“Heaven sent”, say the recipients’ parents of Japan’s scholarship grants

Larena, Siquijor, April 27 (PIA)--It’s “heaven sent,” says Carlita Calibo, parent of Kentwarf Calibo, one of the six scholars of the Philippine Angels Kids (PAK) Club, a Non Government Organization (NGO) from Japan that granted scholarship to poor but deserving students of Siquijor province.

The scholars are Kentwarf Calibo, Gliza Mae Manos, Evan Jean Magsayo, Eric Lumacad, Fe Calomohay and Betche Mae Jaictin.

They are six among the top 10 students of Candaping National High School (CNHS) of Maria town and Parami National High School (PNHS) of Lazi town.

“Hulog ng Langit,” (heaven sent) Calibo said as she continued saying “sa kalisod sa panahon karon uban sa kamahal sa palitonon mura’g imposible na ang pagpaeskwela ug college. Nagpasalamat ko ug dako nga gidungog gyud sa Ginoo among mga pag-ampo.” (with today’s hardship and the rising price of commodities, it seems impossible for us to send our children to college.. I am so thankful that God heard my prayers through this group) Another parent, Glindo Manos also claimed God really loves them. “Sa akong pangita isip usa ka tigalabas ug mag-uuma, ang akong kita igo-igo ra gyud nga makapakaon sa akong pamilya.” (my income as a farmer is barely enough to feed my family). 

While thanking the club , another parent Nila Magsayo, also advises the children to concentrate and strive hard for their studies.

PAK Club President Kozo Yoshimoto said the scholarship is aimed to assist the financial educational needs of the six youths as he believed that education is a powerful tool to secure one’s future. “If you are educated, job opporunties both local and worldwide will eventually come,” he said. 

The club has allocated 72 thousand ye for the six students per year.
Yoshimoto also said that helping find the way out for these parents to educate their children gives them fulfillment. “I spent 60 years focusing on myself alone.

I am very thankful that God give me the conviction of doing what is good for the children,” he said.

He also hopes that this deed will even heal the wound that the Japanese have caused to Filipino people long time ago. He continued saying “that is why I am really into helping improve the education of Filipino children. I am proud and pleased tomake my first step through the children of Siquijor.

Likewise, Toshito “Dagman” Harada, a Japanese national who is now the president of the Rotary Club of Siquijor Central (RCSC), was also able to assist financially  to seven college students at Siquijor State College (SSC).

Among those who graduated recently are Michael Donggonn who took upBachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Ernanie Paninsoro, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (MSHRM) and Gold Mae Dongon, Bachelor of Science in Tourism (BST). (edited by Rizalie A. Calibo/PIA-Siquijor from the reports of Inacher A.Abatayo)

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Larena fiesta starts 

By Rizalie Anding A. Calibo 

Larena, Siquijor, April 27 (PIA)—It's officially fiesta time for Larena town. With all the thrills and frills, fiesta fever is apparently on the air.

Larenian’s pride and hospitability is best showcased as it opened last Sunday (April 24) the Canoan Food Street Festival at the Universal and Magsaysay Streets inLarena, Siquijor.

Live Band with several other performances each night add zing to the town’s hosting of Canoan Food Street Festival which will end up to April 30.

On April 25 was a Variety Show sponsored by the Fighter wine; April 26, Recognition Night for the newly graduates and board and  bar passers; Aprl 27, with Live Band Lafftears c/o Splendours; April 29,Siquijor State College Alumni (SSC) Homecoming and on April 30, theSt Vincent Ferrer Parish’ 175th Founding Anniversary at 5:00 pm at the church ground; with the Samson Clan Reunion at the Larena Queengate in the morning of the same day.

Mountain Bike Challenge within Larena Area is scheduled on May 1 from P8:00 a.m.to 12:00 pm.

On the same day is the Canoan Festival Street Dancing at 2:00 pm to be followed by the Canoan Festival Showdown at 4:00 p.m. at the Queengate Center.

On the eve (May 2) is a Fiesta Eve Disco featuring the Cebu’s hottest bands, On Stage Band and the Red Eye Band.

May 2 and 3 is when endless ‘”dine and wine”, the Siquijor’s way of celebrating fiesta, is served in almost all houses in Larena town.

In the evening is a Fiesta Disco presenting the Asia’s Pop Idol ad Romantic Ballader, Christian Bautista with Tippy Dos Santos and “Alvin the Magician” from Talentadong Pinoy. Giving of Plaque of Recognition of Successful Larenians will also be done on the same night.

Extending even up to May 4, a contemporary Christian Concert dubbed “Hope for You” will be held during the night at 7:30 p.m.

But as early March 29, Larena Fiesta celebration was started with theMayor’s Cup Tennis Tournament that lasted up to April 30. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor)

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Siquijor’s Healing Festival attracts tourists 
By Rizalie A. Calibo

Siquijor, April 26 (PIA) – Foreign and local tourists flocked to Siquijor Island last week to witness the island’s Healing Festival, a showcase of alternative and traditional healing methods of the province during the Holy Week.

Held at Mt. Bandilaan Mountain Resort, Siquijor, Siquijor, the Healing Festival is composed of Pangalap (gathering of the different kinds of herbs for seven Fridays of the Lenten Season) that was done from March 11 to April 22 (Good Friday);  Pag- Adlep (chopping of the gathered herbs) on Maundy Thursday;  Herbal Preparation or "Cooking" by the Cantabon and San Antonio Healers and Herbalists Group and the Folk Healing on the Black Saturday.

 
It is was formally opened with a Holy Mass celebrated by Msgr. Candelario Catubig on the Holy Wednesday with products display and exhibits of “Sikihod” Spa Massage, Bolo-bolo Healing and Healing sessions with various Healers.

The Healing Festival was also marked with the Tribu Walog Mountaineers Club’s participation in its Angat Panaad from Cambugahay Falls to Mt. Bandilaan Trail and local entertainers.

Now on its second year, the hosting of the Healing Festival is Governor Orlando A. Fua's pet project to boost the island's tourism industry and counter the negative impressions of Siquijor as an "island of sorcerers."

 
It was fully supported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army to secure the place and its visitors.

Mount Bandilaan is situated at the center of the province, which stands 557 feet at its highest point. It has 224-hectare man-made forest. It is a home to endemic fauna and flora. Other attractions within the park include religious parks, natural springs and a butterfly sanctuary, which is a home to Asia's biggest butterfly. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor)