga nurse volunteers, dalawang taon nang nagvo-volunteer. Oh my God, dalawang taon siyang nagbabayad, paiba-iba ng ospital," reklamo ni Alvin Cloyd Dakis ng Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International. Ang problema, walang gustong magreklamo at tumestigo.

"It also benefits the nurse kasi what they are interested in is to get a work certification which can be used for local employment or for abroad," sabi naman ni Dr. Teresita Barcelo, presidente ng Philippine Nurses Association.

Inamin naman ng kinatawan ng Philippine Hospitals Association, may mga ospital na nangongolekta ng bayad mula sa mga bagong nurse. Kapalit daw naman nito ang pagsasanay sa mga bagong graduate na karamihan ay walang sapat na kaalaman o karanasan. "Nobody is twisting anybody's arm in participating in this program," giit naman ni Dr. Hermogenes Garin, vice president ng Philippine Hospitals Association.

Natumbok sa pagdinig ang ugat ng ganitong klaseng pang-aabuso sa mga bagong nurse: Sobrang dami na ng mga nurse sa bansa at hindi sapat ang trabaho. Hindi pa man nakakahanap ng trabaho dito o sa abroad ang mahigit 100,000 nurse, madadagdagan pa ng 40,000 ngayong taon.

Pinag-aaralan naman ng mga senador ang panukalang limitahan ang bilang ng mga nursing student sa bawat paaralan.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/01/11/11/only-philippines-nurses-paying-work

NURSING ISSUES: VOLUNTEERISM FOR A FEE

MUD AND RAIN

You pray for rain,
you gotta deal with the mud too.
That's a part of it.

- Denzel Washington

A RARE weather phenomenon caused the “extreme” rainfall that left widespread flooding in at least two cities yesterday morning, said weather specialists.

In less than two hours, they measured 35.7 millimeters (mm) of rainfall, said Alfredo Quiblat, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) Mactan senior weather specialist.

In contrast, the normal January rainfall ranges between 100 mm and 110 mm for one month, or a daily average of only 3.2 to 3.5 mm of rainfall. Quiblat attributed the “extreme rainfall amount” to the La Niña phenomenon or the cooling of the surface water of oceans, which disrupts global weather conditions.

Environmentalists called on local officials to make an urgent shift to climate change adaptation measures. Oscar Tabada, Pag-asa Mactan station chief, called yesterday’s phenomenon a “cloudburst.”

FLASH FLOODS HIT METRO CEBU

Heavy rains spawned flash floods in most parts of metro Cebu on Tuesday morning. In Mandaue City, search and rescue personnel were looking for a child who went missing because of the floods that hit Barangay Tipolo, authorities said.

Classes in several schools were suspended across metro Cebu because of the floods. Students of Basak Elementary School and Tipolo Elementary School in Mandaue City were sent home as the water reached knee-high.

City officials deployed trucks to take the children home. Hundreds of workers, meanwhile, were stranded on the streets. Some had to use improvised boats to go to work. Several vehicles that tried to make their way out of flooded areas were also stranded. Floodwaters reached chest-level in Colon area, residents said.

Some residents of Barangay Subangdako in Mandaue were trapped inside their houses because of the flood. Police and soldiers were deployed to help in rescue operations.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICA!

BITS AND TIDBITS ...

FOR YOU, ON YOUR BIRTHDAY ...

PRC NOW ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS FOR JULY 2011 PNLE

The Professional Regulation Commission announces that applicants for the July 2011 Nurses Licensure Examination may now file their applications at the PRC Central Office located at P. Paredes St., Sampaloc, Manila and in all PRC regional offices in the cities of Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and satellite offices in Butuan, La Union and Zambales.

Press Release_2011 Nurse

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICKY!

CHILDREN

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters

of Life’s longing for itself.

They come through you

but not from you,

And though they are with you

yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love

but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies

but not their souls,

For their souls dwell

in the house of tomorrow,

which you cannot visit,

not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them,

but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward

nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which

your children as living arrows

are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark

upon the path of the infinite,

and He bends you with His might

that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let our bending in the archer’s hand

be for gladness;

For even as He loves the arrow that flies,

so He loves also the bow that is stable.

CEBU WEATHER FORECAST

HOME REMEDIES FOR COUGH AND COLDS

As the temperature continues to plunge here and in other parts of the country, more and more people are starting to get sick. A herbalist shares 5 ways to use backyard plants in treating cough, colds and flu.

If left untreated for days, cough and colds can lead to pneumonia, which can cause death, warned Dr. Lyndon Leesuy, program manager of infectious diseases of the Department of Health (DOH).

To prevent this from happening, one should drink a lot of water, eat healthy food, have enough rest, and stay away from stress to build enough resistance to diseases, he said.

Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, herbalist and professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, shared 5 tips to get rid of cough, colds and flu for those who are already sick.

Ingredients for these quick remedies make use of plants that can be easily grown in your backyard. The DOH stressed, however, that these should be accompanied by proper medical consultation to get the full effects.

Lagundi.

This shrub, endorsed by the Department of Health, is known for its cooling, antihistamine and muscle relaxant properties. Place 7 clusters of lagundi in a pot with 2 glasses of water and bring it to a boil, then drink it every 4 hours.

Alagaw.

This plant, which can only be found in the Philippines, is known for its aromatic smell. Place a handful of alagaw leaves in a pot with water and bring it to a boil, then drink it every 4 hours.

Oregano.

Place 3 to 5 leaves of this common herb in a pot of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink the resulting mixture to relieve cough and colds.

Ginger.

Cut ginger into long thin strips (julienne). One strip of ginger placed in the mouth can act as a throat lozenge.

Calamansi.

This fruit can be mixed with honey (or sugar) and water to make hot tea. Ginger may also be used to make salabat (ginger tea).Both can help prevent colds and soothe a sore throat.

BIDA BEST KAPAMILYA!

CHINESE NEW YEAR NOT A HOLIDAY

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday thumbed down a proposal to declare the Chinese New Year, February 3, a holiday. Aquino said the proposal came too late since he has already issued the list of holidays for 2011.

"This proposal, though we want to adopt it, unfortunately came after the issuance of the executive order on holidays. The consensus is all businesses have already adjusted to it plus the daily wage earners under no work no pay scheme will be adversely affected. We hope to include this next year," the President said.

Proclamation No. 84, signed by President Aquino, outlined the special and regular holidays for 2011, based on existing laws.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/19/11/chinese-new-year-regular-working-day-palace

THREE-DAY WEATHER FORECAST

LANDSLIDE WARNING DEVICE UNVEILED

Above average rainfall will continue to affect the country until April or even May, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday. The state weather bureau confirmed the cold weather and rains other parts of the country are experiencing is still part of the La Niña phenomenon that started June of 2010.

Even thought very few tropical storms are expected the next few months, the rain is coming from other weather systems like the tail-end of a cold front. PAGASA and the Department of Science and Technology also unveiled a new landslide early warning device, which was developed in partnership with the University of the Philippines.

The device is basically a segmented tube that is dug into the ground. When any portion of the ground moves, the movements are tracked by the device and sends an SMS to parties concerned. The device will be made locally and the price will be less than the expensive gadgets that are available now.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/19/11/above-normal-rains-wont-stop-until-may

PRAYER TO STO NINO

O Santo Nino, who has said,
"ask and you shall receive;
seek and you shall find;
knock and it shall be
opened unto you,"

Give we beseech you,
to us who ask the gift
of your divine love,
that we may love you
with our whole heart,
in word and work, and
never cease from
showing forth your praise.

Make us, O Lord,
to have a perpetual fear
and love of Your Holy Name,
for you never fail
to govern them
whom you do solidly establish
in Your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SEEK YE FIRST

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
and His Righteousness
And all these things
will be added unto you.
Ask and it shall be given unto you,
seek and ye shall find.
Knock and the door
will be opened unto you.
Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by Every Word that proceeds
from the Mouth of God.

-Matthew 6:33, 4:4, 7:7

ONE LOVE, ONE HEART

One Love! One Heart!
Let's get together
and feel all right.

Give thanks and
praise to the Lord
and I will feel all right;

Let's get together
and feel all right.

IN FOCUS: TRIBU SINANDULOY

TRIBU Sinanduloy of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental now holds the record for the contingent with the most wins in the annual Sinulog parade.

They successfully defended yesterday their title as the best contingent in the Sinulog-based category. They also won the best in musicality award. Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director Ricky Ballesteros said the grand parade was a “showcase of excellence.” “Even if the weather was erratic, they performed very well,” he said.

The Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe won their ninth trophy in the Sinulog-based category since they joined the Sinulog grand parade in 1994. Nestor Jarden, chairman of the board of judges for the category, said the performance of the Tangub contingent was perfect. “I admire their precision dancing. Their performance is simple, but a classy and polished production. The choreography is not complicated and relied on varied formations,” he said.

The Tangub dancers, clad in golden yellow Filipiniana and white and gold Barong Tagalog, showcased the different images of the Sto. Niño. Aside from winning the Sinulog-based competition, Tangub also won the top purse in the street dancing category.

Lord Vergara, chairman of the board of judges for the street dancing category, said their decision was unanimous for Tangub. “Tangub has mastered the art of space and the most important thing is they did not treat the Sto. Niño as a prop. Ever since, Tangub has venerated the Sto. Niño and meron silang galaw na distinct sa Sinanduloy (they have some distinct moves),” he said.

MORE RAINS TO COME

EXPECT rains to continue in Cebu and the rest of the Visayas at least in the next few days due to the northeast monsoon, the Philippine, Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday.

The state weather bureau said that as of 5 p.m. yesterday, the tail end of a cold front was spotted near Luzon and the Visayas. Forecaster Ela Comahig of Pagasa's Mactan office said the Visayas will have “mostly cloudy” skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.

SINULOG GRAND FINALE

All that is well ends well. The Sinulog 2011 Grand Parade closed with a 30-minutes Chinese-inspired production number led by Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar of the Cebu City north district.

A Chinese temple façade was temporarily put on the stage to cover the Chinese garden set up. The facade was moved aside to reveal a pagoda. A video was shown about the influence of China on Cebuano culture. The words “I ko, I wu, I zhan Wang” which mean One dance. One beat. One Vision,” closed the video. Then lights in the oval were turned off except for the colored stage lights.

The silhouette of a man thumping a big Chinese drum was shown on the temple facade.When it reopened, at least 20 Chinese men beating the drums entered the stage which now featured a lighted red pagoda.

Chinese men then appeared waving yellow and red flags followed by dancers in gold body tights doing acrobatics. Dancing ladies in Chinese outfits holding umbrellas joined them. Kung fu masters in yellow attire appeared at the roof of the pagoda and trainees on the stage performing kung fu exercises. They all gathered and covered themselves with a white cloth presenting the yin and yang.

Next came a dragon dance. Then an emperor and his wife appeared at the center of the pagoda. Del Mar, the empress, appeared in a fuschia imperial attire. She guided a cart filled with big rose petals with the Sto. Niño enthroned on it. She gave the image to the emperor. The performers then danced to the Sinulog beat.

The finale ended with a half-hour fireworks show.

CEBU!

3.5 MILLION WATCHED THE SINULOG 2011 GRAND PARADE

Dancers fell on the rain-drenched stage. A French national slipped from the grandstand stairs. But these didn't dampen the spirit of the millions of Cebuanos and tourists who converged at the city streets and at the Cebu City Sports Center to watch the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Organizers and police officials declared the Sinulog festivities yesterday a success as the rain didn't stop the 3.5 million spectators from enjoying the Grand Parade either on the streets or inside the sports center.

The rain also didn’t stop the dancers from giving their best. It was a back-to-back victory for the two top performers in the Sinulog Grand Parade, which managed to defend their crowns in this year's Sinulog competition.

Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer Masbate won the first place in the Free Interpretation (FI) category while Tribu Sinanduloy of Tangub City bagged the top prize in the Sinulog-based category. Other winners in the Sinulog-based category were Abellana National High School, 2nd place; City of Carcar, 3rd place; Bayawan City, 4th place; and City Central School, 5th place.

In the FI category, Tribu Buyoganon of Albuyog, Leyte won second place while children from the Mabolo Elementary School won third place. The returning contingent from the northern municipality of Daanbantayan won the fourth spot in the FI category in this year's grand parade while the fifth spot went to the Talamban Elementary School contingent. Mabolo and Talamban contingents also won the third and first place respectively in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan held on Jan. 9.

A total of 143 contingents – dance contingents, higantes, floats and pupetteers - competed in yesterday's Sinulog grand parade.

GOOD MORNING :)

‎"Welcome every morning
with a warm SMILE.
Look on the NEW DAY
as another special gift
from your Creator ...
Another golden OPPORTUNITY
to complete what you were
unable to finish yesterday."

- Og Mandino

SINULOG 2011, LIVE!

Watch live streaming video from sunstarph at livestream.com

ALL SET FOR THE SINULOG GRAND PARADE

All is set for today's Sinulog Grand Parade that starts at 9 a.m., rain or shine. By 7 a.m., all roads along the carousel route will be closed to traffic.

At least 140 contingents will dance their way to the Cebu City Sports Center, whose center stage has been transformed into a Chinese-inspired pagoda of red and yellow, following this year's theme of “Sino-Sugbo.”

President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to deliver a speech at 10 a.m. and watch some of the performances, all competing for awards including the Best Sinulog-based Dancing or Free Interpretation.

The final performances, covered live by TV stations, will be made in the 13,000-capacity sports center with a growing audience around the country and among Cebuanos abroad following the contest on the Internet. Judges, however, require Sinulog dance contingents to show their full routine on the street for the public to fully appreciate the dancing.

The weather bureau forecast cloudy skies and some rain today, prompting advice for spectators to bring umbrellas and water-proof gear. Organizers are expecting a full stadium with all tickets sold out as of Friday. By 6 a.m. gates will be open for early spectators.

The parade will be preceded by a Mass at 8 a.m. celebrated by newly installed Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who will be coming from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño where he officiates a 6 a.m. Pontifical Mass for the feast day of Cebu's patron.

In the morning, the center stage will be styled as a Chinese garden. At night, it will look like a temple with a small lake with lotus flowers and pyrotechnic surprises.

The parade for Sinulog 2011 has the longest lineup in recent years. At least 143 groups—dance contingents, higantes, floats and pupetteers will be on the streets, compared with 133 in 2010, and 112 in 2009, 137 in 2008 and 121 in 2007. This year's increase was seen in entries for Free Interpretation dancing and puppetteers.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20110116-314726/Ready-for-the-parade

SINULOG 2011 GRAND PARADE ROUTE

Sinulog 2011 is right around the corner. If you’re excited to experience this one-in-a-year celebration, then you better be prepared. Whether you want to take pictures, observe the beautiful dance movements, get heart-thumpingly near to the drum-and-bugle choir or simply enjoy the atmosphere, you should remember to take note of this map. You can even print it so you won’t forget.

Best of all, remember to share this map with friends and strangers. You don’t want to be stranded in the wrong place during Sinulog 2011, so better be there when the throng shouts, “Pit Senyor!”

MEDICAL STATIONS

Are you in constant need of a first aid kit or afraid that your body might not be able to withstand the heat and rush of Sinulog 2011? It’s good to take necessary precautions. But if you want to experience the Sinulog firsthand, you can still brave the streets of Cebu and be safe.

Seventeen medical stations are situated all over the parade route. Medical personnel can attend to your healthneeds. In case of any emergency, an ambulance will be provided. After all, the city wants only the best for every Sinulog reveler.

WATER STATIONS

Water stations are where you can fill a glass up to quench your thirst while watching the Sinulog dances on the street. Don’t worry – all nineteen water stations are strategically placed along the parade route, so you won’t have to go out of your way just to take a sip.

Of course, you can always come back for as many refills as you need. That means there’s no stopping you from mingling with the people, appreciating the display of cultural dances and worshipping Santo Niño with your all.

BLEACHERS FOR SINULOG 2011

Bleachers are retractable tiered benches for spectators who watch the colorful parade of dances, floats, giants and puppets in the streets. Getting these seats will not cost you anything except for a sun tan.

These bleachers are available at the sides of the parade area so you can take a close glimpse of what is to happen in the grand stand. There are also many surprises that await you in the bleachers. Come and enjoy the fun in the most colorful festival in the country happening in Cebu, Sinulog 2011.

OUTPOURING OF FAITH AND DEVOTION

A heavy afternoon downpour didn’t stop thousands of devotees from joining yesterday’s solemn foot procession to honor the city's patron saint, the Señor Sto. Niño.

The procession anchored the day-long religious activities that have traditionally preceded the merrymaking and street-dancing held every third Sunday of January, the final day of the Sinulog Festival, commemorating the feast day of the Child Jesus.

The image of the Sto. Niño was carried by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma from its altar to a flower-decked carroza. The procession, which started at 1 p.m., was a five-kilometer walk to and from the Basilica del Sto. Niño, passing through the major streets of downtown Cebu City.

Thousands of Sto. Niño devotees, many without umbrellas, including clergy members, were drenched barely 30 minutes into the procession, but stayed on, singing hymns to the Child Jesus. The procession passed through Plaza Sugbo then proceeded to Magallanes Street, Borromeo Street, Leon Kilat Street, Alcantara Street, V. Rama Avenue, B. Rodriguez, and Fuente Osmeña, Osmeña Boulevard, and went back to the basilica at around 5 p.m.

The heavy rains failed to dampen the spirits of Sto. Niño devotees who had to wade through flooded streets along the procession route. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recorded 19 millimeters of rainful. Bolivar “Boy” Artaiga of Pagasa said the wet weather was part of the northeast monsoon or Amihan.

In a pontificial Mass after the procession, Bishop John Du said, “We are all wet but we enjoy and we are happy.”

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20110116-314725/Rains-drench-procession-but-fail-to-dampen-spirits

SINULOG 2011 PROCESSION ROUTE

The Sinulog Procession takes place on the eve of Sinulog. Before the streets fill up for the parade on Sunday, they become a path for the devotees on Saturday. This is the route where people – Cebuanos and non-Cebuanos alike – pay tribute, give thanks and offer petitions to the Child Jesus, or Santo Niño.

On January 15, 2011, Saturday, starting at 1:30 p.m., devotees will gather in the Basilica del Santo Niño and pray the rosary as they walk in solemn procession before the image ofthe Holy Child. This will end at 6:00 in the same place where it began. This is symbolic of the very essence of Sinulog – that everything that God has given us can only be offered to Him in return.

CONGRATULATIONS FEART!

Esther Feart Aguilar finished Third in a tough and gruelling Sinulog Idol 2011 Grand Finals at the Fuente Osmena last night. She wowed the audience as well as the jurors with her steady and pitch-perfect delivery of songs.

Her winning the Third place was a sweet reward for Feart who ably managed to go through the competition during the night activities in Fuente Osmena without missing her classes during the day.

We are proud of you Feart! You are our Sinulog singing Idol!

SINULOG 2011 FESTIVAL QUEEN

SHE fell down during her performance, but the 16-year-old lead dancer of Basak San Nicolas’ Lumad Basakanon was crowned Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, besting 19 other contestants. Also named the Miss Photogenic, Steffi Rose Pearson Aberasturi, a third year high school student of San Roque Child Development School, took home P50,000.

Held last night at the Cebu City Sports Center, the pageant drew a large crowd, mostly supporters of the contestants. Aberasturi, the first Cebuana to be crowned Sinulog Festival Queen, also received a flat-screen TV for winning the Miss Samsung award.

Jey Ann Avenido of Daanbantayan’s Tribu Kandaya, who bagged most of the awards, won first-runner up. A 17-year-old student of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, Avenido bested other candidates for the Best Festival Costume, Best Solo Performer, and Best Opening Production Number awards, among others.

Barbette Joanne Badocdoc of Leyte’s Pintados Festival, Phoebe Corinne Pataytay of Lahug Elementary School and Denice Marie Caminade of Talamban were the second runner-up, third runner-up and fourth runner-up, respectively.

Dressed in their bright and colorful costumes, the contestants showed their grace as they danced to the Sinulog beat.

UC'S BEAUTY AND PRIDE!

Twenty-one year-old Teffanie Lene "Panyang" Llamada is a Cum Laude graduate of University of Cebu College of Nursing in Banilad. She now works as a Staff Nurse of St. Vincent’s General Hospital.

To be blessed to graduate with laurels further pushed her drive for excellence and self-discovery. She is currently a member of the Fidelis Choir (a church choir), an environmental band, the UC Music Theatre Company and a post graduate student of Psychiatric Nursing.

Panyang has just finished her BSED units and is currently the President of the UC College of Nursing Alumni Association. She is also an advocate of the latter’s debate society. She has always believed that exploring one’s potential is infinite.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all the finalists
and winners of Miss Cebu 2011:

Miss Cebu 2011 - Mia Zeeba M. Faridon,
1st Runner Up - Teffanie Lene E. Llamada,
2nd Runner Up - Vanessa Claudine M. Ammann,
3rd Runner Up - Rosemary J. Gore, and
4th Runner Up - Aiko Lyanne E. Serrano

AND THE WINNER IS ...

HER answer to the final question was the clincher. Mia Zeeba Farridon, 19, a mass communication student from the University of the Philippines Cebu College, bested four other top finalists and was crowned Miss Cebu 2011 during the annual pageant at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last night.

The final question was “In what way as a Cebuana can you help in the aspect of nation building?” Her response came in spontaneously. “As a mass communication student, the most effective communication tool is through the word of mouth. I will use my knowledge and my recognition to spread the word, keeping my value and confidence in helping build a stronger nation... It starts as a Cebuana and as a Filipino,” she answered.

The runners up were Teffanie Lene Llamada (First Runner Up), Vanessa Claudine Amman ( 2nd Runner Up), Rose Mare Gore (3rd Runner Up) and Aiko Iyanne Selyano (4th Runner Up).

MISS CEBU 2011 WILL BE CROWNED TONIGHT

Miss Cebu 2011 is Cebu City's Official Search for the Representative and Spokesperson of Cebu City. The Coronation Night is one of the highlights of Cebu's annual Sinulog Festival. The MISS CEBU 2011 Coronation Night will be tonight, 6:30PM, at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

MISS CEBU 2011 IS ...

One of the these ladies will be the crowned Miss Cebu 2011 tonight. The pageant will be shown live to an estimated audience of about 4,000 people on Coronation Night of Miss Cebu and over 8 million viewers via Studio 23 and Mall goers! The pageant will show the traditional and contemporary lifestyle of Cebu as well as the unique values of the Cebuana with the aim of making her as Cebu's representative and spokesperson.

MISS CEBU 2011 PRE-PAGEANT

Having to navigate a dangerously wet stage in high heels while still maintaining queenly poise might have added to the nerves of the Miss Cebu 2011 candidates during pre-pageant night, but they didn’t show it.

The makeshift stage at the Fuente Osmeña was wet Friday evening from another downpour that the city has been experiencing of late, so the 12 ladies vying for Cebu’s most prestigious pageant title thanked their lucky stars that not one of them wobbled and missed a step.

Three ladies who each bagged two awards out of the eight given out went home happier than the rest. That could help them come with added confidence on tomorrow’s coronation night, Jan. 12, at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino with the special citations as their morale boost.

1.11.11

Today, Tuesday is 1/11/11. How often is every digit in the date the same? It happens more often than you might think, and these calendar coincidences have been the cause of some big celebrations.

SINULOG 2011 SHORT FILM CONTEST

ULAT PANAHON

On and off rains continue to batter Cebu as the public is warned to brace for a wet week ahead amid the celebration of the Sinulog Festival with the Grand Parade, the major highlight, only five days away.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said they are advising participants to the street parade to don the necessary footwear due to the rains. “Because of the rainy weather, we are recommending to the contingents to be careful especially of the slippery road conditions and to wear the necessary shoes,” Ballesteros said. Ballesteros added that a medical team is also on standby in strategic areas of the parade route to attend to any emergency.

PAG-ASA Cebu on the other hand, assured the public that there is no impending typhoon but that the continuing moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms is a result of the tail-end of the cold front in the Visayas area.

The increasing number of devotees to the Señor Sto. Niño who will participate in the solemn foot procession on Saturday, January 15 are also advised to bring umbrella and wear jacket. Police estimates the crowd to join the foot procession at two million and more than the said figure to line the street parade route on Sunday.

Despite the rains, thousands of devotees to the Little Child Jesus continue to flock the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño every day following the start of the nine-day novena mass that began last Thursday.

Ten novena masses are heard daily at the Sto. Niño Church to accommodate the tens of thousands of devotees to the Sto. Niño with the crowd extending outside the church perimeters as the main road leading to the Basilica’s main entrance has been closed to vehicles.

As one devotee would say “Rain or shine, I will continue my devotion to the miraculous Sto. Niño and this is one way of showing it to him by completing the nine-day novena mass.”

Archbishop Jose Palma who will be installed as Cebu’s new prelate on Thursday, January 13, will lead the Pontifical Mass with the assistance of several bishops on Sunday, the feast day of Señor Sto. Niño.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=10922

SINULOG 2011 MUSICFEST

QUIET REFLECTION

Take a moment of quiet reflection. Reflect on the year gone by; of the happy gains and missed opportunities. Recount the good and bad of the past year. Introspect on your personal growth, and learn from the experience. This is the time to ensure that we bring balance to our life with positive influences overriding the negative ones.

SINULOG 2011 PHOTO CONTEST

PASSAGE

With every passing year, we develop a keener understanding of life. Life continues to be a learning process and we gain valuable tidbits of wisdom along the way. Let us learn to live life without regrets and embrace each year with renewed energy.

SUPPORT MS. TEFFANIE LENE LLAMADA FOR MISS CEBU 2011

Miss Teffanie Lene Llamada
is a Cum Laude graduate
of University of Cebu - Banilad
College of Nursing Batch 2009.
She is one of the Official Candidates
for Miss Cebu 2011.

MISS CEBU 2011 ACTIVITIES

please click on the image for a bigger and clearer view.

MISS CEBU 2011 CANDIDATES

Official Miss Cebu 2011 Candidates:

◦Katrina Raye C. Yuson – 19 years old
◦Kerrie Glad A. Arapoc – 18 years old
◦Rosemary J. Gore – 18 years old
◦Katrina Jane B. Esmas – 18 years old
◦Benjielyn Rose A. Ongluico – 19 years old
◦Teffanie Lene E. Llamada – 21 years old
◦Maureen Gail M. Espina – 19 years old
◦Mia Zeeba M. Faridon – 19 years old
◦Junelyn B. Bilocura – 24 years old
◦Erica Janine P. Tudtud – 21 years old
◦Vanessa Claudine M. Ammann – 21 years old
◦Aiko Lyanne E. Serrano – 21 years old

THE SEARCH IS ON ...

The search for Miss Cebu 2011 is now on! This coming January 12, 2011 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, history will once again be made and one Cebuana will be crowned this year’s Miss Cebu 2011!

Started in 1983 by a small group of Cebuanos blessed with foresight, Miss Cebu took on the task of promoting Cebu as a viable alternative tourist destination. This came at a time when tourism in the Asia Pacific region was at a jumpstart and was an imperative tool for countries to woo inventors to their shores. Cebu’s leaders then understood that this Queen City of the South needed to join the bandwagon and position herself as an island blessed by mother nature with splendid resources that beckoned and nurtured tourism and trade.

Miss Cebu, the pageant, became not only an event Cebuanos looked forward to, but also an effective vehicle to establish good relations with countries like Japan, Australia and Korea among others.

Hence, through typhoons, administration changes, economic turmoil, the organizers continued to put up the January pageant until it became a permanent must-see during the Sinulog fiesta week.

SINULOG IDOL 2011

UC STUDENT JOINS SINULOG IDOL 2011

CESDEV Nursing supports Miss Feart Aguilar, a BSN 3 student of UC Banilad College of Nursing as she belts it out and vie for Sinulog Idol 2011.

Her singing prowess, confidence, and charm will surely be her aces as she faces the competition. Good luck, Feart!

EVENTS FOR SINULOG 2011

WALK WITH JESUS

A “mammoth” crowd joined the penitential procession, also called “Walk with Jesus,” this morning. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the number of procession participants is a “barometer” that the Sinulog celebration this year will be a “huge success.” The mayor said he expects the participants during the procession to also join the grand parade, and double the crowd that will watch the Sinulog event on Jan. 16.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. officials had said that they expect more than two million people to watch the Sinulog grand parade. Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Melvin Buenafe said there is no gun ban during the Sinulog festivities.

During the mass—the first of a series of nine novena masses—following the procession, Sto. Niño devotees were reminded not to engage in too many rituals but to create a balance between performing religious rituals and keeping Christian values.

STO NINO, IKAW ANG AMONG GABAYAN

THOUGHTS TO PONDER ON

The old give way to the young. New thoughts sprout from fertile ground. While the New Year beckons us with many promises, don't forget to give the old year its due. Learn from past mistakes and carry the lessons of time with you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARNIEL!

THE GIFT OF THE NEW YEAR

The New Year is full of promise, though you may also get a fair share of tough times. With each progressing year, you find yourself growing confident, experienced, and wise. That's the gift of the New Year. Raise a toast to the year that holds many promises.

2011

BIDABEST!

Another fresh new year is here
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

CESDEV Nursing, BidaBEST!

THE KISS

ANNOUNCEMENT

This is to inform all student nurses of University of Cebu - Banilad campus College of Nursing that classes will definitely resume tomorrow, January 3, 2011. Related Learning Experience (RLE) schedule will also push through as scheduled.

There is no truth to the text messages that is now circulating that classes has been postponed. Again, CLASSES WILL RESUME TOMORROW, JANUARY 3, 2011.

For more information, you may call (032) 233-8888.

NEW FOR NEW YEAR

What's new about the New Year?

New Year is not just a ritual.
It is the celebration
of new hopes and dreams.
It is an opportunity to start
anew with a clean slate.
The New Year offers us
an opportunity to introspect
reflect, and anticipate.

PERSONAL NOTE: WELCOMING NEW YEAR 2011

This blogger had a fun-filled celebration as 2010 ticks its last seconds on the clock and ushered in the new year 2011.

Around 10pm, heard mass with family and relatives, had dinner together in my Tita's condo in Pasay and rushed to Quezon City for the New Year's Eve Concert and Countdown in Eastwood Mall.

It was a spur of the moment decision because initially I just thought of staying home for the New Year since Makati and Fort Bonifacio (my usual party place for the past new year's eve countdown) didn't organize any event because of the oil pipeline leakage in the area.

However, my brother called me up from his office (yes, he still reports to Deutsche Bank on the eve of new year, whew) and agreed to meet up at the Eastwood City. The New Year's eve concert featured True Faith, Side A, Freestyle and Journey’s frontman Arnel Pineda with The Ammo Band.

It was a great party. Extremely glad to have started 2011 with a bang!

WELCOME 2011!

New Year promises fresh start
and fill every heart
with hopes and aspirations.

UC Nursing CESDEV joins you
as it wishes everyone
more love and laughter
this day & the whole year-round.

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

“Lord, with a grateful heart, we come to you today to thank you for all the things that you have brought into our lives during the past year.

“We bow down and kneel before you, O Lord, and praise you as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and as forgiving and merciful Father that you are.

“Grant us the grace of a deeply repentant heart. Forgive us for all the times that we have been so selfish and proud, for the things that we have said and done that may have hurt others, and for doing the things that were not in accordance with your teachings. Pardon us, Lord, for all our sins and shortcomings.

“Lord, thank you for the good life—good health, good food, good friends, good tidings, and good cheers.

“Thank you for all the times that you have been there for us through our family and friends who stood by us in good times or in bad.

“Lord, we ask for your graces and blessings as we start another year, and as we continue and go on with life’s many journeys. We offer to you our children. Guide them in their daily activities; never allow them to be separated from you.

“We offer to you our family. Grant us good health and guide us in our journeys and decisions in life. Let there always be love, peace, and harmony in our home.

“Help us to treat everyone fairly and justly regardless of who they are. Remind us always to have good thoughts, to say good words, and to do good deeds, but most of all, to be humble.

“In all these, Lord, always remind us of your love, and from that love, help us to build and live life with you in our hearts and minds always. All these we ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God’s Holy Spirit. Amen.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!