tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37896804219623882942024-03-26T15:18:13.640+08:00Yadu Karu's BlogThis site has evolved from a personal blog to an advocacy-related site. I interviewed various advocates and featured advocacy-related news and stories in region 12 and other parts of the country. I hope that the stories that I featured on this site will inspire you as readers.Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-13372150471273461752024-02-16T21:17:00.002+08:002024-02-18T18:23:41.883+08:00Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TEqDa7b6xm7GAQw75m3JkTntn-C8rwAGh-ZgrBttFGVxm_iyxWnV4SdCZSAPRbUM9xqZBKQlRtLK2l0SW1h0A3EZAYBiFkLwd6aMPihf2WdT4HdU6jL02D-B5mPQ1II-AsrdjRSj_2Uu2bj7dcSzm4Wf8kveXKaDIhjuOi3hD1y50Yhfu1_eJcIyQZvL/s5184/IMG_0441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TEqDa7b6xm7GAQw75m3JkTntn-C8rwAGh-ZgrBttFGVxm_iyxWnV4SdCZSAPRbUM9xqZBKQlRtLK2l0SW1h0A3EZAYBiFkLwd6aMPihf2WdT4HdU6jL02D-B5mPQ1II-AsrdjRSj_2Uu2bj7dcSzm4Wf8kveXKaDIhjuOi3hD1y50Yhfu1_eJcIyQZvL/w640-h426/IMG_0441.jpg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Michael Angelo “Yumi” Yambok states that being a cultural worker for the Tboli people is a family tradition. From his aunts and uncles to his grandparents and parents, he appreciates the profound impact it has had on their lives. He values the role of a cultural worker as someone who helps uplift their tribe.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the past, Yambok often felt a sense of exclusion during cultural events. He would attentively observe the activities of the Helobung Cooperative, a group of Tboli artisans, and feel a pang of inferiority due to his lack of artistic abilities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Unlike my other family members, I had to accept that I don't possess the same skills. Whether it's dancing, playing musical instruments, chanting, or crafting handicrafts, I'm not naturally inclined towards any of these. I always felt as though I was being left behind,” he confesses.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok pursued a degree in community development at Santa Cruz Mission School Inc. in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. During his college years, he engaged in street dancing activities, which inadvertently prepared him for his post-graduation journey. His involvement in these activities deepened his appreciation for the art of Tboli dance.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After graduating from college, Yambok had the opportunity to teach at his former school. Simultaneously, he embarked on his journey as a volunteer cultural worker. As a community and youth organizer, he visited and immersed himself in various Tboli communities in South Cotabato. He even extended his cultural work as far as Kiamba in Sarangani Province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As the previous members of the Helobung Cooperative became inactive, Yambok stepped up to take on the responsibility of managing the group. He rebranded it as the Helobung Community Dance Troupe, Inc., and began to acquire managerial skills to effectively run the organization. Understanding the profound impact of the group's legacy on their community, he found his role as managing director deepening his passion for cultural work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso1IetCAaanT52WAOc2bWK8c5Ng-441kUzfAYVXtbBoz-wImgN_BR_MKwrVUy1JY0gtJjerZ4Llvb4UAzdo5lzeJCZ_H7jbCJNsy2bHOaTcSa9bv11His7QlixeVjAUsipXcKBMyqcobMPBz0b-EXrQrJhS8pOlcp8ZW6Vga_4ArgoyLQokk4VrKohtUD/s5106/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="2964" data-original-width="5106" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso1IetCAaanT52WAOc2bWK8c5Ng-441kUzfAYVXtbBoz-wImgN_BR_MKwrVUy1JY0gtJjerZ4Llvb4UAzdo5lzeJCZ_H7jbCJNsy2bHOaTcSa9bv11His7QlixeVjAUsipXcKBMyqcobMPBz0b-EXrQrJhS8pOlcp8ZW6Vga_4ArgoyLQokk4VrKohtUD/w640-h372/21.jpg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Helobung Community Dance Troupe has received invitations to various events nationwide. Seizing these opportunities, Yambok never fails to give back to his community, ensuring that the knowledge and experiences gained from these engagements are shared with his hometown in Lake Sebu.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“If you only think about yourself, you can’t truly feel the happiness within you. You need to pay it forward and always give back to the community. Opportunities become useless if you remain passive towards them,” he says.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Diverse roles in the community</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After teaching at Santa Cruz Mission School, he joined the Department of Education (DepEd) and served as a teacher at Lamlahak Elementary School from 2013 to 2020. Later, he moved to Tboli Sbu Senior High School, where he taught from 2020 to 2021. Despite his employment with DepEd, he remains committed to his cultural endeavors and has successfully established a network.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I don't want my passion to overshadow my teaching job. Despite my full-time role, I dedicated my weekends to volunteer work. There were occasions when I took 'leave without pay' to engage in cultural initiatives for the community."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok candidly acknowledged that his employment with DepEd posed a challenging dilemma. Balancing his commitment to education with his passion for cultural work was no easy task. The education sector presented numerous hurdles, occasionally impacting his cultural endeavors. However, he expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of his school principals, who recognized the significance of his cultural contributions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiluNPuS498fgEtnGvaAE26hlTdZZpWo7oohT7NY0OGB-kZcmCuIrykmcDFIBb-MDRzWnC63KdHzjGCfvcXicWxqA0tljXeCV-U9v0Z29gK4ZWDVHs4R29joW9fpg9QGYomTTNv0wEqTBE_fajfWWfySdLktlBILGx2WxSC6RLCS3eI-2ujHHuuY5_9_jk/s2048/Michael%20Angelo%20Yambok%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="2048" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiluNPuS498fgEtnGvaAE26hlTdZZpWo7oohT7NY0OGB-kZcmCuIrykmcDFIBb-MDRzWnC63KdHzjGCfvcXicWxqA0tljXeCV-U9v0Z29gK4ZWDVHs4R29joW9fpg9QGYomTTNv0wEqTBE_fajfWWfySdLktlBILGx2WxSC6RLCS3eI-2ujHHuuY5_9_jk/w640-h630/Michael%20Angelo%20Yambok%205.jpg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition to his role as an educator, he served as the National Commission for the Culture and Arts (NCCA) Tboli/Ubo Cluster Head from 2017 to 2022. In this capacity, he advocated for the interests of this ethnolinguistic group and presented project proposals on their behalf to the NCCA.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aside from managing the Helobung Community Dance Troupe, he also founded the Lake Sebu Youth Network. This dynamic network hosts annual programs focused on arts, culture, tourism, community development, and education, all powered by enthusiastic Tboli youth volunteers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2020, Yambok, in collaboration with Prima Hower, established the Tboli Community Library. His inspiration to set up a local library stemmed from his experience with the DepEd Community Mobile Reading Program, which served elementary readers who struggled with reading every Saturday.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Tboli Community Library is open every weekend. Recently, Yambok has been gathering Tboli references to augment the library's book collection. He is also planning a summer reading camp and hopes to inspire others to replicate the library concept in other Tboli communities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition to this, Yambok co-manages the School of Indigenous Knowledge with his sister. They plan to relocate it near the library, with a Helobung house to cater to the cultural education of young Tbolis.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Education provides us with the light and inspiration to persevere in life. It's our weapon against ignorance, discrimination, and cultural stereotyping. Because of education, we feel empowered," he asserts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At present, he serves as the President of the Lake Sebu Cultural Workers Association, a dynamic platform where cultural enthusiasts collaborate tirelessly. Together with fellow cultural workers in their town, they champion cultural preservation and education while actively lobbying for policies that safeguard their heritage and advocating for their rights.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygqSgHzmjCVFhF-gxORt1IrunH0_KOlJwAg86QYf3vZHFars5-Iag1FGrkvy_srruzlcFyDJj86dSuoEgpONrldn5ppAnYWeNXrWhF9LntLzm7P-GuSyCVdqTFwx6JgBPnf3rD_BvMwWRCYoyrie0fXfG0y1omNX-lEKdQuw0_irWUaHGqNx93X6mUYVW/s4032/IMG_4521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygqSgHzmjCVFhF-gxORt1IrunH0_KOlJwAg86QYf3vZHFars5-Iag1FGrkvy_srruzlcFyDJj86dSuoEgpONrldn5ppAnYWeNXrWhF9LntLzm7P-GuSyCVdqTFwx6JgBPnf3rD_BvMwWRCYoyrie0fXfG0y1omNX-lEKdQuw0_irWUaHGqNx93X6mUYVW/w480-h640/IMG_4521.jpeg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Observing the changes</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok has been a keen observer of the transformations that have swept through his hometown. These changes span across various aspects—infrastructure, economy, and culture. He contemplates these shifts, pondering their impact on the town and its inhabitants.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"In the past," he reflects, "our culture was rich and abundant. However, the current times bear witness to its evolution, most noticeably in our language and practices. For instance, the Tboli people are now fluent in Hiligaynon, yet many would struggle to converse in their own native tongue."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The intermingling of Ilonggo and Tboli cultures in Lake Sebu, coupled with external influences, has ushered in a unique blend of impacts, both positive and negative, on the town and its people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Within the realms of anthropology and sociology, the term 'cultural acculturation' is used to describe the process wherein an individual or group alters their existing culture by assimilating or adapting characteristics from another culture, typically as a product of sustained interaction.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For example, as a result of cultural acculturation, a majority of the Tboli youth now show a preference for attending local discos over participating in traditional cultural events. The challenge remains in fostering a deep appreciation and love for their own culture and identity among the youth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He has also taken notice of the "commercialization" of the Tboli culture. In his view, there is some truth to this, particularly in the context of socio-economic demands, specifically for their tangible culture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Previously, we regarded the Tnalak cloth as sacred. Now, due to its commercial value, it has transformed into a commodity. Some have altered its color or designs. This is also the case with other Tboli handicrafts. You really need to feed yourself in order to survive. As long as we do not lose ourselves in this economic endeavor."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok also recognizes the "bastardization" of their culture, citing the case of local fashion designers who are not deeply immersed in the Tboli culture. Yambok, along with other cultural workers, corrected them in a respectful manner, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These challenges serve as a driving force for Yambok and his fellow cultural workers in Lake Sebu to persist in their cultural endeavors. For him, the challenge is twofold: not only are they cultural workers, but they are also custodians of their own culture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cultural bearers</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to Yambok, engaging in cultural work does not necessitate a Ph.D. or any specialized education. What truly matters is the right motivation, passion, and understanding to excel in this advocacy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"In your role as a cultural worker, knowledge is key," he emphasizes. "Perfection isn't the goal, but rather a commitment to learning and researching about the culture. The competition isn't with others, but with oneself in the pursuit of knowledge."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He underscores the importance of learning from those who have walked the path before you. Engaging with other cultural workers to exchange information is crucial, fostering a spirit of collaboration and continuous learning. His aunt and mentor, Maria "Oyog" Todi, serves as a beacon of inspiration in his journey.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Assuming the roles of cultural workers and bearers of culture comes with its own set of challenges and issues. These range from feelings of jealousy over others' opportunities to the spread of malicious gossip within the group. These are just some of the hurdles that need to be addressed internally. As the president of their organization, Yambok emphasizes the importance of understanding, love, and unity and highlights the significance of their cultural work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We are not perfect. We make mistakes at times," he acknowledges. "We should be open to feedback from our fellow cultural workers, especially those who are more experienced. If we make a mistake, we should accept it and seek forgiveness. We should also respect and support the community projects of others. As cultural workers, we should move in harmony, like dancers to a single melody," he advises.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCE_X093HEvk_ln8Xivc107StD50j6q4OK2gYB1PAK5BFbbABSa3lpvXj7qdeUi7oINIhv-b1itYxwyCwMlfbKkgozZ5Dtp90npQdaNyLjh2OlnK_gfA0APJBaVJRYfJvosApKzU7gzZj6MgT01JhJsv_vJheLVeGeDoEyy4TsnEYoe_46IKTTm_cPTAU/s2048/Michael%20Angelo%20Yambok%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCE_X093HEvk_ln8Xivc107StD50j6q4OK2gYB1PAK5BFbbABSa3lpvXj7qdeUi7oINIhv-b1itYxwyCwMlfbKkgozZ5Dtp90npQdaNyLjh2OlnK_gfA0APJBaVJRYfJvosApKzU7gzZj6MgT01JhJsv_vJheLVeGeDoEyy4TsnEYoe_46IKTTm_cPTAU/w640-h480/Michael%20Angelo%20Yambok%203.jpg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok acknowledges that he has grappled with his own undesirable behaviors in the past. For instance, he was quite outspoken on social media, particularly when he disagreed with the actions of his fellow cultural workers in Lake Sebu. He concedes that much of his commentary was misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings. However, he eventually managed to dispel the doubts cast upon him. He expresses gratitude for these experiences, as they have been instrumental in his personal growth and learning.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Often, the mission of a cultural worker is not readily understood by others. However, this very challenge serves to broaden my perspective and foster greater understanding. Given our educational backgrounds, we command a certain level of respect from the community. Yet, it is crucial that our hearts are truly aligned with the work we undertake.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For Yambok, the most rewarding aspects of being a cultural worker encompass the knowledge he acquires and imparts, the experiences he garners, the opportunities that come his way, and the diverse individuals he meets.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His relentless efforts on Lake Sebu have not gone unnoticed. He has been lauded for his initiatives, earning him several accolades. Notably, he was honored as the "Hero of the Year 2020-2022 COVID-19 Pandemic Frontliners" by Women of Global Change. Furthermore, he was recognized as one of the "Outstanding South Cotabatenos 2022" and was a regional finalist in the "Search for Outstanding Youth Volunteers of the Philippines" in both 2018 and 2022.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DNTxwHxyMKuAz7iXRYR7LWQ0LROSzZ8U-J6giedMsOUMMPzbwrhavogUClEdf6UOHBnHdIbSKbSbk1LEqkj1D1bwOqMQTnNVYvqVzk1jEb5h_28UCYy6K-lav36zzENn6OIKAya0fGxL5hBVoenEPoRtGODdW_BEMrRC6_gvnvM58lODQiGaU2smTOZN/s2048/Michael%20Angelo%20Yambok%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DNTxwHxyMKuAz7iXRYR7LWQ0LROSzZ8U-J6giedMsOUMMPzbwrhavogUClEdf6UOHBnHdIbSKbSbk1LEqkj1D1bwOqMQTnNVYvqVzk1jEb5h_28UCYy6K-lav36zzENn6OIKAya0fGxL5hBVoenEPoRtGODdW_BEMrRC6_gvnvM58lODQiGaU2smTOZN/w640-h480/Michael%20Angelo%20Yambok%207.jpg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lobbying efforts</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the chance to enter politics in the 2022 election presented itself, he seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and resigned from DepEd. He campaigned for the position of municipal councilor, but unfortunately, he did not win. However, this setback did not deter him from his cultural work. The experience only fueled his determination to advocate for culture-related policies in their town.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok currently serves as Tourism Operations Officer 1 at the Lake Sebu Tourism Office, where his role primarily involves planning and generating tourism revenue. As a government employee, he ensures that the public is well informed about government-related programs in their town.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He views cultural workers as the local government's human resources and partners in the cultural empowerment of the Tboli tribe. He acknowledges the lukewarm support for cultural development in Lake Sebu and emphasizes the need for a long-term solution for cultural protection.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We should safeguard our Tboli culture through sustainable policies and programs. I am aware of the minimal support for cultural development. Perhaps it is not the priority at the moment. Despite the lack of financial and policy support, our local government still extends their moral support to our initiatives. We are seeking a long-term solution. It's insufficient if only private initiatives are addressing this issue," he states.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok notes that, to date, there is no local ordinance or adaptation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act Law. They are hopeful for a local contextualization of the said national policy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1RCV9CAZtckg-15orU2tVNdxw3i5PpkSKCop7GrYQ3vM4aGqG0587i02aPaFttpUU97AjLb1A3BE3lyfF2S9qFheoPPtkOOV6N4MyylzxImgLiTWekxA1tDJLzh_vR7XvHRGsHAXbKYqFyavGFTx5Dy81Qbcm8kAbzpY5i-G36as7YQvQOCwO4XcS5xE/s4032/IMG_5489.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1RCV9CAZtckg-15orU2tVNdxw3i5PpkSKCop7GrYQ3vM4aGqG0587i02aPaFttpUU97AjLb1A3BE3lyfF2S9qFheoPPtkOOV6N4MyylzxImgLiTWekxA1tDJLzh_vR7XvHRGsHAXbKYqFyavGFTx5Dy81Qbcm8kAbzpY5i-G36as7YQvQOCwO4XcS5xE/w640-h480/IMG_5489.jpeg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Big expectations</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Municipality of Lake Sebu recently celebrated the recognition of three new Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees: Bundos Bansil Fara for Tboli brass casting, Barbara Kibed Ofong for Tboli textile weaving, and Rosie Godwino Sula for Tboli chanting. This new recognition brings with it significant expectations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yambok challenges these cultural masters to mentor more students throughout their lives to ensure the survival of their cultural traditions. He underscores the role of cultural workers in supporting these cultural masters in Lake Sebu, emphasizing that without unity, their efforts would be futile. He insists that cultural workers should not be passive or complacent in their advocacy work and that their service should not be half-hearted. He also highlights the importance of a support system among themselves and the community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Acknowledging that he is not getting any younger, Yambok believes it's crucial not to focus solely on himself but to allow others to excel in their respective fields. He underscores the vital role of the Tboli youth as their successors in their cultural work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhgAEiZJc1njPCGlmtQ94b6-im7AfOBTJo0E4PlaLcv9TtPLVtrMX_l5XdqEnh9eGhQfMCB1XK8ptoAEw5iP4Fuluw0ib5zJYygmnDx_9sIkOPcdGBmPIqdq_QXmgIvkgR9XmXKDu4F4bO86KNaQngezliS-RvLRWDqEmmNfyjiO1wa5InYIG8BBRxgPU/s5184/IMG_0398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhgAEiZJc1njPCGlmtQ94b6-im7AfOBTJo0E4PlaLcv9TtPLVtrMX_l5XdqEnh9eGhQfMCB1XK8ptoAEw5iP4Fuluw0ib5zJYygmnDx_9sIkOPcdGBmPIqdq_QXmgIvkgR9XmXKDu4F4bO86KNaQngezliS-RvLRWDqEmmNfyjiO1wa5InYIG8BBRxgPU/w426-h640/IMG_0398.jpg" title="Empowering Communities through Culture: Michael Angelo Yambok's Impactful Work" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I aim to empower others and share opportunities. I cherish being with my people and staying in the community. It's never too late to work together for the empowerment of our tribe. It's also time to multiply ourselves and train others," he says.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While he admits that he lacks the means to measure the impact of his cultural work, he finds satisfaction and happiness in the positive feedback he receives from those whose lives he has touched through his work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Being a cultural worker is a gift. It's a calling. We do cultural work as our health permits," he concludes.</span></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-17419485559426335242024-02-05T17:01:00.001+08:002024-02-05T17:01:34.350+08:00 Inviting Entries for the Inaugural Sarangani Anthology <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIcr15DjdudQm26nW3mFkVTMklfhrf2NNnJ5e9H244CVPg3_ZyJF1Uv_dZF9fh6v7Fi0Ir27_hnCysaeYZy8o3-HiWRxmZeHA16Te2hb7zilhdi6tNbKcDNigwe8xdfjhHB590kLElHiXOC19ngG0D39GZylPA1aDbkBclsdJ8Dv48wWedctMxgKZHdnH/s2245/Call%20for%20Submissions%20(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inviting Entries for the Inaugural Sarangani Anthology" border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="1587" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIcr15DjdudQm26nW3mFkVTMklfhrf2NNnJ5e9H244CVPg3_ZyJF1Uv_dZF9fh6v7Fi0Ir27_hnCysaeYZy8o3-HiWRxmZeHA16Te2hb7zilhdi6tNbKcDNigwe8xdfjhHB590kLElHiXOC19ngG0D39GZylPA1aDbkBclsdJ8Dv48wWedctMxgKZHdnH/w452-h640/Call%20for%20Submissions%20(2).png" title="Inviting Entries for the Inaugural Sarangani Anthology" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaranganiWriters" target="_blank">Sarangani Writers League</a> is delighted to announce that we are currently accepting submissions for our inaugural anthology. We are looking for unpublished, original literary works from writers who have ties to Sarangani Province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Work</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• The work may be authored by one or more individuals, provided all authors were born, are residing, working or studying, or have resided, worked or studied in any of the municipalities of Sarangani.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• It may be in any literary form (nonfiction, poetry, play, fiction, hybrid/experimental, etc.).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• It may be written in English, Filipino, or any local language spoken in Sarangani. If it is in a local language, an English or Filipino translation should be included.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• It should have “water” (in all of its forms and meanings) as the main theme.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• It must be original and not a direct retelling of another work. An unpublished or out-of-print work, as well as portions and derivatives of it that can be considered original or different, is acceptable.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• Any work that violates ethical standards will be automatically rejected.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Submission</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• An author may submit one or more works.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• The work, together with the authors’ name/pen name and short bio note, should be emailed to 𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">• The deadline for submissions is 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For questions or clarifications, contact us through email or our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaranganiWriters" target="_blank"><b>Facebook page</b></a>. We look forward to reading your submissions!</span></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-55277487168241812912024-02-03T11:47:00.002+08:002024-02-03T18:11:59.736+08:00Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ7UVVGjp1ID2P48Oj6h93G0q-XurhJ1zi5lKhZiC-LudG2gYpueawg4MMyjJJlUiH_CR5_d3DIrZa21JlvjDZjhaJxefHD9sJGvLxlncLJWxvIz_4R2syztaDjE2sMfphFLnAIDKypyzX8HcNSxUawKsIJUyeO8Rb1hV3ai8AObsI1I1KCqKNW9gDwYg/s1502/Estrella%20Golingay%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1502" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ7UVVGjp1ID2P48Oj6h93G0q-XurhJ1zi5lKhZiC-LudG2gYpueawg4MMyjJJlUiH_CR5_d3DIrZa21JlvjDZjhaJxefHD9sJGvLxlncLJWxvIz_4R2syztaDjE2sMfphFLnAIDKypyzX8HcNSxUawKsIJUyeO8Rb1hV3ai8AObsI1I1KCqKNW9gDwYg/w640-h426/Estrella%20Golingay%203.jpg" title="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the opportunity arose to engage with the veteran writer, Estrella Taño Golingay, my request for an interview was not met with an immediate affirmation. Compelled to understand the reason behind her initial reluctance, I posed the question. Her response was a candid admission of feeling somewhat adrift in the sea of SOCCSKSARGEN's writing community. Despite her veteran status, she confessed to a sense of alienation, a feeling of not quite fitting into the vibrant tapestry of writers that make up the region's literary scene.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Driven by a pressing need to record the wisdom of our seasoned literary writers, I embarked on a mission to reach out to them, seeking to arrange interviews at their leisure. Incidentally, Golingay agreed to my request, and we found ourselves immersed in a profound dialogue within the comforting confines of her modest home in Surallah, South Cotabato. It was a testament to the power of words, bridging the gap between generations and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared literary heritage.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the 1950s, the Philippine government's migration program opened a new chapter for Golingay's family. Hailing from the province of Catanduanes in the Bicol region, they found a new home in Norala, South Cotabato. It was here that Golingay first saw the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, due to the turmoil that engulfed Norala at the time, they eventually relocated to Surallah, a town nearby. Their roots as Bicolanos were contrasted by the Ilonggo-dominated community they found themselves in. This cultural juxtaposition added a new dimension to her mosaic of experiences, enriching her narrative as a writer. It was a testament to their adaptability, a story of resilience etched in the annals of their family history.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJlQxjW1VvU3U2rD4R1K3N8WpvlmVNMqSroNrHgYIBtvIeFB2YHfb5G9SAVjcirewm3WhFGjbyIqiQbsqACIe7_iHlXsPrL2DanMRkWw7DCb_elnQVm9-ngk3Neg54T_YdWZTBUZ51KbAHgyxJ809xe1wvhxA2IcDJDNhlbrDrd2AFE8F_7WItL2EVyY4/s1080/Estrella%20Golingay%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJlQxjW1VvU3U2rD4R1K3N8WpvlmVNMqSroNrHgYIBtvIeFB2YHfb5G9SAVjcirewm3WhFGjbyIqiQbsqACIe7_iHlXsPrL2DanMRkWw7DCb_elnQVm9-ngk3Neg54T_YdWZTBUZ51KbAHgyxJ809xe1wvhxA2IcDJDNhlbrDrd2AFE8F_7WItL2EVyY4/w426-h640/Estrella%20Golingay%205.jpg" title="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This unique experience brought with it its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of identity and language. Golingay found herself grappling with a sense of "ambivalent rootedness" in her linguistic heritage. Despite her Bicolano roots, she confessed to not having fully mastered the language. Simultaneously, she was still finding her footing in the Hiligaynon language, proof of the complex linguistic landscape she traversed daily. It was a dance between two cultures, a balancing act on the tightrope of identity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I felt incomplete,” she confessed. "At times, I would reach out to family members, seeking to fill the gaps in my Bicol vocabulary. Who cares if I don’t write in pure Bicolano? I wanted to write in SOX Bicol,” she shared, her words reflecting her determination to carve out her own linguistic identity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This conundrum mirrors the experiences of many writers in the region, their narratives shaped by the various ethnolinguistic groups that call SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) home. This cultural melting pot has given birth to a unique linguistic blend, a harmonious marriage of diverse languages that has evolved and matured over time, much like the region itself.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The American educational system in the country, with its strong emphasis on the English language, played a pivotal role in shaping Golingay's linguistic prowess. As a young student, she found herself drawn to the treasure trove of English reading materials in her school library, a sanctuary where she could immerse herself in the world of words.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This fascination with the English language eventually guided her academic path. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English at Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) and continued her studies at the University of Mindanao in Davao City from 1971 to 1974. It was a testament to her dedication and passion for the language that had captivated her since her early years.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Golingay revealed a relationship with writing that ebbed and flowed like the tides. During her school years, she was a vibrant participant in literary contests and campus journalism, her words flowing freely onto the page. However, as life unfolded, bringing with it the joys of marriage and motherhood, the spark that once ignited her writing seemed to dim. Her academic career further complicated matters, leaving little room for her to indulge in the creation of literary pieces.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I found myself caught in a delicate dance, trying to balance the demands of writing, family life, and an academic career," she confessed. "Amid this juggling act, I somehow lost my way; my writing went into a long hibernation."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Her words painted a poignant picture of the challenges faced by many who strive to balance their passions with life's responsibilities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The tragic loss of her third child to illness ignited a dormant flame within Golingay, rekindling her passion for writing. This heart-wrenching experience as a mother inspired her to pen </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><i><a href="https://cotabatoliteraryjournal.com/2016/10/01/si-nene-at-ako-sa-pagitan-ng-gabi-at-liwanag/" target="_blank">Si Nene at Ako sa Pagitan ng Gabi at Liwanag</a></i></b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. For her, it was more than just a piece of writing; it was an emotional catharsis, a means to navigate the turbulent sea of grief.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In a testament to her talent and resilience, she submitted this deeply personal piece to <i>Home Life Magazine</i>. The literary world recognized the raw emotion and moving narrative in her work, awarding it the coveted first prize in 1994. It was a silver lining in the storm, a beacon of hope in the darkness.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This accolade served as a springboard, catapulting her into various esteemed writing workshops across the country. Her journey included a Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)-sponsored workshop in 1994, followed by the prestigious Iligan National Writers Workshop in 1995. She also attended a University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman-funded workshop on the idyllic Samal Island, where she had the privilege of learning under the tutelage of literary luminaries such as Anthony Tan, Jaime Ann Lim, and N.V.M. Gonzales.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Golingay likened her writing journey to a "roller coaster ride," a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. The opportunities it presented were beyond her wildest expectations, evidence of the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of the literary world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKYRaY6f7srBn9lAi1dRFeQsMrE4jTD5gLqcAvk8yaAs8ntbqnZGHFkvznyQ7xCSQbe-EWvYk91hHPyA5R73-WFhyphenhyphenPFVTNLceaMjXjcaq3mZZz9jZN7O5aT8p5mAyGg-Fp-_RlV_kVdbEEh69vhgOIiUj3fXYyYPsEyYbZqXVcvdWKcbkTbgX4A8AXCQy/s2048/415882073_682551867404669_5502462744186348511_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKYRaY6f7srBn9lAi1dRFeQsMrE4jTD5gLqcAvk8yaAs8ntbqnZGHFkvznyQ7xCSQbe-EWvYk91hHPyA5R73-WFhyphenhyphenPFVTNLceaMjXjcaq3mZZz9jZN7O5aT8p5mAyGg-Fp-_RlV_kVdbEEh69vhgOIiUj3fXYyYPsEyYbZqXVcvdWKcbkTbgX4A8AXCQy/w640-h480/415882073_682551867404669_5502462744186348511_n.jpg" title="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A group of young writers initiated her journey into the region's literary community by inviting her to various literary events. She attended writers' forums, assumed the role of guest editor for the <a href="https://cotabatoliteraryjournal.com/about/">Cotabato Literary Journal</a>, and served as one of the resource speakers at the SOX Writers Workshop, among other engagements. Alongside experienced writers like Generoso Opulencia, she actively observes the blossoming careers of the region's emerging writers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Golingay experiences a sense of validation stemming from her inclusion in the literary circle and the opportunity to impart her wisdom to promising writers. She encourages these young talents to persist in their writing and reading endeavors, emphasizing that reading is a wellspring of inspiration.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Golingay has observed that many young writers in the region also serve as educators. As an educator herself, she recognizes the benefits of this dual role in advancing the region's literary landscape. Being a writer-educator not only promotes the works of local writers by incorporating them into classroom discussions but also provides a platform to advocate for the writing community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i4NqSvCgxtKwEYaEDT9y-3oqL7X7V0_gvj6S0Sryj55FhdMLAA_QSfUDjD-CsDoQ3D6yhn0SRoh8qR73eUklYy5OMj4bGBR00Od7XP9kLGzMCVCGQp8ag1TpmH9BqJ_yFOW6pfch6J212Ms3L2Pu9hKyNNVGEx_B81MSRv8_m0Qq6dAw5mZvl2lXhnkJ/s843/Estrella%20Golingay%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i4NqSvCgxtKwEYaEDT9y-3oqL7X7V0_gvj6S0Sryj55FhdMLAA_QSfUDjD-CsDoQ3D6yhn0SRoh8qR73eUklYy5OMj4bGBR00Od7XP9kLGzMCVCGQp8ag1TpmH9BqJ_yFOW6pfch6J212Ms3L2Pu9hKyNNVGEx_B81MSRv8_m0Qq6dAw5mZvl2lXhnkJ/w640-h640/Estrella%20Golingay%202.jpg" title="Ambivalent Rootedness: Estrella Golingay’s Thoughts on Writing" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Golingay holds a deep admiration for the young SOX writers and their contributions. She finds the emergence of zine culture in recent years particularly intriguing. The SOX Zine Festival provides a platform for many budding writers to self-publish and market their works, while also fostering networking opportunities with fellow literary enthusiasts. However, Golingay has also noted a "reader vacuum" accompanying the surge of these writers and their works.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Despite the proliferation of such writing, we are not nurturing a culture of readership," she observed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For Golingay, technological advancement has undoubtedly contributed significantly to humanity, but it also comes with its drawbacks. The interests of today's youth have evolved. They gravitate towards the fleeting and ephemeral. Everything is fast-paced, leading to a shortened attention span and easy access to information. However, this trend can be counteracted if one successfully cultivates an interest in reading and writing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Following a fruitful career as an educator at NDMU and Notre Dame of Surallah, she now relishes the tranquility of their farm in Surallah. Alongside her husband, they immerse themselves in the rhythm of farm life. The serenity of the farm offers her the opportunity to delve into the world of ecological writing. Currently, she finds joy in crafting eco poetry; her words demonstrate her deep connection with nature.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Upon reaching a certain age, one's interests inevitably evolve. I found myself transitioning to a different genre, focusing on ecological writing. My work in eco-poetry is a testament to this shift, a field that warrants our attention. It holds a significance that is parallel to that of culture, deserving equal recognition and appreciation,” she said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Recently, I've been channeling my personal and environmental concerns through attempts at eco-poetry. I find this process incredibly healing as it allows me to immerse myself in the captivating flaws of nature.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Golingay likens a surge of inspiration to a virus, an entity that demands immediate attention. She finds potential material for her poetry and essays in anything that captures her interest. She nurtures the aspiration of publishing a book, a curated collection of her works, poised to capture the gaze of eager readers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sharing a moment with this writer was a privilege. She may not claim the prolificacy that adorns other writers we have encountered, yet her wisdom, like an ageless echo, continues to reverberate in the corridors of time. Her insights continue to inspire a new generation of writers who seek to infuse their sense of rootedness into their literary creations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-81626706680004984322024-01-28T19:17:00.001+08:002024-01-28T19:18:20.790+08:00On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4BFwH50blV6RkRBCUrpSoYxBi2Au0-uVtC4gAqwO3FGS7lwnQ7wYhZX6sacLh8d1U4rXBr5ohepCQUCIMGFsPCAJS2Carx-Stk-bK6G3ZPNgL1vg8f3HNqHfz9LPBMjgLk2viUKW7JZLhYAzbjXMjaHMRnhfxr415UZyHLFdStG7eQC5kxYiIKP_BpOp/s2048/12%20school%20acitivity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4BFwH50blV6RkRBCUrpSoYxBi2Au0-uVtC4gAqwO3FGS7lwnQ7wYhZX6sacLh8d1U4rXBr5ohepCQUCIMGFsPCAJS2Carx-Stk-bK6G3ZPNgL1vg8f3HNqHfz9LPBMjgLk2viUKW7JZLhYAzbjXMjaHMRnhfxr415UZyHLFdStG7eQC5kxYiIKP_BpOp/w640-h480/12%20school%20acitivity.jpg" title="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alvin Q. Larida, captivated by the allure of the Hiligaynon language, is driven to delve into the realm of writing. His academic background in physics during his college years did not prevent him from this literary pursuit, even in the absence of formal training in writing or connections within the writing community. Undeterred, he continues to weave narratives rooted in the province of South Cotabato.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I found beauty in the Hiligaynon language. Given the scarcity of SOX Hiligaynon pieces, particularly in our region, it feels like the perfect time to contribute to this body of work,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Hiligaynon language of SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) distinguishes itself from its Western Visayas counterpart. It is a linguistic hybrid, interwoven with various languages spoken within the region. This unique blend stands as a testament to the rich and diverse culture of SOX, becoming a source of its strength.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"During those initial stages, navigating the writing community posed a significant challenge, given my lack of a network. I was oblivious to the existence of writers' groups within the region. My background wasn't in language or literature. I was unfamiliar with the technical aspects of writing."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida's introduction to the region's literary community came through Arnel Pineda and Adrian Pete Pregonir, who acquainted him with local writers and their events. His first foray into a writing workshop was under the mentorship of Peter S. Nery. Nery's critique of his manuscript and his advice to "find his own language" served as a pivotal moment for Larida. This led him to choose to write in Hiligaynon, a language he feels more at ease with.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida immersed himself in the local literary landscape, investing in books and other reading materials to hone his writing skills. These resources became his wellspring of inspiration, enabling him to craft stories with a universal appeal.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2018, Larida embarked on his journey of crafting literary works in Hiligaynon, submitting them to various publications across the country. From 2021 to 2022, he ventured further by participating in writing competitions. He aspired to gain recognition for SOX Hiligaynon, celebrating its distinct linguistic characteristics.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOxzWH4qSXR6I3_2jBUCe_8ltNgXgN0C1ii3NUoKcZ9X7Vh8F_CoPojnzuY3Lsg6S65igYqy_CGbN23RJ63bqpirEzNSOvZJR2C0aJlf-QGw6cdFLRo3TBB6BE2ZwD1MtJolwHpOrCQxH7wJjxymT8K0w3bPyQPW_9mEEv2p9cllrWLbq1vOcbVHuRnEC/s1070/Palanca_Larida.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1070" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOxzWH4qSXR6I3_2jBUCe_8ltNgXgN0C1ii3NUoKcZ9X7Vh8F_CoPojnzuY3Lsg6S65igYqy_CGbN23RJ63bqpirEzNSOvZJR2C0aJlf-QGw6cdFLRo3TBB6BE2ZwD1MtJolwHpOrCQxH7wJjxymT8K0w3bPyQPW_9mEEv2p9cllrWLbq1vOcbVHuRnEC/w640-h616/Palanca_Larida.jpeg" title="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In his second endeavor to participate in the esteemed Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, Larida achieved a commendable second place in the regional category for his moving Hiligaynon short story, <i><b>Lola Violeta</b></i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida's motivation to pen his award-winning piece stemmed from his affinity for Hiligaynon, a language in which he found greater ease of expression. Certain scenes in his story draw from his personal experiences, such as the depictions of "hamyang" and "haya"—the preparation of the burial ceremony that transforms into a familial gathering and celebration. The act of recalling and integrating these memories into his narrative evokes a sense of nostalgia for him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida made a conscious, experimental choice to write his Palanca entry in SOX Hiligaynon. Despite acknowledging a linguistic error from a purist's perspective, the jury appreciated his work. As he noted, some linguistic scholars are receptive to the evolving dynamics within the Hiligaynon language.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Being a recipient of the Palanca award fuels my passion to craft more narratives set in South Cotabato. It seems to spark a sense of curiosity among the people,” Larida shared.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzBq-HwU5BHVL2dZHkhcgDIryyIVS1buCWaNG8Juldd1pUdeON8Q7uDJ-r3Zu4ZDsqrhGrWisAeYPCbNvN0uyA66K3F7gkOkFWWmELXU1WwCPnahCYBdQHB1GqNpceAopNaGn9ZNNJv_ywsaFGy9UoCf_v1tXkiPkd2CWbbkgTGGjf_7QvqBzbJ-PynZM/s2048/received_315035631458522.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzBq-HwU5BHVL2dZHkhcgDIryyIVS1buCWaNG8Juldd1pUdeON8Q7uDJ-r3Zu4ZDsqrhGrWisAeYPCbNvN0uyA66K3F7gkOkFWWmELXU1WwCPnahCYBdQHB1GqNpceAopNaGn9ZNNJv_ywsaFGy9UoCf_v1tXkiPkd2CWbbkgTGGjf_7QvqBzbJ-PynZM/w480-h640/received_315035631458522.jpeg" title="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His immersion in the local literary scene deepened his appreciation for the region's diverse languages and literature. His upbringing in a rural setting, specifically in Surallah, South Cotabato Province, serves as a source of inspiration for his writing. The works of John Iremil Teodoro (or John Remil), Gen Asenjo, Peter Nery, and Alice Gonzales-Tan also inspire him, resonating with him due to their similar settings and depictions of life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida recognizes that not all students today show interest in Hiligaynon literature. They often engage with such works when mandated by their academic curriculum. He acknowledges that not everyone has the ability or inclination to read these local literary pieces. Larida brings attention to the issue of accessibility and its potential impact on the progression of local literature.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"When it is not written or read, the local language may fade away,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida's words highlight the crucial role of active participation in safeguarding a language. In the absence of consistent writing and reading practices, a language stands on the brink of oblivion. His statement serves as a rallying cry for us to value and employ our local languages, thereby guaranteeing their survival and perpetuity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_Lw3deYR-8rt3p2O8gzPvV3YgprVfNAVXQNTiEYskO_G0u7eQa-hew_YO1yPJZuRogW2uj4pN0ydom9mNmgIG5NkuQzhVDkyr8BershpHPDqlVOVjWGSk-QdOes7biOZ92GLzAMWyt-a0wEDVl3yAA3D8sGDGnJae9AR6UC6K9Ti96W5dFvRBwh09qyA/s2048/11%20school%20actvity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="2048" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_Lw3deYR-8rt3p2O8gzPvV3YgprVfNAVXQNTiEYskO_G0u7eQa-hew_YO1yPJZuRogW2uj4pN0ydom9mNmgIG5NkuQzhVDkyr8BershpHPDqlVOVjWGSk-QdOes7biOZ92GLzAMWyt-a0wEDVl3yAA3D8sGDGnJae9AR6UC6K9Ti96W5dFvRBwh09qyA/w640-h356/11%20school%20actvity.jpg" title="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fortunately, Larida is not just a writer but also an educator. He embarked on his teaching career in 2015 at Dole Philippines School in Polomolok, South Cotabato. By 2020, he had joined the ranks of DepEd teachers at Libertad National High School in Surallah. As a significant contributor to the literary community, he integrates local literature into their school curriculum by devising school-based materials.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We often overlook the beauty of our local language when used in creative work. We have become accustomed to mainstream languages like English and Filipino. My aspiration is for our local languages to gain more visibility and recognition. I eagerly anticipate the emergence of a new wave of writers who will champion our local languages.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida emphasizes the need for greater recognition and utilization of our local languages in creative endeavors, as well as the potential for a more diverse literary landscape with increased exposure.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While initially feeling like an "outsider" within the SOX writing community, Larida now recognizes the importance of collaborating with like-minded writers and literary enthusiasts. His goal is to champion local literature and SOX Hiligaynon, striving to enhance its accessibility to the public.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Larida harbors numerous plans for the region, one of which includes a collaborative project focused on creating a Hiligaynon anthology. His goal is to contribute to the production of more literary works in SOX Hiligaynon. As a member of DepEd, he persists in his teaching activities, incorporating pieces from local writers into classroom discussions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXxYTLoM6PkiYw0QnpUq7nt0c0JE474Sc9hyphenhyphenjFButa42FfSpghyphenhyphenUsK6r7SCfQ1M3S4PcmdoLrbH_pthdzuHBxeRqJ8_4TPx_GJkkjDG_0yvBAOTpOzw2bYYly5H6WrmeOxKJho-49VSr8Dua44RM6VmiTM4ymLb_satLzDkiuRLQlTU0zKYd0s1iFWjfU/s1734/420853316_2345462229126396_6225821234062819628_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" border="0" data-original-height="1734" data-original-width="1301" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXxYTLoM6PkiYw0QnpUq7nt0c0JE474Sc9hyphenhyphenjFButa42FfSpghyphenhyphenUsK6r7SCfQ1M3S4PcmdoLrbH_pthdzuHBxeRqJ8_4TPx_GJkkjDG_0yvBAOTpOzw2bYYly5H6WrmeOxKJho-49VSr8Dua44RM6VmiTM4ymLb_satLzDkiuRLQlTU0zKYd0s1iFWjfU/w480-h640/420853316_2345462229126396_6225821234062819628_n.jpg" title="On writing in SOX Hiligaynon language" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He writes in Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, and Filipino. His literary prowess has been recognized with numerous accolades for his poems, fiction, and short stories. These include the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the Malip-ot nga Sugilanon in South Cotabato, the Leoncio Deriada Prize for Poetry and Fiction, Bantugan sa Panulatan Kinaray-a, Peter’s Prize, and Dungug Kinaray-a.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Despite the recognition he has received, Larida admits that he is still searching for his voice in writing. As a way of finding his voice, he keeps writing and telling stories that could resonate with his readers. He is interested in venturing into queer literature written in the local language. He always keeps in mind the advice given to him by his mentors to not settle for mediocre writing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Driven by his passion for the region’s local language and literature, Larida has many things to accomplish. But he does not lose hope or determination in pursuing his vision for the region’s literary community. He is determined to achieve his vision of a vibrant and diverse SOX literary community that celebrates its voice and stories.</span></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-80147978803534958212024-01-16T19:03:00.000+08:002024-01-16T19:03:12.709+08:007 Mindanao cultural masters named ‘Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan’<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ274h8su_YVjB1v8UtqyO5c6nLKmMJbUaZS8g9obfZHYiP2Z43S7zAAXHRvey0J2Q7FwgShy32HEMKjRNXPyHm5ygKVhgIYQASLfAnE6ld4Hyd6YmMyvQD1aZBB6x-xTe7spdGFFfnRfSbMlxXgXyTUtbkKk8v1eldAdt_qepk_DrsNt2l9mRfbrEuCVg/s940/GAMABA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Mindanao cultural masters named ‘Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan’" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ274h8su_YVjB1v8UtqyO5c6nLKmMJbUaZS8g9obfZHYiP2Z43S7zAAXHRvey0J2Q7FwgShy32HEMKjRNXPyHm5ygKVhgIYQASLfAnE6ld4Hyd6YmMyvQD1aZBB6x-xTe7spdGFFfnRfSbMlxXgXyTUtbkKk8v1eldAdt_qepk_DrsNt2l9mRfbrEuCVg/w640-h536/GAMABA.png" title="7 Mindanao cultural masters named ‘Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan’" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Seven out of nine cultural masters from Mindanao have been honored as <i>Manlilikha ng Bayan</i> (National Living Treasures), according to Presidential Proclamation No. 427, Series of 2023.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This esteemed group includes Bundos Bansil Fara for Tboli brass casting; Barbara Kibed Ofong for Tboli textile weaving; and Rosie Godwino Sula for Tboli chanting. The three cultural masters are from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other Mindanao cultural masters are Abina Tawide Coguit for Agusan Manobo embroidery from La Paz, Agusan Del Sur; Marife Ravidas Ganahon for Higaonon mat weaving from Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo for Mandaya textile weaving from Caraga, Davao Oriental; and Haja Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas for Sama dance from Bongao, Tawi-tawi.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The list also includes Adelita Romualdo Bagcal for Ilocano oral traditions from Banna, Ilocus Norte; and Amparo Balansi Mabanag for Ga’dang beadworks and embroidery from Paracelis, Mt. Province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rigorous selection process for this award has identified nine cultural masters who embody the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines. Their exceptional skills and expertise form an integral part of the country's intangible cultural heritage. Their recognition serves as a significant reminder of the immense value of traditional art forms in shaping the identity and fostering the pride of the Filipino people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Commissioner Reden Ulo, the Head of the NCCA-GAMABA Executive Council, has stated that this recognition significantly contributes to the indigenous cultural communities. He believes that acknowledging these cultural masters not only enhances tourism promotion but also serves as a source of inspiration for all, aiding in the restoration of culture. Furthermore, he expressed that the younger generation would look up to these GAMABAs, prompting a cultural retrospection.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Commissioner Ulo underscored the importance of community preparedness in light of this recognition, which extends from cultural workers to the local government. He noted that this recognition brings a wealth of opportunities to their respective towns.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMld5e2o10L9ElWXtf1z4bG13MJNCHlubqHxJ5JYuEOF2D52QJKSz7ARyL2OHPo5wNLgHKFIZvUxo7lpaDA2eMSFl0ghiI1TrT3P8sN3J3D47wDamE8V4lHDzOqR4jEmwK5TE3cPbEAne1JH5zE5RnJU1SA0gMHbbsXI3sRVrbmB6bVMk1r0pBmlWDs_o/s1707/GAMABA%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Mindanao cultural masters named ‘Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan’" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1707" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMld5e2o10L9ElWXtf1z4bG13MJNCHlubqHxJ5JYuEOF2D52QJKSz7ARyL2OHPo5wNLgHKFIZvUxo7lpaDA2eMSFl0ghiI1TrT3P8sN3J3D47wDamE8V4lHDzOqR4jEmwK5TE3cPbEAne1JH5zE5RnJU1SA0gMHbbsXI3sRVrbmB6bVMk1r0pBmlWDs_o/w640-h360/GAMABA%202023.jpg" title="7 Mindanao cultural masters named ‘Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan’" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda expressed her delight at recognizing nine individuals as new cultural luminaries.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Senator Legarda expressed her delight upon learning about the induction of the nine talented Filipino artists, who were recognized by the State for their unwavering contribution to the country's rich and diverse art and culture. She further stated that their works serve as a constant reminder of their significance to the country's intangible cultural heritage. She believes that their works are worthy of admiration and emulation by every Filipino.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She expressed her optimism for an increase in the number of Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees in future years. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging their contributions and facilitating their knowledge transfer to the younger generations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Senator Legarda has been a strong advocate for the GAMABA Award. She has played a significant role in promoting and preserving Philippine arts and culture through various initiatives.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Established through Republic Act No. 7355, the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) is the highest state recognition bestowed upon traditional and folk artists whose distinctive skills have achieved a remarkable level of technical and artistic excellence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As envisioned under R.A. 7355, “Manlilikha ng Bayan” shall mean a citizen engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present generation in his or her community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">(photos from NCCA)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">###</span></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-66442460007850659042023-12-12T11:37:00.003+08:002023-12-12T12:07:55.926+08:00Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2oMqEApmqrKZ-stEsTbTKpcsPebw0ZzWsZnjZEcYQoxErj3zpTgId9UvIlA_P6-GeDagLrLckEjFwLHddTfy7M7WjTAwZ9vLF776Xvjk6g_4TUBwOiQMVFPLlDFEXThKhzY1fD-74n0q5mU-yqMKHdBq6e7A8GGI_AZp_RFeLOlYUHOmf5-8x7bTVP4P/s978/409538779_2624799894338564_8773251428749469996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2oMqEApmqrKZ-stEsTbTKpcsPebw0ZzWsZnjZEcYQoxErj3zpTgId9UvIlA_P6-GeDagLrLckEjFwLHddTfy7M7WjTAwZ9vLF776Xvjk6g_4TUBwOiQMVFPLlDFEXThKhzY1fD-74n0q5mU-yqMKHdBq6e7A8GGI_AZp_RFeLOlYUHOmf5-8x7bTVP4P/w640-h640/409538779_2624799894338564_8773251428749469996_n.jpg" title="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) have announced the winners of the prestigious 41st National Book Awards. Among the awardees is Elizabeth Joy Serrano-Quijano, a writer of Blaan-Ibaloy heritage from Matanao, Davao del Sur. Her riveting work, </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">"Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Ubang Mga Sugilanon"</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> (Can't Go Out and Other Stories), has earned her the accolade of Best Book of Short Fiction in Binisaya. This recognition underscores her exceptional contribution to the Philippine literary landscape.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“For me, my victory feels like a triumph for the Blaan people as well. My stories are not about me or from me; they are merely reflections of the narratives of my Blaan brothers and sisters here in Matanao, Davao del Sur,” said Serrano-Quijano.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDxsSJr7Z5PLfo8Syg0IV5Vr7t4vtGUSkOCTJPt27_Y9yrDnP83p4-JP9hwkaK-yvF0pazdGsxlRIWo2pM-L4XsJY-E8tBqBpwSEuarzJL2zOf_nudmNW6MavEpXoWOZsitQUQeILrZ_GJ9s_K1z2tweddvq-ysSOh2jBEI_R_rAE1Cus_KZebJwctcgo/s2048/Elizabeth%20Joy%20Serrano-Quijano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDxsSJr7Z5PLfo8Syg0IV5Vr7t4vtGUSkOCTJPt27_Y9yrDnP83p4-JP9hwkaK-yvF0pazdGsxlRIWo2pM-L4XsJY-E8tBqBpwSEuarzJL2zOf_nudmNW6MavEpXoWOZsitQUQeILrZ_GJ9s_K1z2tweddvq-ysSOh2jBEI_R_rAE1Cus_KZebJwctcgo/w426-h640/Elizabeth%20Joy%20Serrano-Quijano.jpg" title="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She views this accomplishment as a collective victory for the Blaan community, as it signifies the first publication by a Blaan author. Although her narratives are crafted in the Binisaya language, a reflection of her upbringing in Davao, she nurtures the aspiration to write in the Blaan language in the future. She hopes that her achievement will inspire others, especially young Indigenous People (IP), to share their unique experiences and narratives from their cultural communities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Serrano-Quijano believes in the critical importance of reading. However, she acknowledges that reading is a privilege and not accessible to all.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I firmly believe in the paramount importance of reading. However, reading is a privilege that not everyone can afford. We cannot engage in intellectual pursuits on an empty stomach,” she said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN39VEt28nWRzvN7KVnK-tO4wKga9r-5KXFuLExpgC6pSCpScP-aHmjBlfWvvdXwpU2LdIulQU8q_GJjJbkuczMdRcQpUIjSf97mD04gQ4JsJLJ7M7jTsnfKI0taE_bCjeKFE-Dx82HA13j3WAIkTi8C5SZKPuAmsXFnqE29L6t-EWPJ5uXq1vGlIsjOF/s960/Elizabeth%20Joy%20Serrano-Quijano%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN39VEt28nWRzvN7KVnK-tO4wKga9r-5KXFuLExpgC6pSCpScP-aHmjBlfWvvdXwpU2LdIulQU8q_GJjJbkuczMdRcQpUIjSf97mD04gQ4JsJLJ7M7jTsnfKI0taE_bCjeKFE-Dx82HA13j3WAIkTi8C5SZKPuAmsXFnqE29L6t-EWPJ5uXq1vGlIsjOF/w640-h480/Elizabeth%20Joy%20Serrano-Quijano%202.jpg" title="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Many young individuals are compelled to contribute to household chores and farming or to look after their siblings, leaving them with little to no time for reading. This is why I am a staunch advocate for socio-economic development within the IP communities.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Serrano-Quijano believes that if basic necessities like food and education are provided, these individuals will find the time to read. She asserts that one cannot write without being a reader, emphasizing the necessity of reading. However, she also stresses the importance of physical and mental well-being for reading.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She asserts that development cannot be achieved without social justice. She hopes that the Lumads receive the attention they deserve to realize their potential, especially in writing. She considers herself fortunate, as her parents provided for her needs, allowing her to read and write from a young age.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hwu0khPFixC46NF935Q4Rmcq1qieLkXHwljLMRvm62QSzcXvlWFjJXT6rllO_6eSPKPGitm7Rf7AfdmxvXSjQnHt4lC-_UWZiqFp1UO00XHhCmvsYvmcQqeElRmm81IsJOgjFN9Mt22jcso8Y47xV3IGeBq-DznJm64BWnR3-Zr02DEr8B2EZlCGOe7u/s1440/Dili%20Pwede%20Mogawas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hwu0khPFixC46NF935Q4Rmcq1qieLkXHwljLMRvm62QSzcXvlWFjJXT6rllO_6eSPKPGitm7Rf7AfdmxvXSjQnHt4lC-_UWZiqFp1UO00XHhCmvsYvmcQqeElRmm81IsJOgjFN9Mt22jcso8Y47xV3IGeBq-DznJm64BWnR3-Zr02DEr8B2EZlCGOe7u/w640-h480/Dili%20Pwede%20Mogawas.jpg" title="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Serrano-Quijano's work, "Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Ubang mga Sugilanon", is an anthology of 10 narratives penned in Binisaya/Cebuano. These stories have been translated into English by John Bengan, a recipient of the esteemed Palanca Award. Notably, Bengan was also a contender in the short fiction in English category at the 41st National Book Awards.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dedicated to delving into the experiences of the Mindanawan, particularly the Blaan community, Serrano-Quijano has skillfully interlaced a postcolonial undertone throughout her narratives.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The citation noted that this is very evident in her “eponymous story that constitutes her more sustained effort to produce a narrative that boldly tackles socio-economic and political issues, providing a strong critique of the often-unrecognized experiences of war and struggle.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reader is also guided by the presence of acronyms, glossary, foreword, translator’s note, preface from the author, and blurbs from literature and arts professors.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The National Book Awards is an annual event that honors the most outstanding books written and published in the Philippines, celebrating the diligent creative efforts that go into book publishing. The ceremony to honor the winners is slated for February 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A total of 235 titles were submitted across 34 categories in seven languages: English, Filipino, Binisaya, Bikol, Hiligaynon, Tausug, and Waray. There are 35 winners because the category of Non-fiction Prose in English has two winners.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pg3vLYulnkGnHJbl5kiOKsj58qfc2s5WfM0VKD3CGRwmgMWU5IAYvbWgnfv84An9GHv6asU61ZjeXJiHhN1i7j4jaostNs-zrnPbYvUcPeW3zTSYywX_Zen1T_BK1sjimCQrweYvJgd9ZekZQjjutHJvnZ9OFioSqqs1_b0atlLLyPBVu_S1awbphnAS/s1200/6%20Mindanao%20books%20win%20National%20Book%20Awards.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pg3vLYulnkGnHJbl5kiOKsj58qfc2s5WfM0VKD3CGRwmgMWU5IAYvbWgnfv84An9GHv6asU61ZjeXJiHhN1i7j4jaostNs-zrnPbYvUcPeW3zTSYywX_Zen1T_BK1sjimCQrweYvJgd9ZekZQjjutHJvnZ9OFioSqqs1_b0atlLLyPBVu_S1awbphnAS/w640-h360/6%20Mindanao%20books%20win%20National%20Book%20Awards.png" title="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mindanews.com/booksmindanews/2023/12/6-mindanao-books-win-national-book-awards/" target="_blank">6 Mindanao Books win National Book Awards</a> by MindaNews </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Eleven Mindanao books written or edited by Mindanawons made it to the finals; six of them were winners in their categories.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Serrano-Quijano expresses her profound gratitude to all those who have lent their support and placed their faith in her abilities. She hopes that she will not be the only Blaan writer, but that many more will follow, including individuals from the Manobo, Tagakaulo, and Bagobo communities, as well as others from Mindanao.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She encourages continued support for and engagement with the narratives that mirror our times. She extends her heartfelt thanks to the Ateneo de Davao University Publication Office, Dr. Macario Tiu, and the Davao Writers Guild for their significant contributions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At present, she holds the position of Program Head for the Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, located in Malita, Davao Occidental.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oSF1PjrvYw9_b2-LbN4MSWO2aB2OvjzD-XVjqUuSt9g0tA4wgLrtOPpJCOJP8rmYaOCXV-Ma_SLlhOZmWfbNRFa4AogXXaj0z1itcMZZcu1mE1fthE5fm_IhSUl9JquIioyVu9CuIlNds_YdRoYPs8xp2-_96vk4cPsk3mHItqE3SXEOewz_0z-AxBAK/s2048/Dili%20Pwede%20Mogawas%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oSF1PjrvYw9_b2-LbN4MSWO2aB2OvjzD-XVjqUuSt9g0tA4wgLrtOPpJCOJP8rmYaOCXV-Ma_SLlhOZmWfbNRFa4AogXXaj0z1itcMZZcu1mE1fthE5fm_IhSUl9JquIioyVu9CuIlNds_YdRoYPs8xp2-_96vk4cPsk3mHItqE3SXEOewz_0z-AxBAK/w480-h640/Dili%20Pwede%20Mogawas%202.jpg" title="Blaan author triumphs at the National Book Awards" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She is known for her narratives centered on Indigenous People, the environment, and women and children. Her works have been featured in numerous publications, including <i>World Literature Today</i> and <i>Words Without Borders</i>. She has been a fellow at several writers' workshops, such as the Davao Writers Workshop 2018, the Iyas La Salle National Writers Workshop 2019, and Palihang Rogelio Sicat 12.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honored as the Women of the Future Southeast Asia 2022 in Arts and Culture (category), she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Holy Cross of Davao College and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Development Research and Administration at the University of Southeastern Philippines.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The 41st National Book Awards aligns with the Philippines' two-year preparation period as it prepares to make its mark as the second Southeast Asian nation to be selected as the Guest of Honour at the world's largest book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse, in 2025.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">###</span></div><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-50954354664607742652023-11-23T10:21:00.001+08:002023-11-23T10:25:22.903+08:00On winning my first Journalism Award<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmFdrghsvl5lqNW5k-kgpPAsX8vusF7MexA4nCMbP261Hcm2D1EMmxXgQtxFG1NDY313UNIe_WVZY2tIMCbhi4OKC8hfG-dckkTnb_ZWJCPnAiawMLi5e77PP-9SS97pSXmhfpZGTTo2YWXn4Tj6RW_bmcPmTz0eNUBOkcloDF07P6_HwOnq-SCmmicu-/s940/Genory%20Vanz%20Alfasain%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On winning my first Journalism Award" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmFdrghsvl5lqNW5k-kgpPAsX8vusF7MexA4nCMbP261Hcm2D1EMmxXgQtxFG1NDY313UNIe_WVZY2tIMCbhi4OKC8hfG-dckkTnb_ZWJCPnAiawMLi5e77PP-9SS97pSXmhfpZGTTo2YWXn4Tj6RW_bmcPmTz0eNUBOkcloDF07P6_HwOnq-SCmmicu-/w640-h536/Genory%20Vanz%20Alfasain%20(1).png" title="On winning my first Journalism Award" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reflecting on my journey, my career as a writer began over a decade ago, following my college graduation. It was born from a desire to challenge the preconceived notions that my undergraduate degree could only lead to a career in teaching. While being a teacher is absolutely nothing wrong, I always felt a deeper calling. This, combined with my love for storytelling, guided me toward a different path.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Upon graduating from college, I established my blog, capitalizing on the growing popularity of this platform at the time. While I may not have achieved the status of a social media millionaire as some might have anticipated, this venture unlocked many opportunities for me. It paved the way for my growth as a writer, a public relations specialist, and an advocate. The expansion of my network and the collaborations with various individuals and groups within the region were outcomes I had not initially anticipated, yet they have enriched my journey immeasurably.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this journey, I have become a trusted figure for documenting their narratives. Transitioning from an advocacy blogger and citizen journalist to a fully-fledged writer, crafting stories from SOCCSKSARGEN has evolved into a passion for me. Naturally, not all of my work generates income, but my focus and determination remain unwavering. I am committed to sharing impactful stories that can resonate with anyone who reads or views the content I create and produce.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4bT6z_Tdb1M" width="320" youtube-src-id="4bT6z_Tdb1M"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My unexpected victory at the 16th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards was a delightful surprise. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The prestigious award ceremony took place on November 13, 2023, at the esteemed Fairmont Hotel located in Makati City.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was only when a seasoned journalist from GenSan encouraged me to participate that I became aware of this esteemed competition. Oblivious to its importance, I confidently submitted entries in three different categories.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <a href="https://www.brightleafawards.com/" target="_blank">Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards</a> is an annual recognition program in the Philippines that celebrates excellence in agricultural journalism. The awards commend excellent journalism in agriculture, rural development, and related topics across various categories such as news, features, columns, and television programs, all promoting a deeper understanding of agriculture's role in Philippine society.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The awards ceremony brings together professionals in the field of agriculture journalism, government officials, and industry stakeholders to honor and encourage high-quality reporting in this important field.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBamUTHRTtfz9OvgmxDI5F6BGcuP_PBjUA-T0o8MsWKqgOhP-E9BBgtCkBnpKKp9zkx0TV6kBFhvl2UWF6HJJ5qaAs3QgTMnMaK4YcsSt4BxAqZGti2iHeG7c0nlmLODWiH4-RiZENiUGXL_3GSKR9m4ZSf2Y58xNRdv7_HEFzEinriPqlFG2CJy2qblYs/s4000/IMG20231113214140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBamUTHRTtfz9OvgmxDI5F6BGcuP_PBjUA-T0o8MsWKqgOhP-E9BBgtCkBnpKKp9zkx0TV6kBFhvl2UWF6HJJ5qaAs3QgTMnMaK4YcsSt4BxAqZGti2iHeG7c0nlmLODWiH4-RiZENiUGXL_3GSKR9m4ZSf2Y58xNRdv7_HEFzEinriPqlFG2CJy2qblYs/w480-h640/IMG20231113214140.jpg" title="Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In a fortunate turn of events, my article, <i><b><a href="https://www.yadukaru.com/2023/06/seven-r-coffee-rey-john-bascos-journey.html" target="_blank">"Reyjohn Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers,"</a></b></i> was honored with the <i>Best Agriculture Feature Story (Regional)</i> award. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The article was published in SunStar Davao on the 15th of June, 2023.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the years, I have dedicated myself to chronicling the stories of our region's advocates, particularly farmers, intending to raise awareness, fostering connections with influential individuals, and advocating for their needs. This recognition affirms that my efforts to provide a platform for their voices are making a difference.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Regardless of the award, I persist in my commitment to write/document, connect, and lobby for our advocates to key people, particularly our farmers, helping them to address their concerns and amplifying their voices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alhamdulillah! Grateful to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brightleafawards" target="_blank">Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Award</a> for this recognition.</span></div><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-88101934386023290152023-11-07T14:42:00.000+08:002023-11-07T14:42:57.288+08:00‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYD6aMnm3p4hP1eQB5FhNlTBm-N4RdVZqyy07zdWznvTmUonewlgq3rRDkHO7TnOhGSdhhJzto3Qi2ap0S9i0LlZqwU9owNSgH35ykGm02u0jRw7uhE_ren1e9ffjPnJZO9T9IvdxdHY4Bgjq6mb4whHmYTBmsQCzNKSZ_xsnCkQTj2AVxWOJtQ6gpvIM/s2048/Hanna%20Usman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYD6aMnm3p4hP1eQB5FhNlTBm-N4RdVZqyy07zdWznvTmUonewlgq3rRDkHO7TnOhGSdhhJzto3Qi2ap0S9i0LlZqwU9owNSgH35ykGm02u0jRw7uhE_ren1e9ffjPnJZO9T9IvdxdHY4Bgjq6mb4whHmYTBmsQCzNKSZ_xsnCkQTj2AVxWOJtQ6gpvIM/w640-h480/Hanna%20Usman.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tonicated" target="_blank">Hanna Usman</a>, a Muslim-Filipina and proud Meranaw, is a distinguished lawyer hailing from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Her academic journey led her to Mindanao State University-Marawi where she obtained her BA in English, followed by earning her Juris Doctor degree from the esteemed Jose Maria College of Law in Davao City.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Passionate about her heritage, Hanna seeks to showcase the depth and richness of her culture and tradition through the medium of fiction. She is a staunch advocate for peace and environmental awareness, principles she believes are intrinsically tied to understanding one's culture and tradition.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When she is not immersed in her work, Hanna enjoys a diverse range of activities. She is a fan of Korean reality shows, loves exploring new coffee shops, and has a penchant for oat milk lattes. A food enthusiast, she has a soft spot for noodles and ice cream. She also appreciates the quiet allure of museums and finds solace in the pages of a good book.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b><a href="https://pumplepie.com/products/si-jalal-ago-so-ranaw-jalal-and-the-lake" target="_blank">Jalal and the Lake</a></b></i> marks Hanna's debut in the literary world, a testament to her commitment to sharing her culture and advocating for environmental consciousness.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gHVE_Z3M9tw9hya30ZTSgjFJHhkiwcz-jd0xTsBiV4RBBWR_9Uvlbj7zFaR1O8nokCWQzycFLD7mbkG7LDpO3_d-VbIvnbFsrZD067nbd0BtxPQYwNuVXb8qe8jGa9k-uc43RJuwP9hwePz3XkiidHpSroxkQ4_EBmdzFtc3cabfx7RheR5OYdNCg7yR/s960/Hanna%20Usman%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="960" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gHVE_Z3M9tw9hya30ZTSgjFJHhkiwcz-jd0xTsBiV4RBBWR_9Uvlbj7zFaR1O8nokCWQzycFLD7mbkG7LDpO3_d-VbIvnbFsrZD067nbd0BtxPQYwNuVXb8qe8jGa9k-uc43RJuwP9hwePz3XkiidHpSroxkQ4_EBmdzFtc3cabfx7RheR5OYdNCg7yR/w640-h432/Hanna%20Usman%202.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanna's book launching in Davao City.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/sarisaristorybooks" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Sari-Sari Storybooks</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, an independent press based in California, recently held a series of book launches in Mindanao for their latest storybook, "Jalal and the Lake". This engaging tale was penned by Hanna and marks the fifth title in Sari-Sari's growing collection. The book's vivid and cinematic illustrations were crafted by Quezon City-based artist, Marianne Palita, and the translation was expertly handled by MSU Marawi Professor Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Publisher Christina Newhard is a firm believer in the power of language diversity as a cornerstone of cultural identity. She advocates for children to embrace their native language, a sentiment she believes can have far-reaching societal impacts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The narratives published by Sari-Sari Storybooks have found resonance with Filipino children both in the diaspora and in the Philippines. Through "Jalal", Newhard hopes to not only help Meranaw children connect with their heritage but also expand the understanding of Filipino identity for readers worldwide.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Jalal" is the latest addition to Sari-Sari's series of regional Filipino stories for children, which includes tales in Ivatan, Cebuano, Chavacano, and Waray.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In an interview, author Hanna Usman shared her inspirations behind the storybook. She emphasized the importance of writing about Meranaw culture and tradition, as well as the crucial role of environmental conservation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBFjrlOcQRFzVgAauUCjNbwtZbTl5RMe1D4tSM6IMA2xf3MKU503EgauXlZTxdFZyMINZgHUHitmEW0D7HSxgAOstNvrHUomGLZ0Qz6Kqcor5eUxVkMm4c57jtt3ZOUhrZyS1Q0HG5VhiiobPyI8yny7THjW3OvVo3QoLukR0JwTni3hE56mTz4A49oUr/s1616/Jalal%20and%20the%20Lake%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1616" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBFjrlOcQRFzVgAauUCjNbwtZbTl5RMe1D4tSM6IMA2xf3MKU503EgauXlZTxdFZyMINZgHUHitmEW0D7HSxgAOstNvrHUomGLZ0Qz6Kqcor5eUxVkMm4c57jtt3ZOUhrZyS1Q0HG5VhiiobPyI8yny7THjW3OvVo3QoLukR0JwTni3hE56mTz4A49oUr/w640-h428/Jalal%20and%20the%20Lake%201.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo contributed by Maratabat, a writers' organization in MSU GenSan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yadu Karu: What inspired you to write <i>Jalal and the Lake</i>?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Hanna Usman:</b> I enjoy sharing about Meranaw culture. I love discussing our dances, traditions, and crafts. Growing up, I heard many stories from my parents, which led me to think, 'What if I share our culture through these stories?'</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was also inspired by Exupery's book, 'Le Petit Prince.' I embraced the challenge of crafting a story from a child's perspective, striving to be free from biases and prejudices in my storytelling, much like how children view the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: How did your upbringing in Marawi City influence your decision to write a children's book focusing on Meranaw culture and traditions?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU: </b>We rarely know literature that talks about the Meranaw, the Muslims, and the people of Mindanao. Also, the Marawi Siege brought us to narratives of extremism, conflict, and the like. Being part of the minority, we always had to answer for the things we were not and things we did not do.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have also joined different programs and used to receive questions like “Pinoy ka?” “Born and raised in Marawi?” or statements like “Ang galing mo naman mag Tagalog, parang di ka lumaki sa Mindanao.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It felt like there was always a need for me to tell others that people from Mindanao can speak the Filipino language and that we have so much in common. That we are more than the war or the conflict as shown in the media.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxP3ff1GZprhtlHCAPL1vsIsWohYHboU6OO4DIwnRzmb4SFoOJiDXClIk3DgOFGs4sUShDVS-xNZKAZvcWJs-II8uxLX4blLdzPl-Jhmot4JeOgLEOXe99MHN86UpABv9kPXV-zL4SZk5FazQXTh74ZcvgIKe1O36MHSgr3yMDlzJRdsVJnCo4Mp079LA/s2050/Jalal_PH_Cover_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://pumplepie.com/products/si-jalal-ago-so-ranaw-jalal-and-the-lake" border="0" data-original-height="2050" data-original-width="1620" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxP3ff1GZprhtlHCAPL1vsIsWohYHboU6OO4DIwnRzmb4SFoOJiDXClIk3DgOFGs4sUShDVS-xNZKAZvcWJs-II8uxLX4blLdzPl-Jhmot4JeOgLEOXe99MHN86UpABv9kPXV-zL4SZk5FazQXTh74ZcvgIKe1O36MHSgr3yMDlzJRdsVJnCo4Mp079LA/w506-h640/Jalal_PH_Cover_small.jpg" title="https://pumplepie.com/products/si-jalal-ago-so-ranaw-jalal-and-the-lake" width="506" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: Winning a Meranaw story contest seven years ago was a significant step in your journey as an author. Can you share what that experience meant to you and how it shaped your career as a writer?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> When I was in high school, I have always loved writing, from essays to poetry. There were times I joined essay contests too. Some people tell me I can write and do more. However, I had doubts that my writing would reach or deserve a bigger platform, as my writing was only meant for me as an expression.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I found Sari-Sari Storybooks, I dared to submit my story. That time, I convinced myself there was no harm in trying. After receiving that email from Sari-sari, it made me more confident, and thought that maybe some people would love to read what I write. I still have many more things to learn in writing. And winning Sari-sari, and being given a chance to publish a children’s story is a humbling experience for me.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: Could you elaborate on the central themes of your book, particularly the elements of nature, cultural heritage, and leadership?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> One of the current issues in the Philippines is its solid waste mismanagement. It is also one of the neglected issues in my community. I feel like there is a need to start over (or rather continue our fight on various environmental issues), to emphasize discussing these issues even from the point of view of children. This is an intergenerational responsibility thus, there is a need to address it, involving age groups and all stakeholders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My reference to the lake is Lake Lanao. It is an ancient lake, and it can tell more stories. It bears the history of the people of the Lake. If Lake Lanao can speak, it will tell more stories and truth about our people. It would be nice to touch on the aspect of community, that there is always something powerful in communal efforts. I also want to share that Meranaws put weight on family values, close ties, and </span><i style="font-family: verdana;">Bayanihan</i><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I touched on leadership as my personal view is that a true leader is influenced by his family values. We need to teach our children good values as they will bring this outside their homes. We need to teach them selflessness, we can teach them to seek happiness without forgetting our responsibility to our community and our environment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: What are some of the challenges and opportunities of writing for the regional Filipino language(s)?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> Some of the challenges would include the inability to find the right audience for this, and finding publishers who will be interested in investing with such.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In our case, we noticed that the younger generation no longer uses Meranaw. The challenge comes in when we rarely find people who are familiar with the Meranaw language, which then brings us to the challenge of finding people who will be interested in reading materials written in Meranaw.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This challenge brings us to more opportunities, for writers and artists, to be innovative in their arts and crafts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These days, writers can also do self-publication. Artists are given more platforms to present and offer their craft without seeking big publishers or media. They have an alternative.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: How do you hope your book will impact the Meranaw children and the Filipino audiences/readers in general?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> I hope that this ignites more Meranaw to write about our culture and tradition. This is also in the hope of preserving aspects, if not all, of the Meranaw culture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I pray that the people of the Lake, the Meranaws will take good care of Lake Lanao, as this is a source of life for the community. I also hope that this inspires the younger generation to be good citizens and eventually be good leaders in their communities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YMzvSalRxR1DEvDOMEjldgCSApQjFAC3ZT2xRsN4cuU8wzqvvqNkZ0FdQh0wJ-7gTD4Ouio1bX4rGvr4LEUIv8QwWEVIAqDMTM3nQv4Racrsq3FPzWW61AOD1N0WQ41JpDKJ9SbR_2P4IiZqSWzJzPY7jNEDoXB_rnqVht3cnDJ-XVddIpGUelt6oVxA/s3264/Marianne%20Palita%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YMzvSalRxR1DEvDOMEjldgCSApQjFAC3ZT2xRsN4cuU8wzqvvqNkZ0FdQh0wJ-7gTD4Ouio1bX4rGvr4LEUIv8QwWEVIAqDMTM3nQv4Racrsq3FPzWW61AOD1N0WQ41JpDKJ9SbR_2P4IiZqSWzJzPY7jNEDoXB_rnqVht3cnDJ-XVddIpGUelt6oVxA/w480-h640/Marianne%20Palita%20photo.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marianne
Palita serves as the illustrator of the storybook.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGonhnnkqlLFI43bVnl-o00MCNiJNPNIklDjgWdzOyg8bUICNyiZRjCEw9XNecTvTASmUkruGnyodhBv12Vfhk7bTjjT356V7F8fq7ziCgnGpYrI4-rA1juOhmoc6s-kA_2rjvu7Dcy5dx4BKgISQNTbr0hF8uoK8oUflyiUhyphenhypheni3ByZJ2hQ_5VJoKrx1iP/s554/Sorhaila%20Latiph-Yusop%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="419" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGonhnnkqlLFI43bVnl-o00MCNiJNPNIklDjgWdzOyg8bUICNyiZRjCEw9XNecTvTASmUkruGnyodhBv12Vfhk7bTjjT356V7F8fq7ziCgnGpYrI4-rA1juOhmoc6s-kA_2rjvu7Dcy5dx4BKgISQNTbr0hF8uoK8oUflyiUhyphenhypheni3ByZJ2hQ_5VJoKrx1iP/w484-h640/Sorhaila%20Latiph-Yusop%20photo.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor
Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph acts as the translator of the Meranaw storybook.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: Can you share more about the illustrator and translator involved in the creation of <i>Jalal and the Lake</i>? How did their contributions enhance the storytelling?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> Mariane Palita is the right illustrator for Jalal and The Lake. The details are fine-drawn. The Anime-style illustration is something that the younger children will like. It’s inviting. Meranaw colors are vibrant, which Mariane was able to capture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The illustration brought life to the story’s playfulness, yet without giving up the moral lesson in it. Christina (founder of Sari-sari storybooks) and I made sure we looked at every page of illustration. The illustration helped in conveying the message of the story.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The presence of the translation adds to the emotion or gives the reader the idea that the story is set in a local setting.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVrXZj-Ql4fl_1JLVVeFzhNV48IMrgRasgsH7EnzrEc_5hvARmDkHVJ_1kuBhg_nKsKxbUviWO8qckfuLXpmX9lfLQQD2So3Mg7sc3ITbwYehKb5KtpNhEB1Z9hG-wpSHFFKq7TdrSv1SQysUKILNkUbbxmnmmT5utyXEmiG2qy63mcxOeTmkw99objI0/s1280/Hanna%20Usman%20Author%20Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://pumplepie.com/products/si-jalal-ago-so-ranaw-jalal-and-the-lake" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVrXZj-Ql4fl_1JLVVeFzhNV48IMrgRasgsH7EnzrEc_5hvARmDkHVJ_1kuBhg_nKsKxbUviWO8qckfuLXpmX9lfLQQD2So3Mg7sc3ITbwYehKb5KtpNhEB1Z9hG-wpSHFFKq7TdrSv1SQysUKILNkUbbxmnmmT5utyXEmiG2qy63mcxOeTmkw99objI0/w426-h640/Hanna%20Usman%20Author%20Photo.jpg" title="https://pumplepie.com/products/si-jalal-ago-so-ranaw-jalal-and-the-lake" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: Your background includes a BA in English and a JD degree. How has your educational journey contributed to your storytelling and advocacy work?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> My background in BA English helped me in choosing the right words since the story is one for children.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My background in law also helped me in seeing the issues that are not only emerging but are already present. I can understand what is happening in reality while I aim to present these issues from the point of view of a child.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Philippines has many laws yet the challenge is on the implementation or dissemination of said laws. The challenge also is how to download or translate the spirit of these laws to ordinary people. For example, there’s no point in creating many punitive laws when the people or the community don’t see its purpose and significance.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before creating laws, it would also be nice to work hand in hand in increasing awareness of the many pressing issues in our society.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: You are passionate about promoting peace and environmental awareness. How do these advocacies play a role in your book, and what message do you hope to convey to young readers through <i>Jalal and the Lake</i>?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> I hope the people will remind themselves that cleaning the lake or other natural resources in our community is a shared responsibility. Many actions have to be done to achieve the common good. And we should engage the younger generation in building these values.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: What are some of the Islamic values that you want to share with your readers through your story?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> In Islam, we are taught to take care of our environment. Islam also teaches us to be mindful of our duty to our community including our obligation to protect the shared resources. This also means that we must think about the people around us especially if it involves some resources that are shared by the community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also want to share that Islam is a peaceful religion. Peace here does not only mean peace involving your relationship with other people. Islam is a way of life. This means that we are taught to attain peace with the environment, and peace with ourselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjEdEZ5EDjJzQVA3kCEoi2Mmi-q0iZYGC89RtgfamhKzIEnHlpq9f73xnvfGo0aY_xLGAetUBcfUSgc4hnkY8hxz8sd03jq8bSY5TaP2f3DMN6G9uk6AUR9hSpBoBTZPwxI6kwu4ts7WOmjlmD8C-q7szdhn93LLUk51pG1SY1uQtnStPjwn-FW01nLFw/s1333/Hanna%20in%20Davao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1333" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjEdEZ5EDjJzQVA3kCEoi2Mmi-q0iZYGC89RtgfamhKzIEnHlpq9f73xnvfGo0aY_xLGAetUBcfUSgc4hnkY8hxz8sd03jq8bSY5TaP2f3DMN6G9uk6AUR9hSpBoBTZPwxI6kwu4ts7WOmjlmD8C-q7szdhn93LLUk51pG1SY1uQtnStPjwn-FW01nLFw/w640-h480/Hanna%20in%20Davao.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">YK: Finally, could you provide some insights into what you hope to achieve with the book launches and the message you'd like to convey to your readers and the audience attending the event?</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>HU:</b> In addition to advocating for the environment, I hope this book encourages more Meranaws to write about our culture, crafts, and traditions. I also hope it inspires younger children to develop a love for reading. May this book contribute to our collective efforts in creating a better world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">______</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLk4iGdzKoqQIP_PGB_DjHGvJbTrBIc2hUsyiZlp95TT5ROOQK6xTv2MpSA6vdBhjF9Cj06NGM2flI3Cm0qIAr-3qYbyZZw3-svygK9V-TnIrW-uQQU9_gzd8xcpsvruUQqOy-C0OCcN5egA5XkWPGvKTYrEhabBgzRg6-PNU8SZyzyt5pp0lbM4SpamB/s750/Jalal_US_Cover_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLk4iGdzKoqQIP_PGB_DjHGvJbTrBIc2hUsyiZlp95TT5ROOQK6xTv2MpSA6vdBhjF9Cj06NGM2flI3Cm0qIAr-3qYbyZZw3-svygK9V-TnIrW-uQQU9_gzd8xcpsvruUQqOy-C0OCcN5egA5XkWPGvKTYrEhabBgzRg6-PNU8SZyzyt5pp0lbM4SpamB/w512-h640/Jalal_US_Cover_small.jpg" title="‘Jalal and the Lake’: An interview with Hanna Usman" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can order <i><b>Jalal and the Lake</b></i> through this <b><a href="https://pumplepie.com/products/si-jalal-ago-so-ranaw-jalal-and-the-lake" target="_blank">link</a></b>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-58718005513099689312023-08-27T13:32:00.001+08:002023-08-27T13:34:27.110+08:00Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSQ__J3fV3uidAW_Pengv1ZrT63dWny-VqPwgxBlCnQjDniPDU74u3i9bz7ZKswhhpRYTABqwLNmKJ-iV5pffn8I2RNYssbMRcF-MTHE35oJZ3rKRLUQ7eVBzmk6dkaOvCfvpJIij0Z8bmwycoi7mX3nGWuFAlUe8Kc8Nk_C_lP5Z8k1BV9JtXEY2VTw_/s2048/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSQ__J3fV3uidAW_Pengv1ZrT63dWny-VqPwgxBlCnQjDniPDU74u3i9bz7ZKswhhpRYTABqwLNmKJ-iV5pffn8I2RNYssbMRcF-MTHE35oJZ3rKRLUQ7eVBzmk6dkaOvCfvpJIij0Z8bmwycoi7mX3nGWuFAlUe8Kc8Nk_C_lP5Z8k1BV9JtXEY2VTw_/w640-h426/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%203.jpg" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Philippines has witnessed a coffee boom in recent years, with numerous coffee shops popping up across the nation. However, not all of these establishments promote quality coffee and support the local coffee farmers, who are vital to the industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A local coffee shop in Maitum, a coastal town in Sarangani Province, has a vision to showcase the municipality's coffee production. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thirstytonguecafe" target="_blank">Thirsty Tongue Café</a>, owned and run by barista Mervin John Keith Reganit Sabarre, aims to help the coffee farmers in their community and educate his customers about quality coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVAJJ_PqSrjTnnhjXtirkXwbotIHGnauZKlGw-pyBDeuP8lssfiaxtRMzSPBKoLSpaf5EwpSgSd0L8-g4z8oD78CetSUNOv1ke5FDILZvIStgwE9F2CmFwATOMvjQbZAH9_OiNxdg-WA0-NloitfEBLOHWci3eqFemb6yQzdLgMJCVmhKmbzNc-Cztp6/s6016/DSC_6321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdVAJJ_PqSrjTnnhjXtirkXwbotIHGnauZKlGw-pyBDeuP8lssfiaxtRMzSPBKoLSpaf5EwpSgSd0L8-g4z8oD78CetSUNOv1ke5FDILZvIStgwE9F2CmFwATOMvjQbZAH9_OiNxdg-WA0-NloitfEBLOHWci3eqFemb6yQzdLgMJCVmhKmbzNc-Cztp6/w640-h428/DSC_6321.JPG" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabarre teamed up with Q Robusta Grader Raniele Cedrik De Vera, the owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sidenotescoffee" target="_blank">Sidenotes Coffee Co.</a>, to organize the <b><i>Maitum Coffee Connections</i></b> in his town on August 24, 2023. The event aimed to educate the stakeholders on coffee and to support local quality coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The goal is to educate them that there is more to coffee than what they know. Coffee is already a part of our lives, and it should be of high quality if we consume it," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabarre demonstrated the coffee cupping procedure to the attendees and discussed its significance.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwM3-m6MfANKr09tPRKj-psBSOS-aOOxuhgTwUfUwwBjVejL3AiCf-Wb5XPhde_X-__wo_nRy741bHvNvHF1uVC5U4_K1OmwJje4EZkYHs1TGOwGoxZBybqyEqrSioSY4u9RyrRBPfcvqCkSi3XGceWQ1en89mMAtLfeuZKU37weLIX9aVKeebDiWGFwl/s6016/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwM3-m6MfANKr09tPRKj-psBSOS-aOOxuhgTwUfUwwBjVejL3AiCf-Wb5XPhde_X-__wo_nRy741bHvNvHF1uVC5U4_K1OmwJje4EZkYHs1TGOwGoxZBybqyEqrSioSY4u9RyrRBPfcvqCkSi3XGceWQ1en89mMAtLfeuZKU37weLIX9aVKeebDiWGFwl/w640-h428/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%205.JPG" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"This event also helps farmers understand their purpose in the industry and encourages them to be more active in ensuring quality processes. I hope that Maitum will soon have a consistent supply of Fine Robusta to contribute to the world of coffee quality," he added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera presented <i>Manual Brewing Essentials</i> and demonstrated brewing techniques using various coffee vessels. As a new Q Professional in the coffee industry, he places great importance on educating the public about coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"One of the roles of a Q Grader is to provide accurate coffee education. There are misconceptions about coffee that do not align with industry standards. As Q Professionals, it is our responsibility to educate both consumers and coffee stakeholders," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkKI-9KL97EJdgWGjyNiYBSkSr0tP9lInu0xEC1VJXE03JPHJxdl5hrATOGclvKZcQcYcs20m9tz6mUQAR80H0Dqte_N1oXat9Qzfvu8DhDNvKy1auj8Azt5gSFzfVn4tVCfoRTg1LyI0ZkrGH964zvGuzNDxcP_HfJIzLLXE2nvUOevQm3iSx5SX0Tcl/s6016/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkKI-9KL97EJdgWGjyNiYBSkSr0tP9lInu0xEC1VJXE03JPHJxdl5hrATOGclvKZcQcYcs20m9tz6mUQAR80H0Dqte_N1oXat9Qzfvu8DhDNvKy1auj8Azt5gSFzfVn4tVCfoRTg1LyI0ZkrGH964zvGuzNDxcP_HfJIzLLXE2nvUOevQm3iSx5SX0Tcl/w640-h428/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%206.JPG" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A Q Grader is a certified professional who evaluates the quality of green coffee. They use the Q Program to grade coffee and share a common language of quality with producers and buyers. Many jobs in the coffee industry require employees to be certified Q Graders. There are over 7,000 Q Graders worldwide.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Q Grader certification is administered by the <a href="https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">Coffee Quality Institute (CQI)</a>. CQI is a non-profit organization that works internationally to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of the people who produce it. They offer training and certification programs for coffee professionals, including the Q Grader program, which certifies individuals in the sensory evaluation of green coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the two sessions, attendees shared their experiences participating in the event. Many expressed appreciation for the importance of consuming local quality coffee and recognized the efforts of the Maitum farmers who produced it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LDsEZKxzbAgsvPI5fvrFCMvrC526WoCjUlWvrKJLTDXGrDj-ZG7rBAg0dB-jG-grbKqBA1SDYw8PTbE9WGe7L29SOpU2HsHC5AG767OnkWsAp_aAv3QCPc7TqsOVsxkKyEdgNLuVHlHX52yZGLDiX0-yauPHD864XZZ9bHaXy96Xv6TNp9vyCrUVstBn/s2048/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LDsEZKxzbAgsvPI5fvrFCMvrC526WoCjUlWvrKJLTDXGrDj-ZG7rBAg0dB-jG-grbKqBA1SDYw8PTbE9WGe7L29SOpU2HsHC5AG767OnkWsAp_aAv3QCPc7TqsOVsxkKyEdgNLuVHlHX52yZGLDiX0-yauPHD864XZZ9bHaXy96Xv6TNp9vyCrUVstBn/w640-h426/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%202.jpg" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">'Maitum Coffee Connections’ was the second coffee event series to take place in Maitum. The first was held at <a href="https://www.yadukaru.com/2023/02/malaya-brew-spreading-word-about-maitum.html" target="_blank">Malaya Brew</a> on May 30, 2023.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabarre and De Vera, along with other coffee shop owners in the Soccsksargen Region, are advocating for local quality coffee. They aim to raise public awareness about the value of the local coffee industry and its stakeholders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7hSf8nL4gkOhps4JC6R6Tkgp1EVxynU-fK-s2yaAKnYYyZTGyQbsGsJrfbQ5bt0dpkUbnYcbkwqUbNWwwxkXGgIqxL2ec4zoodepgHDqUqhUdnRGV5K4RaSlR3VPTACubQ5XgofBq-NOQRX4PXdVAv4aLLGilaKxZacLouDIx_6jjym7WkZHKVKIBvIL/s2048/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7hSf8nL4gkOhps4JC6R6Tkgp1EVxynU-fK-s2yaAKnYYyZTGyQbsGsJrfbQ5bt0dpkUbnYcbkwqUbNWwwxkXGgIqxL2ec4zoodepgHDqUqhUdnRGV5K4RaSlR3VPTACubQ5XgofBq-NOQRX4PXdVAv4aLLGilaKxZacLouDIx_6jjym7WkZHKVKIBvIL/w640-h426/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%201.jpg" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Advocating local quality coffee</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Government agencies and NGOs, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the ACDI/VOCA-PhilCAFE Project, have organized coffee quality competitions like the Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition to encourage and reward standard protocols for coffee farming and production. These competitions inspire the farmers to produce quality coffee, which can fetch higher prices in the market.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.yadukaru.com/2023/01/revitalizing-maitums-robusta-coffee.html" target="_blank">Datu Kubli Kusin</a>, a Tboli farmer from Maitum, was one of the winners of the <a href="https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2023/03/14/kape-dose-competition-highlights-finest-coffee-farmers-producers-in-soccsksargen" target="_blank">Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition 2023</a>. He ranked fourth with a cupping score of 83.83 for the Fine Robusta Category. Datu Kusin currently serves as the president of the Upo Valley Farmers Association (UVFA).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wUXrcf_hnG_1Tnpwv3mAW9F3HET3csQ79yalAi4oDm-38kaJpT88Vk0EHH4INUPYwvRIGHNF0ROdGHJP3oM5XIkY9_KmSUDTqPxNReZRrOtm7BOLMyQHlPmmAFYtQHworsW_IsriYvHxAYQ2O2xKJtuXdUunDW_iSxAbxVCWeQKOFJaB-jBi9jO6Y-fT/s2048/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wUXrcf_hnG_1Tnpwv3mAW9F3HET3csQ79yalAi4oDm-38kaJpT88Vk0EHH4INUPYwvRIGHNF0ROdGHJP3oM5XIkY9_KmSUDTqPxNReZRrOtm7BOLMyQHlPmmAFYtQHworsW_IsriYvHxAYQ2O2xKJtuXdUunDW_iSxAbxVCWeQKOFJaB-jBi9jO6Y-fT/w640-h426/Maitum%20Coffee%20Connections%204.jpg" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabarre supports the coffee growers in Maitum by buying their Robusta coffee beans, especially from Datu Kusin. He features the Maitum beans and other local beans from Polomolok, South Cotabato (Mt. Matutum coffee beans), Sultan Kudarat province, and the Davao region (Mt. Apo coffee beans) in his coffee shop. He is also looking forward to a long-term collaboration with Maitum coffee farmers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"When you buy coffee from a café, you wonder who will benefit from your purchase," he remarked.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabarre, a former maritime worker, became the head barista in a Starbucks branch in the United Arab Emirates. There, he developed his passion and skills for coffee. He returned to the Philippines and opened a beverage store with his mother, which later became Thirsty Tongue, Maitum's first café.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He started with ice-blended coffees and juices and then expanded to offer local coffee beans from Maitum and other regions. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he persevered and continued to run his coffee shop.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sabarre's goal is to educate people about coffee, especially his customers. He urges the public to drink locally produced coffee, as it benefits both the local coffee shop owners and the coffee farmers who supply the beans.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbSitcDyWSE-p6LImtat87Rgha1Xy3jcvsFcB1tG8pZeb1tnssNIxYPk0jA7MbB7qcX-nJ3Gr0lVH2gj0WEDpXPXfE9FX_DISVfZwjZe0bbQVYCciRlN39CP2Ys-B09LAQqUCD8s4yEe6zNWlliQqOI66jldqNQJtqNq89oO0v8SoVG5zxOsjZjbpcmlB/s6016/DSC_6093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbSitcDyWSE-p6LImtat87Rgha1Xy3jcvsFcB1tG8pZeb1tnssNIxYPk0jA7MbB7qcX-nJ3Gr0lVH2gj0WEDpXPXfE9FX_DISVfZwjZe0bbQVYCciRlN39CP2Ys-B09LAQqUCD8s4yEe6zNWlliQqOI66jldqNQJtqNq89oO0v8SoVG5zxOsjZjbpcmlB/w640-h428/DSC_6093.JPG" title="Local café advocates for quality coffee in Maitum town" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We should always continue to champion our Philippine quality coffee. By supporting quality coffee, we are also supporting the Filipino coffee farmers who produce it for us. They will not only raise the standard of Philippine coffee but also improve their standard of living. They will be able to provide food for their families and invest in their farms," De Vera said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Local quality coffee in Maitum or the region deserves our advocacy because it empowers local farmers to adopt good agricultural practices and produce excellent coffee. This will put them on the Philippine coffee map and secure their future. Supporting our local coffee industry means promoting fair trade and sustainability for all stakeholders," said Sabarre. </span><i><span style="font-family: times;">(Photos contributed by Maitum MIO & 10th Digital Photography)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-49594293536320802092023-08-17T08:54:00.000+08:002023-08-17T08:54:04.705+08:00Nursing His Passion for Coffee<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfvblY1FGUTciP9ticZFXYFd2z6WieYaUrNUtTDmhqeQtQtzgwEIeFC4EBR02jAmh2fPPB8bM6e6bGBLkBAUWk3G6Hcbam7cSTAcIfAA12B1MYUKUSy4693ZbC8zj4p3EJpyGqg6lZ4FE9NE7uMASyRfu_Ez0I1pejyQRHzCcj5xscys0ulLbK081vTP2/s960/RC%2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfvblY1FGUTciP9ticZFXYFd2z6WieYaUrNUtTDmhqeQtQtzgwEIeFC4EBR02jAmh2fPPB8bM6e6bGBLkBAUWk3G6Hcbam7cSTAcIfAA12B1MYUKUSy4693ZbC8zj4p3EJpyGqg6lZ4FE9NE7uMASyRfu_Ez0I1pejyQRHzCcj5xscys0ulLbK081vTP2/w640-h426/RC%2012.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073152196631" target="_blank">Raniele Cedrik De Vera</a> was a nurse in a private hospital in GenSan when he began to explore the world of coffee. His wife, who was an avid coffee lover, introduced him to the art of coffee-making. Through this journey, he learned that coffee was more than just a beverage. It was a way to transform lives.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They became passionate about coffee after visiting a local café, where the barista invited them to a "coffee talk". The barista explained the different types of beans and the coffee vessels that could enhance their flavor and aroma. From that experience, they started to collect various coffee vessels, fascinated by their different uses and designs.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Back then, we loved to collect coffee vessels, but they ended up just piling up and gathering dust," he remembered.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The couple has decent jobs, but their salary was barely enough to cover their daily expenses, especially during the peak of the pandemic. De Vera tried to start different businesses, but none of them succeeded. Driven by his love for coffee, he decided to open a pop-up coffee shop.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I decided to open a pop-up café. I used up all my credit card limit to order coffee-related items online. I was working as a nurse when I came up with the idea for the business. Every night shift, I did my research and explored other possibilities," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera dreamed of having a coffee shop that connects with its customers. He was inspired by the concept of "coffee talks" that he learned from a local barista. He thought it would be an advantage if he could offer this concept in his café.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"When I decided to pursue a coffee shop business, my family was doubtful of my idea. Your family will always be the first to criticize you if you want to venture into something new," De Vera said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite the opposition and setbacks he faced, De Vera was determined to pursue his dream and opened his pop-up coffee shop in the Oval Plaza.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn6WBAIuAfd75Z1-SE0wXsHRL86OI0B0ilTeaTUCGIwLC7YoZKtV9-CcjTmaUUEGZOU34aohb-xuiM7LxDd3m7UIGZuNQTKL40r1AXAf9EiKRqUPikmOyRvotcoaZVBcPn-nzPoWnZE5VpsDKe1gEE4RQGSKOPMnXIGBGPRR3IsEG0VKkOYGBz7FmQhss/s1440/RC%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn6WBAIuAfd75Z1-SE0wXsHRL86OI0B0ilTeaTUCGIwLC7YoZKtV9-CcjTmaUUEGZOU34aohb-xuiM7LxDd3m7UIGZuNQTKL40r1AXAf9EiKRqUPikmOyRvotcoaZVBcPn-nzPoWnZE5VpsDKe1gEE4RQGSKOPMnXIGBGPRR3IsEG0VKkOYGBz7FmQhss/w640-h640/RC%203.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The pop-up café in Oval Plaza</span></h3></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On March 7, 2021, De Vera launched his pop-up shop. His initial plan was to sell coffee only in the morning. He started at 5 a.m. and closed at 7 a.m. His main target market was the joggers in the area. At that time, Oval Plaza was a suitable place for outdoor selling since there were COVID-19 restrictions. His cousin helped him as an assistant in his start-up business.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a disappointing morning for De Vera and his cousin. They had set up their pop-up café with high hopes, but no one stopped by to buy their coffee. They packed up their stand and went home, feeling discouraged.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, De Vera was not ready to give up. He convinced himself to give it another try in the afternoon. They came up with a new offer: discounted coffee to attract the public and promote their business. Their strategy worked like a charm. They soon welcomed their first customers, who were delighted by their coffee and told their friends.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a month of doing business, they were able to buy a cart. But they reached the point where they were asked to leave the Oval Plaza because of overcrowding. They had no income. They went to different locations to place their pop-up café just to survive.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrZUBIJVyrwopOwwmZFeEOtyOT7WqpG15hB_wCBZuOjUXt-7_6seVjnRvV9zXljM0ltA_oAbJ1VBd5z2_koXjLGU3M6ymRGdiaXztCEu7vCdXBorzapJrnTnsHye1SZD5gt8-i0baO4u9LTnVOVDwlG4TMtapC9-pxBL1bUadBBNmZyV8QXsidg-lanON/s1440/Sidenotes%20Cafe%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrZUBIJVyrwopOwwmZFeEOtyOT7WqpG15hB_wCBZuOjUXt-7_6seVjnRvV9zXljM0ltA_oAbJ1VBd5z2_koXjLGU3M6ymRGdiaXztCEu7vCdXBorzapJrnTnsHye1SZD5gt8-i0baO4u9LTnVOVDwlG4TMtapC9-pxBL1bUadBBNmZyV8QXsidg-lanON/w640-h480/Sidenotes%20Cafe%204.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Their pop-up coffee shop soon caught the attention of some well-known personalities in GenSan, who became their loyal customers and helped spread the word about their business. One of them was <a href="https://www.yadukaru.com/2022/06/Spreading-awareness-on-local-specialty-coffee.html" target="_blank">Arnel Cadeliña</a>, a Q Robusta Grader and a coffee roaster with years of experience.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We had some delightful pour-over coffee sessions together. I explained to Arnel how I brewed his coffee and what kind of beans I used. That time, I used dark roasted beans, which is not ideal for a pour-over brewing method. He told me that he was a coffee bean seller and promised to return the following day to give a sample to try," he recalled.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cadeliña brought back some sample coffee beans the next day. De Vera's whole coffee experience transformed as he brewed, savored, and enjoyed the aromatic drink.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I was amazed by the sample coffee beans that Cadeliña gave me the next day. When I brewed it, I smelled caramel and tasted floral notes. I also detected flavors of jackfruit and banana in every sip. I felt like I was climbing Sanchez Peak in the morning, feeling the fresh breeze,” De Vera said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It pivoted my perception towards coffee,” he added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera's coffee journey took a new turn after that experience. He became good friends with Cadeliña, who shared his passion for coffee. They would spend hours in his pop-up café, chatting over different brews, roasts, and beans. He was eager to learn more about the art and science of coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONl3cOTS4PCxtRu-3KMyZkoXJauTsatFQc2E4Gqev2LsCfsVvVm4DCJYs8hL6dapG-sZFDulwrZA0r9pDroG0nwZaZHiJ2EoP2juwVnW76YZH1ee2WwZO18T17ymLwbcSQZyyZVzeqUGaImm1hRICWFWSd4t42LhXgHgSHutMjJzYzK_94unmZitCsr3v/s2048/Sidenotes%20Cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONl3cOTS4PCxtRu-3KMyZkoXJauTsatFQc2E4Gqev2LsCfsVvVm4DCJYs8hL6dapG-sZFDulwrZA0r9pDroG0nwZaZHiJ2EoP2juwVnW76YZH1ee2WwZO18T17ymLwbcSQZyyZVzeqUGaImm1hRICWFWSd4t42LhXgHgSHutMjJzYzK_94unmZitCsr3v/w640-h480/Sidenotes%20Cafe.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">SideNotes inception</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera decided to quit his nursing job and pursue his passion for coffee. He named his café SideNotes, a clever wordplay that refers to both the medical note that doctors and nurses write and the sensory impressions that coffee lovers experience.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The name of their café was also inspired by their pop-up concept. The word 'side' refers to the sidewalk where they set up their cart, and the word 'note' reflects the flavor notes of their coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera searched for a location where he could establish his permanent coffee shop. He realized that his pop-up concept and the Oval Plaza were not viable options in the long run. He saw the potential of SideNotes and wanted to focus on making it grow.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They had a great start, as they attracted many customers who wanted to taste their coffee. However, they faced the challenge of the "three-month cycle" that local businesses in GenSan often experience. De Vera and his wife accepted this reality and re-strategized to adapt to the inevitable changes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sidenotescoffee" target="_blank"><b>SideNotes Coffee Co.</b></a> is one of the pioneers of specialty coffee shop in GenSan. It serves high-quality coffee sourced from local farmers and promotes consumer education as a way of supporting the industry and raising awareness of the coffee culture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">SideNotes has a competitive advantage in the coffee market because they are committed to serving specialty coffee, supporting local farmers, and educating consumers. They source their beans from credible sources that follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and promote local quality beans.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MJXfuwJF5LxosQ_EJG01qysgrQNSGtUsZY2ob4840Kk8rgvBE2Jn5cQVo4JPROpcHv2BOGTh1pl2S9rBhbgnvKV5pBffSjDQvqeeaB8wA87IbiBX60pjneshhZt8teBWyzB6TLq7kk6D_mHVwoP093m5RlzC9dMyQhS6MqBA2cZd_TkMgMHP4XpYg7L1/s1740/RC%209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="1740" data-original-width="1302" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MJXfuwJF5LxosQ_EJG01qysgrQNSGtUsZY2ob4840Kk8rgvBE2Jn5cQVo4JPROpcHv2BOGTh1pl2S9rBhbgnvKV5pBffSjDQvqeeaB8wA87IbiBX60pjneshhZt8teBWyzB6TLq7kk6D_mHVwoP093m5RlzC9dMyQhS6MqBA2cZd_TkMgMHP4XpYg7L1/w478-h640/RC%209.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="478" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They ensure consistent café operations by calibrating their equipment and staff and</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> training them to meet coffee standards. They also foster a culture of coffee exploration and appreciation among their customers and themselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera and his wife are discerning and research-based in their coffee business. For instance, they do not follow the “coffee 39ers” craze that contradicts their advocacy for local quality coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera values his engagement with his community. He is always ready to answer any questions that his customers may have about his coffee sources. He believes in sharing information and knowledge with his customers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I don’t like it when some businesses withhold information from me. They act as if their trade secrets are more important than customer satisfaction. But I am not your typical entrepreneur. I am happy to share my passion and expertise in coffee," said De Vera.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBTlZwzeGohpae2N0BlP7ATB8feSP-XBwYkIcknQW--Pj_rBh1HxBsNy6oiBlVWm3e4SbzVBNQbtgmmWfOZ4yQJ_vx832XxmTJi4uPr52eH4XH8a3_ao5y8nBD5EkNV_bjUFMz6P8X6oC4BeK7SVh09DRqaHSy6KwwZgk5XSm84aCm3o7Q3ubEgWn4-K1/s854/RC%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="641" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBTlZwzeGohpae2N0BlP7ATB8feSP-XBwYkIcknQW--Pj_rBh1HxBsNy6oiBlVWm3e4SbzVBNQbtgmmWfOZ4yQJ_vx832XxmTJi4uPr52eH4XH8a3_ao5y8nBD5EkNV_bjUFMz6P8X6oC4BeK7SVh09DRqaHSy6KwwZgk5XSm84aCm3o7Q3ubEgWn4-K1/w480-h640/RC%201.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being a Q Professional</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the Q Professional Exam was announced in 2022, he hoped to get a scholarship from the ACDI/VOCA-PhilCAFE project. But his dream of being a licensed Q Grader was not yet granted to him. He patiently waited for his opportunity and continued his coffee activities in the region.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the Philippine Coffee Expo 2023, ACDI/VOCA Chief of Party TJ Ryan announced that the PhilCAFE project would soon end in the Philippines. De Vera felt discouraged and lost interest in coffee after hearing this announcement. He gave up on his dream of becoming a Q Robusta Grader.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He felt a surge of hope when Emeline Superioridad-Sabado added him, along with other candidates, to the "Q Grader Exam" group chat on Messenger. He sensed that he had a chance to be selected. He was right, and ACDI/VOCA generously covered the half of the tuition. He paid for the remaining half with the full support of his wife.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <a href="https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/about" target="_blank">Coffee Quality Institute</a> offers the Q Robusta Grader Course and Exam, a rigorous six-day program that trains and tests students on the qualities and characteristics of Robusta coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbxC8H1HibhTu7pMQYHEP2WSvBR81xk98FlXAa2DmQ2XwFk1gOrMss1wOYU_0GN5FWvNmrPpi9e0x9tAz09o-4BfZMFzlWO3-lRb4LZ4FIveaj-zFfy1lLZxQTKYzt2jUSVKP2aW9jhipHC-7dhnP_yHRCwye9iSPs0xbVqh6A06WBaTaWQBKmU5LsKZb/s854/RC%2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nursing His Passion for Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="854" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbxC8H1HibhTu7pMQYHEP2WSvBR81xk98FlXAa2DmQ2XwFk1gOrMss1wOYU_0GN5FWvNmrPpi9e0x9tAz09o-4BfZMFzlWO3-lRb4LZ4FIveaj-zFfy1lLZxQTKYzt2jUSVKP2aW9jhipHC-7dhnP_yHRCwye9iSPs0xbVqh6A06WBaTaWQBKmU5LsKZb/w640-h480/RC%2015.jpg" title="Nursing His Passion for Coffee" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Q Robusta Graders are trained to use standardized methods and criteria to evaluate Robusta coffee, such as aroma, body, acidity, sweetness, balance, and aftertaste. They can also identify and quantify coffee defects and communicate coffee characteristics using common industry terminology. Q Robusta Graders are certified for three years and need to renew their certification by taking an accredited calibration test.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera experienced a mix of joy and sorrow as he faced a lot of challenges. He struggled with financial difficulties and felt out of sync with his fellow students in the Q Robusta Grader class. De Vera’s relentless pursuit and passion for coffee culminated in his success as he aced the Q Robusta Grader exam.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Passing the course was essential for me, as I could not afford to repeat it. I had made a vow to myself that I would only return home as a licensed Q Robusta Grader," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He celebrated his achievement with his wife and SideNotes staff in their cozy café. He has not yet experienced the pressure of being a Q Robusta Grader, but he faces the pressure of meeting expectations when tasting coffee. He has to provide detailed commentary on every coffee he tastes, which is a daunting task for him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He is eager to share his insights from taking the Q Robusta Course and Exam. He hopes to give back to the community by collaborating with local coffee farmers and other industry stakeholders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGklKtcEqJ2akk9WJmC2iZPxRDejh8shvmiIl9tBBlgPMFFfOgWOauK5rHcqs8r2yyFsM9xofUUhMx0zUARdXbUvdu_sBoX82hb54NsZWrwfiVkJ_VuMaflGoj3ktOy6_HER2lGmchZYUt8GloEVHYFqOEo_Mj3okftyAYmC0aFuuSJ5oJRl1n9TESz5vs/s1728/RC%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGklKtcEqJ2akk9WJmC2iZPxRDejh8shvmiIl9tBBlgPMFFfOgWOauK5rHcqs8r2yyFsM9xofUUhMx0zUARdXbUvdu_sBoX82hb54NsZWrwfiVkJ_VuMaflGoj3ktOy6_HER2lGmchZYUt8GloEVHYFqOEo_Mj3okftyAYmC0aFuuSJ5oJRl1n9TESz5vs/w640-h480/RC%207.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Expanding the coffee advocacy</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera serves as the Vice President of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gensancoffeeassociation" target="_blank">GenSan Coffee Association (GCA)</a>, which advocates for the coffee stakeholders in the city. He said that GCA was established in GenSan, but it does not confine itself to GenSan.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He also co-founded <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TCAGensan" target="_blank">The Coffee Academy (TCA) GenSan</a>, which was born out of a challenge to their coffee association. They did not let the mockery affect them and instead turned it into a positive motivation. They already had interested students who inquired about their course when they started.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"At TCA, we aim to provide people with the right coffee education. We welcome interested students and offer scholarships for those who deserve it. We help them to launch their coffee shops or to pursue their careers as baristas abroad," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQKVBLSybO6asvwNGBYEMUEu4kwwuEPMIAfUZ2SwWgBdx7lGTPuQRnSbCx2IqHtcVS4-8JjtcS1ckyhJwX9_yjoSeVV8Y7QYgpCOcQDDZJgmW6yeW_5iWrCRLXNXaQdXYD_84cLd8StUlxGo9X2AFDoeqOaroD1_bPARASrD0GuNX9vuzBAM2Z6hQtZCb/s960/RC%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="960" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQKVBLSybO6asvwNGBYEMUEu4kwwuEPMIAfUZ2SwWgBdx7lGTPuQRnSbCx2IqHtcVS4-8JjtcS1ckyhJwX9_yjoSeVV8Y7QYgpCOcQDDZJgmW6yeW_5iWrCRLXNXaQdXYD_84cLd8StUlxGo9X2AFDoeqOaroD1_bPARASrD0GuNX9vuzBAM2Z6hQtZCb/w640-h482/RC%205.jpg" title="Raniele Cedrik De Vera" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">De Vera advised coffee enthusiasts to explore more flavors and varieties of coffee. He urged them not to be afraid to try new things and expand their palates and minds. He said that tasting coffee was not just a casual drink, but an experience that they could savor and enjoy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He also expressed his admiration for passionate coffee entrepreneurs. He told them not to compromise their standards or quality to keep up with the market. He suggested that they market themselves more and showcase their unique value proposition. He assured them that they had the potential to stand out and succeed in the coffee industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We should always continue to champion our Philippine quality coffee. By supporting quality coffee, we are also supporting the Filipino coffee farmers who produce it for us. They will not only raise the standard of Philippine coffee but also improve their standard of living. They will be able to provide food for their families and invest in their farms," De Vera said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-16268505443891672252023-07-29T18:19:00.000+08:002023-07-29T18:19:09.464+08:00The thirst for coffee knowledge<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhmUfDN8bik8iXehS61KbSu2oWrShTc3k9d5LP0FibF2E4WybZcb--A-AH1Ua-t6YWbp_nZI6beKQBUrf7UNWK1u3bpyvgRtJtd7jRqKDCsd99KRHQKgsYZXmUunwgQ6TJ3gfpGQXveZoRkndWUkq2KLXNsKdtyo26BnpRh7dx-6tb4B6ENxzu0mfdmBk/s940/Kent%20Bajade%20cover%20pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhmUfDN8bik8iXehS61KbSu2oWrShTc3k9d5LP0FibF2E4WybZcb--A-AH1Ua-t6YWbp_nZI6beKQBUrf7UNWK1u3bpyvgRtJtd7jRqKDCsd99KRHQKgsYZXmUunwgQ6TJ3gfpGQXveZoRkndWUkq2KLXNsKdtyo26BnpRh7dx-6tb4B6ENxzu0mfdmBk/w640-h536/Kent%20Bajade%20cover%20pic.png" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ken.clint.9" target="_blank">Kenneth Clint Bajade</a>'s innate curiosity led him to explore the world of coffee. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire for new experiences, he became an advocate for the welfare of local farmers and the importance of quality coffee to consumers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before Bajade became truly engaged in the local coffee industry, he simply loved coffee. He did not bother to serve quality coffee or educate his customers about it. “I loved drinking coffee before. I was just a coffee lover, but not an enthusiast,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The initial concept for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coffeebrotherscopol" target="_blank"><b>Coffee Brothers Co.</b></a> was to create a traditional <i>kapihan</i> and <i>sikwatihan</i>, serving native <i>kakanin</i> delicacies such as rice cakes. The seating would be on the floor, with the interiors made from rattan, reminiscent of a <i>bahay kubo</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEbiI8ylmwut2TvCdwP42wDGj0Ep_AVZm7xH1aoCh-vGqe8d1EopHbbnK1WX6qUAVrfbVoAYrNXCHdp6rLnkhpAjDbvmex7FDZWX8Xp0Dm-cSyDSlkB6HlWMd-FsEHcqtYYKJC2LQ6NccMts30EAFJUnpuU2rjwriimCGEjtAK1UfYM6nwjBZdMdf0ZTc/s2048/Coffee%20Brothers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEbiI8ylmwut2TvCdwP42wDGj0Ep_AVZm7xH1aoCh-vGqe8d1EopHbbnK1WX6qUAVrfbVoAYrNXCHdp6rLnkhpAjDbvmex7FDZWX8Xp0Dm-cSyDSlkB6HlWMd-FsEHcqtYYKJC2LQ6NccMts30EAFJUnpuU2rjwriimCGEjtAK1UfYM6nwjBZdMdf0ZTc/w640-h480/Coffee%20Brothers.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, during the planning process, Bajade proposed to his business partners the idea of transforming it into a more conventional coffee shop. After discussing the pros and cons of both options, the team ultimately decided to go with Bajade's idea. They believed that it would appeal to a broader audience and provide greater growth opportunities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In their first year of operation, Bajade recalled that they only served "normal coffee." Sales were satisfactory during their first month. But when pandemic restrictions were reinstated in the first quarter of 2021, their sales declined because customers were unable to leave their homes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Faced with this challenge, Bajade decided to explore other options, including sourcing beans from different suppliers. Little did he know that this exploration would lead him to become deeply involved in the local coffee industry of the region.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssZrstVXCyTsE8_6ulzkM-6oJZDhHPsVHn80sQVdT5Ti1stIx_rYEEZywNZqCPNFIpv1OflukUDm5LIhqdmYkBISKCTP92Z32BuI8f9pIxSCq-IubCDeeUCt8NZ9g73nncKBoDq-xdaXPuK6p5Mnp01rgSLGPt2aZLjApJ_bIwsF-qYTnvKYUknjiRFjx/s940/Kent%20Bajade%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssZrstVXCyTsE8_6ulzkM-6oJZDhHPsVHn80sQVdT5Ti1stIx_rYEEZywNZqCPNFIpv1OflukUDm5LIhqdmYkBISKCTP92Z32BuI8f9pIxSCq-IubCDeeUCt8NZ9g73nncKBoDq-xdaXPuK6p5Mnp01rgSLGPt2aZLjApJ_bIwsF-qYTnvKYUknjiRFjx/w640-h536/Kent%20Bajade%209.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The First Coffee Training</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In March of 2022, Bajade attended his first coffee appreciation event organized by coffee advocates in GenSan. This experience expanded his horizons about coffee, but it also raised more questions about the industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One night, while scrolling through his Facebook feed, he came across a post from DTI South Cotabato about <i>Sensory Analysis and Brewing Training for Baristas and Coffee Shop Owners</i>. He decided to attend the training, and the rest is history.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the training, their resource speaker was the Q Robusta Grader <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eelloy.kadelinya" target="_blank">Arnel Cadeliña</a>. Bajade also met other coffee entrepreneurs from South Cotabato, as well as ACDI/VOCA staff members Emeline Superioridad-Sabado and Maria Jeaia Alexia Barredo, who shared their knowledge about coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8i4H0lvZ5nRbjchyPbBWVe9O__FngQHrGVKhL0jb-fhxiOK3WVbSd447mBhXzkFtc6B0jR_FmfSNs46hbYmkzIz0n2OdnpLtXSjX1EEDIUtpJ-FtS6nJN-u9ySznVpfcIcB370t8oOPO4zXzal5Xz46hIzMaHHQP_DkZfvtofaJCXx_BWtY5GU2-E5Fz/s1242/Kent%20Bajade%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1242" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8i4H0lvZ5nRbjchyPbBWVe9O__FngQHrGVKhL0jb-fhxiOK3WVbSd447mBhXzkFtc6B0jR_FmfSNs46hbYmkzIz0n2OdnpLtXSjX1EEDIUtpJ-FtS6nJN-u9ySznVpfcIcB370t8oOPO4zXzal5Xz46hIzMaHHQP_DkZfvtofaJCXx_BWtY5GU2-E5Fz/w640-h480/Kent%20Bajade%208.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“That training was informative, but it raised more questions. It felt like it was too short to fully understand the entire coffee industry,” Bajade recalled.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since the two-day training was not enough for him, he sought answers on his own. That event became his starting point for going to the farm level and immersing himself in coffee quality advocacy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"As a result of that experience, I changed my coffee suppliers. I sought out Matutum Coffee because I wanted to help promote it through my coffee shop. That's when I met Denis Cocoba, who helped me immerse myself with the coffee farmers in Polomolok," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In April 2022, Bajade and Cocoba visited various farms in the Mount Matutum area and began engaging with the farmers. They had coffee sessions, during which they conducted cupping and studied manuals to gain more knowledge about how to help revive Mount Matutum Coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That month also marked the first anniversary of their coffee shop. Many important figures in the coffee industry attended the event, providing Bajade with an opportunity to expand his network and gain valuable insights from them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pUl-aIaLdH2DyPEav_jt8kJLcfJJkXla41b_E0-kxP20XQq4LbR4B04zwQNM8jkzLAdeMsuFTUpfdWjS8PQllpqPe4cxGOlBp3GITjf43adUMjpf34Cdn45F-I1vUyfnr2hN1w2-NXRA178vThMF9s6o9ck4iYxSpubeJPikng0X4T6ZNEyEo0h2-v3m/s960/IMG-2461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pUl-aIaLdH2DyPEav_jt8kJLcfJJkXla41b_E0-kxP20XQq4LbR4B04zwQNM8jkzLAdeMsuFTUpfdWjS8PQllpqPe4cxGOlBp3GITjf43adUMjpf34Cdn45F-I1vUyfnr2hN1w2-NXRA178vThMF9s6o9ck4iYxSpubeJPikng0X4T6ZNEyEo0h2-v3m/w640-h480/IMG-2461.JPG" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Q Professional Exam</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fate smiled upon Bajade when he was allowed to take the Q Arabica Cupping Essentials (QCE) course. QCE is a stand-alone course with newly developed materials, designed for beginners but offering a thorough understanding of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping form and protocol.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The slot wasn't originally meant for me. It was for another coffee shop owner, but that person backed out for some reason. Ms. Barredo recommended me for it as a scholarship grant from ACDI/VOCA," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After completing the Q Cupping Exam, he gained a comprehensive understanding of coffee and its various nuances. He did not expect it to be such a big deal, but the knowledge he acquired from the exam opened up a whole new world of opportunities for him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With his newfound expertise in coffee cupping, he was able to explore new avenues and take on challenges that he never thought possible before. The QCE proved to be a turning point in his life, and he was grateful for the doors it opened for him in the world of coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bajade, who is from the South Cotabato province, made an effort to help revive the coffee industry specifically sourced from Mount Matutum. However, he found it challenging to uplift the province’s coffee industry. Instead of wallowing in this setback, he went to the Sultan Kudarat province where farmers from the Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino (Kulaman) asked for his help.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRm6o1Iskgv2-CSE3E7trB-A7kUou7mEA6jgk8wZOcxwlo5hYUm6w_NZqH4QLKNETFUqZSJ50E85oMYpcoSX62TZ5uRgH28kAOeFth7KTcMOCXDzkJH6YG7k5PfIaYn_r2xrFezMNjSlik6P0SIgD8EapYNLhEAt1Vinw3XRwqbPzSfzbdk0y0i17O-I_/s4032/IMG-6102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRm6o1Iskgv2-CSE3E7trB-A7kUou7mEA6jgk8wZOcxwlo5hYUm6w_NZqH4QLKNETFUqZSJ50E85oMYpcoSX62TZ5uRgH28kAOeFth7KTcMOCXDzkJH6YG7k5PfIaYn_r2xrFezMNjSlik6P0SIgD8EapYNLhEAt1Vinw3XRwqbPzSfzbdk0y0i17O-I_/w480-h640/IMG-6102.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the promising young farmers Bajade met was <a href="https://www.yadukaru.com/2023/06/brewing-change-denz-bert-deramos-impact.html" target="_blank">Denz Bert Deramos</a>. Bajade wanted to help him with farm-level interventions for coffee production. He introduced Deramos to established markets and linked him to other coffee players. Bajade even helped Deramos at his own expense, without expecting anything in return.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“You can't help a farm if the farmer doesn't see you as valuable. Farmers are looking for a stable market, so the help shouldn't only be in buying their products. The help should also be on a training level, to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed,” Bajade said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In September of 2022, he took the Q Arabica Exam and was well-prepared for it, thanks in part to his previous experience with the QCE. His exposure to the coffee industry was a big help in preparing for this exam.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It was all interconnected, from the farm to the coffee shop exposure. I was doing what I believed was my take on coffee. I gained knowledge and experience within the span of 6 months. I learned by listening and then transferred that knowledge to the farmers,” said Bajade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0_pF2tGBhOaFu9qd5jcFw4MLanYkdggOi6R2Ike3cR9WaWQtW8Lpx3VOvPGuWCOqbucanMhWxKeB1pazwQPZWroFJXbXXFSKYy83ou4BZrKgR2Uf_WpPbJp3TqqtzTEj9-VXtSt96tBB9My5FiN1EZUlvwLeE-AlnxwU3f8kx7N8VknraP9R0LEVqJYp/s4032/IMG-8710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0_pF2tGBhOaFu9qd5jcFw4MLanYkdggOi6R2Ike3cR9WaWQtW8Lpx3VOvPGuWCOqbucanMhWxKeB1pazwQPZWroFJXbXXFSKYy83ou4BZrKgR2Uf_WpPbJp3TqqtzTEj9-VXtSt96tBB9My5FiN1EZUlvwLeE-AlnxwU3f8kx7N8VknraP9R0LEVqJYp/w640-h480/IMG-8710.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Q Arabica Exam is a certification program that allows individuals to become Q Graders for Arabica coffee. The <a href="https://www.coffeeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">Coffee Quality Institute (CQI)</a> defines a Q Arabica Grader as an individual who has been certified by the CQI to grade and score coffees using standards developed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). To achieve this credential, individuals must pass a series of 22 tests.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Q Arabica Training and Exam Course is a six-day program that assesses an individual's ability to analyze coffee through sensory evaluation. The course consists of eight testing categories, with a total of eighteen practical exams and one written exam. The first three days are dedicated to test preparation and review, while the remaining three days are reserved for the exams themselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“The Q Arabica Exam was incredibly challenging. It was one of the hardest and most stressful exams I have ever taken. I was fortunate to be a scholar of ACDI/VOCA, but it was still a big challenge. The exam was unique and based on international standards, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ZWI9j9OIBW-Ylepq8KeQuwt0pNRM6j4YSKQ56jFkrfrvt6gmgGAm24HWQ2r9fzdxQealuuGFU8tGEhwNh-GNLqSgtK6CqemeUY1rkRI0qHea8836TinxEVYS-3uflFmxJtz2D41YTsdnUIWpftrrPJemfZYhEjODwYl5aYOf2_PXF4JzPUHPhaTtoZp/s2048/Kent%20Bajade%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ZWI9j9OIBW-Ylepq8KeQuwt0pNRM6j4YSKQ56jFkrfrvt6gmgGAm24HWQ2r9fzdxQealuuGFU8tGEhwNh-GNLqSgtK6CqemeUY1rkRI0qHea8836TinxEVYS-3uflFmxJtz2D41YTsdnUIWpftrrPJemfZYhEjODwYl5aYOf2_PXF4JzPUHPhaTtoZp/w480-h640/Kent%20Bajade%202.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On transferring knowledge</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After successfully passing the Q Arabica Exam and becoming a certified Q Arabica Grader, Bajade returned to his community to continue his work on farm-level interventions. He used his knowledge and expertise to help train the coffee farmers, providing them with the skills and techniques they needed to improve their coffee production. Bajade's efforts were focused on empowering the farmers and helping them to achieve greater success in the coffee industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For Bajade, imparting knowledge is a delicate process that must be approached with care. He believes that misinformation can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. As such, it is important to ensure that the information being shared is accurate and well-understood. Bajade's approach emphasizes the importance of clear communication and the careful dissemination of knowledge to avoid confusion.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuyBZQL-g-lj07x0-Is0dJ8V1rKL4PXcJRxrl_EYO6F5xSZ12BgY_5oslPFyJbt9Laeafpks_G6IUtxf-DTYgrPiNhK7Rluf2n_mQfuI56IiX9N8aLdS57zOp6RR682ab5nFa1V7cFDHb9y-6SRg4B42AlsEgFgDEUaTTgv337P_6B0kz89vgG1P9kqYh/s4032/IMG-7499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuyBZQL-g-lj07x0-Is0dJ8V1rKL4PXcJRxrl_EYO6F5xSZ12BgY_5oslPFyJbt9Laeafpks_G6IUtxf-DTYgrPiNhK7Rluf2n_mQfuI56IiX9N8aLdS57zOp6RR682ab5nFa1V7cFDHb9y-6SRg4B42AlsEgFgDEUaTTgv337P_6B0kz89vgG1P9kqYh/w640-h480/IMG-7499.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"One of the challenges faced by our farmers is maintaining the quality of their coffee production. To achieve consistent quality, it is essential to focus on farm-level interventions and dedicate resources to this effort. Additionally, coffee shop owners have a responsibility to support our farmers by committing to providing quality coffee to their customers," said Bajade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition to supporting farm-level interventions, Bajade also collaborates with other coffee industry players in the region. He and his team have organized coffee appreciation events and roasting classes to raise consumer awareness and education. For example, at his coffee shop, customers are invited to observe the coffee roasting process. Bajade's efforts span from farm-level interventions to coffee shop education.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, Bajade has observed that some local coffee shops continue to serve low-quality coffee at inflated prices. Many consumers are unaware of the quality of the coffee they are consuming. This is why raising consumer awareness is crucial in addressing these unfair business practices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNZ8iPHlQ28NudvISy5YjRUEwK8bRUyGGWAD2qFPAKjQDw2vHGJaaPiEiNzrdTh-p5g1kV5Z-kM94DsHyv77d8d7cHvuJp1sweHo1k16DFpmrYNC0XENT4YPPFrbh9o5L79F1mYNfVuA861C_Avd218VHD3ptOFiSMA3GAYGURE3dkbWTSdNYRq8ZOr0G/s4032/IMG-5631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The thirst for coffee knowledge" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNZ8iPHlQ28NudvISy5YjRUEwK8bRUyGGWAD2qFPAKjQDw2vHGJaaPiEiNzrdTh-p5g1kV5Z-kM94DsHyv77d8d7cHvuJp1sweHo1k16DFpmrYNC0XENT4YPPFrbh9o5L79F1mYNfVuA861C_Avd218VHD3ptOFiSMA3GAYGURE3dkbWTSdNYRq8ZOr0G/w640-h480/IMG-5631.jpg" title="The thirst for coffee knowledge" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The goal of coffee appreciation events is to educate attendees about the standards of quality coffee and industry best practices. By providing a foundational understanding of coffee, participants will leave with a desire to expand their knowledge and refine their tastes over time. As we empower consumers to recognize and demand quality, coffee shops will be compelled to change their practices and offer better products,” said Bajade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bajade also emphasized the importance of preparing coffee farms to meet increasing demand. With a recent resurgence of interest in coffee, he said that it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to improve both the quality and supply of coffee in the region.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We hope that, in addition to being a mass producer of coffee, our region will also become known for the quality of its coffee within the next 5-10 years. By implementing a long-term plan focused on improving the quality of our coffee, we can change the palate of the entire region and elevate its appreciation for high-quality coffee."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bajade was awarded the CQI Merit Award at the 2023 Philippine Coffee Expo in recognition of his significant contributions to the local coffee industry. Bajade was among a select group of Q Professionals who were acknowledged for their dedication and positive impact on the Philippine coffee sector.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Regardless of whether I am a Q Arabica Grader, I am committed to pursuing the highest quality of coffee, even in the most remote mountain regions. I will seek out farmers who share this commitment and connect them with the right individuals, resources, and training to improve their coffee quality. By involving more people in this effort, we can collectively raise the standard of coffee production,” Bajade said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-34204149434736512052023-07-23T11:37:00.001+08:002023-07-23T11:37:45.543+08:00A short visit to Sitio Green Valley<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUVseUWSpnczfIo0TecWHUB5GAfW-yjbsWxIx3M3t_vhfOwbgFDueA4DuvT94RU88gjlCGUTz9A7B3Zl8IubhPG0-gZEaLD4krZ-HlrtRVdfb_vvXAi0qSOgvIX0TsVb0Y-rmig7Ko0RNQKVDr60NgnrewA_fXetgSKW6A4X0tZ038XaWV6EuYjRy3A2l/s940/Sitio%20Green%20Valley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A short visit to Sitio Green Valley" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUVseUWSpnczfIo0TecWHUB5GAfW-yjbsWxIx3M3t_vhfOwbgFDueA4DuvT94RU88gjlCGUTz9A7B3Zl8IubhPG0-gZEaLD4krZ-HlrtRVdfb_vvXAi0qSOgvIX0TsVb0Y-rmig7Ko0RNQKVDr60NgnrewA_fXetgSKW6A4X0tZ038XaWV6EuYjRy3A2l/w640-h536/Sitio%20Green%20Valley.png" title="A short visit to Sitio Green Valley" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recently had the opportunity to visit Sitio Green Valley, located in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba, Sarangani Province. This community is nestled within the Mount Busa mountain range, which is considered a local conservation area of the province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I visited Raven Bato, a provincial winner of the Young Farmers’ Challenge organized by the Department of Agriculture, to show my support. Raven ventured into abaca farming, as it is the major crop of this community. He also runs a small tailoring business called “Binuhat,” through which he supports the local abaca industry. He is also one of the teachers at Green Valley Integrated School.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9umMqnSengw" width="320" youtube-src-id="9umMqnSengw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I visited Sitio Green Valley with Raven as my guide. Despite the challenging road conditions, I was captivated by the lush forests surrounding the community. However, as I looked around, I noticed patches of barren land amidst the greenery.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Curious, I approached some locals and inquired about the cleared areas. They revealed that "outsiders" are conducting (illegal) small-scale mining operations, using tunneling methods to extract high-grade gold. The locals felt powerless to voice their complaints, as they believed that many of the financiers behind these operations wielded significant influence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I stood there for a moment, gazing at the patches of barren land and pondering the future of this community if such activities were to continue. What would become of this beautiful place if nothing was done to stop it?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5SY2KAL4Y4YmBTs_TSxVFD1D2bS7p-Qf1JN3-TEahdSlgkLvydlLU2NoUvKaja9WVD-7kd2kiWigdDK8ZgWjIMfCNS7cBEn-vDMYW8PTZVDkX2iQBwD8hToWFLsUrSh2aPnVEYMw--uE4y_Bfuv95iw-pX54Wq1aXgmANNIRAI-964vvG0F550g00ee1/s4000/IMG20230720101659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A short visit to Sitio Green Valley" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5SY2KAL4Y4YmBTs_TSxVFD1D2bS7p-Qf1JN3-TEahdSlgkLvydlLU2NoUvKaja9WVD-7kd2kiWigdDK8ZgWjIMfCNS7cBEn-vDMYW8PTZVDkX2iQBwD8hToWFLsUrSh2aPnVEYMw--uE4y_Bfuv95iw-pX54Wq1aXgmANNIRAI-964vvG0F550g00ee1/w480-h640/IMG20230720101659.jpg" title="A short visit to Sitio Green Valley" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Still under threat</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mount Busa, home to the region's lush primary forests, may soon become a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-Nipas) Act of 2018, thanks to the efforts of the Sarangani provincial government. The mountain is located primarily in Kiamba and spans several municipalities in Sarangani and South Cotabato.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mount Busa, standing at an elevation of 2,064 meters, is the tallest peak in Sarangani and spans 114,144 hectares. This majestic mountain range, enveloped by verdant forests and considered as a western watershed of Mindanao, was designated as a key biodiversity area and an important bird habitat in 2001.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2022, Mount Busa was declared a Local Conservation Area by the provincial government. However, its protection and conservation efforts need to be strengthened as it continues to face threats. The provincial government is advocating for Mount Busa to become a national protected area under the E-Nipas Act of 2018. This would bolster its protection against harmful human activities such as poaching, hunting, wildlife collection, mining, land conversion, slash-and-burn farming, and unauthorized timber removal.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVVS7BdNmGuQKXilY8KB0tmfMZmfW71KdCzQUVgvAVr_yZo-l741Orc469fgHxCuMmNwVzxI5HIn3d5R4OwdMNHuaaNYbE72_f-yp_JwEUOWisEz3ChpOhxzkpao1_E_rMRbfWI7EwD19l2y2tA2MEAyJFUEEEv1fkynkd32vq0kRYMcbHH20Qw-xqlpy/s4000/IMG20230719132352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A short visit to Sitio Green Valley" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVVS7BdNmGuQKXilY8KB0tmfMZmfW71KdCzQUVgvAVr_yZo-l741Orc469fgHxCuMmNwVzxI5HIn3d5R4OwdMNHuaaNYbE72_f-yp_JwEUOWisEz3ChpOhxzkpao1_E_rMRbfWI7EwD19l2y2tA2MEAyJFUEEEv1fkynkd32vq0kRYMcbHH20Qw-xqlpy/w480-h640/IMG20230719132352.jpg" title="A short visit to Sitio Green Valley" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thriving abaca</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since Sitio Green Valley and its neighboring barangays have a favorable forest cover, abaca thrives within these lush forests, making it a primary crop for the community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is a species of banana native to the Philippines. The fiber obtained from the plant's leaf stalks is used for a variety of purposes, including cordage, textiles, and paper products.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Abaca is among the commodities that Sarangani has identified under its Provincial Investment Commodity Plan and value-chain analysis.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The community of Sitio Green Valley has found a way to sustainably harvest this valuable resource while preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the surrounding forest.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From my observations, many farmers could benefit from knowing the fair market price and having direct market access for their agricultural products. Embracing new technology for harvesting and processing abaca could also increase productivity. However, transporting raw abaca products remains a challenge due to poor road conditions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have encountered similar situations in other communities I have visited. It is a common challenge faced by many farmers, who often lack access to the resources and information they need to thrive. By raising awareness, we can hopefully help improve their living conditions and bring about positive change.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I eagerly anticipate my return to Sitio Green Valley, where I can once again immerse myself in the community’s rhythms. The opportunity to interact with the locals, learn from their experiences, and contribute to their community is truly invaluable.</span></div> Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-55845207736238131532023-07-02T19:04:00.000+08:002023-07-02T19:04:23.801+08:00Can ‘Love the Philippines’ Deliver?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhJjbvUlWDKj94tl8UunJPg7Q4k8btWZf9YmxIToAbLMrAY1VwwCyZO2ko6UuV6vBY550o7tpxNCVFOPO-aVVIafEX_PqlxMm64YpZl1OzD-uCmtNEoHG3fyR6CcjMriphEeSrdg9-8uegJTBu9AMQFh6L1RpH5zW0RPk5xtF5OEknIuLeACBt_9hGQ96/s940/Love%20the%20Philippines%20logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Can ‘Love the Philippines’ Deliver?" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhJjbvUlWDKj94tl8UunJPg7Q4k8btWZf9YmxIToAbLMrAY1VwwCyZO2ko6UuV6vBY550o7tpxNCVFOPO-aVVIafEX_PqlxMm64YpZl1OzD-uCmtNEoHG3fyR6CcjMriphEeSrdg9-8uegJTBu9AMQFh6L1RpH5zW0RPk5xtF5OEknIuLeACBt_9hGQ96/w640-h536/Love%20the%20Philippines%20logo.png" title="Can ‘Love the Philippines’ Deliver?" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Department of Tourism has recently unveiled the country's new tourism slogan, "Love the Philippines," which replaces the previous slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines." This new campaign aims to provide travelers with not just fun, but also meaningful experiences. The campaign, which received mixed reactions from the public, has a budget of ₱49 million. Some people are questioning whether this investment is something to be proud of.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, the campaign is meant to appeal to the hearts of Filipinos and showcase the country's hospitality. The "enhanced" campaign slogan also supports the government's efforts to establish the Philippines as a prominent "tourism powerhouse" in Southeast Asia, following the guidelines outlined in the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023–2028.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The campaign takes into account the changing travel landscape, where post-pandemic tourists are seeking more meaningful and authentic experiences. Marie Adriano, Brand and Strategic Planner at DDB Group Philippines explains that these "changed travelers" are looking for unique experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in other cultures.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, the "Love the Philippines" campaign faced controversy when it was discovered that the promotional video included stock footage from other countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. These clips were found on Storyblocks, a stock footage website.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">DDB Philippines, the agency responsible for creating the video, apologized to the Department of Tourism and the Filipino people for using non-original footage. The agency explained that the video was meant to be an internal mood video and was produced at their own expense. DDB Philippines also pointed out that using stock footage in mood videos is common practice in the industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The agency acknowledged that using foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines was an oversight and inappropriate. The video has since been taken down, and DDB Philippines is cooperating with an investigation by the Department of Tourism.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y5vX8ZqkHaY" width="320" youtube-src-id="y5vX8ZqkHaY"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Department of Tourism has launched an investigation into the matter and stated that it will take necessary action to protect the country's interests.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Furthermore, journalist Howie Severino suggested adding a comma to the "Love the Philippines" campaign slogan, making it "Love, the Philippines." He explained that the addition of a comma would change the tone of the slogan from a command to a gentle expression of affection from the Philippines to the rest of the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Severino's suggestion received mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that the comma would make the slogan more versatile and effective in promoting tourism. However, there is no official statement or action from the Department of Tourism regarding this suggestion.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite this setback, the Department of Tourism is optimistic that the "Love the Philippines" campaign will help establish the country as a major tourism destination in Asia. The campaign is just the beginning of many initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism and showcasing all that the country has to offer.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qJdUpn_m96LuKpfyAriD9k9uJZeI8w3Fw4rMuFkHDpbnKP0C8OL_b8k3CqZtmqWlCXg9cMMSY7qJVMMXw1zGETuhiQEltpmsrLHGQgPM3RydAgci2qEtDQmE4Dmr1xWDB28qA8e6FcFFatHp0WTSol6Lxovpbde_WaaqPO9fqr-ehb_IIdPfyHy70SiI/s2048/Love%20the%20Philippines%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Can ‘Love the Philippines’ Deliver?" border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qJdUpn_m96LuKpfyAriD9k9uJZeI8w3Fw4rMuFkHDpbnKP0C8OL_b8k3CqZtmqWlCXg9cMMSY7qJVMMXw1zGETuhiQEltpmsrLHGQgPM3RydAgci2qEtDQmE4Dmr1xWDB28qA8e6FcFFatHp0WTSol6Lxovpbde_WaaqPO9fqr-ehb_IIdPfyHy70SiI/w640-h434/Love%20the%20Philippines%202.jpg" title="Can ‘Love the Philippines’ Deliver?" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from DOT 12 Facebook page</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My take on the campaign</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The "Love the Philippines" video was removed from the Department of Tourism's official social media pages after it was discovered that it contained stock footage from other countries. But some Filipinos were quick to download and re-upload the video on platforms like YouTube.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After watching the promotional video, I found it difficult to connect with or feel positive about its portrayal of the Philippines' top tourist destinations. It seemed to me that the creative team behind the project had overlooked other parts of the country and its people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was hoping to see Mindanao's destinations, culture, heritage, and people featured in the video. However, upon watching it, I could not identify any familiar images. I even rewatched it to make sure, but I still could not find any recognizable scenes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Perhaps the perception of Mindanao as a "war-torn" island still persists, making it difficult to promote as a tourist destination, especially to foreign visitors. Despite its rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty, the negative image associated with the island may overshadow its potential as a tourism hotspot.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The government needs to establish a strong and consistent tourism brand to effectively attract visitors from around the world. Other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, have successfully established a strong tourism identity and have become popular destinations for international travelers. We hope that the Philippines can follow their lead and develop a permanent tourism brand that effectively showcases the country's unique attractions and culture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tourism branding is inherently political, as it involves the promotion of a country's image and identity to the world. The success of a tourism campaign depends not only on its ability to stand on its own, but also on its ability to become ingrained in the local pop culture. By achieving this level of cultural integration, a tourism campaign can attain immortality and remain memorable to the public for years to come.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the case of the Philippines, a successful tourism campaign must resonate with the Filipino people and reflect their unique values, traditions, and way of life. By doing so, it can effectively promote the country as a desirable destination for tourists from around the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While the controversy surrounding the "Love the Philippines" campaign has certainly generated buzz, it remains to be seen whether the new slogan will be successful in promoting tourism in the country. Only time will tell if it can surpass the success of the previous campaign slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines." Ultimately, the effectiveness of the campaign will depend on its ability to attract visitors and showcase the beauty and diversity of the Philippines.</span></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-24755023144486280552023-06-25T15:50:00.000+08:002023-06-25T15:50:29.841+08:00Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvpDAmnG_DuX9yN7JWTbfuec4zzoVpbUrh2wwAA81BYA0qsoPUFyO24kRtaBKoZKGUdnCBFqFji_TYCPamiRRY7Ovc-23qXBowGU-z-WX34HM2O1clm6MXhyH1wpBSkHQpYGyUUqg7WGO_50QMfQUOATClcEC3jNNPNT5vDSaGDfUEvfbFC3GOulWR71T/s940/Mcville%20Fajamolin%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvpDAmnG_DuX9yN7JWTbfuec4zzoVpbUrh2wwAA81BYA0qsoPUFyO24kRtaBKoZKGUdnCBFqFji_TYCPamiRRY7Ovc-23qXBowGU-z-WX34HM2O1clm6MXhyH1wpBSkHQpYGyUUqg7WGO_50QMfQUOATClcEC3jNNPNT5vDSaGDfUEvfbFC3GOulWR71T/w640-h536/Mcville%20Fajamolin%20.png" title="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mcville.fajamolin" target="_blank">Mcville Fajamolin</a> never imagined that he would venture into the cacao industry. He thought he would remain a nurse in Saudi Arabia for a longer period. However, his early exposure to agriculture, due to his father, led him to continue his father's legacy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"My father was the farmer in our family. He used to plant rice, corn, banana, and coconut. Later on, he tried his hand at cacao farming," said Fajamolin.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Diony Fajamolin, the patriarch, was aware that the crops they were growing were simply "cash crops"—crops that could be easily sold for quick income. However, his interest in cacao farming and production led him to pursue it, believing that it would provide them with greater opportunities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"My father had a solid understanding of the fundamentals of farming. However, his vision for cacao farming extended far beyond simply selling its beans. He aspired to become one of the best cacao processors in Sarangani," Fajamolin recalled.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His father became determined to expand his knowledge of cacao farming. He traveled to the Municipality of Tupi to participate in a cacao training program, where he studied the benefits of intercropping. In 2016, he planted 4,000 cacao seedlings, which eventually bore fruit in 2019.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38X8CvbOQr8JEeKAXJlCE7xZrQOacmuOIcPvORmWgKpmM9iAyJvZXAnMTaU3YJVe30ZCZAl-Y3QNXXOuPGH1mQe2I8z_BNfaguUfLPpAK2YFbRPphxHpVtuyAZ7rjbjz8LJEFiVugIa5UxS6PDHWgneuH8LwYpSvyFYRzuUx5fRAk7hIOyu1gldVXRMpz/s2048/Diomrie%20Farm%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38X8CvbOQr8JEeKAXJlCE7xZrQOacmuOIcPvORmWgKpmM9iAyJvZXAnMTaU3YJVe30ZCZAl-Y3QNXXOuPGH1mQe2I8z_BNfaguUfLPpAK2YFbRPphxHpVtuyAZ7rjbjz8LJEFiVugIa5UxS6PDHWgneuH8LwYpSvyFYRzuUx5fRAk7hIOyu1gldVXRMpz/w640-h426/Diomrie%20Farm%205.jpg" title="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since the price of cacao was not sufficient, his father decided to venture into cacao value-added products. He established a brand for their cacao production called <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DiomrieFarm" target="_blank">Diomrie Farm</a></i></b>, named after himself and his wife. They started by producing tsokolate tablea (chocolate tablets) products, and as their business grew, they expanded their product lines to offer a wider variety of chocolate treats.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Initially, there were many trials and errors in the processing, but over time, their methods improved. Their chocolate shop is located in Barangay Sison, Maitum, Sarangani Province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s-AiKzNSf-A" width="320" youtube-src-id="s-AiKzNSf-A"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While working as a nurse in Saudi Arabia, his son invested in machinery for cacao processing. He purchased the equipment from India, where it was available at a lower cost, and had it shipped to the Philippines.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Initially, I had no interest in venturing into the cacao industry. However, after seeing my father's passion for it, I decided to support him. To my surprise, I found myself managing our cacao production."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2021, due to his father's health condition, he returned to Maitum at his father's request. His father had assured him that there was a promising future in cacao processing and that the industry would provide him with many opportunities for growth and success.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After his father passed away, Fajamolin assumed responsibility for the family business. Initially, he was skeptical about the cacao market and doubted its consistency. However, as he took over the operations, he began to see its enormous potential and realized that there were many potential business partners interested in working with him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEUqfMCj6LsQfX8DQLcuSK2f0NVJW2QuL8nR_qUQpJRn9ZL4Zg0QJ6SnR0v0iTCc3EjM71_q8FHWS0RxExRMQnHACuMXXVU4HMEtsiZC-kJKmY6Vbfrv0BO_uX30K2CygUMj42-aFr8IE6L0xi2bkUynPnrRwUSVyUlI_QBkbF--rmjm1rtwyAZn5Anga/s2048/Diomrie%20Farm%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEUqfMCj6LsQfX8DQLcuSK2f0NVJW2QuL8nR_qUQpJRn9ZL4Zg0QJ6SnR0v0iTCc3EjM71_q8FHWS0RxExRMQnHACuMXXVU4HMEtsiZC-kJKmY6Vbfrv0BO_uX30K2CygUMj42-aFr8IE6L0xi2bkUynPnrRwUSVyUlI_QBkbF--rmjm1rtwyAZn5Anga/w640-h480/Diomrie%20Farm%2010.jpg" title="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like many entrepreneurs, Fajamolin faced challenges in managing his business. For example, he had no prior knowledge of business, as it was not his area of expertise. Determined to succeed, he participated in various seminars and training programs to expand his knowledge and skills in the field.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He actively participates in various trade exhibits and expos to increase brand awareness and marketability for their products. These events also provide valuable networking opportunities to connect with other industry professionals.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fajamolin was a recipient of various government programs, including the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Kapatid Mentor Me program. Through this program, he gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different aspects of business operations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I am still learning about the business and will continue to seek assistance to improve our cacao farming and processing operations," Fajamolin stated.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtKAfrxcAlEVol2O0x4wWDBE_MkcItHllosjh5iz7sgIMWPRVryXu1pnmk_0sEUvoTni85TsmnK9fGi2dy0_BdqfK7jGT4BnxkQRuiqK8ZukWIPbDvY2cIRg3cwAYqFDS4Ge_40FNZpdJr5P0jSbdiaItCL4SY_tyR1kC8bfqgrMhx3Z2_ypc7L5OqJoh/s2048/Diomrie%20Farm%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtKAfrxcAlEVol2O0x4wWDBE_MkcItHllosjh5iz7sgIMWPRVryXu1pnmk_0sEUvoTni85TsmnK9fGi2dy0_BdqfK7jGT4BnxkQRuiqK8ZukWIPbDvY2cIRg3cwAYqFDS4Ge_40FNZpdJr5P0jSbdiaItCL4SY_tyR1kC8bfqgrMhx3Z2_ypc7L5OqJoh/w640-h480/Diomrie%20Farm%203.jpg" title="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Through a partnership with DTI Sarangani, Fajamolin entered into a Commercial Partnership Agreement (CPA) with several cacao farmers' associations in the Municipality of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum (MAKIMA). This partnership was established as a means of supporting local cacao growers in Sarangani Province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite the partnership, Fajamolin acknowledges that there is still a shortage of raw materials for cacao production. Many cacao farmers lack the knowledge and expertise required for the proper care and maintenance of the crop.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Many cacao farmers do not realize the high value of their cacao plants. Some have even chosen to cut them down, believing that they are no longer productive, and replace them with other crops such as bananas. Most of these farmers lack knowledge of the proper care and maintenance required for cacao farming. I want to reignite their passion for this industry."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to Fajamolin, many farmers believe that their cacao plants are no longer productive due to problems at the farm level. For example, some cacao farms are affected by black pod rot, a disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora. This disease is responsible for significant production losses in cacao and spreads rapidly under conditions of excessive rain, humidity, insufficient sunshine, and temperatures below 21°C (70°F).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Symptoms include necrotic lesions on the cocoa pods that are brown or black in color and eventually enlarge to cover the entire pod. To control the disease, timely treatment with copper-containing fungicides and constant removal of infected pods is needed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVv38WkGRGRVQj5VIpV3SWBBGYuMBIdE5SoKoS_wMLuJOQQLaRfQyJ0oBANDwSsYLp6nz_CzsDUAYqnNhZlUpG4TBYYdi9wWJeQYHDCJjg4Ixb8wzCht996A1kz_d9bMbMTFBy9KACRAyldYWeh1h8oH7a3voBX57Ca0YdonBNiAfum7xJ0vAtUY53o48/s1080/Diomrie%20Farm%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVv38WkGRGRVQj5VIpV3SWBBGYuMBIdE5SoKoS_wMLuJOQQLaRfQyJ0oBANDwSsYLp6nz_CzsDUAYqnNhZlUpG4TBYYdi9wWJeQYHDCJjg4Ixb8wzCht996A1kz_d9bMbMTFBy9KACRAyldYWeh1h8oH7a3voBX57Ca0YdonBNiAfum7xJ0vAtUY53o48/w640-h360/Diomrie%20Farm%207.jpg" title="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fajamolin believes that many cacao farmers lack the knowledge and training necessary for the proper care and maintenance of their farms. He suggests that they participate in training programs to learn about cacao industry standards, like the proper fermentation method.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Additionally, he recommends conducting dialogues between cacao farmers, producers, the local government, and relevant agencies to address the challenges facing the local cacao industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cacao is considered a high-value crop that can be processed into a wide range of products, including chocolate, chocolate powder, and tablea. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Davao Region is the leading producer of cacao in the Philippines, accounting for 80.6% of the country's total cacao production in 2021.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA4zfMI2KDLyD-e891PQHTsT3Onj6ClpEQJahDO1WmVWgHIXV8rhuT5Y0vHfGyyoFSZjo5fw6I2YgA8YraNCHhwJ0BU6ilgESspb3vyplxLDnuJBkpwbSGUzarHXyxFW2Prwhubo77zf85G6E4gd3CEVFRj2BkIsLs9k_DFDjb43E2kBfEjHvZppowUzW/s1365/Diomrie%20farm%2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA4zfMI2KDLyD-e891PQHTsT3Onj6ClpEQJahDO1WmVWgHIXV8rhuT5Y0vHfGyyoFSZjo5fw6I2YgA8YraNCHhwJ0BU6ilgESspb3vyplxLDnuJBkpwbSGUzarHXyxFW2Prwhubo77zf85G6E4gd3CEVFRj2BkIsLs9k_DFDjb43E2kBfEjHvZppowUzW/w640-h640/Diomrie%20farm%2012.jpg" title="Mcville Fajamolin’s Passion for Cacao Farming and Production" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Additionally, under Republic Act No. 11547 enacted on May 27, 2021, Davao City is officially the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines, while the entirety of Davao Region is the Cacao Capital of the Philippines.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Philippines has been recognized as an ideal location for cacao cultivation due to its favorable soil composition and climate conditions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To comply with industry standards, Fajamolin is currently working on obtaining FDA certification for its cacao processing operations. This certification will ensure that their products meet the necessary safety and quality standards.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"If your only goal is to earn an income without having a passion for the work, you are unlikely to achieve true success. I eventually fell in love with cacao production and became deeply invested in the business," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"At first, it was hard to believe that we could produce chocolate in Maitum. But now I have a vision of Sarangani becoming one of the top cacao-producing provinces in the country."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-42213068012517578612023-06-17T13:26:00.001+08:002023-06-17T13:26:42.484+08:00kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56tyQhB1qYM83LSWHKGmmHKneT6YV54PmZmuk1ZF7gDXeKdyXjjpw-Y_q4Xsw6AqJcUkzZBzi4XR8bF4uGhh97woSlzIr_VAvSYykEO9JKIepYhYU1bPZUIOddUcaI--vWpPAcqk5n_rDTFqpMRov69VLLgTEE7UQaviRMffhL01hVsJ0NnEz_f2sUA/s2048/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kō. Llab Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56tyQhB1qYM83LSWHKGmmHKneT6YV54PmZmuk1ZF7gDXeKdyXjjpw-Y_q4Xsw6AqJcUkzZBzi4XR8bF4uGhh97woSlzIr_VAvSYykEO9JKIepYhYU1bPZUIOddUcaI--vWpPAcqk5n_rDTFqpMRov69VLLgTEE7UQaviRMffhL01hVsJ0NnEz_f2sUA/w640-h480/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%201.jpg" title="kō. Llab Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">kō. LlaB Gallery officially launched on June 16, 2023, in Marville Subdivision, Koronadal City. The social enterprise, founded by Jared Cloyde Palmejar and Sofia Jude Palmejar, aims to support local artisans from the Indigenous People’s (IP) communities in the Soccsksargen region.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The father-daughter duo behind <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086412632174" target="_blank">kō. Llab Gallery</a> aims to not only showcase their artistry but also highlight the unique work of IP artisans in the region, creating a win-win collaborative effort.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYaogKblebN_0DMrnaqNX2-3-2qrAVyFdsw8mcFsLso6vL6RypPR_h28XcWISJWc166aPjJ27NAcqO_K-XKAMryLI-WBHpkiNrfEWWGz8UjQVw3KLYPIY2LqxWJYS6LDg45A0yrCkc1jQL_E_9QwI6AptdGyO7YYs_uImSBXYA5WZNx-wrYDvct04KA/s2048/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYaogKblebN_0DMrnaqNX2-3-2qrAVyFdsw8mcFsLso6vL6RypPR_h28XcWISJWc166aPjJ27NAcqO_K-XKAMryLI-WBHpkiNrfEWWGz8UjQVw3KLYPIY2LqxWJYS6LDg45A0yrCkc1jQL_E_9QwI6AptdGyO7YYs_uImSBXYA5WZNx-wrYDvct04KA/w480-h640/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%202.jpg" title="kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Our gallery is the result of a collaboration with artisans in South Cotabato, and we have plans to expand our partnerships to the entire region," said Sofia.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We are focused on working with IP communities to help promote their products and showcase the unique artistry of their artisans."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before, they were based in Manila, but they decided to return to Koronadal City to pursue their idea of helping local artisans promote their products. Sofia is focused on designing for women, from accessories and ready-to-wear clothing to bags. They are also aiming to bring the region's products to the international fashion scene.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sofia took up a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Fashion Design at the Philippine Women’s College in Davao City. After she graduated in 2015, she moved to Manila to immerse herself in the fashion scene. Although she admits that her knowledge of fashion was limited at first, her exposure to the industry in Manila helped her gain the knowledge and experience she needed to establish herself and her advocacy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2015, Jared who is known as “Jared Servano,” won 2nd place in the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines. This achievement opened up a multitude of opportunities for him in his career as a designer.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jared is focused on designing men's wear and developing new products. They have participated in various community immersions in the region, an initiative led by Sofia, until they came up with the idea of establishing a hub for local artisans.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We have been involved in cultural work for quite some time and saw the need for a hub for artisans in Mindanao," said Jared.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG7ooXk7yAYQIhiLsJLqZYs5f32dIXLrsf9QaKvgGr9SiV7mOuxXm07yisTSIpwkTi7hb-1x25G68YV2PiduLSTf9GBG3iMQ-ht618B08rJ1PMwzmXsbCQPYVWgcOGRSq456FmvroFKPTJvW7A7Y5QNcJJ2xQf26HvsUFDqGsG0TxVNtcgSyBJvnUsQ/s960/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG7ooXk7yAYQIhiLsJLqZYs5f32dIXLrsf9QaKvgGr9SiV7mOuxXm07yisTSIpwkTi7hb-1x25G68YV2PiduLSTf9GBG3iMQ-ht618B08rJ1PMwzmXsbCQPYVWgcOGRSq456FmvroFKPTJvW7A7Y5QNcJJ2xQf26HvsUFDqGsG0TxVNtcgSyBJvnUsQ/w640-h480/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%205.jpg" title="kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"All of the products in the gallery are handcrafted by our IP, and we welcome all artisans to join us. Our goal is to provide a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their work and share their unique artistry with the world."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After facing challenges during the pandemic, Jared and Sofia were finally able to open their gallery to the public. They have collaborated with various groups, agencies, and local governments to create inclusive partnerships with different sectors.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As culture-based designers, Jared and Sofia have a deep respect for IP customary laws. Every time they create something, they make sure to involve the tribe and follow their guidelines. They take the time to learn about the dos and don'ts to ensure that their work is respectful and culturally sensitive.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgPaqEpgsALHx-ScwubLjgCbrSMQ0UsFzfWiH-k5KPCOTFNS4yztJFU4lqAECPTa56d2LNlMlEQ6zbsp9n5c8DIswW6c-HTL8EOpBhbMH4_6JgMCh4pUsoi2HgyFUc0wR1KUanMkHb-sTK-T57yCN8U0UmxCtep2MgdEQei6zv5tQKDwU9EANxDTIaw/s2048/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgPaqEpgsALHx-ScwubLjgCbrSMQ0UsFzfWiH-k5KPCOTFNS4yztJFU4lqAECPTa56d2LNlMlEQ6zbsp9n5c8DIswW6c-HTL8EOpBhbMH4_6JgMCh4pUsoi2HgyFUc0wR1KUanMkHb-sTK-T57yCN8U0UmxCtep2MgdEQei6zv5tQKDwU9EANxDTIaw/w640-h480/Ko%20Llab%20Gallery%203.jpg" title="kō. LlaB Gallery supports local artisans in Soccsksargen" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They believe in fair sharing of income with the artisans they collaborate with. In addition, they give back to their partner communities such as providing scholarship grants to IP youth. They also work to establish direct links between local artisans and the market. Their goal is to support and empower the artisans they work with while also promoting their unique artistry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We hope to help many more artisans through our gallery. We established this gallery for them so that they wouldn't have to struggle to market their products,” said Jared.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I hope to continue expanding my ideas in terms of design and never stop learning. I believe that there is always room for growth and improvement, and I am constantly seeking new inspiration and knowledge to enhance my work and better serve the artisans we collaborate with,” said Sofia.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-27702206308308774012023-06-13T18:40:00.002+08:002023-06-13T19:24:12.808+08:00Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57SKlVeEeiUNmIFbVtNhwu2uvoMtpE2C8FrgeDAxqRMJuO2BF_sTpZdzVzt6yPEwu4cs9i4zVtFmGFP81B-8-otpSAV5Z2zX4QQjnbs5HVg00QOY-UK-eSyo8X4QqjxlmWuz2ExE7Jjni2XjYBtKmunQNVRnB44FwEWxUlPjth0AgFO1eg7OBKIsN0Q/s940/Lance%20Estocapio%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57SKlVeEeiUNmIFbVtNhwu2uvoMtpE2C8FrgeDAxqRMJuO2BF_sTpZdzVzt6yPEwu4cs9i4zVtFmGFP81B-8-otpSAV5Z2zX4QQjnbs5HVg00QOY-UK-eSyo8X4QqjxlmWuz2ExE7Jjni2XjYBtKmunQNVRnB44FwEWxUlPjth0AgFO1eg7OBKIsN0Q/w640-h536/Lance%20Estocapio%20.png" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When <a href="https://www.facebook.com/charleslance.estocapio" target="_blank">Charles Lance T. Estocapio</a> entered a young farmers' competition, he never could have imagined the doors it would open for him. Despite having a background in tourism management and being mostly exposed to the hospitality industry, Estocapio's passion for agriculture never wavered. Now, with new opportunities at his fingertips, he is more determined than ever to turn his dream into a reality.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I engaged in bee farming because most consumers have concerns about the authenticity of honey. I want to provide the market with pure and reliable honey that they could see being produced on my farm. This would also help the environment by increasing farm productivity through effective pollination," Estocapio said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio's bee farm is situated in Purok 4, Bulol Awang, Barangay Tokawal, Alabel, Sarangani Province. At his farm, he focuses on cultivating Tetragonula biroi, commonly known as "kiyot," which is a native stingless bee species in the Philippines.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While kiyot bees produce less honey compared to the widely known western honeybee (Apis mellifera), they excel in producing propolis, a resin-like substance with significant medicinal and therapeutic potential. Estocapio not only promotes beekeeping as a livelihood opportunity but also highlights its environmental benefits.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I am passionate about promoting beekeeping as an advocacy. I want to educate people about the practice and raise awareness about its benefits for the environment," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOX-T7HPzcEGFIPihU5D7DSdE7KjWw6cDrsI1XLREDt3Y2CgBinOOwMlDNZ9V3IZ4zr4M-pDoRcZz9sSxe1gg_BiTky6t1QLninceFaCPccLQuexOv05GJjSUMWcxhXgzLEGEVE1zBKils5mcBDS3l8tSZEj7B1nqht_VBsaYU8Ch7v3BKjaxnTSNkQ/s1714/Melvin%20Awid%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1714" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOX-T7HPzcEGFIPihU5D7DSdE7KjWw6cDrsI1XLREDt3Y2CgBinOOwMlDNZ9V3IZ4zr4M-pDoRcZz9sSxe1gg_BiTky6t1QLninceFaCPccLQuexOv05GJjSUMWcxhXgzLEGEVE1zBKils5mcBDS3l8tSZEj7B1nqht_VBsaYU8Ch7v3BKjaxnTSNkQ/w640-h358/Melvin%20Awid%202.jpg" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On joining Young Farmers Challenge</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) is a competitive financial grant assistance program by the Department of Agriculture for youth who engage in new agri-fishery enterprises.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio first learned about YFC through his friend on social media. He won the competition and that was the start of his journey. He had no prior knowledge of bee farming and learned most of what he knows from YouTube. He received a total of 200,000 pesos from the YFC, with 50,000 pesos at the provincial level and 100,000 pesos at the regional level.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After winning the YFC, he dedicated himself to further his knowledge and skills in bee farming. In the span of one year, he attended numerous trainings and seminars, such as the Bee Program at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQbhNN4FJ1eW_VfI8MT0oAuMvlkrfT2Qb6P6xEUT9ypTnyi-fSDbc-uAIvwDvHVKAh7N0PQSohx_KkZkwa7m36F2-zurBIq8-mTIOWcSfu8lzLJ7KsxrMshzy9CMDMDCjPG71UK8fH9Akmuiys50d11dEURdmaVTg4dPXA-XE82mdNzbqKmLVeunu-w/s2048/Lance%20Estocapio%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQbhNN4FJ1eW_VfI8MT0oAuMvlkrfT2Qb6P6xEUT9ypTnyi-fSDbc-uAIvwDvHVKAh7N0PQSohx_KkZkwa7m36F2-zurBIq8-mTIOWcSfu8lzLJ7KsxrMshzy9CMDMDCjPG71UK8fH9Akmuiys50d11dEURdmaVTg4dPXA-XE82mdNzbqKmLVeunu-w/w640-h426/Lance%20Estocapio%202.jpg" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Participating in YFC was a great opportunity for me to learn about farming and appreciate the satisfaction of producing my products. I also had the chance to meet other young farmers in the region. We share ideas and best practices. Somehow we formed a group of farmer friends who helped each other and expanded our knowledge together," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"In the span of one year, I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in beekeeping. I learned to appreciate the small things and the intricate details involved in the practice."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As one of the provincial and regional winners of YFC, Estocapio knows that the real challenge begins after the competition. It takes hard work and dedication to continue pursuing his goals and making a difference in the agricultural industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJucdAEGppwhIvh1sqkCC82G9_5Sv_Y2Gsyqs25VOmdXOjCt0fnszOWp0AB5OGvvNOvQ8xmTJbAF7cWjMk-OEdOjXfIP5Rtadkv0l84-upkuXwKsnf53kMfDbCiqO6rccwOoS6rs2W_V8VNSywoE4CRWbnAgV91XxFry3ubkDNJlLG9sHZEaCcOF2hQ/s2048/348381194_6695093430521661_4945519911585040272_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJucdAEGppwhIvh1sqkCC82G9_5Sv_Y2Gsyqs25VOmdXOjCt0fnszOWp0AB5OGvvNOvQ8xmTJbAF7cWjMk-OEdOjXfIP5Rtadkv0l84-upkuXwKsnf53kMfDbCiqO6rccwOoS6rs2W_V8VNSywoE4CRWbnAgV91XxFry3ubkDNJlLG9sHZEaCcOF2hQ/w480-h640/348381194_6695093430521661_4945519911585040272_n.jpg" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bee challenge and its skepticism</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio faced several challenges in his beekeeping journey. One of the biggest challenges was the weather, as his farm experienced bad weather conditions that affected his bees and their productivity. He also faced skepticism from some people who questioned the authenticity of the honey he produced.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, this also sparked curiosity and led to more inquiries about his farm and his practices. He welcomed visitors to his farm and was always willing to share his knowledge and educate others about beekeeping.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio is also concerned about the practices of bee hunters, who often use unsustainable methods when harvesting wild honey from the forest. These practices can negatively affect both the environment and the bee population.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another challenge facing beekeeping in the Philippines is habitat loss and degradation. This issue is often linked to the absence of established standards for bee hunting and trade practices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio observes that the older generation of farmers is often not open to new ideas and farm technology. This can create conflict with young farmers who want to implement modern methods. The older generation still prefers traditional ways of farming.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That is why he integrates other crops, such as coconut and banana, into his bee farm. This integration creates a bee pasture - an open area with a variety of flowering plants that is essential for beekeeping. The flowers of the coconut and banana plants, which bloom when the plants begin to bear fruit, provide a good source of food for the bees. Additionally, the presence of bees on the farm helps to pollinate his crops, improving their yields.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maintaining the bee pasture is crucial because the bees rely on its output and quality to thrive and produce high-quality honey. The presence of bee pasture in his community also benefits neighboring farms, such as the mango farm, by improving their yields.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At present, he maintains 17 bee colonies on his farm and is planning to split the beehives. This technique involves dividing one hive into two to increase the number of bee colonies. Stingless bees can produce an average of 1-2 liters of honey, while European bees, such as Apis mellifera, can produce up to 30 liters. Honey can be harvested once or twice a year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeywitdWa1FRdWTOEiQh1PinT1faoakPciGpcZq9wNd37ARGoUgAGLJq-YWLGiYSHopricpAYAtlYqSO95Xxbv2X5CR0H2K5M5vys0zlIhCZWqfDI6hEGCslWjLLkCmR9QcCGkgZyBIxr_zSgS4P1mWAby1SVgtDDwFvP1R0l_7KtRlFTDEhdkMOZdg/s4000/IMG20230521151726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeywitdWa1FRdWTOEiQh1PinT1faoakPciGpcZq9wNd37ARGoUgAGLJq-YWLGiYSHopricpAYAtlYqSO95Xxbv2X5CR0H2K5M5vys0zlIhCZWqfDI6hEGCslWjLLkCmR9QcCGkgZyBIxr_zSgS4P1mWAby1SVgtDDwFvP1R0l_7KtRlFTDEhdkMOZdg/w640-h480/IMG20230521151726.jpg" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to Estocapio, stingless bees are relatively low maintenance compared to other types of livestock. Unlike other animals, they do not require regular feeding or chemical inputs to thrive. Instead, beekeepers only need to monitor their hives frequently to prevent intruders and predators, such as spiders, lizards, toads, and ants.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, the certification process for honey is not easy. The certifying body requires a lab test, which can be expensive. Currently, there is no alternative way to determine the quality of honey except through a lab test.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllG9Tm79LEnGW5UU_k9_5A4GZcdrrZgJZPT3UPw168LE-Ti_6xlIpWVeTE-AMmhk6ZUIKIaZ-kMUIibc0oDkyr2_VWZPZYZ6JoTFeMgsVmPXWNSKBIBxpITSEGzU0buAnPY9vZx7SCZxSb0Ht9Rwg-8M4D_mOXyN9kEZ5hEDsWdolrOXoUL-6tZG-9w/s2048/Lance%20Estocapio%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllG9Tm79LEnGW5UU_k9_5A4GZcdrrZgJZPT3UPw168LE-Ti_6xlIpWVeTE-AMmhk6ZUIKIaZ-kMUIibc0oDkyr2_VWZPZYZ6JoTFeMgsVmPXWNSKBIBxpITSEGzU0buAnPY9vZx7SCZxSb0Ht9Rwg-8M4D_mOXyN9kEZ5hEDsWdolrOXoUL-6tZG-9w/w640-h480/Lance%20Estocapio%204.jpg" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Looking Forward</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio has received a lot of support for his beekeeping venture. Many people are willing to help develop the project, including his YFC friends and the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Alabel. This gives him the motivation to continue, unlike others who may not have as much support.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of his beekeeping mentors, Leo Grajo, advised him to never stop learning. Estocapio took his words to heart and applies this principle in his beekeeping practices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"What I like about the challenge of farming is that you always learn something new. When you appreciate the word 'learning,' you always look for it," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Edwin Fetalino, the owner of Farm Feta Integrated Farm and Technical Institute Inc., also serves as a mentor to him. Fetalino has taught him about beekeeping and is a strong advocate for spreading awareness and knowledge about the practice, particularly about our endemic bee species.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio is currently employed at PhilExport Region 12 but has plans to resign and fully pursue his passion for beekeeping.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I want to envision the bee farm being recognized not only in Sarangani but also in the entire region. I want it to be a pioneering bee farm in Sarangani Province."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpi5uf5oFSuYBAdR-WyODoiYyyANRepjKosjp3idvHai8QNcfPIb35xD3p-Wv7QIsYTr7ZR1PJaOXCVqPZ1WI2w5IfOMr-wvqhgdB4sCtZu_UQQsKehLWw8KWNBkqam44FGpzrMA2p_7Caj086Im1_O60fdCkeVoNX414USp1CpgeNDYZ9leTUQvIag/s2048/Estocapio%20honey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpi5uf5oFSuYBAdR-WyODoiYyyANRepjKosjp3idvHai8QNcfPIb35xD3p-Wv7QIsYTr7ZR1PJaOXCVqPZ1WI2w5IfOMr-wvqhgdB4sCtZu_UQQsKehLWw8KWNBkqam44FGpzrMA2p_7Caj086Im1_O60fdCkeVoNX414USp1CpgeNDYZ9leTUQvIag/w480-h640/Estocapio%20honey.jpg" title="Charles Lance Estocapio’s Beekeeping Venture and Advocacy" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Estocapio has big plans for his bee farm. He envisions it as a learning site where people can discover the benefits of beekeeping, including its positive impact on the environment, increased farm productivity, and potential as an alternative source of income. He hopes to inspire others to explore beekeeping.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Never stop learning. Farming can be very challenging, so it's important to be persistent and have patience. Don't just think of it as a business, but also as a hobby. If you enjoy it, pursue it. If an opportunity arises, seize it."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"My goal is to encourage young people, especially those with parents who are farmers, to get involved in agriculture."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">______</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Watch the vlog: </span></span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-S2Jlg55Mo0" title="Bee Farm in Alabel, Sarangani Province" width="641"></iframe></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-67632568364639603162023-06-09T00:08:00.004+08:002023-06-10T17:55:21.777+08:00Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uU5lgSmCZx17hBuB8KOvprGQc_SlDWlGjPt5_t87brp99jmgPlzSxo38FMdM1rDL2-Ro_4Mqx_6djTMai0HcJlaPhN1ClrdyuhXAjK1VfqHsPRBDQwLe_YfIgOEAktDtHL8CevEh9HzSkrwdIA4m0M6ojav9k9zLM7ohUbCI2y4BKiq1p17YSZtCcQ/s2000/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uU5lgSmCZx17hBuB8KOvprGQc_SlDWlGjPt5_t87brp99jmgPlzSxo38FMdM1rDL2-Ro_4Mqx_6djTMai0HcJlaPhN1ClrdyuhXAjK1VfqHsPRBDQwLe_YfIgOEAktDtHL8CevEh9HzSkrwdIA4m0M6ojav9k9zLM7ohUbCI2y4BKiq1p17YSZtCcQ/w640-h360/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%207.jpg" title="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Upon commencing his endeavors in coffee farming and production, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/denzbert.deramos.7" target="_blank">Denz Bert Deramos</a> recognized the significant financial potential in the industry. By embracing calculated risks and exerting effort, he concluded that coffee could yield substantial returns.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But for Deramos, it is not just about the money. He has a greater vision in mind: to make a positive impact and inspire other farmers in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat province. Many of the coffee farmers in his municipality struggle with poverty and lack knowledge of sustainable coffee farming practices. Deramos hopes to change that.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos studied Marketing Management at Notre Dame of Marbel University, where he began selling coffee in 2020 as part of a requirement for an entrepreneurship class.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For his Entrepreneurial Track subject, Deramos decided to focus on coffee as his business instead of doing the usual on-the-job training. During a presentation for his entrepreneurship class, he presented a business plan centered around coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Among the judges was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ken.clint.9" target="_blank">Kenneth Clint Bajade</a>, a Q Arabica Grader from South Cotabato province. Impressed by Deramos' potential, Bajade encouraged him to fully pursue coffee farming and production. With the support and collaboration of Master Roaster and Farm Technician <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dentinefarm" target="_blank">Denis Cocoba</a>, Deramos embarked on his journey into the world of coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgsg5UrGAdTznwe7giT5kDBFFFrxSTOTpTwEtaweA8M7CWfToUHfQ3NF8J3dVO1Cmm3ENd4N37lWJgcqnZk8CT6VegpABOTbkhbHdkKxmb7q7CbS8o1VfaSVvT9GLeRsUtIx6a4a5YA9laRBWllm9CmUZZHmgb1weaYUFDGJNmWbX9bBh9g3vZSvfNQ/s2048/348354837_6374668625929063_5492848738798349449_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgsg5UrGAdTznwe7giT5kDBFFFrxSTOTpTwEtaweA8M7CWfToUHfQ3NF8J3dVO1Cmm3ENd4N37lWJgcqnZk8CT6VegpABOTbkhbHdkKxmb7q7CbS8o1VfaSVvT9GLeRsUtIx6a4a5YA9laRBWllm9CmUZZHmgb1weaYUFDGJNmWbX9bBh9g3vZSvfNQ/w480-h640/348354837_6374668625929063_5492848738798349449_n.jpg" title="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After graduating in 2022, he fully committed to coffee production, specializing in both commercial coffee and Fine Robusta. At the young age of 23, he boldly decided to grow his coffee business instead of following the traditional path of employment like many of his classmates. Deramos chose entrepreneurship over the security of a steady job, determined to make his mark in the world of coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At first, Deramos was interested in sports. However, he later discovered the value of coffee farming and its potential to improve not only his own life but also the lives of others in his town.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Farming has always been a part of my life. I grew up helping my father on the farm and loved the work. For me, farming is more than just a way to make a living - it's a path to achieve my dreams,” Deramos said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Initially, Deramos sold commercial-grade coffee and used his classmates as resellers for distribution. After attending various coffee training and receiving mentorship from Bajade and Cocoba, he expanded his business to include specialty coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Traditional Way of Coffee Farming</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Harvesting coffee was no easy feat for Deramos. The coffee trees on his farm and in other areas had grown so tall that he needed to climb a ladder to reach the ripe cherries. Working alongside other farm workers, Deramos meticulously picked only the reddest cherries. Despite facing numerous challenges, he persevered and was able to harvest over 130 kg of fresh cherries in a single day.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"It's disheartening to see the traditional farming methods still in use in our town. Many farmers don't practice sustainable agriculture, and their coffee trees grow too tall. The lack of knowledge about proper care and maintenance of coffee trees makes harvesting and processing a challenge.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos candidly admits that in the past, he and his family neglected their coffee farm due to a lack of knowledge about proper care and maintenance. Without the necessary expertise, they were unable to fully realize the potential of their land.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“In the past, we only checked and cleaned our coffee farm three times a year. But now, we've stepped up our game. We perform monthly care and maintenance to ensure that our coffee trees are healthy and thriving."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos practices integrated farming by using banana plants to provide shade for his coffee plants. He earns a weekly income from selling bananas and also raises pigs. This diversification helps support his coffee farm.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMgo013CRX2LcQ19DG6VV4iSztDzLgksatcZct5-2C-wUc5gQanqIVmbR1FmXpfFdE_rAS3_o4YWIuKqCZik9B89u5Kl_tFWAFA-HoksweeTV3VYPNyoUuMz7wjnyXlSUE6DHpusu0S-bCYIVnQrCCAubiXSArFqbP0GULdIdg2ForNiB8jETy3JQFw/s1080/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMgo013CRX2LcQ19DG6VV4iSztDzLgksatcZct5-2C-wUc5gQanqIVmbR1FmXpfFdE_rAS3_o4YWIuKqCZik9B89u5Kl_tFWAFA-HoksweeTV3VYPNyoUuMz7wjnyXlSUE6DHpusu0S-bCYIVnQrCCAubiXSArFqbP0GULdIdg2ForNiB8jETy3JQFw/w640-h640/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%205.jpg" title="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos also draws inspiration from his fellow coffee farmer and trader, </span><a href="https://www.yadukaru.com/2023/06/seven-r-coffee-rey-john-bascos-journey.html" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Rey John Basco</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, and his efforts to produce high-quality coffee. Despite his youth, Basco has already made a significant impact on the region's coffee industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another challenge that the young farmer faces is that most coffee farmers in his town are skeptical of his advice due to his lack of experience. He has yet to demonstrate that his farming techniques can increase productivity on their farms.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It's difficult to convince them to follow my advice because I have yet to prove that my techniques can lead to success in coffee farming. Many still hold onto the belief that seeing is believing," said Deramos.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other coffee farmers do not believe him because he is young and has not yet proven himself. Instead of just telling them what to do, he showed them the results.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDg04d0YYU6_FILYaeZEPc5tBrCi323PAZmx1vhhY7NXrjhdLJyeO5RcGsOWWgbauI_1c0xJ-g7UYhdhrg0GH0A5KrtGKznz5WM6SUjk8j82T4PtGXV0g_ZNhJU4fEukEeKOb4o65HV1cFGMmsR7Q1OG1U8tYfj6nXiM_mwc0xpbR6jVemQ721jPw6NA/s2048/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDg04d0YYU6_FILYaeZEPc5tBrCi323PAZmx1vhhY7NXrjhdLJyeO5RcGsOWWgbauI_1c0xJ-g7UYhdhrg0GH0A5KrtGKznz5WM6SUjk8j82T4PtGXV0g_ZNhJU4fEukEeKOb4o65HV1cFGMmsR7Q1OG1U8tYfj6nXiM_mwc0xpbR6jVemQ721jPw6NA/w640-h480/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%203.jpg" title="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On joining coffee competitions and exhibitions</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Encouraged by his mentors, Deramos entered the <a href="https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2023/03/14/kape-dose-competition-highlights-finest-coffee-farmers-producers-in-soccsksargen" target="_blank">2023 Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition</a> and placed 5th in the Fine Robusta category. This achievement marked his first significant progress as a newcomer in the coffee industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“To maintain consistent quality, I follow the techniques I learned from my mentors and coffee training. I also innovate to improve my coffee production,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos' Robusta coffee was showcased alongside other Philippine coffee at the 2023 Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland, Oregon. He got the top spot for the best Fine Robusta.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I was pleasantly surprised when my coffee received high marks. I simply followed the advice of my mentors," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4FQvWvGUODQv37UETAFBtqzPohCHp-lfRF91850XRuhGY92mHviZDJy-enb6FZEFST2DPwbv9uRz0eM3GZJfPv7mLMCyBC0h0ddsdBWlSVwdmZ2YUk2aokSGoEUM76wJxP2W45Mi8RoErCXmagzJ-VSN2-nLRllmGpeNjV9_ZvdH5N0U1OfVyrUN7w/s2048/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4FQvWvGUODQv37UETAFBtqzPohCHp-lfRF91850XRuhGY92mHviZDJy-enb6FZEFST2DPwbv9uRz0eM3GZJfPv7mLMCyBC0h0ddsdBWlSVwdmZ2YUk2aokSGoEUM76wJxP2W45Mi8RoErCXmagzJ-VSN2-nLRllmGpeNjV9_ZvdH5N0U1OfVyrUN7w/w640-h480/Denz%20Bert%20Deramos%202.jpg" title="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He regularly participates in various coffee competitions and exhibitions to ensure that the quality of his coffee remains consistently high.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos is passionate about sharing his knowledge with those who are eager to learn. He emphasizes that taking the right actions is crucial for achieving good results and that the results will speak for themselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It's easier to encourage other coffee farmers when you can show them results. Without tangible evidence, it's difficult to convince them to adopt quality coffee farming practices,” Deramos said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"What sets us apart is our ability to control the quality of our coffee because we have our own farm. Even if we don't come out on top, as long as our coffee is high-quality and valuable, I'll do my best to produce quality beans.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v8ain6gU_Ijb6tj4uZEpEfl1ISQdP0cyFmZnKntFEFuSgVprxfqRU8c1ol_acVdBVKjvWMoLr7-mJ5tgA-VggCBD9m9MNSlWfV1eAGus86jCVCommwvhnfndA8TMej7UrAMLouhX5ZGWq2tLlUDWMjsbn6q-ZjbeUyh3Uzqc4zR0gzWnunKfnGyL-g/s2048/Deramos%20Coffee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v8ain6gU_Ijb6tj4uZEpEfl1ISQdP0cyFmZnKntFEFuSgVprxfqRU8c1ol_acVdBVKjvWMoLr7-mJ5tgA-VggCBD9m9MNSlWfV1eAGus86jCVCommwvhnfndA8TMej7UrAMLouhX5ZGWq2tLlUDWMjsbn6q-ZjbeUyh3Uzqc4zR0gzWnunKfnGyL-g/w640-h480/Deramos%20Coffee.jpg" title="Brewing Change: Denz Bert Deramos’ Impact on Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Farming" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Deramos' mentors encourage him to take a measured approach to his goals, advising him to take things step by step rather than aiming too high too quickly. This approach helps him stay focused on his objectives and remain grounded, even as he achieves initial success.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“My hope is to inspire the new generation of coffee farmers to take an active interest in our town's coffee industry. By adopting new farming technologies, we can work together to improve farm productivity and ensure a bright future for our community."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"If you have a goal and a passion for farming, don't give up on it,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-56447321738670556532023-06-07T12:20:00.002+08:002023-06-07T12:28:55.026+08:00Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDEr8emKtubPESNBWei9a5Ec_if-O53D4MvQiikmMN4g-5b2NWf5rj_1RckQ6aDxplupoQE-uJ8vLU4LYhLplGoOyl6QF8OxF09u5vfP5lLUUC6jubHK4Oo03zupOaQ0Z_HQToYhDOjrfbpqunYlu1tG6UNOHKvVRIahZCrqTPdk-AUbrUiDt3ZjaJQ/s1800/Rey%20John%20Basco%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDEr8emKtubPESNBWei9a5Ec_if-O53D4MvQiikmMN4g-5b2NWf5rj_1RckQ6aDxplupoQE-uJ8vLU4LYhLplGoOyl6QF8OxF09u5vfP5lLUUC6jubHK4Oo03zupOaQ0Z_HQToYhDOjrfbpqunYlu1tG6UNOHKvVRIahZCrqTPdk-AUbrUiDt3ZjaJQ/w640-h426/Rey%20John%20Basco%204.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reyjohn.basco" target="_blank">Rey John Basco</a> is convinced that coffee farming can be a profitable venture. Drawing inspiration from his father's work in the field, Basco believes that coffee has the potential to not only improve their financial situation but also that of other farmers in the region.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco hails from the town of Senator Ninoy Aquino, commonly known as "Kulaman," in the province of Sultan Kudarat. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority for 2021, Sultan Kudarat province is the top coffee producer in the Philippines, accounting for 35 percent of the country's total coffee production. As a result, it attracts investors, particularly coffee companies, who source the majority of their coffee from Basco's town and its neighboring municipalities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"In the early 2000s, our family used to trade for a large company. However, before becoming an independent coffee producer, we realized that such an arrangement was not sustainable in the long run," Basco recalled.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5PKRPpd-f6fdSzBoYZWmNkWWKc7OC-CHhaIgxEjuZ-jei3J_ZSplIoBJTa1KAB90Ut0rOC4TFOVkVFEqaOrwUhpbMDrFiRZSWn6PWEYJbRD2hsbjEFmwoqy4Zm0YmHZMwgBIoOXY2Fv5eJW0WhDnhEGFJ9MHvTUxry5ebw0Q7x1fh0shF9pqEYsL4Q/s2048/Seven%20R%20coffee%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5PKRPpd-f6fdSzBoYZWmNkWWKc7OC-CHhaIgxEjuZ-jei3J_ZSplIoBJTa1KAB90Ut0rOC4TFOVkVFEqaOrwUhpbMDrFiRZSWn6PWEYJbRD2hsbjEFmwoqy4Zm0YmHZMwgBIoOXY2Fv5eJW0WhDnhEGFJ9MHvTUxry5ebw0Q7x1fh0shF9pqEYsL4Q/w640-h480/Seven%20R%20coffee%201.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In pursuit of greater opportunities, the Basco family established their brand, <i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063976455003" target="_blank">Seven R Coffee</a></b></i>, in 2012. The name was inspired by the first initials of the siblings’ first names and their mother. They began by selling commercially graded coffee, roasted using a traditional method with a stainless drum. By 2015, they had completed all the necessary documentation to fully operate as a business.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although he grew up around coffee, Basco pursued a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Sultan Kudarat State University. In 2018, while still in college, he decided to venture into the coffee business. He started with no land or farm of his own. His father first planted 1,000 hills of coffee, and eventually, he began to source it from other farmers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6Z_fV3IqevLSl2B1bw06b3HZ47cD541XtBlt0pt1o8v7xB-QSgOBUEWDrAI6Sa0m_DHWto_L-5bS87HykK47HeOwVgxlHmt1W0AcRDbTQ41Vgz9Mc92-RUFxkVq93wYv5MKAKM8GPWN7Uns5gPpaxt_4BFF_guYtXd_gX1QeVA4FJbpTVGWH_2KL3w/s960/Rey%20John%20Basco%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6Z_fV3IqevLSl2B1bw06b3HZ47cD541XtBlt0pt1o8v7xB-QSgOBUEWDrAI6Sa0m_DHWto_L-5bS87HykK47HeOwVgxlHmt1W0AcRDbTQ41Vgz9Mc92-RUFxkVq93wYv5MKAKM8GPWN7Uns5gPpaxt_4BFF_guYtXd_gX1QeVA4FJbpTVGWH_2KL3w/w640-h480/Rey%20John%20Basco%203.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco's interest in coffee grew even stronger when various interventions were introduced, including technical support from the Department of Trade and Industry and the ACDI/VOCA-PhilCAFE project. These interventions aided their coffee farming and production efforts, underscoring the importance of producing high-quality Robusta coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco was fortunate to receive various coffee training opportunities, including earning a Q Processing Professional certification. This achievement made him one of only three Q Processing Professionals in Region 12. This certification is designed for individuals who work regularly with the post-harvest processing of coffee. The course was facilitated by the Coffee Quality Institute in collaboration with the ACDI/VOCA-PhilCAFE Project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mn9nQroFT9OJLemHxn1oPhyXX6xVuqE9OGcMsuousstozFHo-oG_FBureL-fvY3sa6Js1GI_OZRQSY-bW2JdPWbE-vfb5rl0tzHpdELwdKrY5f8ZK-Z79HJ2uFccggARYy8F-9GPt2ZqqyCdTj-NBZHUIc2fSCCj4W2QxYPnRmB534YZwK3YVPk-5Q/s2048/Rey%20John%20Basco%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mn9nQroFT9OJLemHxn1oPhyXX6xVuqE9OGcMsuousstozFHo-oG_FBureL-fvY3sa6Js1GI_OZRQSY-bW2JdPWbE-vfb5rl0tzHpdELwdKrY5f8ZK-Z79HJ2uFccggARYy8F-9GPt2ZqqyCdTj-NBZHUIc2fSCCj4W2QxYPnRmB534YZwK3YVPk-5Q/w640-h426/Rey%20John%20Basco%205.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Armed with his newfound knowledge of coffee, Basco is eager to share it with his fellow coffee farmers and producers. However, he acknowledges that he has encountered difficulties in imparting his knowledge, particularly to older farmers who are still attached to traditional agricultural practices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Many of them won’t believe me because I’m still young and have not proven anything yet in the local coffee industry. Despite this, I remain resolute in my determination to share my knowledge and contribute to the improvement of coffee farming practices within my community," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One effective method of persuading older coffee farmers to adopt good agricultural practices is to participate in prestigious coffee competitions, such as the Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition and the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC). These events provide an opportunity to showcase the benefits of modern farming techniques and their impact on the quality of the coffee produced.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AAh1uL36TbvUEH0vufHqpU49J8eQmZ9-TlNHs-uzYrSOvdJjYVbR4-aW3G5kvIuyPi76vkvALuPPbWFbl6fYUW1-af5mic03WKkBmXzC2j8oUhlbCN_ir-EaoKsKxfg3nGyyLxh0AakVuApJDsDFCabeCOmnUN81Ruhkqfwt4cbIM51LSnfZ9UHTFQ/s940/Rey%20John%20Basco%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AAh1uL36TbvUEH0vufHqpU49J8eQmZ9-TlNHs-uzYrSOvdJjYVbR4-aW3G5kvIuyPi76vkvALuPPbWFbl6fYUW1-af5mic03WKkBmXzC2j8oUhlbCN_ir-EaoKsKxfg3nGyyLxh0AakVuApJDsDFCabeCOmnUN81Ruhkqfwt4cbIM51LSnfZ9UHTFQ/w640-h536/Rey%20John%20Basco%209.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Basco family achieved great success at the 2023 Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition. Rian Vonn Basco was awarded the title of Best Fine Robusta in the region, with a score of 84.33. Cipriano Basco placed 6th with a score of 83.58, while Edna Basco came in 9th with a score of 82.67. Rey John Basco himself secured the 12th position with a score of 81.42.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco first participated in PCQC in 2017 and was awarded the Best Washed Process in the Robusta category. In the 2022 PCQC, he secured 3rd place in the Robusta category, and in 2023, he achieved 8th place. These consistent results demonstrate his ability to produce high-quality Robusta coffee that can compete on a global level.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco was honored with the CQI Merit Award at the 2023 Philippine Coffee Expo's closing ceremony on June 4th at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. He was recognized as an "Exceptional Coffee Processor" for his significant contributions to the Philippine coffee sector. Basco was among the Q Professionals who received this prestigious award.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU8oBZBZsSettIBORbZUJEU_zudksJZOHjMm7INF6rKVwvCN6qyudbYe8KdZUjAgi5-BMPTrGd_CRb5qdTXSysHqmMK-25FSqwSePcanON-oAcBE0oeg-GhJARi6DdA_9HNpg3N9gGLZtAH7EnCvFt-P7EaFj4ESXoAtU6cLdtxdzfv-GDvHO_5Rziw/s2048/Rey%20John%20Basco%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU8oBZBZsSettIBORbZUJEU_zudksJZOHjMm7INF6rKVwvCN6qyudbYe8KdZUjAgi5-BMPTrGd_CRb5qdTXSysHqmMK-25FSqwSePcanON-oAcBE0oeg-GhJARi6DdA_9HNpg3N9gGLZtAH7EnCvFt-P7EaFj4ESXoAtU6cLdtxdzfv-GDvHO_5Rziw/w640-h480/Rey%20John%20Basco%208.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco was also allowed to showcase his coffee at various international expos, including the 2022 South Korea CaféShow and the 2023 Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland, Oregon. These events provided him with a platform to share his passion for coffee and connect with other industry professionals from around the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now that they have established a name for themselves through their participation in various competitions, the Basco family has been able to boost their brand and ensure its sustainability. They are committed to maintaining the high quality of their coffee and are actively educating their suppliers on best practices. By doing so, they hope to continue producing exceptional coffee that meets the highest standards.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSQK4MRY9fR5I7Gw3-XH4-2ScFxgqneZ2vwoUNezvcs_cGMM7E3ME-XWcTkYrzino26CwRLRPvRUeFtED9_cb4XtSI5wxv4NGZYEnKJtUk8UfyqJYhlVD_ycBVJfdrPdBAITzDoWR4fHNs9I1-w7pngSwtHO9seImQ9cy0b4XJ4poW6OZ2ibL-D0cTQ/s2048/Seven%20R%20coffee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSQK4MRY9fR5I7Gw3-XH4-2ScFxgqneZ2vwoUNezvcs_cGMM7E3ME-XWcTkYrzino26CwRLRPvRUeFtED9_cb4XtSI5wxv4NGZYEnKJtUk8UfyqJYhlVD_ycBVJfdrPdBAITzDoWR4fHNs9I1-w7pngSwtHO9seImQ9cy0b4XJ4poW6OZ2ibL-D0cTQ/w640-h480/Seven%20R%20coffee.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On October 29, 2022, Seven R Café opened its doors in Tacurong City. The café serves locally produced coffee and aims to promote the local coffee industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basco acknowledges that there is still much room for improvement and development in their coffee farming and production. He does not claim to be successful. Instead, he wants to remain grounded and focused on helping the coffee industry. As a 24-year-old agripreneur, he still has a lot to contribute to the industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I envision that we will become one of the biggest producers of Robusta coffee in the country. I want to help promote Sultan Kudarat coffee and be able to help the farmers. This will provide job opportunities in the local community, particularly for IP youth and farmers."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">By purchasing coffee cherries from farmers at a premium price, he helps them increase their income, provided that they produce high-quality cherries. To buy fresh cherries within the Sultan Kudarat province, he requires additional capital. He has established a direct market in Manila and other parts of the country. He is working towards exporting coffee from Sultan Kudarat to the global market.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv9FsBgViElA-LNQTMMppzfEX29UAHhlxO03Gx79QJORzONkbAl4NhuF9g-afUPoASeGmPjKfcCEB8rch_oxwgYPfI_x1biiXPgnljquzcuz5-9D0zJOilfrHzHwcqjSNrWWSsfE0VlFsmArYmtPwNRi0BOeqzeEl1EQ90J20r4zYq1KqbWg20av11A/s2048/352630994_577747294346732_7127456902890349594_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv9FsBgViElA-LNQTMMppzfEX29UAHhlxO03Gx79QJORzONkbAl4NhuF9g-afUPoASeGmPjKfcCEB8rch_oxwgYPfI_x1biiXPgnljquzcuz5-9D0zJOilfrHzHwcqjSNrWWSsfE0VlFsmArYmtPwNRi0BOeqzeEl1EQ90J20r4zYq1KqbWg20av11A/w480-h640/352630994_577747294346732_7127456902890349594_n.jpg" title="Seven R Coffee: Rey John Basco's Journey to Empower Coffee Farmers" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite being recognized for his efforts and having established a strong network in the coffee industry, Basco recognizes that there is a need for a steady supply of coffee as demand has risen in recent years.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"It is important to never stop learning about coffee and how to handle it. The coffee industry is constantly evolving with new techniques and methods. It is essential to stay up to date to produce the best possible cup of coffee," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-46368155414341212442023-05-30T20:46:00.002+08:002023-05-30T20:46:16.916+08:00Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursue the family business<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPCpHWXalIzug2q5A1ysT8R7H4v0VuzaReDNiXln8LmQosC6R7b-zpL54sk7k8UTqrachQ95aJEVtJepXemAMvJvyj2tjVDvodyddLOtmJnxMA6eLgpNqOc5R2UWaZcf9LJWaOjKxoOs2azlx9Z498oGDi9vcjMvJqD-eoG_e6y55vX3iN60m23Y6Hg/s2048/Decano%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2048" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPCpHWXalIzug2q5A1ysT8R7H4v0VuzaReDNiXln8LmQosC6R7b-zpL54sk7k8UTqrachQ95aJEVtJepXemAMvJvyj2tjVDvodyddLOtmJnxMA6eLgpNqOc5R2UWaZcf9LJWaOjKxoOs2azlx9Z498oGDi9vcjMvJqD-eoG_e6y55vX3iN60m23Y6Hg/w640-h490/Decano%204.jpg" title="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a child, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jhunie.hernando" target="_blank">Loreto Decano Jr.</a> enjoyed spending time at his family's coffee area in the public market. Little did he know that his early exposure to coffee would inspire him to continue his family's business. He helps innovate to keep up with modern trends in the coffee industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Decano family, led by their father, Loreto Decano Sr., began their coffee business in the 1960s. Their initial experimentation involved using large <i>kawali </i>to roast coffee beans. They employed traditional grinders and sold their coffee in Tacurong's public market. Their initial customers were the Moros, and they subsequently expanded their market. The family sold their coffee intermittently.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decano holds a degree in nursing but chose to pursue his family's coffee business. After graduating and taking his nursing oath, he dedicated time to researching coffee and studying the business.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I find joy in coffee. I choose to follow my passion," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decano faced challenges in pursuing his passion for coffee. One of these challenges was the hindrance of his family. He had to make difficult business decisions, but at that time, these decisions depended on his parents' approval.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At that time, Decano’s parents did not fully trust him to make business decisions because he had not yet proven himself to them or the business. This made it hard for him to fully pursue his vision for the business.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decano recalled his family's initial reluctance to change. "The business was working well, so why change it? They thought that I had suddenly entered the picture and wanted to make changes."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPW1Mqu9CmcqyGgnd5CdHr6reIx_LZ95cfIWH6kLVMOOfCaC8Ljm141s4Jy39aLYkBN68y4RfjKaIp7XvOjAnCF0pe2gRcvWTqlpsKMqlMhUoHgDpCgTRyCN4FztYk6LBZuV_k2ohJjFnYcvgOBXFiZg2Ccnbdb4Y1PYFu6D-4i28D2fAhpXb52B9qg/s2048/Decano%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1914" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPW1Mqu9CmcqyGgnd5CdHr6reIx_LZ95cfIWH6kLVMOOfCaC8Ljm141s4Jy39aLYkBN68y4RfjKaIp7XvOjAnCF0pe2gRcvWTqlpsKMqlMhUoHgDpCgTRyCN4FztYk6LBZuV_k2ohJjFnYcvgOBXFiZg2Ccnbdb4Y1PYFu6D-4i28D2fAhpXb52B9qg/w598-h640/Decano%206.jpg" title="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" width="598" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite initial challenges, Decano was not discouraged. He conducted research and applied what he learned to improve the business. Eventually, he decided to establish his brand name, </span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Decanoscoffee" target="_blank">Decanos Coffee</a></b></i><span style="font-family: verdana;">. The name already had a strong recall among customers who were familiar with their coffee. Decano saw an opportunity to upscale the business and take it to the next level.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I recognized the need to raise the standard of our coffee. I wanted to level up and expand our market. By improving the quality of our product, we aim to attract a wider customer base and grow the business," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2012, Decano began developing new products and rolled them out in 2013. His wife and brother joined him in the coffee business and helped him grow the brand.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To this day, the family still operates their coffee business in the public market of Tacurong City. Their establishment now focuses on selling commercially graded coffee. Decano introduced Specialty Arabica and Fine Robusta to cater to consumers who prefer these varieties.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7K7c4fcwXUR2YSpt-mTxqa5XnG18j6uwzFTL_itzXvuTqqIFJhfQ02cBGt-tacWiWTUue8OmYIIhRnxvKrEaeJNvuyNK1vq2M3_sWy9WpJQuQi5jx8SxpTpltxgOoud9qnfwfXpMt1uWSAnmjLcswINLsgqJsi02ZTThejehzafSmfEA7qslj4GZTw/s2048/Decano%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7K7c4fcwXUR2YSpt-mTxqa5XnG18j6uwzFTL_itzXvuTqqIFJhfQ02cBGt-tacWiWTUue8OmYIIhRnxvKrEaeJNvuyNK1vq2M3_sWy9WpJQuQi5jx8SxpTpltxgOoud9qnfwfXpMt1uWSAnmjLcswINLsgqJsi02ZTThejehzafSmfEA7qslj4GZTw/w640-h360/Decano%208.jpg" title="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite facing many trials and errors, Decano remained committed to producing and selling high-quality local coffee. He made significant improvements to various aspects of the business, including branding and marketing. He also ventured into coffee roasting and took his skills to the next level. He completed a coffee roasting training program facilitated by the Coffee Quality Institute.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"There were times when I felt like giving up. But I go back to my 'why' and remained determined. I changed my strategy and realized that the product positioning was not right. I focused on developing high-quality products and marketing them online to young professionals," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decano’s parents were not aware of the latest trends in the coffee industry. To help their business catch up, he began implementing his ideas. For example, he introduced proper packaging for their commercially graded coffee. At first, this change was not well received by their loyal customers. However, over time, they came to appreciate its importance.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Our parents saw how hard we were working and decided to support us by lending capital. They could see that we were dedicated and determined to make our business work. Their support gave us the boost we needed to keep pushing forward and striving for success," said Decano.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decano is always eager to learn more and has attended various trainings provided by different government agencies and NGOs. He also collaborates with different coffee stakeholders in Region 12.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmChsXh3kk9sku4Wcha8vzwBkv-vB1LNcOYdx89Js58Uo0q3y742vI0GIkH2k6kQf11FDnBJKbNoovEzjhHGtSmu8SZXE6v1YdNJMk8GVMtOqx9Ym0HoO-T-B8NYUph9YnGc2skh_Oj6KQok2s_uMymfPDgh27AJB5VcyWHEE2jhY0mPw6c9k8NpXqZA/s2048/Decano%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmChsXh3kk9sku4Wcha8vzwBkv-vB1LNcOYdx89Js58Uo0q3y742vI0GIkH2k6kQf11FDnBJKbNoovEzjhHGtSmu8SZXE6v1YdNJMk8GVMtOqx9Ym0HoO-T-B8NYUph9YnGc2skh_Oj6KQok2s_uMymfPDgh27AJB5VcyWHEE2jhY0mPw6c9k8NpXqZA/w640-h452/Decano%207.jpg" title="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2019, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) began to provide support for his business. For example, he joined DTI’s Kapatid Mentor Me Program and learned many things that helped improve his business.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He also received support from the DTI RAPID Growth Project and entered into a Commercial Partnership Agreement (CPA) with some coffee farmers' associations, including the Masiag Farmers and Coffee Growers Association Inc. from Masiag, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We pay a high price for green coffee beans from our farmers. It makes us proud to see how happy they are with the price and how it enables them to buy the things they need. If I hadn't worked hard and persevered, I wouldn't have been able to help the farmers in this way," Decano said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcROwBpYGEDAGY98sno9gp6yKv-zAkzt8N3OZujcMHpuc0N3Y230Yiqs5TzTM7qPziwGn5rvByfwGJblT_Ldx5rpmPxPqYxugcGACa4kJmWyAvlHMm_qXFdPQmsiynFR3m9UVVmiqIbnfqp5-VdzN11R3w5sdsQAXxrbVstEXxZaJN5Cef_Ad9TeQg/s2048/Decano%209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcROwBpYGEDAGY98sno9gp6yKv-zAkzt8N3OZujcMHpuc0N3Y230Yiqs5TzTM7qPziwGn5rvByfwGJblT_Ldx5rpmPxPqYxugcGACa4kJmWyAvlHMm_qXFdPQmsiynFR3m9UVVmiqIbnfqp5-VdzN11R3w5sdsQAXxrbVstEXxZaJN5Cef_Ad9TeQg/w640-h408/Decano%209.jpg" title="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He also established himself as the leading supplier of coffee beans to local shops in Tacurong City and the surrounding towns.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We tailor our approach to each client based on their individual needs. By actively listening and engaging in open communication, we can identify and address any issues that may arise in their market. This allows us to make necessary adjustments and ensure that our clients' needs are always met."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decano acknowledges that one of the challenges faced by the coffee industry is ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beans. While the market for specialty coffee in the region is still developing and not all consumers have embraced it yet, there are also concerns about pricing regulations and the potential for exploitation within the industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Decano’s Coffee and Roastery</i> strives to provide its customers with the coffee they desire, from commercial to specialty blends. The company hopes to supply large coffee shop brands and establish a strong network within the coffee roasting community. They remain focused on delivering high-quality products to their customers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t8Xad4FRqWrrIq4LFuUQSV-g9F94zhRRZUv_yNlh2tTG0rR7iXmO_8Jwjc6tGXtWXUN1osvFsuOuZKZPZoHEJiEv-yxs8VjOPquFN10UufJhIO8kdUhsy5L0KJppg4Su7JAOAjWIfZIAFFJoq3DZcS4pQ34AZ4JNu0BgMOjo4hjlPpiSASVfkz_lBA/s1184/Decano%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t8Xad4FRqWrrIq4LFuUQSV-g9F94zhRRZUv_yNlh2tTG0rR7iXmO_8Jwjc6tGXtWXUN1osvFsuOuZKZPZoHEJiEv-yxs8VjOPquFN10UufJhIO8kdUhsy5L0KJppg4Su7JAOAjWIfZIAFFJoq3DZcS4pQ34AZ4JNu0BgMOjo4hjlPpiSASVfkz_lBA/w640-h640/Decano%2011.jpg" title="Decanos Coffee: Loreto Decano Jr.’s dedication to pursuing the family business" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We envision a future where our brand has expanded nationwide. Our goal is to establish a strong presence in markets across the country and become a household name," said Decano.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Always remember your 'why'. When you know your 'why', you are unstoppable. An entrepreneur without a reason will become complacent along the way. Without a goal, you will remain stagnant. Having a goal is what motivates you."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decanos has a vision for the growth and expansion of their business. They are committed to collaborate with stakeholders in the coffee industry and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and fair trade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We measure our success by the positive impact we have on the lives of the farmers and coffee suppliers we work with. Our goal is to improve their livelihoods and support sustainable practices within the coffee industry," Decano said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We celebrate success every day because we continue to grow. We never give up and remain focused on achieving our goals. It is important to revisit our ‘why’ and remember the reasons that drive us. When you have a dream, you are unstoppable."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-88649963236692915372023-04-21T19:21:00.000+08:002023-04-21T19:21:24.206+08:00Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzSzyf7aAbZ4nh-0SZElFfMKcXha-J_gSttbco_WMDKRsYI_ec6x3PAeUqkt1bk1KeSoWdNQ7OPug95wgjh-Ygfn2uKNcF9Rj3rpi87m4Mc1Br_MI6WCwJTgYztgEWIcW_9W_AtdtUEgdsxkI8KpSDMD7erFek3NjcBNUWnUZkJf-t76jEWD2F705TA/s940/Plant%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzSzyf7aAbZ4nh-0SZElFfMKcXha-J_gSttbco_WMDKRsYI_ec6x3PAeUqkt1bk1KeSoWdNQ7OPug95wgjh-Ygfn2uKNcF9Rj3rpi87m4Mc1Br_MI6WCwJTgYztgEWIcW_9W_AtdtUEgdsxkI8KpSDMD7erFek3NjcBNUWnUZkJf-t76jEWD2F705TA/w640-h536/Plant%20.png" title="Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023/" target="_blank"><b>Earth Day</b></a> is a global event celebrated annually on April 22nd, aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to protect the environment. This year's Earth Day theme, <i><b>"Invest in Our Planet,"</b></i> is a call to action for everyone to come together and take action to protect our planet.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year’s Earth Day theme aims to involve governments, institutions, businesses, and individuals in taking steps to safeguard our planet. This campaign builds on the previous year's efforts and promotes investment in sustainable practices and technologies to ensure the preservation of our planet for future generations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is important to reflect on the environmental challenges faced by the Philippines, a country known for its rich biodiversity and natural resources.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Historical Background and its Importance</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earth Day traces its roots back to the United States in 1970, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Since then, it has evolved into a global event with millions of people participating in various activities to promote environmental awareness and action. In the Philippines, Earth Day has been celebrated since the 1990s, gaining momentum in recent years as the country faces pressing environmental challenges.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Philippines, known for its diverse ecosystems, faces numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change impacts. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and unsustainable practices have led to environmental degradation, threatening the country's natural resources and cultural heritage.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soccsksargen, a region in the southern Philippines, is no exception, with issues such as illegal logging, mining, and land degradation posing significant threats to its unique environmental landscapes and indigenous communities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earth Day holds great significance in the Philippine context as it provides an opportunity to raise awareness about these pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. It serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and take steps towards protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Personal Action for Earth Day</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are many ways for people in the Philippines to celebrate Earth Day. One way is to participate in events and activities organized by local environmental organizations. For example, <a href="https://www.earthday.ph/" target="_blank">Earth Day Network Philippines</a> is an organization that promotes environmental awareness and action in the Philippines. By visiting their website, one can learn more about their events and how to get involved.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Additionally, celebrating Earth Day can also involve making small changes in daily life to reduce environmental impact. This can include reducing the use of single-use plastics, conserving water and energy, and supporting local sustainable businesses.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZw8HHi0SOTSyfKceyfbgvrZrE_KNIEUAKLIGMU9LVhb9RKvEnNldtxziiYvg9r_te5oNX_Oavln3AIulSHuRzSmxQL0xdep2PA7h7Pizo7Qx0wsWnM2_luhRnbS14agOR-G2ituCQOhW1N-d-4xlyPzPOnWils7QJxZnDlvBsMTtW6yAEk5hsUG1Rg/s2000/Lebak%20Katunggan%20Mangrove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="2000" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZw8HHi0SOTSyfKceyfbgvrZrE_KNIEUAKLIGMU9LVhb9RKvEnNldtxziiYvg9r_te5oNX_Oavln3AIulSHuRzSmxQL0xdep2PA7h7Pizo7Qx0wsWnM2_luhRnbS14agOR-G2ituCQOhW1N-d-4xlyPzPOnWils7QJxZnDlvBsMTtW6yAEk5hsUG1Rg/w640-h350/Lebak%20Katunggan%20Mangrove.jpg" title="Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial shot of Lebak Katunggan Coastal Eco Park | photo by Visit SOX Philippines</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Soccsksargen, various Earth Day activities are planned to raise awareness and promote environmental conservation. Tree planting activities are organized in local communities, schools, and protected areas to combat deforestation and promote reforestation efforts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Indigenous communities, who have a deep connection with the environment, may also organize cultural performances, traditional rituals, and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of preserving their natural heritage.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition, cleanup drives and advocacy campaigns may be organized to address issues such as illegal logging, mining, and land degradation, and promote sustainable practices among local communities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earth Day is not just a one-day event, but a call to action for individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. By adopting sustainable practices and promoting environmental awareness in their communities, individuals can play an important role in protecting the environment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3krfGWUpk0hBtbwlwieoZDFtkHdPciqgKjldMvE1UinySR6AyF1_hOfy7BVVstNMd9zee47zY6cMjqQInH41slCCQ0TuPzheI0StbRVNt23rIsLJnzwXOA8sAx59uJ3wYgit-YKV9ysprV4qNcK52aB2XJADDDMsNr3mthLWW9GSyuR4rmcoP37X7Tg/s1440/Maitum%20Forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3krfGWUpk0hBtbwlwieoZDFtkHdPciqgKjldMvE1UinySR6AyF1_hOfy7BVVstNMd9zee47zY6cMjqQInH41slCCQ0TuPzheI0StbRVNt23rIsLJnzwXOA8sAx59uJ3wYgit-YKV9ysprV4qNcK52aB2XJADDDMsNr3mthLWW9GSyuR4rmcoP37X7Tg/w640-h480/Maitum%20Forest.jpg" title="Earth Day 2023: Green Action in the Philippines" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Rain Forest of Maitum Sarangani Province | photo by Jake Zaire</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On taking action</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the years, Earth Day has had a positive impact in the Philippines. Increased awareness about environmental issues has led to policy changes, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For example, there has been increased awareness and action on waste management, with the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in 2000, which aims to reduce waste generation and promote recycling and composting. There are also ongoing efforts to protect critical ecosystems, such as the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which has seen increased awareness and conservation efforts due to Earth Day initiatives and other environmental campaigns.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we celebrate Earth Day 2023 in the Philippines, it is crucial to recognize the environmental challenges faced by the country and take action to protect its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Earth Day serves as a reminder for us to come together and promote sustainable practices, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes to protect our environment for future generations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Soccsksargen, activities such as tree planting, cultural performances, clean-up drives, and advocacy campaigns are planned to raise awareness and promote environmental conservation. By taking personal action and making sustainable choices, we can contribute to the conservation and protection of the environment in our region.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Investing in our planet is not just an option – it is a must! Our Earth is facing countless environmental challenges that put its sustainability and the well-being of all its inhabitants at risk. By dedicating our time, money, and energy to protecting our planet, we can help preserve its natural wonders and resources for generations to come. Let us invest in our planet today for a better tomorrow!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-14746196487381937482023-04-19T16:08:00.004+08:002023-04-19T16:38:21.238+08:00The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QZql6iuzGsn9ltQlMaIgShfYHCtEgbCzITEeXtEBy48OFyygPSUJq9qAGxmayKfhBfAg3mADl2IWrEyPGJNBMdWQUBy_wnCTlTpf18DE2UgaCX1qOYgWGUoW3cdR88qL__bakUOXIC2uSEFVZTwLPGxlEXZ9EC5RHkkOWs3Erhk2IxIl9xEdL_w_Wg/s1058/Lennard%20Ponce.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1058" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QZql6iuzGsn9ltQlMaIgShfYHCtEgbCzITEeXtEBy48OFyygPSUJq9qAGxmayKfhBfAg3mADl2IWrEyPGJNBMdWQUBy_wnCTlTpf18DE2UgaCX1qOYgWGUoW3cdR88qL__bakUOXIC2uSEFVZTwLPGxlEXZ9EC5RHkkOWs3Erhk2IxIl9xEdL_w_Wg/w640-h536/Lennard%20Ponce.png" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After falling victim to investment fraud in 2019, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005385404795" target="_blank">Lennard Jan Ponce</a> was left with only P3,500 and no clear solution. He held himself accountable for the unfortunate outcome and sought any possible way to overcome it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It’s my fault. I looked for ways to get out of that situation,” he admitted.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce was a nurse at Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital before he became an Emergency Medical Technician in Saudi Arabia. He thought of selling cassava cakes to his former co-workers at the hospital. It became his beginning point for recovering from his investment failure.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZxMz_ZvQvRnJd7BIp_FBGHhQjMWYov9Ly0sgXXaI9w9q46LdehZO5ot_Mtk89eIYR7JeQ3Ln1tgY2rn8rIX4EJe17xza2a_PzZnQAykzUYafoVDo3l988W_UhPytyUCAsvohnGAHURM_2eb3xOuLeqNoFYUgaiOy_Z6fK_bcQmtJuYfcu6ipOFAYfA/s4608/20190926_195214.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZxMz_ZvQvRnJd7BIp_FBGHhQjMWYov9Ly0sgXXaI9w9q46LdehZO5ot_Mtk89eIYR7JeQ3Ln1tgY2rn8rIX4EJe17xza2a_PzZnQAykzUYafoVDo3l988W_UhPytyUCAsvohnGAHURM_2eb3xOuLeqNoFYUgaiOy_Z6fK_bcQmtJuYfcu6ipOFAYfA/w480-h640/20190926_195214.jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MELTS in tray before the baking process</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“During that time, my aunt and I made the first 50 cassava </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">cakes,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and it was immediately sold out. Most of the customers told me that our cassava cake melts in the mouth,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That description from his customers inspired Ponce to name his business <i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Meltspremium" target="_blank">Melts Premium Cassava Cake</a></b></i>. It became an instant success and more people got interested to become a reseller of the product.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsyekBS3h6c-RJBpN0a3es7DeHKQ0NT07U_uoJvn0PfGu9lSHiQ2-T_r9FjdKykcPwLenclkZeZDGSXAaAhLuy_fhG6jwsI3gOcmkCHjFP63n9fjo_qOk6jk9UXlFQJTL0w0xPTqdF5BJczKW6H6H72rTteM1jUEDtblwgGoyMlNvnCi7TznOlxkyGw/s2048/Melts%206%20(pic%20BP).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2048" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsyekBS3h6c-RJBpN0a3es7DeHKQ0NT07U_uoJvn0PfGu9lSHiQ2-T_r9FjdKykcPwLenclkZeZDGSXAaAhLuy_fhG6jwsI3gOcmkCHjFP63n9fjo_qOk6jk9UXlFQJTL0w0xPTqdF5BJczKW6H6H72rTteM1jUEDtblwgGoyMlNvnCi7TznOlxkyGw/w640-h486/Melts%206%20(pic%20BP).jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cars line up to buy MELTS | photo by Batang Polomolok</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9OtkSKJZYzJ7KDx0hrIZoTQiBcTU4Ai4KkAS1aPhUaogV8AuZkkL9QmBs43REE3FWiu7FGQPyB7JJWM2o4XQ1LQM_A-PBBJq0ov6J1UDxK7DlKggI9Tma5HpTgLc6gfLAjptiPn-EdHuACzdnNovZkznyqYT1O_mNq2RFiZsIuFRd6Af-wZvCsi5gA/s960/Melts%204%20(BP%20pic).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9OtkSKJZYzJ7KDx0hrIZoTQiBcTU4Ai4KkAS1aPhUaogV8AuZkkL9QmBs43REE3FWiu7FGQPyB7JJWM2o4XQ1LQM_A-PBBJq0ov6J1UDxK7DlKggI9Tma5HpTgLc6gfLAjptiPn-EdHuACzdnNovZkznyqYT1O_mNq2RFiZsIuFRd6Af-wZvCsi5gA/w640-h480/Melts%204%20(BP%20pic).jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MELTS would easily get sold out | photo by Batang Polomolok</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first MELTS branch is in Barangay Pagalungan, Polomolok in a small shop made of scrap metal. The site is advantageous because it is beside the highway, where many cars would stop to purchase the product. It became an online sensation, drawing crowds of curious customers who wanted a taste of it. The area was often jammed with traffic because of the MELTS craze.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020, Ponce feared for his food business. He watched as many establishments shut down and people stayed indoors except for emergencies. He was relieved that his business was deemed "essential" and could still operate in a limited way.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“That time, the frontliners were a big help in promoting and reselling the product. They were the ones who can conduct house-to-house visits,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCWdsjkfw7JCZ1kedfoT-DSGE-5Cjpk1FbQsw_HVuE1xEhefuFBCepQVamNBrCaorb62ex_ukzAIcbbNGvBUvvEcU6aBwnnej62fJpL7ob25GvDRFvj9rDHvEU2cTBeU-bZrdw8H4XG6bQ6MrH6AHoEU7KEIoLocfdkx8vujdCqSm5ZgLnPSXcjlXNg/s2048/Melts%209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCWdsjkfw7JCZ1kedfoT-DSGE-5Cjpk1FbQsw_HVuE1xEhefuFBCepQVamNBrCaorb62ex_ukzAIcbbNGvBUvvEcU6aBwnnej62fJpL7ob25GvDRFvj9rDHvEU2cTBeU-bZrdw8H4XG6bQ6MrH6AHoEU7KEIoLocfdkx8vujdCqSm5ZgLnPSXcjlXNg/w640-h480/Melts%209.jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous cassava cake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At that time, MELTS and a fast food company were the only options on a popular food delivery app. Customers were curious about the cassava cake and decided to give it a try. It was a hit and word spread quickly about MELTS. But as the demand soared, the supply plummeted. Ponce faced the challenge of finding enough ingredients in the region to meet the orders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I did not stop to look for solutions to cope with the demand. I went to different places in the country just to get the necessary ingredients for the cassava cake,” he explained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MELTS defied the pandemic and grew its business. He also reached out to various government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry, to get support and guidance for his venture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce and his team also showed their gratitude and generosity to the front line workers who bravely fought the pandemic. They donated their delicious products to various hospitals in Polomolok and nearby towns, as well as to the personnel in checkpoints and some government agencies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100005385404795%2Fvideos%2F1409488322574001%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MELTS stands out from other similar businesses because Ponce is generous. He wants to give the best of his product to the customers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I don't skimp on the ingredients. If you want to be known, give your best. There is no reservation like there is no reservation in the ingredients."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce is also careful about maintaining the quality of his product. They follow quality assurance procedures and use a checklist to check the condition of the ingredients.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie18lNjBhgznuaQz-KFNcwUOafjAUlYVEEZEwhREdS9MdM-Ajko5nWNl_fl572AQqXnXNUURrEIFP4Rmfu7tTD2j0TmPaAWYzQjPrKIpGKZDcALIoMSpqZTCaBqVnKN8b-GGPc8zD2-CRaAx1iwxt4jsWWC4ItgEPPHp3_PTZjZTUSCXzWcAKuVZOGhw/s2048/Melts%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie18lNjBhgznuaQz-KFNcwUOafjAUlYVEEZEwhREdS9MdM-Ajko5nWNl_fl572AQqXnXNUURrEIFP4Rmfu7tTD2j0TmPaAWYzQjPrKIpGKZDcALIoMSpqZTCaBqVnKN8b-GGPc8zD2-CRaAx1iwxt4jsWWC4ItgEPPHp3_PTZjZTUSCXzWcAKuVZOGhw/w480-h640/Melts%202.jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MELTS staff prepares the ingredients. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He did not rely on his farm for the cassava. He also sourced it from other local farmers in the region. He saw it as a way of supporting them and their livelihoods.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce has forged strong partnerships with his big suppliers, who have boosted his business growth with their support. He sees them as his "big brothers", who guide him through business road shows and help him innovate his products. He earned this privilege by becoming their top-selling client.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It’s important to seek help from others. Rejection is OK. Along the way, someone will help you with your problems. You always make your first step and the rest will follow,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce’s business is a way of keeping their family recipe of cassava cake alive. His family also joins him in running the business operations. He is happy that they can share their delicious treat with the public, and everyone enjoys it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeYYRTruRdl-tSWXqxusUmBAGtYbDo9sQ9zfZdcLLvcZFjuqnmOvY-0tB77NqXhvSKqZNZ4ZWXQnCXpTbGmZ8yr_KH7VfHXK8xpc3vqQDgOwpidseHJOYro4931vC04B-SsQODOmLIIKxuo6UfAQyYHwKh9MHnzzb7OxDejb6hFw_CZWc2jNmLMxC5g/s989/Melts%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="989" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeYYRTruRdl-tSWXqxusUmBAGtYbDo9sQ9zfZdcLLvcZFjuqnmOvY-0tB77NqXhvSKqZNZ4ZWXQnCXpTbGmZ8yr_KH7VfHXK8xpc3vqQDgOwpidseHJOYro4931vC04B-SsQODOmLIIKxuo6UfAQyYHwKh9MHnzzb7OxDejb6hFw_CZWc2jNmLMxC5g/w640-h462/Melts%203.jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Product shoot with The Fat Kid Inside Studios </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce never gives up on his goals and dreams, no matter what obstacles he faces. He has learned to bounce back from failures and adapt to changing situations. He trusts his abilities and learns from his mistakes. He stays focused on his vision and works hard to make it a reality.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“You can always accept failures but not defeat.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His friend noticed his relentless drive and told him to "take it easy" and enjoy life. "I realized that I was too hard on myself by setting timeframes for my goals. I took his advice and learned to relax, one step at a time."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnzD0I4raKUO-F3qFBP9lDBNITMjIalvLC3NheuV1So3SQhgY-3TT_X2ZXqdgoDYreu3hJx8nsCkOIU3MfjUU9HGLRsy9fxvZQ42RumaskQx4cMFmB3qsXMWuckr35UXw_CZAIxE8ijtEx9Ok95h3i7tlNasV_YYcQvK6l-l3ZpjAN22m2iRHAz-vMQ/s4000/Lennard%20Jan%20Ponce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnzD0I4raKUO-F3qFBP9lDBNITMjIalvLC3NheuV1So3SQhgY-3TT_X2ZXqdgoDYreu3hJx8nsCkOIU3MfjUU9HGLRsy9fxvZQ42RumaskQx4cMFmB3qsXMWuckr35UXw_CZAIxE8ijtEx9Ok95h3i7tlNasV_YYcQvK6l-l3ZpjAN22m2iRHAz-vMQ/w640-h480/Lennard%20Jan%20Ponce.jpg" title="The Power of MELTS: How Lennard Jan Ponce Transformed His Failures into Opportunities" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ponce envisions to expand nationwide. So far, MELTS has branches in Polomolok, Koronadal, GenSan, Kidapawan, Kabacan, Davao, Digos, Bukidnon, and soon in Zamboanga. He is certain that "if you believe in your product and yourself, you will both grow."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite his achievements, he does not consider himself as successful because he has not yet reached his other goal(s).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We have many failures, which is why it’s important to plan first. When you have a business, you should be confident about your product. You will not sustain yourself if your attitude towards business is mediocre. Business execution matters, and it is a process."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0Polomolok, South Cotabato, Philippines6.224513 125.0608405-22.085720836178844 89.9045905 34.534746836178847 160.21709049999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-40239717359819435202023-03-31T00:14:00.017+08:002023-03-31T01:02:17.599+08:00Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMSfTJ5-aPoH_nCX7vOEvnmwVfida02ntp7T3-JdGg_mEj9nfLHcn4BNe-aXu0BLqG2z9OArS8zFbTOQDEBJk7BWKE0hxsbUKX-EGkzOLzameuViTaCJcZI2qq4sLnDgvwj31T-Cml_nTKkEqMBWuxCDkInK-LMlwhYZGqYDWjA_cCtJuWj8Tv2eaHQ/s940/JMAC%20(3).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMSfTJ5-aPoH_nCX7vOEvnmwVfida02ntp7T3-JdGg_mEj9nfLHcn4BNe-aXu0BLqG2z9OArS8zFbTOQDEBJk7BWKE0hxsbUKX-EGkzOLzameuViTaCJcZI2qq4sLnDgvwj31T-Cml_nTKkEqMBWuxCDkInK-LMlwhYZGqYDWjA_cCtJuWj8Tv2eaHQ/w640-h536/JMAC%20(3).png" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/acol.jmac" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">John Michael M. Acol</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> is one of the rising choreographer/dancers in Soccsksargen who continues to advocate for hip-hop and contemporary dance in the region. Acol and his team showcased their skills in dancing by joining different competitions and performing at various events in the country and abroad.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He took up AB Psychology at the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmmcgensanofficial" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Acol was a former dance master and principal dancer of Teatro Ambahanon Philippines. He is also a visual artist.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He is the founder of <i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063683697166" target="_blank">Organic Freestylan</a></b></i>, a group of hip-hop freestylers based in GenSan. He is also the leader and choreographer of <i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069595694812" target="_blank">Jah Rules</a></b></i>, a group that got 5th place and became one of the international qualifiers in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UDOstreetdance" target="_blank">United Dance Organization</a>. They aspire to be recognized for their own styles.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They will represent the Philippines in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UDOasiapacific" target="_blank">United Dance Organization (UDO) Asia Pacific</a> Street Dance Championship on April 6-9, 2023, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In an interview, he talks about dancing, his process of choreography, and his dream to compete in the world hip-hop championship.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2LUClpOoJxkaElxw5GhCvelCn7Uqw7F_GqGUJ2J10i-m6q58uGX_NN8soU0kjIBNXiB3ouE_1zJFfqNSNwrLz2eKmTr6Hlb1Oage1hg-mZP241V7q1lCv-Tv1eLshDbm311cwOk-KI55SBiHPSSAdYzxztibjq0aU3qRKLDuvecWv6KpBVXRS9rcdQ/s1440/John%20Michael%20Acol%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1440" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2LUClpOoJxkaElxw5GhCvelCn7Uqw7F_GqGUJ2J10i-m6q58uGX_NN8soU0kjIBNXiB3ouE_1zJFfqNSNwrLz2eKmTr6Hlb1Oage1hg-mZP241V7q1lCv-Tv1eLshDbm311cwOk-KI55SBiHPSSAdYzxztibjq0aU3qRKLDuvecWv6KpBVXRS9rcdQ/w640-h636/John%20Michael%20Acol%201.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Yadu Karu: When did you realize that you love dancing?</i></h3></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>John Michael Acol:</b> My first dance experience altered the course of my life. Back in 2011, when I was in my fourth year of high school, I felt the powerful force of dance. I feel connected to the dance scene. I am meant to be a part of it. I've never stopped dancing since that day because I believe it's my voice and expression in society.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: When did you begin choreographing? Tell us about your first experiences.</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> My first choreographic experience was humiliating because they branded us copycats, which is somehow true because the dance scene in Cotabato City lacks a formal dance workshop. Therefore practically almost all dancers in the city had to copy choreography on YouTube.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since then, I've studied a variety of hip-hop dancing techniques via YouTube. I'm currently in GenSan, where I met Theatre Ambahanon Philippines. The way I think and choreograph has improved as a result of the proper training I am receiving.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">True, there are many talented people, but how they develop depends on their environment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalpicNot6C7XGZg79UfNbSLBv-5DdsFzOuNj8mx7eYXWN_AT5mnnJf-w-tBWtK-4gbmfg2eIkdjeGEHgvPzny77ISGMm9npAaXFRN855AfVhqJwIRvxrZyEvHHXKkw0ydOY0rp9ghAtXO58Z93vl5bqdeopiInEY8pGNtWujiBn63n2wxrUJ1NYTx8Q/s2048/337208577_616595343262067_5751268076216584761_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalpicNot6C7XGZg79UfNbSLBv-5DdsFzOuNj8mx7eYXWN_AT5mnnJf-w-tBWtK-4gbmfg2eIkdjeGEHgvPzny77ISGMm9npAaXFRN855AfVhqJwIRvxrZyEvHHXKkw0ydOY0rp9ghAtXO58Z93vl5bqdeopiInEY8pGNtWujiBn63n2wxrUJ1NYTx8Q/w480-h640/337208577_616595343262067_5751268076216584761_n.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: What is your genre/style in dance?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> It's hip-hop dance and contemporary dance. I love those two styles because they focus more on the exploration of movement and creativity. For me, there is no barrier at all. Your imagination is your limit.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In hip-hop dance, the style gives you the freedom to express yourself by connecting to the boom-bap beat old-style genre of music. You feel the vibe of hip-hop culture. I also enjoy doing hip-hop freestyle and the exploration of movement to the flow of the music.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In contemporary dance, you have the freedom to express your thoughts through dance and make choreography inspired by society.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: When choreographing a piece how do you approach the creation process? What do you draw inspiration from?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> In the creation process, I always embodied my tagline, "Be unique". If they don't appreciate my creation, it's okay, because I now know how to value my choreography and that I give my pure intention to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I always trust my instincts because, before I create the choreography, it must be finished in my mind. I already visualized everything, including audience interaction, and choreographed how they would react.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_SHlp9UMv-FK57dO9iVsyEP8PTD6yS1fky46qqafFk4VHaC8UZ5Bx-rtwVzFCeJUcLyS-aHIahfpIHDIY8smX45FF40DUOgbc3Iq_9OiwTZ6TU6mbv3jm4s_4R3C-RtbDssnaGsGTvWTax4adMqkKbtIEkiQK0CsLaJe4IRdWMFCrFsymfCj8_q3vg/s1280/John%20Michael%20Acol%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_SHlp9UMv-FK57dO9iVsyEP8PTD6yS1fky46qqafFk4VHaC8UZ5Bx-rtwVzFCeJUcLyS-aHIahfpIHDIY8smX45FF40DUOgbc3Iq_9OiwTZ6TU6mbv3jm4s_4R3C-RtbDssnaGsGTvWTax4adMqkKbtIEkiQK0CsLaJe4IRdWMFCrFsymfCj8_q3vg/w640-h480/John%20Michael%20Acol%208.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a choreographer/dancer?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> The most difficult challenge is uniting all members. It's tough to manage the members, especially given the group's diverse values and attitudes. Hence, when it comes to competition, all members of the group must be taught the correct mindset.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My strategy was to do a master class after I taught a choreography so that they could appreciate the complexity of the choreography even deeper. The emotions and characterization will then be used.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vXDmb91qj2ZVar0lwjeAI17Li62Q8VD-_Yk9OAxJT7RjTAM9P2TAvuMGtPveDA97T47qniaupj5qfqNh1eWHPb0-cMD57RQy1_sAJNqaKW29RjG_7j-MaDHBqs1GN2nEHmHlaNtu3NvWOUhsyHDZtKs3T45HMBg3bGvg05mIj3jVTVb5VPT2Dz53NA/s2048/John%20Michael%20Acol%207jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vXDmb91qj2ZVar0lwjeAI17Li62Q8VD-_Yk9OAxJT7RjTAM9P2TAvuMGtPveDA97T47qniaupj5qfqNh1eWHPb0-cMD57RQy1_sAJNqaKW29RjG_7j-MaDHBqs1GN2nEHmHlaNtu3NvWOUhsyHDZtKs3T45HMBg3bGvg05mIj3jVTVb5VPT2Dz53NA/w640-h480/John%20Michael%20Acol%207jpg.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: What skills have you learned as a dancer that make you a good choreographer?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> To be a good leader you need to be a good follower. You must have:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. Discipline</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. Respect the call time.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. Be an optimist</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. Work hard</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. Think outside the box</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: What qualities do you look for in a dancer?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> Discipline, respect, passion for the dance, and a thorough understanding of how a group operates.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPDCijOxQlbV8kKs-mlY_eoDzHYYRJysLttw2K2JRjZdLbZ1C4n05N9vRG4UcSO3f99intWQhxix-o-p34WAn58oFHo4vkydWVRwT6wIswojgSY--xVS0O4cc-AAiZg17kx3dX6X_D3FsnTqbW7fLZdFZyk8hXWuA7PGrTKgwO2X70wai5Fpg8bjB_Q/s1429/John%20Michael%20Acol%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="1429" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPDCijOxQlbV8kKs-mlY_eoDzHYYRJysLttw2K2JRjZdLbZ1C4n05N9vRG4UcSO3f99intWQhxix-o-p34WAn58oFHo4vkydWVRwT6wIswojgSY--xVS0O4cc-AAiZg17kx3dX6X_D3FsnTqbW7fLZdFZyk8hXWuA7PGrTKgwO2X70wai5Fpg8bjB_Q/w640-h640/John%20Michael%20Acol%202.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: A performer is struggling to learn the routine. How do you proceed?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> As a choreographer and teacher, I need to get down on their level to assess their ability. Similarly, if they are having difficulty with a step, I will not go to the following part and will instead give their body time to comprehend it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDSOtPL21iqoROuwLpuLxcVPexMehgQNlL7Dd6FsJD2KjGAUoolVFLkY9XqtDVw9skO5Uq9A6z6iT-nINfoeGklBMqIHqtngXKtavd6Iv0mbcWMm9wkJmTo5G9Vgv4E31uzYh-Pol7156q4V6E_-tko1bwXgKE_c4O7CpQguxf6PKDZHHxUoVGcgFPg/s2048/John%20Michael%20Acol%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDSOtPL21iqoROuwLpuLxcVPexMehgQNlL7Dd6FsJD2KjGAUoolVFLkY9XqtDVw9skO5Uq9A6z6iT-nINfoeGklBMqIHqtngXKtavd6Iv0mbcWMm9wkJmTo5G9Vgv4E31uzYh-Pol7156q4V6E_-tko1bwXgKE_c4O7CpQguxf6PKDZHHxUoVGcgFPg/w640-h482/John%20Michael%20Acol%205.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: Tell us about your experience choreographing at Teatro Ambahanon.</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> Being a choreographer is difficult because there are numerous elements to consider in order to create a great piece. To have a decent output while creating a piece, you must be aware of the things you put in it, similar to how you drive your real life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the same time, competing with your dance colleagues is enjoyable since it gives you the confidence to generate new concepts and not fall behind in terms of making choreography.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9OFIx23AWGA22wNfeXnU2jXwPbBkgkeUEI3BkyYQFUsUu2fAtkTD9obLtRZ_XQgftQY8URNiCL1erLClQujp-D1Knxqwfx_oikQYmF1JIzcOCYDkD0QHroOxVofGiq7Q6hIXOiQtHzfWMndtiWyaBP8N3p2txz8LBsgJf2S6mhce7qWpsMbx_B10NQ/s2048/John%20Michael%20Acol%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9OFIx23AWGA22wNfeXnU2jXwPbBkgkeUEI3BkyYQFUsUu2fAtkTD9obLtRZ_XQgftQY8URNiCL1erLClQujp-D1Knxqwfx_oikQYmF1JIzcOCYDkD0QHroOxVofGiq7Q6hIXOiQtHzfWMndtiWyaBP8N3p2txz8LBsgJf2S6mhce7qWpsMbx_B10NQ/w640-h426/John%20Michael%20Acol%209.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: This April, you and your team will compete in the United Dance Organization (UDO) Asia Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. Can you share some details about it?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> The United Dance Organization (UDO) was established in 2002. UDO is the world's largest International Street Dance Organization, and fastest growing street, hip hop and commercial dance brand globally. Its mission is to provide dancers of all ages, levels, backgrounds, abilities and disabilities, a positive and supportive platform to unleash their creativity and passion.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">UDO is one of the big dance platforms for street dance competitions. Every year, UDO searches for a new set of choreography for street dance styles. UDO has many affiliates all over the world, and the Philippines is one of them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The UDO Philippines competition selects the top eight to perform for the Asian Pacific qualifier. The top 3 will proceed to UDO United Kingdom, the biggest stage in street dance competition.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If my team wins in the second round, we will proceed to the United Kingdom for the finals.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT47SBWkObRM4B6J5111ZCbH20Q-Jiqn2js8Psa3qYhD15dUVcAN19G9Lw6sEY98lqUC-Vnu6HUM1Vm4pXOPRUJHQHQv3XtagbDSTb4eSUNmBGbKrOlg-1EBd_y8jZhC6WbjQ_W3e70fpmZ-e3VpFlQAyGeNX7KFCAIwr_LilECHzTyxFhB1uUcT0EPw/s2048/John%20Michael%20Acol%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT47SBWkObRM4B6J5111ZCbH20Q-Jiqn2js8Psa3qYhD15dUVcAN19G9Lw6sEY98lqUC-Vnu6HUM1Vm4pXOPRUJHQHQv3XtagbDSTb4eSUNmBGbKrOlg-1EBd_y8jZhC6WbjQ_W3e70fpmZ-e3VpFlQAyGeNX7KFCAIwr_LilECHzTyxFhB1uUcT0EPw/w640-h480/John%20Michael%20Acol%206.jpg" title="Dancing to express: An interview with John Michael Acol" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: What advice would you give to an aspiring choreographer or dancer?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> Stay authentic to your own craft. Have a clear vision and the confidence to implement your own style. It's all about you. Be true to yourself.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>YK: What are your future plans?</i></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>JMAC:</b> My dream is to be the first Filipino from Mindanao to win the world hip-hop international championship. I have plans to compete and win in the 2023 World Hip-Hop International to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Win or lose, it is an opportunity to perform on such a big platform.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></p></div>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-29916901445682379862023-03-29T20:37:00.002+08:002023-03-29T20:52:24.131+08:00Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhA9uhcLahsYrKkzlsqHStnwIOAxpR5drzhMW9jx_UAj1UFTURlFr4WhB2XYs32ZFdYPxoeckaJlTa-gU6sjCLm2nwv_dfMqhUR1r2UuAxCBXTYnZYTs16aWpvMQ3HHzVhW4Ma984sY5AAYsoGBULsaYMmp92IYOVUnwzW7ARuNFQ2viUamFwEEROtg/s1746/Melvin%20A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" border="0" data-original-height="1746" data-original-width="1746" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhA9uhcLahsYrKkzlsqHStnwIOAxpR5drzhMW9jx_UAj1UFTURlFr4WhB2XYs32ZFdYPxoeckaJlTa-gU6sjCLm2nwv_dfMqhUR1r2UuAxCBXTYnZYTs16aWpvMQ3HHzVhW4Ma984sY5AAYsoGBULsaYMmp92IYOVUnwzW7ARuNFQ2viUamFwEEROtg/w640-h640/Melvin%20A.jpg" title="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During their stopover on the island of Madagascar in 2019, Melvin Awid, a former maritime officer, had an epiphany when he met a stevedore and introduced him to the vanilla plant.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The stevedore did not take a bath and utilized the oil from vanilla pod to conceal his foul odor," Awid recounted.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The stevedore answered Awid's inquiry and imparted his knowledge of vanilla. From that moment, Awid realized the huge potential if he would pursue vanilla farming back in his hometown in Maitum, Sarangani Province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He gave up a bright future in the maritime sector to seek a career in vanilla farming. He had no intention of remaining on the ship any longer. In Sarangani, he is eager to create a network of independent farmers with access to the market.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I want both self and career growth. I believe that vanilla farming can give this fulfillment.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He looked for vanilla suppliers from the Philippines and abroad. Fortunately, he imported his first 25 vanilla plants from Malaysia and propagated them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite its lucrative potential, being the second most expensive spice after saffron, Awid witnessed poverty in Madagascar because of the presence of cartels and middlemen. He does not want it to take place in his hometown province.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoA5wGfuWJi1SAYkvqWDU1LDNjwyYGHTHgi0CxN2Tx7bJ-V_PUtSGucbmc8bQp484vRHSar0QeUQ35Ra2dcGNFyO7_cjbuopNVyg53IxcMM6HMplEOA5isBqwrqSt8ntB3bawu-tRhD2CAxyF7cB-dHDHX3HWsPqMkOGIuIMslvmwL2PPll6h_6qgcg/s1714/Melvin%20Awid%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1714" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoA5wGfuWJi1SAYkvqWDU1LDNjwyYGHTHgi0CxN2Tx7bJ-V_PUtSGucbmc8bQp484vRHSar0QeUQ35Ra2dcGNFyO7_cjbuopNVyg53IxcMM6HMplEOA5isBqwrqSt8ntB3bawu-tRhD2CAxyF7cB-dHDHX3HWsPqMkOGIuIMslvmwL2PPll6h_6qgcg/w640-h358/Melvin%20Awid%201.jpg" title="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The experience of joining the Young Farmer’s Challenge</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Awid identified himself as a "self-taught" farmer. He learns by watching YouTube videos and conducting research, networking with other farmers, and participating in farmer competitions to put his agri-business ideas to the test.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Awid was one of the regional winners of the Young Farmer’s Challenge (YFC) – a competitive financial grant assistance program under the Department of Agriculture (DA), intended for the youth who will engage in new agri-fishery enterprises. These YFC grantees received additional funds from the DA region 12 worth PhP 150,000 to further enhance their chosen agri-fishery-based enterprises.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafMxsg-Qs16HUFgtpDipfi9E7zcrbSZ9J5IkHQvqApQalWcpLBNDQjoiOSSqt37oIVeTzQo54WFjaNpGKHC4IZFNJPoS73-peybLUN0M6boOWbeIJ_7jSKGlnQlnL1TCCWfSyuOEIJTgbC3x45qvF_s0Ox3_WSIURLYuUqyzD7yN4RkGLXTk23trhcA/s1714/Melvin%20Awid%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1714" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafMxsg-Qs16HUFgtpDipfi9E7zcrbSZ9J5IkHQvqApQalWcpLBNDQjoiOSSqt37oIVeTzQo54WFjaNpGKHC4IZFNJPoS73-peybLUN0M6boOWbeIJ_7jSKGlnQlnL1TCCWfSyuOEIJTgbC3x45qvF_s0Ox3_WSIURLYuUqyzD7yN4RkGLXTk23trhcA/w640-h358/Melvin%20Awid%202.jpg" title="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The goal is to gather young people to promote agriculture and to create an avenue for them to develop their interest in agribusiness. The program helps capacitate them by giving appropriate training and skills needed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unfortunately, Awid did not advance in the national category. Nonetheless, that did not deter him from continuing on his vanilla farming mission.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Joining YFC, I realized that losing was not the end of it. We should not be discouraged by what happened. We should be motivated to pursue vanilla farming, especially in Sarangani Province,” he stated.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"We can make Sarangani the vanilla capital of the Philippines if we work hard to promote it throughout the province and support our farmers. Sarangani will set the industry standard for the vanilla industry in the country.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEGzpsPWmWd0T-as9vYWN78cOO5fHT3_p2jZ6OOv0nM4DkwRev360BXbdSt7Cq38gChxX1YTkIgjwmbLjx-kgne1LHnRNjskPfekwFqAdkj7DnzMWryo3nkjNr8fyy8ZG1bTpnLkkmUkIPSXihJZoGbD2szi0bkst7TH4DLVOtP6L_yvScBV1OgsShA/s1080/Melvin%20Awid%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEGzpsPWmWd0T-as9vYWN78cOO5fHT3_p2jZ6OOv0nM4DkwRev360BXbdSt7Cq38gChxX1YTkIgjwmbLjx-kgne1LHnRNjskPfekwFqAdkj7DnzMWryo3nkjNr8fyy8ZG1bTpnLkkmUkIPSXihJZoGbD2szi0bkst7TH4DLVOtP6L_yvScBV1OgsShA/w640-h482/Melvin%20Awid%203.jpg" title="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The potential of vanilla farming</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Madagascar was the world's greatest vanilla-producing country in 2016, with an output of 2,926 tons of vanilla, followed by Indonesia at 2,304 tons, demonstrating an expanding trend in vanilla production over much of Asia and Africa.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Vanilla was initially native to the forested highlands of Mexico. It was found in other tropical areas of the globe after its transport to European colonies in Africa and Asia in the sixteenth century by explorers, botanists, priests, and colonial administrators.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Natural vanilla flavoring is a product of the fruity pods of the vanilla vine, a tropical plant of the genus vanilla of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). There are many varieties – <i>vanilla planifolia</i>, <i>vanilla pompona</i>, and <i>vanilla tahitinesis</i> being the most common. Awid uses vanilla planifolia for both his demo and open space farm in Barangay Kalaneg.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KlRx1oZIXFtwukCIQINr0XccDY62O5742dLr6QTWiMn0cIRAYN4Nhe6vf-sQtggUFOXC6NEIV2e83JmdJUUmMKcm-QIA4TlNC-FdBzamVvWzPl6Szxdv1Dk5uv2m26MnrjvD5t9wpo_Ve7OEKsV7-F2MxYImHu4z_2UNo1oqTx_TnpkXflUpzec9TQ/s3264/IMG20230308150300-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KlRx1oZIXFtwukCIQINr0XccDY62O5742dLr6QTWiMn0cIRAYN4Nhe6vf-sQtggUFOXC6NEIV2e83JmdJUUmMKcm-QIA4TlNC-FdBzamVvWzPl6Szxdv1Dk5uv2m26MnrjvD5t9wpo_Ve7OEKsV7-F2MxYImHu4z_2UNo1oqTx_TnpkXflUpzec9TQ/w480-h640/IMG20230308150300-01.jpeg" title="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Some sellers would claim that they have real vanilla plants. If you would examine it, they are selling wild orchids from the forest that only bear flowers, not pods,” Awid said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Most of the vanilla products in the market are synthetic vanilla. I want to advocate authentic vanilla to the consumers,” he added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Awid acknowledges that the local government, as well as the Department of Agriculture, have yet to recognize the potential of vanilla production. Vanilla, for example, is regarded as a "new crop" in Sarangani. They have no clue about its technicalities and lack concrete assistance.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I understand that this crop is new to the province. Please do not be hesitant to enter this industry. I am eager to offer my expertise.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCATtK8PzHr5IDO-ShAHVxMZURfmmbeiWsJl9tutfc0s1E2Dcivg5tz7bnDv-yPtEza-spFUtCZ2lWRAT-u2WUARiEPNhsjxW5ED_ty8gWgDTdYpOgw3etqGHoOnMI7ljkh7aaNwO4CO1nhoo0shOQDSP2s_IJHLDdLqcrjf389Zp8UaIZk2uPCyhIPQ/s1640/Urban%20Farms%20PH%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCATtK8PzHr5IDO-ShAHVxMZURfmmbeiWsJl9tutfc0s1E2Dcivg5tz7bnDv-yPtEza-spFUtCZ2lWRAT-u2WUARiEPNhsjxW5ED_ty8gWgDTdYpOgw3etqGHoOnMI7ljkh7aaNwO4CO1nhoo0shOQDSP2s_IJHLDdLqcrjf389Zp8UaIZk2uPCyhIPQ/w640-h360/Urban%20Farms%20PH%201.jpg" title="Melvin Awid’s vision for vanilla farming in Sarangani" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Platform for awareness</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Awid established his <i>UF Vanilla Farm</i> in Barangay Kalaneg, Maitum. He has a 30 square meters demo farm in his residential compound that is open to the public. While he has an open-space farm in the forested part of his barangay.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On December 8, 2020, at the height of the pandemic, he established <i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/urbanfarmsph" target="_blank">Urban Farms PH</a></b></i>, an online portal dedicated to the promotion of local agricultural products. He is the operations and sales manager.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I was inspired to build such a platform after witnessing our farmers' struggles during the pandemic. They could not sell their agricultural products because they could not cross borders or did not have a permit to travel," Awid explained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Melvin's platform intends to eliminate the presence of traders or middlemen in his community. He wants to promote awareness about vanilla production and empower our farmers and producers by connecting them to the market directly.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“We are pro-farmers and into fair trading. If we venture into this industry, we follow the global market price. As an entity, we represent the farmers and educate them about the vanilla industry. The goal is to export it and local consumers will enjoy the authentic vanilla,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Awid intends to sell value-added vanilla products in addition to raw vanilla pods. They will also venture into essential oils. Awid considers studying the vanilla value chain to fully understand the industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Slowly, more people are becoming interested in vanilla cultivation. If you are interested in agriculture, I would recommend that you practice quality farming. I am happy to share my best practices."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">Watch the short video interview: </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u9OefauHG7k" title="Visiting Vanilla Farm in Maitum, Sarangani Province" width="641"></iframe>
</p></span></div><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> -----</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">You can visit their website for more information - </span><a href="https://www.urbanfarmsph.com/" style="text-align: left;"><b>Online Farmers' Market | Urban Farms PH</b></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h2-m_7Bwlcvm3BZJ4KlWM9Ya9osKLkgMeFyVZRondXNHjq2HuV-yElUsXFTfhl3_0ZVaf87OxmWkws_LvpsE0i50oNfgcvArxoiPjUZEDmOshZoxKN7DxzY_WCwic6YbAjlziyL-fmh2R9u8RdrMu1AGTtWSj-J0lCq2IwHA52Nwzd0QPCqHZAQB1A/s1387/Urban%20Farms%20PH.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Urban Farms PH" border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="981" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h2-m_7Bwlcvm3BZJ4KlWM9Ya9osKLkgMeFyVZRondXNHjq2HuV-yElUsXFTfhl3_0ZVaf87OxmWkws_LvpsE0i50oNfgcvArxoiPjUZEDmOshZoxKN7DxzY_WCwic6YbAjlziyL-fmh2R9u8RdrMu1AGTtWSj-J0lCq2IwHA52Nwzd0QPCqHZAQB1A/w452-h640/Urban%20Farms%20PH.png" title="Urban Farms PH" width="452" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-9070083887221653192023-03-01T19:36:00.002+08:002023-03-01T20:29:39.807+08:00Presenting as a professional artist<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOhCZxOZMFe5030KfF2A7knIdDVPdh5hta6D0x0ugM-QtjQ6pGr4S4i0DrxBH0Rig0vQTJP81iu3HHeydbF9lWWLJnM2lw4QEx2A7y-E3Mo8Y2YloSn7dxmhHy4i_c6HP9Dg6-ZiVw1pjAM8VbBy5YRxdh0WVicdiYtHGUU2k7fJ7feTIv0SKKsJx6g/s2048/Puala%20Writes%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOhCZxOZMFe5030KfF2A7knIdDVPdh5hta6D0x0ugM-QtjQ6pGr4S4i0DrxBH0Rig0vQTJP81iu3HHeydbF9lWWLJnM2lw4QEx2A7y-E3Mo8Y2YloSn7dxmhHy4i_c6HP9Dg6-ZiVw1pjAM8VbBy5YRxdh0WVicdiYtHGUU2k7fJ7feTIv0SKKsJx6g/w640-h480/Puala%20Writes%2015.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/johannapaula.dazo" target="_blank">Johanna Paula Dazo</a> found her purpose when she started into mural painting. But it takes time for her vision to become completely realized. She considered abandoning visual art entirely, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">but unexpectedly, it saved her from being depressed at one point of her life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo grew up in an artistic family where everyone knows how to paint and enjoys the arts. She participated in art contests during her elementary school years. When Dazo was in high school at the Philippine Science High School in Davao City, she prioritized her studies over visual art.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo took up Industrial Pharmacy at the University of the Philippines (Manila). During her college years, she entertained herself with art by doing calligraphy in her spare time.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Being a student, you cannot afford calligraphy tools because they were expensive at that time. I tried watercolor and brush. I watched art videos to supplement my learning. Then I tried to use a brush pen. It took a long time to progress but I am happy for it.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She decided to return to GenSan after 8 years in Manila. She did not have any money or connections at the time. However, she is grateful to her cousin Ella for suggesting that she try calligraphy in the city and incorporate it into the local wedding industry.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-PsC4Q3qCjZOWzuz1foU9yBVpJBlk3ITdcUP6hDSIfDQDa3_kHCme4lEjFnKjLfCZ0EVqzgR0rS751EQ-kwgt3tJMhLoGnJZkqAfWXHSL_NZ3Y1xwHc4iibGDnr68ybRGRpvEgXE0nYopYsCH7Yl9S8j7cQVNoif7EF4nIvaNHDBBhrmmmvozQIFcg/s1024/Paula%20Writes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-PsC4Q3qCjZOWzuz1foU9yBVpJBlk3ITdcUP6hDSIfDQDa3_kHCme4lEjFnKjLfCZ0EVqzgR0rS751EQ-kwgt3tJMhLoGnJZkqAfWXHSL_NZ3Y1xwHc4iibGDnr68ybRGRpvEgXE0nYopYsCH7Yl9S8j7cQVNoif7EF4nIvaNHDBBhrmmmvozQIFcg/w640-h480/Paula%20Writes.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While introducing her calligraphy services in the wedding industry, Dazo also worked as a Technical Assistant and Caption Writer for </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ninosolisfilms" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Niño Solis Films</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> as a side hustle. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">To establish her brand as a calligraphy artist, she held a series of calligraphy workshops and created her </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/paulawrites.art" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Paula Writes</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Facebook page.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo later decided to switch to mural art after falling in love with it and seeing the potential for a professional business.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo did not know how to present herself professionally or even set a price for her art services at first. She felt degraded because she was willing to lower her standards just to get a client.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYeAoQhM-NDEfca110_OLHx2q7vylzLT1VTOStIKH8JUbh6yGJ5wnQnggCTQ1sA6NoG3mFqsY-T7aQ1MYtPhHCwHxfmBwi7qb4Y6NsuP_uq9BEjymZnAwz3V7cQK0QrTxM50tQZEkrVBw_1p-iEXmf70OnnaVSS_IVuTEYNKUkKE3msDc-8d5hahtew/s960/Paula%20Writes%2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYeAoQhM-NDEfca110_OLHx2q7vylzLT1VTOStIKH8JUbh6yGJ5wnQnggCTQ1sA6NoG3mFqsY-T7aQ1MYtPhHCwHxfmBwi7qb4Y6NsuP_uq9BEjymZnAwz3V7cQK0QrTxM50tQZEkrVBw_1p-iEXmf70OnnaVSS_IVuTEYNKUkKE3msDc-8d5hahtew/w480-h640/Paula%20Writes%2014.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I had a bad experience with my first mural painting client. I was self-conscious and did not know how to charge for my services. At the time, I was trying to please my client so that I could build a portfolio," she explained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Her sister Henna suggested that she use a "per square foot" pricing scheme to help her set rates for her projects. Despite her negative experience with the first client, she continued to pursue her goals.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A big break</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo admits that Hannah Miranda Mamon gave her a break in mural painting. She is thankful for the opportunities she received from Hannah. Dazo’s collaboration with Hannah made her realize her worth as an artist.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“My good experience with Ma’am Hannah led me to realize that the right client is willing to pay for your services. Just let the right clients find you. Working with her made me realize my worth as an artist.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg637i7x7zSPp6mPOvtK9KAmaYHveqIGx6kzyoOkkyL9oSo9FVz9kJnyecdNoUJEzWaaV_VDO-sxQpRRvdzVbv5W34Uf1ujIb7h9pUiPpdcDrORkwrUfTd9xenFZdWlq6xrXCSUWoJBBTDqqnVJtRRuKe7mGyjuPvzVNEmlSpCB3_qtWyE9-i_hAbXUhA/s2048/Paula%20Writes%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg637i7x7zSPp6mPOvtK9KAmaYHveqIGx6kzyoOkkyL9oSo9FVz9kJnyecdNoUJEzWaaV_VDO-sxQpRRvdzVbv5W34Uf1ujIb7h9pUiPpdcDrORkwrUfTd9xenFZdWlq6xrXCSUWoJBBTDqqnVJtRRuKe7mGyjuPvzVNEmlSpCB3_qtWyE9-i_hAbXUhA/w480-h640/Paula%20Writes%2015.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2019, she shifted to mural art. Hannah's business ventures provided the majority of her projects at the time. When the pandemic struck in 2020, however, most of her projects were put on hold. But that did not stop her from learning new things and exploring other areas of visual art, such as digital art.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo was eager to try and submit her portfolio when a well-known coffee shop in GenSan announced that they were looking for a visual artist to paint on their wall. Despite the lengthy selection process, Dazo got the project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf430-fA4UabqnTmwspBggA32n4diGBXms04CK20jh06rz2GgeMaV1mJqog7882fXLxGGAc5LE3J0UUAaMJINk4mPly2NJ5vQc9mYfK4DOp8If2xKrtEmCGbj-V76SYD9k4y1gf95Dx7dhFOA2xsiDfjVhEKJ4QBkby0ZRLq763O8v_1U1wPvNvOwiA/s2048/Paula%20Writes%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf430-fA4UabqnTmwspBggA32n4diGBXms04CK20jh06rz2GgeMaV1mJqog7882fXLxGGAc5LE3J0UUAaMJINk4mPly2NJ5vQc9mYfK4DOp8If2xKrtEmCGbj-V76SYD9k4y1gf95Dx7dhFOA2xsiDfjVhEKJ4QBkby0ZRLq763O8v_1U1wPvNvOwiA/w640-h480/Paula%20Writes%206.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I always think about how I can differentiate myself from other artists. I was not after the money. I was after the brand for my portfolio. After that experience, it opened lots of opportunities to work with different brands,” she recalled.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“The majority of the local artists do not have an idea how to price their services. It is sad to know that most artists from GenSan devalue their worth. We all know that there are many good artists in the city.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Importance of Professional Presentation</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo always emphasizes the importance of professional presentation to her fellow local artists. An artist must present himself or herself well in order for clients to be impressed and respect his or her work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Present yourself as a professional. You do not have to lower your value just to please a client or to have clients. Just present well to your clients. If you are not confident with yourself or your work, how much more is your client’s impression of you.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxLSv9h2rOxssZPcvUdzHbOBWxv_cyC5KjZ0wBQJVbKx1B3uFbClsM2QuPU9iw50nEMFYb2tDBTMtpc0Fls-TUIfS07flF2UDf-5v5RFI0BsTgc-61ju3CUdJye3C9udq2NzHPXxdRjQJSUJFEQdcM918JBoeV6IaRfe8375tV59XE8oDM1B3DkXsRQ/s2048/Paula%20Writes%2013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxLSv9h2rOxssZPcvUdzHbOBWxv_cyC5KjZ0wBQJVbKx1B3uFbClsM2QuPU9iw50nEMFYb2tDBTMtpc0Fls-TUIfS07flF2UDf-5v5RFI0BsTgc-61ju3CUdJye3C9udq2NzHPXxdRjQJSUJFEQdcM918JBoeV6IaRfe8375tV59XE8oDM1B3DkXsRQ/w640-h640/Paula%20Writes%2013.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo also said that some companies would want an artist that has a name or has an established brand, with a decent social media following to boost their businesses. But Dazo reiterated that “every transaction must be professionally put into the paper.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It is important that everything must be put into the contract. I am a contractor to your business which is why it is vital to present things professionally. Learn how to market yourself or your service properly. And of course, utilize the power of social media to establish your brand or to help raise awareness about your services.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNppThbHCWIz1mcHZRVmCeeyAe1ad0iwHwT3BEnoVpkAHhK_RNL0rdQ6IhOdMqFG0tMsqdPQUj9yYCEAxDQtWh3_De6nLtTSqi_rhmHBjgYLxh9W6X9N17DNCdRDqfbEUxJpRxHLHZ-renOzd9TIxG0XYS0WghB-0EYSYPG01pVR96Qv_mge_yl71eQ/s2048/Paula%20Writes%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNppThbHCWIz1mcHZRVmCeeyAe1ad0iwHwT3BEnoVpkAHhK_RNL0rdQ6IhOdMqFG0tMsqdPQUj9yYCEAxDQtWh3_De6nLtTSqi_rhmHBjgYLxh9W6X9N17DNCdRDqfbEUxJpRxHLHZ-renOzd9TIxG0XYS0WghB-0EYSYPG01pVR96Qv_mge_yl71eQ/w480-h640/Paula%20Writes%205.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I always remember what my mom said – ‘if it's for you, it's for you.’ You make yourself available to those people who want you,” she added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo wants to remind the public not to disregard the worth of artwork. “Learn to appreciate and pay right. Learn to value the artist.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A self-fulfilling art</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mural art, according to Dazo, is only temporary, as opposed to painting on canvas, which is meant to last. It also serves as a reminder of her artistic development. Every (mural) project is a "clueless task" for her. She treats it as a large canvas and is eager to paint on it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It is a different kind of fulfillment to paint on a big wall, especially since I am a woman,” she said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I like painting in public places. It is fulfilling how it becomes part of people’s lives. I unknowingly become part of their memories. But after completing a mural project, I feel like a stranger to my work."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FrWezCMOGJEIT2icfi4cYeZGzPTC0DNrvdF-1VtQ-S9LxwvhGVz3blOcg_9To62M6rkRa5nIWwzAs1K3HNmTD-_vGsYzNiEOIqn-M7zF6qtObxCUpLK5h71KtsJuV7BdKJ3aZZQk79IHJs6G7h1ihU005HcCccd5MxVBwfXDWAIj_scjYgTCaJKdwQ/s2048/Paula%20Writes%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1364" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FrWezCMOGJEIT2icfi4cYeZGzPTC0DNrvdF-1VtQ-S9LxwvhGVz3blOcg_9To62M6rkRa5nIWwzAs1K3HNmTD-_vGsYzNiEOIqn-M7zF6qtObxCUpLK5h71KtsJuV7BdKJ3aZZQk79IHJs6G7h1ihU005HcCccd5MxVBwfXDWAIj_scjYgTCaJKdwQ/w426-h640/Paula%20Writes%207.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo still has a list of dream projects that she wanted to do. She enjoys challenging projects and would want to conquer bigger walls.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I am not closing any doors for other opportunities like I want to create a creative team or put-up other business. I still have my list of desired projects that I want to do in the future,” she said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREfr4E5EJlst_7DlSA8Ulim5tTyXiTmmp4e653rMQ6HvC0Wi8lluzvX4PYFj5XnbE3CPYUPWDv4B5CniLlEldL191cu4sCJqEdBwrxuz7NmDnYGkU33Brnga7rcjP5JsuKrDN6UpepPoig1t_g85mqR7wUexz2wy3HLecH0hZRUy26gFHhAHiZizigw/s1080/Paula%20Writes%2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johanna Paula Dazo" border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREfr4E5EJlst_7DlSA8Ulim5tTyXiTmmp4e653rMQ6HvC0Wi8lluzvX4PYFj5XnbE3CPYUPWDv4B5CniLlEldL191cu4sCJqEdBwrxuz7NmDnYGkU33Brnga7rcjP5JsuKrDN6UpepPoig1t_g85mqR7wUexz2wy3HLecH0hZRUy26gFHhAHiZizigw/w640-h480/Paula%20Writes%2016.jpg" title="Johanna Paula Dazo" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dazo encourages other artists who have not tried their hand at mural art to do so. "It always begins with the first step," she explained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Art can be learned. It does not have to be innate in you. The key is consistency. Every one of us who has a talent serves a purpose."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3789680421962388294.post-77776849284274755752023-02-16T08:54:00.001+08:002023-02-16T10:04:30.762+08:00Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnpcCU96wZgMIwrMpw6vYMLMlLHPSmR0TKMVkuE82JbgVB5uYHm_VBw0HUQPQsPYf_4lo1GEuUVZjMYEDKLmTyVQOgnXUSaQ2NX_2lXW-0jKov8PKmECD4X7JzRu5oDDjSdwBHzdjYGaLWd7bsEd4xo751EI7K9IO4sQKBYWALzAaQeXBiTlIKveZdQ/s1058/Malaya%20Brew.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1058" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnpcCU96wZgMIwrMpw6vYMLMlLHPSmR0TKMVkuE82JbgVB5uYHm_VBw0HUQPQsPYf_4lo1GEuUVZjMYEDKLmTyVQOgnXUSaQ2NX_2lXW-0jKov8PKmECD4X7JzRu5oDDjSdwBHzdjYGaLWd7bsEd4xo751EI7K9IO4sQKBYWALzAaQeXBiTlIKveZdQ/w640-h536/Malaya%20Brew.png" title="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sherri.gacula" target="_blank">Sherri Jane Ines Gacula</a> believes that Sarangani coffee will go out of the region. But, before that happens, she encourages the Sarangans to embrace it, emphasizing the importance of supporting and purchasing local coffee.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Not only does our coffee taste good. We need to promote it locally so that the Sarangans can appreciate it," Gacula said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/malayabrew" target="_blank"><b><i>Malaya Brew</i></b></a>, Gacula's coffee shop, promotes local coffee, specifically Maitum coffee. She was previously unaware that her town produces coffee. When she found out about it, she tried it and fell in love with its distinct flavor. Gacula promises to offer it in her café so that locals can advocate for it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCfbyJqpSrEyO9m5_WrzOd8c_9ysd-LHXdWWsFBFjtZrQzaW6YKnUx57GtSSQjhXm3jMo7LbZAGOk1xm5nP2GxzCLagnHJ6da_2ssBt8JQYZkXm3mmrfmG61zcqmj__az4xpa-Oy9is4Ezxti6bG6KpybpQlBMLjly5zFCJ1pZE9g3a0y8hzAN_XpUA/s1000/Malaya%20Brew%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCfbyJqpSrEyO9m5_WrzOd8c_9ysd-LHXdWWsFBFjtZrQzaW6YKnUx57GtSSQjhXm3jMo7LbZAGOk1xm5nP2GxzCLagnHJ6da_2ssBt8JQYZkXm3mmrfmG61zcqmj__az4xpa-Oy9is4Ezxti6bG6KpybpQlBMLjly5zFCJ1pZE9g3a0y8hzAN_XpUA/w640-h640/Malaya%20Brew%205.jpg" title="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I subtly promote Maitum coffee in our town. We can't just say that our coffee is delicious. It should really be showcased. It's hard to brag about our coffee if it's not proven here in our area.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gacula supports and purchases Maitum coffee beans from Datu Kubli Kusin of the Upo Valley Farmers Association in Barangay Upo, as well as other coffee farmers in the municipality, particularly in Barangay Ticulab.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The name 'Malaya' derives from the people's desire to flee during the height of the pandemic. Its definition eventually evolved and is now centered on the value of one's happiness in life and the freedom to express one's feelings.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It took a while for Malaya Brew to come to fruition. Doing business is difficult. Don't follow the trend. That's why pursue what you like in life,” she explained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I’m happy to know that my customers have a good experience in the café,” she added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gacula likes her coffee black with no added sugar, creamer or milk. She wants her customers to really taste the coffee to fully appreciate it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL_S2ILASUgVoU8p-g7FjhrF5pjgubY-nI2QtIF8SAzoDzvkcrIRFNZCIXB4c1mWz7VeAlgwBoqr77xtCdEMBJRXvKK15LzibQgxyvrO-cosOtpFn5z6G26EQB2nfPBcp8TXfkPJiRIME7q9Deslwi8RgHGpxbr8NcLE2Smzy7oJ5KpxrYD1ctm5u_g/s4000/Malaya%20Brew%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL_S2ILASUgVoU8p-g7FjhrF5pjgubY-nI2QtIF8SAzoDzvkcrIRFNZCIXB4c1mWz7VeAlgwBoqr77xtCdEMBJRXvKK15LzibQgxyvrO-cosOtpFn5z6G26EQB2nfPBcp8TXfkPJiRIME7q9Deslwi8RgHGpxbr8NcLE2Smzy7oJ5KpxrYD1ctm5u_g/w480-h640/Malaya%20Brew%203.jpg" title="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"You can appreciate coffee better when it is brewed without added sugar or milk. The customers who tasted the Maitum coffee would know that we have locally produced coffee. People are slowly informed that Maitum has coffee,” she said</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gacula's interest in coffee grew and she became determined to pursue it as a business. She began as a home-based coffee seller with little knowledge of coffee. But that didn't stop her from doing what she wanted.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“It was a big challenge to connect with the right people in the coffee industry. That time I did not know what to do. I prayed and let God led me to these people. Don't give up just yet,” she said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I want to see myself in my work. Malaya Brew is somehow a reflection of me and my passion for coffee. Having a profitable business is a bonus for me. The sense of fulfillment that I felt in my business is priceless.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKzIB5FlJ0QvaztZcMFf5e_q79SJuWQnnwTMu3GY9RUN8uj4qkui5h17piM4JZPuxrG291NJjkqpqU7AA-EcZgGua1F2IH-gCQyoRR1jwA8dH5817LRTor3wbcVGCuTIM8mSnZJmHHqeXTTyhiWJ91NGihqyIiIpU_C-TJ2SiZuREo8ExK6UX_MzPdw/s4032/IMG_6371.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKzIB5FlJ0QvaztZcMFf5e_q79SJuWQnnwTMu3GY9RUN8uj4qkui5h17piM4JZPuxrG291NJjkqpqU7AA-EcZgGua1F2IH-gCQyoRR1jwA8dH5817LRTor3wbcVGCuTIM8mSnZJmHHqeXTTyhiWJ91NGihqyIiIpU_C-TJ2SiZuREo8ExK6UX_MzPdw/w480-h640/IMG_6371.jpeg" title="Malaya Brew: Spreading the Word About Maitum Coffee" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Malaya Brew intends to expand its area in order to create a more relaxing environment - a café where people can socialize and be themselves. "There's a reason to visit Maitum," she said, emphasizing the importance of coffee in attracting tourists to her town.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Try what we have here. We should cherish our own. Let us be proud of our homegrown coffee," Gacula said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> Yadu Karuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965797351205729680noreply@blogger.com0Maitum, Sarangani, Philippines6.1240808000000007 124.4863567-22.186153036178844 89.3301067 34.434314636178847 159.6426067